Molecular Genetics and Microbiology


Faculty List

Chair of the Department of Molecular Genetics 
T. Hughes, PhD  

Vice Chair
J.M. Claycomb, PhD 

Associate Chair & Graduate Coordinator 
S. Egan, PhD
L. Frappier, PhD

Associate Chair & Undergraduate Coordinator 
E. Styles, PhD

Coordinator, Careers, Communication & Alumni Relations
M. Steiner, PhD

LTRI Rep
D. Schramek, PhD 

Professors 
B. J. Andrews, PhD 
I. Andrulis, PhD 
P. Awadalla, PhD 
G. Bader, PhD
B. J. Blencowe, PhD 
C. Boone, PhD 
J. Brill, PhD 
J. Brumell, PhD 
B. Ciruna, PhD
J. M. Claycomb, PhD
A. W. Cochrane, PhD 
R. Cohn, PhD 
R. A. Collins, PhD
S. Cordes, PhD 
L. E. Cowen, PhD  
J. Culotti, PhD 
A. Davidson, PhD 
J. Dennis, PhD
W. B. Derry, PhD  
J. Dick, PhD 
P. Dirks, PhD
J. Dowling, PhD 
D. Durocher, PhD
A. Edwards, PhD 
S. Egan, PhD 
J. Ellis, PhD 
O. Ernst, PhD 
L. D. Frappier, PhD
A. G. Fraser, PhD  
B. E. Funnell, PhD 
B. Gallie, PhD
A. C. Gingras, PhD 
S. D. Gray-Owen, PhD 
J. F. Greenblatt, PhD 
T. Hughes, PhD 
C. C. Hui, PhD 
M. Justice, PhD 
D. Kaplan, PhD 
L. Kay, PhD 
H. M. Krause, PhD
H. Lipshitz, PhD 
J. Liu, PhD 
F. Miller, PhD 
J. Moffat, PhD 
M. Moran, PhD 
Q. Morris, PhD
W. W. Navarre, PhD
L. Osborne, PhD
D. J. Parkinson, PhD 
C. E. Pearson, PhD 
L. Pelletier, PhD  
M. Ramalho-Santos, PhD
J. Rini, PhD 
J. M. Rommens, PhD 
J. Rossant, PhD 
F. P. Roth, PhD 
P. J. Roy, PhD 
S. Scherer, PhD 
I. Scott, PhD
F. Sicheri, PhD 
A. M. Spence, PhD 
I. Stagljar, PhD 
L. Stein, PhD 
M. Tyers, PhD
D. van der Kooy, PhD 
J. Wrana, PhD 
Z. Zhang, PhD 
M. Zhen, PhD 

Associate Professors 
M. Brown, MSc, PhD 
E. Campos, PhD
A. W. Ensminger, PhD
J. Gillis, PhD
S. Hopyan, PhD
X. Huang, PhD 
S. Joshi, DSc, PhD
T. Kim, PhD
B. D. Lavoie, PhD
J. Lefebvre, PhD
M. Meneghini, PhD
J. Park, PhD
J. Reimand, PhD
A. Reinke, PhD
H. Röst, PhD
D. Schramek, PhD
C. Smibert, PhD
B. Steipe, PhD
E. Styles, PhD
M. Taipale, PhD
A. Wilde, PhD
M. Wilson, PhD
R. Yuen, PhD

Assistant Professors 
S. Abelson, PhD
A. Babaian, PhD
K. Campbell, DPhil
G. Costain, MD, PhD
P. Delgado Olguin, PhD 
A. Deshwar, MD, PhD
M. Hayes, PhD
T. Hurd, PhD
Z. Ivakine, PhD
H. Jackson, PhD
R. Kafri, PhD 
B. Kalish, MD
Y. Li, PhD
P. Maass, PhD
R. Montenegro-Burke, PhD
J. Muffat, PhD
K. Okamoto, PhD
S. Protze, PhD
K. Rozen-Gagnon, PhD
J. Simpson, PhD
M. Steiner, PhD
T. Tsukahara, PhD 
J.-Y. Youn, PhD
O. Zhulyn, PhD

Introduction

Molecular biology has revolutionized the fields of genetics and microbiology. The Department of Molecular Genetics offers Specialist and Major programs in Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, which emphasize the molecular aspects of both disciplines. Genetics, the science of heredity, and microbiology, the study of microorganisms (microbes), have long served as meeting grounds for a variety of biological disciplines. Developments in genetics and microbiology have contributed greatly to our basic understanding of the fundamental processes of life as well as to the treatment of genetic and infectious diseases.

