Arts & Science McMASTER UNIVERSITY
mcmaster.ca/artsci
Arts & Science Program m c ma mc m a st s t e r. ca c a / a r t ssci ci
Is the Arts & Science Program Right for You? The answer may be yes if‌ You love learning and have interests in both the arts and the sciences and want to continue them. You value opportunities to develop skills, such as communication, inquiry and critical thinking, that support intellectual activities.
This is a limited enrolment,
The Program stresses active, self-directed and
interdisciplinary program that
interdisciplinary learning with emphasis on the
brings students together in an
development of skills of analysis, evaluation, synthesis
intimate intellectual environment
and communication.
conducive to collaborative learning,
The Program is unique in offering an extensive integrated
not only among students, but also
core curriculum, designed specifically and exclusively
between students and faculty and
for its students that bridges the divide between the arts
among faculty members as well.
and the sciences and also between academia and public concern. The majority of its graduates go on to graduate
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or professional schools in a wide variety of fields.
You look forward to being a member of a small community of very able peers who are dedicated to academic and extracurricular activities.
Mandatory Supplementary Application
Deadline: Thursday, February 3, 2011
Inquiry Seminars Our program remains small by design. With relatively low
Timing of Offers of Admission
Arts & Science Program Curriculum
enrolment, we can do the kind of teaching that is essential
Mandatory Supplementary Application
Level I
to the continued success of the Program. A clear example
Deadline: February 3, 2011
of our philosophy of education can be found in the Level III Inquiry courses, which are designed to develop skills basic to the systematic investigation of public issues. These skills include those involved in formulating questions, gathering and interpreting evidence from a variety of sources, evaluating arguments and reaching well-considered conclusions. The courses emphasize active personal engagement of the student in knowledge discovery; using a variety of approaches such as self-directed and instructor-guided activities, individual and group projects, simulations and experiential learning (within a context of collaborative learning). Level I Inquiry (Arts & Science 1C06) is currently focused on development issues in Africa, Asia and Latin America. Upper-level Inquiry topics have included: environment, the context of scientific research, native peoples, human rights, media, diversity and multiculturalism, climate change and global warming.
We anticipate that most offers of admission will be made in early May. Admission to the Arts & Science Program is by selection. All
stresses active and self-directed learning and interdisciplinarity with emphasis on the development
Writing and Informal Logic Inquiry Calculus Biology/Chemistry/Environmental Science
Arts & Science applicants are required to provide additional information on the supplementary application to assist us in making admission decisions. The purpose of the Supplementary Application is to help us learn more about your ideas, interests and activities. The submission should
Level II Economics Modern Western Civilization Physics Statistics Elective Elective Level III
not be a rewrite of the Program
Literature
description in the Undergraduate
Technology and Society
Calendar. There is no formula for a
Inquiry or Elective
‘good’ supplementary application. The deadline for receipt of the
The Program
Western Civilization
Supplementary Application at the University is February 3, 2011. Supplementary applications are
Elective Elective Level IV Eastern Studies Individual Study/Thesis
available as an electronic form at:
Inquiry or Elective
www.mcmaster.ca/artsci
Elective Elective
of skills of analysis, evaluation, synthesis and communication.
Combined Degree Options Approximately one-half of the Arts & Science students register in a Combined Honours Arts & Science program in their second or third year.
Such students will thus meet the academic requirements for an Honours degree in specific disciplines. There are at least 29 Combined Honours programs. It is also possible to do a minor in a selected area of concentration.
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Level I Course Descriptions Note: The last digit of the course code indicates the unit value of a particular course (e.g. 1A06 = 6 units).
Admission Requirements
Arts & Science 1A06
Biology 1A03
Western Civilization
Cellular and Molecular Biology
Examines some of the central themes in
As a combined lecture/laboratory course,
Western social, religious, and cultural
Biology 1A03 is a prerequisite for many
history, from classical Greece to late
health-related professional programs
eighteenth-century Europe. Topics will
including medicine, optometry and dentistry.
include theories of historical change; the
It is also a prerequisite for many higher level
English U
influence of such factors as class, race and
biology courses. Topics covered include
One of: Advanced Functions (MHF4U) or
Students must present the following required Grade 12 U and/or M courses with a minimum admission average of 88% to be considered for admission. Required Grade 12 U/M courses:
gender on the evolution of social systems;
structure, molecular composition and function
Calculus & Vectors (MCV4U) (Calculus &
the relationship between political movements
in sub-cellular and cellular systems.
Vectors is strongly recommended)
and the rise of experimental science.
The laboratory component emphasizes skill
Arts & Science 1B06
development, scientific communication and
Two of the four additional courses must be at the U level
Level I Program Total = 30 units Required: 30 units Arts & Sci 1A06
Writing and Informal Logic Develops the student’s critical and analytical skills in dealing with the written word. in expository writing.
