McGill.CA / Parasitology / Graduate Studies

Courses

Institute of Parasitology is involved in teaching at both the graduate and undergraduate levels. Courses for which Institute staff are responsible are listed below although we also participate in many other courses offered by McGill.

Undergraduate courses

LSCI 211. Biochemistry 1.

Credits: 3
Offered by: Parasitology (Faculty of Agric Environ Sci)
Terms offered: Fall 2025, Winter 2026
View offerings for Fall 2025 or Winter 2026 in Visual Schedule Builder.

Description

Biochemistry of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids; enzymes and coenzymes. Introduction to intermediary metabolism.
  • Co-requisite: FDSC 230
  • Restriction: Not open to students who have taken FDSC 211

Most students use Visual Schedule Builder (VSB) to organize their schedules. VSB helps you plan class schedules, travel time, and more.

Launch Visual Schedule Builder

LSCI 202. Molecular Cell Biology.

Credits: 3
Offered by: Parasitology (Faculty of Agric Environ Sci)
Terms offered: Winter 2026
View offerings for Winter 2026 in Visual Schedule Builder.

Description

Organization and function of intracellular organelles in eukaryotic cells. Mechanisms of membrane transport. Protein sorting and vesicular transport. Cytoskeleton. DNA and chromosome structure. DNA replication. Mechanisms of RNA and protein synthesis. Control of gene expression. Cell cycle and the control of cell division. Mechanisms of cell communication and signal transduction. Apoptosis. Neuronal signaling.
  • Restriction(s): Not open to students who have taken AEBI 202
  • Prerequisites: LSCI 211 and FDSC 230 or equivalent, or permission of instructor.

Most students use Visual Schedule Builder (VSB) to organize their schedules. VSB helps you plan class schedules, travel time, and more.

Launch Visual Schedule Builder

PARA 410. Environment and Infection.

Credits: 3
Offered by: Parasitology (Faculty of Agric Environ Sci)
Terms offered: Winter 2026
View offerings for Winter 2026 in Visual Schedule Builder.

Description

Infectious pathogens of humans and animals and their impact on the global environment are considered. The central tenet is that infectious pathogens are environmental risk factors. The course considers their impact on the human condition and juxtaposes the impact of control and treatment measures and environmental change.
  • 2 lectures per week
  • Prerequisite: one of LSCI 230, AEBI 211, ENVR 202, ENVB 305

Most students use Visual Schedule Builder (VSB) to organize their schedules. VSB helps you plan class schedules, travel time, and more.

Launch Visual Schedule Builder

PARA 424. Fundamental Parasitology.

Credits: 3
Offered by: Parasitology (Faculty of Agric Environ Sci)
Terms offered: Winter 2026
View offerings for Winter 2026 in Visual Schedule Builder.

Description

Systematics, morphology, biology and ecology of parasitic protozoa, flatworms, roundworms and arthropods with emphasis on economically and medically important species.
  • Prerequisite(s): AEBI 211 or LSCI 230 or permission of instructor
  • Restriction: Not open to students who have taken WILD 424.

Most students use Visual Schedule Builder (VSB) to organize their schedules. VSB helps you plan class schedules, travel time, and more.

Launch Visual Schedule Builder

PARA 438. Immunology.

Credits: 3
Offered by: Parasitology (Faculty of Agric Environ Sci)
Terms offered: Fall 2025
View offerings for Fall 2025 in Visual Schedule Builder.

Description

An in-depth analysis of the principles of cellular and molecular immunology. The emphasis of the course is on host defence against infection and on diseases caused by abnormal immune responses.
  • 3 lectures per week
  • Prerequisites: AEBI 202 or LSCI 202 or permission of instructor

Most students use Visual Schedule Builder (VSB) to organize their schedules. VSB helps you plan class schedules, travel time, and more.

Launch Visual Schedule Builder

Graduate courses

AEBI 665. Fundamentals in Advanced Bioimaging.

Credits: 3
Offered by: Parasitology (Graduate Studies)
Terms offered: Fall 2025
View offerings for Fall 2025 in Visual Schedule Builder.

Description

Introduction to the principles of fluorescence microscopy, hands-on training on fluorescence imaging, a review of advanced fluorescence microscopy techniques with an emphasis on super-resolution microscopy, and case studies on the application of imaging techniques in biomedical research with a focus on infectious disease models.

Most students use Visual Schedule Builder (VSB) to organize their schedules. VSB helps you plan class schedules, travel time, and more.

Launch Visual Schedule Builder

BTEC 501. Bioinformatics.

Credits: 3
Offered by: Parasitology (Faculty of Agric Environ Sci)
Terms offered: Fall 2025
View offerings for Fall 2025 in Visual Schedule Builder.

