CELL - Cell Biology

An introductory Cell Biology 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 investigations and new technologies that have defined modern cell biology. Prerequisite: BIOL 107 or SCI 100. Pre or corequisite: CHEM 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.

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: BIOL 201 or CELL 201 and BIOCH 200.

A continuation of CELL 300, covering Cell Biology topics in greater depth, and exploring recent developments in the field. Intended for, but not restricted to, students in the Cell Biology Honors and Specialization programs. Recommended prerequisite: CELL 300 or consent of Department.

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.

This course begins by briefly surveying eukaryotic organismal diversity with an emphasis on unicellular organisms and their biomedical/ecological impact. The course then examines the variation observed in different cellular systems including the nucleus, endomembrane system, mitochondria and plastids and how they can differ from the well studied models such as yeasts, animals and plants. Each organelle will be explored from morphological, genomic and evolutionary perspectives, making use of current literature when possible. Prerequisite: CELL 201 or BIOL 201.

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-requisite: any 300-level Science course, CELL 300 recommended, and the consent of the course coordinator.

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. Prerequisite: any 300-level Science course. Enrollment is limited, and registration is by permission of the department.

An advanced course dealing with cell differentiation, intracellular and extracellular signaling processes, the cell cycle, apoptosis and necrosis. Consists of lecture material and small group learning sessions. Topics include stem cell research, cancer therapy and human disorders involving cell death (e.g., Alzheimer's and cardiovascular disease). Requires reading and discussion of current research articles. Prerequisite: CELL 201 or BIOL 201 and any 300-level Science course (CELL 3xx or BIOCH 3xx recommended) or consent of Department.

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. Note: Not to be taken by students with credit in MDGEN 403. In addition, not available to students currently enrolled in MDGEN 403.

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: CELL 201 or BIOL 201 and any 300-level Science course (CELL 3xx or BIOCH 3xx recommended) or consent of Department.

Systems biology is the molecular analysis of organisms and involves understanding the integrated and interacting network of genes, proteins and biochemical processes that give rise to what we define as life. Systems biology connects and integrates genomics, proteomics, bioinformatics, engineering, cell biology and genetics with mathematics and computational analysis to enable the comprehensive discovery of principles underlying the functioning of living organisms. This course provides the student with the fundamentals of a systems biology approach to understanding organisms. Systems biology projects using database analysis software will be a large component of this course and therefore personal computers are required. Prerequisites: CELL 201, BIOL 201 or consent of Department. Note: Offered in odd-numbered years.

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. Prerequisites: Any 300-level Science course or consent of Department. Enrolment is limited and registration is by consent of Department.

Directed research carried out in a laboratory of an assigned 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.

Directed research carried out in a laboratory of a member participating in the Cell Biology Program. The project normally continues through 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. Prerequisite: A 300-level CELL, Biological Sciences, or Biochemistry course and consent of the course coordinator.

Directed research carried out in a laboratory of a member participating in the Cell Biology Program. The project normally continues through 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. Prerequisite: A 300-level CELL, Biological Sciences, or Biochemistry course and consent of the course coordinator.

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. Prerequisite: any 300-level Science course. Enrollment is limited, and registration is by permission of the department.

An advanced course dealing with cell differentiation, intracellular and extracellular signaling processes, the cell cycle, apoptosis and necrosis. Consists of lecture material and small group learning sessions. Topics include stem cell research, cancer therapy and human disorders involving cell death (e.g. Alzheimer's and cardiovascular disease). Will require reading and discussion of current research articles. Lectures are the same as for CELL 402 but with additional assignments and evaluation appropriate to graduate studies. May not be taken if credit has already been obtained in CELL 402. Prerequisites: Consent of the Department.

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. Enrolment is limited and registration is by permission of the Department.

Systems biology is the molecular analysis of organisms and involves understanding the integrated and interacting network of genes, proteins and biochemical processes that give rise to what we define as life. Systems biology connects and integrates genomics, proteomics, bioinformatics, engineering, cell biology and genetics with mathematics and computational analysis to enable the comprehensive discovery of principles underlying the functioning of living organisms. This course provides the student with the fundamentals of a systems biology approach to understanding organisms. Systems biology projects using database analysis software will be a large component of this course and therefore personal computers are required. May not be taken if credit has already been obtained in CELL 425. Enrolment is limited and registration is by permission of the Department. Note: offered in odd-numbered years.

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 the construction and assessment of research grants. Students will be exposed to current literature through student-led presentations, discussion, and the development of a research proposal. Prerequisite: Enrolment is limited and registration is by consent of Department.

A seminar course on topics of current interest in Cell Biology. Students will attend seminars and contribute a journal club presentation based on recent developments published in first rate journals. Note: Open only to Graduate students in Cell Biology.

A seminar course on topics of current interest in Cell Biology. Students will attend seminars and contribute a journal club presentation based on recent developments published in first rate journals. Note: Open only to Graduate students in Cell Biology.

A seminar course on topics of current interest in Cell Biology. Students will attend seminars and contribute a presentation on their research project that includes original data. Prerequisite: CELL 671 or consent of the Department. Note: Open only to Graduate students in Cell Biology.

A seminar course on topics of current interest in Cell Biology. Students will attend seminars and contribute a presentation on their research project that includes original data. Prerequisite: CELL 671 or consent of the Department. Note: Open only to Graduate students in Cell Biology.

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. CELL 398 and 498) in the Department of Cell Biology. Mentorship includes activities such as in lab supervision, training, and help with reports and presentations. Consent of Department of Cell Biology required. Can be taken in any year or 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.

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. CELL 499) in the Department of Cell Biology. Mentorship includes activities such as in lab supervision, training, and help with reports and presentations. Consent of Department of Cell Biology required. 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

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. CELL 499) in the Department of Cell Biology. Mentorship includes activities such as in lab supervision, training, and help with reports and presentations. Consent of Department of Cell Biology required. 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