This seminar course will allow students to engage with the contemporary literature on topics of controversy in Human Evolution. Topics to be covered may include the evolutionary relationships among hominin species, the problem of naming and identifying parts of the evolving human lineage, inferences on the behavior of past hominins (e.g., burial of the dead), and the ethical issues that surround the study of our ancestors.

This course provides specialized hands-on training in archaeological laboratory methods. Students will develop their own research project, undertaking analysis of archaeological materials, analyzing the resulting data, and writing a report on their findings. The methodological focus may vary from year to year.

This course provides specialized hands-on experience with field-based archaeology, including planning, survey, testing, and/or excavation, as well as an overview of various archaeological excavation methods and practices. Students may enroll in this course to gain credit for participation in approved off-campus field work. In this case, they will coordinate with the instructor to develop a series of appropriate assignments relevant to their coursework and learning goals.

This research seminar uses our immediate community of Scarborough to explore continuity and change within diasporic foodways. Students will develop and practise ethnographic and other qualitative research skills to better understand the many intersections of food, culture, and community. This course culminates with a major project based on original research.
Same as HISD71H3

This advanced seminar course will examine a range of contemporary issues and current debates in Socio-Cultural Anthropology. Topics will vary by instructor and term.

This course will examine questions of particular controversy in the study of Primate Evolution. Topics to be covered may include the ecological context of primate origins, species recognition in the fossil record, the identification of the first anthropoids, and the causes of extinction of the subfossil lemurs.
Science credit

The solar neighbourhood provides examples of astronomical bodies that can be studied by both ground-based and space vehicle based-observational instruments. The astronomical bodies studied range from cold and rocky planets and asteroids to extremely hot and massive bodies, as represented by the sun. This course considers astronomical bodies and their evolution, as well as basic parts of physics, chemistry, etc., required to observe them and understand their structure. The course is suitable for both science and non-science students.

The structure and evolution of stars and galaxies is considered, with our own galaxy, the Milky Way, providing the opportunity for detailed study of a well-observed system. Even this system challenges us with many unanswered questions, and the number of questions increases with further study of the universe and its large-scale character. Current models and methods of study of the universe will be considered. The course is suitable for both science and non-science students.

An examination of the people, the background and the events associated with some major advances in astronomy.
Emphasis is given to the role of a few key individuals and to how their ideas have revolutionized our understanding of nature and the Universe. The perspective gained is used to assess current astronomical research and its impact on society.

Overview of astrophysics (except planetary astrophysics). Appropriate level for science students. Structure and evolution of stars, white dwarfs, neutron stars. Structure of Milky Way. Classification of galaxies. Potential theory, rotation curves, orbits, dark matter. Spiral patterns. Galaxy clusters. Mergers. Black holes in active galactic nuclei. Expansion of universe, dark energy.

A hands-on introduction to astronomical observing using the UTSC telescope. Lectures cover topics of astronomical instrumentation and data reduction. Observations of Solar System planets, moons, planetary nebula, globular clusters and galaxies will be made. Students will present their results in the style of a scientific paper and a talk.

Overview of planetary astrophysics at a level appropriate for science students. Planets as a by-product of star formation: theory and observations. Protostellar/protoplanetary disks. Planetesimal and planet formation. Solar system versus extrasolar planetary systems. Giant planets, terrestrial planets, dwarf planets and minor bodies in the Solar System: interiors and environments.

A lecture and laboratory course providing an overview of the origins and cellular basis of life, genetics and molecular biology, evolution and the diversity of microorganisms. Note: that both BIOA01H3 and BIOA02H3 must be completed prior to taking any other Biology course.

A lecture and laboratory course providing an overview of the anatomy and physiology of plants and animals, population biology, ecology and biodiversity. Note: that both BIOA01H3 and BIOA02H3 must be completed prior to taking any other Biology course.

An exploration of how molecules and cells come together to build and regulate human organ systems. The course provides a foundation for understanding genetic principles and human disease, and applications of biology to societal needs. This course is intended for non-biology students.

This course with explore the fundamentals of biology across organisms. This will include aspects of biochemistry, molecular genetics, cellular biology, ecology, evolution, principles in physiology and biodiversity. The course content will link biology to real-life topics with an emphasis on scientific literacy.