Biology 1M03
Arts & Sci 1C06
Level I Inquiry
Arts & Sci 1D06
Taken by all students, but divided into three
Biology 1A03, 1M03
subgroups, this course is currently focused on development issues in Africa, Asia and Latin America.
Biodiversity, Evolution and Humanity This course covers fundamental evolutionary and ecological concepts with particular reference to biodiversity and human evolution. We examine the dynamics of species diversity and explore the evolution and impact of humans. Emphasis is placed on evolution,
Chemistry 1A03, 1AA3
Arts & Science 1D06
Environmental Science 1A03, 1B03, 1G03
Calculus
related to the gain and loss of biodiversity.
Aims to provide a thorough understanding
The PBL (problem-based learning) tutorials
of the principles and major applications of
reinforce the lecture topics and develop skills
differential and integral calculus, so that you
facilitating the interpretation of scientific
will be able to apply and communicate your
observations. The course is a prerequisite for
mathematical and technical ideas.
many programs and most relevant to those
Arts & Science 1E03
focusing on evolution and ecology.
* These science courses may be postponed to allow for elective course work, but must be completed by the end of Level II.
Molecular Physiology Historical examples will be used to explore cellular signaling mechanisms. The course will blend didactic and problem-based approaches.
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registration in any Level I program from the Faculty of Science or registration in Arts & Science I.
Arts & Science 1C06
Arts & Science 1E03
Prerequisite: SBI4U or Biology 1P03 and
Students will receive individual attention
Arts & Sci 1B06
6 units from the following list*:
problem-based learning.
ecology, behaviour and conservation as
Prerequisite: SBI4U or Biology 1P03.
“The challenge of communicating complex scientific issues to a lay audience of jurists really excites me and, moreover, I think that I am particularly suited to meet such a challenge – in large part due to my years at McMaster.” Ying Ying Li, Yale Law School Graduate
Chemistry 1A03
Environmental Science 1A03
Environmental Science 1G03
Introductory Chemistry I
Atmosphere and Hydrosphere
Earth and the Environment
This course provides the first part of a
This course offers an introduction to the
This course provides an introduction to
fundamental background in chemistry for
controls on and behaviour of weather, climate
environmental geology and geomorphology.
students proceeding to more advanced
and surface waters. The course will focus on
It includes discussion of the composition and
chemistry in the physical sciences, life
the atmospheric processes that are essential
structure of the Earth’s crust, plate tectonics,
sciences and earth sciences. Topics include
to understanding climate and climate change,
volcanism, weathering, and mass movement.
descriptive chemistry of selected non-metals
climate variability, distribution and pollution of
Fluvial, glacial and coastal systems will be the
and metals, atomic and molecular structure,
surface waters. The labs will emphasize fieldwork
main landform systems studied. The labs will
thermodynamics and electrochemistry.
and techniques in data analysis and presentation.
emphasize fieldwork and techniques in data
Chemistry 1AA3
Environmental Science 1B03
analysis and presentation.
Introductory Chemistry II
The Living Environment
This course continues from Chemistry 1A03
This course provides an introduction to the
with the principles and practice of chemical
characteristics of the biosphere and to major
equilibrium, introduces chemical kinetics
environmental processes and issues. It includes
and lays the foundation of organic chemistry.
discussion of soil, nutrients, population, micro
Lecture demonstrations are an integral part
and macro evolution, and biodiversity. The labs
of the course.
will emphasize fieldwork and techniques in data analysis and presentation.
Typical Timetable – Term I Monday 8:30 am
Tuesday
Wednesday
Arts & Science 1DO6 – Calculus (lecture)
Thursday
Friday
Arts & Science 1DO6 (lecture)
9:30 am
Arts & Science 1DO6 (lecture)
10:30 am
Arts & Science 1BO6 – Writing and Informal Logic
Arts & Science 1BO6 (tutorial)
(lecture)
11:30 am
Biology 1AO3 – Cellular and Molecular Biology
Arts & Science 1BO6
Biology 1AO3
(lecture)
(lecture)
(lecture)
12:30 pm
Arts & Science 1AO6 – Western Civilization (lecture)
1:30 pm 2:30 pm 3:30 pm
Arts & Science 1CO6 – Inquiry (lecture)
Arts & Science 1AO6
Biology 1AO3
(lecture)
(lecture)
Biology 1AO3
Arts & Science 1CO6
Arts & Science 1CO6
(lab)
(lecture)
(tutorial)
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Beyond
ARTS & SCIENCE Our Graduates One year after graduation virtually all Arts & Science graduates have pursued further education in a variety of fields, for example:
“Being an Artsci can lead to many things: realizing the goals you set for yourself when you were five
Gerontology
Brightest – Twenty-five
(or twenty-five), surprising yourself with careers
Biochemistry
History
faces for the Future” in
you hadn’t heard of before you arrived at the
Biology
International
Anthropology
Bio-statistics
Development
the May 24, 2004 edition of
program, or, at a minimum, discovering that you
Maclean’s magazine. She is
are surrounded by students, professors and staff
a graduate of the University
who are committed to a discipline of adventurous
Botany
Library Science
Business Administration
Linguistics
Classics
Mathematics
Communication
Medical Sciences
Comparative Literature
Nutrition
Diplomacy
Pharmacology
Ecology
Philosophy
community; when I left, I realized that I had been
Economics
Physics
given the foundation to keep on educating myself,
English
Political Science
critically and energetically, in the world.”
