Program Requirements
This program focuses on the fundamentals of biology with a focus on molecular biology, and gives them computational and mathematical skills needed to manage, analyze, and model large biological datasets. Compared to the Joint Major counterpart, this program requires additional research credits and a larger number of advanced courses. Students must maintain a minimum CGPA of 3.5. To graduate with First Class Honours, the CGPA must be at least 3.75.
Students may complete this program with a minimum of 67 and a maximum of 77 credits.
Program Prerequisites: U0 (freshman) students should take: BIOL 111, BIOL 112, CHEM 110, CHEM 120, MATH 133, MATH 140, MATH 141 or MATH 150, MATH 151, PHYS 101, PHYS 102 or PHYS 131, PHYS 142. Note that MATH 150, MATH 151 provide equivalence for required course MATH 222.
Students who do not have a background in computer programming at the level of COMP 202 or COMP 204 must take one of these courses. COMP 204 is considered equivalent to COMP 202 as a prerequisite for COMP 206 and COMP 250.
Required Courses
(43-53 credits)
Bio-Physical Science Core
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BIOL 219 Introduction to Physical
Molecular and Cell Biology (4 credits)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : An introduction to molecular and cell biology from a physical perspective. Techniques and methodologies, both experimental and computational, are included in the presentation of each thematic module.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Weber, Stephanie; Watt, Alanna; Reyes Lamothe, Rodrigo; Hendricks, Adam (Fall)
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 112; CHEM 110 and CHEM 120; MATH 140, MATH 141 and MATH 133; PHYS 131 and PHYS 142; or the equivalents of these courses.
Corequisite(s): MATH 222 or equivalent
Restriction(s): Not open to students who have taken or are taking ANAT 212, BIOC 212, BIOL 200, and BIOL 201, or BIEN 219. Only open to students in Bioengineering, Computer Science-Biology, Biology-Mathematics, Biology-Quantitative Biology, Chemistry-Biophysical Chemistry, and Physics-Biological Physics Options.
This course is meant to prepare students for related 300-level courses in Biology, Chemistry, Engineering and Physics.
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BIOL 301 Cell and Molecular Laboratory (4 credits)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : An introduction to biology research and communication with a focus on cell and molecular biology. Through conducting a series of project-based experiments and writing a final report, molecular and synthetic biology techniques such as gene cloning, manipulation, protein isolation and characterization and how research is conducted, analyzed and communicated will be addressed. In addition, an introduction to bioinformatics methods and their role in analysis will be provided.
Terms: Fall 2024, Winter 2025
Instructors: Hayer, Arnold; Harrison, Paul; Zheng, Huanquan; Leroux, Maxime (Fall) Zheng, Huanquan; Harrison, Paul; Leroux, Maxime; Hayer, Arnold (Winter)
Fall or Winter
1 hour lecture and one 6-hour laboratory
Prerequisites: BIOL 200, BIOL 201 (or ANAT 212/BIOC 212); or BIOL 219
Restrictions: Not open to students who have taken or are taking BIOC 300, or BIOC 220 and BIOC 320. Requires departmental approval.
For approval email maxime.leroux [at] mcgill.ca. Specify your ID number as well as the term and two lab day preferences.
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BIOL 395 Quantitative Biology Seminar (1 credit)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : Overview of concepts and current research in quantitative biology; theoretical ecology and evolution, computational biology, and physical biology.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Fussmann, Gregor; Hendry, Andrew; Guichard, Frederic; Schmidt, Alexandra; Oeffinger, Marlene; Hendricks, Michael; Bui, Khanh Huy; Weber, Stephanie; Hayer, Arnold; Gerhold, Abigail (Fall)
Fall
Prerequisites: BIOL 219; or BIOL 200 plus BIOL 201 or ANAT 212 or BIOC 212; CHEM 212; COMP 202 or COMP 204 or COMP 250; MATH 222; or permission of instructor.
