This course is designed for students interested in understanding the societal implications of infectious diseases. Core topics will include, but not be limited to, microbes and their impact on public health, the role of the changing environment on the spread of infectious diseases in Canada, and how antimicrobial and vaccine strategies affect the healthcare system and economy. The course presents basic concepts of infectious disease and historical case studies and examines the future implications for microbes and medicine on the health of people in Canada.

This course will develop an understanding of the key concepts of the molecular biology of the cell, integrating principles of cell structure and function with the underlying molecular mechanism(s). Discussions will focus on aspects of gene regulation, genomics, cell cycle control, protein synthesis, intracellular protein trafficking and protein degradation in eukaryotic cells. Many of these concepts will be discussed in the context of how defects in cellular processes give rise to disease.

This course examines the dynamic properties of cells as they relate to cell-cell and cell-substrate interactions and elaborates on the fundamentals of intracellular signal transduction during these interactions. Topics will include the function and regulation of signalling modules, the cytoskeleton, and membrane component in the context of cellular interactions with other cells and with the extracellular matrix. These concepts will be integrated to develop a deeper understanding of dynamic cellular function within different tissue environments and physiological settings.

This course examines the cellular and molecular biology of signal transduction. The major theme is an understanding of how eukaryotic cells receive, transmit and respond to environmental signals. Topics will include cellular regulation of cell cycle progression and cell death as well as the consequences of deregulated signal transduction in terms of disease, primarily cancer.

The abilities to synthesize and communicate scientific ideas effectively, and to apply evidence-based approaches when assessing science communications in the media are essential to people working in modern scientific fields. This course will focus on training students how to effectively analyze, interpret and communicate data in the molecular biosciences to a range of audiences, in a variety of formats. Students will be expected to discern the essential findings within data, critically analyze it, identify gaps in knowledge and explore how to translate the evidence available to relevant audiences. Using different modes of communication, students will learn to communicate effectively in a digital age where content is easily accessed but understanding that content is harder. They will also learn how to measure the effectiveness of their communication of science.

This course involves independent research of a practical or theoretical nature on a specific topic in molecular and cellular biology. It is carried out under the supervision of an individual faculty member. Students should make arrangements with both a faculty advisor and the course coordinator at least one semester in advance of taking the course. The signature of the course coordinator will be required to select the course. A departmental registration form must be obtained from, and submitted to, the course coordinator no later than the 2nd class day of the semester in which the student is registered for the course.

This course involves independent research of a practical or theoretical nature on a specific topic in molecular and cellular biology. It is carried out under the supervision of an individual faculty member. Students should make arrangements with both a faculty advisor and the course coordinator at least one semester in advance of taking the course. The signature of the course coordinator will be required to select the course. A departmental registration form must be obtained from, and submitted to, the course coordinator no later than the 2nd class day of the semester in which the student is registered for the course.

This course involves the independent study of a current topic in Molecular and Cellular Biology, selected from the recent research literature and involving a review and critical appraisal of the area. The course comprises independent library research, participation in weekly meetings, and written and oral presentations. Students should make arrangements with both faculty advisor and the course coordinator in a prior course selection period.