2011 Faculty of Science - McMaster University

Faculty of Science McMASTER UNIVERSITY

www.science.mcmaster.ca

Faculty of Science ww w. sci e n ce . mcm aster. ca

This is a very exciting time to be a part of science, as new and important discoveries are being made in every area of scientific research. The solutions to many of our most pressing social and environmental issues will require significant scientific contributions, creating a demand for scientists and professionals who understand science.

McMaster’s Faculty of Science will prepare you to become a leader in a wide variety of science-related careers. Our internationally renowned researchers are enthusiastic and dedicated teachers who will provide you with a firm grounding in scientific knowledge and methods.

We are committed to developing your ability to evaluate information, think critically, and apply your understanding of science to a wide range of real-world problems and issues.

As an undergraduate student in the Faculty of Science you will have many opportunities to become involved in the scientific enterprise, and to work side-by-side with faculty members, graduate students and your fellow undergraduates, on scientific research. Our Faculty can now boast of having a Canadian Research Chair in every department. Examples of their research and the research being done by some of our other faculty members can be found on the departmental pages of this

Level I ‘Gateway’ Programs The Faculty of Science offers the following Level I ‘Gateway’ programs that lead to a variety of Honours Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree programs. The Gateway programs are:

Environmental and Earth Sciences I

Life Sciences I

Mathematics & Statistics I

Physical Sciences I

brochure and on our website. We look forward to sharing our enthusiasm for science with you!

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Level I Direct-Entry Programs In addition to the Gateway programs, the Faculty of Science offers the following direct-entry Level I programs (and degrees):

Our Level I program structure allows for admission requirements that better reflect the academic needs of different areas of science. It also allows us to offer Level I courses that are more challenging, more rewarding, and more relevant to students with interests in that area of study. In some programs these courses will also be smaller, allowing for more personalized instruction.

Honours Integrated Science I, (iSci)

which leads to the Honours Bachelor of Science degree

For students who know exactly what area of science they are interested in, our four Level I 'Gateway' programs provide the opportunity to focus their studies directly from high school. Those students who are

Honours Kinesiology I which leads to

the Honours Bachelor of Science Kinesiology degree

undecided or who change their mind in first year, are still able to move easily between disciplines. For example, provided Level II admission requirements are met, a Life Sciences I student may choose to move into Level II Honours Physics or Chemistry. Similarly, an Environment

Medical Radiation Sciences I (in collaboration

with Mohawk College), leading to the Bachelor of Medical Radiation Sciences degree.

and Earth Sciences I student, with the appropriate course selection and grades, may decide to pursue a degree in Honours Mathematics & Statistics. In other words, our Level I 'Gateway' programs structure provides science students with a range of Level II program options.

For information regarding Honours Kinesiology or

Extensive academic advising is readily available to all students to help

Medical Radiation Sciences, please refer to those

answer questions and concerns or provide directions that lead our

specific program brochures.

students toward appropriate programs and careers.

The Faculty is dedicated to the enhancement of student learning through exposure to both practical and theoretical science. In self-directed learning and research, students learn how to think and apply their knowledge and understanding.

Environmental and Earth Sciences I Human life and society depend critically on environmental resources we all too often take for granted: air, water, soil and the mineral and organic resources of the earth. With the recent attention to global warming and climate change, there has been a dramatic increase in scientific research and employment opportunities in this area. The Environmental and Earth Sciences program lays the foundation for Level II programs offered by the School of Geography and Earth Sciences and provides an excellent background for Level II programs that deal with life in its broader environmental context.

Life Sciences I

Mathematics & Statistics I

Physical Sciences I

The explosion of knowledge and understanding in the traditional life sciences is reshaping how scientists conduct research, transmit and apply knowledge.

The Honours B.Sc. and B.Sc. Life Sciences are interdisciplinary programs that build on courses from the departments of Biology; Biochemistry & Biomedical Sciences; Kinesiology; Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour and the School of Geography & Earth Sciences. Life Sciences students have considerable choice when picking their courses and choose from a diverse range of topics including: nutrition and metabolism, molecular biology, human anatomy and physiology, immunology, sensory processes, human learning and cognition, evolution ecology and environmental sciences.

Mathematics & Statistics is the science which studies patterns underlying such diverse phenomena as the shape of a flower, the form of a molecule or the structure of galaxies. Mathematics helps us to discover subtle and unexpected features, as well as explain and predict properties of the phenomena, for which prove useful throughout the sciences. Statistics studies patterns which arise in data, and is used to distinguish regularities from chance effects.

The Level I program introduces students to the foundational tools and ideas of mathematics leading into our degree programs.

With careful selection of elective courses, it also provides excellent preparation for programs in Biology and Mathematics, Mathematics and Computer Science, Mathematics and Physics and Level II programs in the many other areas of science.

Everything we know is either matter or energy. Understanding the ways in which matter and energy behave and interact is critical to an understanding of the universe at every level, from the submicroscopic constituents of matter to the macroscopic behaviour of galaxies and star clusters. This understanding comes through a mix of mathematical description, computational modeling and experimental investigations.

These techniques are covered in Physical Sciences I, which is the appropriate preparation for Level II programs in chemistry, physics and astronomy. With the careful selection of courses, it also provides excellent preparation for programs in Medical and Health Physics and Biophysics.

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Overview of our Level I "Gateway" Programs Students in Level I Environmental & Earth Sciences, Life Sciences, Mathematics & Statistics and Physical Sciences programs, through careful Level I course selection, can pursue any Level II program noted on the chart on page 5.

Level I Programs Environmental & Earth Sciences I Requirements: 30 Units ENVIR SC 1G03 1 of: ENVIR SC 1A03, 1B03 1 of: MATH 1A03, 1LS3 1 of: BIOLOGY 1M03, PHYSICS 1B03, 1L03 2,4 1 of: CHEM 1A03, 1R033 3 courses from Environmental & Earth Sciences I Course List 6 units Electives1 HTH SCI 1BS07 SCIENCE 1A005

ENVIRONMENTAL & EARTH SCIENCES I COURSE LIST BIOLOGY 1A03, 1M03; CHEM 1AA3; COMP SCI 1FC3, 1MA3, 1MD3; ENVIR SC 1A03, 1B03; GEOG 1HA3, 1HB3; KINESIOL 1Y03, 1YY3; MATH 1A03, 1AA3, 1B03, 1LS3, 1LT3; MED PHYS 1E03; PHYSICS 1B03, 1BA3, 1BB3, 1F03, 1L03; PSYCH 1X03, 1XX3

Life Sciences I Requirements: 30 Units 3 of: BIOLOGY 1A03, 1M03, PSYCH 1X03, 1XX3 1 of: MATH 1A03, 1LS3 1 of: PHYSICS 1B03, 1L03 3 courses from Life Sciences I Course List3, 4, 8, 9 6 units Electives1 HTH SCI 1BS07 SCIENCE 1A005

LIFE SCIENCES I COURSE LIST ASTRON 1F03; BIOLOGY 1A03, 1M03; CHEM 1A03, 1AA3; COMP SCI 1FC3, 1MA3, 1MD3; ENVIR SC 1A03, 1B03, 1G03; GEOG 1HA3, 1HB3; KINESIOL 1Y03, 1YY3; MATH 1A03, 1AA3, 1B03, 1LS3, 1LT3; MED PHYS 1E03; PHYSICS 1B03, 1BA3, 1BB3, 1L03; PSYCH 1X03, 1XX3

Mathematics & Statistics I Requirements: 30 Units MATH 1B03, 1C03, 1X03, 1XX3 1 course in the Faculty of Science5, 7 or COMP SCI 1FC3, 1MA3, 1MD36 15 units Electives

Physical Sciences I Requirements: 30 Units CHEM 1A03, 1AA3 MATH 1A03, 1AA3 PHYSICS 1B03 1 of: PHYSICS 1BA3, 1BB3 2 courses from Physical Sciences I Course List7 6 units Electives2 SCIENCE 1A005

PHYSICAL SCIENCES I COURSE LIST ASTRON 1F03; BIOLOGY 1A03, 1M03; COMP SCI 1FC3, 1MA3, 1MD3; ENVIR SC 1A03, 1B03, 1G03; GEOG 1HA3, 1HB3; KIN 1Y03,1YY3; MATH 1B03; MED PHYS 1E03; PHYSICS 1L03; PSYCH 1X03, 1XX3

LEVEL I PROGRAM NOTES

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1. MATH 1F03, which may be completed as an elective, serves as the prerequisite for MATH 1A03 and 1LS3 for those students who did not complete Grade 12 Calculus and Vectors U. 2. BIOLOGY 1P03, which may be completed as an elective, serves as the prerequisite for BIOLOGY 1A03 and 1M03 for those students who did not complete Grade 12 Biology U. 3. CHEM 1R03, which may be completed as an elective, serves as the prerequisite for CHEM 1A03 for those students who did not complete Grade 12 Chemistry U. 4. PHYSICS 1L03, which may be completed as an elective, serves as the prerequisite for PHYSICS 1B03 for those students who did not complete Grade 12 Physics U. 5. SCIENCE 1A00, a one-hour, mandatory on-line Health and Safety course, is a co-requisite to Level I courses with a lab component and must be completed prior to the first lab.