Description

This course introduces the application of computer software for analysis of biological sequence information. An emphasis is placed on the biological theory behind analytical techniques, the algorithms used and methods of developing a statistical framework for various types of analysis.
  • 3 lectures per week
  • Prerequisites: LSCI 202 or LSCI 204 and ANSC 326. Permission of instructor.
  • Restriction: Not open to students who have taken BINF 301.

Most students use Visual Schedule Builder (VSB) to organize their schedules. VSB helps you plan class schedules, travel time, and more.

Launch Visual Schedule Builder

BTEC 535. Functional Genomics in Model Organisms.

Credits: 3
Offered by: Parasitology (Faculty of Agric Environ Sci)
Terms offered: Winter 2026
View offerings for Winter 2026 in Visual Schedule Builder.

Description

An overview of strategies used to understand the function of genes, especially those identified through genome sequencing and bioinformatics. Use of model organisms that have proved particularly valuable for this purpose.
  • Prerequisite: 300-level course in genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry or permission of instructor.
  • Restriction: Limited to 30 students.

Most students use Visual Schedule Builder (VSB) to organize their schedules. VSB helps you plan class schedules, travel time, and more.

Launch Visual Schedule Builder

BTEC 555. Structural Bioinformatics.

Credits: 3
Offered by: Parasitology (Faculty of Agric Environ Sci)
Terms offered: Winter 2026
View offerings for Winter 2026 in Visual Schedule Builder.

Description

Fundamentals of protein structure and the application of tools for structure determination, how protein structure allows us to understand the complex biological functions, and how knowledge of protein structure can contribute to drug discovery.
  • Winter
  • 1-hr lecture, followed by 2 hrs of computer lab.
  • Prerequisite: Molecular biology or biochemistry, and basic bioinformatics, or permission of instructor.

Most students use Visual Schedule Builder (VSB) to organize their schedules. VSB helps you plan class schedules, travel time, and more.

Launch Visual Schedule Builder

BTEC 619. Biotechnology Laboratory 2.

Credits: 4
Offered by: Parasitology (Graduate Studies)
Terms offered: Winter 2026
View offerings for Winter 2026 in Visual Schedule Builder.

Description

A laboratory-based course in a variety of topics including: proteomics, protein expression and purification, conventional and HPLC chromatography, protein-protein interactions, ELISA, and Western blot analysis and hybridoma techniques.
  • Prerequisite: BTEC 620 or permission of the instructor.
  • The fee of $598.39 is used to support the cost of chemical reagents, kits, disposables and minor equipment necessary to run this hands-on laboratory course.

Most students use Visual Schedule Builder (VSB) to organize their schedules. VSB helps you plan class schedules, travel time, and more.

Launch Visual Schedule Builder

BTEC 620. Biotechnology Laboratory 1.

Credits: 4
Offered by: Parasitology (Graduate Studies)
Terms offered: Fall 2025
View offerings for Fall 2025 in Visual Schedule Builder.

Description

Practical training in contemporary methods of molecular and cellular biology. Intended for students with background in molecular biology, biochemistry, or a related area, who are already familiar with theoretical principles of recombinant DNA technologies. Topics include: polymerase chain reaction (PCR), methods for gene cloning and mutagenesis, eukaryotic and prokaryotic gene expression systems, protein purification and methods of eukaryotic cell culture.
  • one 8-hour lab per week
  • The fee of $1196.78 is used to support the cost of chemical reagents, kits, disposables and minor equipment necessary to run this hands-on laboratory course.

Most students use Visual Schedule Builder (VSB) to organize their schedules. VSB helps you plan class schedules, travel time, and more.

Launch Visual Schedule Builder

BTEC 621. Biotechnology Management.

Credits: 3
Offered by: Parasitology (Graduate Studies)
Terms offered: Fall 2025
View offerings for Fall 2025 in Visual Schedule Builder.

Description

Topics relevant to the management of research in industry are presented by experts working in industry. This course highlights the differences existing between research done in an academic environment and research done within industry.
  • one 3-hour lecture per week

Most students use Visual Schedule Builder (VSB) to organize their schedules. VSB helps you plan class schedules, travel time, and more.

Launch Visual Schedule Builder

BTEC 622. Biotechnology Research Project 1.

Credits: 2
Offered by: Parasitology (Graduate Studies)
Terms offered: Winter 2026
View offerings for Winter 2026 in Visual Schedule Builder.

Description

Research project proposal and literature review.
  • Prerequisite: BTEC 620.
  • Restriction: M.Sc.(Applied) in Biotechnology students and is a prerequisite to BTEC 623, BTEC 624 and BTEC 625.

