• Unique program that uses core Inquiry courses. This approach has been adopted by other programs at McMaster and universities around the world based on the work and accomplishments of the Honours Health Science Program.
• McMaster is recognized internationally for expertise in the use of problem-based, self- directed learning and inquiry.
• Prescribed set of exciting courses over a four-year program.
• Core classes focus on issues in health care providing an integrative approach to the study of health related issues.
• Courses use a variety of learning methods including Inquiry classes designed to develop skills basic to the systemic investigation of health issues. This ensures that beyond the program, the students will be smart consumers of scientific knowledge.
• Facilitates interdependent and independent small group learning. Students collect and analyze data for discussion, critical evaluation and reconstruction in a small group.
• Dynamic, dedicated and collaborative peer group.
• Small class size allowing for greater contact with professors and increased opportunity for class participation – Learning is a contact sport.
• Students may select electives from many areas of study and possibly graduate with a minor in another subject.
• Students emerge from the program with skills that will facilitate learning and effective function in their university experience and future careers.

Honours Health Sciences Project Courses let students explore one or more specialized areas of interest in preparation for a Level IV Senior Project/Thesis.

Health Sciences 4^th year senior project and thesis courses offer students exciting research opportunities. Students will work under the guidance of faculty members and in collaboration with other research personnel to design, execute and analyze research questions on a problem of mutual interest. Most often, this reflects studies that received peer-reviewed funding at the time the student approaches potential supervisors. Students are not restricted to Health Sciences for their research in these projects/courses.

Find out more here.

• Health Sciences Library
• Bachelor of Health Sciences Lounge

• Equitable Admissions for Black Applicants
• Facilitated Indigenous Admissions Program

What you’ll take:

• Cellular and Molecular Biology (HTHSCI 1I06 A/B)
• Introduction to Chemistry I (CHEM 1A03)
• Introduction to Chemistry II (CHEM 1AA3)
• Inquiry I: Introduction (HTHSCI 1E06 A/B)
• Interdisciplinary Problem-Solving in Health (HTHSCI 1G02)
• Praxis Pathways I (HTHSCI 1X01 A/B)
• Introduction to Health and Safety (WHMIS 1A00)
• 9 units of electives

Learn more about your requirements in BHSc I.

The curriculum in the Honours Health Science Program offers considerable flexibility, allowing students to explore a broad range of interests in different disciplines, or to cultivate an area of specific focus. Although most students opt to remain in the core program after first year, those with an interest can pursue the Child Health Specialization or concurrent certificates in Biomedical Sciences or Immunology, Microbiology, & Virology.

Students interested in global health have several flexible options to explore interdisciplinary perspectives in this exciting and dynamic field. With plenty of elective space, students in the Honours Health Science Program also have the opportunity to pursue a minor in many disciplines offered at McMaster.

Electives available in the HHSP stream:

Level II: 9 units
Level III: 18 units
Level IV: 12-21 units

For a full list of courses that can be available in this program, please consult the academic calendar.