Course Search

BIO380H5 • Human Development

Reproduction and embryonic development in humans are emphasized. After a general review of human reproduction, the formation of sperm and eggs is analyzed, followed by an in-depth analysis of fertilization in vivo and in vitro. Early embryonic developmental processes are studied with a view to how the embryo becomes organized so that all of the tissues and organs of the adult body form in the right places at the proper times. The course ends with an in-depth analysis of limb development and organ regeneration. The relevance of the material to such topics as human infertility, contraception, cloning, biotechnology and disease is continually addressed.

Prerequisites: BIO206H5 and BIO207H5
Recommended Preparation: BIO202H5 or BIO204H5 or BIO315H5

Distribution Requirement: Science
Total Instructional Hours: 36L
Mode of Delivery: In Class

BIO380H5 | Program Area: Biology

BIO399Y5 • Research Opportunity Program

This course provides third year undergraduate students (after completion of at least 9.5 but not more than 14 credits), who have developed some knowledge of Biology and its research methods, another opportunity to work in the research project of a professor in return for course credit. Students enrolled have the opportunity to become involved in original research, enhance their research skills and share in the excitement of acquiring new knowledge and in the discovery process of science. Participating faculty members post their project descriptions for the following summer and fall/winter sessions in early February and students are invited to apply in early March. See Experiential and International Opportunities for more details.


Distribution Requirement: Science
Mode of Delivery: In Class

BIO399Y5 | Program Area: Biology

BIO400Y5 • Biology Internship

Through a part-time, unpaid, 200-hour work placement, fourth year students apply biology content and skills. Placements are made throughout the GTA in both the private (e.g. pharmaceutical or biotech companies) or public (e.g. Peel Region Medical Office, hospitals, Great Lakes Laboratory) sector. Biweekly class meetings plus year-end report and presentation are required. Students in a biology specialist program are given priority. Updated application information will be on-line at www.utm.utoronto.ca/intern by February 1st of each year. Please see the Internship Office (DV 3201D) for more information.

Prerequisites: Fourth year standing in Biology Specialist or Major Program, 3.0 CGPA and permission of instructor
Exclusions: Students may not have concurrent enrolment in any other internship, research, or ROP course.

Course Experience: Partnership-Based Experience
Distribution Requirement: Science
Mode of Delivery: In Class

BIO400Y5 | Program Area: Biology

BIO403H5 • Developmental Neurobiology

An advanced student-led course examining contemporary topics in neurobiology. Students will read, criticize, and present on current areas of neurobiology, which could include the cell and molecular basis for neural disease, developmental neurobiology, sensory reception, neurophysiology, neural communication, and information processing.

Prerequisites: BIO304H5
Exclusions: BIO483H5 (Winter 2021)

Distribution Requirement: Science
Total Instructional Hours: 24L/12S
Mode of Delivery: In Class

BIO403H5 | Program Area: Biology

BIO404H5 • Invertebrate Neurobiology

Neurobiology, the biological study of the nervous system, investigates the electrical and chemical processes animals use to regulate internal events and interface with their environments. Invertebrates have provided crucial neurobiological insights and are often more accessible study systems than vertebrates. This course addresses some key historical contributions, and discusses the future of invertebrate systems, where recent technological advances are opening up new ways to explore invertebrate neurobiology and evolution. Students will do practicals, using computer simulations of neurons, to develop an understanding of neurons and other excitable cells.

Prerequisites: BIO304H5

Distribution Requirement: Science
Total Instructional Hours: 24L/24P
Mode of Delivery: In Class

BIO404H5 | Program Area: Biology

BIO405H5 • Evolutionary Perspectives on Behaviour

Areas of focus may change from year to year. Each year, advanced topics considered will fall under one of more of the research areas of behavioural ecology, cognitive ecology, evolutionary neuroscience, and/or neuroethology and use as examples a variety of animals, sometimes including humans, and atypical model systems.

Prerequisites: BIO304H5
Exclusions: PSY362H5

Distribution Requirement: Science
Total Instructional Hours: 12L/24S
Mode of Delivery: In Class

BIO405H5 | Program Area: Biology

BIO406H5 • Current Topics in Ecology and Evolution

A combination of lectures and tutorials. The course will emphasize group discussion and critiques of current publications in the field. The theme of the course is expected to be topical and current and to vary from year to year, with the interests of the faculty member(s) teaching the course. Course themes are expected to range from structure and function of whole ecosystems (e.g. the collapse of fisheries) to evolutionary ecology (e.g. the evolution of emergent diseases).