6. Completion of COMP SCI 1MD3 is required for admission to the Honours Mathematics and Computer Science program.

7. HTH SCI 1BS0, a mandatory on-line introduction to bio-safety lab training, is a co-requisite to BIOLOGY 1A03, ISCI 1A24, KINESIOL 1A03 and 1Y03 and must be completed prior to the first lab.

8. Completion of both BIOLOGY 1A03 and 1M03 is required for admission to all Biology programs and some Level II Biology courses.

9. Completion of both PSYCH 1X03 and 1XX3 is required for admission to all Honours B.Sc. Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour programs and most Level II Psychology courses.

Level II Programs Students from any Level I Science program can, through careful Level I course selection, pursue any Level II program noted below.

For admission requirements to Level II programs, please refer to the specific pages in this brochure.

Honours Bachelor of Science (Hons. B.Sc.) Programs Honours Biochemistry

Legend Limited Enrolment Honours B.Sc. Programs Enrolment in this program is limited and possession

Biotechnology Specialization

of the published admission requirements does not

Biomedical Sciences Specialization

guarantee admission. Admission is by selection but

Honours Biology Physiology Specialization

Honours Molecular Biology and Genetics

requires, as a minimum, completion of any Level I program (a minimum of 24 units) with a Cumulative Average of at least 6.0 including the specified courses

Honours Biology & Environmental Sciences

and where stated, minimum grade requirements.

Honours Biology & Mathematics

Non-limited Enrolment Honours B.Sc. Programs

Honours Biology & Pharmacology (begins in Level III)

Enrolment in this program requires completion of

Honours Biology & Psychology

any Level I program (a minimum of 24 units) with a

Honours Chemical Biology

Cumulative Average of at least 6.0 including the

Honours Chemistry

specified courses and where stated, minimum

Honours Earth & Environmental Sciences

grade requirements.

Honours Environmental Sciences Honours Geography & Environmental Sciences Honours Life Sciences Honours Mathematics & Computer Science Honours Mathematics & Physics Honours Mathematics & Statistics Mathematics Specialization Statistics Specialization

Non-limited Enrolment B.Sc. Programs Enrolment in this program requires completion of any Level I program (a minimum of 24 units) with a Cumulative Average of at least 3.5 including the specified courses and where stated, minimum grade requirements.

This program may be combined with the Origins

Honours Medical & Health Physics

Research Specialization. See the 2010-2011

Honours Physics

Undergraduate Calendar for more detailed Level II

Astrophysics Specialization Biophysics Specialization

Honours Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour Music Cognition Specialization

Program Admission Requirements and Notes.

Co-operative Education (Co-op) program, beginning in Level III, is available.

Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) Programs Environmental Sciences Life Sciences Mathematical Science Physical Sciences 5

Level I Course Descriptions Note: The last digit of the course code indicates the unit value of a particular course (e.g. 1A03 = 3 units).

Astronomy 1F03

Biology 1M03

Introduction to Astronomy and Astrophysics

Biodiversity, Evolution and Humanity

Descriptions for courses offered beyond Level I,

This course covers topics such as orbital

This course covers fundamental evolutionary

prerequisites and electives are available online

motion, electromagnetic radiation, the solar

and ecological concepts with particular

through the Undergraduate Calendar at:

system, stars and stellar evolution, the Milky

reference to biodiversity and human evolution.

http://registrar.mcmaster.ca/CALENDAR/current/ .

Way Galaxy, galaxies and quasars, and the

Students will examine the dynamics of species

evolution of the universe.

diversity and explore the evolution and impact

Prerequisite: One of MCV4U, MHF4U, MCB4U,

of humans. Emphasis is placed on evolution,

The following is a listing of course options for students in Environmental & Earth Sciences I, Life Sciences I, Mathematics & Statistics I, and Physical Sciences I taken to satisfy the various program requirements. Electives may be taken from other Faculties as long as prerequisites are met.

Math 1F03; and SPH4U or Physics 1L03.

Biology 1A03 Cellular and Molecular Biology As a combined lecture/laboratory course, Biology 1A03 is a prerequisite for many health-related professional programs including medicine, optometry and dentistry.

It is also a prerequisite for many higher level Biology courses. Topics covered include

ecology, behaviour and conservation, as related to the gain and loss of biodiversity.

The PBL (problem-based learning) tutorials reinforce the lecture topics and develop skills facilitating the interpretation of scientific observations. The course is a prerequisite for many programs and most relevant to those focusing on evolution and ecology.

Prerequisite: SBI4U or Biology 1P03.

structure, molecular composition and function

Biology 1P03

in sub-cellular and cellular systems. The

Introductory Biology

laboratory component emphasizes skill

This introductory course explores basic

development, scientific communication and

biological principles and is designed for

problem-based learning.

students without a credit in SBI4U.

Prerequisite: SBI4U or Biology 1P03 and

Not open to students with a credit in SBI4U.

registration in any Level I program from the Faculty of Science, registration in Arts & Science,

Chemistry 1A03

Chemical Engineering & Bioengineering or

Introductory Chemistry I

Electrical & Biomedical Engineering.

This course provides the first part of a fundamental background in chemistry for students proceeding to more advanced chemistry in the physical sciences, life sciences and earth sciences. Topics include: bonding, structure, reactivity and energetics, with applications to health, energy and the environment. Laboratories highlight hands-on experimental techniques.

Prerequisite: SCH4U or Chemistry 1R03; and registration in Arts & Science I, Engineering I, Health Science or any Level I program from the

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Faculty of Science.

Chemistry 1AA3

Computer Science 1MD3

Geography 1HA3

Introductory Chemistry II

Introduction to Programming

Human Geographies: Society and Culture

This course continues from Chemistry 1A03

This course is intended to serve as a foundation

This course is an introduction to

with the principles and practice of chemical

for students who plan to specialize in computer

human-environment relations and spatial

equilibrium, introduces chemical kinetics and lays

science. It examines disciplined programming;

analysis with special emphasis on urban,

the foundation of organic chemistry. Emphasis

programming environments; debugging; imperative

political, social, health and cultural environments.

will be on relevant experimental techniques

programming constructs; values and types;

and solving real problems ranging from drug

libraries; file input-output. Throughout the course,

Geography 1HB3

discovery to environmental chemistry. Lecture

computer science concepts are illustrated.

Human Geographies: City and Economy

demonstrations are an integral part of the course.

Prerequisite: Credit or registration in one of

This course includes basic principles in spatial

Prerequisite: Chemistry 1A03.

Mathematics 1A03 (or 1X03).

analysis and location theory applied to the

Chemistry 1R03 General Chemistry This introductory course is intended for students lacking Grade 12 U Chemistry (or equivalent).

It discusses the basic principles of chemistry, and applies them to everyday life.

Environmental Science 1A03

changing urban, economic, and environmental patterns of development and urbanization at the

Climate and Weather

local, national and international scale.

This course offers an introduction to the controls

Health Science 1BS0

on and behaviour of weather, climate, surface and subsurface waters with a focus on the

Biosafety Training

human impacts on these processes. The course

This is an on-line biosafety training course for

Prerequisite: SCH3U.

will focus on the atmospheric processes that are

the handling of non-pathogenic bacteria, cell

Not open to students with 80% or higher in SCH4U or

essential to understanding climate and climate

lines, blood and body fluids or mammalian tissues

with credit or registration in Chemistry 1A03.

change, climate variability, distribution of surface

based on federal Laboratory Biosafety Guidelines.

and sub-surface waters. The labs will emphasize

This course is evaluated on a Pass/Fail basis. This

techniques in data analysis and presentation.

course must be completed prior to the first lab.

Environmental Science 1B03

Kinesiology 1Y03

Computer Science 1FC3 Mathematics for Computing Introduction to logic and proof techniques; functions, relations and sets; counting; trees

The Living Environment

Human Anatomy and Physiology I

and graphs. Concepts are illustrated using

This course provides an introduction to the

This course introduces the student to basic

computational tools.

characteristics of the biosphere and to major

embryology and tissue development and

environmental processes and issues. It includes

examines the anatomy and physiology of the

discussion of soil, nutrients, population, air

skeletal, nervous, cardiovascular, lymphatic and

and water pollution, environment and human

respiratory systems. Lectures are enhanced with

health and biodiversity. The labs will emphasize

integrative tutorials and experimental anatomy

analysis of field samples and techniques in data

and physiology laboratory experiences.

Prerequisite: Credit or registration in one of Mathematics 1A03 (or 1X03).

Computer Science 1MA3 Computer Science I A first course in computer science, focusing on the practice of problem solving, in the context of interesting software applications. Topics include: problem formulation, problem decomposition, and procedural formulation of problem solution.

Prerequisite: One of MCV4U, MCB4U or Mathematics 1F03.

analysis and presentation.

Prerequisite: Completion of SBI4U is strongly

Environmental Science 1G03

recommended.

