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.
Minimum Required for Consideration. Admission is by selection.
Target enrollment
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 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.
My days as a Faculty of Science student have been filled with experiences that have shaped my identity.
I am expecting to graduate with a B.Sc. in Honours Integrated Science (Biology Concentration) and a minor in Mathematics. Currently, I am working on a thesis project in the field of cellular neuroscience while preparing myself for the next step: the post-graduation plan. To prepare, I have been researching my career options that match my interests. This year, in addition to my thesis and schoolwork, I will be applying to those positions I have chosen, such as positions in academia (e.g. research assistant positions) and off-campus companies (e.g. consulting companies).
I have been passionate about science for a long time. My passion grew as I learned about Newtonian physics, the central dogma of biology, quantum states of atoms in chemistry, and the fundamental theorem of calculus. I wanted to study sciences and learn about the scientific method. I started my last year of high school in Newmarket, Ontario, where I was introduced to iSci at Mac. It seemed that I had customised this program for my ideal undergraduate experience. iSci had it all; an interdisciplinary approach and a research-based learning for science education.
My days as a Faculty of Science student have been filled with experiences that have shaped my identity. Being away from loved ones, the support I received at Mac, has re-established the sense of home and family for me.
My advice to you is to take advantage of this supportive community and seek assistance when in need. Whatever challenge ahead, there will be someone to have your back through it, you just need to ask.
I chose the Integrated Science (iSci) program for the close-knit community, breadth of courses, and the variety of research practice.
I am in the Honours Integrated Science program, concentrating in Psychology, Neuroscience, and Behaviour and minoring in Statistics. I am in my third year, enjoying my classes, volunteering in the community, and working in pedagogy research on the side.
I chose the Integrated Science (iSci) program for the close-knit community, breadth of courses, and the variety of research practice. McMaster itself is known for research, so I knew I could expect a great deal of expertise from my professors.
I have known for a long time that I want to be a Child Psychologist; after my undergraduate, I would like to pursue a Master’s and PhD in Clinical Psychology. My program has helped prepare me for graduate school in so many ways, including teaching me how to conduct research, the value of scientific collaboration, and how to communicate scientific findings. I am confident I will be prepared for future studies after my undergraduate degree!
One piece of advice I would give to first years is to get involved in what you are passionate about. McMaster has so many cool clubs and events where you can meet people interested in the same thing you are – it is very worthwhile to participate in activities outside of classes.
I hope you check out iSci and science at McMaster. I have loved my first two years and can’t wait to explore what’s to come in the next two!
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