Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology


Faculty List

Professor and Chair of the Department
R. Kandel, MD (Professor and Chair)

Associate Chair, Undergraduate Life Science Education
J. Lee, PhD

Professors
M. Bendeck, PhD
M. Cybulsky, MD
S. Girardin, PhD
P. Hamel, PhD
D.M. Irwin, PhD
G. G. Kovacs, MD, PhD
K . Mekhail, PhD
M. Opas, PhD
G. Schmitt-Ulms, PhD
D.M. Templeton, PhD, MD

Associate Professors
G. Charames, MSc, PhD, DABMGG, FACMG
S. Das, MD, PhD
S. Done, MA, MB, BChir, MBA, PhD, FRCPC, FCAP, FRCPath, FCCMG
M. Laflamme, BS, PhD, MD
S. MacParland, PhD
J. Mogridge, PhD
K. Singh, PhD
H.K. Sung, MD, PhD

Assistant Professors
L. Fu, PhD, DABCC, FACB, FCACB
B. Jung, PhD, FCACB
G. Karoubi, PhD
A. Krizova, MD, MSc, FRCPC
L. Kyriakopoulou, PhD, FCACB, FABMG
F. Leung, PhD
S. Ogawa, PhD
R. Selvaratnam, PhD, FAACC, DABCC
L. Sepiashvili, PhD
S. Smith, MD
J. Taher, PhD, FCACB
K. Thu, PhD
A. Wong, MSc, PhD
J. Wu, MD, FRCP
L. Yuan, PhD, FACMG
S. Yuzwa, PhD

Lecturer
M. Khara, BSc, MD, FRCPC (AP & FP)

Introduction

The Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology provides a bridge between the basic sciences and medicine. Investigating the molecular mechanisms of disease is an important priority of the department. Faculty are concerned with the biochemical changes that may be associated with cell and tissue injury and with the etiology, pathogenesis and behaviour of disease. Research is carried out in such areas as cardiovascular disease, immunopathobiology, neuropathology, endocrinology and metabolism, neoplasia, bone and connective tissue disease, clinical and molecular epidemiology, antibiotic resistance, and molecular pathogenesis of infectious disease.

The Pathobiology Specialist program gives students a broad understanding of contemporary medical research and basic scientific insights that have revolutionized our understanding of disease in recent years. Aspects of biochemistry, chemistry, cellular and molecular biology, and genetics are brought to bear upon human pathology. Graduates from the program will frequently pursue graduate studies in medical research and eventual research careers in academic, industrial, pharmaceutical, or governmental laboratories. A knowledge of cellular and molecular mechanisms of disease processes is also useful in a wide variety of multidisciplinary careers in government, regulatory agencies, law, and environment.

Associate Chair, Undergraduate Life Science Education:
Dr. Jeffrey Lee (lmp.undergradcoordinator@utoronto.ca)

Undergraduate Office/General inquiries:
Louella D’Cunha (lmp.undergrad@utoronto.ca; Medical Sciences Building, Room 6209; 416-946-0136)

More information is available on our website:
https://lmp.utoronto.ca/undergraduate

Consult the Arts & Science Specialist Program in Pathobiology website for additional contact information aimed at specific LMP courses.

 

Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology Programs

Pathobiology Specialist (Science Program) - ASSPE2025

Enrolment Requirements:

This is a limited enrolment program. Students must have completed 4.0 credits and meet the requirements listed below to enrol.

Variable Minimum Grade or Variable Minimum Grade Average
A minimum grade/minimum grade average in required courses or their equivalents is needed for entry, and this minimum changes each year depending on available spaces and the number of applicants. The following courses must be completed:

The underlying numeric final mark in each of your courses required for program enrolment will be used by the relevant academic unit to determine your eligibility.

Applications from students lacking numerical grades in one or more of the specified prerequisites, or students applying in their second or later years, may be considered on the basis of their entire academic record and the availability of space in the program. In addition to applying through ACORN, students applying in their second year or later are asked to please contact the department directly at lmp.undergrad@utoronto.ca and provide your student number.

Please consult the Arts & Science Program Toolkit for program enrolment information.

Students in this program have the option to request enrolment in the Arts & Science Internship Program (ASIP) stream. Students can apply for the ASIP stream after Year 1 (Year 2 entry) or after Year 2 (Year 3 entry, starting Fall 2024). Full details about ASIP, including student eligibility, selection and enrolment, are available in the ASIP section of the Arts & Science Academic Calendar. Please note that the majority of students enter ASIP in Fall term of Year 2. Space is more limited for Year 3 entry and there are program-specific year 3 entry enrolment requirements. Students applying for Year 3 entry must have been admitted to the Pathobiology Specialist in the Summer after Year 2.

