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5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
McMaster UniversityHonours Molecular Biology and Genetics Co-op BSc at McMaster University is a five-year, on-campus program that blends advanced molecular genetics coursework with three paid, eight-month co-op work terms. You’ll develop expertise in genomics, cell biology, and molecular techniques while building a professional resume through real-world research and industry placements.
Curriculum structure
Year 1: You'll build your scientific base in BIOLOGY 1A03 (Cellular and Molecular Biology), BIOLOGY 1M03 (Biodiversity, Evolution and Humanity), CHEM 1A03/1AA3 (Introductory Chemistry I & II), MATH 1LS3 (Calculus for Life Sciences I), and PHYSICS 1A03 or 1C03. These modules provide basic background in molecular biology, genetics, chemistry, and quantitative analysis
Year 2: Focuses on the principles of molecular biology and genetics and includes BIOLOGY 2A03 (Integrative Physiology of Animals), BIOLOGY 2B03 (Cell Biology), BIOLOGY 2C03 (Genetics), BIOLOGY 2EE3 (Introduction to Microbiology and Biotechnology), BIOLOGY 2F03 (Fundamental and Applied Ecology), STATS 2B03 (Statistical Methods for Science), and CHEM 2OA3/2OB3 (Organic Chemistry I & II). You’ll also complete a second physics course if not done in Year 1. These courses combine lectures and labs, building advanced skills in experimental design, data analysis, and laboratory techniques
Year 3: You'll complete your Fall term on campus with 15 units of upper-level molecular biology and genetics classes (e.g., MOLBIOL 3D03, BIOCHEM 3G03) and SCIENCE 3C00 (Co-op Preparation), which prepares you for your work terms. The Winter and Spring/Summer terms are comprised of your first eight-month, paid co-op work term (SCIENCE 3WT0), where you'll apply your skills in a molecular biology or genetics-related co-op placement
Year 4: Includes two academic semesters (Fall and Winter) of 15 units of Level IV advanced courses in Molecular Biology and Genetics (for example, MOLBIOL 4C03 (Advanced Topics in Molecular Biology) or MOLBIOL 4G12 A/B (Senior Thesis)) followed by your second eight-month co-op work term (SCIENCE 4WT0) in the Spring/Summer
Year 5: Begins with your final eight-month co-op work term (SCIENCE 5WT0) in the Fall, and you return to campus in the Winter to complete any remaining academic requirements and your Senior Thesis (MOLBIOL 4G12 A/B), in which you'll carry out original research under faculty supervision and present your findings
Focus areas: Molecular genetics, genomics, cell biology, bioinformatics, gene regulation, microbiology, developmental biology, cancer genetics
Learning outcomes: Molecular laboratory techniques, experimental design, data analysis, scientific communication, bioinformatics, professional workplace skills
Reputation (employability rankings): QS World University Rankings: Top 200 globally for Biological Sciences; McMaster is research-intensive with strong graduate outcomes
You’ll complete three paid, eight-month co-op work terms in molecular biology and genetics-related placements, gaining substantial experience in research labs, biotech companies, or healthcare organisations. The program features:
Upper-level lab courses with cutting-edge molecular, genetic, and bioinformatics techniques
Access to McMaster's research core facilities, including the McMaster Genomics Facility, Centre for Advanced Light Microscopy, and Canadian Centre for Electron Microscopy
SCIENCE 3C00 (Co-op Preparation) and SCIENCE 3WT0/4WT0/5WT0 (Co-op Work Terms) for career preparation
Senior Thesis (MOLBIOL 4G12 A/B) with independent research, data analysis, and formal presentation
Workshop on workplace communication, ethics, and career planning
Opportunities to make presentations at undergraduate research conferences and professional networking events
McMaster University’s BSc Honours Molecular Biology and Genetics Research Specialisation Co-op program introduces students to advanced scientific training with integrated professional experience. Graduates are highly employable, moving into roles such as research scientist, genetic counsellor, laboratory technologist, clinical research associate, bioinformatician, biotechnologist, and science educator. Many alumni also pursue further studies in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, graduate research (MSc/PhD), or work in the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, agriculture, and environmental sectors.
