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Rank: Valedictorian
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Joined: 3/7/2008
Posts: 535
Location: toronto
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atesme wrote:Okay, I just want to ask (and please don't tear me to shreds for this): why is there so much hype about McMaster? Is it really the best program in Canada? Or is it just because it's so hard to get into?
I'm definitely putting myself on the road to Med school, and I want to go on to the States in four years. I'm just worried nobody outside of Canada will have heard of McMaster Health Sciences.
I've been so dead set on Mac for the past year and a half, and now I'm horribly indecisive. This is the decision that's going to affect the rest of my life, and I know Health Sci's great, but I'm so nervous that it's going to be the wrong decision.
After wanting it for so long, it is difficult to contemplate not wanting it. Objectively, however... I need help. Convince me? I was the same. I was sooo set on it for so long. Before I applied however (I app'd anyway for fun), I heard how absolutely keener filled it is. It didn't sound like the environment I wanted. So I decided to apply so I knew I could get in (and I did), but I haven't considered it since a few long convos with a current student.
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Rank: Frosh
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I just have to say..
39 pages?
You guys are wack.
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Rank: Frosh
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Joined: 5/6/2008
Posts: 8
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Hey iGeorge, I'm wondering if you can elaborate on what they mean by "health care issues" and "health care problems", which seem to find coming up in Level I BHSc course descriptions, as well as explain a little more on what the Inquiry section of the program is all about. Examples would be welcome.
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Rank: Frosh
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Location: Hamilton, Ontario
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orcymorky wrote:Hey iGeorge, I'm wondering if you can elaborate on what they mean by "health care issues" and "health care problems", which seem to find coming up in Level I BHSc course descriptions, as well as explain a little more on what the Inquiry section of the program is all about. Examples would be welcome. The majority of assignments are focused on issues in health. For example, in cell bio we covered the ebola virus, basic virology, HPV, stem cells, atherosclerosis, prions, antibiotic resistance etc. that are all issues/problems in health care today. The courses target the focus on specifying biological concepts to certain health issues. Inquiry is a course that's based on developing in a personal context, as well as developing your skills required to succeed in university life. There is also focus on research, communication, group, self reflection skills...I don't think it can really be described in its entirety by any first year health sci, it's something you have to experience to get a feel for. The most memorable course for me in first year though for sure, it changed my life (and I mean it).
McMaster University, Bachelor of Health Sciences (Honours) 2011
"Carpe Diem"
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Rank: Frosh
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Joined: 5/13/2008
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Location: Oakville
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Hi!
Do students in Health Sciences have to take English in the first year?
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Rank: Senior Student
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Joined: 3/7/2008
Posts: 55
Location: Mississauga
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no
it's not just BHSc...
it's BHSexyyy!!!
mac hthsci '11, 1st year rep
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Rank: Frosh
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sweetrain wrote:orcymorky wrote:Hey iGeorge, I'm wondering if you can elaborate on what they mean by "health care issues" and "health care problems", which seem to find coming up in Level I BHSc course descriptions, as well as explain a little more on what the Inquiry section of the program is all about. Examples would be welcome. The majority of assignments are focused on issues in health. For example, in cell bio we covered the ebola virus, basic virology, HPV, stem cells, atherosclerosis, prions, antibiotic resistance etc. that are all issues/problems in health care today. The courses target the focus on specifying biological concepts to certain health issues. Inquiry is a course that's based on developing in a personal context, as well as developing your skills required to succeed in university life. There is also focus on research, communication, group, self reflection skills...I don't think it can really be described in its entirety by any first year health sci, it's something you have to experience to get a feel for. The most memorable course for me in first year though for sure, it changed my life (and I mean it). Wow, thanks for the quick response. I was sort of worried that by "health care problems", they meant problems within the actual public system itself (budget, patient-doctor relationships, taking the wrong medication, etc. Not to say those aren't necessarily problems...) Anyway, good to know.
