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Office of the Associate Dean, Undergraduate Studies

McMaster Academic Planner (MAP) - Faculty of Science

Honours Biology Core

Honours Biology Core students investigate a wide array of knowledge in animal, plant and microbial biology, as well as ecology, evolution, molecular biology and genetics. This is a flexible program that allows students to choose biology courses investigating their own interests, or to develop an interdisciplinary approach to biology.

The program is built upon a set of fundamental courses that are shared with other Biology Honours specializations. You will be able to choose biology courses following your own interests, or to develop an interdisciplinary approach to biology. You can also select the level of exposure to the laboratory that you prefer through course selection and research opportunities.

Program Type

Honours Bachelor of Science

Degree at Graduation

Unlimited Enrollment

Learn More About Level 2 Program Types

Admission Requirements

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 2C03

Genetics

STATS 2B03

Statistical Methods for Science

BIOLOGY 2A03

Integrative Physiology of Animals

BIOLOGY 2B03

Cell Biology

BIOLOGY 2D03

Plant Biodiversity and Biotechnology

CHEM 2E03

Introductory Organic Chemistry

Career Opportunities

Biology 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