Prerequisites: BIO205H5 and (BIO259H5 or STA215H5 or BIO360H5) *STA215H5 will no longer be accepted as an appropriate prerequisite course AFTER the 2022-2023 Academic year. Beginning in the 2023-2024 Academic year all students will be required to complete BIO259H5 or BIO360H5 as the statistics prerequisite course.
Recommended Preparation: BIO313H5

Distribution Requirement: Science
Total Instructional Hours: 12L/24T
Mode of Delivery: In Class

BIO406H5 | Program Area: Biology

BIO407H5 • Behaviour Genetics

State of the art techniques used in the genetic, molecular, statistical and neurobiological analysis of behaviour are discussed. We focus on behaviour-genetic analysis of olfaction, foraging, rhythms and sex in three model systems (the worm C. elegans, the fruit fly D. melanogaster and the mouse). We discuss how information from these model organisms can be used to shed light on behaviour genetics of non-model organisms including humans.

Prerequisites: BIO207H5 and BIO318Y5 and (BIO259H5 or BIO360H5 or STA215H5) *STA215H5 will no longer be accepted as an appropriate prerequisite course AFTER 2022-2023 Academic year. Beginning 2023-2024 Academic year all students will be required to complete BIO259H5 or BIO360H5 as the statistics prerequisite course.
Recommended Preparation: BIO206H5 and BIO215H5 and BIO304H5

Distribution Requirement: Science
Total Instructional Hours: 36S
Mode of Delivery: In Class

BIO407H5 | Program Area: Biology

BIO408H5 • Neural Circuit Structure and Function

This course covers contemporary topics in systems neuroscience, focusing on the relationship between the circuit structure and function of mammalian brains. We review the current understanding of topics concerning signal transduction and the peripheral circuits, information processing in the central nerve system, neuronal cell types and connectivity, development and critical period plasticity of sensory cortices, and motor control. Students present and critique the latest research progress on these issues.

Prerequisites: BIO202H5 or BIO304H5 or Permission of Instructor.
Exclusions: BIO483H5 Winter 2019

Distribution Requirement: Science
Total Instructional Hours: 36L
Mode of Delivery: In Class

BIO408H5 | Program Area: Biology

BIO409H5 • Laboratory in Animal Physiology

Experiments are designed to familiarize students with techniques and experimental design commonly used in the study of physiology. A one-hour lecture each week provides an experimental and theoretical basis for each laboratory. Topics include pharmacology, enzyme kinetics, neurophysiology, respiration, and metabolic rate.

Prerequisites: BIO304H5 and (BIO202H5 or BIO204H5 or BIO310H5)

Distribution Requirement: Science
Total Instructional Hours: 12L/48P
Mode of Delivery: In Class

BIO409H5 | Program Area: Biology

BIO410H5 • Insect Physiology

A lecture course with a seminar component designed to introduce the student to the physiological characteristics of insects. The physiology of the integument, metamorphosis, reproduction, diapause and the physiological basis of insect control are discussed in detail.

Prerequisites: BIO202H5 or BIO204H5

Distribution Requirement: Science
Total Instructional Hours: 24L/24S
Mode of Delivery: In Class

BIO410H5 | Program Area: Biology

BIO411H5 • Topics in Molecular and Cellular Physiology

An advanced, student-led seminar course on contemporary subjects in cell physiology. Students will examine, review, criticize and present primary literature on fundamental topics such as ion transport, water transport, membrane excitability, intracellular transport, and secretion applied to a variety of physiological systems. Emphasis will be placed on understanding how diverse cell types carry out specific physiological functions.

Prerequisites: BIO315H5
Recommended Preparation: BIO314H5

Distribution Requirement: Science
Total Instructional Hours: 48S
Mode of Delivery: In Class

BIO411H5 | Program Area: Biology

BIO412H5 • Climate Change Biology

Climate change is affecting life on earth at all levels from cells to ecosystems. As a result, shifts in the distribution of species, the timing of biological events, and large impacts on natural resources, agriculture, and forestry may be seen. This course explores past climate, predictions of future climate, impacts of climate change on biological systems, and potentials for adaptation. Mitigation of climate change impacts on biological systems will also be discussed.

