Program Requirements
The Interdisciplinary Life Sciences Minor will allow students from the earth, physical, math, and computational science areas to broaden their studies with some basic life sciences, health social science, and empirical technological science. The Minor is 24 credits and allows students flexibility in their course selections. Students must take 9 credits from an extensive list of basic life science courses, 3 credits from an extensive list of health and social science courses, and 3 credits from an empirical and technological science list. The remaining 9 credits may be taken from courses listed in any of the three categories.
Please note: Students studying in Anatomy and Cell Biology; Biochemistry; Honours Immunology; Microbiology and Immunology; Neuroscience; Pharmacology; and Physiology are not permitted to complete this Minor.
Interested students should contact the Interdisciplinary Programs Adviser.
Complementary Courses (24 credits)
The 24 credits required for this program must satisfy the following criteria:
At least 18 credits must be outside the student's main discipline.
Depth requirement:
at least 6 credits must be at the 300 level or above.
Breadth requirement:
at least 9 credits must be taken from the Basic Life Sciences List,
at least 3 credits from the Health Social Sciences List,
at least 3 credits from the Empirical Science and Technology List.
The remaining 9 credits may be selected from any of the lists.
Basic Life Sciences
At least 9 credits from:
* Students take either ANAT 212 or BIOC 212, but not both.
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ANAT 212 Molecular Mechanisms of Cell Function (3 credits) *
Overview
Anatomy & Cell Biology : An introductory course describing the biochemistry and molecular biology of selected key functions of animal cells, including: gene expression; mitochondrial production of metabolic energy; cellular communication with the extra-cellular environment; and regulation of cell division.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Vera Ugalde, Maria; Reinhardt, Dieter; Fabian, Marc; Kiss, Robert; Pastor, William (Winter)
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ANAT 214 Systemic Human Anatomy (3 credits)
Overview
Anatomy & Cell Biology : Introduction to the gross anatomy of the various organ systems of head, neck and trunk regions of the human body. Emphasis on functional anatomy. Laboratory component includes exploration of the human body through cadaveric prosections, imaging and other materials.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Rolian, Campbell; Venne, Gabriel (Fall)
Fall
2 hours lectures, 2 hours laboratory
Prerequisites: BIOL 112 (or CEGEP equivalent), PHGY 209 and PHGY 210
This course is limited in size, with guaranteed admission for all students enrolled in the Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology. Students in other programs will be permitted to enroll as space allows.
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ANAT 261 Introduction to Dynamic Histology (4 credits)
Overview
Anatomy & Cell Biology : An introduction to light and electron microscopic anatomy in which cell and tissue dynamics will be explored in the principal tissues and organs of the body.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Mandato, Craig A.; Morales, Carlos R (Fall)
Fall
3 hours lectures, 2 hours laboratory
Must be taken in U1 by students in Anatomy and Cell Biology programs
Prerequisite: BIOL 112 or CEGEP equivalent
Restriction: Open to students in biological sciences and others by special permission
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ANAT 262 Introductory Molecular and Cell Biology (3 credits)
Overview
Anatomy & Cell Biology : The architectural, functional and temporal continuity of organelles and the cytoskeleton of mammalian cells is introduced as well as their functional integration in the phenomena of exocytosis, endocytosis, protein trafficking and cell motility and adhesion.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Presley, John; Stochaj, Ursula; Bechstedt, Susanne; Bui, Khanh Huy (Winter)
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ANAT 321 Circuitry of the Human Brain (3 credits)
Overview
Anatomy & Cell Biology : This course explores the functional organization of the human brain and spinal cord. The course focuses on how neuronal systems are designed to subserve specific motor, sensory, and cognitive operations.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Ragsdale, David S (Fall)
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ANAT 365 Cellular Trafficking (3 credits)
Overview
Anatomy & Cell Biology : This course explores the fundamental mechanisms that govern the organizations of intracellular membranes, how vesicle generation is signaled, how the membranes curve and bud, and how vesicles know where to go and fuse. In addition to intracellular vesicles, the principles of mitochondrial dynamics and process of cellular autophagy are examined. Also, there is a focus on "Applied Cell Biology", with respect to how the exquisite regulation of cellular transport plays a central role in complex biological systems. A series of modules will take students through the mechanisms of cellular polarity, neurotransmission, metabolic cell biology, pathogen invasion, and more. The emphasis is on the morphological aspects of the processes, and on the major techniques that led to discovery.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Zeytuni, Natalie; McBride, Heidi; Kennedy, Timothy E; Stroh, Thomas; Presley, John; Sossin, Wayne Steven; Estall, Jennifer (Fall)
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ANAT 381 Experimental Embryology (3 credits)
Overview
Anatomy & Cell Biology : The basic processes of reproduction and embryonic development, such as molecular signaling; cell-cell interaction; differentiation; cell fate determination; genetic and epigenetic control of embryonic development.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Nagano, Makoto; Ao, Asangla; Ryan, Aimee; Clarke, Hugh; Tanny, Jason (Fall)
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BIOC 212 Molecular Mechanisms of Cell Function (3 credits) *
Overview
Biochemistry : An introductory course describing the biochemistry and molecular biology of selected key functions of animal cells, including: gene expression; mitochondrial production of metabolic energy; cellular communication with the extra-cellular environment; and regulation of cell division.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Vera Ugalde, Maria; Pause, Arnim; Reinhardt, Dieter; Kazak, Lawrence; Cockburn, Katie (Winter)
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BIOC 311 Metabolic Biochemistry (3 credits)
Overview
Biochemistry : The generation of metabolic energy in higher organisms with an emphasis on its regulation at the molecular, cellular and organ level. Chemical concepts and mechanisms of enzymatic catalysis are also emphasized. Included: selected topics in carbohydrate, lipid and nitrogen metabolism; complex lipids and biological membranes; hormonal signal transduction.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Denis, Maxime; Giguere, Vincent; Gehring, Kalle; Kazak, Lawrence (Fall)
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BIOC 450 Protein Structure and Function (3 credits)
Overview