Earth and the Environment

Kinesiology 1YY3

This course provides an introduction to

Human Anatomy and Physiology II

environmental geology and geomorphology.

It includes discussion of the composition and structure of the Earth’s crust, plate tectonics, volcanism, weathering and mass movement.

Fluvial, glacial and coastal systems will be the main landform systems studied. The labs will emphasize fieldwork and techniques in data analysis and presentation. A mandatory one day field trip will be held.

A continuation of Kinesiology 1Y03, this course examines anatomy and physiology of the articular, muscular, gastrointestinal, endocrine, renal and reproductive systems. Lectures are enhanced with integrative tutorial and experimental anatomy and physiology laboratory experiences.

Prerequisite: Kinesiology 1Y03.

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Level I Course Descriptions Mathematics 1A03

Mathematics 1C03

Mathematics 1X03

Calculus for Science I

Introduction to Mathematical Reasoning

Calculus for Mathematics & Statistics I

This course is geared towards applications

The goals of this course are two-fold: to teach

This course is developed for students in

for students in Science, but also stresses the

students the techniques of proof that they will

Math & Stats I to further explore their interest in

underlying concepts of calculus. Topics include

use throughout their study of mathematics, and

Mathematics and Statistics. With smaller class

limits, continuity, derivatives, optimization, curve

to introduce them to the range of ideas that arise

sizes, students will interact closely with their

sketching, antiderivative, definite integral and

in advanced mathematics. Material will include

professors. Stronger emphasis will be placed on

techniques of integration.

topics selected from algebra, calculus, discrete

geometric intuition and theoretical foundations

Prerequisite: One of MCV4U, MCB4U,

math, geometry and number theory. The course

in calculus. Topics that will be covered include

Mathematics 1F03.

will include traditional homework assignments,

limits, continuity, derivatives, optimization, curve

Mathematics 1AA3

but also reading and group presentations.

sketching, antiderivative, definite integral and

Prerequisite: One of MCV4U, MGA4U, or

techniques of integration.

Calculus for Science II

Mathematics 1F03; credit or registration in

Prerequisite: Registration in Mathematics & Statistics I.

This course is a continuation of Mathematics

Mathematics 1B03.

1A03. Topics include: additional techniques of

Mathematics 1F03

integration, applications of definite integrals, polar coordinates, parametrized curves,

Introduction to Calculus and Analytical Geometry

Calculus for Mathematics & Statistics II A continuation of Math 1X03, this course

sequences and infinite series, power series,

This course introduces students to the techniques

maintains its smaller class sizes as students

introduction to multivariable calculus, partial

of differential calculus including exponential,

cover more advanced topics in calculus including

derivatives, differential equations.

logarithmic and trigonometric functions and

integration, application of definite integrals,

provides an introduction to vector geometry.

differential equations, polar coordinates,

Prerequisite: One of MHF4U or MCB4U.

parametrized curves, sequences, infinite series,

Not open to students with credit in MCV4U.

power series and partial derivatives.

Prerequisite: Mathematics 1A03 (or 1X03) or a grade of at least B- in Math 1LS3.

Mathematics 1B03 Linear Algebra I The course begins with the practical problem

Mathematics 1LS3 Calculus for the Life Sciences I

Prerequisite: Mathematics 1X03 and registration in Mathematics & Statistics I.

of using matrices to solve linear equations, and

Topics from differential and integral calculus,

Medical Physics 1E03

leads up to the theoretical ideas (including linear

differential equations, discrete math, chosen

Physics in Medicine and Biology I

independence, dimension and eigenvalues,

for their relevance to the life sciences.

An introductory course of the physics underlying

eigenvectors and diagonalization), that underlie

Prerequisite: One of MCV4U, MCB4U or

techniques used in the diagnosis and treatment

the applications of linear algebra. Examples are

Mathematics 1F03. Not open to students with credit

of disease. The course will cover many topics

stressed throughout.

or registration in Mathematics 1A03 (or 1X03).

including, atomic and nuclear structure, waves,

Prerequisite: One of MCV4U, MGA4U, or Mathematics 1F03.

Mathematics 1LT3

electromagnetic fields and application to x-radiography, ultrasonography, MRI, PET and

Calculus for the Life Sciences II

radiation therapy.

Applications of integration, autonomous

Prerequisite: One of Mathematics 1A03, 1LS3,

differential equations, sequences and series,

1X03 and either PHYSICS 1L03 or SPH 4U; or credit or

parametrized curves and polar coordinates,

registration in ISCI 1A24; or permission of the instructor.

functions of several variables, chosen for their

Cross-list: Science 1E03.

relevance to the life sciences.

Prerequisite: Math 1LS3 or Math 1A03 .

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Mathematics 1XX3

Physics 1B03

Physics 1F03

Science 1A00

Mechanics and Waves

Introduction to Astronomy and Astrophysics

Introduction to Health and Safety

An introductory course in physics that begins

This course covers topics such as orbital motion,

This course introduces safety guidelines

by looking at how and why particles move.

electromagnetic radiation, telescopes, the solar

at McMaster, acceptable safety conduct

The course will extend the arguments to

system, stars and stellar evolution, the Milky

and positive safety attitudes and practices

systems of particles in waves and fluids. A key

Way Galaxy, galaxies and quasars and the

in laboratories and Workplace Hazardous

aim is to teach analytic thinking and the use of

evolution of the universe.

Materials Information System (WHMIS). Using

mathematics to describe some aspects of the

Prerequisite: One of MHF4U or MCB4U; and SPH4U

web modules, this course is evaluated on a

world around us.

Prerequisite: One of SPH4U or Physics 1L03; one of MCV4U or Mathematics 1F03.

Physics 1BA3 Introduction to Modern Physics This is a calculus-based course and is the continuation of Physics 1BO3 for those students intending to major in one of the physical sciences. It looks at rotational motion and the extension of particle mechanics to rigid body motion. After a brief examination of electric and magnetic fields it then moves to quantum physics where objects such as the electron have both particle and wave properties. These ideas are then used to discuss atomic and nuclear physics.

Prerequisite: Physics 1B03.

Physics 1BB3 Modern Physics for Life Sciences This course is the continuation of Physics 1BO3 for those students intending to major in one of the life sciences. It begins by looking at rotational motion and the extension of particle mechanics to rigid body motion. After a brief examination of electric and magnetic fields it then moves to quantum physics where objects such as the electron have both particle and wave properties. These ideas are then used to discuss atomic and nuclear physics. Examples from the life sciences and medical physics are used throughout the course.

Prerequisite: Physics 1B03.

or Physics 1L03.

Cross-list: Astronomy 1F03

Physics 1L03 Physics of Living Systems This course concentrates on conceptual and descriptive applications of physics to understand living systems. Topics include: biomechanics, light and vision, fluid, energy, and mass transfer and their interaction with or use by biological systems.

Pass/Fail basis. This course must be completed prior to the first lab.

Science 1E03 Physics in Medicine and Biology I An introductory course of the physics underlying the techniques used in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. The course will cover many topics including, atomic and nuclear structure, waves, electromagnetic fields and application to x-radiography, ultrasonography,

Prerequisite: One of MHF4U or MCB4U.

MRI, PET, and radiation therapy.

Psychology 1X03

Prerequisite: One of MATH 1A03, 1LS3, 1X03 and

Introduction to Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour This course introduces the scientific methods used

either PHYSICS 1L03 or SPH 4U; or credit or registration in ISCI 1A24; or permission of the instructor.

Cross-list: Medical Physics 1E03.

to understand the broad topics of experimental psychology. Students will explore learning and cognitive functions, higher order processes, social psychology, personality and psychopathology through interactive web modules, class reviews, weekly small group discussions and live lectures.

Psychology 1XX3 Foundations of Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour This course builds on the themes of Psychology 1X03 to understand that modern approaches to problems in psychology use multiple levels of analysis. Students will explore how methods in neuroscience, evolution and behaviour contribute to our understanding of sensory systems and behaviours critical to survival through interactive web modules, class reviews, weekly small group discussions and live lectures.

Prerequisite: Psychology 1X03.

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Biochemistry & Biomedical Sciences Biochemistry is a continuum with structural and molecular biology, and builds on a strong foundation of the other natural sciences.

Research ranges from the study of structures and properties of individual chemicals and molecules (such as proteins and DNA) to their function and integration into the whole organism and understanding vital biological processes in health and disease.

Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences is an outstanding department for education in the areas of life sciences; one that places a high value on interdisciplinary research. Our faculty members run internationally competitive research programs of high productivity and impact. These investigators are likewise providing first rate and innovative training for the next generation of life scientists.

Biochemistry is the study of the chemical and molecular basis of life, seeking to describe and understand the structure, function and organization of living matter in molecular terms.

Focus of Study

Admission to Level II

All of our programs focus on the

You may choose a more general course of

development of transferable skills in

study in the Honours Biochemistry program

research, oral and written communication

or add a specialization in Biotechnology

and the application of theory to solving

or Biomedical Sciences to Honours

real-life problems.

Biochemistry. Specializations include

The Department fosters an atmosphere of

the completion of a senior thesis with a

innovation and discovery that is imparted at every level of undergraduate education.