Of particular significance in molecular genetics has been the development of techniques that permit the cloning of genes responsible for specific traits, and the detailed analysis of their regulation, interactions, and products. More recently the advent of genome sequencing has fueled efforts to understand in full the information content of the genome and to assign function to every gene, using methods that allow systematic, genome-scale analyses of gene expression, the phenotypic consequences of gene disruption, and the interactions between genes and gene products. Now, as we move into an era in which we can leverage gene editing tools such as CRISPR to address issues that have previously been intractable, our ability to understand and interpret our genomes at a molecular level is more important than ever.

Molecular techniques have also dramatically increased our ability to diagnose and understand viral and bacterial infectious disease, and the complex microbe/host interactions that are involved. The impact of these and other technological advances extend to such diverse fields as plant and animal developmental biology, virology, immunology, cancer biology, and biotechnology. Studies at a molecular level are essential to understanding the consequences to life when fundamental processes are altered by mutation, by infection, or by the environment.

The Molecular Genetics and Microbiology Specialist programs are research-intensive programs designed to provide in-depth discipline-specific training. This includes critical analyses of scientific concepts and literature, advanced laboratory experience, and a detailed understanding of the applications of field-specific techniques. Specialists enter the program in 2nd year, selecting one of two available Streams: Genetics or Microbiology. Each Stream provides focused training, but there is considerable overlap between the streams, reflective of both the cross-disciplinary requirements of these two rapidly evolving disciplines and the impact of each on areas spanning modern biomedical science and research.

The Molecular Genetics and Microbiology Major program offers students fundamental training in both molecular genetics and microbiology. Students have the flexibility to tailor their own program and may focus their studies on microbiology, genetics, or a combination of the two by choosing a path to suit their specific interests. Students take several advanced courses in these disciplines, but the Major allows them to choose the breadth of their training by combining the MGY Major with another Major of interest.

The Department of Molecular Genetics is also a co-sponsor of the Major program in Genome Biology, with the Departments of Cell and Systems Biology (CSB), and Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (EEB). See the Biology program listings for details of the Genome Biology Major.

Career opportunities for graduates include employment in research institutes, universities and other educational institutions, and industry. The programs provide excellent preparation for post-graduate research and professional programs.

Undergraduate Coordinator: Erin Styles (email: erin.styles@utoronto.ca)

Undergraduate Office/General Inquiries: Medical Sciences Building Rm 4398 (416-978-8359; email: studentservices.mogen@utoronto.ca)

More information is available on our website: http://www.moleculargenetics.utoronto.ca/

If you have admissions questions, please book an appointment with us by clicking here.

Molecular Genetics and Microbiology Programs

Molecular Genetics And Microbiology Specialist: Genetics Stream (Science Program) - ASSPE1388

Enrolment Requirements:

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

Variable Minimum Grade and Variable Minimum Grade Average
Minimum grades combined with a minimum grade average in required courses or their equivalents are needed for entry, and these minimums change each year depending on available spaces and the number of applicants. The following courses must be completed:

To ensure that students admitted to the program will be successful, applicants with a final grade lower than 75% in each course, or a grade average lower than 80% in these required courses will not be considered for admission. Please note that obtaining the minimum final grades and grade average does not guarantee admission to the program. While it is difficult to predict what will constitute "competitive" course marks in a given year, based on previous years the estimate is: course marks = mid 80s; average = mid 80s.

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 studentservices.mogen@utoronto.ca, specify which program you would like to be considered for, and provide your student number.

