Graduate Courses
For information on which courses are available during specific terms, please see the course listings found through Beartracks. Official course and program information is available though the Office of the Registrar & Student Awards.
PHYSL 500 - Reproductive Physiology
«3 (fee index 6) (fall term, 3-0-0)
Course Coordinator: Dr. Shereen Hamza
Description: The aim of this course is to describe (i) the causes of infertility, (ii) therapeutic approaches to restore or enhance fertility and (iii) contraceptive approaches to avoid pregnancy. Lectures are the same as PHYSL 400, but with additional assignments and evaluation appropriate to graduate studies. Credit cannot be obtained for both PHYSL 400 and 500.
Prerequisites: PHYSL 212 and 214, or 210 and consent of Department.
PHYSL 501 - Topics in Cardiovascular Physiology
«3 (fee index 6) (winter term, 3-0-0)
Course Coordinator: Dr. Shereen Hamza
The goal of PHYSL 501 is to develop critical appraisal and presentation skills in advanced undergraduate and graduate students. Through critical review of controversial topics in modern cardiovascular physiology, the participant will learn to appreciate that literature is a dynamic, changing and fallible source of information. Presentation skills are developed through both oral and written assignments and facility with the use of electronic library resources is encouraged. Course content varies from year to year.
Prerequisites: PHYSL 212 and 214, or 210, 404 and consent of Department.
PHYSL 502 - Problems in Current Research
«3 (fee index 6) (both terms, 0-0-6)
Course Coordinator: Dr. Simon Gosgnach
Individual study. Credit for this course may be obtained more than once.
PHYSL 503 - Neuroendoimmunomodulation
«3 (fee index 6) (fall term, 3-0-0).
Course Coordinator: Dr. Shereen Hamza
Description: The physiological and pathophysiological interrelationships between the nervous, endocrine and immune systems.
Prerequisites: consent of Department. Priority given to students registered in a graduate program. This course is not open to students with credit in the corresponding PHYSL 400 level course.
PHYSL 504 - Cardiovascular Physiology
«3 (fee index 6) (fall term, 3-0-0)
Course Coordinator: Dr. Zamaneh Kassiri
Description: General concepts in human cardiovascular physiology: properties of the myocardium, heart function, vascular biology, hemodynamics and control of cardiovascular system. Discussion of cardiovascular pathologies and relevant clinical situations.
Prerequisites: consent of Department. Priority given to students registered in a graduate program. This course is not open to students with credit in the corresponding PHYSL 400 level course.
PHYSL 505 - Sensory Physiology
«3 (fee index 6) (winter term, 3-0-0)
Course Coordinator: Dr. Simon Gosgnach
Description: The sensory systems in human physiology. The topics covered will be vision, hearing, vestibular mechanisms, taste, smell and touch, including receptor mechanisms and central organization.
Prerequisites: consent of Department. Priority given to students registered in a graduate program. This course is not open to students with credit in the corresponding PHYSL 400 level course.
PHYSL 506 - Tutorial and Seminar Course
«3 (fee index 6) (both terms, 0-0-6)
Course Coordinator: Dr. Simon Gosgnach
Individual study. Credit for this course may be obtained more than once.
PHYSL 507 - Molecular and Cellular Physiology
«3 (fee index 6) (winter term, 3-0-0)
Course Coordinator: Dr. Xing-Zhen Chen
Description: The molecular and cellular aspects of physiological processes. Main areas include the structure and functions of plasma membranes (emphasizing transport processes, their regulation and methods of study) and the mechanism of action of hormones (hormonereceptor interactions, receptor regulation and interactions of intracellular mediators). The physiological significance of these processes will be stressed throughout.
Prerequisites: consent of Department. Priority given to students registered in a graduate program. This course is not open to students with credit in the corresponding PHYSL 400 level course.
PHYSL 509 - Homeostatic Physiology
«3 (fee index 6) (winter term, 3-0-0)
Course Coordinator: Dr. Shereen Hamza
Description: Advanced principles of regulatory mechanisms in human and mammalian physiology, with in depth analysis of interrelationships between different organ systems in the maintenance of homeostasis. Clinical and physiologic perspectives are highlighted in the demonstration of how organ systems interact in health and the disruption in homeostasis which occurs in disease. Contemporary topics in energy and cardiovascular homeostasis such as the physiological adaptations to pregnancy, exercise, obesity and diabetes will be explored using an integrative, systems physiology approach. Suitable as preparation for careers in medicine, biomedical research and health-related fields.
Prerequisites: consent of Department. Priority given to students registered in a graduate program. This course is not open to students with credit in the corresponding PHYSL 400 level course.
PHYSL 510 - Clinical and Translational Physiology
«3 (fee index 6) (spring term, 3-0-0)
Course Coordinator: Dr. Shereen Hamza
Description: Innovative online course featuring unique systems approach to learning fundamental concepts in physiology and biomedical research. Real-world cases in clinical medicine highlighting each major organ system are presented in a problem-based learning format. Essential themes in physiology and pathophysiology including complex inter-relationships between organ and control systems are used to unravel each clinical case. Gaps in clinical knowledge and practice are linked to current scientific and translational research strategies. Enriches preparation for careers in medicine, biomedical research and health-related fields.
Prerequisites: PHYSL 212 and 214 (or 210) or equivalent and consent of Department. This course may not be taken for credit if credit has already been obtained in PHYSL 410.
