hey. I want to apply to life science I at mcmaster. But on the ouac website. Under life science, there is subject of major interest. they range from biochemistry to biology , life science molecular biology...

Thing is would the choice of subject of major interest affect my studies, like in what does each subject differ than the other ?

Originally Posted by Nueloas

hey. I want to apply to life science I at mcmaster. But on the ouac website. Under life science, there is subject of major interest. they range from biochemistry to biology , life science molecular biology...

Thing is would the choice of subject of major interest affect my studies, like in what does each subject differ than the other ?

it does not matter which option you select. First year is general, second year you decide on an area of specialization.

however, you do need to have some idea going in what program you want to take second year, because a lot of them have specific prerequisites and recommended courses. Also, be aware that you have to get into the second year programs, and only one is automatic. So be sure to keep your grades somewhat respectable.

Originally Posted by healthsci1

it does not matter which option you select. First year is general, second year you decide on an area of specialization.

Originally Posted by Connor_92

however, you do need to have some idea going in what program you want to take second year, because a lot of them have specific prerequisites and recommended courses. Also, be aware that you have to get into the second year programs, and only one is automatic. So be sure to keep your grades somewhat respectable.

I didn't know Life Science also applies this procedure. Huh, interesting.

In Engineering, we pick 4 different specializations by ranking. For instance, Electrical was my first choice, Computer as second and so on. However, in order to guarantee a spot in your first choice, you must maintain a minimum of 60% average and it also depends on the demand in that specialization. Hence, it's competitive based.

Say, in Electrical, there's one last spot and I have 72% average and another student has 70% average. I would end up taking the spot. The other student will be placed in his second, third or fourth choice. That's what makes first year really stressful. Your lifetime goal depends on your grades. So metaphorically speaking, you only get one shot at this.

Welcome to McMaster.

It's not automatic. I chose Honours Physics, Chemistry, ChemBio and Biochem in some random order and it just says I'm eligible to them. In the end, you get to choose.

Originally Posted by amyshi

It's not automatic. I chose Honours Physics, Chemistry, ChemBio and Biochem in some random order and it just says I'm eligible to them. In the end, you get to choose.

I know, but the only one you are guaranteed a spot in is honours life science (what i meant by automatic, the rest are competitive based correct?

it doesnt really matter which you pick, they wont affect your chances of getting into Life Sci. But its best like someone previously said, to know what courses you should take because when you apply for your major in 2nd year, each differ slightly in terms of marks and courses required.

Mac sucks, in all seriousness, dont come.

Originally Posted by Connor_92

I know, but the only one you are guaranteed a spot in is honours life science (what i meant by automatic, the rest are competitive based correct?

you're only guaranteed a spot in honours life science if you have at least a 6.0 average. if your average is lower than that you're just put into a 3 year BSc. and yes, most of the other programs require a higher grade average as they are competitively based.

doesn't really make a difference

Originally Posted by Taylor

you're only guaranteed a spot in honours life science if you have at least a 6.0 average. if your average is lower than that you're just put into a 3 year BSc. and yes, most of the other programs require a higher grade average as they are competitively based.

fair enough, I just assumed that if someone can get into life science 1, that they can keep up a C+ average. I mean, for most of us, that would be a 20-25% drop in marks, which can happen, but that seems extreme. Does that kind of drop happen to a lot of people? Like do a lot get pushed into that 3 year program, or do they usually just drop out?

Don't go into Life sciences unless you want to go further. If you just want to get a degree, its not worth it unless you're going in pharmacy, med or getting a phd in a certain field. But if you like the subject then go for it.

Originally Posted by Commander

Don't go into Life sciences unless you want to go further. If you just want to get a degree, its not worth it unless you're going in pharmacy, med or getting a phd in a certain field. But if you like the subject then go for it.

wow, you are totally clueless.

Originally Posted by Connor_92

fair enough, I just assumed that if someone can get into life science 1, that they can keep up a C+ average. I mean, for most of us, that would be a 20-25% drop in marks, which can happen, but that seems extreme. Does that kind of drop happen to a lot of people? Like do a lot get pushed into that 3 year program, or do they usually just drop out?

No it doesn't happen to a lot of people, I would say most people get into honours programs. It does happen though, I know a couple people who weren't able to maintain a 6. I don't think they would drop out because of that though, because if you are able to get your average up to a 6 in second or third year you can always transfer to an honours program.

Originally Posted by healthsci1

wow, you are totally clueless.

Sorry I hurt your feelings... But Engineering is the only good program at mac to get a real job with just 4 years.

EDIT: Took the word shit out. Don't want to make some people feel miserable.