Please consult the Arts & Science Program Toolkit for more information on program enrolment. Additional information is also available by contacting the Undergraduate Program Coordinator (studentservices.mogen@utoronto.ca).

Completion Requirements:

(14.0 credits)

First Year:
( BIO120H1, BIO130H1); ( CHM135H1, CHM136H1)/ CHM151Y1; ( MAT135H1, MAT136H1)/ MAT137Y1

First or Second Year:
( PHY131H1, PHY132H1)/ ( PHY151H1, PHY152H1)

Second Year:
BCH242Y1; BIO230H1/​ BIO255H1, HMB265H1; MGY280H1, CHM247H1, STA220H1/​ STA288H1

Third Year:
1. MGY340H1, MGY350H1, MGY311Y1, MGY314H1, MGY315H1
2. 0.5 credit from BCH340H1, BCH377H1, MGY360H1, MGY377H1, MGY378H1

Fourth Year:
1. MGY420H1,
plus 2.5 credits from Genetics Lists 1 and 2, distributed as follows:
2. At least 1.5 credits must be taken from list 1: MGY425H1, MGY428H1, MGY460H1, MGY470H1
3. Up to 1.0 credit may be taken from list 2:
MGY440H1, MGY480Y1/​ one or both of ( MGY481H1 and MGY482H1), BCH428H1, BCH440H1, MGY441H1/​ BCH441H1/​ CSB472H1, BCH448H1, EEB460H1

Molecular Genetics And Microbiology Specialist: Microbiology Stream (Science Program) - ASSPE1389

Enrolment Requirements:

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

Variable Minimum Grade and Variable Minimum Grade Average
Minimum grades combined with a minimum grade average in required courses or their equivalents are needed for entry, and these minimums change each year depending on available spaces and the number of applicants. The following courses must be completed:

To ensure that students admitted to the program will be successful, applicants with a final grade lower than 75% in each course, or a grade average lower than 80% in these required courses will not be considered for admission. Please note that obtaining the minimum final grades and grade average does not guarantee admission to the program. While it is difficult to predict what will constitute "competitive" course marks in a given year, based on previous years the estimate is: course marks = mid 80s; average = mid 80s.

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 studentservices.mogen@utoronto.ca, specify which program you would like to be considered for, and provide your student number.

Please consult the Arts & Science Program Toolkit for more information on program enrolment. Additional information is also available by contacting the Undergraduate Program Coordinator (studentservices.mogen@utoronto.ca).

Completion Requirements:

(14.0 credits)

First Year:
( BIO120H1, BIO130H1), ( CHM135H1, CHM136H1)/ CHM151Y1, ( MAT135H1, MAT136H1)/ MAT137Y1

First or Second Year:
( PHY131H1, PHY132H1)/ ( PHY151H1, PHY152H1)

Second Year:
BCH242Y1, BIO230H1/​ BIO255H1, HMB265H1, MGY280H1, CHM247H1, STA220H1/​ STA288H1

Third Year:
1. IMM341H1, IMM351H1, MGY311Y1, MGY377H1, MGY378H1, MGY380H1, MGY381H1

Fourth Year :
2.5 credits from Microbiology Lists 1 and 2, distributed as follows:
1. At least 1.5 credits must be taken from list 1: MGY428H1, MGY440H1, MIJ485H1, BCH449H1, IMM428H1, IMM430H1, IMM435H1, LMP402H1, LMP436H1, LMP440H1, NFS485H1, HMB304H1
2. Up to 1.0 credit may be taken from list 2: MGY360H1, MGY420H1, MGY425H1, MGY470H1, MGY480Y1/​ one or both of ( MGY481H1 and MGY482H1), BCH450H1, BCH428H1, MGY441H1/​ BCH441H1/​ CSB472H1, BCH445H1

Molecular Genetics and Microbiology Major (Science Program) - ASMAJ1387

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 and Variable Minimum Grade Average
Minimum grades combined with a minimum grade average in required courses or their equivalents are needed for entry, and these minimums change each year depending on available spaces and the number of applicants. The following courses must be completed:

To ensure that students admitted to the program will be successful, applicants with a final grade lower than 60% in each course, or a grade average lower than 70% in these required courses will not be considered for admission. Please note that obtaining the minimum final grades and grade average does not guarantee admission to the program. While it is difficult to predict what will be competitive course marks and average in a given year, based on previous years, the estimate is: course marks = mid 70s; average = mid 70s. 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 studentservices.mogen@utoronto.ca, specify which program you would like to be considered for, and provide your student number.