Prerequisites: BIO205H5 and (BIO202H5 or BIO203H5) and (GGR377H5 or BIO312H5 or BIO330H5 or BIO331H5 or BIO333H5)
Recommended Preparation: BIO313H5

Distribution Requirement: Science
Total Instructional Hours: 48L
Mode of Delivery: In Class

BIO412H5 | Program Area: Biology

BIO414H5 • Advanced Integrative Physiology

The integration of cardiovascular, renal, respiratory and muscle physiology will be examined with a problem-based approach. The response of these systems to challenges such as altitude, depth under water, and exercise will be examined. Laboratory activities will give students hands on experience measuring physiological variables of these systems with primarily human subjects, while other examples will be used to examine the diversity of response to environmental challenges throughout the animal kingdom.

Prerequisites: BIO304H5 and BIO310H5
Exclusions: HMB472H1or KPE360H1 or KPE462H1

Distribution Requirement: Science
Total Instructional Hours: 24L/15P
Mode of Delivery: In Class

BIO414H5 | Program Area: Biology

BIO416H5 • Field Course in Ecology

Students may choose from a variety of field courses offered through a cooperative arrangement among ecologists at ten Ontario universities. Courses involve a two-week period at a field site in early May or late August, and require a major paper or project report be submitted within six weeks of course completion. A fee for room and board is usually charged over and above tuition. Lists of courses available are posted at http://www.oupfb.ca/info.html   Please check this link in January for application dates. Information can also be found on the UTM Biology website. 



Distribution Requirement: Science
Mode of Delivery: In Class

BIO416H5 | Program Area: Biology

BIO417H5 • Molecular and Structural Genomics

Genetic information shapes almost all aspects of life. How is this information organized and inherited? How does it influence individuals and how does help to understand disease? The course explores the structure and function of chromatin i.e. the management of biological information. We will explore how the genome is packaged, expressed, replicated and repaired. We will look into chromosome sets and inheritance, accessibility of the genome to the molecular machinery, DNA repair, and modern techniques in research and diagnostics.

Prerequisites: BIO206H5 and BIO207H5
Exclusions: BIO484H5 (Winter 2020)
Recommended Preparation: BIO347H5

Distribution Requirement: Science
Total Instructional Hours: 24L/12T
Mode of Delivery: In Class

BIO417H5 | Program Area: Biology

BIO419H5 • Molecular Aspects of Gene Regulation

Gene expression is regulated during development in multicellular organisms. The study of gene regulation is tightly linked to our understanding of cell types and functions. This course provides an overview of the molecular aspects of gene expression, including transcription, regulatory RNAs, chromatin regulation, and genomic regulation. Students will read, critique, and present recently published research articles on gene regulation in eukaryotes.

Prerequisites: (BIO207H5 and BIO372H5) or permission of instructor
Exclusions: BIO484H5 (Fall 2018) or MGY420H1

Distribution Requirement: Science
Total Instructional Hours: 24L/12S
Mode of Delivery: In Class

BIO419H5 | Program Area: Biology

BIO422H5 • Environmental Epigenetics

Organisms show a remarkable plasticity that allows them to grow and survive in an ever-changing environment. Epigenetic mechanisms provide a fascinating layer of regulation that integrates the genome and environment. In addition, epigenetic marks can contribute to lasting effects across generations without changes in the underlying DNA sequence. This course explores how plant and animal epigenomes respond to change such as stresses or developmental transitions. Influences on genome function, phenotype, and how epigenetic marks are transmitted will be discussed interactively drawing on recent primary literature and modern technological advances.

Prerequisites: BIO312H5 and BIO347H5
Exclusions: BIOD19H3
Recommended Preparation: BIO341H5 and BIO372H5

Distribution Requirement: Science
Total Instructional Hours: 12L/24S
Mode of Delivery: In Class

BIO422H5 | Program Area: Biology

BIO424H5 • Movement Ecology

Individuals move throughout their lifecycle. They find a home, escape predation, and search for food and mates. We will explore the patterns and causes of different movement types and their eco-evolutionary consequences, from the individual level, up to the whole ecosystem. Examples will come from both terrestrial and aquatic realms.