Here’s how McMaster supports your future:
Career Services & Experiential Learning: The program features two eight-month paid co-op work terms that must be in molecular biology and genetics-related placements, giving students extensive hands-on experience in research labs, hospitals, biotech companies, or government agencies before graduation. Students also benefit from research practicums, applied placement courses, and undergraduate science internships. The Science Career and Cooperative Education (SCCE) office provides career advising, résumé workshops, job fairs, and networking events to help students secure relevant co-op positions and prepare for their careers.
Employment Stats & Salary: While McMaster does not publish program-specific employment rates, biology and genetics 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 biotech, healthcare, or research. The research specialisation and co-op experience make graduates highly competitive for positions in research, clinical labs, and the growing biotechnology sector.
Industry Partnerships & Research: Students participate in advanced laboratory and course work covering microbiology, developmental biology, evolutionary processes, animal and plant diseases, bioinformatics, gene regulation, the human genome, and cancer genetics. Co-op placements are arranged with hospitals, research institutes, biotech companies, and government agencies, providing exposure to real-world scientific problems and professional networks. Students also have opportunities to contribute to faculty-led research projects and may present their work at conferences or contribute to scientific publications.
Accreditation: The BSc Honours Molecular Biology and Genetics Research Specialisation Co-op is fully recognised in Canada and internationally, and fulfils prerequisites for graduate and professional programs (medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, education).
Graduate Outcomes: Students develop advanced laboratory, analytical, and scientific communication skills through coursework and co-op terms in molecular biology, genetics, microbiology, developmental biology, evolutionary biology, and bioinformatics. The program’s research focus and co-op integration ensure graduates are well prepared for employment in research, healthcare, education, and industry, as well as for advanced study and professional certification.
Further Academic Progression: After your BSc Honours Molecular Biology and Genetics Research Specialisation Co-op at McMaster, you can pursue a Master’s (MSc) in molecular biology, genetics, 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 research environment, faculty mentorship, and extensive industry partnerships
Enrolment in this program is limited. Selection is based on academic achievement and an interview but requires, as a minimum, submission of the on-line application by the stated deadline, completion of Level II of the Honours Molecular Biology and Genetics program with a Grade Point Average of at least 5.0.English test results: IELTS 6.5 (no band below 6.0), TOEFL iBT 86Direct entry from high school is NOT available. Step 1: Apply to and complete McMaster’s Level I Life Sciences Gateway or Science I program in your first year. Step 2: At the end of Level I, apply for admission to the Honours Molecular Biology and Genetics program (Level II)Required first-year courses: Biology: BIOLOGY 1A03 and BIOLOGY 1M03, Chemistry: CHEM 1A03 and CHEM 1AA3, Mathematics: MATH 1A03 or 1LS3, Physics: PHYSICS 1A03 or 1C03. Average of at least 6.0 between these courses120 units total (Levels I–IV), with no more than 48 units at Level IGCE: Five GCSE/IGCSEs (grade C or higher); three A Levels (grade C or higher) including Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and English (Level I entry)IB: Full IB Diploma; Biology, Chemistry, and Mathematics (SL or HL); minimum overall score 34; English HL or SL (minimum 4) (Level I entry)U.S.-Patterned: High school diploma with B+ average (87–90%+); Grade 12 Biology, Chemistry, and Mathematics (including Calculus); English proficiency (Level I entry)Apply to Level I Life Sciences Gateway or Science I via the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC)GeneticistMolecular BiologistResearch ScientistBioinformaticianClinical Laboratory ScientistGenetic CounsellorBiotech SpecialistForensic ScientistBiomedical ScientistPharmaceutical Research Associate
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