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Rank: Frosh
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Ah, another question or two. First, somewhere I heard that the BHSc program runs longer than the standard 8 months. Is this true? Second, is the cost of tuition higher for the BHSc program? Thanks in advance.
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Rank: Frosh
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orcymorky wrote:sweetrain wrote:orcymorky wrote:Hey iGeorge, I'm wondering if you can elaborate on what they mean by "health care issues" and "health care problems", which seem to find coming up in Level I BHSc course descriptions, as well as explain a little more on what the Inquiry section of the program is all about. Examples would be welcome. The majority of assignments are focused on issues in health. For example, in cell bio we covered the ebola virus, basic virology, HPV, stem cells, atherosclerosis, prions, antibiotic resistance etc. that are all issues/problems in health care today. The courses target the focus on specifying biological concepts to certain health issues. Inquiry is a course that's based on developing in a personal context, as well as developing your skills required to succeed in university life. There is also focus on research, communication, group, self reflection skills...I don't think it can really be described in its entirety by any first year health sci, it's something you have to experience to get a feel for. The most memorable course for me in first year though for sure, it changed my life (and I mean it). Wow, thanks for the quick response. I was sort of worried that by "health care problems", they meant problems within the actual public system itself (budget, patient-doctor relationships, taking the wrong medication, etc. Not to say those aren't necessarily problems...) Anyway, good to know. Sorry to burst the bubble, but there are mandatory courses in upper years which deal with the more social aspects of health - including Epidemiology (HTHSCI 2G03), Health Psychology (HTHSCI 2J03), Health Policy (HTHSCI 3GG3) etc. There are also many health science electives which deal with the non-sciency stuff.
McMaster B.H.Sc. (Honours) Class of 2010
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Rank: Frosh
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orcymorky wrote:Ah, another question or two. First, somewhere I heard that the BHSc program runs longer than the standard 8 months. Is this true? Second, is the cost of tuition higher for the BHSc program? Thanks in advance. No to both.
McMaster B.H.Sc. (Honours) Class of 2010
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the.chipmunk wrote:orcymorky wrote:sweetrain wrote:orcymorky wrote:Hey iGeorge, I'm wondering if you can elaborate on what they mean by "health care issues" and "health care problems", which seem to find coming up in Level I BHSc course descriptions, as well as explain a little more on what the Inquiry section of the program is all about. Examples would be welcome. The majority of assignments are focused on issues in health. For example, in cell bio we covered the ebola virus, basic virology, HPV, stem cells, atherosclerosis, prions, antibiotic resistance etc. that are all issues/problems in health care today. The courses target the focus on specifying biological concepts to certain health issues. Inquiry is a course that's based on developing in a personal context, as well as developing your skills required to succeed in university life. There is also focus on research, communication, group, self reflection skills...I don't think it can really be described in its entirety by any first year health sci, it's something you have to experience to get a feel for. The most memorable course for me in first year though for sure, it changed my life (and I mean it). Wow, thanks for the quick response. I was sort of worried that by "health care problems", they meant problems within the actual public system itself (budget, patient-doctor relationships, taking the wrong medication, etc. Not to say those aren't necessarily problems...) Anyway, good to know. Sorry to burst the bubble, but there are mandatory courses in upper years which deal with the more social aspects of health - including Epidemiology (HTHSCI 2G03), Health Psychology (HTHSCI 2J03), Health Policy (HTHSCI 3GG3) etc. There are also many health science electives which deal with the non-sciency stuff. Well........darn it. Could you elaborate a little on what those courses cover? The course description on the site is quite vague.