Restriction: Only open to U2 students in the following programs: B.Sc.; Major and Honours in Biology; Quantitative Biology, B.Sc.; Major and Honours Computer Science and Biology, B.Sc.; Major Biology and Mathematics, B.Sc.; Major Physiology and Mathematics, B.Sc.; Major Physiology and Physics, B.Sc.; Major and Honours Chemistry; Biophysical Chemistry, and B.Sc.; Major and Honours Physics; Biological Physics.
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CHEM 212 Introductory Organic Chemistry 1 (4 credits) *
Overview
Chemistry : A fundamental study of aliphatic compounds and saturated functional groups including modern concepts of bonding, reaction mechanisms, conformational analysis, spectroscopy, and stereochemistry.
Terms: Fall 2024, Summer 2025
Instructors: Vlaho, Danielle; Huot, Mitchell; Sirjoosingh, Pallavi; Tsantrizos, Youla S; Pavelka, Laura; Luedtke, Nathan (Fall) Sirjoosingh, Pallavi; Vlaho, Danielle; Huot, Mitchell (Summer)
Fall, Summer
Restriction: Not open to students registered in Chemistry or Biochemistry. Not open to students who have taken or are taking CHEM 211, CHEM 242, or equivalent.
Each lab section is limited enrolment
Note: Some CEGEP programs provide equivalency for this course. For more information, please see the Department of Chemistry's Web page ().
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MATH 222 Calculus 3 (3 credits) *
Overview
Mathematics & Statistics (Sci) : Taylor series, Taylor's theorem in one and several variables. Review of vector geometry. Partial differentiation, directional derivative. Extreme of functions of 2 or 3 variables. Parametric curves and arc length. Polar and spherical coordinates. Multiple integrals.
Terms: Fall 2024, Winter 2025, Summer 2025
Instructors: Pym, Brent; Tageddine, Damien (Fall) Mazakian, Hovsep (Winter)
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MATH 223 Linear Algebra (3 credits)
Overview
Mathematics & Statistics (Sci) : Review of matrix algebra, determinants and systems of linear equations. Vector spaces, linear operators and their matrix representations, orthogonality. Eigenvalues and eigenvectors, diagonalization of Hermitian matrices. Applications.
Terms: Fall 2024, Winter 2025
Instructors: Elaidi, Shereen; Bellemare, Hugues (Fall) Macdonald, Jeremy (Winter)
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MATH 323 Probability (3 credits)
Overview
Mathematics & Statistics (Sci) : Sample space, events, conditional probability, independence of events, Bayes' Theorem. Basic combinatorial probability, random variables, discrete and continuous univariate and multivariate distributions. Independence of random variables. Inequalities, weak law of large numbers, central limit theorem.
Terms: Fall 2024, Winter 2025, Summer 2025
Instructors: Sajjad, Alia (Fall) Nadarajah, Tharshanna (Winter)
Computer Science and Mathematics
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COMP 202 Foundations of Programming (3 credits) **
Overview
Computer Science (Sci) : Introduction to computer programming in a high level language: variables, expressions, primitive types, methods, conditionals, loops. Introduction to algorithms, data structures (arrays, strings), modular software design, libraries, file input/output, debugging, exception handling. Selected topics.
Terms: Fall 2024, Winter 2025, Summer 2025
Instructors: M'hiri, Faten (Fall) M'hiri, Faten (Winter)
3 hours
Restrictions: Not open to students who have taken or are taking COMP 204, COMP 208, or GEOG 333; not open to students who have taken or are taking COMP 206 or COMP 250.
COMP 202 is intended as a general introductory course, while COMP 204 is intended for students in life sciences, and COMP 208 is intended for students in physical sciences and engineering.
To take COMP 202, students should have a solid understanding of pre-calculus fundamentals such as polynomial, trigonometric, exponential, and logarithmic functions.
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COMP 204 Computer Programming for Life Sciences (3 credits) **
Overview
Computer Science (Sci) : Computer Science (Sci): Computer programming in a high level language: variables, expressions, types, functions, conditionals, loops, objects and classes. Introduction to algorithms, modular software design, libraries, file input/output, debugging. Emphasis on applications in the life sciences.