Biochemistry : Primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary structure of enzymes. Active site mapping and site-specific mutagenesis of enzymes. Enzyme kinetics and mechanisms of catalysis. Multienzyme complexes.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Nagar, Bhushan; Schmeing, Thomas Martin; Purisima, Enrico; Gehring, Kalle; von Roretz, Christopher; Thibodeaux, Christopher; Guarne, Alba; Vera Ugalde, Maria; Zeytuni, Natalie (Fall)
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BIOC 458 Membranes and Cellular Signaling (3 credits)
Overview
Biochemistry : An integrated treatment of the properties of biological membranes and of intracellular signaling, including the major role that membranes play in transducing and integrating cellular regulatory signals. Biological membrane organization and dynamics: membrane transport; membrane receptors and their associated effectors; mechanisms of regulation of cell growth, morphology, differentiation and death.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Denis, Maxime; Autexier, Chantal; Lamarche, Nathalie; Reinhardt, Dieter (Winter)
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BIOL 200 Molecular Biology (3 credits)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : The physical and chemical properties of the cell and its components in relation to their structure and function. Topics include: protein structure, enzymes and enzyme kinetics; nucleic acid replication, transcription and translation; the genetic code, mutation, recombination, and regulation of gene expression.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Champetier, Serge; Hastings, Kenneth E M; Lasko, Paul; Turney, Shaun; Reyes Lamothe, Rodrigo (Fall)
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BIOL 201 Cell Biology and Metabolism (3 credits)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : This course introduces the student to our modern understanding of cells and how they work. Major topics to be covered include: photosynthesis, energy metabolism and metabolic integration; plasma membrane including secretion, endocytosis and contact mediated interactions between cells; cytoskeleton including cell and organelle movement; the nervous system; hormone signaling; the cell cycle.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Brouhard, Gary; Hekimi, Siegfried; Zheng, Huanquan; Champetier, Serge (Winter)
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BIOL 202 Basic Genetics (3 credits)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : Introduction to basic principles, and to modern advances, problems and applications in the genetics of higher and lower organisms with examples representative of the biological sciences.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Moon, Nam Sung; Nilson, Laura; Schoen, Daniel J; Hipfner, David; Champetier, Serge (Winter)
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BIOL 300 Molecular Biology of the Gene (3 credits)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : A survey of current knowledge and approaches in the area of regulation of gene expression, post-transcriptional control of gene expression, and signal transduction.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Sch枚ck, Frieder; Moon, Nam Sung (Fall)
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BIOL 301 Cell and Molecular Laboratory (4 credits)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : An introduction to biology research and communication with a focus on cell and molecular biology. Through conducting a series of project-based experiments and writing a final report, molecular and synthetic biology techniques such as gene cloning, manipulation, protein isolation and characterization and how research is conducted, analyzed and communicated will be addressed. In addition, an introduction to bioinformatics methods and their role in analysis will be provided.
Terms: Fall 2024, Winter 2025
Instructors: Hayer, Arnold; Harrison, Paul; Zheng, Huanquan; Leroux, Maxime (Fall) Zheng, Huanquan; Harrison, Paul; Leroux, Maxime; Hayer, Arnold (Winter)
Fall or Winter
1 hour lecture and one 6-hour laboratory
Prerequisites: BIOL 200, BIOL 201 (or ANAT 212/BIOC 212); or BIOL 219
Restrictions: Not open to students who have taken or are taking BIOC 300, or BIOC 220 and BIOC 320. Requires departmental approval.
For approval email maxime.leroux [at] mcgill.ca. Specify your ID number as well as the term and two lab day preferences.
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BIOL 303 Developmental Biology (3 credits)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : A consideration of the fundamental processes and principles operating during embryogenesis. Experimental analyses at the molecular, cellular, and organismal levels will be presented and discussed to provide an overall appreciation of developmental phenomena.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Gerhold, Abigail; Rao, Yong; Dufort, Daniel (Winter)
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BIOL 306 Neural Basis of Behaviour (3 credits)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : Neural mechanisms of animal behaviour; neuroethology; cellular neurophysiology, integrative networks within nervous systems; neural control of movement; processing of sensory information.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Sakata, Jon; Dent, Joseph Alan (Fall)
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BIOL 314 Molecular Biology of
Cancer (3 credits)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : The molecular basis of human cancers, including analyzing the events that promote the formation of oncogenes and inhibit tumour suppressor genes, the biochemical properties of the proteins encoded by these genes, and their functions. Current molecular targets for cancer therapy and the concepts and consequences of inheriting mutations in genes that predispose to cancer.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Dankort, David (Winter)
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BIOL 320 Evolution of Brain and Behaviour (3 credits)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : Functional and comparative approach to neuroanatomy, examining how species changes in brain organization contribute to evolutionary changes in behaviour.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Woolley, Sarah; Sakata, Jon (Winter)
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BIOL 370 Human Genetics Applied (3 credits)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : A contemporary view of genetic research as applied to human health and well-being.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
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CHEM 212 Introductory Organic Chemistry 1 (4 credits)
Overview
Chemistry : A fundamental study of aliphatic compounds and saturated functional groups including modern concepts of bonding, reaction mechanisms, conformational analysis, spectroscopy, and stereochemistry.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Vlaho, Danielle; Huot, Mitchell; Sirjoosingh, Pallavi; Tsantrizos, Youla S; Pavelka, Laura; Luedtke, Nathan (Fall)
Fall, Summer
Restriction: Not open to students registered in Chemistry or Biochemistry. Not open to students who have taken or are taking CHEM 211, CHEM 242, or equivalent.
