Students in the Honours Life Sciences program can take advantage of many Independent Study courses offered in the program. Students interested in graduate school and career options in academia and research are encouraged to enroll in LIFE SCI 3RP3, 4A03, 4B09 or 4C12.
The following courses satisfy Experiential Learning Requirements (Course List C) in the Life Sciences Programs.
LIFESCI 3RP3: Research Practicum
The research practicum course provides students in the Life Sciences programs an opportunity to explore potential research projects while volunteering in the laboratory or clinic of a faculty member at McMaster University. The student will complete a research proposal in addition to the placement.
You should reach out immediately to potential supervisors at McMaster University to inquire if they will have any such opportunities.
Contact sisip@mcmaster.ca in case you are having difficulty . We cannot guarantee or find a placement for you but we will try our best to assist you in connecting with a potential supervisor/placement.
Expandable List
Students will spend 5-10h/week in the laboratory or clinic during the placement; one term
- Review the methods of evaluation for your intended course:
- Complete the required electronic application.
Please note: In the application linked above, you will be asked to complete and submit the following documents in full:
- LIFE SCI 3RP3/ 4A03/4B09/4C12/4D15 (mandatory)
- Student Declaration of Understanding (mandatory, if placed at non-McMaster site)
30 days prior to beginning of each term you wish to complete the course.
LIFE SCI 4A03/4B09/4C12/4D15 : Project & Thesis Courses
The Independent Study courses provide students registered in Level IV of an Honours Life Sciences program the opportunity to complete an independent study under the supervision of a faculty member at McMaster University.
You should reach out immediately to potential supervisors at McMaster University to inquire if they will have any such opportunities.
Contact sisip@mcmaster.ca in case you are having difficulty . We cannot guarantee or find a placement for you but we will try our best to assist you in connecting with a potential supervisor/placement.
Expandable List
The Independent Study courses provide students registered in Level IV of an Honours Life Sciences program the opportunity to complete an independent study under the supervision of a Faculty member at McMaster University.
Students should expect to spend approximately 5 to 8 hours per week in preparation and research work in LIFESCI 4A03. Please communicate with your supervisor(s) to determine your schedule.
Students should expect to spend approximately 12 (LIFESCI 4B09), 15 hours (LIFESCI 4C12) and 20 hours (LIFESCI 4D15) per week in preparation and research. Please communicate with your supervisor(s) to determine your schedule.
In addition, it is mandatory to attend the weekly lecture and tutorial.
- Review the methods of evaluation for your intended course:
- Complete the required electronic application.
Please note: In the application linked above, you will be asked to complete and submit the following documents in full:
- LIFE SCI 3RP3/ 4A03/4B09/4C12/4D15 (mandatory)
- Student Declaration of Understanding (mandatory, if placed at non-McMaster site)
30 days prior to beginning of each term you wish to complete the course.
Which Independent Study Course Is Right For You?
Download (PowerPoint) Guide to Applying for Independent Studies and Experiential Placement for the application process and tips to find a supervisor.
Questions? Contact the Experiential Education Coordinator at sisip@mcmaster.ca