Terms: Fall 2024, Winter 2025
Instructors: Becerra, David (Fall) Siddiqi, Kaleem (Winter)
Co-requisite: BIOL 112
Restrictions: Not open to students who have taken or are taking COMP 202, COMP 208, or GEOG 333; not open to students who have taken or are taking COMP 206 or COMP 250.
To take COMP 204, students should have a solid understanding of pre-calculus fundamentals such as polynomial, trigonometric, exponential, and logarithmic functions.
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COMP 206 Introduction to Software Systems (3 credits)
Overview
Computer Science (Sci) : Comprehensive overview of programming in C, use of system calls and libraries, debugging and testing of code; use of developmental tools like make, version control systems.
Terms: Fall 2024, Winter 2025
Instructors: Errington, Jacob (Fall) Vybihal, Joseph P; Kopinsky, Max (Winter)
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COMP 250 Introduction to Computer Science (3 credits)
Overview
Computer Science (Sci) : Mathematical tools (binary numbers, induction,recurrence relations, asymptotic complexity,establishing correctness of programs). Datastructures (arrays, stacks, queues, linked lists,trees, binary trees, binary search trees, heaps,hash tables). Recursive and non-recursivealgorithms (searching and sorting, tree andgraph traversal). Abstract data types. Objectoriented programming in Java (classes andobjects, interfaces, inheritance). Selected topics.
Terms: Fall 2024, Winter 2025
Instructors: Alberini, Giulia (Fall) Alberini, Giulia (Winter)
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COMP 252 Honours Algorithms and Data Structures (3 credits) ***
Overview
Computer Science (Sci) : The design and analysis of data structures and algorithms. The description of various computational problems and the algorithms that can be used to solve them, along with their associated data structures. Proving the correctness of algorithms and determining their computational complexity.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Devroye, Luc P (Winter)
3 hours
Restrictions: (1) Open only to students in Honours programs. (2) Students cannot receive credit for both COMP 251 and COMP 252.
COMP 252 uses basic combinatorial counting methods that are covered in MATH 240 but not in MATH 235. Students who are unfamiliar with these methods should speak with the instructor for guidance.
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COMP 561 Computational Biology Methods and Research (4 credits)
Overview
Computer Science (Sci) : Application of computer science techniques to problems arising in biology and medicine, techniques for modeling evolution, aligning molecular sequences, predicting structure of a molecule and other problems from computational biology. An in-depth exploration of key research areas.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Blanchette, Mathieu (Fall)
4 hours
Prerequisites: COMP 251, and MATH 323 or MATH 203 or BIOL 309
Restriction: Not open to students who have taken or are taking COMP 462.
Note: Additional work will consist of assignments and of a substantial final project that will require to put in practice the concepts covered in the course.
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MATH 240 Discrete Structures (3 credits)
Overview
Mathematics & Statistics (Sci) : Introduction to discrete mathematics and applications. Logical reasoning and methods of proof. Elementary number theory and cryptography: prime numbers, modular equations, RSA encryption. Combinatorics: basic enumeration, combinatorial methods, recurrence equations. Graph theory: trees, cycles, planar graphs.
Terms: Fall 2024, Winter 2025
Instructors: Macdonald, Jeremy; Goh, Marcel (Fall) Fortier, J茅r么me (Winter)
Biology
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BIOL 202 Basic Genetics (3 credits)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : Introduction to basic principles, and to modern advances, problems and applications in the genetics of higher and lower organisms with examples representative of the biological sciences.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Moon, Nam Sung; Nilson, Laura; Schoen, Daniel J; Hipfner, David; Champetier, Serge (Winter)
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BIOL 215 Introduction to Ecology and Evolution (3 credits)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : An introduction to the fundamental processes of ecology and evolution that bear on the nature and diversity of organisms and the processes that govern their assembly into ecological communities and their roles in ecosystem function.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Price, Neil; Kassen, Rees; Fussmann, Gregor (Fall)
Joint Courses
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COMP 402D1 Honours Project in Computer Science and Biology (3 credits)
Overview
Computer Science (Sci) : One-semester research project applying computational approaches to a biological problem.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Blanchette, Mathieu (Fall)
Prerequisite(s): 9 credits of COMP courses and 9 credits of BIOL courses. Department approval and project form required to register.