Each lab section is limited enrolment
Note: Some CEGEP programs provide equivalency for this course. For more information, please see the Department of Chemistry's Web page ().
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CHEM 222 Introductory Organic Chemistry 2 (4 credits)
Overview
Chemistry : Modern spectroscopic techniques for structure determination. The chemistry of alcohols, ethers, carbonyl compounds, and amines, with special attention to mechanistic aspects. Special topics.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Vlaho, Danielle; Huot, Mitchell; Sirjoosingh, Pallavi; Moitessier, Nicolas; Luedtke, Nathan (Winter)
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CHEM 302 Introductory Organic Chemistry 3 (3 credits)
Overview
Chemistry : Topics covered may include the following: Aromatic compounds, heterocyclic chemistry, sulfur and phosphorus chemistry, organosulfur and organophosphorus compounds, and biomolecules such as lipids, carbohydrates, amino acids, polypeptides, DNA and RNA.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Damha, Masad J (Fall)
Fall
Prerequisites: CHEM 222, or permission of the instructor.
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CHEM 502 Advanced Bio-Organic Chemistry (3 credits)
Overview
Chemistry : This course will cover biologically relevant molecules, particularly nucleic acids, proteins, and their building blocks. In each case, synthesis and biological functions will be discussed. The topics include synthesis of oligonucleotides and peptides; chemistry of phosphates; enzyme structure and function; coenzymes, and enzyme catalysis; polyketides; antiviral and anticancer agents.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Thibodeaux, Christopher; Wahba, Alexander; Mittermaier, Anthony (Winter)
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CHEM 503 Drug Discovery (3 credits)
Overview
Chemistry : The aim of this course is to provide an introduction to the overall drug discovery process. The main focus of the course will be on medicinal chemistry, synthesis and catalysis, as they relate to large-scale production of pharmaceutical agents. However, other aspects of drug discovery, including structural research (e.g. NMR, X-ray), biochemistry, drug metabolism and bioavailability will also be included.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Tsantrizos, Youla S (Winter)
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EXMD 401 Physiology and Biochemistry Endocrine Systems (3 credits)
Overview
Experimental Medicine : Offered in conjunction with the Department of Physiology. The course provides a basic knowledge of endocrine systems encompassing biosynthesis, metabolism and physiological actions of hormones. Specific topics covered are hormones of the hypothalamus, pituitary, adrenals, thyroids, parathyroids, pancreas, gut and the gonads. The role of hormones and growth factors in pregnancy and fetal development are also discussed.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Liu, Jun-Li; Bateman, Andrew; O'Flaherty, Cristian; Bernard, Daniel; Murshed, Monzur; Sabatini, Paul (Winter)
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MIMM 211 Introductory Microbiology (3 credits)
Overview
Microbiology and Immun (Sci) : A general treatment of microbiology bearing specifically on the biological properties of microorganisms. Emphasis will be on procaryotic cells. Basic principles of microbial genetics are also introduced.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Cousineau, Benoit; Nguyen, Dao; Matlashewski, Greg J; Gruenheid, Samantha; Chahal, Jasmin; Maurice, Corinne; Le Mauff, Francois (Fall)
Fall
3 hours of lecture
Corequisite: BIOL 200
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MIMM 214 Introductory Immunology: Elements of Immunity (3 credits)
Overview
Microbiology and Immun (Sci) : Basic immunology, organs and cells, elements of innate immunity, phagocytes, complement, elements of adaptive immunity, B-cells, T-cells, antigen presenting cells, MHC genes and molecules, antigen processing and presentation, cytokines and chemokines. Emphasis on anatomy and the molecular and cellular players working together as a physiological system to maintain human health.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Chahal, Jasmin (Winter)
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MIMM 314 Intermediate Immunology (3 credits)
Overview
Microbiology and Immun (Sci) : An intermediate-level immunology course covering the cellular and molecular basis of lymphocyte development and activation in immune responses in health and disease.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Piccirillo, Ciriaco; King, Irah; Melichar, Heather (Winter)
Winter
3 hours of lecture
Prerequisite: MIMM 214
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MIMM 323 Microbial Physiology (3 credits)
Overview
Microbiology and Immun (Sci) : An introduction to the composition and structure of microbial cells, the biochemical activities associated with cellular metabolism and how these activities are regulated and coordinated. The course will have a molecular and genetic approach to the study of microbial physiology.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Marczynski, Gregory T (Fall)
Fall
3 hours of lecture
Prerequisite: MIMM 211
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MIMM 324 Fundamental Virology (3 credits)
Overview
Microbiology and Immun (Sci) : A study of the fundamental properties of viruses and their interactions with host cells. Bacteriophages, DNA- and RNA-containing animal viruses, and retroviruses are covered. Emphasis will be on phenomena occurring at the molecular level and on the regulated control of gene expression in virus-infected cells.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Teodoro, Jose Guerreiro; Liang, Chen; Kukolj, George; Briedis, Dalius J; Mouland, Andrew J; Archambault, Jacques; Liu, Qian; Liu, Leo (Fall)
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MIMM 387 The Business of Science (3 credits)
Overview
Microbiology and Immun (Sci) : The ability to select and manipulate genetic material has led to unprecedented interest in the industrial applications of procaryotic and eucaryotic cells. Beginning in the 1970s the introduction of and subsequent refinements to recombinant DNA technology and hybridoma technology transformed the horizons of the biopharmaceutical world. This course will highlight the important events that link basic research to clinical/commercial application of new drugs and chemicals.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Winter
