Neuroscience


Faculty List

  • I. Anreiter, B. Sc. (Universidade Ténica de Lisboa), M.Sc. (Universidade Nova de Lisboa), Ph. D. (Toronto), Assistant Professor
  • B.C. Armstrong, B.Sc., M.A. (Toronto), M.S., Ph.D., (Carnegie Mellon), Assistant Professor
  • M. Arruda-Carvalho, B.Sc., M.Sc. (Rio de Janeiro), Ph.D. (Toronto), Assistant Professor
  • M.W. Best, B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D. (Queens), Assistant Professor
  • R. Boonstra, B.Sc. (Calgary), Ph.D. (British Columbia), Professor Emeritus
  • J.S. Cant, B.A., M.Sc., Ph.D. (Western), Associate Professor
  • L. Cirelli, B.A. (Laurentian), Ph.D. (McMaster), Assistant Professor
  • S. Erb, B.Sc. (Wilfrid Laurier), M.A., Ph.D. (Concordia), Associate Professor
  • V. Goghari, B.A. (British Columbia), M.A., Ph.D. (Minnesota), Professor
  • J.W. Gurd, B.A. (Mount Allison), Ph.D. (McGill), Professor Emeritus
  • D.W. Haley, B.A. (Annapolis), M.A. (San Francisco), Ph.D. (Albuquerque), Associate Professor
  • C. Hutcherson, B.A. (Harvard), Ph.D. (Stanford), Associate Professor
  • M. Inzlicht, B.A. (McGill), M.Sc., Ph.D. (Brown), Professor
  • R. Ito, B.A. (Oxford), Ph.D. (Cambridge), Professor
  • J.C. LeBoutillier, B.Sc., M.A., Ph.D. (Toronto), Associate Professor, Teaching Stream
  • A.C.H. Lee, B.A. (Oxford), Ph.D. (Cambridge), Professor
  • A.C. Mason, B.Sc. (Guelph), M.Sc., Ph.D. (Toronto), Professor
  • P. McGowan, B.Sc. (Concordia), M.A., Ph.D. (Duke), Professor
  • J.E. Nash, B.Sc. (Aberdeen), M.Sc., Ph.D. (Manchester), Associate Professor
  • A. Nestor, B.A. (Bucharest), M.Sc. (New Bulgarian), Ph.D. (Brown), Associate Professor
  • M. Niemeier, M.A. (Hamburg), Ph.D. (Tubingen), Professor
  • T.L. Petit, B.Sc., M.A. (Louisiana), Ph.D. (Florida), Professor Emeritus
  • S.G. Reid, B.Sc., Ph.D. (Ottawa), Associate Professor
  • R. Rozeske, B.A. (St. Olaf), M.A., Ph.D. (Colorado), Assistant Professor
  • A.C. Ruocco, B.Sc. (York), M.Sc., Ph.D., C. Psych (Drexel), Professor
  • M. Souza, B.A., M.A. (UC Davis), Ph.D. (Berkeley), Associate Professor, Teaching Stream
  • T.R. Thiele, B.A. (Hamilton College, Clinton, NY), Ph.D. (Oregon), Assistant Professor
  • R. Thiruchselvam, B.Sc. (Toronto), Ph.D. (Stanford), Assistant Professor, Teaching Stream
  • K.K. Zakzanis, B.A., M.A., Ph.D., C.Psych. (York), Professor


Chair: S. Erb
Associate Chair, Undergraduate and Program Supervisor: K. Danielson
Undergraduate Program Administrator: A. Lawson Email: psychundergrad.utsc@utoronto.ca
Co-op Contact: askcoop@utoronto.ca

For more information, visit the Department of Psychology website.

Neuroscience is a highly interdisciplinary scientific field of study that offers insight into the structure and function of the brain and the nervous system. Our nervous system is responsible for an enormous range of tasks, from regulating essential body functions such as breathing and digestion to producing our thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. Neuroscientists are interested in understanding the normal development and activity of the nervous system, as well as what happens under atypical circumstances such as neurological injury (e.g., stroke, brain injury), neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease), neuropsychiatric disorders (e.g., addiction, schizophrenia, depression) and neurodevelopmental disorders (e.g., autism). Applied neuroscience research has the potential to produce evidence-based strategies for the diagnosis and treatment of nervous system disorders.

Neuroscience education can be a powerful tool for many future endeavours. Given the interdisciplinary nature of neuroscience, students interested in pursuing research-focused graduate programs may have a variety of viable options (e.g., Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Psychology, or Biology). A neuroscience background is also valuable for a range of applied professional programs (e.g., Master’s Degree in Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Public Health), including medical school. Undergraduate education in neuroscience can also lead to a variety of direct-entry careers (e.g., research technician, data analyst, pharmaceutical sales).

Subdisciplines in neuroscience examine nervous system functioning at different levels of organization and analysis.

  • Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience explores the nervous system at its most fundamental level, investigating the influence of genes, signalling molecules, and cellular morphology on the development and maintenance of brain function, predominantly through the use of in vitro techniques (e.g., immunohistochemistry, patch clamp).
  • Systems and Behavioral Neuroscience examines the neural mechanisms underlying behaviour and how brain circuits work together to analyze external stimuli, internal biological states and past experiences in order to coordinate appropriate responses, predominantly through the use of in vivo approaches in behaving subjects (e.g., optogenetics, chemogenetics).
  • Cognitive Neuroscience focuses on understanding the neural basis of human cognition (e.g., language, memory, attention, decision-making) predominantly through the use of patient neuropsychology and neuroimaging techniques (e.g., magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), electroencephalography (EEG)). Taken together, these complementary approaches work to foster a comprehensive understanding of nervous system dynamics.

The Specialist Program in Neuroscience is research-intensive and allows students to choose one of three streams to concentrate their studies: Cellular/Molecular, Systems/Behavioural, or Cognitive. The Specialist (Co-op) Program in Neuroscience also requires successful completion of eight months of work-term experience. Our Major program, which focuses on both Cellular/Molecular and Systems/Behavioural Neuroscience, requires less coursework and allows students to pursue a second major in a different area of interest.