Completion Requirements:

(14.0-15.5 credits, including at least 2.0 credits at the 400-level)

First Year:

First or Second Year:

Second Year:

Third Year:

Choose one of the options below:

Fourth Year:

Students should choose four of the following 400-level courses (2.0-2.5 credits):

Note: If the research course LMP405Y1 is taken, an additional three 400-level courses from the list are still required (totalling 2.5 credits).


Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology Courses

LMP200H1 - Pathobiology of the Cell

Previous Course Number: LMP340H1

Hours: 24L/12T

This course builds on concepts in cellular pathobiology to develop an advanced understanding of the function and dynamics of the cell in the context of health and disease. Concepts in cell injury, cell adaptation, migration, cell stress, cell survival, cell death, oxidative stress, endocytosis, ion homeostasis, protein folding, and their implications for disease are covered.

Prerequisite: BIO230H1, PSL300H1; enrolment is limited to students in the Pathobiology Specialist program
Exclusion: LMP301H1, LMP363H1, LMP340H1
Recommended Preparation: BCH210H1
Breadth Requirements: Living Things and Their Environment (4)

LMP299Y1 - Research Opportunity Program

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

LMP301H1 - Introduction to the Biochemistry of Human Disease

Hours: 24L

Introduces concepts and mechanisms of disease processes as they arise from disturbances of normal biochemical and physiological functions. The rational use of the clinical biochemistry laboratory in the diagnosis and management of disease is explained. Not intended for students in the Pathobiology Specialist program.

Prerequisite: BCH210H1/ BCH242Y1
Exclusion: LMP310H1, LMP320H1
Recommended Preparation: PSL201Y1/ PSL300H1/ PSL301H1
Breadth Requirements: Living Things and Their Environment (4)

LMP305Y1 - Pathobiology Research Analysis and Project

Hours: 24L/100P

This course is designed to introduce third-year students to biomedical research, and to provide them with the analytical skills required to be a successful scientist. Students will have the opportunity to carry out a full-year research project under the supervision of an LMP faculty member (6-8 hours/week in lab). A lecture component will cover laboratory practice, experimental design, basic logic/argument, statistics, data analysis and scientific communication. The fundamentals taught in these lectures will be used to critique and analyze scientific literature. This course is recommended for students with a general interest in research and especially to students who will conduct additional research projects as part of the LMP summer research program and/or the LMP405Y1 fourth-year research project course.

Prerequisite: STA288H1/ STA220H1, BCH210H1, BIO230H1 Students are required to secure an LMP supervisor. This course is open to non-Pathobiology Specialist students, but students must carry out a research project under the supervision of an LMP faculty member.
Breadth Requirements: Living Things and Their Environment (4)

LMP310H1 - Fundamentals of Pathobiology

Hours: 24L/12T

This course covers the major molecular mechanisms that impact human health and disease. Specifically, it is divided into three blocks that focus on the fundamentals of pathobiology in cancer, cardiovascular diseases and infection. It is intended to introduce the cellular and molecular concepts of health and disease that will be explored with more depth in fourth-year LMP courses.

Prerequisite: LMP200H1, BCH210H1
Breadth Requirements: Living Things and Their Environment (4)

LMP320H1 - Pathobiology of Stem Cells

Hours: 24L/12T

This course introduces stem cells and their impact on human health and disease. Stem cells are studied from the perspective of development and disease, with a focus on the nervous system, respiratory system and cancer. This course is intended to provide a foundation in the basis of stem cells in preparation for fourth-year courses.

Prerequisite: LMP200H1
Breadth Requirements: Living Things and Their Environment (4)

LMP330H1 - Genetic and Computational Modeling in Human Development and Disease

Previous Course Number: LMP408H1

Hours: 24L/12T

Introduces the use and impact of genetic model systems and organisms in exploring aspects of human reproduction, development, aging and disease. Ethical issues in animal research, genetic manipulation, and disease modeling are highlighted. This course also introduces the bioinformatics concepts and methods used in biological data analysis.

Prerequisite: LMP200H1, BIO260H1/ HMB265H1
Exclusion: LMP408H1
Breadth Requirements: Living Things and Their Environment (4)

LMP363H1 - Principles of Pathobiology

Hours: 24L

Pathological changes brought on by foreign compounds; mechanisms of pathologic, toxic and carcinogenic change.

Prerequisite: BIO230H1, CHM247H1/ CHM249H1
Exclusion: LMP310H1, LMP320H1
Breadth Requirements: Living Things and Their Environment (4)

LMP399Y1 - Research Opportunity Program

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

LMP405Y1 - Project in Pathobiology

Hours: 154P

A self-contained research project to be completed under the supervision of a faculty member. The main areas of research are as listed in the Department's section of the Academic Calendar. The student will normally have completed three full years of study, and is expected to devote at least one full day per week to the project. Admission is by arrangement with the Department and with a particular supervisor. A list of potential supervisors is available from the Departmental Office and on our web site. Not eligible for CR/NCR option.