Prerequisite: At least one 200-level course in a biological or biomedical discipline or permission of instructor
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MIMM 465 Bacterial Pathogenesis (3 credits)
Overview
Microbiology and Immun (Sci) : Familiarizes students with key principles and recent advances in our understanding of the strategies that bacteria use to infect and cause disease, as well as the approaches used in the prevention and treatment of bacterial infections.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Reed, Michael; Nguyen, Dao; Behr, Marcel A; Denis, Maxime; Gruenheid, Samantha; Veyrier, Fr茅d茅ric; Ronholm, Jennifer; Maurice, Corinne; Lupien, Andr茅anne (Fall)
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MIMM 466 Viral Pathogenesis (3 credits)
Overview
Microbiology and Immun (Sci) : A study of the biological and molecular aspects of viral pathogenesis with emphasis on the human pathogenic viruses including the retroviruses HIV and HTLV-1; herpes viruses; papilloma viruses; hepatitis viruses; and new emerging human viral diseases. These viruses will be discussed in terms of virus multiplication, gene expression virus-induced cytopathic effects and host immune response to infection.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Liang, Chen (Winter)
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NSCI 201 Introduction to Neuroscience 2 (3 credits)
Overview
Neuroscience : An introduction to how the nervous system acquires and integrates information and uses it to produce behaviour.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Darainy, Mohammad (Winter)
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NUTR 307 Metabolism and Human Nutrition (3 credits)
Overview
Nutrition and Dietetics : This course looks at the importance of nutrition from the molecular to the organismal levels in human health and disease. The focus will be on the significance of nutrients in regulating metabolism, and impact of genotype in the metabolism of nutrients.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Wykes, Linda J; Agellon, Luis; Mailloux, Ryan (Fall)
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PATH 300 Human Disease (3 credits)
Overview
Pathology : Provides a fundamental understanding of the diseases prevalent in North America, for upper level students in the biological sciences. Includes: general responses of cells and organ systems to injury; assessment of individual diseases by relating the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and prevention to the primary biological abnormalities in each disorder.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Zorychta, Edith (Winter)
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PHAR 300 Drug Action (3 credits)
Overview
Pharmacology and Therapeutics : Principles of pharmacology and toxicology. Frequently encountered drugs will be used as a focus to illustrate sites and mechanisms of action, distribution, metabolism, elimination and adverse side effects.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Zorychta, Edith; Thanabalasuriar, Ajitha; Bernard, Daniel (Fall)
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PHAR 301 Drugs and Disease (3 credits)
Overview
Pharmacology and Therapeutics : This course further explores the basic principles of pharmacology as illustrated by drugs used in the treatment of disease. Emphasis is placed on drugs used for diseases prevalent in North America.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Castagner, Bastien (Winter)
Winter
Prerequisite: PHAR 300
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PHAR 303 Principles of Toxicology (3 credits)
Overview
Pharmacology and Therapeutics : Fundamental mechanisms by which toxic compounds damage a biological system (organelle, cell, organ, organism, ecosystem). Detection and quantification of toxicity and risk/benefit analysis are considered. Selected agents of current risk to human health or the environment are evaluated in depth.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: McKeague, Maureen (Winter)
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PHAR 503 Drug Discovery and Development 1 (3 credits)
Overview
Pharmacology and Therapeutics : Chemistry, mechanisms of action, and steps in drug discovery and development.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Munter, Lisa; Sharif Naeini, Reza; Meerovitch, Karen; Berghuis, Albert; Mooser, Vincent (Fall)
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PHAR 504 Drug Discovery and Development 2 (3 credits)
Overview
Pharmacology and Therapeutics : Nobel Prize-winning discoveries as a basis for drug development.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Multhaup, Gerhard (Winter)
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PHGY 209 Mammalian Physiology 1 (3 credits)
Overview
Physiology : Physiology of body fluids, blood, body defense mechanisms, muscle, peripheral, central, and autonomic nervous systems.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Vollrath, Melissa; Ragsdale, David S; Shrier, Alvin; Cook, Erik; Aguer, C茅line (Fall)
Fall
3 hours lectures weekly
Prerequisites: BIOL 112, CHEM 110, CHEM 120, PHYS 101 or PHYS 131, and PHYS 102 or PHYS 142. Pre-/co-requisites: BIOL 200, CHEM 212 or equivalent.
Restriction: Not open to students who have taken PHGY 211 or students who are taking and who have taken NSCI 200.
Restriction: For students in the Faculty of Science, and other students by permission of the instructor
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PHGY 210 Mammalian Physiology 2 (3 credits)
Overview
Physiology : Physiology of cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, endocrine and renal systems.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Vollrath, Melissa; Takano, Tomoko; Lauzon, Anne-Marie; White, John H; Aguer, C茅line (Winter)
Winter
3 hours lectures weekly
Prerequisites: BIOL 112, CHEM 110, CHEM 120, PHYS 101 or PHYS 131, and PHYS 102 or PHYS 142. Pre-/co-requisite: BIOL 200, BIOL 201, BIOC 212, CHEM 212 or equivalent.