Restriction(s): Open only to students in the Honours in Computer Science and Biology program.
Note: The project is (co)-supervised by a professor in Computer Science and/or Biology or related fields.
Students must register for both COMP 402D1 and COMP 402D2.
No credit will be given for this course unless both COMP 402D1 and COMP 402D2 are successfully completed in consecutive terms.
COMP 402D1 and COMP 402D2 are equivalent to COMP 402
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COMP 402D2 Honours Project in Computer Science and Biology (3 credits)
Overview
Computer Science (Sci) : One-semester research project applying computational approaches to a biological problem.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Blanchette, Mathieu (Winter)
Prerequisite(s): 9 credits of COMP courses and 9 credits of BIOL courses. Department approval and project form required to register.
Restriction(s): Open only to students in the Honours in Computer Science and Biology program.
Prerequisite: COMP 402D1
No credit will be given for this course unless both COMP 402D1 and COMP 402D2 are successfully completed in consecutive terms
COMP 402D1 and COMP 402D2 are equivalent to COMP 402
Note: The project is (co)-supervised by a professor in Computer Science and/or Biology or related fields.
* Students with CEGEP-level credit for equivalents of MATH 222 and/or CHEM 212 do not have to take these courses. Students should speak with an adviser if uncertain if they are exempted.
** Students may take either COMP 202 or COMP 204, but not both. Students who have taken the equivalent of COMP 202/COMP 204 prior to their 海角社区 studies are exempt from COMP 202/COMP204.
*** Students with credit for COMP 251 instead of COMP 252 must include in their Complementary courses at 6 COMP credits at the 400 level or above, including at least 3 credits at the 500 level or above.
Complementary Courses (24 credits)
3-6 credits from the following:
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MATH 315 Ordinary Differential Equations (3 credits)
Overview
Mathematics & Statistics (Sci) : First order ordinary differential equations including elementary numerical methods. Linear differential equations. Laplace transforms. Series solutions.
Terms: Fall 2024, Winter 2025
Instructors: Paquette, Courtney (Fall) Kamran, Niky (Winter)
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MATH 324 Statistics (3 credits)
Overview
Mathematics & Statistics (Sci) : Sampling distributions, point and interval estimation, hypothesis testing, analysis of variance, contingency tables, nonparametric inference, regression, Bayesian inference.
Terms: Fall 2024, Winter 2025
Instructors: Nadarajah, Tharshanna (Fall) Asgharian, Masoud (Winter)
Fall and Winter
Prerequisite: MATH 323 or equivalent
Restriction: Not open to students who have taken or are taking MATH 357
You may not be able to receive credit for this course and other statistic courses. Be sure to check the Course Overlap section under Faculty Degree Requirements in the Arts or Science section of the Calendar.
The remaining 18-21 credits to be chosen from the following, with at least 9 credits at the 400 level or above:
Computer Science Block
9-12 credits from :
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COMP 273 Introduction to Computer Systems (3 credits)
Overview
Computer Science (Sci) : Number representations, combinational and sequential digital circuits, MIPS instructions and architecture datapath and control, caches, virtual memory, interrupts and exceptions, pipelining.
Terms: Fall 2024, Winter 2025
Instructors: Elsaadawy, Mona (Fall) Kry, Paul (Winter)
3 hours
Corequisite: COMP 206.
and any other COMP courses at the 300 level or above - except COMP 400, COMP 401, COMP 402, COMP 462, and COMP 561. At least 3 of theses 9-12 credits must be at the 400 level or above.
