BA/BS in Chemical & Physical Sciences Gateway

Chemical & Physical Sciences Gateway is a one-year foundational program that precedes entry into a specialized Level II program in the second year rather than being a stand-alone major. Coursework focuses on the mathematical description, computational modelling, and experimental investigation of matter and energy, with typical first-year subjects including calculus, chemistry, physics, astronomy, and environmental science alongside elective units. At the end of first year, students rank their preferred Level II programs, and placement depends on courses completed and the average achieved; possible specializations include biology-related fields such as molecular biology, genetics, and neuroscience, chemistry and chemical biology, earth, environment and society programs, mathematics and statistics, physics and astronomy, and psychology, neuroscience and behaviour. Cooperative-education options become available from the third year, and the page also mentions applied science placements, research practicum courses, and internships, supported by an Office of Undergraduate Research. The program suits students who want breadth in the physical sciences before selecting a specialization, with the page citing potential career paths in medicinal chemistry, materials science, nanotechnology, and environmental chemistry. It is delivered at McMaster University's Hamilton campus.