Most students use Visual Schedule Builder (VSB) to organize their schedules. VSB helps you plan class schedules, travel time, and more.

Launch Visual Schedule Builder

BTEC 623. Biotechnology Research Project 2.

Credits: 6
Offered by: Parasitology (Graduate Studies)
Terms offered: Summer 2025, Fall 2025
View offerings for Summer 2025 or Fall 2025 in Visual Schedule Builder.

Description

Intensive research project, lasting a minimum of 16 weeks in conjunction with course Biotechnology Research Project 3, conducted in a university hospital or industry laboratory involved in biotechnology research or development.
  • Restriction: M.Sc.(Applied) Biotechnology students
  • Corequisite: BTEC 622
  • Restriction: M.Sc.(Applied) Biotechnology students

Most students use Visual Schedule Builder (VSB) to organize their schedules. VSB helps you plan class schedules, travel time, and more.

Launch Visual Schedule Builder

BTEC 624. Biotechnology Research Project 3.

Credits: 6
Offered by: Parasitology (Graduate Studies)
Terms offered: Summer 2025, Fall 2025
View offerings for Summer 2025 or Fall 2025 in Visual Schedule Builder.

Description

Intensive research project, lasting a minimum of 16 weeks in conjunction with Biotechnology Research Project 2, conducted in a university hospital or industry laboratory involved in biotechnology research or development.
  • Prerequisite: BTEC 622.
  • Corequisite: BTEC 623.
  • Restriction: M.Sc.(Applied) Biotechnology students.

Most students use Visual Schedule Builder (VSB) to organize their schedules. VSB helps you plan class schedules, travel time, and more.

Launch Visual Schedule Builder

BTEC 625. Biotechnology Research Project 4.

Credits: 2
Offered by: Parasitology (Graduate Studies)
Terms offered: Fall 2025
View offerings for Fall 2025 in Visual Schedule Builder.

Description

Student will prepare a report on the research experience and give a presentation.
  • Prerequisite: BTEC 622.
  • Corequisites: BTEC 623, BTEC 624.
  • Restriction: M.Sc.(Applied) Biotechnology students.

Most students use Visual Schedule Builder (VSB) to organize their schedules. VSB helps you plan class schedules, travel time, and more.

Launch Visual Schedule Builder

BTEC 650. Therapeutic Antibody Design.

Credits: 3
Offered by: Parasitology (Graduate Studies)
Terms offered: Fall 2025
View offerings for Fall 2025 in Visual Schedule Builder.

Description

Principles and methodologies of structure-based molecular design, optimization, and development of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies. Role in therapy and diagnosis; structural features of various types of antibodies; dissection of antibody-antigen interactions; in silico affinity maturation; manipulation of antigen specificity by point mutagenesis; using antibody Fc domain to modulate pharmacokinetics and effector functions; design of antibody conjugates carrying toxic payloads; engineering T-cells with chimeric antigen receptors; evaluation and improving antibody immunogenicity and aggregation; antibody humanization.
  • Prerequisite: 400-level or higher level course in biochemistry and bioinformatics, or permission of instructor

Most students use Visual Schedule Builder (VSB) to organize their schedules. VSB helps you plan class schedules, travel time, and more.

Launch Visual Schedule Builder

Course information not available.

PARA 606. Parasitology Seminar.

Credits: 2
Offered by: Parasitology (Graduate Studies)
Terms offered: Fall 2025, Winter 2026
View offerings for Fall 2025 or Winter 2026 in Visual Schedule Builder.

Description

A seminar series in which students present seminars covering topics in parasitology, in areas relevant to their research interests. Students register for the course in their second term of residency. Attendance and participation are compulsory for M.Sc. students.

Most students use Visual Schedule Builder (VSB) to organize their schedules. VSB helps you plan class schedules, travel time, and more.

Launch Visual Schedule Builder

PARA 607. Parasitology Research Seminar.

Credits: 2
Offered by: Parasitology (Graduate Studies)
Terms offered: Fall 2025, Winter 2026
View offerings for Fall 2025 or Winter 2026 in Visual Schedule Builder.

Description

This is a required course for M.Sc. students. A seminar course in which students registered at the Institute of Parasitology present seminars on the results of their thesis research. Students register for the course in the final term prior to thesis submission.

Most students use Visual Schedule Builder (VSB) to organize their schedules. VSB helps you plan class schedules, travel time, and more.

Launch Visual Schedule Builder

PARA 635. Cell Biology and Infection.

Credits: 3
Offered by: Parasitology (Graduate Studies)
Terms offered: Winter 2026
View offerings for Winter 2026 in Visual Schedule Builder.

