New LIFESCI and SCICOMM Courses Approved for the 2023-2024 Calendar

There are three new courses that have been to be added to the 2023-2024 Undergraduate Calendar that impact the Academic Calendars within the School of Interdisciplinary Science!

The three courses that have been added are:

1. LIFESCI 3W03
2. LIFESCI/SCICOMM 3PP3
3. SCICOMM 4A03

These courses will be available to take in the Winter 2024 semester. Their course outlines will be available late October 2023. You can read more about these courses below or on the undergraduate calendar website.

Please note that courses are:

• not necessarily offered in every term;
• may be subject to enrolment limitations;
• may have requisites that must be satisfied before enrolment.

1. LIFESCI 3W03 – Genetic and Epigenetic Determinants of Health: Role in Health Disparity

   3 unit(s)

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   In this course, students will be introduced to the genetic and epigenetic determinants of health. Through case studies and the recent literature, students will explore the genetic and epigenetic causes of health disparities in various groups, including Indigenous and racialized populations.
   Lectures (three hours); one term
   Prerequisite(s): BIOLOGY 2C03 or LIFESCI 2G03; and registration in Level III or above of an Honours program in the Faculty of Science

2. SCICOMM 3PP3 – Communicating Science for Professional Audiences

   3 unit(s)

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   In this course, students practice communicating science in different formats for varied professional audiences, such as other scientists, clinicians, investors, regulatory bodies and policymakers. They also critically analyze how professional science communication can influence public perceptions of science.
   Lectures (two hours), virtual tutorials (one hour); one term
   Prerequisite(s): SCICOMM 2A03 and registration in Level III or above of an Honours Life Sciences program
   Antirequisite(s): ISCI 2A18 A/B
   Cross-list(s): LIFESCI 3PP3
   Life Sciences students interested in this offering should refer to LIFESCI 3PP3.

3. SCICOMM 4A03 – Independent Project in Science Communication

   3 unit(s)

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   In this course, students work with an academic supervisor on a research or creative project in science communication. More information and the online application can be found on the School of Interdisciplinary Science (SIS) website. Students are responsible for arranging a suitable independent project and supervision and are required to submit an online application thirty days prior to the date classes begin in each term (see the Sessional Dates section of this Calendar).
   Normally students will complete 60 hours of independent study work through the duration of the course.
   Prerequisite(s): One of LIFESCI 3P03, 3PP3, SCICOMM 3P03, 3PP3; and registration in Level IV or above of an Honours program and permission of the supervising faculty member and the School of Interdisciplinary Science (SIS)

Please reach out to sis@mcmaster.ca with any questions or concerns about these courses or enrolment.