Overview
The Honours Integrated Science (iSci) program is the country’s most innovative undergraduate science program, blending content from across the science disciplines while focusing on the foundations of chemistry, biology, earth science, life science, mathematics, and physics.
Students learn in a variety of situations – from formal lectures and tutorials to inquiry-based team and individual research projects that involve hands-on laboratories and fieldwork. Integrated Science students learn to ask creative and critical questions using a wide range of tools. Most importantly, they are prepared to tackle real-world challenges that face us today and in the future.
In addition to learning broad fundamentals, iSci also provides students the opportunity to specialize in a selected concentration beginning in Level II, allowing students the opportunity to contribute to a specialist field with a wide range of knowledge.
- Biology
- Chemical Biology
- Chemistry
- Earth and Environmental Sciences
- Environmental Sciences
- Mathematics & Statistics
- Medical & Biological Physics Concentration
- Physics
- Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour
- Sustainable Chemistry
Information Box Group
High 80s
Minimum Required for Consideration. Admission is by selection.
60
Target enrollment
Why iSci 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.
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.
- ISCI1A24 Integrated Science I
- 6 units of elective
ISCI1A24 integrates learning of essential knowledge and skills from the fundamental scientific disciplines (biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics, earth science, and psychology) in the context of pertinent topics and projects. Interdisciplinary teams of instructors will teach, and linkages between discipline areas will be emphasized partly through the study of ‘thematic modules.’ Serves as a prerequisite for most Level II science courses.
iSci 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. The iSci program will prepare students for post-graduate work through the application of inquiry and problem-based learning within the classroom, the provision of many practical laboratory and field experiences, and the development of essential scientific communication skills.
Information Box Group
1st Office of Undergraduate Research in Canada
Over $27.5 million in Faculty of Science annual research revenues
17 Canada Research Chairs in Science: iSci students have an opportunity to conduct research with these researchers
10 Honours concentrations options available starting in second year
3,000 square feet of dedicated lab space
Facilities
iSci has a designated lab designed to support students in the program. In the iSci program, students learn about many science disciplines, and the lab is designed to host experiments from areas ranging from physics to neuroscience to biology and more. The open-concept design encourages peer-to-peer learning while providing a safe environment for teaching assistants to oversee all student activities. This lab has many unique features including ductless Green fume hood technology, and fully accessibility for students of all abilities.
Explore some of these labs and facilities used daily by undergraduate students. Virtual Tours – McMaster Academic Planner (MAP) – Faculty of Science – McMaster University