Description

Research articles will be the primary source of information. This course will cover new principles in cell biology. In particular, the mechanisms by which gene expression is regulated through signal transduction pathways initiated at the cell surface will be presented.
  • Prerequisite: students with some background in molecular biology

Most students use Visual Schedule Builder (VSB) to organize their schedules. VSB helps you plan class schedules, travel time, and more.

Launch Visual Schedule Builder

PARA 655. Host-Parasite Interactions.

Credits: 3
Offered by: Parasitology (Graduate Studies)
Terms offered: Fall 2025
View offerings for Fall 2025 in Visual Schedule Builder.

Description

Lectures, tutorials and laboratory demonstrations of the principal factors which affect levels of parasite infection and treatment of infections in humans and animals. The integration and management of the host-parasite relationship in terms of transmission, population dynamics, environmental management, behaviour, immune responses, pathology, and pharmacology to decrease parasitic disease.

Most students use Visual Schedule Builder (VSB) to organize their schedules. VSB helps you plan class schedules, travel time, and more.

Launch Visual Schedule Builder

PARA 665. Special Topics in Parasitology.

Credits: 3
Offered by: Parasitology (Graduate Studies)
Terms offered: Winter 2026
View offerings for Winter 2026 in Visual Schedule Builder.

Description

This course designation will be used for special courses that staff, or visiting professors, may wish to provide when student interest warrants. Examples might include a laboratory techniques course, a mathematical modelling course or a special pharmacology seminar series.

Most students use Visual Schedule Builder (VSB) to organize their schedules. VSB helps you plan class schedules, travel time, and more.

Launch Visual Schedule Builder

PARA 687. Thesis Research 1.

Credits: 11
Offered by: Parasitology (Graduate Studies)
Terms offered: Fall 2025, Winter 2026
View offerings for Fall 2025 or Winter 2026 in Visual Schedule Builder.

Description

Independent research work under the direction of the Thesis Supervisor.

Most students use Visual Schedule Builder (VSB) to organize their schedules. VSB helps you plan class schedules, travel time, and more.

Launch Visual Schedule Builder

PARA 688. Thesis Research 2.

Credits: 11
Offered by: Parasitology (Graduate Studies)
Terms offered: Fall 2025, Winter 2026
View offerings for Fall 2025 or Winter 2026 in Visual Schedule Builder.

Description

Independent research work under the direction of the Thesis Supervisor.

Most students use Visual Schedule Builder (VSB) to organize their schedules. VSB helps you plan class schedules, travel time, and more.

Launch Visual Schedule Builder

PARA 689. Thesis Research 3.

Credits: 13
Offered by: Parasitology (Graduate Studies)
Terms offered: Fall 2025, Winter 2026
View offerings for Fall 2025 or Winter 2026 in Visual Schedule Builder.

Description

Independent research work under the direction of the Thesis Supervisor.

Most students use Visual Schedule Builder (VSB) to organize their schedules. VSB helps you plan class schedules, travel time, and more.

Launch Visual Schedule Builder

PARA 701. PhD Comprehensive Exam.

Credits: 0
Offered by: Parasitology (Graduate Studies)
Terms offered: Fall 2025, Winter 2026
View offerings for Fall 2025 or Winter 2026 in Visual Schedule Builder.

Description

Consists of a written proposal outlining the research planned and an oral examination.

Most students use Visual Schedule Builder (VSB) to organize their schedules. VSB helps you plan class schedules, travel time, and more.

Launch Visual Schedule Builder

For further details, please click here to visit the PhD Comprehensive Exam page.


PARA 710. Parasitology Ph.D. Seminar 1.

Credits: 2
Offered by: Parasitology (Graduate Studies)
Terms offered: Fall 2025, Winter 2026
View offerings for Fall 2025 or Winter 2026 in Visual Schedule Builder.

Description

This first seminar is a review of the scientific literature in the topic area of the thesis research.

Most students use Visual Schedule Builder (VSB) to organize their schedules. VSB helps you plan class schedules, travel time, and more.

Launch Visual Schedule Builder

Students transferring from MSc to PhD must register and complete PARA 710.

PARA 711. Parasitology Ph.D. Seminar 2.

Credits: 2
Offered by: Parasitology (Graduate Studies)
Terms offered: Fall 2025, Winter 2026
View offerings for Fall 2025 or Winter 2026 in Visual Schedule Builder.

Description

A seminar series in which students present seminars covering topics in parasitology in areas relevant to their research interests. Attendance and participation are compulsory.

Most students use Visual Schedule Builder (VSB) to organize their schedules. VSB helps you plan class schedules, travel time, and more.

Launch Visual Schedule Builder

Back to top