PHYSL 512 - Physiology in History and Popular Culture
«3 (fee index 6) (spring term, 3-0-0)
Course Coordinator: Dr. Shereen Hamza
Description: Key historical scientific/medical discoveries as well as modern socio-cultural phenomena serve as a catalyst for discussion of fundamental concepts in Physiology spanning all body systems. Historical case presentation contrasts ideological, technological and scientific approaches with modern views and advances. Popular culture references initiate in-depth investigation of the physiological basis of modern social phenomena. Highlighted case presentations facilitate application of physiology knowledge through discovery learning approaches to study historical foundations and modern marvels by evoking vivid imagery, curiosity and relatability. Suitable for preparation for careers in medicine, biomedical research and health-related fields; relevant for fields involving knowledge dissemination such as public health promotion and education.
Prerequisites: PHYSL 212 and 214 (or 210) or equivalent and consent of Department. This course may not be taken for credit if credit has already been obtained in PHYSL 412.
PHYSL 513 - Fetal Physiology
«3 (fi 6) (second term, 3-0-0)
Course Coordinator: Dr. David M. Olson
Description: The course stresses experimental approaches to understanding maternal physiology during pregnancy, complications of pregnancy, fetal development & physiology during late gestation, the transition to independent life, and newborn health complications. The course is organized into four units, each dealing with a different topic in the field. Each class session comprises one 2–3-hour lecture on the first Tuesday of the unit and then a student-prepared oral or poster presentation on the second Tuesday of the unit, and the writing of a short (5-page) scientific review paper for the third Tuesday of the unit.
Prerequisites: PHYSL 210 or 212 and 214 and consent of the Course Manager.
PHYSL 544 - Current Topics in Neuroscience
«3 (fi 6) (fall term, 3-0-0)
Course Coordinator: Dr. Clayton Dickson
Description: A lecture course emphasizing contemporary aspects of developmental, cellular, systems and cognitive neurophysiology. Topics will include experience-dependent processes in the development of the nervous system, the molecular and cellular mechanisms for learning and memory, the electrophysiology of rhythmic activity in identified brain circuits, the microphysiology of transmitter secretion, and the representation and transformation of information in the nervous system. Students will be expected to demonstrate a thorough understanding of selected readings from current and classical literature. Suitable for honors students in Physiology, Pharmacology, Psychology and Neuroscience.
Prerequisites: consent of Department. Priority given to students registered in a graduate program. This course is not open to students with credit in the corresponding PHYSL 400 level course.
PHYSL 545 - Physiology of Transport Systems
«3 (fee index 6) (winter term, 3-0-0)
Course Coordinator: Dr. Xing-Zhen Chen
Description: A consideration of transport mechanisms primarily from the physiological rather than biochemical viewpoint. Major models considered are the erythrocyte and a variety of epithelia from vertebrates. Designed for advanced undergraduate and graduate students. Offered in alternate years.
Prerequisites: PHYSL 212 and 214, or 210, or ZOOL 241 and 242.
PHYSL 555 - Physiology of Lipids and Lipoproteins
«3 (fee index 6) (winter term, 3-0-0)
Course Coordinator: Dr. Robin Clugston
Description: Advanced course focusing on specific aspects of the physiological regulation of lipid and lipoprotein metabolism. Topics include the transcriptional and post-translational mechanisms governing the synthesis and degradation of important enzymes, lipids, and lipid transport molecules; the role of lipid mediators in signaling pathways and protein modification; the assembly and dynamics of lipoproteins and biological membranes; genetic disruptions of lipid regulatory proteins such as cell surface receptors leading to human disease.
Prerequisites: A minimum grade of B- in PHYSL 210 or 212/214 or consent of Department. Lectures are the same as for PHYSL 455, but with additional assignments and evaluation appropriate to graduate studies. This course may not be taken for credit if credit has already been obtained in PHYSL 455.
PHYSL 600 - Colloquia in Physiology (currently not offered)
«3 (fee index 6) (winter term, 0-3-0)
Course Coordinator: Contact Department.
Description: This discussion course will provide an opportunity for Provisional PhD candidates in the Department of Physiology, prior to their candidacy examination, to research, present and critique publications in areas relevant to their research, but not their own research. Graded on a pass/fail basis.
Prerequisite: consent of Department. Open to MSc students in the Department of Physiology.
PHYSL 698 - Undergraduate Research Mentoring
«1 (fee index 2) (two-term, 0-0-3)
Course Coordinator: Contact Department.
Description: A credit/no-credit course for graduate students who are actively participating in the mentorship of undergraduate students in a half term research course (e.g. PHYSL 461 or 468) in the Department of Physiology. Mentorship includes activities such as in-lab supervision, training, and help with reports and presentations. Can be taken in any year and Spring/Summer session. Credit may be obtained more than once. Requires the submission of an initial project summary with student learning objectives, monthly progress and final reports. This course cannot be used to satisfy course requirements of the Physiology Graduate Programs.
Prerequisite: Consent of the Department of Physiology and the student's supervisor.
PHYSL 698 - Undergraduate Research Mentoring
«2 (fee index 4) (two-term, 0-0-3)
Course Coordinator: Contact Department.
Description: A credit/no-credit course for graduate students who are actively participating in the mentorship of undergraduate students in a full-term research course (e.g. PHYSL 467; 468/469) in the Department of Physiology. Mentorship includes activities such as in-lab supervision, training, and help with reports and presentations. Can be taken in any year. Credit may be obtained more than once. Requires the submission of an initial project summary with student learning objectives, monthly progress and final reports. This course cannot be used to satisfy course requirements of the Physiology Graduate Programs.
Prerequisite: Consent of the Department of Physiology and the student's supervisor.