Topics vary from year to year. The objective of the course is to explore emerging issues in Criminology, and their social, legal, ethical and political implications.

Topics vary from year to year. The objective of the course is to explore emerging issues in Criminology, and their social, legal, ethical and political implications.

Content in any given year depends on instructor. Intensive courses are offered by distinguished visitors from around the world. Students in their 4th year are strongly encouraged to take advantage of this unique opportunity to study with one or more outstanding visiting international scholars that the Centre for Criminology & Sociolegal Studies brings from time to time. The intensive course usually runs for approximately 3-4 weeks.

Our understanding of life is built from observation, abstraction, modeling, and comparison. In this First Year Foundations course we explore how these activities are based on concepts of chance and choice, of organization and dispersion, of cooperation and conflict, and how these ideas inform domains such as statistics, computer science, bioinformatics, molecular biology, physiology and ecology. Through this, we build a broad framework of relationships and connections that will make students’ engagement with specialized courses throughout the sciences all the more meaningful. This course's focus on best practices of structuring project work, using tools and resources, and documentation, will be valuable preparation for all subsequent courses. Restricted to first-year students. Not eligible for CR/NCR option.

With the completion of the human genome sequence, we now have access to more information than ever before about our genetic make-up. This course addresses topics such as what are genes, how are they identified and how does knowledge about genes impact society. Students will learn basic concepts in genetics. Using this conceptual foundation, the significance of genomic research for understanding human biology, and the social consequences that may result from it, will be discussed. Evaluation is based on class discussions, homework, oral presentation and written assignments. Restricted to first-year students. Not eligible for CR/NCR option.

This course allows students to broaden their knowledge about the most important human viruses and prions. In essence, what viruses are, what they do, what are the diseases caused by viruses and how they are transmitted, etc., and what can be done about them (vaccines, antiviral treatments, etc.). Viruses cause many diseases ranging from a benign rash to severe hemorrhages and death. Each student will select a specific topic in Virology and write an essay and present a seminar for the rest of the class. Major "hot" problems in Virology from pandemics to controversial vaccines will also be discussed. Two tests covering all materials presented by all the students' seminars will be conducted. Restricted to first-year students. Not eligible for CR/NCR option.

The pace of knowledge creation in the fields of cell and molecular biology has greatly increased in the 21st century and with it, the need for greater scientific literacy. In this course, we will teach students to find reliable sources of information in order to understand the basic concepts underlying the research reported in these media releases, with the ultimate aim of critically evaluating these reports. Through exploration of various media articles in cell and molecular biology (with an emphasis on humans), students will be able to apply what they have learned to current events, as well as relevant issues in their lives and society as a whole. Students will be assessed through short-written assignments, class discussions, an oral presentation, and a final project where they will get the opportunity to explore the research behind a media article of their choice. Restricted to first-year students. Not eligible for CR/NCR option.

From the manipulation of genes of plants for improved food production through to human tissue engineering and stem cell research, biotechnology is increasingly playing a major role in our world. Society, however, is often challenged by the rapid advances in our knowledge in these areas, and how to best apply these technologies in a manner that is socially responsible and economically viable. In this seminar course, students will research and describe various applications of biotechnology using information obtained from reputable sources, and lead discussions on the benefits and concerns that arise from this research. Restricted to first-year students. Not eligible for CR/NCR option.

An online course intended to provide non-science students with an understanding of basic concepts in molecular biology and genetics, with particular emphasis on humans. Students will work online in groups on problem sets. The course will end with an introduction to biotechnology, including an opportunity for students to use their new knowledge to explore a real, multi-dimensional problem (e.g., cancer). Lectures will be delivered via the web and mandatory tutorials will require live webinar participation. The final exam will require attendance on the St. George campus. This course does not count towards CSB programs.

Provides non-science students with an additional opportunity to explore biotechnology and its applications in agriculture, the environment, and human health including: genetically modified organisms, drug discovery and aging. Most lectures are viewed online before class and students work in groups during class on problem sets and case studies designed to stimulate further learning, enhance evidence-based reasoning, and promote reflection on the role of biotechnology in society. This course does not count towards CSB programs. CSB201H1 is not a prerequisite for this course.

Credit course for supervised participation in faculty research project. Details at https://www.artsci.utoronto.ca/current/academics/research-opportunities/research-opportunities-program. Not eligible for CR/NCR option.

The regulation of physiological processes by hormones and other signalling molecules in non-human chordates. An integrated genes-to-environment approach is used to examine aspects of hormonal evolution, physiological information flow, behaviour and neuroendocrinology, and xenobiotic endocrine disruptors.  Students will have the opportunity to research areas of their own interest via group interaction in a series of tutorial sessions.

Examines the expression, structure and function of the four major classes of ECM macromolecules: collagen, proteoglycans, non-collagenous structural proteins and glycoproteins. In addition to forming elaborate networks that give tissues and organs their unique architectural design and biomechanical properties, ECM molecules act as potent regulators of all cellular activities. Emphasis is placed on the morphoregulatory contribution(s) of ECM molecules to normal and pathological development.

