Future Undergraduate Students

The Gerald Hatch Center for Engineering Experiential Learning serves as the central hub for student-focused experiential learning initiatives. It offers space for transformative learning experiences where students can actively take charge of their education and career and professional development: our students are be hands-on and minds-on, developing their skills and competencies as future leaders in engineering, entrepreneurship and innovation.

The Makerspace at Thode Library is a joint effort between McMaster University Library and the Faculty of Engineering, providing a new interdisciplinary experiential learning space where the McMaster community can gather to create, invent and learn.

By providing access to tools, technology, expertise and social connections not otherwise easily accessible, the makerspace will offer students from all disciplines a hands-on opportunity to explore new technologies, learn technical skills and work collaboratively to transform their innovative and creative ideas into tangible prototypes.

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The Forge@Mac encourages, develops, and supports all McMaster students interested in entrepreneurship. The extracurricular program is dedicated to tapping into the passions and interests of McMaster students who see entrepreneurship as a possible life and career choice.

Whether you want to be part of a team, or need help recruiting, attracting funds, or validating your idea, The Forge@Mac will be here to help and lead you along the way.

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McMaster provides the following communities to enhance and extend your learning experience outside of the classroom and into your residence home. Students living in these communities will be able to participate in events and experiences that are connected to their designated theme. McMaster’s Residence Life Office has partnered with the Faculty of Engineering to offer a community focused on Innovation and Society. Students in the Innovation and Society community will have access to programming aimed at building critical thinking, creativity and communication skills.First-year engineers in the Innovation and Society LLC will be offered a dynamic and engaging living environment that promotes personal growth and academic success. Paired with the Forge@Mac Entrepreneurship Community, you will live in a community that will foster interdisciplinary relationships to help you thrive.

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How big are the classes in first year?

The target enrollment for Engineering, Computer Science, B. Tech., and iBioMed is 900, 50, 240, and 140 students respectively. That being said, students experience small class sizes. The average lecture size for those programs is much smaller but varies depending on the program. Engineering student can expect an average lecture size of 200-300 students. Tutorials and labs range from 25 – 50 students depending on the course.

What is the difference between lectures, labs, and tutorials? How many hours will I spend in each?

Lectures are the primary method of information delivery, where the professor explains various concepts for (usually) an hour. Labs and tutorials are more hands-on and have fewer students, which allows you to apply concepts learned in lecture and learn by asking more specific questions. Tutorials provide review and depth, but no new material is introduced.

Each lab is approximately 3 hours long and depending on the class will either alternate weeks or be every week. Tutorials are 1 or 2 hours long and depending on the class will either alternate weeks or be every week.

What sorts of courses will I take?

A list of first-year courses can be found by clicking on each of the program names below.

Engineering I                      Computer Sciences                         B-Tech                                  iBioMed

What systems are in place to ensure my academic success?

The First-Year Office is led by a dedicated Director and team of staff, including Academic Advisors, that are more than happy to assist you.

Professors and teaching assistants host weekly office hours where you can visit them to ask for help with homework problems and assignments, or a further explanation of challenging concepts. Additionally, many subjects have “drop-in centers” that usually take place more than once a week. There are multiple teaching assistants available here to answer any questions you may have about the course material.

In addition to being a resource for professional development, the Student Success Centre offers workshops throughout the year on how to study more effectively, take better notes, and do well on tests. Student Accessibility Services (SAS) provides academic accommodations and supports to students with disabilities. You can find more information about SAS here.

If you feel you would benefit from extended one-on-one instruction, the McMaster Engineering Society (MES) also subsidizes a peer tutoring service, which means that for every $5 you pay to a peer tutor through this program, the tutor receives $15!

Clubs and teams

The McMaster Engineering Society (MES) is the essentially the engineering student government. Some of the things they do include improving student life by planning social events, increasing academic resources, and funding groups and teams. To learn more about the MES, visit macengsociety.ca. 

Is there a specific group for engineering women?

Yes! McMaster Women in Engineering is a group that fosters connections between female-identified engineers on campus. Like their Facebook page to stay updated on events.

How can I stay active?

A gym membership is included with your student fees. This gives you access to indoor and outdoor running tracks, a swimming pool, and a cardio & weight facility.

For organized team sports, McMaster has multiple varsity teams and sports clubs (more information here). There are also intramural sports offered throughout the year and at various levels of competition. Fun fact: the MES will fund your intramural team if it is 80% engineering students (including B-Tech, Computer Science, and iBioMed) or more!

What wellness resources are available?

The Student Wellness Centre is the on-campus doctor’s office that provides physical and mental health services. There is also an on-campus pharmacy and dentist’s office.

For engineering students, how does second year discipline/program selection work?

In Winter term, first year engineering students will be able to access the program selection system on Mosaic. You’ll need to rank your top 12 choices of programs. You will receive communication of the program you’ve received an admission to over the summer.

To help you make an informed decision, the different engineering departments will be hosting information sessions in the Winter term where you will have the opportunity to meet faculty and upper-year students in that program, as well as learn about the courses you would take and potential career opportunities.

What engineering disciplines can I choose after Engineering I (first year)?

• Chemical Engineering
• Chemical and Bioengineering
• Civil Engineering
• Computer Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Engineering Physics
• Materials Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Mechatronics Engineering
• Software Engineering

With the exception of Chemical and Bioengineering, any of these programs can also be combined with the Society or Management options.

To learn more about the engineering disciplines offered at McMaster, click here.