BSc Honours Biology and Psychology Neuroscience and Behaviour

At McMaster, Biology and Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour (PNB) students immerse themselves in a dynamic research environment recognised among Canada’s best. You’ll benefit from access to world-class research centres, institutes, and core platforms, including the Biology Greenhouse—a living laboratory for plant biology, ecology, and outreach—and state-of-the-art labs for molecular, cellular, and behavioural research.

• Host funded research projects and summer internships with programs like the NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Awards (USRA) and gain 16 weeks of paid lab experience with McMaster's top researchers

• Participate in practicums in research (PNB 3QQ3/4QQ3) and contribute to established studies in neurobiology, cognition, or behavioural science, and participate with state-of-the-art equipment and real data

• Display research efforts at undergraduate conferences and university symposiums to establish communication skills and professional contacts

• Collaborate with external research institutes and partners, such as the Hamilton Health Sciences Centre or the Father Sean O'Sullivan Research Centre, for experience in translational and clinical research

• Take advantage of centralised, leading-edge facilities for DNA sequencing, NMR spectroscopy, electron microscopy, and live animal research to support your thesis, practicum, or independent study projects

• Partner with faculty on interdisciplinary research that addresses real-world problems in health, sustainability, and society with support from McMaster's strategic research plan and innovation programs

This high-caliber environment enables you to graduate with technical, analytical, and teamwork competencies necessary for research, graduate studies, or professional professions in neuroscience, biology, and more

McMaster University’s BSc Honours Biology and Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour program introduces students to a dynamic interdisciplinary curriculum that combines biological sciences with behavioural and cognitive neuroscience. Graduates are highly employable, moving into roles such as research scientist (e.g., Rotman Research Institute), behavioural neuroscientist (e.g., Centre for Addiction and Mental Health), laboratory technologist (e.g., Hamilton Health Sciences), clinical research coordinator (e.g., St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton), mental health professional, and science educator. Many alumni also pursue further studies in medicine (e.g., McMaster’s Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine), dentistry, pharmacy, neuroscience, psychology, or graduate research at top institutions in Canada and abroad.

Here’s how McMaster supports your future:

• Career Services & Experiential Learning: The Science Career and Cooperative Education (SCCE) office provides personalised career advising, résumé and cover letter workshops, job fairs, and networking events. Students benefit from access to research placements and internships through SCCE, and McMaster’s partnerships with Hamilton Health Sciences, St. Joseph’s Healthcare, and local mental health agencies provide valuable clinical and research placement opportunities.

• Employment Stats & Salary: While McMaster does not publish program-specific employment rates, biology and neuroscience graduates in Ontario typically start between $45,000–$60,000 CAD per year, with higher earnings for those who pursue graduate studies or specialised clinical and research roles.

• Industry Partnerships & Research: Students benefit from faculty collaborations with organisations such as the Rotman Research Institute, CAMH, Hamilton Health Sciences, and projects funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC). These partnerships offer opportunities for internships, fieldwork, and exposure to cutting-edge research in neuroscience, psychology, and biology. Students can participate in research labs from their second year, and in their fourth year may complete a research thesis supervised by faculty from either Biology or PNB, often resulting in conference presentations or publications.

• Accreditation: The BSc Honours Biology and Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour is fully recognised in Canada and internationally, and fulfils prerequisites for graduate and professional programs in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, neuroscience, psychology, and education.

• Graduate Outcomes: Students develop strong analytical, research, and scientific communication skills through advanced coursework, lab-based classes, and independent research. The curriculum covers molecular biology, neurophysiology, cognition, learning, and behaviour, preparing graduates for employment in research, healthcare, education, and industry, as well as for advanced study.

Further Academic Progression: After your BSc Honours Biology and Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour at McMaster, you can pursue a Master’s (MSc) or PhD in neuroscience, psychology, 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, faculty mentorship, and extensive clinical and research partnerships.