This is a question that gets asked a lot. Is it a useless degree? It really depends how you use your time at Mac and where your interests are. Medical school is not the only professional school available after completing a Life Sci degree and many choose to pursue dental school, pharmacy school, optometry, research through a masters program, physiotherapy, etc. You have to take the effort and do things during your time in the Life Sciences program to get something out of it. The Life Sciences program has tons of opportunities for students to go out and shadow potential careers for course credit, pursue research in a variety of disciplines, take inquiry courses, take courses in other faculties, etc. Many people think that after completing the four years, the degree is a waste but if you take the time to do research, find out where your interests are to pursue a career, take courses in different faculties and network, it isn't as useless as one thinks. There are many specialties after 1st year life sci, such as Biochemistry, Biology and Pharmacology, the recently introduced Biomedical Discovery and Innovation Program (entry after 2nd year), chemistry, etc. These fields can give you co-op opportunities and they can help you get a foot in the working field before you graduate, making it easier to find a job after you do graduate! Overall, it really depends how you use your time at Mac to figure yourself out which will dictate if its useless or not. When I was in first year, I thought it was a waste of time going into the Life Sciences program because its so general and there are so many people in this program. Now I'll be graduating soon and I made the best use of my time here which has got me in a really good position from where I should be pursuing dental school from next year. Look into the MAP planning program for the life sciences program and see what paths you could potentially take and do some research into seeing what options you would have in terms of courses, etc. Hope this helps and good luck!
mati555
says thanks to bobsingh for this post.
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