Our programs offer a diverse background in biochemistry and molecular biology, including advanced courses in: biotechnology and drug discovery genetic engineering protein structure and enzyme mechanisms membrane structure and function clinical biochemistry molecular pharmacology nutrition and metabolism nucleic acid structure and function gene expression biochemistry research skills structural and mechanistic aspects of macromolecules.

supervisor at the McMaster campus or in area hospitals, and are also available as co-op programs beginning in Level III. Honours Biochemistry may also be combined with the Origins Research Specialization.

Honours Biochemistry Completion of any Level I program including: Biology 1A03, 1M03 Math 1A03 or 1LS3 Chemistry 1A03, 1AA3 Physics 1B03 or 1L03 Two courses from Life Sciences I Course List Biochemistry students who successfully complete the first three levels of an Honours Program may request permission to transfer to graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in Life Sciences.

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Facilities The laboratories of our investigators are located throughout the McMaster campus and affiliated hospitals with the majority located in the Health Sciences Centre at McMaster. Several faculty members are associated with newly founded research institutes, the Stem Cell and Cancer Research Institute and the Michael G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research.

Examples of Faculty Research David Andrews, Canada Research Chair in Membrane Biogenesis and director of the McMaster Biophotonics Facility, is looking to

The Biochemistry programs at McMaster are supported by state-of-the-art equipment and instrumentation, including: Protein Crystallography facility High-Throughput Screening laboratory Instrumentation for protein analysis, purification and biophysical characterization Centralized facilities for DNA synthesis, automated DNA sequencing, electron microscopy and NMR spectroscopy Biophotonics Imaging facility.

discover why healthy cells die prematurely and how to unlock the mysteries of the cells at the root of cancer. He is particularly interested in the proteins that regulate cell death and the deficiencies in the way that those membranes are involved in the trafficking of proteins within and to the outside of cells – and how they contribute to a wide variety of diseases.

Gerry Wright, Canada Research Chair in Molecular Studies of Antibiotics, is looking to outwit microbes

Possible Careers

by designing novel antibodies to fight infectious

research and development

diseases and superbugs that are resistant to

professional schools and graduate work (medicine, veterinary medicine, dentistry, law)

existing antibiotics. As founding director of

industry (pharmaceutical, biotechnology, occupational health and safety, genetic engineering, drug design, toxicology, forensics) emerging career sectors such as genomics, proteomics, gene therapy, bioengineering, bioinformatics, biomedical engineering, environment and biosensors

McMaster’s Michael G. DeGroote Institute of Infectious Disease Research, he is committed to eradicating infectious diseases which account for millions of deaths worldwide each year and incur tremendous costs for our healthcare system.

To find out more about our programs, faculty and research, please visit: www.fhs.mcmaster.ca/biochem www.science.mcmaster.ca/spotlight

Co-op Opportunities Our exceptional co-op programs offer students first-hand exposure to potential careers in the academic or industrial sectors, leaving them with new confidence, expertise and knowledge when they return to their academic terms.

Students have conducted work terms in the following areas: research and development in the fields of biochemistry, molecular biology, biotechnology, genetic engineering, toxicology, immunology and pharmacology organic and analytical chemistry in the food, agricultural and pharmaceutical industries product development, compound screening and drug efficacy studies clinical trials and regulatory affairs technical service and support marketing and seed-investment analysis

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Biology

Biology is one of the primary disciplines in interdisciplinary fields such as the life sciences and environmental sciences.

McMaster's Department of Biology is a hub of basic research on living systems and of its application in environmental and medical biotechnology. Our approach to undergraduate education emphasizes problem-based learning, inquiry, laboratory

Focus of Study The research and teaching interests of McMaster’s Department of Biology span a variety of areas within the discipline with particular strengths in Molecular Biology and Genetics combined with Cellular and Developmental Biology of plant, animal and microbe models systems, Bioinformatics, Ecology and Environmental Physiology.

The Department offers Honours degrees in Biology and Molecular Biology and Genetics.

Coupled with Honours Biology is a specialization available in: Physiology

skills, project and thesis work. Additionally,

The Origins Research Specialization may also be completed with Honours Biology.

students are exposed to small group

For students who cannot decide between two areas of interest, Honours Biology may

tutorials and computer mediated instruction.

be completed as a combined degree with: Environmental Sciences, Mathematics, and

Research in the Department covers

Psychology, Neuroscience and Behaviour. Courses cover a diverse range of topics

diverse areas, which gives undergraduate

including: molecular biology, cell biology, ecology and conservation genetics, environmental

students broad educational opportunities.

physiology, microbiology, genetics, evolution, developmental neurobiology and behaviour,

Students have the choice of a variety of

plant biology, bioinformatics, genomics, biodiversity conservation and field ecology.

inter-disciplinary programs, co-op options

Students have the opportunity to conduct independent research under the supervision

and laboratory-based research projects all

of a faculty member in their final year.

of which open a wide variety of options for professional and personal development.

Admission to Level II

Biology students who successfully complete

Honours Biology, Honours Molecular Biology and Genetics

the first three levels of an Honours program

Completion of any Level I program including:

may request permission to transfer to

Biology 1A03, 1M03

graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree

Math 1A03 or 1LS3

in Life Sciences.

Chemistry 1A03, 1AA3 Physics 1B03 or 1L03 Two courses from Life Sciences I Course List

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Biology is the science of life and of living organisms, including their structure, function, growth, origin, evolution, physiology, ecology, diversity and distribution. As such, it is the science with the broadest base.

Honours Biology

Co-op Opportunities

Completion of any Level I program

Beginning in Level III, Honours Molecular

including:

Biology & Genetics and Honours Biology

Biology 1A03, 1M03

& Pharmacology are available as co-op

Math 1A03 or 1LS3

options. Students in the Molecular

Chemistry 1A03, 1AA3

Biology & Genetics Co-op Program will be

Physics 1B03 or 1L03 Two courses from Life Sciences I Course List Biology students who successfully complete the first three levels of an Honours Program may request permission

prepared to work in fields such as:

clinical research

environment. His laboratory studies have uncovered

forensics brewing and viticulture

Students in the Biology & Pharmacology Co-op Program have been placed in work terms that include:

animal quarters

research and development

greenhouses and growth chambers

pharmacological, biochemical and

scanning electron microscope

Possible Careers environmental research and consulting post-graduate research teaching medicine, dentistry, paramedical biotechnology, genetic engineering microbiology, immunology, pathology botany, agriculture

from China to Brazil and his field research and surprisingly resilient in adapting to changes in their

microbiology.

transmission and environmental

in fish physiology. He has conducted field studies

biotechnology

Science degree in Life Sciences.

equipment for recombinant DNA

and Health, is one of the world’s foremost experts

laboratory studies have shown that fish are

to transfer to graduate with a Bachelor of

modern, well equipped labs

Chris Wood, Canada Research Chair in Environment

drug discovery and development

food regulation

Facilities

Examples of Faculty Research

toxicological studies planning, design and implementation of clinical trials medical information and product evaluation governmental and corporate regulatory affairs pharmacoepidemiology and pharmacoeconomics Students have access to a range of field courses offered both locally and at remote sites, as well as a great selection of small enrolment inquiry-style courses emphasizing active learning.

new knowledge about the most important organ in a fish – its gills, which act as lungs and combine the functions of a human’s kidney and digestive tract. He has conducted pioneering research into the effects of acid water and aluminum on the gills of fish and was the first to identify cardiovascular collapse as the final cause of death in fish living in highly acidic waters – a finding that is highly significant in understanding the global problem of acid rain.

Wood’s work has been instrumental in developing scientifically sound environmental regulations.

Marie Elliot: Research in the Elliot lab focuses on the Streptomyces bacteria.Streptomyces are multicellular bacteria that have a complicated developmental cycle (involving the formation of several different cell types) and are renowned for their ability to make a wide variety of medically important compounds, including most antibiotics. Using genetic, biochemical and cell biological technologies, researchers are working to address important scientific questions including: how different cell types formed and what proteins are required for this differentiation process; how newly discovered RNA regulators contribute to development, and antibiotic production; and how genetic engineering can be used to stimulate the production of new antibiotics.

To find out more about our programs, faculty and research, please visit: www.biology.mcmaster.ca/ www.science.mcmaster.ca/spotlight

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Chemistry & Chemical Biology

These innovations are based on an understanding of the structure, properties and reactions of chemical substances.

This core understanding extends beyond chemistry to applications in other fields including health sciences, materials science, biochemistry and engineering.

Chemical Biology utilizes chemical tools and techniques to answer biological questions.

Focus of Study Students in Honours Chemistry programs have the opportunity to explore: the structures and properties of organic, inorganic and biological molecules the mechanisms of chemical and biochemical reactions the synthesis of molecules and materials for medical applications, such as the early detection and treatment of cancer and other diseases the preparation and characterization of polymers, membranes, and solid-state materials useful for a variety of technological applications the detection of trace quantities of toxic substances in the environment.

