iSci Honours Integrated Science

You’ll learn in the dedicated iSci Lab—a 3,000+ square foot, multidisciplinary space with Canada’s first neutrodine™-filtered ductless fume hoods—where you’ll perform over 25 experiments and workshops in your first year alone. The iSci program is based on the third floor of Thode Library, offering exclusive access to the iStudy student space and administrative support. Experiential learning is at the heart of the program, including:

• Weekly biology, chemistry, physics, earth science, and neuroscience lab sessions

• Field labs and fieldwork in local and regional settings

• Inquiry-based research projects in team and individual research with practical application

• Opportunities to specialise and conduct research in your area of focus

• Collaborations and internships with government, industry, and community partners for research

• Scientific literacy training integrated scientific writing, presentations, ethics, and information literacy

• Applied Placement (SCIENCE 3EP3) and Research Practicum (SCIENCE 3RP3) courses in community or research experience

• Access to cutting-edge lab equipment and computer resources

McMaster University’s iSci Honours Integrated Science program introduces students to a research-intensive, interdisciplinary science education. Graduates are highly employable, moving into roles such as interdisciplinary research scientist, science policy advisor, laboratory technologist, environmental consultant, data analyst, science educator, and science communicator. Many alumni also pursue further studies in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, law, education, or graduate research in a chosen scientific discipline.

Here’s how McMaster supports your future:

• Career Services & Experiential Learning: The iSci program is designed around inquiry-based, hands-on learning, with students engaging in team and individual research projects, laboratory experiments, and fieldwork from the first year onward. Students have access to experiential education courses such as SCIENCE 3EP3 (Applied Placement) and SCIENCE 3RP3 (Research Practicum), allowing them to gain academically relevant experience in community, research, or professional settings. The iSci lab offers over 3,000 square feet of multidisciplinary lab space, supporting more than 25 experiments and workshops in the first year alone. Students also benefit from close mentorship and collaboration with faculty and have opportunities to work on research projects with government, industry, and community partners.

• Employment Stats & Salary: While McMaster does not publish program-specific employment rates, the iSci program’s interdisciplinary and research-intensive approach makes graduates highly competitive for jobs in research, education, science communication, policy, and consulting. Graduates who pursue further studies in health professions or advanced science degrees are well prepared for admission to competitive programs.

• Industry Partnerships & Research: iSci students participate in research collaborations and internships with government, industrial, and community partners. The program integrates scientific literacy, teaching students to develop scientific writing, presentation, and ethical research skills. Students often work closely with faculty on research projects in laboratory and field settings, and the program’s structure encourages interdisciplinary thinking and problem-solving.

• Accreditation: The Honours Integrated Science BSc is fully recognised in Canada and internationally, and fulfils prerequisites for graduate and professional programs in science, health, law, and education.

• Graduate Outcomes: Students develop advanced analytical, research, teamwork, and scientific communication skills. The curriculum covers the foundations of chemistry, earth science, life science, mathematics, and physics, and students may pursue a concentration in a specific discipline (e.g., Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Mathematics & Statistics, Physics, Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour) from Level II onward, allowing for both breadth and depth in scientific training.

Further Academic Progression: After your iSci Honours Integrated Science degree at McMaster, you can pursue a Master’s (MSc) or in a chosen scientific field, or enter professional programs such as medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, law, or education. The program’s strong emphasis on research, interdisciplinary learning, and scientific communication provides an excellent foundation for advanced study and diverse career paths.