Restriction: For students in the Faculty of Science, and other students by permission of the instructor
Although PHGY 210 may be taken without the prior passing of PHGY 209, students should note that they may have some initial difficulties because of lack of familiarity with some basic concepts introduced in PHGY 209
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PHGY 311 Channels, Synapses and Hormones (3 credits)
Overview
Physiology : In-depth presentation of experimental results and hypotheses on cellular communication in the nervous system and the endocrine system.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Cooper, Ellis; Sjostrom, Per Jesper; Krishnaswamy, Arjun; Sharif Naeini, Reza (Fall)
Fall
3 hours of lectures per week; 1-3 hours optional lab/demonstration/tutorial arranged for a maximum of 3 afternoons per term
Prerequisite: PHGY 209 or permission of the instructor.
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PHGY 312 Respiratory, Renal, and Cardiovascular Physiology (3 credits)
Overview
Physiology : In-depth presentation of experimental results and hypotheses underlying our current understanding of topics in renal, respiratory and cardiovascular functions explored beyond the introductory level.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Hanrahan, John W; Martin, James G; Shrier, Alvin; Magder, Sheldon A (Winter)
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PHGY 313 Blood, Gastrointestinal, and Immune Systems Physiology (3 credits)
Overview
Physiology : In-depth presentation of experimental results and hypotheses underlying our current understanding of topics in immunology, blood and fluids, and gastrointestinal physiology.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Mandl, Judith; Blank, Volker Manfred; Vollrath, Melissa; Fritz, J枚rg; Quail, Daniela (Winter)
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PHGY 314 Integrative Neuroscience (3 credits)
Overview
Physiology : In depth presentation of experimental results and hypotheses underlying our current understanding of how single neurons and ensembles of neurons encode sensory information, generate movement, and control cognitive functions such as emotion, learning, and memory, during voluntary behaviours.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Chacron, Maurice; Pack, Christopher; Shmuel, Amir; Vollrath, Melissa; Lomber, Stephen; Brandon, Mark; Bashivan, Pouya (Fall)
Fall
3 hours of lectures per week
Prerequisites: PHGY 209
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PSYC 211 Introductory Behavioural Neuroscience (3 credits)
Overview
Psychology : An introduction to contemporary research on the relationship between brain and behaviour. Topics include learning, memory and cognition, brain damage and neuroplasticity, emotion and motivation, and drug addiction and brain reward circuits. Much of the evidence will be drawn from the experimental literature on research with animals.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Britt, Jon (Fall)
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PSYC 311 Human Cognition and the Brain (3 credits)
Overview
Psychology : The course is an introduction to the field studying how human cognitive processes, such as perception, attention, language, learning and memory, planning and organization, are related to brain processes. The material covered is primarily based on studies of the effects of different brain lesions on cognition and studies of brain activity in relation to cognitive processes with modern functional neuroimaging methods.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Masset, Paul (Fall)
Fall
2 lectures; 1 conference
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PSYC 317 Genes and Behaviour (3 credits)
Overview
Psychology : Focuses on current techniques employed to study which genes influence behaviour, and how they do so.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
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PSYC 318 Behavioural Neuroscience 2 (3 credits)
Overview
Psychology : The physiological bases of motivational states, with respect to feeding, drinking, sexual behaviour, drug use, and aggression. Physiological bases of learning and memory.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Britt, Jon (Winter)
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PSYC 342 Hormones and Behaviour (3 credits)
Overview
Psychology : The role of hormones in organization of CNS function, as effectors of behaviour, in expression of behaviours and in mental illness.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Health Social Science
At least 3 credits from:
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ANTH 204 Anthropology of Meaning (3 credits)
Overview
Anthropology : Through the analysis of language, symbols and cultural constructions of meaning, this course explores how people in different societies make sense of their world, and the ways in which they organise that knowledge, and how ideologies represent the different interests present in a society.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Winter
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ANTH 227 Medical Anthropology (3 credits)
Overview
Anthropology : Beliefs and practices concerning sickness and healing are examined in a variety of Western and non-Western settings. Special attention is given to cultural constructions of the body and to theories of disease causation and healing efficacy. Topics include international health, medical pluralism, transcultural psychiatry, and demography.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Meyers, Todd (Fall)
Fall
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ANTH 302 New Horizons in Medical Anthropology (3 credits)
Overview
Anthropology : Using recent ethnographies as textual material, this course will cover theoretical and methodological developments in medical anthropology since the early 1990's. Topics include a reconsideration of the relationship between culture and biology, medical pluralism revisited, globalization and health and disease, and social implications of new biomedical technologies.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Winter
Prerequisite: ANTH 227
Restriction: Anthropology program students.
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ANTH 314 Psychological Anthropology 01 (3 credits)
Overview
Anthropology : A survey of current theories and methods employed in psychological anthropology. Some areas considered are: cross-cultural studies of socialization and personality development; cultural factors in mental illness; individual adaptations to rapid socio-cultural change.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Collu, Samuele (Fall)
Fall
Prerequisite: Any Anthropology course
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ECON 440 Health Economics (3 credits)
Overview
Economics (Arts) : The organization and performance of Canada's health care system are examined from an economist's perspective. The system is described and its special features analyzed. Much attention is given to the role of government in the system and to financing arrangements for hospital and medical services. Current financial problems are discussed.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
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GEOG 221 Environment and Health (3 credits)
Overview
Geography : This course introduced physical and social environments as factors in human health, with emphasis on the physical properties of the atmospheric environment as they interact with diverse human populations in urban settings.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
3 hours
Restriction: Not open to students who have taken or are taking NRSC 221.
