Students in the Honours Life Sciences program can take advantage of the work-integrated learning courses offered in the program, LIFESCI 3EP3 and 4EP6. These courses provide students with the opportunity to explore career options and integrate academics with an unpaid volunteer, community or professional experience. These courses allow students to gain academic credit in addition to experience in an academically related field.
The work-integrated courses satisfy Experiential Learning Requirements (Course List C) in the Life Sciences Programs. The position cannot be paid, but it can be on campus or off campus. In addition to their placement, the student will also complete an academic component. Student evaluation will be done by the course coordinator and their placement supervisor. In work-integrated learning courses, students will develop several skills, including but not limited to: linking theory to practice, collaboration, problem solving, decision making, reflecting, and conceptualizing.
In all work-integrated learning courses, the student is responsible for finding their own supervisor. You should reach out immediately to potential supervisors to inquire if they are interested in taking you on as a placement student. The difference between the two work-integrated courses is that LIFESCI 3EP3 is a one-term course that requires a minimum of 60 hours of placement work whereas, LIFESCI 4EP6 is a two-term course that requires a minimum of 120 hours of placement work. You must be registered in Level III or above of a Life Sciences Program to be eligible to enroll in LIFESCI 3EP3 and registered in Level IV or above of a Life Sciences Program to be eligible to enroll in LIFESCI 4EP6. To register in these courses on Mosaic, you will first need to obtain permission from the placement supervisor you will be working with, in addition to the Course Coordinator.
Examples of Placements:
- Chiropractic/physiotherapy/optometrist office
- Dental/veterinarian clinic
- Teaching, developing teaching resources
- Community health programs
- Patent office, policy groups
- Science writing, art/animation
- Internship at a zoo
- Creating educational display in public parks
Questions? Look at the FAQ page to find an answer to some frequently asked questions. You can also contact us at sisip@mcmaster.ca or visit our office at ABB Room C501.
Expandable List
To apply, students must complete and submit documentation via the electronic application link below. All applications must be submitted at least 30 days prior to the beginning of the term that you wish to complete the course. You will also need to upload a copy of your most recent unofficial transcript in the application. Part of the application process requires the placement supervisor’s identity and their supervisory consent. Please ensure that you are prepared prior to completing the application.
PLEASE NOTE: In the online application you will be provided with links to the following documents, some of which you/your placement supervisor will have to complete and submit:
- LIFESCI 3EP3/4EP6 Course Outline
- LIFESCI Placement Supervisor Consent Form (to be completed by your placement supervisor; mandatory)
- Pre-Orientation Checklist (to be completed by student and supervisor; mandatory)
- Student Declaration of Understanding (complete only if placement is not with McMaster)
- Letter to Placement Employers (complete only if placement is not with McMaster)