iSci Assessment is designed to be aligned with the research-based, innovative learning methods developed for the program. Assessed activities will be varied and challenging, and will allow students to demonstrate the full range of competencies gained during the course.

Assignments for project work vary but will include writing, oral presentation or the creation of materials for a specified audience. This gives students the opportunity to experience the professional processes of writing research papers and proposals, creating funding bids and communicating scientific information to non-specialists.

Course Timetables for ISCI 1A24, 2A18, 3A12 and 4A12 are available via the undergraduate timetable. Please note that timetables for 2A18, 3A12 and 4A12 may change from Term 1 to Term 2.

Attendance is expected at ALL iConS, laboratories and tutorials.

• C01 traditionally reflects iConS classes. Class content will change from week to week. iConS are called C01 in the Master Course Timetable found on the McMaster website.
• T01 traditionally refers to a tutorial slot. These slots may sometimes be tutorials, but will also be iCons. None of these tutorial sessions are optional.
• L01 & L02 are lab sections. On each Wednesday and Friday, you will need to attend one of the lab sections. You will be placed into the appropriate lab section and don’t need to choose this yourself. The Friday lab is scheduled for six hours but will not run this long each week. Labs typically last about three hours but some weeks you will go on field trips and others you will have project presentations during this time.

When you first register on Mosaic, you will not be able to pick a lab section. When Mosaic closes in June/July you will be put into a lab section for you based on your elective choices.

Electives cannot conflict with ISCI 1A24. Please do not schedule an elective class when you are expected to be in ISCI 1A24 class time. If you have any trouble scheduling your elective courses, please contact Academic Program Advisor or Administrator.

Official McMaster Transcripts will contain one grade for an entire ISCI course (e.g. ISCI 1A24). A Program Transcript can also be issued so students can see discipline-specific proficiencies and share these with future educators and employers.

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Please note: * Transcripts may take 3-4 weeks to process during peak times of enrollment. Thank you you for your patience.

Starting in Level II, students have the option of pursuing a Concentration, which combines iSci with the equivalent of a combined honours in another scientific discipline. Please click on the links below to learn more about the specific requirements associated with these Concentration.

Each concentration also has an associated Course Planning Sheet. The course planning sheets offer suggestions of course scheduling only. Students are encouraged to consult with departmental undergraduate advisors for advice about course selection and specific concentration requirements prior to registration. Please note that these planning sheets are not specific to the current academic year. Please check the Master timetable to determine when courses are offered when planning your schedule.

If you have questions specific to a department other than iSci, refer to the Faculty of Science Department Contacts list.

Explore the following Concentrations:

• Biochemistry Concentration (For students who entered in September 2021 or prior)
• Biology Concentration
• Chemical Biology Concentration
• Chemistry Concentration
• Earth & Environmental Sciences Concentration
• Environmental Sciences Concentration
• Geography and Environmental Sciences Concentration (For students who entered in September 2019 or prior)
• Mathematics & Statistics Concentration
• Medical & Biological Physics Concentration
• Physics Concentration
• Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour Concentration
• Sustainable Chemistry

The iSci progam at McMaster has developed a formal exchange program with the University of Leicester in the United Kingdom. The University of Leicester ranks 13th in “The Guardian’s University Guide 2014” for UK educational institutions. It offers a wide range of courses; however the iSci exchange is specific to the innovative Natural Sciences Program (formerly known as Interdisciplinary Science).

Although natural sciences is a common program in the UK, Natural Sciences at the University of Leicester is the first program of its kind in the UK and has been running since 2005. Learning is guided by problem-based modules, each of which leads students to investigate an interdisciplinary area of science. In addition to core modules, students can also choose from a variety of specialized streams, such as science and sustainability, mathematical modelling and management, to widen their experience.

iSci students entering Level III who have successfully completed ISCI 2A18 with a cumulative average of at least 6.0 can choose to apply to a one- or two-semester exchange in Leicester. Students will be able to select Natural Sciences modules, completing two core modules (research projects) per term, tailoring the course to suit their own areas of interest.

Learn more about the Natural Sciences Program, you can learn more at the University of Leicester’s The Centre for Interdisciplinary Science. For more information about the University of Leicester, please visit their website.

Leicester is a well-connected, vibrant city in the UK Midlands, within easy reach of major airports, rail and motorways. Explore the city of Leicester.

The iTeach team has put together resources in Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Math for you to use to prepare for September. We recommend that you read through them all in order to give yourself the most comfortable start in iSci. The materials help outline what we count as high school review and having it fresh in your mind will help you in your iSci classes and projects. If the materials identify that there are particular areas you did not cover in High School or that you realize you do not fully understand, make a note of them and we will help you when you arrive.

If you did not complete one of the science subjects at the grade 12 level (Biology, Chemistry, or Physics) you must go through that subject’s Summer Top-up material fully before September 1.