The Life Sciences Gateway program 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.
An understanding of the tapestry of life comes not from a single discipline but is woven from all of the Life Sciences: biochemistry, cell biology, genomics, developmental biology, neurobiology, psychology, ecology, and earth sciences. The avalanche of information available from these fields allows scientists to look at biological systems in unprecedented detail. The key is to integrate knowledge across disciplines in order to understand organisms and their place in the ecosystem.
Graduates who begin their studies in the Life Sciences Gateway have pursued careers in the following areas:
Completion of the High School Diploma plus 6 Grade 12 U/M requirements, including:
Anticipated Admission Average: Mid 90’s
Target Enrollment: 1000
OUAC Application Code: MLS
Note: While not required, completion of Calculus & Vectors and Chemistry is strongly recommended.
The structure of our Level 1 Life Sciences Gateway will provide you with a range of Level 2 program options. Courses taken in Level 1 serves as admission requirements to prepare students for their Level 2 programs of interest. There are 36 Level 2 programs to choose from, but the following may be of interest to you. Please also explore all of the Level 2 program options available.
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Cellular and Molecular Biology
Biodiversity, Evolution and Humanity
Calculus for the Life Sciences 1
Introductory Physics
Introductory Chemistry 1
Introductory Chemistry 2
Introduction to Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour
Climate, Water And Environment
A note for future students. Don鈥檛 to be afraid to use university as an opportunity to find what you're interested in.
I chose McMaster because I was interested in studying Biology and knew that following first year in the Life Sciences Gateway, I would have the ability to specialize in a Biology program. Another thing that drew me to gateway was the diversity of courses I was able to take during my first year, which helped me to decide for certain what I was interested in.
After first year I wasn’t sure about what my interests in Biology were, I knew I really enjoyed the first-year Cellular & Molecular Biology course, so I chose the Honours Molecular Biology and Genetics program. It was during my second year, however, that I took Integrative Physiology of Animals. In taking this course, I realized my absolute love of physiology. I realized if I wanted to take the amount of physiology I was interested in, I would need to switch programs.
A note for future students. Don鈥檛 to be afraid to use university as an opportunity to find what you’re interested in. You have an opportunity to take such a wide variety of courses from different disciplines, so do it! Take different classes, find exactly what you’re passionate about, and don’t be afraid to make changes to what you’re studying, and pursue that passion!
I ended up on a completely different path than I envisioned as a first-year student and I think that is a great thing!
My name is Henrietta and I am a graduated of the Honours Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour program with a minor in Biology. I am currently enrolled in the Bachelor of Education program at Western University.
I chose Life Sciences Gateway as my entry-level program because I loved Chemistry and Physics in high school and wanted to major in one or the other. Fortunately, the Life Sciences Gateway program has an multiple Introductory Psychology courses that helped me discover my hidden passion for Psychology which led to a major in Honours PNB and, best of all, a teaching assistant position in the very same IntroPsych courses I loved so much in first year! Choosing a second-year specialization in PNB was so easy and I love that the Life Sciences Gateway program is so flexible for students!
The Honours PNB program afforded many opportunities. In second year, I completed a research practicum in the CogSci Lab which really provided a whole new appreciation for research. In third year, I was fortunate enough to complete a full year practicum in the research department of the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board which provided a unique perspective into applied research. By third year I really solidified my interest in human learning and the applications of research to real-life education settings. In my final year I was able to complete an undergraduate thesis in the EdCog Lab. By this time, I had truly discovered my passion for teaching and education and that led me to where I am today.
I ended up on a completely different path than I envisioned as a first-year student and I think that is a great thing! My program led me to the place I am now, and I learned so much about myself personally and professionally. My advice to first-year students is to embrace the different paths in life, to explore, and really take advantage of all the opportunities and experiences McMaster has to offer.
I cannot wait for you to embrace the opportunities, discover yourself, and fall in love with McMaster.