In Fall 2019, GEOG 221 will be taught at Macdonald campus. This course is also offered as NRSC 221. Students enrolled in downtown campus programs register in GEOG 221; students enrolled in Macdonald campus programs register in NRSC 221.
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GEOG 303 Health Geography (3 credits)
Overview
Geography : Discussion of the research questions and methods of health geography. Particular emphasis on health inequalities at multiple geographic scales and the theoretical links between characteristics of places and the health of people.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Riva, Mylene (Winter)
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HIST 249 Health and the Healer in Western History (3 credits)
Overview
History : The natural history of health and disease and the development of the healing arts, from antiquity to the beginning of modern times. The rise of "western" medicine. Health and healing as gradually evolving aspects of society and culture.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Kroupa, Sebestian; Schlich, Thomas (Fall)
Note: Also available to first-year medical students in their options program.
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HIST 335 Science and Medicine in Canada (3 credits)
Overview
History : The social and intellectual history of science and medicine in Canada, from early exploration, through the rise of learned societies, universities and professional organizations, to World War II.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
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HIST 350 Science and the Enlightenment (3 credits)
Overview
History : Explores the relationship between the natural sciences and the eighteenth-century Enlightenment. Examination of works in post-Newtonian science as well as their broader cultural meaning, the history of material practices, the origins of social science, and the role of geography and international context beyond Western Europe.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
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HIST 381 Colonial Africa (3 credits)
Overview
History : An overview of the history of foreign intervention and anticolonial resistance in 19th and 20th century Africa. Topics include: theories of colonialism, the scramble for Africa, colonialism and disease, indirect rule, labour, nationalism and resistance, and changing gender roles.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
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HIST 424 Gender, Sexuality and Medicine (3 credits)
Overview
History : Gender, sexuality, and medicine since the colonial era, with a focus on North American experience. Topics will include reproductive medicine (puberty, childbirth, fertility control, menopause), changing perceptions of men's and women's health needs and risks, and ideas about sexual behaviour and identity.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Tone, Andrea (Fall)
Prerequisite: A 300-level History course in gender, sexuality or medicine or permission of instructor.
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HSEL 308 Issues in Women's Health (3 credits)
Overview
Health Science Electives : Exploration of a wide range of topics on the health of women. Topics include use of health care system, poverty, roles, immigration, body image, lesbian health, and violence against women. Additional topics vary by year. A Health Science elective open to students in the Faculties of Arts, Science, and Medicine.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Armistead, Cheryl (Fall)
Fall
Prerequisite: Introductory Psychology or Sociology or permission of the instructor
Complementary course for the Women's Studies Concentration
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HSEL 309 Women's Reproductive Health (3 credits)
Overview
Health Science Electives : Concepts of health and medicalization. Canadian and international perspectives. Topics include contraception, abortion, infertility, menstruation, menopause, new reproductive technologies, prenatal care, childbirth. Additional topics vary by year. A Health Science elective open to students in the Faculties of Arts, Science, and Medicine.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Armistead, Cheryl (Winter)
Winter
Prerequisite: Introductory Psychology or Sociology or permission of the instructor
Restriction: not open for credit to students who have taken HSEL 308 prior to September 1997
Complementary course for the Women's Studies and Social Studies of Medicine Concentrations
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PHIL 237 Contemporary Moral Issues (3 credits)
Overview
Philosophy : An introductory discussion of central ethical questions (the value of persons, or the relationship of rights and utilities, for example) through the investigation of currently disputed social and political issues. Specific issues to be discussed may include pornography and censorship, affirmative action, civil disobedience, punishment, abortion, and euthanasia.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
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PHIL 343 Biomedical Ethics (3 credits)
Overview
Philosophy : An investigation of ethical issues as they arise in the practice of medicine (informed consent, e.g.) or in the application of medical technology (in vitro fertilization, euthanasia, e.g.)
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Hirose, Iwao (Fall)
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POLI 417 Health Care in Canada (3 credits)
Overview
Political Science : This course analyzes the theory and politics of health policy and institutions, comparing provincial models and contextualizing Canadian systems with international perspectives from the U.S. and Europe. Current health reform debates will be explored, particularly those involving federal-provincial relations, sustainable financing and the role of the state in social protection.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
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PSYC 215 Social Psychology (3 credits)
Overview
Psychology : The course offers students an overview of the major topics in social psychology. Three levels of analysis are explored beginning with individual processes (e.g., attitudes, attribution), then interpersonal processes (e.g., attraction, communication, love) and finally social influence processes (e.g., conformity, norms, roles, reference groups).
