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, earth science, life science, mathematics and physics.
Our 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.
Only 60 students are enrolled each year, so you will get to know all of your classmates and be on a first-name basis with teaching faculty and staff. iSci has over 3000 square feet of lab space and is the first University lab in Canada to use neutrodine-filtered ductless fume hoods.
Beginning in Level II, students may register in a concentration in one of the following areas: Biochemistry, Biology, Chemical Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Mathematics and Statistics, Medical and Biological Physics, Physics or Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour.
Completion of the High School Diploma plus 6 Grade 12 U/M requirements, including:
*Minimum average required for consideration. Admission is by selection.
Anticipated Admission Average: High 80’s
Target Enrollment: 60
OAUC Application Code: MIS
iSci will qualify students to pursue postgraduate scientific research, enter professional programs, or seek employment in leading research laboratories.
Integrated Science 1
See what recent McMaster Science alumni have to say about their undergraduate experience.
I chose the Integrated Science (iSci) program for the close-knit community, breadth of courses, and the variety of research practice.
My name is Kate and 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, and 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 had it all; an interdisciplinary approach and a research-based learning for science education.
I am Amir and I am in my fourth year of Honours Integrated Science (iSci) program. 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 would say my PAIx project in second year is one of my fondest memories of undergrad. Our group meetings were always filled with laughter, hard-work, and Nutella.
During my last year in high school I realized I love conducting research, running experiments, and loved being in a lab. The Integrated Science program seemed like the ideal program for me due to its research-based and interdisciplinary approach.
Ever since I was in elementary school, I was fascinated by the brain and its ability to control our bodies, how it allows us to think, and really, how complex it is. After learning about psychology in one our iSci lectures, I became even more intrigued about how our brain works and its influences on tasks such as memory. This made choosing the Psychology, Neuroscience, and Behaviour (PNB) concentration a no brainer for me.
I would say that completing my undergraduate degree in iSci reinforced my love for research, but also helped me figure out what my strengths are. For example, I have realized I that I am strong in things like data analysis and working with numbers. Further, with my apt for research, this has made me consider post-graduate studies in fields such as public health, epidemiology, and medicine.
If I had to pick one favourite, I would say my PAIx project in second year is one of my fondest memories of undergrad. Our group meetings were always filled with laughter, hard-work, and Nutella.
The best advice I would give to a future student would be to understand that to be successful you must have a balance between your academic and social lives. Coming into university, I was someone who studied constantly. However, some of my most successful years at Mac were the ones where I was able to set aside time for myself in my schedule. Whether it be hanging out with friends or staying in and watching a movie, I would suggest always have at least one “fun” activity you can look forward to during your week. Not only will it help you relax, but it will help you reset your what is ahead!