Please consult the Arts & Science Program Toolkit for more information on program enrolment. Additional information is also available by contacting the Undergraduate Coordinator.

Completion Requirements:

(8.0 credits)

First Year:
BIO120H1, BIO130H1; ( CHM135H1, CHM136H1)/ CHM151Y1; ( MAT135H1, MAT136H1)/ MAT137Y1

Second Year:
BCH210H1; BIO230H1/​ BIO255H1, BIO260H1/​ HMB265H1, MGY200H1

Third and Fourth Years:
BCH311H1/​ CSB349H1/​ MGY311Y1; 2.5 credits from MGY314H1, MGY315H1, MGY340H1, MGY350H1, MGY360H1, MGY377H1, MGY378H1, MGY379Y1/​ MGY380H1, MGY381H1, MGY420H1, MGY425H1, MGY428H1, MGY434H1, MGY440H1, MGY441H1, MGY460H1, MGY470H1, MIJ485H1, BCH428H1 (at least 0.5 credit must be a laboratory course and at least 0.5 credit must be a 400-level course, 0.5 credit additional are given if taking MGY311Y1 in lieu of BCH311H1/​ CSB349H1)


Molecular Genetics and Microbiology Courses

MGY200H1 - An Introduction to Molecular Genetics and Microbiology

Hours: 24L

Introduction to the core concepts of genetics and microbiology. Included are also topical biological problems and cutting-edge scientific approaches with some examples from world-class Toronto labs. Historical context is often used to deliver material. Topics include: core concepts in genetics, an introduction to cancer and stem cells; the genetic regulation of aging; core concepts in microbiology; emerging and recurring microbial threats; genetic engineering.

Prerequisite: BIO120H1, BIO230H1/ BIO255H1
Breadth Requirements: Living Things and Their Environment (4)

MGY250H1 - Introduction to Medical Genetics

Hours: 36L

Explore how our rapidly advancing understanding of genomics is revolutionizing medicine from researchers and clinicians at the forefront of the field. Students will start by learning the fundamentals of genome function, then move on to the mechanisms of genetic disease and their translation into clinical practice. Throughout the course, students will confront the ethical issues inherent to medical genetics, necessary preparation for understanding the complex landscape of genetic testing and treatment later in the course. Lectures are delivered online, asynchronously. The final exam is held in person on the St. George campus.

Prerequisite: BIO120H1, BIO130H1
Breadth Requirements: Living Things and Their Environment (4)

MGY277H1 - Introduction to Medical Microbiology

Hours: 36L

An online introductory survey course that explores the agents of infectious disease including bacteria, viruses, and parasites as well as the host immune response. Other topics include the fundamentals of disease diagnosis and epidemiology.  This course will use web-based delivery of lectures and tutorials and utilize a range of communication tools equivalent to approximately three lectures per week. The final exam will require student attendance on the St. George campus.

Prerequisite: BIO120H1, BIO130H1
Breadth Requirements: Living Things and Their Environment (4)

MGY280H1 - Second Year Specialist Research

Hours: 48P/12S

This course gives students enrolled in the Molecular Genetics and Microbiology Specialist or Biochemistry Specialist program an opportunity to conduct an original research project in the second semester of their second year in a research laboratory in either of those Departments. Laboratory assignments are chosen during the first semester of second year by agreement with a Departmental faculty member and the Course Coordinator. Attendance at a weekly meeting is mandatory and students will present a report at the end of term. Details can be found on the departmental website. Not eligible for CR/NCR option. Students are discouraged from enrolling in this course concurrently with another research opportunity course (e.g. MGY299Y1, MGY399Y1).

