Selected Topics in Biophysics
A course offered using the combined biophysical resources of Brock, McMaster, Guelph and Waterloo universities. Participation in four symposia. Information concerning the course and the selection of individual symposia can be obtained from the departmental course co-ordinator.
MSc Thesis
The preparation and public defence of a thesis which will demonstrate the candidate's capacity for independent study.
Advanced Topics in Photobiology
A graduate seminar/lecture course covering topics in photobiology. A series of lectures designed to introduce some of the major research areas in photobiology will be followed by student seminars on selected topics (usually two or three papers on one subject).
Note: Course taught in conjunction with BIOL 4P03.
Bioinformatics
(also offered as BTEC 5P06)
Genome sequencing projects. Gene discovery. Analysis of gene expression. Analysis of DNA/RNA/Protein sequence data, including mutagenic processes, molecular evolution and systematics, codon usage, reconstruction of ancient molecules and prediction of higher level structure.
Note: Course taught in conjunction with BIOL 4P06.
Advanced topics in animal and plant signal transduction pathways
(also offered as BTEC 5P09)
Perception of stimuli to effects on gene expression. Emphasis on the molecular/biochemical tools used to study these pathways.
Note: Course taught in conjunction with BIOL 4P09.
Mechanisms in Plant Biochemistry
(also offered as BTEC 5P10)
Molecular and chemical control of plant disease processes and development. Focus on the detailed signaling mechanisms and outcomes of signal transduction to a plant phenotype. Emphasis on case studies that highlight the different phases of this process, including the identification of signals, signal perception, signal transduction and reaction to the signal transduction cascade to produce a phenotype.
Advanced Sensory Evaluation of Wines
This course will focus on the measurement techniques used in the sensory evaluation of wine and food. Other topics covered include the physiology of taste and olfaction, chemistry of aroma and flavour, origins of off-odors in wines, and advanced readings in current topics in sensory evaluation and sensory science.
Note: Course taught in conjunction with OEVI 4P20.
Advanced Developmental Neurobiology
A seminar course on the principles of neural development. Topics include cell lineage and early determinative events, trophic functions, growth and plasticity, synaptogenesis and gene expression in the establishment of the nervous system.
Note: Course taught in conjunction with BIOL 4P28.
Current Topics in Animal Physiology
Topical subjects in animal physiology, covering recent and/or controversial research in respiratory, thermoregulatory, and cardiovascular physiology and their neural control. Topics may vary from year to year depending on student interests.
Note: Course taught in conjunction with BIOL 4P29.
Advanced Systems Neurophysiology
Neuronal networks and integrative mechanisms in the nervous system. Selected topics include the visual system, rhythm generators and motor function, and learning and memory.
Note: Course taught in conjunction with BIOL 4P34.
Selected Topics in Biophysics
A course offered using the combined biophysical resources of Brock, McMaster, Guelph and Waterloo universities. Participation in two symposia. Information concerning the course and the selection of individual symposia can be obtained from the departmental course co-ordinator.
Advanced Mutagenesis in Disease and Biotechnology
(also offered as BTEC 5P50)
This seminar course will explore the various mechanisms of mutagenesis of the genetic material, how they contribute to disease, and how they can be adapted to produce new biomolecules.
Note: Course taught in conjunction with BIOL 4P50.
Advanced Molecular Virology
A seminar course on virus-host interaction, productive cycle, effect of virus on host cell and organism, interferon, DNA and RNA tumor viruses, viral vectors, gene therapy and recombinant viral vaccines.
Note: Course taught in conjunction with BIOL 4P51.
Immunology
(also offered as BTEC 5P53)
A seminar course on humoral and cellular immunity; structure and synthesis of immunoglobulins; origin of antibody diversity; transplantation immunity and the importance of the major histocompatibility complex; autoimmunity and allergic reactions.
Note: Course taught in conjunction with BIOL 4P53 and BTEC 4P53.
Advanced Recombinant DNA Techniques
(also offered as BTEC 5P57)
The purpose of this course will be to acquaint students with recent technical developments in the methodology and application of various recombinant DNA techniques at an advanced level.
Fungal Genetics
An examination of transmission and molecular genetics of fungi. Recent advances in gene manipulation and the contribution of studies on these organisms to general genetics principles will be covered.
