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BIOC63H3 - Conservation Biology

A lecture and tutorial course offering an introduction to the scientific foundation and practice of conservation biology. It reviews ecological and genetic concepts constituting the basis for conservation including patterns and causes of global biodiversity, the intrinsic and extrinsic value of biodiversity, the main causes of the worldwide decline of biodiversity and the approaches to save it, as well as the impacts of global climate change.

Prerequisite: BIOB50H3 and BIOB51H3
Exclusion: EEB365H, (BIO365H)
Breadth Requirements: Natural Sciences
Course Experience: University-Based Experience

BIOC65H3 - Environmental Toxicology

An introduction to the scientific study of the effects of toxic chemicals on biological organisms. Standard methods of assessing toxicant effects on individuals, populations, and communities are discussed. Special emphasis is placed on the chemistry of major toxicant classes, and on how toxicants are processed by the human body.

Prerequisite: BIOB50H3 and CHMA10H3 and CHMA11H3
Breadth Requirements: Natural Sciences

BIOC70H3 - An Introduction to Bias in the Sciences

Research and practice in the sciences often rests on the unquestioned assertion of impartial analyses of facts. This course will take a data-informed approach to understanding how human biases can, and have, affected progress in the sciences in general, and in biology in particular. Case studies may include reviews of how science has been used to justify or sustain racism, colonialism, slavery, and the exploitation of marginalized groups. Links will be drawn to contemporary societal challenges and practices. Topics will include how biases can shape science in terms of those doing the research, the questions under study, and the types of knowledge that inform practice and teaching. Data on bias and societal costs of bias will be reviewed, as well as evidence-informed practices, structures, and individual actions which could ensure that science disrupts, rather than enables, social inequities.

Prerequisite: [Any of the following A-level courses: ANTA01H3, [BIOA01H3 and BIOA02H3], BIOA11H3, [HLTA02H3 and HLTA03H3] or [PSYA01H3 and PSYA02H3]] and [Any of the following B-level courses: any B-level BIO course, any B-level PSY course, ANTB14H3, ANTB15H3, HLTB20H3 or HLTB22H3]
Breadth Requirements: Natural Sciences

BIOC90H3 - Integrative Multimedia Documentary Project

In this course, students will produce engaging, documentary-style multimedia narratives that relay scientific evidence on a topic of interest to a lay audience. In order to create their documentaries, students will distill research findings reported in the primary literature and integrate knowledge from multiple fields of biology.


Notes:

1. Students in all Specialists/Specialist Co-op and Major programs in Biological Sciences are required to complete BIOC90H3 prior to graduation. In order to enroll in BIOC90H3, students must be enrolled in at least one of the following corequisite courses listed.

2. No specific grade will be assigned to BIOC90H3 on transcripts; instead, the grade assigned to work in BIOC90H3 will constitute 10% of the final grade in one of the corequisite courses that the students are concurrently enrolled in.

3. Students must receive a grade of 50% or higher for work in BIOC90H3 in order to fulfill this graduation requirement.

Prerequisite: BIOB90H3. Restricted to students in the Specialist/Specialist Co-op programs and Major Programs in Biological Sciences.
Corequisite: Concurrently enrolled in at least one of the following: BIOC12H3, BIOC14H3, BIOC20H3, BIOC32H3, BIOC34H3, BIOC39H3, BIOC40H3, BIOC54H3, or BIOC61H3.
Breadth Requirements: Natural Sciences

BIOC99H3 - Biology Team Research

In this introduction to academic research, a group of 3-5 students work with a faculty supervisor and TA to develop a research proposal or implement a research project. Prior to registering, students must find a faculty supervisor, form a group, then submit a permission form to the department. The permission form may be downloaded from the Biological Sciences website.

Note: Completion of this course can be used to fulfill a course requirement for the Certificate in Biological Sciences Research Excellence. Details can be found in the Biological Sciences Overview section of the Calendar.