Prerequisites: BIO205H5 and (BIO259H5 or STA215H5)
Recommended Preparation: BIO342H5

Distribution Requirement: Science
Total Instructional Hours: 12L/24S
Mode of Delivery: In Class

BIO424H5 | Program Area: Biology

BIO427H5 • Data Science in Biology

Biology has become a data-driven science with the arrival of complex datasets. Extracting information from these large-scale experiments requires approaches that unify statistics and computer science. The course will focus on strengthening mathematical intuition on core topics such as hypothesis testing and statistical models while connecting these to machine learning.

Prerequisites: BIO360H5
Exclusions: BIO429H5 or CSC311H1 or CSC311H5 or CSC413H1 or CSC413H5 or CSCC11H3 or STA314H1 or STA314H5
Recommended Preparation: BIO361H5

Distribution Requirement: Science
Total Instructional Hours: 36S
Mode of Delivery: In Class

BIO427H5 | Program Area: Biology

BIO429H5 • Data analysis in Neurobiology

This course explains the fundamental principles of biological data analysis by focusing on neuroscience datasets. Students will learn methods for sampling data, testing hypotheses, multiple linear regression, PCA, clustering through both lectures and practical exercises. These methods will be discussed in the context of current research in understanding brain functions.

Prerequisites: BIO360H5 or permission of instructor
Exclusions: BIO427H5 or CSC311H1 or CSC311H5 or CSC413H1 or CSC413H5 or CSCC11H3 or STA314H1 or STA314H5

Distribution Requirement: Science
Total Instructional Hours: 24L/12P
Mode of Delivery: In Class

BIO429H5 | Program Area: Biology

BIO434H5 • Social and Developmental Determinants of Human Health

This course encourages students to explore the relationship between social conditions and health outcomes. Topics may vary across years. Topics include the importance of the early years, interactions between the environment and the genes, epigenetic influences on health, sensitive periods of development, the influence of nutrition on health, the interaction between social policy, medical care, social class and human health. The students direct the learning experience in groups as they engage in case-based and problem-based learning.

Note: Students interested in this course must contact the Biology Undergraduate Advisor to enroll.

Prerequisites: permission of instructor

Distribution Requirement: Science
Total Instructional Hours: 24L/24S
Mode of Delivery: In Class

BIO434H5 | Program Area: Biology

BIO443H5 • Phylogenetic Principles

Lectures will provide an in-depth coverage of modern methods of phylogenetic reconstruction including molecular systematics based on DNA sequences. The principles and philosophy of classification will be taught with an emphasis on 'tree-thinking', one of the most important conceptual advances in evolutionary biology. Tutorials will focus on recent developments in the study of evolutionary patterns while gaining proficiency in reading, presenting, and critiquing scientific papers.

Prerequisites: BIO206H5 and BIO207H5
Exclusions: EEB462H1
Recommended Preparation: BIO259H5 or BIO314H5 or BIO360H5 or STA215H5 or PSY201H5

Distribution Requirement: Science
Total Instructional Hours: 36L/12S
Mode of Delivery: In Class

BIO443H5 | Program Area: Biology

BIO444H5 • Urban Field Ecology and Evolution

This course will introduce students to the fundamentals of urban ecology and evolution using the Greater Toronto Area as a model to study the topic. The course will focus on understanding how ecological and evolutionary processes are influenced by urban development, human behaviour, and the built environment, and how the environment can feed back to shape cities and socio-ecology, including human behaviour and well-being. Students will be introduced to principles of the scientific process including making observations, stating hypotheses, experimental design, conducting experiments, data collection, statistical analysis and interpretation, and scientific writing and oral presentations. The course will focus on all major habitats in urban areas to understand how urban environmental change of air, water and land influence the ecology and evolution of populations, communities and ecosystems.

Prerequisites: BIO152H5 and BIO153H5 and (BIO205H5 or BIO342H5) and (BIO259H5 or STA215H5

Distribution Requirement: Science
Total Instructional Hours: 14L/98P
Mode of Delivery: In Class

BIO444H5 | Program Area: Biology

BIO445H5 • Evolutionary Ecology

This course focuses on the interface between ecology and evolution. Research has shown that biotic and abiotic ecological factors drive evolution, and in turn, evolution feeds back to influence the ecological processes and patterns of populations and communities. Throughout this course we will focus on this dynamic interplay over short and long time spans in animals, plants, fungi, and other microbes. While covering the concepts and questions of this field we will also consider the theory, methods, and statistics used to bring new insights to evolutionary ecology. Students will be expected to participate in discussions, present methods and concepts to the class, and complete written assignments.