This course is designed to introduce theory and experimental techniques in cell biology. The course examines the structure and function of major animal and plant organelles and integrates this into a discussion of protein biosynthesis, signal-based sorting and intracellular trafficking using the cytoskeleton. Cell motility and cell interactions with the environment will also be examined to provide a solid foundation on the basic unit of life.

A course focusing on the central dogma of genetics and how molecular techniques are used to investigate cellular processes. Topics include structure and function of the nucleus, DNA replication and cell cycle control, transcription and translation, gene regulation and signal transduction.

A practical introduction to experimentation in cell and molecular biology. Lab modules will introduce students to concepts and techniques in the general preparation of solutions and buffers, microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry, microscopy, data analysis, and science communication. This core laboratory course is the gateway for Molecular Biology & Biotechnology Specialists to upper level laboratory offerings.

This course explains the fundamental methods of quantitative reasoning, with applications in medicine, natural sciences, ecology and evolutionary biology. It covers the major aspects of statistics by working through concrete biological problems. The course will help students develop an understanding of key concepts through computer simulations, problem solving and interactive data visualisation using the R programming language (no prior skills with R or specialized math concepts are required).

This course examines physiological mechanisms that control and co-ordinate the function of various systems within the body. The laboratory exercises examine properties of digestive enzymes, characteristics of blood, kidney function, metabolic rate and energetics, nerve function and action potentials, synaptic transmission, skeletal muscle function and mechanoreception.

A lecture based course with online learning modules which deals with the functional morphology of the human organism. The subject matter extends from early embryo-genesis through puberty to late adult life.

An introduction to the principles of animal physiology rooted in energy usage and cellular physiology. A comparative approach is taken, which identifies both the universal and unique mechanisms present across the animal kingdom. Metabolism, thermoregulation, digestion, respiration, water regulation, nitrogen excretion, and neural circuits are the areas of principal focus.

An exploration of the normal physiology of the human body. Emphasis will be placed on organ systems associated with head and neck, especially nervous, respiratory, muscular, digestive, cardiovascular, and endocrine. Particular emphasis will be placed on speech, audition, and swallowing. The interrelationship among organ systems and how they serve to maintain homeostasis and human health will also be discussed.

How do plants feed the world and which plants have the highest impact on human lives? What is the origin of agriculture and how did it change over time? The human population will climb to 10 billion in 2050 and this will tax our planet’s ability to sustain life. Environmentally sustainable food production will become even more integral.

An introduction to the main principles of ecology; the science of the interactions of organisms with each other and with their environment. Topics include physiological, behavioural, population, community, and applied aspects of ecology (e.g. disease ecology, climate change impacts, and approaches to conservation). Emphasis is given to understanding the connections between ecology and other biological subdisciplines.

This course is an introduction to the main principles of evolution; the study of the diversity, relationships, and change over time in organisms at all scales of organization (from individuals to populations to higher taxonomic groups). The theory and principles of evolutionary biology give critical insight into a wide range of fields, including conservation, genetics, medicine, pathogenesis, community ecology, and development.

An introduction to field, lab and computational approaches to ecology and evolution. Laboratories will explore a variety of topics, ranging from population genetics to community ecology and biodiversity. Some lab exercises will involve outdoor field work.

In this course, students will develop scientific communication skills by working collaboratively with peers to create an informative scientific poster that will be presented in a poster session modelled on those held at most major scientific conferences. Successful posters will engage the interest of the audience in the topic, clearly and concisely outline understanding gained from the primary literature, and discuss how understanding is enhanced by integrating knowledge.

Note: Students in all Specialist/Specialist Co-op and Major programs in Biological Sciences are required to complete BIOB90H3 prior to graduation.

This course-based undergraduate research experience (CURE) in biological sciences will introduce students to the process of scientific inquiry as they engage in a hypothesis-driven research project with an emphasis on student-driven discovery, critical thinking, and collaboration. Students will learn to effectively access, interpret, and reference scientific literature as they formulate their research question and create an experimental design. Students will gain hands-on experience in research techniques and apply concepts in research ethics, reproducibility, and quantitative analyses to collect and interpret data.