Basic concepts in developmental biology. Early development of invertebrates and vertebrates will be discussed with emphasis on experimental and molecular analysis of developmental mechanisms. Tutorials focus on the experimental analysis of embryonic development and regeneration, and discuss primary literature of selected topics in developmental biology. (Lab Materials Fee: approximately $26). A lab coat and safety glasses are required for use in laboratories; students are responsible for purchasing these (approximate cost is $26).

Stem cells provide the basis for cellular diversity in multicellular organisms and have enormous therapeutic potential in regenerative medicine. The course will introduce students to the differences and similarities between stem cells from different organisms, their roles throughout development and therapeutic potential.

Laboratory course on molecular and cell biology research techniques used to study genes and proteins. Topics include plasmid cloning, PCR, bioinformatics, gene expression analyses, protein-protein interactions, and protein subcellular localization. (Lab Materials Fee: $52). A lab coat and safety glasses are required for use in laboratories; students are responsible for purchasing these (approximate cost is $26).

The development of multicellular organisms is dependent on complex cell-cell and cell-matrix dynamics. The course examines the molecules and mechanisms involved and how they act in concert to regulate distinct developmental and physiological events. Emphasis is placed on the experimental approaches and technology used to study the molecular interactions and dynamics that alter structure-function relationships in cells and organisms.

Plant developmental genetics at the molecular, cellular and organismal level, generation and use of genomic resources in plant model organisms. Questions address the genetic dissection of plant embryo and meristem development, plant stem cell specification and tissue patterning. Genomic approaches applicable to plant biotechnology are also covered.

Animal structure and function, at all levels from molecule to whole animal, are dependent on energy. This course describes how the supply, consumption, transformation, exchange and storage of energy can facilitate, constrain and limit animal function. Emphasis is placed on systems level physiological function and whole animal performance.

This course examines how the central and peripheral nervous system controls breathing in mammals. Topics include how the brain generates rhythmic breathing movements, how sleep impacts breathing control and how abnormal breathing contributes to disorders such as sleep apnea.

Laboratory exercises will include traditional and guided inquiry approaches to investigate and gain an understanding of the regulation of physiological systems in vertebrates and invertebrates. Students will experience the nature of physiological investigation while being exposed to a range of the current experimental approaches animal physiologists use to design, test and evaluate hypotheses, and communicate their findings. This course will emphasize the fundamental characteristics humans share with all animal life and the physiological adaptations that have permitted species to exploit alternative environmental niches. This course requires participation and includes group work, written assignments, and oral presentations. (Lab Materials Fee: $52). Lab coat and safety glasses are required for use in laboratories; students are responsible for purchasing these items (approximate cost is $26).

Genome structure and the regulation of gene expression in eukaryotic cells. Topics include transcription, gene silencing and regulation, expression profiling, non-coding RNAs, and translational control. Tutorials emphasize problem based learning exercises that relate to recent advances in the broad field of eukaryotic gene expression.

Laboratory methods used in plant molecular biology research. Topics include vector construction, plant transformations, PCR, DNA blots, high-throughput screens, genetic mapping, and bioinformatic analyses. (Lab Materials Fee: $52). Lab coat and safety glasses are required for use in laboratories; students are responsible for purchasing these items (approximate cost is $26).

An introduction to basic and medical virology. What you should know about viruses and the diseases they cause. Tutorials are optional.

Use of available programs for analyzing biological data. This is an introductory course with a strong emphasis on hands-on methods. Some theory is introduced, but the main focus is on using extant bioinformatics tools to analyze data and generate biological hypotheses.

Plants have co-evolved with microbes ever since their first appearance on land, resulting in sophisticated strategies of pathogenicity, symbiosis, commensalisms and mutualism by microorganisms. This course presents an overview of the strategies by both plant hosts and microorganisms for their survival.  The lecture content includes the basic concepts of plant-microbe interactions and plant immunity as well as signal transduction in plant immunity.

This course provides in depth foundational knowledge underlying molecular biology technologies. It focuses on how genetic principles were applied to develop the most commonly used molecular biology techniques today. Students will expand their genetic knowledge from introductory level genetic courses. This course does not involve explaining the basics of molecular biology such as replication, recombination, translation or gene expression. By contrast, this course expects that students already understand these concepts in detail and now apply this understanding towards how they were used to develop experimental technologies. For example, how are transformation, mutagenesis, plasmid construction, and gene expression systems used to design molecular experiments.

An independent research project conducted in molecular biology, cell biology, developmental biology, neurobiology, physiology or systems biology. Whole organism, cell culture, in vitro or in silico studies are acceptable. The laboratory research is conducted by the student and supervised by a faculty member at an approved partner university. An information session is held each fall, and an application and interview process is required. The research is typically conducted from May to August. Not eligible for CR/NCR option.

An instructor-supervised group project in an off-campus setting. Details at https://www.artsci.utoronto.ca/current/academics/research-opportunities/research-excursions-program. Not eligible for CR/NCR option.

Credit course for supervised participation in faculty research project. Details at https://www.artsci.utoronto.ca/current/academics/research-opportunities/research-opportunities-program. Not eligible for CR/NCR option.