Prerequisite: BCH210H1/ BCH242Y1, LMP310H1, LMP320H1, LMP330H1
Breadth Requirements: Living Things and Their Environment (4)

LMP410H1 - Pathobiology of Neurodegenerative Disease

Hours: 24L

Molecular basis of neurodegenerative diseases of the central and peripheral nervous systems. Emphasis on the molecular pathobiology of neurodegenerative diseases, current research developments and guidance with writing of research proposals. Mid-term and final exams will practice assembly of a succinct research proposal and query neurodegenerative disease material taught in course.

Prerequisite: BCH311H1/( PSL300H1, PSL301H1)
Breadth Requirements: Living Things and Their Environment (4)

LMP415H1 - Forensic Pathobiology

Hours: 24L

A thematic review of the major scientific areas and research controversies in forensic medicine. The approach is mechanistic analysis and evidence-based medicine. Classical forensic medicine is critically analyzed with emphasis on experimental methods to resolve controversies. We also explore how the justice system utilizes medical and scientific data.

Prerequisite: LMP310H1, LMP320H1
Breadth Requirements: Living Things and Their Environment (4)

LMP420H1 - Cancer Pathogenesis

Hours: 24L/12T

A general introduction to the cellular and molecular aspects of cancer and its etiology. Topics include pathophysiology of cancer, invasion and metastases, role of the immune system, immune evasion, understanding biological targets, chemotherapeutic and immunotherapeutic agents and its mechanism of action, and resistance mechanisms of cancer.

Prerequisite: LMP310H1. Life sciences students who do not have all of the required prerequisites are encouraged to contact the academic unit to seek a waiver.
Recommended Preparation: PCL386H1
Breadth Requirements: Living Things and Their Environment (4)

LMP430H1 - Metabolic Disorders

Hours: 24L/12T

This is an advanced-level course that focuses on the pathobiology of metabolic disorders, whether inherited or acquired. It covers enzymatic pathways and diseases associated with fat/energy metabolism, dyslipidemia, dysglycemia, aminoacidopathies and lysosomal storage disorders.

Prerequisite: BCH210H1, PSL300H1. Life sciences students who do not have all of the required prerequisites are encouraged to contact the academic unit to seek a waiver.
Recommended Preparation: PSL425H1
Breadth Requirements: Living Things and Their Environment (4)

LMP440H1 - Mechanisms in Host-Microbe Interactions

Previous Course Number: LMP402H1 & LMP436H1

Hours: 24L

Mechanisms that allow microbial pathogens to cause disease and the host to detect infection, mount an inflammatory response and resolve the infection. Primary research articles are discussed. Topics include commensal and pathogenic bacteria, microbe recognition, programmed cell death, immunometabolism, inflammatory diseases.

Prerequisite: ( IMM340H1, IMM350H1)/ ( IMM341H1, IMM351H1)/ ( MGY377H1, MGY378H1)/ LMP310H1. Life sciences students who do not have all of the required prerequisites are encouraged to contact the academic unit to seek a waiver.
Exclusion: LMP402H1, LMP436H1
Breadth Requirements: Living Things and Their Environment (4)

LMP450H1 - Organogenesis in Health and Disease

Hours: 24L/12T

This course introduces advanced topics in stem cell biology and focuses on the latest developments related to the use of stem cells in the design and generation of organoids and organs for use in research. The use of organogenesis within basic and clinical research settings will be highlighted with a focus on several human diseases. This course will build on the third-year courses, through which students will have been introduced to stem cell biology within the context of human diseases.

Prerequisite: LMP320H1, LMP330H1. Life sciences students who do not have all of the required prerequisites are encouraged to contact the academic unit to seek a waiver.
Breadth Requirements: Living Things and Their Environment (4)

LMP460H1 - Pathobiology of the Cardiovascular System

Previous Course Number: LMP406H1

Hours: 24L

Pathobiology of the heart, blood vessels, and lymphatic system. Congenital diseases of the heart, ischemic injury, stroke. Treatments of vascular disease and cardiovascular biomaterials. Major focus on atherosclerosis and hypertension. The emphasis is on the underlying cell biology of these processes.

Prerequisite: ( PSL300H1, PSL301H1)/ PSL302Y1. Life sciences students who do not have all of the required prerequisites are encouraged to contact the academic unit to seek a waiver.
Exclusion: LMP406H1
Breadth Requirements: Living Things and Their Environment (4)

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