1. Life Science & Health Sciences at McMaster University
Andrew Cheung, Ali Hadi, Julia Velykoredko

2. About Mac
Offers the resources and course variety of a large university, while maintaining the close-knit and comfortable environment of a smaller university
Recognized world-wide for its innovative problem-based and self-directed approach to learning
McMaster is a hotbed for research in the health sciences and engineering

3. About Mac (2)
McMaster is consistently ranked as one of the most innovative universities in Canada and around the world
Academically ranked 4th in Canada, and 2nd in Ontario (conducted by Shanghai Jiao Tong University)
Ranks 1st in Canada in terms of research intensity (i.e., research income per full-time faculty)

4. Commuting vs Residence
McMaster is ~50km away from Square One
GO Bus from Square One to campus (under 1h)
~$6 for one-way trip; cheaper with monthly pass
Residence
Guaranteed for students with 78%+ average
Within 5 minute walk to classes, dining, libraries, etc.
Mandatory meal plan
~$7000-$8000 in total
Off-campus
also available

5. Outside the Classroom Sports Fitness facilities Clubs
Varsity and intramural teams
Fitness facilities
Gym, climbing wall, indoor track, pool, courts for basketball, volleyball, squash, tennis, badminton
Clubs
Over 250
Academic
Cultural
Recreational
Religious
Social Issues
Examples of clubs
Academic (Psychology Society, Pre-dental society)
Cultural (Hispanic Society)
Recreational (Soccer Society, Snowboarding club)
Religious (Muslim Students Association, Campus for Christ)
Social Issues (Save the Children, Students Feed the Hungry)

6. Life Sciences Program
Discovering BHSc

7. Admission requirements
English U
Biology U
Advanced Functions U
1 of Vector Calculus U, Chemisty U or Physics U
2 addition U or M courses
Overall average approximately 80%
-note that the average needs to include the pre-requisite courses

8. About the Program Allows you to explore different areas of science
1st year general life science
2nd year – specialization
Biology
Ex. genetics
Psychology
Biochemistry
Minor in almost any subject of interest
Option to complete thesis project in 4th year

9. Courses First year courses include: Chemistry Biology Psychology Math
Statistics
2 Electives

10. Bachelor of Health Sciences (Honours) Program
Discovering BHSc

11. Admission Requirements
Min. 90% average in top 6 grade 12 courses
English U
Biology U
Chemistry U
1 of Data Management, Advanced Functions, Calculus & Vectors
1 non-math or non-science U or M credit
Supplementary Application
-note that the average needs to include the pre-requisite courses

12. Supplementary Application
Answer 3 questions:
Please tell us whatever you feel we need to know to understand you as a "whole person" and one who would fit our Program.  
Please describe a non-academic aspect of your life that you feel is important to your sense of self and explain why.  
If there were one question which should not be asked, what would the question be and why?

13. Supplementary Application
Concise answers (1500 character limit for each)
No right or wrong answers
Looking for honesty and individuality
Each application is evaluated by 3 fourth year students and faculty members
Offers of admission are given in May

14. About the Program
You will be learning about health, wellness, and illness from a variety of different perspectives
No need to apply to a second year stream, unless you plan to apply to the Biomedical Sciences Specialization/Global Health Specialization
4 year Honours degree
Option to transfer from another program in 2nd year
Completion of thesis or project in 4th year
Option to graduate with a minor

15. Problem-Based Learning
Inquiry courses
Focused on developing “students as active learners”
Not lecture-based
Students given a problem and try to solve it on their own using available resources
Work in groups
Small class sizes each with facilitator and peer tutors
McMaster and the Health Sciences program are internationally recognized for use of problem-based, self-direction learning

16. Courses 1st year Chemistry, Cell Biology, Inquiry, Psychobiology
3 half-year elective courses
2nd year
Statistics, Anatomy and Physiology, Epidemiology, Health Psychology, Biochemistry (Inquiry), Cell Biology (Inquiry)
Number of required courses decreases over the 4 years

17. Electives
Both Life Science and Health Science students may select electives from many areas of study and possibly graduate with a minor in another subject
Common electives include
Economics
Languages
Anthropology
Environmental sciences
Physics
Mathematics
Music
Linguistics
History

18. Typical Term Schedule (1st Year)
Jesska

19. Other Science-Related Programs at Mac
Nursing (Requires Supplementary Application)
Kinesiology
Medical Radiation Science
Arts and Science (Requires Supplementary Application)
Integrated Science (Requires Supplementary Application)

20. How do I learn more about the Health Sciences Program?
Look at our website
Contact our office:
Michael G. DeGroote Centre for Learning and Discovery Room Faculty of Health Sciences 1280 Main Street West Hamilton, Ontario L8N 4K1 Telephone: (905) ext
Helen

21. How do I learn more about the Life Sciences Program?
Look at our website:
Contact our office: Burke Science Building 129
ext 27590

22. How do I learn more about the Health and Life Sciences Programs?
Contact us
Helen