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orcymorky wrote:the.chipmunk wrote:orcymorky wrote:sweetrain wrote:orcymorky wrote:Hey iGeorge, I'm wondering if you can elaborate on what they mean by "health care issues" and "health care problems", which seem to find coming up in Level I BHSc course descriptions, as well as explain a little more on what the Inquiry section of the program is all about. Examples would be welcome. The majority of assignments are focused on issues in health. For example, in cell bio we covered the ebola virus, basic virology, HPV, stem cells, atherosclerosis, prions, antibiotic resistance etc. that are all issues/problems in health care today. The courses target the focus on specifying biological concepts to certain health issues. Inquiry is a course that's based on developing in a personal context, as well as developing your skills required to succeed in university life. There is also focus on research, communication, group, self reflection skills...I don't think it can really be described in its entirety by any first year health sci, it's something you have to experience to get a feel for. The most memorable course for me in first year though for sure, it changed my life (and I mean it). Wow, thanks for the quick response. I was sort of worried that by "health care problems", they meant problems within the actual public system itself (budget, patient-doctor relationships, taking the wrong medication, etc. Not to say those aren't necessarily problems...) Anyway, good to know. Sorry to burst the bubble, but there are mandatory courses in upper years which deal with the more social aspects of health - including Epidemiology (HTHSCI 2G03), Health Psychology (HTHSCI 2J03), Health Policy (HTHSCI 3GG3) etc. There are also many health science electives which deal with the non-sciency stuff. Well........darn it. Could you elaborate a little on what those courses cover? The course description on the site is quite vague. Epidemiology = examining causes of disease from a population-based perspective (i.e preliminary research of a disease without necessary knowing the underlining scientific causes) Health Psychology = haha this course was restructured this year, and to be frank I'm still not quite sure what its objective was (even after taking it). Although in theory, it was suppose to highlight psychological factors in patient/healthcare setting, as well as promote personal reflection on the different definitions of "health" Health Policy = Factors that dictate rules and regulations in healthcare and health research, I believe.
& "I'd rather die terrified than live forever..." - A Softer World
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Rank: Senior Student
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perspicaciously wrote:orcymorky wrote:the.chipmunk wrote:orcymorky wrote:sweetrain wrote:orcymorky wrote:Hey iGeorge, I'm wondering if you can elaborate on what they mean by "health care issues" and "health care problems", which seem to find coming up in Level I BHSc course descriptions, as well as explain a little more on what the Inquiry section of the program is all about. Examples would be welcome. The majority of assignments are focused on issues in health. For example, in cell bio we covered the ebola virus, basic virology, HPV, stem cells, atherosclerosis, prions, antibiotic resistance etc. that are all issues/problems in health care today. The courses target the focus on specifying biological concepts to certain health issues. Inquiry is a course that's based on developing in a personal context, as well as developing your skills required to succeed in university life. There is also focus on research, communication, group, self reflection skills...I don't think it can really be described in its entirety by any first year health sci, it's something you have to experience to get a feel for. The most memorable course for me in first year though for sure, it changed my life (and I mean it). Wow, thanks for the quick response. I was sort of worried that by "health care problems", they meant problems within the actual public system itself (budget, patient-doctor relationships, taking the wrong medication, etc. Not to say those aren't necessarily problems...) Anyway, good to know. Sorry to burst the bubble, but there are mandatory courses in upper years which deal with the more social aspects of health - including Epidemiology (HTHSCI 2G03), Health Psychology (HTHSCI 2J03), Health Policy (HTHSCI 3GG3) etc. There are also many health science electives which deal with the non-sciency stuff. Well........darn it. Could you elaborate a little on what those courses cover? The course description on the site is quite vague. Epidemiology = examining causes of disease from a population-based perspective (i.e preliminary research of a disease without necessary knowing the underlining scientific causes) Health Psychology = haha this course was restructured this year, and to be frank I'm still not quite sure what its objective was (even after taking it). Although in theory, it was suppose to highlight psychological factors in patient/healthcare setting, as well as promote personal reflection on the different definitions of "health" Health Policy = Factors that dictate rules and regulations in healthcare and health research, I believe. Epi is absolutely essential for physicians to understand (especially family physicians). Health Psychology has been changed to a course called 'Habits' where you learn about several topics including neuroplasticity while doing practical exercises such as yoga and applied drama. As for Health Policy, it's a third year course that compares the Canadian health-care system with another country that has a universal system for its citizens (ie. France, Britain, etc.). There's one course missing from the list which is Critical Appraisal of Medical Literature (another 3rd year course) that is somewhat science based as the course teaches students how to actually be usefully involved in the peer review process via statistical/epidemiological checks. All the other courses are quite science based.