Prerequisite: Students cannot have completed more than 8.5 credits
Breadth Requirements: Living Things and Their Environment (4)

MGY299H1 - 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.

MGY299Y1 - 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.

MGY311Y1 - Molecular Biology

Hours: 72L

This course examines the design and interpretation of experiments that have led to our current understanding of the biological roles of DNA, RNA and proteins. Intended for students considering graduate or professional work in molecular biology or a related field or wanting a deeper understanding of these topics.

Prerequisite: BIO120H1, BIO230H1/ BIO255H1, BCH242Y1 (Note: BCH210H1 may be acceptable with permission of instructor)
Exclusion: BCH311H1, CSB349H1, JBC372H5(UTM), PSL350H1
Breadth Requirements: Living Things and Their Environment (4)

MGY314H1 - Principles of Genetic Analysis I

Hours: 12T/36P

Laboratory experiments in genetics, with the focus on microbial and prokaryotic genetics. Topics and experiments include mutagenesis and genetic selection, linkage and recombination, genetic crosses, gene regulation, suppressor analyses, and genetic mapping. (Approximate Lab Materials Fee: $27; Lab Manual Fee: $7)

Prerequisite: BIO230H1/ BIO255H1, BIO260H1/ HMB265H1
Exclusion: MGY312H1
Breadth Requirements: Living Things and Their Environment (4)

MGY315H1 - Principles of Genetic Analysis II

Hours: 12T/36P

Laboratory experiments in eukaryotic genetics, using two of the most powerful eukaryotic model systems, the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. The course follows MGY314H1; topics include analysis of genetic networks and pathways, meiotic segregation analysis, recombination mapping, genetic crosses, and phenotypic analyses. (Approximate Lab Materials Fee: $27; Lab Manual Fee: $20)

Prerequisite: BIO230H1/ BIO255H1, BIO260H1/ HMB265H1, MGY314H1/ MGY340H1
Exclusion: MGY312H1
Breadth Requirements: Living Things and Their Environment (4)

MGY340H1 - Molecular Genetics

Hours: 36L

This course gives students an in-depth understanding of how genetics, the study of mutations and their resulting phenotypes, are used to probe and understand a variety of biological phenomena ranging from metabolism, to development, to cancer.

Prerequisite: BIO120H1, BIO130H1, BIO230H1/ BIO255H1, BIO260H1/ HMB265H1
Breadth Requirements: Living Things and Their Environment (4)

MGY350H1 - Model Systems to Disease

Hours: 36L

The concepts of genetics in the context of human development, disease and evolution. Topics include genetic interactions and complex traits, variation in disease phenotype, signalling and development, stem cells and epigenetic regulation.

Prerequisite: BIO120H1, BIO230H1/ BIO255H1, BIO260H1/ HMB265H1
Corequisite: BCH311H1/ CSB349H1/ MGY311Y1
Breadth Requirements: Living Things and Their Environment (4)

MGY360H1 - Whole-Genome Sequencing and Analysis Laboratory

Hours: 36P

The principles and practice of whole-genome sequencing. Each student team will sequence an entire eukaryotic genome and analyze it. Topics will include: modern sequencing technology, yeast husbandry, genomic library construction and quality control, ‘next-generation’ sequencing, sequence assembly using a reference genome, principles of genome organization, mutation detection and interpretation.

Prerequisite: BIO230H1/ BIO255H1, BIO260H1/ HMB265H1
Breadth Requirements: Living Things and Their Environment (4)

MGY377H1 - Microbiology I: Bacteria

Hours: 36L

An in depth study of bacteria including their structure, their biology, their ability to adapt, and their effects on human health. Provides a foundation for advanced studies in bacterial physiology, bacterial genetics, molecular pathogenesis of disease, immunology, and environmental studies.