Prerequisite: (1) Enrolment in a UTSC Major or Specialist Subject POSt offered by Biological Sciences and (2) completion of all second year core program requirements and (3) have at least 8.0 credits and (4) a commitment from a Biology faculty member to serve as supervisor and (5) formation of a group that includes at least 2 other students
Breadth Requirements: Natural Sciences
Course Experience: University-Based Experience

BIOD06H3 - Advanced Topics in Neural Basis of Motor Control

Lecture/seminar-based course addressing advanced topics in the neural basis of motor control in vertebrates. The emphasis will be placed on cellular-level understanding of how motor circuits operate.

Prerequisite: BIOC32H3 or NROC34H3 or NROC64H3 or NROC69H3
Breadth Requirements: Natural Sciences

BIOD07H3 - Advanced Topics and Methods in Neural Circuit Analysis

This course will survey different fields in neural circuit research ranging from sensory systems to motor control. Emphasis will be placed on new methodologies used to deconstruct circuit function, including advanced functional imaging, optogenetics, anatomical reconstruction and the latest behavioural approaches.

Prerequisite: BIOC32H3 or NROC34H3 or NROC64H3 or NROC69H3
Breadth Requirements: Natural Sciences

BIOD08H3 - Theoretical Neuroscience

A seminar covering topics in the theory of neural information processing, focused on perception, action, learning and memory. Through reading, discussion and working with computer models students will learn fundamental concepts underlying current mathematical theories of brain function including information theory, population codes, deep learning architectures, auto-associative memories, reinforcement learning and Bayesian optimality.
Same as NROD08H3

Prerequisite: [NROC34H3 or NROC64H3 or NROC69H3] and [MATA29H3 or MATA30H3 or MATA31H3] and [PSYB07H3 or STAB22H3]
Exclusion: NROD08H3
Breadth Requirements: Natural Sciences

BIOD12H3 - Protein Homeostasis

A lecture/seminar course on the cellular mechanisms of protein quality control. Animal and plant models will be used to highlight the mechanisms of action of selected protein folding and degradation machineries critical to cell functions. Primary literature in protein homeostasis and possible consequence of malfunction in eukaryotic cells will also be discussed.

Prerequisite: BIOC10H3 or BIOC12H3
Breadth Requirements: Natural Sciences

BIOD13H3 - Herbology: The Science Behind Medicinal Plants

The use of plants in medicine has been documented for over 2,000 years. Their use is immersed in major ancient civilizations from around the World. This lecture/seminar/lab course will take the knowledge from indigenous medicine as a starting point and expand it with more recent advances in plant biochemistry, genetics and biotechnology.

Prerequisite: BIOC13H3
Breadth Requirements: Natural Sciences
Course Experience: University-Based Experience

BIOD15H3 - Mechanism of Gene Regulation in Health and Disease

Complex mechanisms of gene regulation (e.g., epigenetics, epitranscriptomics, regulatory RNAs) govern life-trajectories in health and disease. This advanced lecture, problem-based learning and seminar course equips students with critical thinking tools to dissect advanced concepts in genetics, including biological embedding, transgenerational inheritance, genetic determinism, gene therapy, and ethics in 21st century transgenics.

Prerequisite: BIOC15H3
Breadth Requirements: Natural Sciences
Course Experience: University-Based Experience

BIOD17H3 - Seminars in Cellular Microbiology

An overview of the most significant advances in cellular microbiology. The curriculum will include cellular mechanisms of microbial pathogenesis, as well as recognition and elimination of pathogens by cells. Students will be required to participate in class discussions, and give oral presentations of scientific papers.

Prerequisite: BIOC17H3 or BIOC39H3
Breadth Requirements: Natural Sciences

BIOD19H3 - Epigenetics in Health and Disease

A lecture/seminar/discussion class on the emerging field of environmental epigenetics.  Course will cover basic epigenetic mechanisms, methods in epigenetic research, epigenetic control of gene function, and the role of epigenetics in normal development and human disease.

Prerequisite: BIOC14H3
Breadth Requirements: Natural Sciences

BIOD20H3 - Special Topics in Virology

This is a lecture/seminar course that will discuss advanced topics in human virology. The course focus will be on human viruses, pathogenicity in human hosts, and current literature on emerging pathogens.

