SIMON FRASER UNIVERSITY
McMaster University is located in Hamilton, and comprises 57 buildings, 122 programs, and over 21 500 students [1]. It was first established in the year 1887 and is split into six different academic facilities: Degroote School of Business, Engineering, Health Sciences, Humanities, Social Sciences, and Science [2] . They’re known as the McMaster Marauders with their mascot named “Mac the Marauder.” The institution is home to over 300 student organizations and clubs, however, they do not recognize any fraternities or sororities [2]. Their main academic policy is known as the “McMaster Model,” which focuses on a student-centred, problem-based, interdisciplinary approach to learning which has been used since the 1960s [2]. Only 3700 students live in twelve on-campus residences with a range of building sizes and dormitory styles [1]. Finally, McMaster University is a member of a group of research intensive Canadian universities known as the U15 [2].
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SIMON FRASER UNIVERSITY
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McMaster University is located in Hamilton, and comprises 57 buildings, 122 programs, and over 21 500 students [1]. It was first established in the year 1887 and is split into six different academic facilities: Degroote School of Business, Engineering, Health Sciences, Humanities, Social Sciences, and Science [2] . They’re known as the McMaster Marauders with their mascot named “Mac the Marauder.” The institution is home to over 300 student organizations and clubs, however, they do not recognize any fraternities or sororities [2]. Their main academic policy is known as the “McMaster Model,” which focuses on a student-centred, problem-based, interdisciplinary approach to learning which has been used since the 1960s [2]. Only 3700 students live in twelve on-campus residences with a range of building sizes and dormitory styles [1]. Finally, McMaster University is a member of a group of research intensive Canadian universities known as the U15 [2].
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Check out McMaster's official socials...
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According to the 2020 Times Higher Education World University Rankings
Check out McMaster's official socials...
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RA
NK
IN
GS
#
72
72
IN THE WORLD
#
4
4
IN CANADA
According to the 2020 Times Higher Education World University Rankings
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What kinds of things are there to do in your school’s hometown?
At UBC there is always something to do. UBC recreation holds intramural's for almost every sport. Every faculty holds multiple events throughout the year, and these are usually open to the rest of campus (these vary between dances, dinners, galas, etc.). Vancouver is a huge city and the UBC bus loop is very accessible, allowing students to explore the city during their free time. UBC is located on the beach, and watching the sunset from there is so wonderful. There is so much to do on campus, and even more off of campus. I recommend following @ubcrec and @ubc_studentlife because they are always posting different things that are happening on campus.
How would you describe the workload and work-life balance?
What is some advice you would give high school students when applying to your program?
The one piece of advice that I would give a high school student thinking of animal biology would be to check the
QUESTIONS
For a UBC Faculty of Land and Food Systems Student...
JUICY
Why did you choose your program? What makes it unique to you?
I chose this program because I am very passionate about animal welfare, and giving animals the best chance of survival. I really liked the electives that this program offered and thought it would be a great choice to further my education. UBC is very unique because they have some amazing AP-BI courses (applied biology) such as: APBI 314: Animals and society, APBI 315: Animal Welfare and the Ethics of Animal use, APBI 317: Welfare and Ethics of Animal use in Science, and APBI 413: Stress and Coping in Animals.
The workload and work-life balance is quite tough. Science students have a wide range of required courses they need to take first year which makes it a little bit harder for first year’s to actually enjoy all of their courses. I suggest making a schedule, and really trying to get ahead as much as possible in your courses. University is very fast-paced and once you get
Is there lots of collaborative work or group presentations?
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As for collaborative work in the faculty of LFS or Science, there is a lot. Chemistry labs have lab partners, and biology courses have lab groups as well. Two of my first year biology courses also had group exams. This is where all students will write an exam (midterm /final) individually and then write the same exam as a group. This actually helps to boost your grade and was very helpful for me. These groups were made randomly which was great because in one of my courses I didn’t know anybody. I wouldn’t worry about knowing people in your classes before you take them, because it is super easy to meet others, allowing for collaboration. I recommend joining Facebook groups for each course you are taking, because then you are able to communicate with other students in the exact same position as you. I only had 2 presentations in my first year and they were both in a biology lab. Other than that lectures are so large that presentations are kind of out of the question.
behind with schoolwork, it’s hard to get back on track. As for a job in university, I would suggest that unless you absolutely needed the money, don’t get a job during your first year of university. The schoolwork will already be tough enough, and it will be a huge adjustment just switching from high school to university. If you need to work one term of the year, work second term. By second term you may have adjusted to university life and might have some extra time on your hands. If this is the case, always check for jobs on campus first! There are tons, if you really look for them. I met some wonderful friends in my first year of university and by making a schedule of certain times for homework, I allowed myself to make time for exploring campus with my friends, go off campus, and enjoy university.
into has. If you have interest in them, that’s great. If you don’t see any that you are drawn to, you might want to consider a different program. Research all
the different faculties that your school has to offer because you might find a different one that you are drawn to. After you find a faculty that you like, it is very easy to change your program/ major. I ended up changing my program half way through my first year of university.
restricted electives that the school you are looking
A very special thank you to our interviewee...
KATIE BERLINGER
Hi! My name is Katie Berlinger and I am a 2nd year Animal Biology student at UBC in Vancouver. I enjoy hiking, swimming and being outdoors. I am from a small ski town in B.C. and have grown up spending most of my free time outdoors. I am passionate about animals, and want to pursue a career where I am able to help better animals chance of survival, and something that possibly involves rehabilitation. I have always loved living around a body of water and Vancouver is the perfect city for this. I am extremely happy at UBC and am glad that this was the university I chose to attend. To find out more about me check out my Instagram @katieberlinger and my Youtube channel where I post updates navigating my journey through university.