Prerequisite: BCH210H1/ BCH242Y1, BIO120H1, BIO230H1/ BIO255H1
Exclusion: BIO370Y5
Breadth Requirements: Living Things and Their Environment (4)

MGY378H1 - Microbiology II: Viruses

Hours: 36L

Detailed study of viruses in terms of structure, classification, replication and interaction with the host. Basis for advanced study in virology. Requires some familiarity with molecular and cellular biology. A concurrent course in immunology ( IMM340H1, IMM350H1) or ( IMM341H1, IMM351H1) is recommended.

Prerequisite: BCH210H1/ BCH242Y1; BIO120H1, BIO230H1/ BIO255H1; BIO260H1/ HMB265H1
Corequisite: BCH311H1/ CSB349H1/ MGY311Y1
Exclusion: BIO351Y1, CSB351Y1
Breadth Requirements: Living Things and Their Environment (4)

MGY380H1 - Microbiology Laboratory I: Bacteria

Previous Course Number: MGY379Y1

Hours: 12L/36P

A laboratory course in bacteriology. Students will perform a variety of genetic and biochemical experiments to identify and characterize unknown organisms, and learn how bacteria live together in biofilm and become resistance to antibiotics. Students will also learn important research tools and concepts including CRISPRi, transduction, and conjugation through experiments. Valuable not only for advanced work in microbiology but also in related fields that make use of bacteria and bacteriophages as research tools. (Approximate Lab Materials Fee: $27; Lab Manual Fee: $20)

Prerequisite: BIO120H1, BIO230H1/ BIO255H1, HMB265H1/ BIO260H1
Corequisite: MGY377H1
Exclusion: MGY379Y1
Breadth Requirements: Living Things and Their Environment (4)

MGY381H1 - Microbiology Laboratory II: Viruses

Previous Course Number: MGY379Y1

Hours: 12L/36P

Hands-on experience with clinically relevant virology and immunologic assays and human viruses will provide a foundational understanding of viral dynamics, propagation, and replication kinetics. Students will explore virus-host interactions through an analysis of their own immunologic responses. Valuable not only in the study of microbiology, but also in many other areas of biomedical research, clinical practice, public health and industry. MGY380H1 is strongly recommended as preparation for this course. (Approximate Lab Materials Fee: $27; Lab Manual Fee: $20)

Prerequisite: BIO120H1, BIO230H1/ BIO255H1, HMB265H1/ BIO260H1
Corequisite: MGY378H1
Exclusion: MGY379Y1
Recommended Preparation:
Breadth Requirements: Living Things and Their Environment (4)

MGY399H1 - 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.

MGY399Y1 - 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.

MGY420H1 - Regulation of Gene Expression

Hours: 24L

Regulatory mechanisms controlling gene expression in eukaryotes; students will read, discuss, and present the primary research literature in class. Topics include: assembly of the initiation complex; roles of transcription factors, co-activators and cis-acting regulatory elements; promoter escape; mechanisms that control elongation, termination and anti-termination of transcription; chromatin control of transcription.

Prerequisite: BCH311H1/ CSB349H1/ MGY311Y1
Exclusion: BIO477H5 (UTM)
Breadth Requirements: Living Things and Their Environment (4)

MGY425H1 - Signal Transduction and Cell Cycle Regulation

Hours: 24L

This course presents and integrates molecular aspects of signal transduction and cell cycle regulation in eukaryotic cells from yeast to humans. Emphasis is on recent advances in growth factor receptor signalling, modular protein domains, and the recurrent role of protein phosphorylation and protein-protein interactions in cell regulation.

Prerequisite: BCH311H1/ MGY311Y1
Breadth Requirements: Living Things and Their Environment (4)

MGY428H1 - Functional Genomics

Hours: 24L

A broad-ranging course that covers many aspects of genomics and functional genomics, which is the discipline of defining and attributing function to all of the heritable material of an organism on a genome-wide scale, as applied to invertebrates and vertebrates. The primary and review literature will be the basis of all lectures.

Prerequisite: BCH210H1/ BCH242Y1; BIO260H1/ HMB265H1; MGY311Y1/ CSB349H1/ BCH311H1
Breadth Requirements: Living Things and Their Environment (4)

MGY440H1 - Virus-Host Interactions

Hours: 36L

Analysis of virus/host interactions at the molecular level with a view to understanding how viruses cause disease. Course material is based on recent research publications. Topics will be selected from two or three themes that may include virus entry, intracellular trafficking, activation of host cell signaling pathways in response to infection, assembly and release of progeny virus, viral and host determinants of tissue tropism within the host and virus transmission between hosts.

