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Office of the Associate Dean, Undergraduate Studies

McMaster Academic Planner (MAP) - Faculty of Science

Honours Life Sciences – Origins of Disease Specialization

In Honours Life Sciences – Origins of Disease Specialization, students investigate the molecular mechanisms of pharmaceutical activity, biological assays and the manifestation of disease.
This specialization explores the molecular and cellular basis of the disease state and the principles of chemistry and biophysics that guide disease diagnosis and treatment.

A unique aspect to our programs involves the implementation of community-based projects and peer mentoring experiential opportunities that are tied to in-course experiences. This multi-disciplinary approach to studying the Life Sciences provides students with a broad perspective for problem-solving and to undertake post-graduate research in an emerging life science field.

Program Type

Honours Bachelor of Science

Degree at Graduation

Limited Enrollment

Learn More About Level 2 Program Types

Admission Requirements

Enrollment 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
  • CHEM 1A03
  • CHEM 1AA3
  • 1 course from MATH 1A03, 1LS3
  • 1 course from PHYSICS 1A03, 1C03
  • 1 course from BIOLOGY 1M03, EARTHSC 1G03, ENVIRSC 1C03, PSYCH 1XX3, 1FF3
  • 2 courses from the Science 1 Course List

Typical Second-Year Courses

LIFESCI 2A03

Research Methods in Life Sciences

LIFESCI 2L03

Living Systems Laboratory

BIOLOGY 2B03

Cell Biology

STATS 2B03

Statistical Methods for Science

BIOLOGY 2C03

Genetics

BIOPHYS 2S03

Explorations in Medical and Biological Physics

LIFESCI 2BP3

Biophysics of the Cell and Living Organisms

CHEM 2A03

Organic Chemistry 1

CHEM 20B3

Organic Chemistry 2