Biology Block
9-12 credits from the following, with 3-6 credits at the 400 level or above:
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BIOL 300 Molecular Biology of the Gene (3 credits)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : A survey of current knowledge and approaches in the area of regulation of gene expression, post-transcriptional control of gene expression, and signal transduction.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Sch枚ck, Frieder; Moon, Nam Sung (Fall)
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BIOL 303 Developmental Biology (3 credits)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : A consideration of the fundamental processes and principles operating during embryogenesis. Experimental analyses at the molecular, cellular, and organismal levels will be presented and discussed to provide an overall appreciation of developmental phenomena.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Gerhold, Abigail; Rao, Yong; Dufort, Daniel (Winter)
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BIOL 304 Evolution (3 credits)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : A comprehensive introduction to evolutionary biology. It covers both short-term and long-term evolutionary processes. Topics include the history of life, the origin of species, adaptation, natural selection and sexual selection.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Hendry, Andrew; Larsson, Hans Carl (Fall)
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BIOL 306 Neural Basis of Behaviour (3 credits)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : Neural mechanisms of animal behaviour; neuroethology; cellular neurophysiology, integrative networks within nervous systems; neural control of movement; processing of sensory information.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Sakata, Jon; Dent, Joseph Alan; Oyama, Tomoko (Fall)
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BIOL 308 Ecological Dynamics (3 credits)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : Principles of population, community, and ecosystem dynamics: population growth and regulation, species interactions, dynamics of competitive interactions and of predator/prey systems; evolutionary dynamics.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Guichard, Frederic; Fussmann, Gregor (Fall)
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BIOL 309 Mathematical Models in Biology (3 credits)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : Application of finite difference and differential equations to problems in cell and developmental biology, ecology and physiology. Qualitative, quantitative and graphical techniques are used to analyze mathematical models and to compare theoretical predictions with experimental data.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Bub, Gil; Guichard, Frederic (Fall)
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BIOL 310 Biodiversity and Ecosystems (3 credits)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : Ecological bases of the natural causes and consequences of current global environmental changes, including how biodiversity and ecosystem processes are defined and measured, how they vary in space and time, how they are affected by physical and biological factors, and how they affect each other and human societies.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Pollock, Laura; Iversen, Lars Lonsmann (Winter)
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BIOL 313 Eukaryotic Cell Biology (3 credits)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : In-depth examination of the structure and function of eukaryotic cells, with an emphasis on experimental design and interpretation. Examination of the molecular mechanisms of various cellular processes, including protein homeostasis, intracellular transport, cytoskeletal dynamics, multicellular organization and cell proliferation.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Weber, Stephanie (Winter)
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BIOL 314 Molecular Biology of
Cancer (3 credits)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : The molecular basis of human cancers, including analyzing the events that promote the formation of oncogenes and inhibit tumour suppressor genes, the biochemical properties of the proteins encoded by these genes, and their functions. Current molecular targets for cancer therapy and the concepts and consequences of inheriting mutations in genes that predispose to cancer.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Dankort, David (Winter)
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BIOL 316 Biomembranes and Organelles (3 credits)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : The course focuses on biomembranes and subcellular organelles and their implications for disease. The topics include: protein and lipid biochemistry, membrane structure and transport; intracellular compartmentalization, protein sorting and modification, intracellular membrane trafficking; energy transfer, organization and dynamics of chloroplasts and mitochondria; extracellular matrix and cell walls.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Zheng, Huanquan (Fall)