A program in Neuroscience pairs well with many other courses and programs here at UTSC. A few of the most common double major pairings with Neuroscience include Psychology, Mental Health Studies, and Human Biology. While these are the most common pairings, there are many other options that are highly complementary to training in neuroscience (e.g., Computer Science, Population Health, and Molecular Biology, Immunology and Disease), and we encourage students to explore and identify the combinations that are most consistent with their interests.

Planning your program in Neuroscience

Creating an academic plan - a road map of the courses you wish to take on the timeline you wish to take them - is crucial for the efficient and successful completion of your program. We strongly encourage our students to either develop an academic plan independently and then to consult the Department of Psychology Advisors for feedback, or to work with the Advisors to develop an academic plan. These advisors can provide valuable guidance to help you structure your program to improve your competitiveness for further studies after your undergraduate degree. For more information, please see the Department of Psychology website.

First-year course selection

Students interested in pursuing a program in Neuroscience must take BIOA01H3, BIOA02H3, CHMA10H3, CHMA11H3, PSYA01H3, and PSYA02H3 (or their equivalents) to be considered for admission. Students interested in pursuing a Specialist must also take MATA29H3 or MATA30H3 to be considered for admission. 

Second-year course selection

Upon admission to any of the Neuroscience programs, students should prioritize taking BIOB10H3, NROB60H3, NROB61H3, PSYB55H3, PSYB07H3, and PSYB70H3. These courses collectively serve as prerequisites to a number of more advanced courses at the NRO C-level (e.g., NROC61H3). 

BIOB11H3 is a program requirement for students in the Major program, and the Systems/Behavioural and Cellular/Molecular streams of the Specialist program. Students in the Major or in pursuit of the Systems/Behavioural or Cellular/Molecular streams should plan to take BIOB11H3 in the second year. 
Students in the Specialist/Specialist (Co-op) programs have additional course requirements in the second year. It is essential that you carefully review these requirements and plan your course selection appropriately to ensure that you can declare your stream of choice (Specialist), or declare your stream of choice and be eligible for your first work term (Specialist Co-op) in a timely manner. 

Course equivalents at other campuses

Students are strongly encouraged to complete all Neuroscience program requirements at UTSC. In only a very few instances, courses from the other campuses may be used to satisfy program requirements. Please direct any questions about taking program requirements at the other UofT campuses to the Undergraduate Program Administrator in the Department of Psychology prior to enrolment.

Research Experience

The Department offers a wide array of opportunities for students to become actively involved in scholarly research, including some opportunities that also result in course credit (e.g., NROC90H3, NROC93H3, and NROD98Y3). Supervised study and thesis courses are highly competitive and are essential for students interested in pursuing research-focused graduate studies. Interested students should review the prerequisites for these courses and plan their course of study accordingly. Our Specialist programs prepare students particularly well for pursuing a thesis NROD98Y3, as the requirements of the program provide students with the necessary background to succeed in completing a thesis project. Interested Majors may also discuss the option of writing a thesis with the Department of Psychology Advisors, provided that they meet other prerequisites for that course. Students are encouraged to visit the Department of Psychology website and/or faculty member websites to search for opportunities. Students may also seek supervision off campus (e.g., at Baycrest, Sunnybrook, CAMH), after confirming the appropriateness of the proposed supervisor with a Psychology Advisor and after securing the agreement of a UTSC faculty member to serve as secondary supervisor.

Co-curricular and extra-curricular experiences

While your coursework is an integral piece of your education, it can and should be supplemented by relevant co-curricular and extra-curricular experiences, more information is available on the Career & Co-Curricular Learning Network website. There are valuable professional development resources in our departments and on our campus (e.g., Academic Advising and Career Centre), as well as opportunities to volunteer or work on- or off-campus to broaden your skillset (e.g., clinical work exposure, leadership skills). For more information on some of these opportunities, please see the Department of Psychology website.

Program Combination Restrictions 

The Specialist/Specialist Co-op and Major programs in Neuroscience cannot be combined.

Experiential Learning and Outreach

For a community-based experiential learning opportunity in your academic field of interest, consider the course CTLB03H3, which can be found in the Teaching and Learning section of the Calendar.

Neuroscience Programs

SPECIALIST PROGRAM IN NEUROSCIENCE (SCIENCE)

The Specialist Program in Neuroscience is a research-intensive program designed to provide students with strong breadth in the major domains of neuroscience, as well as an opportunity to intensively focus on one of the following three streams:

A. Systems/Behavioural: this stream examines the neural mechanisms underlying behaviour and how brain circuits work together to analyze external stimuli, internal biological states, and past experiences in order to coordinate appropriate responses, predominantly through the use of in vivo approaches in behaving subjects (e.g., optogenetics, chemogenetics).

B. Cellular/Molecular: this stream explores the nervous system at its most fundamental level, investigating the influence of genes, signalling molecules, and cellular morphology on the development and maintenance of brain function, predominantly through the use of in vitro techniques (e.g., immunohistochemistry, patch clamp).

C. Cognitive: this stream focuses on understanding the neural basis of human cognition (e.g., language, memory, attention, decision-making) predominantly through the use of patient neuropsychology and neuroimaging techniques (e.g., magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), electroencephalography (EEG)).

Enrolment Requirements

Enrolment in the Program is limited, and takes place in two stages.

Stage 1:
Students may apply to Stage 1 after successfully completing a minimum of 4.0 credits, including the Scientific Foundations courses: BIOA01H3, BIOA02H3, CHMA10H3, CHMA11H3, [MATA29H3 or MATA30H3], PSYA01H3, and PSYA02H3. Students must have a CGPA of 2.75 or higher to be admitted to the program. Application for admission will be made to the Office of the Registrar through ACORN, in March/April and June/July. For more information on applying to limited enrolment programs, please visit the Office of the Registrar website.