Prerequisite: BIOC20H3
Exclusion: MGY440H1
Breadth Requirements: Natural Sciences

BIOD21H3 - Advanced Molecular Biology Laboratory

Applications of molecular technology continue to revolutionize our understanding of all areas of life sciences from biotechnology to human disease. This intensive laboratory, lecture / tutorial course provides students with essential information and practical experience in recombinant DNA technology, molecular biology and bio-informatics.

Prerequisite: BIOB12H3 and BIOC15H3 and BIOC17H3
Corequisite: BIOC12H3 (Note: Although listed as a corequisite, it is recommended that BIOC12H3 be taken in advance of BIOD21H3.)
Breadth Requirements: Natural Sciences
Course Experience: University-Based Experience
Note: Priority will be given to students enrolled in the Specialist programs in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (Co-op and non-Co-op). Additional students will be admitted only if space permits.

BIOD22H3 - Molecular Biology of the Stress Response

This course is organized around a central theme, namely the expression of heat shock (stress) genes encoding proteins is important in cellular repair/protective mechanisms. Topics include heat shock transcription factors, heat shock proteins as 'protein repair agents' that correct protein misfolding, and diseases triggered by protein misfolding such as neurodegenerative disorders.

Prerequisite: BIOC10H3 or BIOC12H3 or BIOC15H3
Breadth Requirements: Natural Sciences

BIOD23H3 - Special Topics in Cell Biology

A lecture/seminar/discussion class on contemporary topics in Cell Biology.  Students will explore the primary literature becoming familiar with experimental design and methodologies used to decipher cell biology phenomena.  Student seminars will follow a series of lectures and journal club discussions.

Prerequisite: BIOC12H3
Breadth Requirements: Natural Sciences

BIOD24H3 - Human Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine

In this lecture seminar course, we will explore how human stem cells generate the diverse cell types of the human body, and how they can be harnessed to understand and treat diseases that arise during embryonic development or during aging. We will also discuss current ethical issues that guide research practices and policies, including the destruction of human embryos for research, gene editing, and the premature clinical translation of stem cell interventions.

Prerequisite: BIOC19H3
Exclusion: CSB329H1
Breadth Requirements: Natural Sciences

BIOD25H3 - Genomics

A course considering the principles of genome organization and the utilization of genomic approaches to studying a wide range of problems in biology. Topics to be presented will include innovations in instrumentation and automation, a survey of genome projects, genomic variation, functional genomics, transcription profiling (microarrays), database mining and extensions to human and animal health and biotechnology.

Prerequisite: BIOC15H3
Breadth Requirements: Natural Sciences

BIOD26H3 - Fungal Biology and Pathogenesis

A lecture and tutorial based course designed to provide an overview of the fungal kingdom and the properties of major fungal pathogens that contribute to disease in animals (including humans) and plants. This course will address the mechanisms and clinical implications of fungal infections and host defence mechanisms. Topics include virulence factors and the treatment and diagnosis of infection.

Prerequisite: BIOC17H3 or BIOC39H3
Breadth Requirements: Natural Sciences

BIOD27H3 - Vertebrate Endocrinology

A lecture/discussion class on the structure and function of the major endocrine organs of vertebrates. The course provides knowledge of endocrine systems encompassing hormone biosynthesis, secretion, metabolism, feedback, physiological actions, and pathophysiology. Recent advances in hormone research as well as contemporary issues in endocrinology will be examined.

Prerequisite: BIOB34H3 and [BIOC32H3 or BIOC34H3]
Breadth Requirements: Natural Sciences

BIOD29H3 - Pathobiology of Human Disease

This lecture/seminar format course will critically examine selected topics in human disease pathogenesis. Infectious and inherited diseases including those caused by human retroviruses, genetic defects and bioterrorism agents will be explored. Discussions of primary literature will encompass pathogen characteristics, genetic mutations, disease progression and therapeutic strategies.