Note: Course taught in conjunction with BIOL 4P58.
Bacterial Genetics
(also offered as BTEC 5P59)
Molecular and transmission genetics of bacteria. Bacterial genetics from early description of transformation and transduction to current developments in molecular genetics.
Note: Course taught in conjunction with BIOL 4P57.
Advanced Seminar in Population and Behavioural Ecology
A seminar course dealing with fundamental concepts of population and behavioural ecology. The topics selected vary from year to year partly in response to student interests.
Advanced Natural Selection and Adaptation
A seminar course with an emphasis on reading and discussion of current literature encompassing empirical studies of natural selection and adaptation. The course will also include an examination of both the theoretical and empirical foundations underlying current research in the field.
Note: Course taught in conjunction with BIOL 4P61.
Advanced Insect Behaviour
Exploration of selected topics in the field of insect behaviour. Topics include programming and integration of behaviour, orientation and dispersal, feeding behaviour, chemical, visual and acoustical communication, defensive behaviour, reproductive behaviour and the eusocial insects.
Note: Course taught in conjunction with BIOL 4P64.
Advanced Seminar in Insect Biology
Current topics in the field of insect biology. Possible course themes include: behavioural ecology of insects, insect systematics, coevolution of plants and insects, speciation processes, evolution of insect mating systems, insect metamorphosis.
Biophysical Techniques
(also offered as BTEC 5P67 and CHEM 5P67)
An advanced seminar/lecture course on experimental techniques in biochemistry. The focus is on understanding the theory, applications and limitations of a variety of techniques students will encounter during their graduate studies. Techniques will range from advanced spectroscopy (absorption, fluorescence, NMR, X-ray diffraction) to molecular biochemistry (DNA and protein sequencing, gel electrophoresis, radioisotope labelling).
Note: Course taught in conjunction with BIOL 4P67.
Sociobiology
Advanced examination of how natural selection shapes social behaviour emphasizing the evolution of co-operation and altruism. Interplay among social interactions between individuals, physical interactions and intrinsic factors defining societies.
Note: Course taught in conjunction with BIOL 4P62.
Selected Topics in Contemporary Biology
An investigation of a specific area or group of related topics in contemporary biology. Candidates for graduate degrees may present one such special topic course toward the completion of the formal course requirements for the MSc degree. Approval of the departmental Graduate Studies committee is required prior to registration.
Selected Topics in Contemporary Biochemistry
An investigation of a specific area or group of related topics in contemporary biochemistry. Candidates for graduate degrees may present one such special topic course. Approval of the departmental graduate studies committee is required prior to registration.
Current Topics in Ecology and Evolution
This course will cover three or four current topics in ecology and evolution and involve critical analysis and discussion of current literature. Topics will vary depending on student interests but will include concepts in behavioural ecology, community ecology, ecosystem ecology, population ecology, sexual selection, adaptation, and phylogenetic analysis. Approval of the departmental graduate studies committee is required prior to registration.
Current Topics in Plant Biology
(also offered as BTEC 5P86)
An investigation of a specific area or group of related topics in contemporary plant biology. Approval of the departmental graduate studies committee is required prior to registration.
Current Topics in Neurobiology and Physiology
An investigation of a specific area or group of related topics in contemporary Neurobiology and Physiology. Approval of the departmental graduate studies committee is required prior to registration.
Current Topics in Cell and Molecular Biology
An investigation of a specific area or group of related topics in contemporary Cell and Molecular Biology. Approval of the departmental graduate studies committee is required prior to registration.
Graduate Seminar
An obligatory graduate course in biological sciences. Students will present seminars on one or two topics approved by the graduate co-ordinator and supervisory committee and unrelated to their thesis topic. Attendance throughout the academic year, September-April, is required.
PhD Research and Thesis
Preparation, public defence, and examination of a thesis that demonstrates the candidate's ability for independent thought and study at the appropriate level.
PhD Graduate Seminar on Current Ideas in Biology
Designed to familiarize students with active areas of research in all fields of biological science. Students will attend the weekly biology seminar series, read relevant literature prior to the presentation, engage in discussion with the seminar speakers and produce two essays on topics chosen from the seminar series. Student discussions with seminar speakers will be facilitated by faculty in the Department of Biological Sciences.