Stage 2:
To complete the program, students must choose one of the three available streams. Students who have successfully met the enrolment requirements of their chosen stream will be admitted to the Specialist Neuroscience Stage 2 category. Applications for admission to a Stage 2 stream will be made to the Office of the Registrar through ACORN in March/April and June/July.

Before applying to their chosen stream, students must:

1. Complete a minimum of 10.0 credits including all Stage 1 Scientific Foundations course requirements, as well as the Neuroscience Foundations courses which include BIOB10H3, NROB60H3, NROB61H3, [PSYB07H3 or STAB22H3], PSYB55H3, PSYB70H3;

2. Complete 1.0 credit in Stream Foundations courses from the following list*:
BIOB11H3 Molecular Aspects of Cellular and Genetic Processes
CSCA20H3 Introduction to Programming
CHMB41H3 Organic Chemistry I
CHMB42H3 Organic Chemistry II
MATA23H3 Linear Algebra
[PHYA10H3 Physics I for the Physical Sciences or PHYA11H3 Physics I for the Life Sciences]
PSYB51H3 Introduction to Perception
PSYC08H3 Advanced Data Analysis in Psychology
PSYC09H3 Applied Multiple Regression in Psychology

*Notes:
(i) students are advised to exercise caution when selecting these courses since some can be applied to all three streams (BIOB11H3, CHMB41H3, PSYB51H3, PSYC08H3), but others can be applied to only one or two streams;
(ii) the Cognitive stream does not include a component called "Stream-specific electives"; students interested in this stream should select from the following: MATA23H3, BIOB11H3, CHMB41H3, PSYB51H3, [PSYC08H3 or PSYC09H3].

3. Have achieved a CGPA of 2.5 or higher.

Students who do not meet the Stage 1 enrolment requirements can still apply to the Specialist program at Stage 2. This pathway requires students to complete a minimum of 10.0 credits, including all of the core courses of the program (Scientific Foundations, Neuroscience Foundations, and Stream Foundations). In addition to completing the course requirements, students must also have achieved a CGPA of 2.5 or higher across all courses, and a CGPA of 2.75 or higher across the Neuroscience Foundations and Stream Foundations courses. Application for admission to a Stage 2 stream will be made to the Office of the Registrar through ACORN in March/April and June/July. Admission through this route is dependent upon the availability of space in the program.

Program Requirements
This program requires students to complete 6.5 credits in core courses that are common to all streams. Students completing the Systems/Behavioural and Cellular/Molecular streams will complete a further 6.5 credits for a total of 13.0 credits; students completing the Cognitive stream will complete a further 7.0 credits for a total of 13.5 credits.

CORE (6.5 credits)

1. Scientific Foundations (3.5 credits):
BIOA01H3 Life on Earth: Unifying Principles
BIOA02H3 Life on Earth: Form, Function and Interactions
CHMA10H3 Introductory Chemistry I: Structure and Bonding
CHMA11H3 Introductory Chemistry II: Reactions and Mechanisms
[MATA29H3 Calculus I for the Life Sciences or MATA30H3 Calculus I for Physical Sciences]
PSYA01H3 Introduction to Biological and Cognitive Psychology
PSYA02H3 Introduction to Clinical, Developmental, Personality and Social Psychology

2. Neuroscience Foundations (3.0 credits):
BIOB10H3 Cell Biology
NROB60H3 Neuroanatomy Laboratory
NROB61H3 Neurophysiology
PSYB55H3 Introduction to Cognitive Neuroscience
[PSYB07H3 Data Analysis in Psychology or STAB22H3 Statistics I]
PSYB70H3 Methods in Psychological Science

A. Systems/Behavioural Stream (6.5 credits)

3. Quantitative Logic and Reasoning (1.0 credit):
PSYC08H3 Advanced Data Analysis in Psychology
and one of the following:
CSCA20H3 Introduction to Programming
[PHYA10H3 Physics I for the Physical Sciences or PHYA11H3 Physics I for the Life Sciences]

4. Advanced Foundations (2.0 credits)
BIOB11H3 Molecular Aspects of Cellular and Genetic Processes
and three of the following:
NROC34H3 Neuroethology
NROC61H3 Learning and Motivation
NROC64H3 Sensorimotor Systems
NROC69H3 Synaptic Organization & Physiology of the Brain

5. Stream-specific electives (1.0 credit)
two of the following:
BIOC14H3 Genes, Environment and Behaviour
CHMB41H3 Organic Chemistry I
CHMB42H3 Organic Chemistry II
NROC36H3 Molecular Neuroscience
PSYC62H3 Drugs and the Brain

6. Breadth in Neuroscience (1.0 credit):
two of the following:
CHMB41H3* Organic Chemistry I
NROC36H3* Molecular Neuroscience
NROC69H3* Synaptic Organization & Physiology of the Brain
PSYB51H3 Introduction to Perception
PSYC51H3 Cognitive Neuroscience of Vision
PSYC52H3 Cognitive Neuroscience of Attention
PSYC57H3 Cognitive Neuroscience of Decision Making
PSYC59H3 Cognitive Neuroscience of Language
*only if not used to complete components A4 or A5 of the requirements

7. Laboratory Course (0.5 credit):
one of the following:
NROC63H3 Behavioural Neuroscience Laboratory
NROC90H3 Supervised Study in Neuroscience
NROC93H3 Supervised Study in Neuroscience
PSYC74H3 Human Movement Laboratory

8. Capstone Courses (1.0 credit):
two of the following:
BIOD07H3 Advanced Topics and Methods in Neural Circuit Analysis
BIOD19H3 Epigenetics in Health and Disease
BIOD45H3 Animal Communication
BIOD65H3 Pathologies of the Nervous System
NROD08H3/​BIOD08H3 Theoretical Neuroscience
NROD60H3 Current Topics in Neuroscience
NROD61H3 Emotional Learning Circuits
NROD66H3 Drug Addiction
NROD67H3 Neuroscience of Aging
NROD98Y3 Thesis in Neuroscience*
PSYD66H3 Current Topics in Human Brain & Behaviour