These and other important topics are reflected in courses that relate fundamental chemical principles to solutions to real-world problems.

The Honours Chemical Biology program involves a multi-disciplinary investigation of phenomena at the interface between Chemistry and the Life Sciences. Students acquire the background knowledge and develop the laboratory skills that will allow them to tackle such issues as drug discovery, the molecular basis of diseases and the processes by which chemicals affect biological processes.

Chemistry and Chemical Biology students, who successfully complete the first three levels of an honours program, may request permission to transfer to graduate with the appropriate Bachelor of Science degree.

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Chemistry impacts all areas of our lives. Chemistry is integral to the development of products such as anti-cancer drugs, fuel cells and forensic analysis equipment.

Admission to Level II Honours Chemistry

Career Development Chemistry and Chemical Biology co-op

Completion of any Level I program

option is available with two 8-month

including:

work terms

Chemistry 1A03, 1AA3

in laboratory courses students use

Examples of Faculty Research Paul Ayers, Canada Research Chair in Theoretical Chemistry and Chemical Biology,

Math 1A03 or 1LS3

modern techniques and state-of-the-art,

was recruited to McMaster from Duke University

Physics 1B03

industry-recognized analytical equipment

in the U.S. In his early work as a graduate

4 courses from the Life Sciences I or Physical Sciences I Course Lists Specializations available beginning in Level III include: Advanced Materials Molecular Science Honours Chemistry may also be combined with the Origins Research Specialization.

Honours Chemical Biology Math 1A03 or 1LS3 Biology 1A03, 1M03 Chemistry 1A03, 1AA3

students are trained in computer-supported data interpretation and analysis the Senior Research Project course provides training in scientific research with a faculty supervisor opportunity for paid summer research positions undergraduate teaching assistantships and a departmental Outreach Program provide opportunities for teaching experience

Facilities

student and postdoctoral researcher, Ayers made significant achievements in the field of density functional theory and electron structure theory. He is using this basis of understanding the electron structure of huge molecules to develop a novel approach for predicting reaction pathways and products. His ground-breaking work holds the potential for developing a practical, reliable and broadly applicable method for predicting the products and detailed reaction mechanisms of chemical reactions that will generate advances in molecular biology and material design. Ultimately, his work will lead to improved design of new medicines and catalysts.

John Brennan, Canada Research Chair in

Physics 1B03 or 1L03

state-of-the-art research labs

Bioanalytical Chemistry, is using a highly

Two courses from either the Life

newly-renovated teaching labs

interdisciplinary approach to develop new

Sciences I or Physical Sciences I course lists

Possible Careers Chemistry and Chemical Biology graduates

undergraduate instrumentation of the calibre used in industry and government research labs McMaster Regional Centre for Mass Spectrometry

are always in high demand, and find

McMaster Nuclear Reactor

employment in various fields including:

NMR, X-Ray Diffraction and

academic and industrial research

Optical Spectroscopy facilities

biotechnology sector

undergraduate study room/lounge

environmental sector

Brockhouse Institute for

plastics and polymers pharmaceuticals/drug development medicine/dentistry/law teaching business.

Materials Research

matrices for the mobilization of functional biomolecules. The interaction between chemists and biochemists is a cornerstone of his research program. Backed by McMaster’s Brockhouse Institute for Materials Research, Brennan’s work intertwines materials science, biochemistry and analytical chemistry in a unique manner to produce new assays and analytical devices.

His advances have the potential to spin out new commercial products and companies, lead to improved point-of-care diagnostic devices and to revolutionize drug-screening technologies.

To find out more about our programs, faculty and research, please visit: www.chemistry.mcmaster.ca/ www.science.mcmaster.ca/spotlight

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Earth & Environmental Sciences

Two particular strengths in the School of Geography and Earth Sciences are the development of interdisciplinary research programs that integrate the earth and environmental sciences with human geography and the use of spatial analysis to investigate the geographical relationships between the environment and society.

Undergraduate Experience small class size award winning faculty

Focus of Study Earth and Environmental Sciences involves the interdisciplinary study of Earth’s dynamic systems and how these systems interact with human populations. The Honours Bachelor of Science programs offered by the school provides students with a broad, but thorough grounding in basic and applied science and include: Honours Earth and Environmental Sciences Honours Environmental Sciences Honours Geography and Environmental Sciences Numerous course offerings covering a wide range of Earth and Environmental Sciences topics including, aqueous environmental geochemistry; earth sciences; environmental hydrology and climate; and geographic information systems.

innovative teaching methodology

Honours students who successfully complete the first three levels of a program offered

engaging students through

by the school may request permission to transfer to graduate with a Bachelor of Science

hands-on learning many opportunities for field-based learning active undergraduate student society

degree in Environmental Sciences.

Facilities State-of-the-art undergraduate teaching lab for rock and mineral analysis, soil texture analysis and water analysis Geographic Information Systems (GIS) lab Lloyd Reed’s Map Collection housed in Mills Library with over 140,000 map sheets Stable and radiogenic isotope labs Centre For Climate Change Facilities off-campus for studying the natural environment includes the Niagara Escarpment, Royal Botanical Gardens and the Hamilton Region Conservation Authority (all within 10 minutes of campus).

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Admission to Level II

Possible Careers

Honours Earth & Environmental Sciences

Graduates find employment in a wide

Completion of any Level I program including:

range of private sector, government and

Two of: Environmental Science 1A03,

educational jobs including:

Examples of Faculty Research Pavlos Kanaroglou, Canada Research

consulting and planning

Chair in Spatial Analysis, is a world leader

Math 1A03 or 1LS3

exploration and mining geology

in transportation research. He is using

Chemistry 1A03 or 1R03

geographic information systems

mathematical modeling and spatial analysis to

Four of: Biology1A03, 1M03, Chemistry

conservation

1B03, 1G03

1AA3, Math 1AA3, 1B03, 1LT3, Physics

teaching

1B03, 1BA3, 1L03

research.

Honours Environmental Sciences Completion of any Level I program including: Two of Environmental Science 1A03, 1B03, 1G03

predict the choices people will make on public policy questions that range from childcare to housing to transportation and healthcare.

Spatial analysis provides planners with a

Internship and Field Courses

statistical tool to analyze complex relationships

The School of Geography and Earth

dimension. His research helps planners who

Sciences now offers Internship courses

and plan human activities in the spatial want to understand the environmental impact of expanding boundaries or building a new link

Math 1A03 or 1LS3

which allow students to integrate

Biology 1M03

academic learning to employment or

Four of: Astronomy 1F03, Biology 1A03,

volunteer opportunities. Students are able

new McMaster Institute for Transportation and

Chemistry 1A03, 1AA3, Computer

to combine employment placements in the

Logistics – an industry-government-university

Science 1FC3, 1MA3, 1MD3,

environmental industry (e.g. environmental

partnership focused on developing the most

Environmental Science 1A03, 1B03,

sampling and monitoring, pollution

efficient methods of transport and logistics of

1G03, Geography 1HA3, 1HB3,

prevention, environmental consulting,

Math 1AA3, 1B03, 1LS3, 1LT3,

etc.) or field/lab work with university

Medical Physics 1E03, Physics 1B03,

researchers, to an academic component.

1BA3, 1BB3, 1F03, 1L03, Psychology

The School also offers field courses which

and molecular biology to investigate and

1X03, 1XX3

give students the opportunity to combine

identify links between water quality and human

Honours Geography and

classroom knowledge and hands-on

health. Her work is hallmarked by innovative

Environmental Sciences

experience. These courses are conducted

Completion of any Level I program including:

locally (e.g. Niagara, Sudbury) or abroad

One of Environmental Science 1A03, 1B03, 1G03 One of Geography 1HA3 or 1HB3 Math 1A03 or 1LS3 Five of Astronomy 1F03, Biology 1A03, 1M03, Chemistry 1A03, 1AA3, Computer Science 1FC3, 1MA3, 1MD3, Environmental Science 1A03, 1B03, 1G03, Geography 1HA3, 1HB3,

(e.g. Costa Rica, Oman).

in their transportation network. Kanaroglou is also the director and driving force behind the

goods and people.

Lesley Warren, an aqueous geochemist, is spearheading an innovative research group that integrates geochemistry, microbiology

advancements in the conceptual understanding of how the biosphere and geosphere interact at the microorganism-environment level. And her approach has led to new discoveries about environmental processes – knowledge that is at the heart of geobiological linkages to infectious disease and environmental sustainability of our water resources.

To find out more about our programs, faculty and research, please visit: www.science.mcmaster.ca/geo www.science.mcmaster.ca/spotlight

Kinesiology 1Y03, 1YY3, Math 1AA3, 1B03, 1LT3, Medical Physics 1E03, Physics 1B03, 1BA3, 1BB3, 1F03, 1L03, Psychology 1X03, 1XX3.

The School of Geography and Earth Sciences at McMaster is an internationally recognized centre for graduate research and training.

Its strengths lie in the discovery, application and transfer of knowledge to issues and problems in the earth, environmental and geographical sciences.