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BIOL 319 Introduction to Biophysics (3 credits)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : Emerging physical approaches and quantitative measurement techniques are providing new insights into longstanding biological questions. This course will present underlying physical theory, quantitative measurement techniques, and significant findings in molecular and cellular biophysics. Principles covered include Brownian motion, low Reynolds-number environments, forces relevant to cells and molecules, chemical potentials, and free energies. These principles are applied to enzymes as molecular machines, membranes, DNA, and RNA.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Reisner, Walter (Winter)
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BIOL 320 Evolution of Brain and Behaviour (3 credits)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : Functional and comparative approach to neuroanatomy, examining how species changes in brain organization contribute to evolutionary changes in behaviour.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Woolley, Sarah; Sakata, Jon (Winter)
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BIOL 370 Human Genetics Applied (3 credits)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : A contemporary view of genetic research as applied to human health and well-being.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
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BIOL 389 Laboratory in Neurobiology (3 credits)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : Methods of neurobiological research, including extracellular and intracellular recordings, electrical stimulation, and the study of neuro-behavioural problems.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Dent, Joseph Alan; Watt, Alanna; Oyama, Tomoko; Hendricks, Michael; Tritsch, Nicolas (Winter)
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BIOL 395 Quantitative Biology Seminar (1 credit)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : Overview of concepts and current research in quantitative biology; theoretical ecology and evolution, computational biology, and physical biology.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Fussmann, Gregor; Hendry, Andrew; Guichard, Frederic; Schmidt, Alexandra; Oeffinger, Marlene; Hendricks, Michael; Bui, Khanh Huy; Weber, Stephanie; Hayer, Arnold; Gerhold, Abigail (Fall)
Fall
Prerequisites: BIOL 219; or BIOL 200 plus BIOL 201 or ANAT 212 or BIOC 212; CHEM 212; COMP 202 or COMP 204 or COMP 250; MATH 222; or permission of instructor.
Restriction: Only open to U2 students in the following programs: B.Sc.; Major and Honours in Biology; Quantitative Biology, B.Sc.; Major and Honours Computer Science and Biology, B.Sc.; Major Biology and Mathematics, B.Sc.; Major Physiology and Mathematics, B.Sc.; Major Physiology and Physics, B.Sc.; Major and Honours Chemistry; Biophysical Chemistry, and B.Sc.; Major and Honours Physics; Biological Physics.
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BIOL 416 Genetics of Mammalian Development (3 credits)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : This course aims to examine problems, theories, and experimental evidence on several concepts of mammalian developmental processes at molecular to organogenesis levels. Most topics are in the mouse model system, where various techniques for genetic manipulation are available.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Dufort, Daniel (Winter)
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BIOL 434 Theoretical Ecology (3 credits)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : Study of theoretical ecology and of mathematical tools available to explore the dynamical behaviour of model populations, communities and ecosystems. Models addressing major ecological theories including population stability, community dynamics and ecosystem functioning, epidemic and disturbance dynamics, spatial models, game theory.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
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BIOL 435 Natural Selection (3 credits)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : Explains how the selection of undirected variation accounts for some of the leading features of the natural world. Its main focus is evolutionary change and adaptation, but it will also include material from ecological, economic, biochemical and computer systems. It emphasizes experimental studies of evolution.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Fall
3 hours of lecture
Prerequisite: BIOL 304 or permission of instructor.