*Note: only 0.5 credit of NROD98Y3 can be counted towards the Capstone course requirement

B. Cellular/Molecular Stream (6.5 credits)

3. Quantitative Logic and Reasoning (1.0 credit):
PSYC08H3 Advanced Data Analysis in Psychology
and one of the following:
CSCA20H3 Introduction to Programming
[PHYA10H3 Physics I for the Physical Sciences or PHYA11H3 Physics I for the Life Sciences]

4. Advanced Foundations (2.0 credits)
BIOB11H3 Molecular Aspects of Cellular and Genetic Processes
CHMB41H3 Organic Chemistry I
NROC36H3 Molecular Neuroscience
NROC69H3 Synaptic Organization & Physiology of the Brain

5. Stream-specific electives (1.0 credit)
two of the following:
BIOC12H3 Biochemistry I: Proteins & Enzymes
BIOC13H3 Biochemistry II: Bioenergetics & Metabolism
BIOC14H3 Genes, Environment and Behaviour
CHMB42H3 Organic Chemistry II
NROC34H3 Neuroethology
NROC61H3 Learning and Motivation
NROC64H3 Sensorimotor Systems
PSYC62H3 Drugs and the Brain

6. Breadth in Neuroscience (1.0 credit):
two of the following:
NROC34H3* Neuroethology
NROC61H3* Learning and Motivation
NROC64H3* Sensorimotor Systems
PSYB51H3 Introduction to Perception
PSYC51H3 Cognitive Neuroscience of Vision
PSYC52H3 Cognitive Neuroscience of Attention
PSYC57H3 Cognitive Neuroscience of Decision Making
PSYC59H3 Cognitive Neuroscience of Language
*only if not used to complete component B5 of the requirements

7. Laboratory Course (0.5 credit):
one of the following:
BIOB12H3 Cell and Molecular Biology Laboratory
NROC60H3 Cellular Neuroscience Laboratory
NROC90H3 Supervised Study in Neuroscience
NROC93H3 Supervised Study in Neuroscience

8. Capstone Courses (1.0 credit):
two of the following:
BIOD07H3 Advanced Topics and Methods in Neural Circuit Analysis
BIOD19H3 Epigenetics in Health and Disease
BIOD65H3 Pathologies of the Nervous System
NROD08H3/​BIOD08H3 Theoretical Neuroscience
NROD60H3 Current Topics in Neuroscience
NROD61H3 Emotional Learning Circuits
NROD66H3 Drug Addiction
NROD67H3 Neuroscience of Aging
NROD98Y3 Thesis in Neuroscience* 
PSYD66H3 Current Topics in Human Brain & Behaviour

*Note: only 0.5 credit of NROD98Y3 can be counted towards the Capstone course requirement

C. Cognitive Stream (7.0 credits)

3. Quantitative and Methodological Skills (1.5 credits):
PSYC02H3 Scientific Communication in Psychology
PSYC70H3 Advanced Research Methods Laboratory
[PSYC08H3 Advanced Data Analysis in Psychology or PSYC09H3 Applied Multiple Regression in Psychology]

4. Advanced Programming (1.5 credits)
MATA23H3 Linear Algebra
[[CSCA08H3 Introduction to Computer Science I and CSCA48H3 Introduction to Computer Science II]* or [PSYB03H3 Introduction to Computers in Psychological Research and PSYC03H3 Introduction to Computers in Psychological Research: Advanced Topics]]
*Note: students are strongly advised to choose the [PSYB03H3 and PSYC03H3] pairing.

5. Advanced Foundations (1.5 credits)
PSYB51H3 Introduction to Perception
and two of the following:
PSYC51H3 Cognitive Neuroscience of Vision
PSYC52H3 Cognitive Neuroscience of Attention
PSYC57H3 Cognitive Neuroscience of Decision Making
PSYC59H3 Cognitive Neuroscience of Language

6. Breadth in Neuroscience (1.0 credit):
two of the following (at least 0.5 credit must be a C-level NRO course):
BIOB11H3 Molecular Aspects of Cellular and Genetic Processes
CHMB41H3 Organic Chemistry I
NROC34H3 Neuroethology
NROC36H3 Molecular Neuroscience
NROC61H3 Learning and Motivation
NROC64H3 Sensorimotor Systems
NROC69H3 Synaptic Organization & Physiology of the Brain

7. Laboratory Course (0.5 credit):
one of the following:
NROC90H3 Supervised Study in Neuroscience
NROC93H3 Supervised Study in Neuroscience
PSYC75H3 Cognitive Psychology Laboratory
PSYC76H3 Brain Imaging Laboratory

8. Capstone Courses (1.0 credit):
two of the following:
PSYD17H3 Social Neuroscience
PSYD50H3 Current Topics in Memory and Cognition
PSYD51H3 Current Topics in Perception
PSYD54H3 Current Topics in Visual Recognition
PSYD55H3 Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Laboratory
PSYD66H3 Current Topics in Human Brain & Behaviour
NROD98Y3 Thesis in Neuroscience*

*Note: only 0.5 credit of NROD98Y3 can be counted towards the Capstone course requirement

SPECIALIST (CO-OPERATIVE) PROGRAM IN NEUROSCIENCE (SCIENCE)

Academic Program Advisor: A. Lawson psychundergrad.utsc@utoronto.ca
Co-op Program Coordinator: C. Dixon coopsuccess.utsc@utoronto.ca

The Specialist Program in Neuroscience is a research-intensive program designed to provide students with strong breadth in the major domains of neuroscience, as well as an opportunity to intensively focus on one of three streams.
This is a Work Integrated Learning (WIL) program that combines academic studies with paid work terms in the public, private, and/or non-profit sectors. The program provides students with the opportunity to develop the academic and professional skills required to pursue employment in these areas, or to continue on to graduate training in an academic field related to Neuroscience upon graduation.

