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
One of my favorite things about this program is how interesting and immersive the labs are.
My name is Kristen and I am in my fourth year of the Honours Earth and Environmental Science (Co-op) program. I am currently working on a thesis project with a geochemical focus and I am a Teaching Assistant for a first-year geology course (EARTHSC 1G03). I recently finished an 8-month Co-op term with Environment and Climate Change Canada, where I worked with the Pollutant Inventories and Reporting Division, Industry Team.
What drew me to McMaster鈥檚 Faculty of Science was how diverse and flexible it was. I came into the faculty as a Life Science Gateway student, unsure of exactly what I wanted to do for my degree. In second year, I moved into the Honours Earth and Environmental Science program. I have always been passionate about the environment and sustainability, and I really enjoyed the first-year earth and environmental science classes, so this seemed like a good fit for me!
In the Honours Earth and Environmental Science program, you are exposed to a wide variety of different subjects, such as hydrology, geology, geochemistry, soil science and more! One of my favorite things about this program is how interesting and immersive the labs are. From soil properties testing, to chemical separation and analysis techniques, to rock and mineral identification, I feel that I鈥檝e gained a variety of practical skills. Through taking so many different courses, talking to professors about their research or working experiences, and trying different jobs through the Co-op program, I realized how many options there are for post-graduate studies and possible career paths.
I would advise students interested in a Faculty of Science program to take courses that interest them, and not to be anxious if they are unsure of what they want to do. First year is a great time to try new things, explore different subject areas and discover a path that you want to take. Don鈥檛 be afraid to ask your instructors questions, or to have a conversation with them about the subject they teach, their research, or additional opportunities they might have available. This is a great way to network!
Wishing you a great experience at McMaster! I hope you find the right program for you.-
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!