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Office of the Associate Dean, Undergraduate Studies

McMaster Academic Planner (MAP) - Faculty of Science

Honours Biology – Physiology Research Specialization

Honours Biology – Physiology Research Specialization investigates how organisms’ function at all levels, from molecules through cells, tissues, organs and whole animals.

Students in this program study many physiological processes including nutrition, growth, reproduction, respiration, osmoregulation and excretion.
Physiology is concerned with how organisms’ function and it includes the study of processes such as nutrition, growth, reproduction, respiration, osmoregulation and excretion. This area also examines how animals’ sense and respond to conditions such as low oxygen availability or to environmental challenges such as pollution or global warming. Physiology involves study at all levels from molecules through cells, tissues, organs and whole animals.

Program Type

Honours Bachelor of Science

Degree at Graduation

Limited Enrollment

Learn More About Level 2 Program Types

Admission Requirements

Enrolment in this program is limited. Admission is by selection but requires, as a minimum, completion of any Level 1 program with a Grade Point Average of at least 5.0 including:

  • BIOLOGY 1A03, 1M03 with an average of at least 6.0 (C+) between the courses
  • CHEM 1A03, 1AA3
  • 1 course from MATH 1A03, 1LS3
  • 1 course from PHYSICS 1A03, 1C03
  • 2 courses from the Science 1 Course List

Typical Second-Year Courses

BIOLOGY 2A03

Integrative Physiology of Animals

BIOLOGY 2B03

Cell Biology

BIOLOGY 2C03

Genetics

BIOLOGY 2F03

Fundamental and Applied Ecology

STATS 2B03

Statistical Methods for Science

CHEM 2OA3

Organic Chemistry 1

CHEM 2OB3

Organic Chemistry 2

Career Opportunities

Honours Biology – Physiology Research Specialization students develop a range of skills that are easily transferred to a wide range of careers.

Graduates have pursued careers in the following areas:

  • Pathology
  • Immunology
  • Genetics
  • Biostatistics
  • Neuroscience
  • Microbiology
  • Horticulture
  • Food Technology
  • Bioinformatics
  • Policy Analysis
  • Epidemiology