Note: The list below was for iSci 2014. Course schedules change every year!!
The list for 2015 is here: http://www.science.mcmaster.ca/isci/images/stories/1st_year_elective_choice_for_2011-12.pdf
"Math 1B03" is Linear Algebra, a required course for future concentrations in math or physics.
For other science-y courses, check out the Comp Sci, Geography, and Environmental Science classes.
Otherwise, pick what interests you!!!!
The List:First, the only other 'Science' course you can take:
1. Math 1B03: Linear Algebra, which is required or at least recommended if you ever want to pursue a math/stats, physics/astronomy, or medical physics/radiation sciences concentration, minor, or take certain higher level courses in any of those fields (such as level 3 astronomy)
(Otherwise in all other iSci joint programs you are perfectly fine without it as you will never need formally need it, eg. chemistry, psych/neurosci, earth sci/enviro sci, biochem, chembio, biology/ecology, geography, origins, and any social science/humanities minors, as well as a straight iSci degree).
Otherwise, you cover ALL of science in iSci, so don't worry about coverage of courses, and it's even pretty early to start thinking about possible minors, etc (you will likely want to take most elective courses in future years within the sciences anyway), so really take some social science/humanities/language courses you will enjoy, or be interested in learning.
The five that immediately catch my attention as really cool, more 'hobby' or 'interest' courses are (I would personally recommend taking at least 1 of these):
1. Women St 1AA3: Women transforming the World
2. ENGLISH 1CS3: Studying Culture, a Critical Introduction
3. Labr St 1C03: Voices of Work, Resistance, and Change
4. MUSIC 1A03: Introduction to the History of Music I (looks at Western music Pre-Mozart)
5. MMEDIA 1B03: The Digital Image
Otherwise, if you're really into reading, be sure to check out one of these ones... I've heard good things about all of them (Classics sounds really interesting in particular for even those who aren't so much into reading):
1. English 1A03 (short genre literature),
2. English 1AA3 (long genre literature),
3. Classics 1B03 (An introduction to ancient myth and literature).
4. English 1C06 (This is a full year course... focussed on history of english literature, if you really want to improve reading/writing skills, this is one for you)
Ones that correspond extremely well with iSci and the content/style of the program are:
1. Hlth Age 1BB3 (formerly known as Intro Gerontology, now known as 'Aging and Society')
2. ANTHROP-1Z03 (The human species, becoming and being human)
3. Philos-1D03 (Philosophy and the Sciences)
4. Philos-1B03 (Philosophy, Law, and Society)
If you enjoyed history in high school, love the games Risk or Diplomacy, or simply are fascinated with Europe, there are actually two courses just for you:
1. History 1A03 (Renaissance Europe)
2. History 1AA3 (Europe since the French Revolution)
These 2 would be really nice to take in tandem (but not required)
If you want to continue your language learning, you have:
1. Russian 1ZZ3 (This is Beginner's Russian II, meaning you should have some exposure to the language already)
2. Spanish 1A03 (Intermediate Spanish I, you need Grade 12 U/M Spanish to take this though)
3. French 1A06: (Intro to French Studies, Advanced Level... Course if you are continuing from grade 12 U French)
4. French 1Z06: Beginner's Intensive French I (no French experience needed... if you took past grade 10 French, this will likely be too easy for you)
And then, there's the Economics courses (easy classes with online assignments, but in my opinion, you don't learn a whole lot at all and they're pretty annoying classes, I would recommend to avoid unless you are really planning a Minor in Economics, because they are prerequisites. If you took grade 12 Econ, this will all be review.)
1. Econ 1B03 (Microeconomics)
2. Econ 1BB3 (Macroeconomics)
So, there's my attempt in organizing your possible elective choices. Hope I am clearing it up for you just a bit. If anyone finds another elective that works, please notify me so I can add it to the list.
If I was in your shoes looking back, I would take Math 1B03 and MMEDIA 1B03, with Anthro-1Z03 and Classics-1B03 as back-up.
(Have two back-ups when deciding before you sign up) Also make sure you pick 2 electives: One from term 1, and One from term 2 (or One from term "3" aka full year)! I would definitely not recommend taking more than a full course load (e.g. 120% course load), as you will need any free time you get adjusting to the university lifestyle/iSci program.
Also, don't feel like you HAVE to take linear algebra, chances are that most of you will not need it. Content directly deriving from linear algebra will never show up in iSci. And there is PLENTY of math content in iSci that you might even feel overwhelmed unless you are especially strong or interested in math. You will have the opportunity to pick it up in summer school if you do change your mind and decide to go into math or physics.
Hope that was of some help! And please, please, choose an elective that seems FUN for you, the worst thing ever is to have a packed schedule with something you don't enjoy going to lectures or studying for. And I am extremely jealous at your options!!! They changed it so you guys have a wider range of electives, and you have really cool ones to choose from.
Have fun picking.