In addition to their academic course requirements, students must successfully complete the additive Arts & Science Co-op Work Term Preparation courses and two 4-month Co-op work terms (or one 8-month work term).

Students will choose one of the following three streams:

A. Systems/Behavioural: this stream examines the neural mechanisms underlying behaviour and how brain circuits work together to analyze external stimuli, internal biological states, and past experiences in order to coordinate appropriate responses, predominantly through the use of in vivo approaches in behaving subjects (e.g., optogenetics, chemogenetics).

B. Cellular/Molecular: this stream explores the nervous system at its most fundamental level, investigating the influence of genes, signalling molecules, and cellular morphology on the development and maintenance of brain function, predominantly through the use of in vitro techniques (e.g., immunohistochemistry, patch clamp).

C. Cognitive: this stream focuses on understanding the neural basis of human cognition (e.g., language, memory, attention, decision-making) predominantly through the use of patient neuropsychology and neuroimaging techniques (e.g., magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), electroencephalography (EEG)).

In addition to their academic course requirements, students must successfully complete the additive Arts & Science Co-op Work Term Preparation courses and a minimum of two Co-op work terms.

Enrolment Requirements

Enrolment in the Program is limited, and takes place in two stages.

Stage 1:
Students may apply to Stage 1 after successfully completing a minimum of 4.0 credits, including the Scientific Foundations courses: BIOA01H3, BIOA02H3, CHMA10H3, CHMA11H3, [MATA29H3 or MATA30H3], PSYA01H3, and PSYA02H3. Students must have a CGPA of 2.75 or higher to be admitted to the program. Application for admission will be made to the Office of the Registrar through ACORN, in March/April and June/July. For more information on applying to limited enrolment programs, please visit the Office of the Registrar website.

Stage 2:
To complete the program, students must choose one of the three available streams. Students who have successfully met the enrolment requirements of their chosen stream will be admitted to the Specialist Neuroscience Stage 2 category. Applications for admission to a Stage 2 stream will be made to the Office of the Registrar through ACORN in March/April and June/July.

Before applying to their chosen stream, students must:

1. Complete a minimum of 10.0 credits including all Stage 1 Scientific Foundations course requirements, as well as the Neuroscience Foundations courses which include BIOB10H3, NROB60H3, NROB61H3, [PSYB07H3 or STAB22H3], PSYB55H3, PSYB70H3;

2. Complete 1.0 credit in Stream Foundations courses from the following list*:
BIOB11H3 Molecular Aspects of Cellular and Genetic Processes
CSCA20H3 Introduction to Programming
CHMB41H3 Organic Chemistry I
CHMB42H3 Organic Chemistry II
MATA23H3 Linear Algebra
[PHYA10H3 Physics I for the Physical Sciences or PHYA11H3 Physics I for the Life Sciences]
PSYB51H3 Introduction to Perception
PSYC08H3 Advanced Data Analysis in Psychology
PSYC09H3 Applied Multiple Regression in Psychology

*Notes:
(i) students are advised to exercise caution when selecting these courses since some can be applied to all three streams (BIOB11H3, CHMB41H3, PSYB51H3, PSYC08H3), but others can be applied to only one or two streams;
(ii) the Cognitive stream does not include a component called "Stream-specific electives"; students interested in this stream should select from the following: MATA23H3, BIOB11H3, CHMB41H3, PSYB51H3, [PSYC08H3 or PSYC09H3].

3. Have achieved a CGPA of 2.5 or higher.

Current Co-op Students:
Students admitted to a Co-op Degree POSt in their first year of study must request a Co-op Subject POSt on ACORN upon completion of 4.0 credits and must meet the minimum qualifications for entry as noted above.

Prospective Co-op Students:
Prospective Co-op students (i.e., those not yet admitted to a Co-op Degree POSt) must submit a program request on ACORN, and meet the minimum qualifications noted above. Deadlines follow the Limited Enrolment Program Application Deadlines set by the Office of the Registrar each year. Failure to submit the program request on ACORN will result in that student's application not being considered.

Completion Requirements
The program requires students to complete all of the course requirements of the Specialist Program in Neuroscience, including the requirements of one of the three streams. In addition:

  • Co-op students in the Systems/Behavioural and Cellular/Molecular streams must also complete BIOB12H3;
  • Co-op students in the Cellular/Molecular stream cannot use BIOB12H3 to satisfy the 0.5 credit in Laboratory Courses (see component 7 of the program requirements); instead, students must complete one of NROC60H3, NROC90H3, or NROC93H3.

Co-op Work Term Requirements
Students must satisfactorily complete a total of 8 months in Co-op work terms, which may occur as a single 8-month placement, or two 4-month placements.

To be eligible for their first work term, students must:
- Be enrolled in the Specialist Co-op Program in Neuroscience;
- Have successfully completed at least 10.0 credits, including the following: BIOB10H3, NROB60H3, NROB61H3, [PSYB07H3 or STAB22H3], PSYB55H3, PSYB70H3, and the following additional courses:

- Have achieved a CGPA of 2.5 or higher.

Students are cautioned that thoughtful course planning is a must to ensure they remain on track to go out on work-term in a timely fashion; students are strongly encouraged to use the course planning resources available through the Arts & Science Co-op Office.

In addition to their academic program requirements, Co-op students complete up to four Co-op specific courses. These courses are designed to prepare students for their job search and work term experience, and to maximize the benefits of their Co-op work terms. They cover a variety of topics intended to assist students in developing the skills and tools required to secure work terms that are appropriate to their program of study, and to perform professionally in the workplace. These courses must be completed in sequence, and are taken in addition to a full course load. They are recorded on transcripts as credit/no credit (CR/NCR) and are considered to be additive credit to the 20.0 required degree credits. No additional course fee is assessed as registration is included in the Co-op Program fee.