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Life Sciences

McMaster's Honours and B.Sc. Life Sciences are interdisciplinary programs that build on courses from the departments of Biochemistry & Biomedical Sciences, Biology, Kinesiology, and Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour as well as the School of Geography & Earth Sciences.

Life Sciences students select courses from a diverse range of topics including: nutrition and metabolism, molecular biology, human anatomy and physiology, immunology, sensory processes, human learning and cognition, evolution ecology and environmental sciences.

Focus of Study Life Sciences courses are interdisciplinary investigations of diverse topics, including cell biology, nutrition and metabolism, neuroscience, human health, behavioural processes, evolution, ecosystem health and environmental sciences. Emphasizing connections between Biochemistry & Biomedical Sciences, Biology, Environmental & Earth Sciences, Kinesiology and Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour, this program is designed to give students a broad education in all aspects of the Life Sciences. Life Sciences at McMaster prepares students for a variety of careers in science and elsewhere by giving them a firm foundation in traditional scientific disciplines, while exposing them to multidisciplinary approaches to solving pressing problems.

Admission to Level II Honours Life Sciences Completion of any Level I program including:* Math 1A03 or 1LS3 Biology 1A03 and 1M03 Psychology 1X03 and 1XX3 Three courses from the Life Sciences I Course List Note: Physics 1B03 or 1L03 must be completed by end of Level II. Completion of Chemistry 1A03 and 1AA3 in Level I is strongly recommended. Honours Life Sciences may also be combined with the Origins Research Specialization.

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The explosion of knowledge and understanding in the traditional life sciences including biology, biochemistry and psychology is reshaping how scientists conduct research and transmit and apply knowledge.

Facilities

Possible Careers

modern, well-equipped labs

medicine

access to a range of field courses offered both locally

dentistry

and at remote sites

environmental research & consulting

inquiry-style courses that emphasize active learning

physiotherapy

small-group seminar courses and individual study projects

teaching

available in current research areas

Research Opportunities

medical/scientific writing clinical research environmental health & safety

Given the interdisciplinary nature of the program and the many faculty

laboratory technology

who are part of it, students are exposed to a wide range of exciting

health care support

and engaging research. In fact, the following list represents just a small sampling of projects completed by our Honours Life Sciences

Careers in Life Sciences

students under the supervision of a faculty member:

Due to the interdisciplinary approach of studies in the Life Sciences,

Human Nutrition

our students are preparing for careers in a variety of different fields.

Mitochondrial Dysfunction with Anti-HIV Medications

Their ability to integrate information across disciplines and work

The Pharmacy of Raspberry Leaf and Some of its Constituents

collaboratively with peers prepares them to be leaders and innovators

Physiology and Toxicology in Insects

in a wide number of careers.

Nutrition and Bone Development in Various Pediatric Disorders Honours Life Sciences students who have successfully completed the equivalent of three years of studies, may apply to graduate with the B.Sc. in Life Sciences.

To find out more about our programs, faculty and research, please visit: www.science.mcmaster.ca/lifesciences www.science.mcmaster.ca/spotlight

A degree in Life Sciences prepares you for: post-graduate studies in health-related fields including: medicine, dentistry, physiotherapy and pharmacy careers in law, policy, and ethics of the Life Sciences careers in environmental research and consulting careers in public awareness, media relations, journalism postgraduate studies in education within the Life Sciences teaching or assisting at various levels: elementary, high school, college, or university post-graduate studies in research in cross-disciplinary field.

For more information on careers in the Life Sciences, please visit www.science.mcmaster.ca/scce/index.html

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Mathematics & Statistics

The power of Mathematics & Statistics lies in its ability to isolate the essential characteristics of scientific phenomena and to incorporate these into models which reveal intrinsic properties and regularities leading to reliable predictions.

Study within the world of mathematics and statistics will prove to be of the greatest fascination and power. Mathematics & Statistics students who successfully complete the first three levels of an Honours

Focus of Study The Department offers the Honours Mathematics & Statistics program that may be completed on its own or as a specialization with one of: Mathematics Statistics Additionally, Honours Mathematics & Statistics may be completed with the Origins Research Specialization or as a combined degree with Biology, Computer Science or Physics. A more general course of study is also available through the B.Sc. Mathematical Sciences program.

Admission to Level II

program may request permission to transfer

Honours Mathematics & Statistics

to graduate with a Bachelor of Science

Completion of any Level I program including:

degree in Mathematical Sciences.

Math 1A03 or 1LS3 or 1X03 Math 1AA3 or 1LT3 or 1XX3 Math 1B03 Completion of Math 1C03 in Level I (or II) is strongly encouraged.

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Mathematics & Statistics is integral to modern science.

Study within the world of mathematics and statistics will prove to be of the greatest fascination and power.

Possible Careers Students graduating with a degree in Mathematics & Statistics have acquired powerful analytical reasoning and problem solving skills. Their value to the economy is evidenced by the wide variety of fields

Career Development co-op Mathematics & Statistics option available with two 8-month work terms core courses develop problem solving and analytical reasoning skills applied mathematics and statistics

in which they are making important

courses provide training in industry-

contributions, including:

recognized mathematical and

academic and industrial research actuarial science education environmental systems finance information technology

statistical software inquiry-based courses enhance written and oral technical communication skills actuarial science courses provide preparation for professional exams small advanced classes, reading courses

marketing research

and a summer research program allow

medical science

opportunity for mentorship by individual

statistical analysis.

faculty members

Learning Environment The Department of Mathematics & Statistics is housed in the James Stewart Centre for Mathematics in Hamilton Hall.

A recent renovation of this historic building has resulted in an award winning design which retains the classic exterior with a completely modernized and vertically integrated interior that has been tailored to facilitate dynamic interactions amongst undergraduate students, graduate students, post doctoral fellows and faculty. The Math CafĂŠ and Math Help Centre provide a social and intellectual centre. Numerous blackboards line the walls of the generous hallways which are set up with study tables to encourage undergraduates to work together and allow them unprecedented access to professors both during and outside of office hours.

Examples of Faculty Research Walter Craig, Canada Research Chair in Mathematical Analysis and its Applications, came to McMaster after teaching at the California Institute of Technology, Stanford University and Brown University. He specializes in partial differential equations – the mathematical language used to model the systems in the world around us that change over time. Craig looks at PDEs (partial differential equations) and their applications to a broad range of questions in fields as diverse as hydrodynamics and astrophysics. His work regularly crosses mathematical frontiers, especially with respect to physical phenomena featuring non-linear waves, involving questions of time evolution and dynamics. His work promises to address some major outstanding problems for which tidy mathematical solutions are not possible.

The results of his work will be a significant development in mathematical terms and will contribute to the mathematical tools available to researchers working in other disciplines.

David Earn, develops and analyzes mathematical models of biological systems, primarily for applications in epidemiology, ecology and animal behaviour. He is working to understand and control extinctions. From an ecological context, he investigates strategies for conservation of endangered species; from an epidemiological context, he studies strategies for eradication of parasites that cause infectious diseases – both, from a mathematical point of view, are very similar problems. He is also interested in the application of game theory to the evolutionary dynamics of behavioural traits. His work clarifies the adaptive significance of animal behaviour, ranging from cooperation and parental care to foraging and cannibalism.

To find out more about our programs, faculty and research, please visit: www.math.mcmaster.ca www.science.mcmaster.ca/spotlight

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Medical Physics & Applied Radiation Sciences

Medical Physics concerns the application

Honours Medical and Health Physics students who successfully complete the first three

of physics principles and techniques to the

levels of their Honours program, may request to transfer to graduate with a Bachelor of

diagnosis and treatment of disorders and

Science degree in Physical Sciences.

diseases in a clinical environment.

Health Physics concerns the actions taken to protect people and the environment

Honours Medical & Health Physics

from potentially harmful physical stimuli

Biology 1A03

(e.g. through the measurement and control

Two of Math 1A03, 1AA3, 1LS3, 1LT3

of ionizing radiation).

Chemistry 1A03, 1AA3

McMaster’s Honours Medical and Health

Physics 1B03

Physics program equips graduates with a

One of Math 1B03, Physics 1BA3 (1BB3)

strong skill set in physics and the associated

One course from the Physical Sciences I Course list

mathematics, both of which are included in a traditional physics degree. To these strengths

Facilities

are added discipline specific courses in

McMaster Nuclear Reactor

medical physics and radiation physics,

McMaster Accelerator Laboratory

and courses in other scientific disciplines

McMaster Institute of Applied Radiation Sciences

including biochemistry, biology and chemistry.

Medical Physics equipment used for diagnosis and therapy within the

This interdisciplinary background equips students to appreciate medical physics from a broader perspective than if they had followed a pure physics program.

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Admission to Level II

Juravinski Cancer Centre and Hamilton Health Sciences

The program in Medical and Health Physics equips our graduates with a strong core skill set in physics and mathematics. To these core strengths are added discipline specific courses in medical radiation physics plus courses in chemistry, biochemistry and biology.