Prerequisites: BIO342H5
Exclusions: EEB324H1

Distribution Requirement: Science
Total Instructional Hours: 48L
Mode of Delivery: In Class

BIO445H5 | Program Area: Biology

BIO458H5 • Genomics

The genome has been referred to as the blueprint of life and consists of the full complement of genes and genetic material carried by an organism. The ongoing revolution in DNA sequencing allows biologists to observe the variety of genetic and genomic structures that underpin the diversity of life. In addition, applications of genomic technologies have facilitated new fields of research such as personalized medicine and evolutionary genomics. The lectures will focus on the diversity of genomic structures, their functions and evolutionary origins. The course also has computer-based practicals that provide hands-on training with cutting-edge bioinformatic tools for analysis of genome-scale datasets and next generation sequencing data.

Prerequisites: BIO206H5 and BIO207H5 and (BIO362H5 or CSC108H5) and permission of instructor

Distribution Requirement: Science
Total Instructional Hours: 12L/36P
Mode of Delivery: In Class

BIO458H5 | Program Area: Biology

BIO464H5 • Conservation and Biodiversity

Biodiversity is the sum of species diversity, and also the interaction of species at population, at ecosystem and at migration-route levels; it is one barometer of environmental health. Conservation biology applies ecological and genetic principles to the problem of declining biodiversity. We discuss the species concept, quantification and cost-benefit analysis of biodiversity and extinction, causes, consequence, diagnosis and treatment of population declines, as well as the effects of different land uses on biodiversity and reserve design. A key part of this course is a case study by each student.

Note: Students from a wide range of programs are encouraged to enrol.

Prerequisites: BIO152H5 and BIO153H5 and BIO205H5 and permission of instructor

Distribution Requirement: Science
Total Instructional Hours: 36L
Mode of Delivery: In Class

BIO464H5 | Program Area: Biology

BIO475H5 • Virology

Virology examines the biology of viruses infecting all forms of life including humans and other animals, plants, eukaryotic microorganisms, and bacteria. The scope ranges from the molecular biology of virus replication to virus evolution and ecology. Current issues surrounding virology and society are incorporated into the course including vaccines, emerging viruses, and even consideration of practical applications of viruses.

Prerequisites: BIO206H5
Exclusions: CSB351Y1
Recommended Preparation: BIO370Y5

Distribution Requirement: Science
Total Instructional Hours: 24L/24S
Mode of Delivery: In Class

BIO475H5 | Program Area: Biology

BIO476H5 • Molecular Basis of Disease

This advanced course explores the primary concepts of pathogenesis and investigates current research in the field of molecular pathology. Specific disease topics include inflammation, injury and repair, neoplasia, immune disorders, infectious disease, cardiovascular disease, and toxicology. Analysis of the primary literature is a key component of this course.

Prerequisites: BIO310H5 and BIO315H5
Recommended Preparation: BIO341H5 and BIO372H5

Distribution Requirement: Science
Total Instructional Hours: 36L
Mode of Delivery: In Class

BIO476H5 | Program Area: Biology

BIO477H5 • The Human Genome and Cancer Biology

The first part of the course examines the structure and molecular biology of the human genome. Topics will include: the sequencing of the human genome; variation between genomes; and various aspects of functional genomics such as a brief overview of how gene expression is regulated and how genomics is being utilized in health and medicine. Techniques such as high throughput sequencing will be covered. The second part of the course examines the molecular and genetic basis of cancer including the role of oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes and cell cycle regulating proteins in the development of this disease. It also looks at cancer from a functional genomics perspective. Lectures and seminars involve presentations and discussion of recently published research articles.

Prerequisites: (BIO370Y5 or BIO372H5) and permission of instructor
Exclusions: MGY470H1
Recommended Preparation: BIO314H5 and BIO315H5

Distribution Requirement: Science
Total Instructional Hours: 36L/12S
Mode of Delivery: In Class

BIO477H5 | Program Area: Biology