In the Undergrad calendar, there are a lot of different Year II Bio Programs. I was just wondering if someone could give me more info on the following:

Honors Biology
Honors Biology - Biodiversity Specialization
Honours Biology - Genetics Specialization
Honours Biology - Physiology Specialization

What is the difference between these 4 programs? Is one harder to get into than another? Which one usually accepts the most students? If anyone is in these programs/knows anything about them, i would appreciate your help!

Thanks

I'm currently in Honours Biology (Physiology Specialization):
- If you're interested in human biology, this is definitely the way to go. We focus a lot on cell physiology, the cardiovascular system, and respiratory system as well as other systems with less emphasis. There are a lot of psychology, genetics kinesiology, and ecology/environmental science based courses on the physiology course list - so if you wanted to minor, it would be quite easy to do so. I'm currently doing a minor in psych and many of my physiology courses count as psych credits.

There's a third year course that discusses advanced topics in physiology, where there are student and guest presenters from various universities. These are usually quite difficult, but a nice change from the typical lecture style classes.

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The main difference is the types of electives that you take:

H. Bio = a lot more choice in electives and the courses that you don't have to take. You aren't required to take the second organic chemistry.

I would take a look at the Genetics, Biodiversity, and Physiology course lists and see what you like the most: http://registrar.mcmaster.ca /calen...08/sec_490.htm

I've heard that Biodiversity is great if you really like plant studies and ecology. I don't really talk to anyone in genetics, so I can't help you there. The key is to enroll in a program with courses that you know that you'll enjoy.

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I don't think it's particularly hard to get into any of the programs (as long as you have a 9.5.. but if you're lower than that it shouldn't be a problem), they're apparently limited enrollment but I switched into my specialization during the summer and it wasn't an issue. If you're concerned about not getting into any of the programs, the Science office in BSB 129 (I think) is really good with counselling with what program you should go into, etc. If you can, try to talk to Rita Campbell, she's so knowledgeable.

: ) Hopefully that helps!

Does anyone know if it's possible to switch into another science specialization after you already picked one? i.e. I picked honours life science for second year... but I want to get into bio (physiology specialization) for 3rd year... Do i just reapply?

Contact the science academic advisors. They should be able to switch you into physiology as long as you've shadowed the program.

In the upcoming year, I would take Bio 2C03, 2A03, 2B03, and 2F03 as well as both orgos if you want to switch.

Originally Posted by jesus

Contact the science academic advisors. They should be able to switch you into physiology as long as you've shadowed the program.

In the upcoming year, I would take Bio 2C03, 2A03, 2B03, and 2F03 as well as both orgos if you want to switch.

Do I have to take all 4 bios in 1 year?? Can I just do two of them and then complete the others in subsequent years?

Jesus, can you tell me which psych courses you did that were most helpful for your other bio courses? I want to transfer into physiology by increasing my CA this year. Thanks

Just wondering how many people are in the physiology specialization?

Originally Posted by hikorystix

Do I have to take all 4 bios in 1 year?? Can I just do two of them and then complete the others in subsequent years?

No, technically you don't have to take all 4 in 1 year but if you do switch into physiology right before your third year, you'll have 2 second year courses to complete plus the third year course requirements. Some of those third year courses will require different second year bios. I'd suggest taking all 4 of the bios next year.

Also, contact a science academic advisor asap. Just a five minute conversation with them will help get you on the right track course wise.

You don't *have* to take all 4 biologies, but I'd highly recommend that you do them in 2nd year. 2B03 and 2A03 are prerequisites for a lot of upper year biology courses - especially 2A03 if you're going into physiology. Taking all 4 at once wasn't too difficult.

Jesus, can you tell me which psych courses you did that were most helpful for your other bio courses? I want to transfer into physiology by increasing my CA this year. Thanks

Psych 2F03 was quite useful for Biology 3P03 and 2A03. Psych 2E03 was also useful for the material covered in Biology 3UU3. All my other psych courses were kind of electives for my minor, but Psych 2TT3 may help for evolution if you plan on taking it. I'd imagine that 2N03 would also be useful. : ) Check out the physiology course list: http://registrar.mcmaster.ca /CALEN...837.html#19314, the psychs tend to overlap with biology material.

Just wondering how many people are in the physiology specialization?

The physiology specialization was created last year, so I was the first group. In Biology 3ZZ3, which is an exclusive course for physiology students. There were about 30 students? I know of two others in the program who deferred the course to their final year. I'd imagine about 40-45?