BSc Honours Biology and Mathematics

You’ll gain practical skills in McMaster’s state-of-the-art labs and research core facilities, working with leading faculty in mathematical and computational biology. The program offers hands-on experience in:

• The Living Systems Laboratory and Cell Biology Laboratory for experimental biology

• The Canadian Centre for Electron Microscopy (CCEM) and Centre for Advanced Light Microscopy (CALM) for high-resolution microscopy

• The McMaster Genomics Facility for DNA sequencing and bioinformatics facilities

• The Centralised Facilities for electron microscopy, NMR spectroscopy, and DNA synthesis

• Mathematical biology and modelling courses such as MATH 3MB3 and MATH 4MB3, applying mathematics in real biological systems

• Research studies and independent learning with faculty in biology, mathematics, and statistics

• Group work, collaborative learning, and peer-led tutorials

• Science Career and Cooperative Education (SCCE) services for co-op and internship (first Level III)

McMaster University’s BSc Honours Biology and Mathematics program introduces students to an interdisciplinary curriculum that bridges life sciences with quantitative analysis. Graduates are highly employable, moving into roles such as mathematical biologist, bioinformatician, data analyst, research scientist, quantitative ecologist, biostatistician, and science educator. Many alumni also pursue further studies in computational biology, bioinformatics, epidemiology, graduate research, or professional programs in medicine, dentistry, or pharmacy.

Here’s how McMaster supports your future:

• Career Services & Experiential Learning: The Science Career and Cooperative Education (SCCE) office offers personalised career advising, résumé workshops, job fairs, and access to research, co-op, and internship opportunities in both academic and industry settings. Students can participate in experiential education through research practicums, applied placement courses, and undergraduate science internships, gaining hands-on experience in mathematical modelling, data analysis, and biological research. Access to state-of-the-art facilities, including the Cell Biology Laboratory, Living Systems Laboratory, and advanced computing labs, supports interdisciplinary research and skill development.

• Employment Stats & Salary: While McMaster does not publish program-specific rates, biology and math graduates in Ontario typically start between $45,000–$60,000 CAD per year, with higher earnings for those who pursue graduate studies or specialised roles in bioinformatics, data science, or quantitative research. The program’s interdisciplinary training makes graduates highly competitive for jobs in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, health analytics, environmental consulting, and academic research.

• Industry Partnerships & Research: The program prepares students for emerging fields like biomathematics, computational biology, and bioinformatics, which are used in genomics, proteomics, pharmaceutical development, biodiversity, and conservation genetics. Students can engage in research projects with faculty in both the Biology and Mathematics & Statistics departments, and have opportunities to collaborate with local hospitals, research institutes, and industry partners in the Hamilton area. Courses such as Scientific Computing, Intro to Bioinformatics, and Modelling of Life provide direct experience at the interface of mathematics and biology.

• Accreditation: The BSc Honours Biology and Mathematics is fully recognised in Canada and internationally, and fulfils prerequisites for graduate and professional programs (e.g., computational biology, epidemiology, medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, education).

• Graduate Outcomes: Students develop strong analytical, quantitative, research, and scientific communication skills. The curriculum covers core biology (e.g., Cellular and Molecular Biology, Biodiversity, Genetics) and advanced mathematics (e.g., Calculus for Science, Probability, Statistics, Mathematical Modelling), with flexibility to tailor course selection to individual interests. Graduates are well prepared for both employment and advanced study, with a unique skill set bridging the life and mathematical sciences.

Further Academic Progression: After your BSc Honours Biology and Mathematics at McMaster, you can pursue a Master’s (MSc) in computational biology, bioinformatics, mathematical biology, or related fields at McMaster or other universities. The program also prepares you for professional degrees in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, or education, supported by McMaster’s strong interdisciplinary research environment and faculty mentorship