McMaster BHSc (Hons.) Class of 2010
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Epidemiology actually sounds very interesting. Health policy could be too. Kinda hesitant about habits or health psychology or whatever its called. Nonetheless, if its down to just one course that may be iffy, I'm not too concerned. Thanks all for the info.
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Rank: Senior Student
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I am having such a difficult time deciding whether or not to go to Mac Health Sci (it's between that and Queen's Commerce/Life Science dual degree)
Maybe one of the current Health Sci's can help me out:
I think part of the difficulty is that I don't really understand what class is like. If it's not a lecture, what happens in a typical class? What types of assignments can be expected and how time-consuming is the workload?
Also, with regard to McMaster in general, how likely is it for a BHSc student to get placed in a triple room? Because as small an issue as that may seem, I don't know if I will be able to survive in a triple room. I dont quite have a 95 average, so does that mean I have a chance at ending up in a triple/loft room?
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Rank: Senior Student
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sweetrain wrote:orcymorky wrote:Hey iGeorge, I'm wondering if you can elaborate on what they mean by "health care issues" and "health care problems", which seem to find coming up in Level I BHSc course descriptions, as well as explain a little more on what the Inquiry section of the program is all about. Examples would be welcome. The majority of assignments are focused on issues in health. For example, in cell bio we covered the ebola virus, basic virology, HPV, stem cells, atherosclerosis, prions, antibiotic resistance etc. that are all issues/problems in health care today. The courses target the focus on specifying biological concepts to certain health issues. Inquiry is a course that's based on developing in a personal context, as well as developing your skills required to succeed in university life. There is also focus on research, communication, group, self reflection skills...I don't think it can really be described in its entirety by any first year health sci, it's something you have to experience to get a feel for. The most memorable course for me in first year though for sure, it changed my life (and I mean it). Making my head big
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Rank: Senior Student
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khayes21 wrote:I am having such a difficult time deciding whether or not to go to Mac Health Sci (it's between that and Queen's Commerce/Life Science dual degree)
Maybe one of the current Health Sci's can help me out:
I think part of the difficulty is that I don't really understand what class is like. If it's not a lecture, what happens in a typical class? What types of assignments can be expected and how time-consuming is the workload?
Also, with regard to McMaster in general, how likely is it for a BHSc student to get placed in a triple room? Because as small an issue as that may seem, I don't know if I will be able to survive in a triple room. I dont quite have a 95 average, so does that mean I have a chance at ending up in a triple/loft room?
Inquiry is a three hour block per week where you hang out with your facilitator and 19 other 1st years. You'll develop communication skills through interacting with simulated patients in the Clinical Learning Center, do a group project per semester based off a trigger given at the beginning of each semester, and about 50 other things that vary with which facilitator you're placed with. Evaluation is at the end of the year where you have a one-on-one interview with your facilitator, show evidence for your progress, and negotiate a mark. Psychobio has lectures but no exams. You do journals on the class material focused specifically on scientific knowledge and two group essays. Cell/Molecular Systems is a full year course where you're exposed to a whole bunch of different topics related to how systems at a molecular level relate to pathology in the health sciences. This year's class was structured differently from when I took the class a couple of years ago however, components were left such as Tri-Partie Problem Solving Exercises (TRIPSEs) where you're given limited information about a disease (ie. a bunch of children in a community are suffering from differing systems but go to the same school). You'll be expected to provide four solid hypothesis, your rationale, and to choose your best hypothesis. You'll be given extra information within 24 hours and you'll have to incorporate this into a final answer. You're marked more on the thought-process rather than the answer. Also, journals are a component. You'll have researchers at the top of their fields in Canada lecturing you from the departments of Pathology/Molecular Medicine and Biochemistry. As for residence, unless you're guaranteed a single room, it's all randomized. However, you'll face the same thing at any university you head to.