Prerequisite: BCH311H1/ CSB349H1/ MGY311Y1; CSB351Y1/ MGY378H1
Recommended Preparation: IMM340H1/ IMM341H1, IMM350H1/ IMM351H1
Breadth Requirements: Living Things and Their Environment (4)

MGY441H1 - Bioinformatics

Previous Course Number: BCH441H1

Hours: 24L/12T

This course is an introduction to computational methods and internet resources in modern biochemistry and molecular biology. The main topics include: sequence and genome databases, sequence alignment and homology search, use and interpretation of molecular structure, and phylogenetic analysis. Assignments focus on hands-on competence building with web-based bioinformatics tools and databases, downloadable software including a molecular viewer and a multiple sequence alignment editor, and the statistics workbench and programming language “R”.

Note: BCB420H1 extends this syllabus to computational topics of systems biology.

Prerequisite: BCH210H1/ BCH242Y1; STA220H1/ STA288H1/ STA237H1/ STA247H1/ STA255H1/ STA257H1; BCH311H1/ MGY311Y1/ PSL350H1. Students who do not have all of the required prerequisites are encouraged to contact the course coordinator to seek a waiver.
Exclusion: BCH441H1
Recommended Preparation: A basic understanding of the R statistical language.
Breadth Requirements: The Physical and Mathematical Universes (5)

MGY460H1 - Genetic Analysis of Development

Hours: 24L

Basic and advanced principles of genetic analysis applied to the study of the best-understood eukaryotic model organisms including the nematode worm Caenorhabditis elegans, the zebrafish, and the laboratory mouse. We emphasize the use of genetic approaches to address problems in cell biology and development, such as the regulation of cell fate and tissue development. Much of the knowledge gained from these experimentally tractable organisms has proven broadly applicable, and the same principles of developmental genetic analysis underlie efforts to understand the development of humans.

Prerequisite: BIO260H1/ HMB265H1, MGY311Y1/ CSB349H1/ BCH311H1
Exclusion: MGY451H1, MGY452H1
Recommended Preparation: MGY340H1, MGY350H1
Breadth Requirements: Living Things and Their Environment (4)

MGY470H1 - Human and Molecular Genetics

Hours: 24L

Current aspects of human and molecular genetics including: chromosome structure and function, inheritance of mutations and disease, the human genome and disease gene mapping, cancer genetics, mouse disease models and gene based diagnostics and therapies.

Prerequisite: BCH311H1/ MGY311Y1 (Note: CSB349H1 is acceptable with permission of the instructor)
Breadth Requirements: Living Things and Their Environment (4)

MGY480Y1 - Special Research Project

An opportunity for specialized individual research in molecular genetics and microbiology by arrangement with the course coordinator. Students are required to perform an original research project and attend relevant research seminars. Not eligible for CR/NCR option.

Prerequisite: ( MGY314H1/ MGY315H1/ MGY379Y1/ MGY380H1/ MGY381H1), ( MGY311Y1/ BCH311H1/ CSB349H1)
Breadth Requirements: Living Things and Their Environment (4)

MIJ485H1 - Vaccines and Immunity

Hours: 36L

Analysis of the strategies used by pathogenic microbes to evade specific and innate immune responses, and the strategies used to combat infectious disease using vaccines, with an emphasis on molecular and immunological aspects. Special topics include: molecular basis of pathogenicity and immune-evasion strategies; vaccination strategies; challenges to vaccine implementation (given jointly by the Departments of Molecular Genetics and Immunology).

Prerequisite: ( IMM340H1/ IMM341H1), ( IMM350H1/ IMM351H1), MGY377H1, MGY378H1
Exclusion: MBY480H1, MGY485H1
Breadth Requirements: Living Things and Their Environment (4)

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