Co-op Preparation Course Requirements:

  • Co-op Preparation courses: COPB50H3 and COPB51H3 (completed in first year)
  • Work Term Search courses: COPB52H3 (semester prior to first work term), COPC98H3 (semester prior to second work term), and COPC99H3 (semester prior to third work term)
  • Co-op Work Term courses: COPC14H3 or COPC40H3 (each semester a student is on work term)

Students must be available for work terms in each of the Fall, Winter and Summer semesters and must complete at least one of their required work terms in either a Fall or Winter semester. This, in turn, requires that students take courses during at least one Summer semester.

For information on fees, status in Co-op programs, and certification of completion of Co-op programs, see the 6B.5 Co-operative Programs section or the Arts and Science Co-op section in the UTSC Calendar.

MAJOR PROGRAM IN NEUROSCIENCE (SCIENCE)

The Major program in Neuroscience focuses on both Cellular/Molecular and Systems/Behavioural Neuroscience and requires less research-intensive coursework than the Specialist programs. The Major focuses more on how to be a skilled consumer of neuroscience research, providing a valuable foundation for a variety of career paths.

Students who wish to combine the Major in Neuroscience with a Major in any one of Biology, Human Biology, Mental Health Studies or Psychology are advised that they must complete 12.0 distinct credits to receive a certification of the completion of both programs. For more information, see section 6A.2 Degree Requirements in the UTSC Academic Calendar. Consultation with the respective Program Supervisors in the selection of credits is recommended.

Enrolment Requirements

Enrolment in the program is limited. Students may apply after completing a minimum of 4.0 credits including: BIOA01H3, BIOA02H3, CHMA10H3, [CHMA11H3 or CHMA12H3], PSYA01H3, and PSYA02H3. Admission to this program requires a CGPA of 2.0 or higher. Application for admission will be made to the Office of the Registrar through ACORN, during the Limited Program application periods. For more information on applying to limited enrolment programs, please visit the Office of the Registrar website.

Program Requirements
Students must complete a total of 8.5 credits.

1. Scientific Foundations (3.0 credits)
BIOA01H3 Life on Earth: Unifying Principles
BIOA02H3 Life on Earth: Form, Function and Interactions
CHMA10H3 Introductory Chemistry I: Structure and Bonding
[CHMA11H3 Introductory Chemistry II: Reactions and Mechanisms or CHMA12H3 Advanced General Chemistry]
PSYA01H3 Introduction to Biological and Cognitive Psychology
PSYA02H3 Introduction to Clinical, Developmental, Personality and Social Psychology

2. Neuroscience Foundations (3.5 credits)
BIOB10H3 Cell Biology
BIOB11H3 Molecular Aspects of Cellular and Genetic Processes
NROB60H3 Neuroanatomy Laboratory
NROB61H3 Neurophysiology
[PSYB55H3 Introduction to Cognitive Neuroscience or (PSYB65H3) Human Brain and Behaviour]
PSYB70H3 Methods in Psychological Science
[PSYB07H3 Data Analysis in Psychology or STAB22H3 Statistics I]

3. Advanced Foundations (1.5 credits)
at least 1.0 credit must be taken from:
NROC34H3 Neuroethology
NROC36H3 Molecular Neuroscience
NROC61H3 Learning and Motivation
NROC64H3 Sensorimotor Systems
NROC69H3 Synaptic Organization and Physiology of the Brain

the remaining 0.5 credit should be taken from the following:
BIOC14H3 Genes, Environment and Behaviour
NROC60H3 Cellular Neuroscience Laboratory
NROC63H3 Behavioural Neuroscience Laboratory
NROC90H3 Supervised Study in Neuroscience
NROC93H3 Supervised Study in Neuroscience
PSYC62H3 Drugs and the Brain

4. Capstone Course (0.5 credit)
BIOD07H3 Advanced Topics and Methods in Neural Circuit Analysis
BIOD19H3 Epigenetics in Health and Disease
BIOD45H3 Animal Communication
BIOD65H3 Pathologies of the Nervous System
NROD08H3/​BIOD08H3 Theoretical Neuroscience*
NROD60H3 Current Topics in Neuroscience
NROD61H3 Emotional Learning Circuits
NROD66H3 Drug Addiction
NROD67H3 Neuroscience of Aging
NROD98Y3 Thesis in Neuroscience
PSYD62H3 Neuroscience of Pleasure and Reward
PSYD66H3 Current Topics in Human Brain and Behaviour

*Note: NROD08H3 has a calculus prerequisite that is not part of this program. Students interested in this course should plan accordingly.

Neuroscience Courses

NROB60H3 - Neuroanatomy Laboratory

This course focuses on functional neuroanatomy of the brain at both the human and animal level. Topics include gross anatomy of the brain, structure and function of neurons and glia, neurotransmitters and their receptors, and examples of major functional systems. Content is delivered through lecture and laboratories.

Prerequisite: BIOA01H3 and BIOA02H3 and CHMA10H3 and [CHMA11H3 or CHMA12H3] and PSYA01H3 and PSYA02H3
Exclusion: CSB332H, HMB320H, PSY290H, PSY391H, (ZOO332H)
Breadth Requirements: Natural Sciences
Course Experience: University-Based Experience

NROB61H3 - Neurophysiology

This course focuses on the electrical properties of neurons and the ways in which electrical signals are generated, received, and integrated to underlie neuronal communication. Topics include principles of bioelectricity, the ionic basis of the resting potential and action potential, neurotransmission, synaptic integration, and neural coding schemes. Content will be delivered through lectures, labs, and tutorials.

Prerequisite: BIOA01H3 and BIOA02H3 and CHMA10H3 and [CHMA11H3 or CHMA12H3] and PSYA01H3 and PSYA02H3
Corequisite: NROB60H3
Enrolment Limits: 175
Breadth Requirements: Natural Sciences
Course Experience: University-Based Experience

NROC34H3 - Neuroethology

Neural basis of natural behaviour; integrative function of the nervous system; motor and sensory systems; mechanisms of decision-making, initiating action, co-ordination, learning and memory. Topics may vary from year to year.