McMaster BHSc (Hons.) Class of 2010
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khayes21 wrote:I am having such a difficult time deciding whether or not to go to Mac Health Sci (it's between that and Queen's Commerce/Life Science dual degree)
Maybe one of the current Health Sci's can help me out:
I think part of the difficulty is that I don't really understand what class is like. If it's not a lecture, what happens in a typical class? What types of assignments can be expected and how time-consuming is the workload?
Also, with regard to McMaster in general, how likely is it for a BHSc student to get placed in a triple room? Because as small an issue as that may seem, I don't know if I will be able to survive in a triple room. I dont quite have a 95 average, so does that mean I have a chance at ending up in a triple/loft room?
The one thing I can say to everyone here to ease their concerns is that by entering this program you have to really enjoy self-directed learning and have the motivation to set your own deadlines and motivate yourself to work. You will have lectures in some classes, however in classes such as inquiry, cell biology, you will have to structure your own learning usually in a group setting. For example, in Inquiry first and second year you have to work in groups to research or look into a specific area or question. Everyone gets a similar starting point, or trigger, and ends up at completely different destinations. But you do learn a lot through self-directed, problem based learning. And you retain the information so much better than cramming for an exam. Although it matters how much you enjoy the material of course. As for res. During May at Mac there was a large rumor going around about people not being very likely to get a single room, and you will get thrown into a triple or quad room. There are way more double rooms than single, triple or quads. There are 12 residences on campus, of which two are suite/apartment (Mary E. Keyes, Bates) which you get your own room, and the other 10 are traditional style single, double, and loft rooms. The allocation of residences is not random, you fill out an application, and you get assigned a random numerical value, whatever that number is, decides the number you will be queued up into the system to allocate your room. If you are number 1, you will get your first choice most likely... if you are number 3405, probably not. Then again, everyone that i know that moved into res and didn't get their desired residence or room type, still ended up having a great time, and wouldn't want to switch if they could go back to do it again. Your program does not get taken into account in the residence allocation (unless you request to be with students in the same program, in which case its looked at, but not in terms of where you will be placed). Just because you don't have a 95% average does not mean you won't be in a single room, but it does give you the chance to be in a double or triple.
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So for those people still wondering why they got rejected or haven't heard anything from mcmaster yet, they apparently did another cut based on grades, so they cut people below 94%
However, this cut doesn't automatically cut you like the first admission cut-off rate did, I think it just put you on the waitlist/lowered your chance of getting accepted.
And people who have gotten rejected, did you get an email/letter from them saying you were, or did you just assume so because you didn't get a letter of acceptance yet?
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dasser66 wrote:So for those people still wondering why they got rejected or haven't heard anything from mcmaster yet, they apparently did another cut based on grades, so they cut people below 94%
However, this cut doesn't automatically cut you like the first admission cut-off rate did, I think it just put you on the waitlist/lowered your chance of getting accepted.
And people who have gotten rejected, did you get an email/letter from them saying you were, or did you just assume so because you didn't get a letter of acceptance yet? I emailed admissions, and there is NO waiting list. 260 students have been accepted, and they're expecting more than 160 students to accept. What goes on after that, I don't know. Everyone else (outside the 260) have received rejection letters/email/alternate offers I got an email, 2 letters, and a package saying that I was accepted into their alternate offer (LifeSci) but I'm not too worried I'm going to reapply next year, but if I like Queen's too much, I might just stay at Queen's 
Queen's Kinesiology '12
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