Environmental Studies
Psychology
Epidemiology
Religious Studies
Farah Mawani is an
“I was attracted to the opportunity to take a
Fine Arts
Resource Management
epidemiologist who
variety of courses from different disciplines
French
Sociology and
Forensic Biology
Statistics.
Geography
of British Columbia Law
technical programs such as:
School, where she won the
sit still, be quiet, and accept what you’re told... a phenomenon that later pushed the boundaries
all-round graduating student.
of my law degree into human rights activism and feminist legal research. While I was at McMaster, I knew I was part of an amazing academic
is currently National Coordinator for the New Canadian Children involves 40 team members spread across six cities in Canada.
Architecture
Nursing
Chiropractic
Occupational Therapy
Dentistry
Photography
Engineering
Physiotherapy
Journalism
Social Work
Law
Speech Pathology and
Medicine
Teaching.
Naturopathy
learning. Caution: you might lose the capacity to
law faculty’s award for best
and Youth Study which
Many former students also entered professional or
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Kat Kinch was listed among the “Best and the
throughout the program, with a particular emphasis on writing and critical thinking skills. I was especially attracted to the interdisciplinary (Inquiry) courses focusing on global issues – I wanted to be able to apply what I was learning in my coursework to real and important issues, so that I could continue to do that beyond my university career.”
Brenda Matthews holds
“I remember the great atmosphere of being in
a Ph.D in Astronomy
classes where discussion was such a large
and is a researcher
component of the learning process. What I
at the University of
think was great about Arts & Science was not
California at Berkeley focusing on star and planet information.
necessarily what we were learning, but how the program was broad enough that it let students discover where their interests really were and, most
The remaining graduates are travelling or working, but
importantly, pursue them. I think it honed my ability
many of them return to further studies within two years.
to express ideas and formulate theories, which has served me very well as a scientist.”
Visitor Information t our s. mcm a st e r. ca
Regular Campus Tours Campus tours take about 1½ hours and are conducted by McMaster students. The entire campus is covered in the tour including a visit to at least one residence building. Please note: advanced notice of two to three working days is required tours are available Monday to Friday, from October 4 to December 7, 2010 and January 10 to April 5, 2011 tour times are 10:30 a.m. or 1:30 p.m. campus tours may be scheduled on some Saturdays with at least one week’s advance notice campus tours are also available throughout the summer, from mid-May to the beginning of August
You can meet students, staff and faculty, all who help define the distinct personality of
A visit is the best way to learn more about a university and get a feel for the campus.
the University. McMaster offers many opportunities to do this, from simply spending a couple of hours touring the campus to staying for a whole day and attending scheduled activities during one of our special visit days. Please contact us in advance to book your campus visit. This will ensure that we have time to make the necessary arrangements for
Virtual Tour (tours.mcmaster.ca) Unable to visit McMaster in person? Explore our picturesque
you. When you register for your visit you will receive details about start times, location, where to park, etc. Remember parents and friends are always welcome to join you!
campus via one of our online tours. You can take a Guided Tour that follows the same route as an in-person walking tour, create a personalized tour or simply explore major campus hotspots. We also offer a basic version for users
To register for a campus tour, contact the Student Recruitment &
Tour Portal tours.mcmaster.ca
Admissions Office:
will be provided for registered
phone 905-525-9140 ext. 23650 fax 905-524-3550
with a slower internet connection or older computer.
Complimentary parking passes
e-mail liaison@mcmaster.ca
Special Visit Events
campus tour visitors upon
Fall Preview
March Break
May@Mac
arrival. Please refer to your
October 30, 2010
Monday, March 14 –
Saturday, May 7, 2011
visit display areas and talk
Friday, March 18, 2011
University-wide Open House event
with reps from academic,
regular campus tours
applicants will be sent information
tour booking confirmation e-mail for further details. It is best to enter the campus via the Sterling Street entrance (Central Campus). Directions can be found online at:
www.mcmaster.ca/ welcome/findus.cfm
service areas and student groups in a relaxed and informal Roam Around Session tour the campus
faculty-specific activities available be sure to register in advance as group sizes are limited
in the Spring includes campus bus tours, special facility tours, sample lectures and lab demonstrations, opportunities to speak with professors, staff and students
Still have questions? ask.mcmaster.ca
Hamilton, Ontario, CANADA L8S 4L8 905 525-9140 ext. 23650 www.mcmaster.ca