Prerequisite: BIOC10H3 or BIOC20H3 or BIOC39H3
Breadth Requirements: Natural Sciences
Course Experience: Partnership-Based Experience

BIOD30H3 - Plant Research and Biotechnology: Addressing Global Problems

Plant scientists working to address pressing global challenges will give presentations. In advance students will identify terminologies and methodologies needed to engage with the speaker and think critically about the research. Student teams will identify and develop background knowledge and go beyond speaker’s presentations with new questions and/or applications.

Prerequisite: BIOC15H3 or BIOC31H3 or BIOC40H3
Breadth Requirements: Natural Sciences
Course Experience: Partnership-Based Experience
Note: Priority will be given to students enrolled in the Major Program in Plant Biology. Additional students will be admitted if space permits.

BIOD32H3 - Human Respiratory Pathophysiology

This course will examine how lung disease and other respiratory insults affect pulmonary physiology and lung function. Topics will include methods used to diagnose respiratory disease, pulmonary function in patients with various lung diseases as well as treatment options for both lung disease and lung failure.


Prerequisite: [BIOC34H3 or CSB346H1 or PSL301H1]
Breadth Requirements: Natural Sciences
Note: Priority will be given the students in the Human Biology Specialist and Human Biology Major programs.

BIOD33H3 - Comparative Animal Physiology

This course will examine how various physiological systems and anatomical features are specialised to meet the environmental challenges encountered by terrestrial and aquatic animals. Topics include respiratory systems and breathing, hearts and cardiovascular systems, cardiorespiratory control, animal energetics, metabolic rate, thermoregulation, defenses against extreme temperatures, hibernation and osmotic/ionic/volume regulation.

Prerequisite: (BIOC33H3) or BIOC34H3
Breadth Requirements: Natural Sciences

BIOD34H3 - Conservation Physiology

This is a combined lecture and seminar course that will discuss topics such as climate change and plastics/microplastics effects on the physiology of animals, and physiological tools and techniques used in conservation efforts. The course will focus on how physiological approaches have led to beneficial changes in human behaviour, management or policy.

Prerequisite: BIOB34H3 and [Completion of at least 0.5 credit at the C level in Biological Sciences]
Breadth Requirements: Natural Sciences

BIOD37H3 - Biology of Plant Stress

This course examines resistance mechanisms (anatomical, cellular, biochemical, molecular) allowing plants to avoid or tolerate diverse abiotic and biotic stresses. Topics include: pathogen defence; responses to temperature, light, water and nutrient availability, salinity, and oxygen deficit; stress perception and signal transduction; methods to study stress responses; and strategies to improve stress resistance.

Prerequisite: BIOC31H3 or BIOC40H3
Breadth Requirements: Natural Sciences

BIOD43H3 - Animal Movement and Exercise

A lecture and seminar/discussion course covering integrative, comparative animal locomotion and exercise physiology. Topics will include muscle physiology, neurophysiology, metabolism, energetics, thermoregulation and biomechanics. These topics will be considered within evolutionary and ecological contexts.

Prerequisite: (BIOC33H3) or BIOC34H3
Exclusion: HMB472H
Recommended Preparation: Completion of an A-level Physics course.
Breadth Requirements: Natural Sciences

BIOD45H3 - Animal Communication

This course will examine how animals send and receive signals in different sensory modalities, and the factors that govern the evolution and structure of communication signals. Using diverse examples (from bird songs to electric fish) the course will demonstrate the importance of communication in the organization of animal behaviour, and introduce some theoretical and empirical tools used in studying the origins and structure of animal communication.

Prerequisite: BIOC54H3 or NROC34H3
Breadth Requirements: Natural Sciences

BIOD48H3 - Ornithology

An overview of the evolution, ecology, behaviour, and conservation of birds. Field projects and laboratories will emphasize identification of species in Ontario.

Prerequisite: BIOB50H3 and BIOB51H3 and [one of the following: BIOC50H3 or BIOC54H3 or BIOC61H3]
Exclusion: EEB386H and EEB384H
Breadth Requirements: Natural Sciences
Course Experience: University-Based Experience