Experiential Learning Opportunities
Experiential learning in SIS is built upon a foundation of interdisciplinary and active learning.
We design activities in these courses to give students the ability to see and simplify relationships in complex systems and find applications through relating theory with real-world experience. Students will gain practical, hands-on experience in their subject and gain course credit at the same time.
Explore some of these exciting experiences in the classroom, in a lab or in the field. See how you can genuinely enrich your academic learning and develop new skills!
Interdisciplinary Experience (IE) Courses
The School of Interdisciplinary Science offers a variety of courses with a strong focus on interdisciplinary content and active learning so that learning occurs by doing.
Through our pass-fail EXPLORE courses, students gain practical skills and hands-on experiences while earning course credit. The purpose of such courses is to encourage students to take part in a unique learning experience in a small sized setting (roughly 10-20 students) that is outside of their core area of study so that they may develop additional skills and take intellectual risks keeping in mind that a pass or fail assessment will not have an impact on a cumulative GPA.
The EXPLORE courses are open to students in the Faculties of Science, Social Sciences, and Humanities, and can vary in the number of unit offerings from one-to-three .
A one-unit course credit translates to roughly 12 hours of time in the classroom or in the field, although the total time may vary between courses. The shorter timeline for most EXPLORE courses allows students to learn about a different topic of study, but without the commitment of a semester-long 3-unit course.
Given their small sized setting, EXPLORE courses can help students build meaningful connections with course instructors and with their peers, and assist in the development of personal, professional, and academic goals.
Interdisciplinary Experience courses may be repeated, if on a different topic.
Enrolment is limited.
PLEASE NOTE:
• Payment of McMaster course credit fees (i.e. tuition and supplementary fees) for EXPLORE 3IE courses is IN ADDITION to the module fees if applicable.
Applications for all modules can be accessed here:
Module applications can be emailed to sis@mcmaster.ca or dropped off to the Academic Program Advisor in GSB 105. For courses with additional fees, please submit applications with fees in person to GSB 105.
