Students in the Honours Life Sciences program can take advantage of the many research-based courses offered in the program. Students interested in graduate school and career options in academia and research are encouraged to enroll in LIFESCI 3RP3, 4A03, 4B09, 4C12, or 4D15.

The research-based courses satisfy the Experiential Learning Requirements (Course List C) in the Life Sciences Programs. The position cannot be paid. Student evaluation will be done by the research supervisor.

In all research-based courses, the student is responsible for finding their own research supervisor. You should reach out immediately to potential supervisors at McMaster University to inquire if they will have any opportunities. If you are having difficulty finding a research supervisor, you can contact sisip@mcmaster.ca for help and guidance. We cannot guarantee or find a placement for you, but we will try our best to provide tips on how to connect with a potential supervisor. To register in these courses on Mosaic, you will first need to obtain permission from the research supervisor you will be working with, in addition to the Course Coordinator.

Questions? Look at the FAQ page to find an answer to some frequent asked questions. You can also contact us at sisip@mcmaster.ca or visit our office at ABB Room C501.

LIFESCI 3RP3: Research Practicum

The research practicum course provides students registered in Level III or higher of the Life Sciences programs an opportunity to explore research as a potential avenue by conducting a small project at the laboratory or clinic of a faculty member at McMaster University. This course is recommended for students who are interested in completing a Level IV thesis course as it provides a glimpse into the rigors of research. You should expect to spend approximately 5 hours/week during one term working on your lab or clinical project.

In this course, you will:

• Develop your scientific methodology and/or laboratory skills, time management, communication, and professionalism
• Work closely with a supervisor to articulate a research question and a testable hypothesis.
• Create a timeline for the completion of the project.
• Gain knowledge in an area of research by reading the scientific literature.

LIFESCI 4A03: Independent Study

The independent study course provides students in the Life Sciences programs an opportunity to explore research as a potential avenue by conducting a small project at the laboratory or clinic of a faculty member at McMaster University. This course is not recommended for students who are interested in completing a Level IV thesis course because LIFESCI 4A03 is an antirequisite. This course is recommended for students in Level IV who are interested in exploring research but does not want to commit to a multi-term course. You should expect to spend approximately 5 hours/week during one term working on your lab or clinical project.

In this course, you will:

• Develop your scientific methodology and/or laboratory skills, time management, communication, and professionalism
• Work closely with a supervisor to articulate a research question and a testable prediction.
• Create a timeline for the completion of the project.
• Gain knowledge in an area of research by reading the scientific literature.
• Communicate the outcome of your research project.

 

LIFESCI 4B09/4C12/4D15: Independent Project & Thesis Courses

The independent project and thesis courses provide students registered in Level IV of an Honours Life Sciences program the opportunity to complete a research project/thesis under the supervision of a faculty member at McMaster University. Students should expect to spend approximately 15 hours (LIFESCI 4B09), 20 hours (LIFESCI 4C12) or 25 hours (LIFESCI 4D15) per week in preparation and research. Please communicate with your supervisor(s) to determine your schedule.

In these courses, you will:

• Develop competencies in the areas of (1) depth of knowledge, (2) scientific methodology and/or laboratory skills, (3) time management, (4) communication, and (5) professionalism.
• Work closely with a supervisor to articulate a research question and a testable hypothesis.
• Create a timeline for the completion of a project.
• Gain knowledge about in an area of research by reading the scientific literature.
• Learn and conduct ethical practices in the collection and storage of data.
• Communicate the outcome of your research project