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!

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!