MSc Thesis
The preparation and public defence of a thesis which will demonstrate the candidate's capacity for independent study.
Topics in Photobiology
(also offered as CHEM 5P03)
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.
Advanced Topics in Bioinformatics
This course will investigate advanced topics of bioinformatics including, but not limited to, analysis of high throughput genomic sequencing and functional genomics data (e.g. gene expression, DNA methylation, chip-seq) and related databases and tools. The format will be a combination of lectures, seminars, readings, and data analysis projects.
Note: An appropriate background in molecular biology, bioinformatics and computer programming is recommended. Course taught in conjunction with BIOL 4P06.
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/BTEC/BCHM 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.
Bioenergetics
Current topics in the molecular and biochemical basis of animal cell bioenergetics, including oxidative phosphorylation, production of reactive oxygen species, apoptosis, and mitochondrial function in health and disease.
Note: course taught in conjunction with BIOL 4P13.
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.
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.
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 coordinator.
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.
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/BTEC 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.
Genes and Behaviour
Genetic, developmental and environmental influences on the behaviour of invertebrates and vertebrates. Single versus multilocus effects and the inheritance of quantitative behavioural traits. Analyses of gene expression and genetic pathways influencing behaviour in model animals.
Note: course taught in conjunction with BIOL 4P56.
Bacterial Genetics
(also offered as BTEC 5P57)
Molecular and transmission genetics of bacteria. Bacterial genetics from early description of transformation and transduction to current developments in molecular genetics.
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.
Note: course taught in conjunction with BIOL/BTEC 4P58.
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.
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.
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 biophysics. 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.
Note: course taught in conjunction with BIOL/CHEM/BCHM 4P67.
Sociobiology
How natural selection shapes social behaviour, with emphasis on kin selection, reciprocity, and exploitation in the evolution of co-operation and altruism. Particular attention will be paid to insect societies.
Advanced Wine Flavour
Flavour compounds. Critical analysis and discussion of current literature, and how it informs our understanding of the specific roles of viticultural and oenological practices in the formation of wine flavour. Recent advances in the analytical and sensoric measurement of aroma, taste and tactile stimuli.
Note: an appropriate background in wine chemistry and sensory evaluation is recommended.
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 include concepts in behavioural ecology, community ecology, population ecology, sexual selection, adaptation, and phylogenetic analysis.
Current Topics in Basic and Applied Plant Biology
(also offered as BTEC 5P86)
An investigation into a number of topics in plant biology. Topics will vary and may include plant disease, signal transduction, secondary metabolism, physiology and photosynthesis, biotechnological applications and oenology and viticulture.
Current Topics in Neurobiology or Physiology
Topics in contemporary Neurobiology and or Physiology at cellular, molecular or systemic levels. Approval of the departmental graduate studies committee is required prior to registration.
Current Topics in Cell and Molecular Biology
Recent advances in cellular and molecular biology, including topics such as aging, adaptation, pathological dysfunction, cancer biology, and flow of genetic information
MSc Graduate Seminar
A seminar course that covers active areas of research in all four fields of study in Biological Sciences (Cell and Molecular Biology, Ecology and Evolution, Neurobiology and Physiology, Plant Sciences and Oenology and Viticulture). Students will present one seminar and participate in other scheduled seminars. Attendance throughout the academic year, September-April, is required.
Selected Topics in Biological Sciences
An investigation of a specific area or group of related topics in biology. Approval of the departmental Graduate Studies committee is required prior to registration.
PhD Research and Thesis
Preparation, public defence, and examination of a thesis that demonstrates the candidate's capacity for independent thought and study at the appropriate level.
PhD Graduate Seminar
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.