Possible Careers Some graduates choose employment in Health Physics (radiation protection) with:

Examples of Faculty Research

research laboratories

Carmel Mothersill, Canada Research Chair in Radiobiology, is interested

regulatory authorities

in the effects of low-dose radiation. Specifically, she studies the effects

environmental consultants

of low-dose exposures to cells derived from humans and other species.

power generating utilities.

She is interested in the long-term changes in the behaviour cells:

Others work with:

changes, for example, in how they grow and how they communicate.

The information derived from Mothersill’s research helps put radiation

medical radiation source manufacturers

risks in context given the benefits of the medical use of radiation. Her

cancer clinics (physics assistant)

research will contribute to the understanding of the risks of ionizing

equipment developers and producers

radiation to humans and the environment following low-dose exposures

medical imaging technologies

and it will aid in developing cost effective protection policies.

information technology companies.

Doug Boreham, radiation biologist and NSERC (National Science and

A high proportion of graduates go on to Master’s programs in Medical Physics. A significant proportion of graduates also enter professional schools in:

Engineering Research Council) Industrial Research Chair (industry partners include Bruce Power and the CANDU Owner’s Group), has attracted millions of dollars in research support for McMaster University and is building Canada’s first biological microbeam to study the effects

medicine

of a single alpha particle in cells. He has over 22 years of radiation

business

research experience and his expertise involves radiation cancer risk

education law.

and genetic effects of radiation on living systems. After working for a decade at the Atomic Energy of Canada Limited, he joined McMaster’s faculty in 2000. Since that time, he has established four new

Co-op Opportunities

state-of-the-art radiation biology laboratories to study the biological

Students enter the co-op program in Level III, with the first 8-month

Mic Farquharson, is the chair of the Department of Medical Physics

work term beginning in the winter term (January). Students in this

and Applied Radiation Sciences and is a medical physicist specializing

program have conducted work terms in the following areas:

in low energy x-ray interactions to classify cancer tissue in terms

experimental cancer therapeutics development of diagnostic imaging techniques radiation monitoring and protection in Nuclear power stations quality assurance of therapeutic and diagnostic systems

effects of low dose radiation exposures in humans and non-human biota.

of being benign or malignant. Since taking up a post at McMaster in January 2009, Mic has developed an x-ray analysis laboratory on campus dedicated to materials analysis using x-ray techniques. The aim of his research is to develop a system for real-time analysis of tissue in surgical oncology as aid to determining surgical margins.

nuclear reactor operations

Other research includes investigating the role of trace metals in cancer

analysis of space flight physiological data

and this work involves extensive use of international synchrotron

radiation treatment planning

radiation facilities in order to map the distribution of these metals at a

hospital radiation safety

sub cellular resolution. His work will help target drug therapy regimes

intensity modulated radiation therapy assessment of radiation doses of children undergoing major surgery.

for cancer patients.

To find out more about our programs, faculty and research, please visit: www.science.mcmaster.ca/medphys www.science.mcmaster.ca/spotlight

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Physics

Physics applies powerful abstract reasoning and practical problem-solving approaches to questions ranging from the origin of space and time to the properties of matter.

Physicists are at the forefront of progress in instrumentation, measurement techniques and quantitative modeling in many areas, including lasers and optics, electricity and magnetism, material science and astrophysics.

Focus of Study You may choose a more general course of study in the Honours Physics program, or to add a specialization in: Astrophysics Biophysics Honours Physics may be combined with the Origins Research Specialization.

Admission to Level II Honours Physics Completion of any Level I program including:

Physics students who successfully complete

Two of Math 1A03, 1AA3, 1LS3, 1LT3

the first three levels of an Honours program

Chemistry 1A03, 1AA3

may request permission to transfer to

Physics 1B03

graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree

Physics 1BA3 or 1BB3

in Physical Sciences.

Two courses from the Physical Sciences I course list.

Facilities state-of-the-art research labs newly-renovated teaching labs William J. McCallion Planetarium high performance computing network, SHARCNET access to accelerator laboratories and telescopes worldwide McMaster Nuclear Reactor undergraduate study room/lounge Brockhouse Institute for Materials Research

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McMaster’s Department of Physics & Astronomy believes in education through experience at an undergraduate level. This is why our undergrads are encouraged to participate in ground-breaking research right alongside our professors, fellows and graduate students. Coupled with a varied curriculum, the skills our students develop are excellent preparation for careers in research or industry.

Possible Careers Students pursuing an undergraduate degree in Physics acquire a powerful set of problem-solving skills in demand throughout the economy. Physicists apply these skills

Examples of Faculty Research

in areas ranging from telecommunications to fuel cell design, and from medical imaging

Catharine Kallin, Canada Research Chair in

to financial modeling on Wall Street.

Quantum Materials Theory, studies condensed

They work in a wide variety of fields including: aerospace

information technology

biotechnology

medicine

energy production

nanotechnology

finance

teaching.

matter physics and quantum materials, including unconventional superconductors and novel magnetic materials. These materials of the 21st century hold a fascination for scientists because they exhibit different properties and behaviours.

Her work is directed towards the development of new devices, including applications for quantum

Career Development

computers, magnetic resonance imaging and satellite communication. She believes that

co-op Physics option available with two 8-month work terms

investigating new states of matter through

undergraduate Summer Research Program (20-30 students hired each summer)

studying quantum materials will change our

senior research project course provides training in scientific research with a faculty supervisor scientific computer courses provide training in modern scientific structured programming laboratory courses provide training in laboratory techniques and data interpretation undergraduate teaching assistantships and a departmental Outreach Program provide opportunities for teaching experience Physicists seek a deep understanding of nature and how it works both in everyday life and at the most fundamental level.

thinking about fundamental problems such as the nature of matter, yielding new ideas about elementary particle physics, and through them, about the early universe.

Cliff Burgess is one of Canada’s most prolific and highly cited particle theorists. His early work was dedicated to string theory – the concept that matter consists of small loops of “string,” dealing with high-energy physics – the search for the most elementary building blocks of nature and the forces through which they interact. More recently, Burgess’ research has taken a more phenomenological turn and lies at the interface between string theory and low-energy physics,

To find out more about our programs, faculty and research, please visit: www.physics.mcmaster.ca www.science.mcmaster.ca/spotlight

with a particular emphasis on early universe cosmology. He spent a year working at CERN, the European laboratory for particle physics, featured in the 2009 science-related blockbuster, Angels and Demons, and has since done some feature speaking on what the movie gets right and wrong about physics at CERN and elsewhere.

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Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour

Psychology is both a science and a practice.

As scientists we do research to understand thought, learning, perception, emotion, and behaviour. As practitioners we apply scientific understanding towards helping individuals, institutions and society deal with issues relating to behaviour and health.

Focus of Study Course offerings, reflecting the research strengths of our faculty, are in the following areas: Cognition & Perception – understanding how people mentally represent their experience and then use these representations to operate effectively.

Development – the study of the factors that affect physical, perceptual, cognitive, emotional, and social development from infancy through adulthood.

Evolution & Social Behaviour – the study of social cognition, development and behaviour, integrated with the study of non-human animal behaviour, physiology and behavioural evolution.

Systems and Behavioural Neuroscience – How does the brain work? Behavioural Neuroscientists study behaviour and its functional correlates in the brain with the goal of understanding the neural bases of psychological and behavioural responses.

The Music Cognition Specialization integrates arts and science into the study of music. Students will receive training in both music and psychology, take courses in how perception, cognition and neuroscience applies to music and engage in experiential learning, such as conducting experimental research or investigating how to apply scientific knowledge in music education.

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To find out more about our programs, faculty and research, please visit: www.science.mcmaster.ca/psychology | www.science.mcmaster.ca/spotlight

Admission to Level II

Possible Careers

Honours Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour

Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour is a diverse field of study

Completion of any Level I program including:

with utility in a wide range of academic, government, and industry

Biology 1A03, 1M03

professions. Students who graduate from our programs are well

Psychology 1X03, 1XX3

prepared for pursuing postgraduate training as well as careers in:

One of: Chemistry 1A03, Physics 1B03, 1L03

science

Math 1A03 or 1LS3

medicine

Two courses from the Life Sciences I Course List.

neuroscience

Honours Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour may be combined

law

with Biology or the Origins Research Specialization.

speech & hearing pathology

Honours Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour (B. Sc.) (Music Cognition Specialization) Completion of any Level I program including: Biology 1A03, 1M03 Psychology 1X03, 1XX3

clinical psychology biomedical sciences business teaching research.

One of: Chemistry 1A03, Physics 1B03, 1L03

Additionally, students completing the Music Cognition specialization

Math 1A03 or 1LS3

often pursue careers in music education, performance or therapy.

Music 1A03 or 1AA3 Two courses from the Life Sciences I Course List.

