Life Sciences Gateway
Related Subject Areas:
- Animal Science
- Biological Sciences
- Genetics
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology, Biochemistry
- Others in Subjects Related to Medicine
- Pharmacology, Toxicology & Pharmacy
- Plant Sciences
- Psychology
- Instruction language
- English
- OUAC code
- MLS
- Degree
- Bachelor of Science, BSc
- Experiential learning
- Co-op available by major
- Enrollment
- 1000
- Grade range
- Mid-90s
Subjects of Major Interest
A subject of major interest is a specialization within a general degree program.
For example, a university might have a degree called "Arts", but through that program, you could potentially study several subjects of major interest, including History, Drama, Economics, English, French, Sociology, Philosophy, etc.
Usually, you will be asked to choose your "subject of major interest" when you apply.
Subjects of Major Interest for this program include:
- Astrophysics
- Biochemistry
- Biodiversity & Environmental Sciences
- Biology
- Biology (Physiology)
- Biology (Research Specialization)
- Biology & Mathematics
- Biology and Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour
- Chemical Biology
- Chemistry
- Earth & Environmental Sciences
- Environmental Sciences
- Human Behaviour
- Human Behaviour - Autism and Behavioural Science Specialization
- Human Behaviour - Early Childhood Studies Specialization
- Life Sciences
- Life Sciences (Origins of Disease Specialization)
- Mathematics & Physics
- Medical & Biological Physics
- Molecular Biology & Genetics
- Molecular Biology and Genetics Research Specialization
- Neuroscience
- Physics
- Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour
- Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour (Music Cognition Specialization)
- Sustainable Chemistry
Requirements
Prerequisites
- English 4U
- 1 of Advanced Functions 4U, Calculus & Vectors 4U
- Biology 4U
- 1 of Advanced Functions 4U, Calculus & Vectors 4U, Chemistry 4U, Physics 4U
Applicants without Calculus & Vectors 4U will be required to take an equivalent Calculus course in Level I.
See Ontario high school course codes
Additional Admission Criteria
OUAC Application Deadline: April 1, 2027 *Some programs may stay open beyond this deadline, depending on capacity. It is recommended to apply as soon as possible.
Alternative Offers
If you are interested in specific alternative programs, include your choice(s) on your OUAC application (up to the maxiumum of 3). McMaster will give full consideration to each program selection.
Admission
Basic Requirements for Admission
If you have six Grade 12 U/M (4U/M) midterm grades or 3 final Grade 12 U/M (4U/M) grades, you will be considered for admission on a rolling basis beginning in February 2027. To be eligible, you must have six Grade 12 U/M courses, completed or in progress, including any program-specific requirements. Your application will be reviewed again once your second-semester midterm grades are received.
Note: Co-op courses are not included in any admission or final admission average calculations.
Admission to all programs requires the completion of English (ENG4U).
Failed and Repeated Courses
For students who have repeated up to 2 courses, the highest mark reported will be used in the calculation of the admission average. Students repeating more than 2 courses, or an individual course 3 or more times, may be asked to provide a letter explaining the need for the repeats. This information may be considered when determining admission. Courses completed after June 30 will not be included in the admission average calculation.
Timing and Process for Admission Decisions
Be sure to check the university's Admissions Tool for information and updates about the admission process, estimated cut-offs, enrollment targets, application deadlines and more. McMaster will begin making offers of admission at the end of February until early May on a rolling basis, based on a minimum of 3 final 4U/M grades and registration in sufficient 4U/M courses to a total of 6; or 6 interim and/or final 4U/M grades, including any required courses.
All offers are conditional upon completing the OSSD with at least six 4U/M courses and an acceptable final admission average, which will be specified in the offer of admission.
Notes:
- Most offers to the By-Selection Programs will be made in May. All of these programs require supplementary application information (except Midwifery, where an interview is part of the application process). Contact McMaster for details about application deadlines, timing of offers and more.
- We do not automatically make alternative offers of admission. Instead, we encourage you to apply to all of the McMaster programs you are interested in (up to 3). We will give full consideration to each program selection.
- We may not accept your application if you do not pay the OUAC application fee by the program deadline date.