Prerequisite: BIOB34H3 or NROB60H3 or NROB61H3
Breadth Requirements: Natural Sciences

NROC36H3 - Molecular Neuroscience

This course will focus on the molecular mechanisms underlying neuronal communication in the central nervous system. The first module will look into synaptic transmission at the molecular level, spanning pre and postsynaptic mechanisms. The second module will focus on molecular mechanisms of synaptic plasticity and learning and memory. Additional topics will include an introduction to the molecular mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases and channelopathies.

Prerequisite: BIOB11H3 and NROB60H3 and NROB61H3 and [PSYB55H3 or (PSYB65H3) ] and [PSYB07H3 or STAB22H3] and [(PSYB01H3) or (PSYB04H3) or PSYB70H3 ]
Recommended Preparation: BIOC13H3
Breadth Requirements: Natural Sciences
Note: Priority will be given to students enrolled in the Specialist/Specialist Co-op programs in Neuroscience Cellular/Molecular stream. Students enrolled in the Specialist/Specialist Co-op programs in Neuroscience Systems/Behavioural or Cognitive streams or the Major program in Neuroscience will be admitted as space permits.

NROC60H3 - Cellular Neuroscience Laboratory

This course involves a theoretical and a hands-on cellular neuroscience laboratory component. Advanced systems, cellular and molecular neuroscience techniques will be covered within the context of understanding how the brain processes complex behaviour. Practical experience on brain slicing, immunohistochemistry and cell counting will feature in the completion of a lab project examining the cellular mechanisms underlying schizophrenia-like behavioural deficits. These experiments do not involve contact with animals.

Prerequisite: NROC36H3 or NROC69H3
Corequisite: PSYC08H3
Exclusion: PSY399H
Enrolment Limits: 20
Breadth Requirements: Natural Sciences
Course Experience: University-Based Experience
Note: Priority will be given to students enrolled in the Specialist/Specialist Co-op programs in Neuroscience Cellular/Molecular stream. Students enrolled in the Major program in Neuroscience will be admitted as space permits.

NROC61H3 - Learning and Motivation

This course will explore the neural and neurochemical bases of learning and motivation. Topics covered under the category of learning include: Pavlovian learning, instrumental learning, multiple memory systems, and topics covered under motivation include: regulation of eating, drinking, reward, stress and sleep.

Prerequisite: BIOB10H3 and NROB60H3 and NROB61H3 and [(PSYB01H3) or (PSYB04H3) or PSYB70H3] and [PSYB07H3 or STAB22H3] and [PSYB55H3 or (PSYB65H3)]
Breadth Requirements: Natural Sciences
Note: Priority will be given to students enrolled in the Specialist/Specialist Co-op program in Neuroscience (Stage 2, all streams) and the Major program in Neuroscience.

NROC63H3 - Behavioural Neuroscience Laboratory

This is a lecture and laboratory course that provides instruction on various approaches used in the field of Systems/Behavioural Neuroscience. Behavioural techniques, pharmacological and neurological manipulations, perfusions, and the preparation of scientific papers will be covered. An experiment examining the validity of a pharmacological model of psychological disease (e.g., addiction or schizophrenia) will be conducted, and will serve to teach students about animal research ethics, experimental design, data analysis and scientific communication of research outcomes.

Prerequisite: NROC61H3 or NROC69H3
Corequisite: PSYC08H3
Exclusion: PSY399H
Enrolment Limits: 20
Breadth Requirements: Natural Sciences
Course Experience: University-Based Experience
Note: Priority will be given to students enrolled in the Specialist/Specialist Co-op program in Neuroscience Systems/Behavioural stream. Students enrolled in the Major program in Neuroscience will be admitted as space permits.

NROC64H3 - Sensorimotor Systems

A focus on the mechanisms by which the nervous system processes sensory information and controls movement. The topics include sensory transduction and the physiology for sensory systems (visual, somatosensory, auditory, vestibular). Both spinal and central mechanisms of motor control are also covered.

Prerequisite: BIOB10H3 and NROB60H3 and NROB61H3 and [ (PSYB01H3) or (PSYB04H3) or PSYB70H3 ] and [PSYB07H3 or STAB22H3] and [ PSYB55H3 or (PSYB65H3) ]
Breadth Requirements: Natural Sciences
Note: Priority will be given to students enrolled in the Specialist/Specialist Co-op program in Neuroscience (Stage 2, all streams) and students enrolled in the Major program in Neuroscience.

NROC69H3 - Synaptic Organization and Physiology of the Brain

The course will provide an in-depth examination of neural circuits, synaptic connectivity and cellular mechanisms of synaptic function. Similarities and differences in circuit organization and intrinsic physiology of structures such as the thalamus, hippocampus, basal ganglia and neocortex will also be covered. The goal is to engender a deep and current understanding of cellular mechanisms of information processing in the CNS.

Prerequisite: BIOB10H3 and NROB60H3 and NROB61H3 and [(PSYB01H3) or (PSYB04H3) or PSYB70H3] and [PSYB07H3 or STAB22H3] and [PSYB55H3 or (PSYB65H3)]
Breadth Requirements: Natural Sciences
Note: Priority will be given to students enrolled in the Specialist/Specialist Co-op program in Neuroscience Systems/Behavioural and Cellular/Molecular streams. Students enrolled in the Specialist/Specialist Co-op program in Neuroscience Cognitive Neuroscience stream or the Major program in Neuroscience will be admitted as space permits.