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BIOL 509 Methods in Molecular Ecology (3 credits)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : An overview of the molecular genetic tools used to investigate ecological and evolutionary processes in natural populations. The use of molecular tools in studies of population structure, parentage, kinship, species boundaries, phylogenetics. Special topics include conservation genetics, population genetics, and ecological genomics.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
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BIOL 518 Advanced Topics in Cell Biology (3 credits)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : Concepts and mechanisms in advanced cell biology, based on genetic, cell biological, biophysical, and computational studies. Emphasis is placed on processes that are evolutionarily conserved, with examples from model organisms and cell-free (in vitro) approaches.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Harrison, Paul; Lasko, Paul; Brouhard, Gary (Winter)
Winter
3 hours seminar
Prerequisite: BIOL 313 or permission
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BIOL 520 Gene Activity in Development (3 credits)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : An analysis of the role and regulation of gene expression in several models of eukaryotic development. The emphasis will be on critical evaluation of recent literature concerned with molecular or genetic approaches to the problems of cellular differentiation and determination. Recent research reports will be discussed in conferences and analyzed in written critiques.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
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BIOL 524 Topics in Molecular Biology (3 credits)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : Molecular genetics and molecular, cellular and developmental biology, including signal transduction, cell differentiation and function, genetic diseases in eukaryotes.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Clarke, Hugh; Dankort, David (Fall)
- BIOL 530 Advances in Neuroethology (3 credits)
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BIOL 532 Developmental Neurobiology Seminar (3 credits)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : Discussions of all aspects of nervous system development including pattern formation, cell lineage, pathfinding and targeting by growing axons, and neural regeneration. The basis for these discussions will be recent research papers and other assigned readings.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Van Meyel, Donald; Kania, Artur; Fournier, Alyson Elise; Cloutier, Jean-Francois; Ruthazer, Edward (Winter)
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BIOL 546 Genetics of Model Systems (3 credits)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : Topics in the genetics and molecular genetics of unicellular, plant, invertebrate and vertebrate models systems.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
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BIOL 551 Principles of Cellular Control (3 credits)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : Fundamental principles of cellular control, with cell cycle control as a major theme. Biological and physical concepts are brought to bear on control in healthy cells..
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
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BIOL 568 Topics on the Human Genome (3 credits)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : Cellular and molecular approaches to characterization of the human genome.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Engert, Jamie; Slim, Rima; Montpetit, Alexandre; Sladek, Robert; Zawati, Ma'n Hilmi; Bailey, Swneke; Najafabadi, Hamed; Yamanaka, Yojiro; Langlais, David; Nadaf, Javad (Winter)
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BIOL 569 Developmental Evolution (3 credits)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : The influence of developmental mechanisms on evolution. This course draws on recent examples from plants and invertebrate and vertebrate animals. Topics include homology, modularity, dissociation, co-option, evolutionary novelty, evolution of cis-regulation and gene regulatory networks, developmental constraint and evolvability, heterochrony, phenotypic plasticity, and canalization.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
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BIOL 575 Human Biochemical Genetics (3 credits)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : Selected human diseases, from the molecular and cellular levels to tissue effects and emerging novel therapies.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Braverman, Nancy; Genest, Jacques Jean; Paliouras, Miltiadis; Christensen, Karen Elizabeth; Rauch, Frank; Watkins, David; Shoubridge, Eric Alan; Pshezhetsky, Alexei; Kitzler, Thomas; Armstrong, Gary (Fall)
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BIOL 580 Genetic Approaches to Neural Systems (3 credits)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : This course will focus on recent research employing genetic-based methods to examine the functional and structural properties of the nervous system. The focus will be on approaches for studying neural circuits and behavior in a range of model organisms. Topics will include recent technological advances, such as optogenetics for modifying and controlling neuronal activity, and animal models of neurological diseases. Students will critically analyze the application of these methods to current research through in-class discussion of primary literature, student presentations, and written assignments.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Watt, Alanna; Hendricks, Michael (Winter)
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 306 or permission of the instructors.
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BIOL 588 Advances in Molecular/Cellular Neurobiology (3 credits)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : Discussion of fundamental molecular mechanisms underlying the general features of cellular neurobiology. An advanced course based on lectures and on a critical review of primary research papers.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Hastings, Kenneth E M; Nagy, Corina; McPherson, Peter Scott; Poulin, Jean-Francois; Zhou, Yang (Fall)
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NEUR 310 Cellular Neurobiology (3 credits)
Overview
Neurology and Neurosurgery : A survey of the functional organization of nerve cells, signalling in the nervous system, and principles of neural development. Topics include cell polarity, neurotransmitters, neurotrophins, receptors and second messengers, cell lineage, guidance of axon outgrowth, and nerve regeneration. Emphasis will be placed on analysis of neurons at the molecular level.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Cloutier, Jean-Francois; Ragsdale, David S; Kennedy, Timothy E; Fournier, Alyson Elise; Sossin, Wayne Steven; Ruthazer, Edward; Fortin, Jerome (Winter)
