Skip to McMaster Navigation Skip to Site Navigation Skip to main content
McMaster logo

Office of the Associate Dean, Undergraduate Studies

McMaster Academic Planner (MAP) - Faculty of Science

Honours Molecular Biology and Genetics Research Specialization

In Honours Molecular Biology & Genetics, students gain an in-depth view of biological processes emphasizing the application of molecular biology and genetics in the study of human, animal and plant diseases, developmental biology, microbiology, gene regulation, evolutionary processes and the growing field of bioinformatics.

Students also obtain practical training in molecular, genetic, cellular and bioinformatics techniques, while developing communication and critical thinking skills.

Program Type

Honours Bachelor of Science

Degree at Graduation

Limited Enrollment

Co-op Program

Beginning at Level 3

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

CHEM 2OA3

Organic Chemistry 1

CHEM 2OB3

Organic Chemistry 2

STATS 2B03

Statistical Methods for Science

BIOLOGY 2A03

Integrative Physiology of Animals

BIOLOGY 2B03

Cell Biology

BIOLOGY 2D03

Plant Biodiversity and Biotechnology

BIOLOGY 2EE3

Introduction to Microbiology and Biotechnology

MOLBIOL 2C03

Genetics

Career Opportunities

Honours Molecular Biology and Genetics 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