Terms: Fall 2024, Winter 2025
Instructors: Lydon, John (Fall) Hehman, Eric (Winter)
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PSYC 304 Child Development (3 credits)
Overview
Psychology : Psychology of children, covering critical issues, theories, biological underpinnings, experimental methods, and findings in perceptual, cognitive, language, emotional, and social development.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Krol, Sonia (Fall)
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PSYC 333 Personality and Social Psychology (3 credits)
Overview
Psychology : The course builds on and is an extension of Social Psychology (PSYC 215). Traditional approaches to person-situation interactions and a more dynamic approach based on recent research on goals and social cognition.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Winter
2 lectures
Prerequisite: PSYC 215
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PSYC 412 Child Development: Psychopathology
(3 credits)
Overview
Psychology : Introduction to the field of behavior disorders of childhood and adolescence, including core issues, theoretical and methodological underpinnings, descriptions and discussions of many disorders, clinical and research data, and treatment approaches. Three major assumptions will be woven through the course.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Christophe, Noah Keita (Winter)
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PSYC 413 Cognitive Development (3 credits)
Overview
Psychology : In-depth exploration of cognitive development in infants and children including knowledge representation and processing, conceptual development, language development, and theories and principles of cognitive development.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Onishi, K (Fall)
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PSYC 414 Social Development (3 credits)
Overview
Psychology : Advanced study of the development of social behaviour and social cognition in children. Topics include: socialization, attachment, aggression, exploration, role taking, communication, family and peer relations, self and person perception. The development of these social processes within the framework of three general theories of development: behaviour genetics, learning, and cognitive-developmental.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
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SOCI 225 Medicine and Health in Modern Society (3 credits)
Overview
Sociology (Arts) : Socio-medical problems and ways in which sociological analysis and research are being used to understand and deal with them. Canadian and Qu茅bec problems include: poverty and health; mental illness; aging; death and dying; professionalism; health service organization.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: L茅vesque, Gabriel (Winter)
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SOCI 309 Health and Illness (3 credits)
Overview
Sociology (Arts) : Health and illness as social rather than purely bio-medical phenomena. Topics include: studies of ill persons, health care occupations and organizations; poverty and health; inequalities in access to and use of health services; recent policies, ideologies, and problems in reform of health services organization.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Ghazanjani, Mehri (Winter)
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SOCI 310 Sociology of Mental Health (3 credits)
Overview
Sociology (Arts) : Three broad areas of sociological research on mental health and illness: definitions and measurement; social origins; and societal responses. Mental health and illness as a product of social circumstances.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Dennis, Alexis (Fall)
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SOCI 365 Health and Development (3 credits)
Overview
Sociology (Arts) : Main concepts and controversies linking health to broader social and economic conditions in low income countries. Topics include the demographic and epidemiological transitions, the health and wealth conundrum, the social determinants of health, health as an economic development strategy, and the impact of the AIDS pandemic.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
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SOCI 390 Gender and Health (3 credits)
Overview
Sociology (Arts) : Key conceptual and substantive issues in gender and health since c1950: stratified medicalization of women's and men's health; social movements in health including the women's health movement; gender inequality in morbidity and mortality; gender, power and control in patient/physician interactions; embodied experience; politics and policies of gender and health.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
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SOCI 515 Medicine and Society (3 credits)
Overview
Sociology (Arts) : The sociology of health and illness. Reading in areas of interest, such as: the sociology of illness, health services occupations, organizational settings of health care, the politics of change in national health service systems, and contemporary ethical issues in medical care and research.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Prerequisite: Undergraduate students require permission of instructor
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SOCI 525 Health Care Systems in Comparative Perspective (3 credits)
Overview
Sociology (Arts) : Comparative perspective to illustrate processes involved in the development and evolution of health care systems around the world. Countries examined will represent different welfare state regimes, health care system typologies, levels of development and wealth.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Quesnel Vall茅e, Am茅lie (Winter)
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SOCI 538 Selected Topics in Sociology of Biomedical Knowledge (3 credits)
Overview
Sociology (Arts) : The seminar will examine recent work in the sociology of biomedical knowledge. It will focus on the technological shaping of biomedical knowledge, i.e., on the impact of new technologies and equipments on the development of biomedical knowledge.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Empirical Science and Technology
At least 3 credits from:
* Students who have already received credit for MATH 324 will NOT receive credit for GEOG 202, MATH 203, PSYC 204, BIOL 373, MATH 204, or PSYC 305.
Credit given for statistics courses is subject to certain restrictions. Students should consult the "Course Overlap" information in the "Course Requirements" section for the Faculty of Science.
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BIOL 309 Mathematical Models in Biology (3 credits)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : Application of finite difference and differential equations to problems in cell and developmental biology, ecology and physiology. Qualitative, quantitative and graphical techniques are used to analyze mathematical models and to compare theoretical predictions with experimental data.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Bub, Gil; Guichard, Frederic (Fall)
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BIOL 373 Biometry (3 credits)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : Elementary statistical methods in biology. Introduction to the analysis of biological data with emphasis on the assumptions behind statistical tests and models. Use of statistical techniques typically available on computer packages.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Fall
2 hours lecture and 2 hours laboratory
Prerequisite: MATH 112 or equivalent
You may not be able to receive credit for this course and other statistic courses. Be sure to check the Course Overlap section under Faculty Degree Requirements in the Arts or Science section of the Calendar.
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COMP 202 Foundations of Programming (3 credits)
Overview
Computer Science (Sci) : Introduction to computer programming in a high level language: variables, expressions, primitive types, methods, conditionals, loops. Introduction to algorithms, data structures (arrays, strings), modular software design, libraries, file input/output, debugging, exception handling. Selected topics.
Terms: Fall 2024, Winter 2025
Instructors: M'hiri, Faten (Fall) M'hiri, Faten (Winter)
3 hours
Restrictions: Not open to students who have taken or are taking COMP 204, COMP 208, or GEOG 333; not open to students who have taken or are taking COMP 206 or COMP 250.
COMP 202 is intended as a general introductory course, while COMP 204 is intended for students in life sciences, and COMP 208 is intended for students in physical sciences and engineering.
To take COMP 202, students should have a solid understanding of pre-calculus fundamentals such as polynomial, trigonometric, exponential, and logarithmic functions.