Examples of Faculty Research Mel Rutherford, Canada Research Chair in Social Perceptual

Laurel Trainor, an accomplished musician and researcher, is investigating

Development, is investigating how autistic children view movement

what infants perceive when they hear music or language. Her pioneering

and facial expressions in ways that are different from typical children,

work on the development of music perception using behavioural, EEG and

in order to improve both testing and treatment. Research suggests that

MEG methods has earned her international acclaim in both academic

autism affects at least 20 out of every 100,000 children, making the quest

circles and the popular press. Through the interdisciplinary McMaster

for treatments all the more urgent. Rutherford’s past research revealed

Institute of Music and the Mind – she is working with other researchers

that autistic children cannot differentiate between moving human figures

to learn how sound and musical structure are encoded in the nervous

and other moving, non-human objects. She is now using computer

system, how music and language are related in development, how

simulations of a human-like figure and gauging the response from both

specific musical training affects how the brain gets wired up, and how

autistic and typical children to determine if, either by themselves or with

music induces emotional responses.

training, autistic children will come to the same view as a typical child.

Her work will help diagnose autism and will offer new ways to help autistic children learn, develop and grow.

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Origins Research Specialization

Admission to Level II Origins Research Specialization Students must refer to the description for the Honours program that they seek to combine with the Origins Specialization for specific admission and program requirements.

Completion of admission requirements for an appropriate Honours program and at least the following courses: Math 1A03 or 1LS3 Physics 1B03 or 1L03 Chemistry 1A03

The Origins Institute is a leading transdisciplinary enterprise at McMaster University. Our mission is to explore the most-fundamental problems in 21st century science through six origins themes: space-time elements structure in the cosmos life species and biodiversity humanity.

To find out more about our programs, faculty and research, please visit: http://origins.mcmaster.ca

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The Origins Research Specialization is designed to allow students to participate in our activities by interacting with our members, meeting our visiting speakers and taking our courses.

Focus of Study Students register in an Origins Research Specialization in Level II, in combination with one of the following programs: Biochemistry & Biomedical Sciences Biology Chemistry

Possible Careers any career obtainable with the honours degree with which the specialization is combined a career in a transdisciplinary science (e.g. astrobiology, with NASA) editor for a journal like Nature or Science

Life Sciences Mathematics & Statistics Physics & Astronomy Psychology, Neurosciences, & Behaviour.

Students are introduced to general problems in Level II through two survey courses and a specially designed, literature-based seminar course. In Level III, students enrol in two (among six available) specialized courses, exploring particular interests among the six origins themes; students also enrol in a unique, research-based seminar course in which they discuss origins themes with leading scientists, who we invite to contribute to our colloquium series.

The curriculum culminates in an exciting Level IV undergraduate research thesis course, in which students interact with institute members investigating mutually interesting problems.

Facility Support resources available through honours degrees with which the specialization is combined research expertise and equipment available from Origins Institute members personal contact with speakers in the colloquium and public lecture series

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Honours Integrated Science ww w. sci e n ce . mcm aster. ca/i sci

Tackling the global challenges of pandemics, climate change or new energy sources requires a new breed of scientist prepared with the broadest of approaches, encouraged to ask creative, critical, interdisciplinary questions, and trained to answer these questions with a wide range of tools. The Faculty of Science at McMaster University has chosen to address these challenges with the creation of the Honours B.Sc. Integrated Science (iSci) Program.

Integrated Science is a unique program that emphasizes the relationships among all areas of science and directly involves students in interdisciplinary scientific research. iSci integrates knowledge and skills from biology, chemistry, computer science, earth science, mathematics, physics, and psychology using thematic modules, field work and laboratories.

What will distinguish iSci graduates?

They will... be broadly educated research scientists capable of

contributing to all modern fields of science. appreciate the types and range of scientific approaches

and analyses required to solve complex problems. possess not only specialist knowledge in their chosen

field but also the background to understand science in its broadest context. be extremely well-prepared for graduate studies

(Master’s or Ph.D.). have an ideal foundation for developing into future

scientific leaders.

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What is

?

Unique, interdisciplinary program Only 60 students selected per year Fully integrated studies throughout the four years, unlike any program that currently exists in Canada Opportunities to conduct research at an early stage and to work with faculty members on interdisciplinary research projects in laboratory and field settings Internships with government, industrial and community partners as well as projects to address scientific issues particularly relevant to modern society Focus on scientific literacy

Honours Integrated Science Program Curriculum Level I

Level II

Students will be taught by interdisciplinary ‘teams’ of faculty in an

Students will take 18 units of interdisciplinary iSci courses that

innovative 24-unit course that will involve fully integrated delivery

will involve integrated delivery of content across the following

of content across all science disciplines, with a particularly strong

scientific disciplines: biochemistry, biology, chemistry, earth science,

foundation in Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, Mathematics,

mathematics, neuroscience and physics. Students may also select a

Physics and Psychology.

Concentration using their 12-units of electives to 'specialize' in one of

Students will learn in a variety of environments ranging from informal work groups to tutorials, laboratories, field settings and formal lectures.

Integration of content will occur partly through ‘thematic modules’ that emphasize the links between disciplines and the relevance of these disciplines for issues facing modern societies.

Research projects include: Mission to Mars; Drugs, Diffusion and Biodistribution; Sustainable Energy Challenge; and Cancer: A 20th Century Plague.

the following areas: Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, Chemical Biology, Earth & Environmental Science, Mathematics & Statistics, Physics, Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour and Radiation Sciences.

Level III and IV Integrated Science courses will involve 12 units of course and laboratory work and 18 units of ‘specialist discipline’ electives each year.

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Admission Requirements Level I Program Required: 30 units 24 units – ISCI 1A24 6 units – Electives 1 course – SCIENCE 1A00 1 course – HTH SCI 1BS0

Applicants are required to complete a mandatory Supplementary Application Form which must be submitted electronically. The information provided enters into the selection process. Only applicants with high academic standing are selected.

The following are the minimum admission requirements: 1. English U (ENG4U) 2. Advanced Functions U (MHF4U) 3. Calculus and Vectors U (MCV4U) 4. Two of: Biology U (SBI4U), Chemistry U (SCH4U), Physics U (SPH4U) Students must present the required Grade 12 U and U/M courses with a minimum admission average in the high 80s to be considered for admission.

Note: Registration in Level I of the Integrated Science Program is limited to approximately 60 students each year.

Offers of Admission Offers of admission will be made in early May. Admission to the Honours Integrated Science Program is by selection. The purpose of the supplementary application is to help select students who are best suited to the curriculum, style of learning and demands of the program.

Mandatory Supplementary Application Deadline:

THURSDAY, February 3, 2011

“We should be thinking of different approaches to education that will foster interdisciplinary science and lead to students who are better able to take on the challenges of the future.”

Dr. J. Ellis Bell, Feb. 2007 ASBMB Today 21

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Typical Timetable – Term I Monday 8:30 am

Tuesday

Wednesday

Computer Lab

9:30 am

Thursday

Friday

iConS

iConS

Lab iConS

10:30 am 11:30 am 12:30 pm

Lab

1:30 pm 2:30 pm

iConS

iConS

Field Trip and/or Lab

Scientific Literacy

3:30 pm 4:30 pm 5:30 pm

Guest Lecture

iConS (Integrated Concept Seminars) are at the heart of the iSci week. iConS are where key concepts and links are introduced, where research project material is shared and faculty members interact with the iSci group.

Field trips will punctuate the schedule, challenging students to think about field work, the local environment and data collection outside the lab.

Labs begin by introducing students to essential scientific skills and techniques, and progress to include experiments based on research project objectives.

Students will learn how to design experiments, analyse data, and present results in a variety of formats. Students will be expected to take increasing responsibility for decision making in experimentation as the course progresses.

Guest Lectures will be presented by researchers, policy makers and industry leaders. Students will have the opportunity to learn from the wider population of practising scientists both within and outside McMaster.

Scientific Literacy Sessions are integrated with research project requirements for information management, written and oral communication skills, and the use of scientific literature. McMaster’s award-winning library resources, as well as a Science Fluencies Librarian, are an integral part of the iSci program. Outside the classroom students will be involved in individual and group research activities and will complete assignments focusing on the development of both core knowledge and professional skills.

Concentration Beginning in Level II, students in the Integrated Science program may decide to pursue a concentration in a discipline within the Faculty of Science. Concentrations are offered for the departments of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, Biology, Chemistry, Chemical Biology, Earth & Environmental Science, Mathematics & Statistics, Physics & Astronomy, and Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour and Radiation Sciences.

Level I Course Description ISCI 1A24 Integrated Science I This course integrates essential knowledge and skills from each of the fundamental scientific disciplines (biology, chemistry, earth science, mathematics, physics, and psychology) in the context of pertinent topics and projects. Interdisciplinary teams of instructors will teach core content, emphasizing links among different disciplines partly through the study of topical projects and ‘thematic modules.’ This course is equivalent to eight one-term courses and provides the prerequisites for all second year courses offered by the Faculty of Science. This course will emphasize inquiry-based learning and students will be involved in individual and team research projects in field and laboratory settings. Students will also develop scientific literacy skills through study of scientific writing and through practical writing experiences. This course serves as a prerequisite for all upper level courses in Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, Biology, Chemistry, Geography and Earth Sciences,

To learn more about the program please visit:

Mathematics & Statistics, Physics & Astronomy, and

www.science.mcmaster.ca/isci

Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour.

www.science.mcmaster.ca/spotlight

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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