NROC90H3 - Supervised Study in Neuroscience

An intensive research project intended to provide laboratory/field experience in data collection and analysis. The project must be completed over 2 consecutive terms. NROC90H and NROC93H3 provide an opportunity to engage in research in an area after completing basic coverage in regularly scheduled courses. The student must demonstrate a background adequate for the project proposed and should present a clear rationale to prospective supervisors. Regular consultation with the supervisor is necessary, and extensive data collection and analysis will be required. Such a project will culminate in a written research report. Students must first find a supervisor before the start of the academic term in which the project will be initiated. They must then obtain a permission form from the Department of Psychology's website that is to be completed and signed by the intended supervisor, and returned to the Psychology Office. Students seeking supervision off campus are further advised to check the appropriateness of the proposed advisor with the Program Supervisor. If the proposed supervisor is not appointed to the Neuroscience faculty at UTSC then a secondary supervisor who is a member of the Neuroscience group at UTSC will be required.

Prerequisite: BIOB10H3 and NROB60H3 and NROB61H3 and [(PSYB01H3) or (PSYB04H3) or PSYB70H3] and [PSYB07H3 or STAB22H3] and [PSYB55H3 or (PSYB65H3)] and permission of the proposed supervisor.
Exclusion: PSYC90H3
Course Experience: University-Based Experience

NROC93H3 - Supervised Study in Neuroscience

An intensive research project intended to provide laboratory/field experience in data collection and analysis. The project must be completed over 2 consecutive terms. NROC90H3 and NROC93H3 provide an opportunity to engage in research in an area after completing basic coverage in regularly scheduled courses. The student must demonstrate a background adequate for the project proposed and should present a clear rationale to prospective supervisors. Regular consultation with the supervisor is necessary, and extensive data collection and analysis will be required. Such a project will culminate in a written research report. Students must first find a supervisor before the start of the academic term in which the project will be initiated. They must then obtain a permission form from the Department of Psychology's website that is to be completed and signed by the intended supervisor, and returned to the Psychology Office. Students seeking supervision off campus are further advised to check the appropriateness of the proposed advisor with the Program Supervisor. If the proposed supervisor is not appointed to the Neuroscience faculty at UTSC then a secondary supervisor who is a member of the Neuroscience group at UTSC will be required.

Prerequisite: BIOB10H3 and NROB60H3 and NROB61H3 and [(PSYB01H3) or (PSYB04H3) or PSYB70H3] and [PSYB07H3 or STAB22H3] and [PSYB55H3 or (PSYB65H3)] and permission of the proposed supervisor.
Exclusion: PSYC93H3
Course Experience: University-Based Experience

NROD08H3 - 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 BIOD08H3

Prerequisite: [NROC34H3 or NROC64H3 or NROC69H3] and [MATA29H3 or MATA30H3 or MATA31H3] and [PSYB07H3 or STAB22H3]
Exclusion: BIOD08H3
Breadth Requirements: Natural Sciences

NROD60H3 - Current Topics in Neuroscience

An intensive examination of selected issues and research problems in the Neurosciences.

Prerequisite: 1.0 credit from the following: [NROC34H3, or NROC36H3 or NROC61H3 or NROC64H3 or NROC69H3]
Enrolment Limits: 24
Breadth Requirements: Natural Sciences

NROD61H3 - Emotional Learning Circuits

A seminar based course covering topics on emotional learning based on animal models of fear and anxiety disorders in humans. Through readings, presentations and writing students will explore the synaptic, cellular, circuit and behavioural basis of fear memory processing, learning how the brain encodes fearful and traumatic memories, how these change with time and developmental stage, as well as how brain circuits involved in fear processing might play a role in depression and anxiety.

Prerequisite: NROC61H3 and NROC64H3 and NROC69H3
Exclusion: [NROD60H3 if taken in Fall 2018]
Recommended Preparation: NROC60H3
Enrolment Limits: 24
Breadth Requirements: Natural Sciences

NROD66H3 - Drug Addiction

An examination of the major phases of the addiction cycle, including drug consumption, withdrawal, and relapse. Consideration will be given to what basic motivational and corresponding neurobiological processes influence behaviour during each phase of the cycle. Recent empirical findings will be examined within the context of major theoretical models guiding the field.

Prerequisite: [NROC61H3 or NROC64H3] and PSYC62H3
Recommended Preparation: PSYC08H3
Enrolment Limits: 24
Breadth Requirements: Natural Sciences

NROD67H3 - Neuroscience of Aging

This course will characterize various anatomical, biochemical, physiological, and psychological changes that occur in the nervous system with age. We will examine normal aging and age-related cognitive deterioration (including disease states) with a focus on evaluating the validity of current theories and experimental models of aging.

Prerequisite: NROC61H3 and NROC64H3
Enrolment Limits: 24
Breadth Requirements: Natural Sciences

NROD98Y3 - Thesis in Neuroscience

This course offers the opportunity to engage in a year long research project under the supervision of an interested member of the faculty in Neuroscience. The project will culminate in a written report in the form of a thesis and a poster presentation. During the course of the year, at appropriate times, students will meet to present their own research proposals, to appraise the proposals of others, and to discuss the results of their investigation. Students must first find a supervisor, which is usually confirmed before the start of the academic term in which the project will be initiated. Students will meet as a group with the coordinator as well as individually with their supervisor. Students planning to pursue graduate studies are especially encouraged to enrol in the course. Students must obtain a permission form from the Department of Psychology's website that is to be completed and signed by the intended supervisor, and submitted to the Psychology Office. Students seeking supervision off campus will need to arrange co supervision with a faculty member in Neuroscience at UTSC.

Prerequisite: BIOB10H3 and NROB60H3 and NROB61H3 and [PSYB07H3 or STAB22H3] and PSYB55H3 and PSYB70H3 and [0.5 credits from the NRO C-level courses or PSY 50-series C-level courses] and [enrolment in the Specialist Co-op, Specialist, or Major Program in Neuroscience] and [GPA of 3.3 or higher over the last 5.0 credit equivalents completed] and permission of the proposed neuroscience faculty supervisor.
Corequisite: [PSYC08H3 or PSYC09H3]
Exclusion: BIOD98Y3, BIOD99Y3, PSYD98Y3
Course Experience: University-Based Experience

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