Overview
Everything we know is either matter or energy. Understanding how matter and energy behave and interact is critical to an understanding of the universe at every level, from the submicroscopic constituents of matter to the macroscopic behaviour of galaxies and star clusters. This understanding comes through a mix of mathematical description, computational modelling, and experimental investigations.
The structure of our Level I Chemical & Physical Sciences Gateway will provide students with a range of Level II program options across the science disciplines. Click an area of interest to learn more about the program options available to you.
- Biology – Molecular Biology & Genetics, Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour, Biodiversity, Biology & Math, and Research Specializations.
- Chemistry & Chemical Biology – Chemistry, Chemical Biology, Sustainable Chemistry
- Earth, Environment & Society – Earth & Environmental Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Biodiversity
- Life Sciences – Origins of Disease
- Mathematics & Statistics – Actuarial & Financial Math, Statistics Specialization, Math Specialization, Math & Physics, Math & Computer Science
- Physics & Astronomy – Medical & Biological Physics, Astrophysics, Physics, Math & Physics
- Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour – Human Behaviour, Early Childhood Studies, Autism & Behavioural Science, Neuroscience, Biology & Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour, Psychology Neuroscience & Behaviour
Information Box Group
Mid 80s
Anticipated Admission Average
100
Target Enrolment
Why Chemical & Physical Sciences at McMaster?
Experiential Education provides students with the opportunity to gain real-world, academically relevant experience in a community, research, or professional setting. Combining both academic and applied learning allows students to further develop skills and gain experience to transfer to future career paths. Students gain experience through: Applied Science Placement Courses, Research Practicum Courses, Science Internships.
Explore career opportunities while gaining relevant professional experience, and develop connections with employers from academia, industry, government, and hospital sectors. Cooperative Education is an integrated approach to higher education that enables highly motivated students to alternate academic terms with paid, relevant work experience. Review the following link to learn more about our co-op programs. Experience – Science Careers & Experience Centre – Faculty of Science – McMaster University
The Faculty of Science is thrilled to offer the Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) at McMaster University, which is the first of its kind at an undergraduate level in Canada. The mission of the OUR is to promote excellence in undergraduate student and faculty-led, collaborative research and scholarship in all disciplines. We recognize that it is incumbent upon us as a Faculty to provide opportunities for an immersive research experience for all our undergraduate students.
The Faculty of Science is committed to student success! Whether you need support, have a question, or are feeling a little (or a lot) lost, our knowledgeable, friendly team is here to support your academic success during your undergraduate studies.
Complete Science courses in Level I that reflect your interest and the admission requirements of the Level II program(s) you are considering, complemented by electives. The following courses are what we typically see Chemical & Physical Sciences students take, but it is completely up to you!
- Calculus For Science I (MATH 1A03)
- Calculus For Science II (MATH 1AA3)
- Introduction to Astronomy and Astrophysics (ASTRON 1F03)
- Introductory Chemistry I (CHEM 1A03)
- Introductory Chemistry II (CHEM 1AA3)
- Climate, Water and Environment (ENVIRSC 1C03)
- Modern Physics for the Chemical and Physical Sciences (PHYSICS 1CC3)
- Physics for the Chemical and Physical Sciences (PHYSICS 1C03)
- 6 units of electives
Chemical & Physical Sciences at McMaster prepares students for a variety of careers in science and elsewhere by giving them a firm foundation in traditional scientific disciplines while exposing them to multidisciplinary approaches to solving pressing problems.
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1st Office of Undergraduate Research in Canada
14 co-op program options beginning in third year
Co-op students earned a total of over $5 million in 2024
659 co-op work terms completed in partnership with 466 employers
400,000 square feet dedicated to research and education activities spread across 15 campus buildings and off-campus locations
Over $27.5 million in Faculty of Science annual research revenues
Facilities
Chemical & Physical Sciences Gateway students have an opportunity to participate in the many state-of-the-art labs and facilities throughout their undergraduate degree, beginning as early as their first week of classes. Explore some of these labs and facilities used daily by undergraduate students. Virtual Tours – McMaster Academic Planner (MAP) – Faculty of Science – McMaster University