Undergraduate Courses
CELL 201 - Introduction to Molecular Cell Biology
CELL 300 - Advanced Cell Biology I
CELL 301 - Advanced Cell Biology II
CELL 302 - Diversity of the Cell
CELL 398 - Research Project
CELL 400 - Techniques in Cell Biology
CELL 402 - The Birth and Death of a Cell
CELL 403 - PRINCIPLES OF MEDICAL GENETICS
CELL 405 - Cell Biology of Disease
CELL 445 - Current Topics in Cell Biology
CELL 498 - Research Project
CELL 499 - Research Project
Descriptions
CELL 201 - Introduction to Molecular Cell Biology
Description: *3 (fi 6) (either term, 3-0-0). An introductory course suitable for students interested in pursuing Cell Biology specialization/honors. This course focuses on the molecular aspects of modern cell biology. Topics covered include the nucleus and gene expression; membrane structure and function; signal transduction; organelle biogenesis; cytoskeleton and cell motility; cell adhesion; the cell cycle; cancer; differentiation and stem cell technology. Reference will be made to key investigators and new technologies that have defined molecular cell biology.
Prerequisites: BIOL 107 or SCI 100
Prerequisites or Co-requisite: CHEM 164 or 261 or SCI 100
Note: Not to be taken by students with credit in BIOL 201, in addition, not available to students currently enrolled in BIOL 201.
Offered: T R 2:00 pm to 3:20 pm
CELL 300 - Advanced Cell Biology I
Description: *3 (fi 6) (first term, 3-0-0). Advanced course studying various topics in modern molecular cell biology emphasizing the design of experiments, the interpretation of their results and the extrapolation of their findings. Examines aspects of eukaryotic cell structure and function. Includes, but not restricted to, areas such as protein targeting, organelle biogenesis, intracellular signaling, pathogen-cell interactions and cell-cell interactions. Makes extensive use of scientific literature to illustrate important concepts.
Prerequisites: CELL 201 or BIOL 201, BIOCH 200
Offered: T R 9:30 am to 10:50 am
CELL 301 - Advanced Cell Biology II
Description: *3 (fi 6) (second term, 3-0-0). Continuation of CELL 300, covering topics from CELL 300 in greater depth and recent developments in cell biology. Intended for, but not restricted to, students in the Cell Biology Honors and Specialization programs.
Recommended prerequisite: CELL 300 or consent of the Department
Offered: T R 11:00 am to 12:20 pm
CELL 302 - Diversity of the Cell
Description: *3 (fi 6) (second term, 3-0-0). A cross-sectional study of human cells and their specialized functions. The function of neurons, adipocytes, myocytes, epithelial cells, endothelia cells and other cell types will be explored. Current literature will be used when possible.
Prerequisite: CELL 201 or BIOL 201
Offered: M W F 11:00 am to 11:50 am
CELL 398 - Research Project
Description: *3 (fi 6) (either term, 0-0-3). Directed research carried out in a laboratory of a member participating in the Cell Biology Program. Credit may be obtained for this course only once. Successful completion requires laboratory skills training and a written report on the research project. Normally for students in their third year of study.
Pre or co-requisites: Any 300-level Science course (CELL 300 recommended) and the consent of the Course Coordinator.
Course Catalogue Number: Go to the Department website for project information. This course can also be taken as a six week Spring/Summer Session course.
General comments: Before starting to work, students and their supervisors submit a project registration form and a brief description of what they will be doing in the course during the semester. At the end of the semester, each student must write a report on their project. The Supervisors and the Coordinator will evaluate the reports. Evaluation will be based on the students' performance in the lab and their written reports.
Possible Supervisors: Any researcher in the Faculties of Science or Medicine & Dentistry.
CELL 400 - Techniques in Cell Biology
Description: *3 (fi 6) (either term, 0-0-6). A laboratory course that teaches the application of modern cell biology techniques, including cell growth, microscopy and genetic manipulation to understand cell structure and function. Enrollment is limited, and registration is by permission of the department.
Prerequisite: Any 300-level Science course or consent of the Department.