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COMP 364 Computer Tools for Life Sciences (3 credits)
Overview
Computer Science (Sci) : Concepts and tools for programmatic storage, retrieval, searching, numerical analysis, and visualization of large biological data sets.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
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COMP 462 Computational Biology Methods (3 credits)
Overview
Computer Science (Sci) : Application of computer science techniques to problems arising in biology and medicine, techniques for modeling evolution, aligning molecular sequences, predicting structure of a molecule and other problems from computational biology.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Blanchette, Mathieu (Fall)
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GEOG 202 Statistics and Spatial Analysis (3 credits)
Overview
Geography : Exploratory data analysis, univariate descriptive and inferential statistics, non-parametric statistics, correlation and simple regression. Problems associated with analysing spatial data such as the 'modifiable areal unit problem' and spatial autocorrelation. Statistics measuring spatial pattern in point, line and polygon data.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Mahmud, Mallik (Fall)
3 hours and lab
You may not be able to receive credit for this course and other statistic courses. Be sure to check the Course Overlap section under Faculty Degree Requirements in the Arts or Science section of the Calendar.
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MATH 203 Principles of Statistics 1 (3 credits)
Overview
Mathematics & Statistics (Sci) : Examples of statistical data and the use of graphical means to summarize the data. Basic distributions arising in the natural and behavioural sciences. The logical meaning of a test of significance and a confidence interval. Tests of significance and confidence intervals in the one and two sample setting (means, variances and proportions).
Terms: Fall 2024, Winter 2025
Instructors: Stephens, David; Correa, Jose Andres (Fall) Sajjad, Alia (Winter)
No calculus prerequisites
Restriction: This course is intended for students in all disciplines. For extensive course restrictions covering statistics courses see Section 3.6.1 of the Arts and of the Science sections of the calendar regarding course overlaps.
You may not be able to receive credit for this course and other statistic courses. Be sure to check the Course Overlap section under Faculty Degree Requirements in the Arts or Science section of the Calendar. Students should consult for information regarding transfer credits for this course.
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MATH 204 Principles of Statistics 2 (3 credits)
Overview
Mathematics & Statistics (Sci) : The concept of degrees of freedom and the analysis of variability. Planning of experiments. Experimental designs. Polynomial and multiple regressions. Statistical computer packages (no previous computing experience is needed). General statistical procedures requiring few assumptions about the probability model.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Nadarajah, Tharshanna (Winter)
Winter
Prerequisite: MATH 203 or equivalent. No calculus prerequisites
Restriction: This course is intended for students in all disciplines. For extensive course restrictions covering statistics courses see Section 3.6.1 of the Arts and of the Science sections of the calendar regarding course overlaps.
You may not be able to receive credit for this course and other statistic courses. Be sure to check the Course Overlap section under Faculty Degree Requirements in the Arts or Science section of the Calendar.
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MATH 323 Probability (3 credits)
Overview
Mathematics & Statistics (Sci) : Sample space, events, conditional probability, independence of events, Bayes' Theorem. Basic combinatorial probability, random variables, discrete and continuous univariate and multivariate distributions. Independence of random variables. Inequalities, weak law of large numbers, central limit theorem.
Terms: Fall 2024, Winter 2025
Instructors: Sajjad, Alia (Fall) Nadarajah, Tharshanna (Winter)
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MATH 324 Statistics (3 credits) *
Overview
Mathematics & Statistics (Sci) : Sampling distributions, point and interval estimation, hypothesis testing, analysis of variance, contingency tables, nonparametric inference, regression, Bayesian inference.
Terms: Fall 2024, Winter 2025
Instructors: Nadarajah, Tharshanna (Fall) Asgharian, Masoud (Winter)
Fall and Winter
Prerequisite: MATH 323 or equivalent
Restriction: Not open to students who have taken or are taking MATH 357
You may not be able to receive credit for this course and other statistic courses. Be sure to check the Course Overlap section under Faculty Degree Requirements in the Arts or Science section of the Calendar.
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PSYC 204 Introduction to Psychological Statistics (3 credits)
Overview
Psychology : The statistical analysis of research data; frequency distributions; graphic representation; measures of central tendency and variability; elementary sampling theory and tests of significance.
Terms: Fall 2024, Winter 2025
Instructors: Kreitewolf, Jens (Fall) Kreitewolf, Jens (Winter)
Fall and Winter
Restriction: Not open to students who have passed a CEGEP statistics course(s) with a minimum grade of 75%: Mathematics 201-307 or 201-337 or equivalent or the combination of Quantitative Methods 300 with Mathematics 300
This course is a prerequisite for PSYC 305, PSYC 406, PSYC 310, PSYC 336
You may not be able to receive credit for this course and other statistic courses. Be sure to check the Course Overlap section under Faculty Degree Requirements in the Arts or Science section of the Calendar.
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PSYC 305 Statistics for Experimental Design (3 credits)
Overview
Psychology : An introduction to the design and analysis of experiments, including analysis of variance, planned and post hoc tests and a comparison of anova to correlational analysis.
Terms: Fall 2024, Winter 2025
Instructors: Falk, Carl (Fall) Kreitewolf, Jens; Hwang, Heungsun (Winter)
Fall and Winter
Prerequisite: PSYC 204 or equivalent
This course is required of all students who propose to enter an Honours or Major program in Psychology
You may not be able to receive credit for this course and other statistic courses. Be sure to check the Course Overlap section under Faculty Degree Requirements in the Arts or Science section of the Calendar.