Offered: TBA
CELL 402 - The Birth and Death of a Cell
Description: *3 (fi 6) (second term, 3-0-0). An advanced course dealing with cell
differentiation, intracellular and extracellular signaling processes, the cell cycle and apoptosis. The course will consist of lecture material and small group learning sessions and will require reading and discussion of current research articles. Enrollment is limited and registration is by permission of the Department.
Prerequisite: Any 300-level Science course or consent of the Department.
Offered: T R 12:30 pm to 1:50 pm
CELL 403 - PRINCIPLES OF MEDICAL GENETICS
Description: *3 (fi 6) (first term, 3-0-0). The rapid expansion of our understanding of the human genome has created new, exciting possibilities to understanding the root causes of human disease and improve health. However, this also leads to real and potential problems - both ethical and practical. This senior level undergraduate course will consist of four modules each covering different aspects of the scientific theory underlying the practice of Medical Genetics. Topics will include core concepts in human genomics, developmental genetics, genetic variation, Mendelian and non-Mendelian traits, Mendelian disease as examples of key genomic concepts, methodologies that allow for screening of genetic disease and the theory supporting the practice of genetic counselling. This course will be based on didactic understanding of the topics and draw upon examples from the expertise of the instructors.
Prerequisites: CELL 201 or BIOL 201, 300 level course in CELL or GENET or consent of the Department.
Offered: M W F 11:00 am to 11:50 am
CELL 405 - Cell Biology of Disease
Description: *3 (fi 6) (first term, 3-0-0). This course focuses on the nature and mechanisms of disease processes. Through integration of practical classes with lectures, abnormalities in the structure and function of cells, tissues and organs that underlie disease are explored. Emphasis is placed on current research aimed at understanding the mechanisms of disease and disease therapy. Topics covered may include genetic disorders, cancer, cellular pathology, immunology, microbiology, parasitology and virology.
Prerequisite: Any 300-level Science course. Enrolment is limited and registration is by permission of the Department.
Offered: T R 12:30 pm to 1:50 pm
CELL 445 - Current Topics in Cell Biology
Description: *3 (fi 6) (first term, 3-0-0). Study of recent literature that defines significant advances in cellular and molecular biology research. Introduces students to advancements in cellular and molecular biology research of outstanding quality and interest. Instruction will be provided on critical analysis of research articles, presentation of scientific results, and assessment of research grants. Students will be exposed to current literature through student-led presentations and discussions.
Prerequisite: Any 300-level Science course or consent of Department. Enrolment is limited and registration is by permission of the Department.
Offered: T R 2:00 pm to 3:20 pm
CELL 498 - Research Project
Description: *3 (fi 6) (either term, 0-0-3). Directed research carried out in a laboratory of a member participating in the Cell Biology Program. Credit may be obtained for this course more than once. Successful completion requires application of laboratory skills and a written report on the research project.
Prerequisites: A 300-level CELL, Biological Sciences, or Biochemistry course and the consent of the Course Coordinator.
Course Catalogue Number: Go to the Department website for project information. This course can also be taken as a six week Spring/Summer session course.
General comments: Before starting to work, students and their supervisors submit a project registration form and a brief description of what they will be doing in the course during the semester. At the end of the semester, each student must write a report on their project. The supervisors and the coordinator will evaluate the reports. Evaluation will be based on the students' performance in the lab and their written reports.
Possible Supervisors: Any researcher in the Faculties of Science or Medicine & Dentistry.
CELL 499 - Research Project
Description: *6 (fi 12) (two term, 0-0-6). Directed research carried out in a laboratory of a member participating in the Cell Biology Program. The project normally continues through both the Fall and Winter terms. Successful completion of this course requires application of laboratory skills, a written report and an oral presentation on the research project.
Prerequisites: A 300-level CELL, Biological Sciences, or Biochemistry course and the consent of the Course Coordinator.
Course Catalogue Number: Go to the Department website for project information.
General comments: Before starting to work, students and their supervisors submit a project registration form and a brief description of what they will be doing in the course during the semester. At the end of the semester, each student must write a report on their project. The supervisors and the coordinator will evaluate the reports. Evaluation will be based on the students' performance in the lab and their written reports.
Possible Supervisors: Any researcher in the Faculties of Science or Medicine & Dentistry.