Program Requirements
The B.Sc.; Liberal Program – Core Science Component in Anatomy and Cell Biology is a flexible program that focuses on the fundamentals of cell and molecular biology and human anatomy. The program includes a range of biomedical science disciplines such as biology, experimental medicine, pharmacology and neurobiology. Students may complete this program with a minimum of 47 credits or a maximum of 48 credits depending on their choice of complementary courses.
Required Courses (32 credits)
* Students who have taken the equivalent of CHEM 212 and/or MATH 203 in CEGEP and receive a course exemption upon admission are exempt from the program requirement(s) and must replace these credits with elective course credits to satisfy the total credit requirement for their degree.
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ANAT 212 Molecular Mechanisms of Cell Function (3 credits)
Overview
Anatomy & Cell Biology : An introductory course describing the biochemistry and molecular biology of selected key functions of animal cells, including: gene expression; mitochondrial production of metabolic energy; cellular communication with the extra-cellular environment; and regulation of cell division.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Vera Ugalde, Maria; Reinhardt, Dieter; Fabian, Marc; Kiss, Robert; Pastor, William (Winter)
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ANAT 214 Systemic Human Anatomy (3 credits)
Overview
Anatomy & Cell Biology : Introduction to the gross anatomy of the various organ systems of head, neck and trunk regions of the human body. Emphasis on functional anatomy. Laboratory component includes exploration of the human body through cadaveric prosections, imaging and other materials.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Rolian, Campbell; Venne, Gabriel (Fall)
Fall
2 hours lectures, 2 hours laboratory
Prerequisites: BIOL 112 (or CEGEP equivalent), PHGY 209 and PHGY 210
This course is limited in size, with guaranteed admission for all students enrolled in the Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology. Students in other programs will be permitted to enroll as space allows.
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ANAT 261 Introduction to Dynamic Histology (4 credits)
Overview
Anatomy & Cell Biology : An introduction to light and electron microscopic anatomy in which cell and tissue dynamics will be explored in the principal tissues and organs of the body.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Mandato, Craig A.; Morales, Carlos R (Fall)
Fall
3 hours lectures, 2 hours laboratory
Must be taken in U1 by students in Anatomy and Cell Biology programs
Prerequisite: BIOL 112 or CEGEP equivalent
Restriction: Open to students in biological sciences and others by special permission
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ANAT 262 Introductory Molecular and Cell Biology (3 credits)
Overview
Anatomy & Cell Biology : The architectural, functional and temporal continuity of organelles and the cytoskeleton of mammalian cells is introduced as well as their functional integration in the phenomena of exocytosis, endocytosis, protein trafficking and cell motility and adhesion.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Presley, John; Stochaj, Ursula; Bechstedt, Susanne; Bui, Khanh Huy (Winter)
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BIOL 200 Molecular Biology (3 credits)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : The physical and chemical properties of the cell and its components in relation to their structure and function. Topics include: protein structure, enzymes and enzyme kinetics; nucleic acid replication, transcription and translation; the genetic code, mutation, recombination, and regulation of gene expression.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Champetier, Serge; Hastings, Kenneth E M; Lasko, Paul; Turney, Shaun; Reyes Lamothe, Rodrigo (Fall)
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BIOL 202 Basic Genetics (3 credits)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : Introduction to basic principles, and to modern advances, problems and applications in the genetics of higher and lower organisms with examples representative of the biological sciences.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Moon, Nam Sung; Nilson, Laura; Schoen, Daniel J; Hipfner, David; Champetier, Serge (Winter)
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CHEM 212 Introductory Organic Chemistry 1 (4 credits) *
Overview
Chemistry : A fundamental study of aliphaticcompounds and saturated functional groups including modern concepts of bonding,reaction mechanisms,conformational analysis, spectroscopy, and stereochemistry.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Vlaho, Danielle; Huot, Mitchell; Sirjoosingh, Pallavi; Tsantrizos, Youla S; Pavelka, Laura; Luedtke, Nathan (Fall)
Fall, Summer
Restriction: Not open to students registered in Chemistry or Biochemistry. Not open to students who have taken or are taking CHEM 211, CHEM 242, or equivalent.
Each lab section is limited enrolment
Note: Some CEGEP programs provide equivalency for this course. For more information, please see the Department of Chemistry's Web page (http://www.chemistry.mcgill.ca/advising/outside/equivalent.htm).
**Due to the intensive nature of this course, the standard add/drop and withdrawal deadlines do not apply. Add/drop is the second lecture day and withdrawal is the fourth lecture day.
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PHGY 209 Mammalian Physiology 1 (3 credits)
Overview
Physiology : Physiology of body fluids, blood, body defense mechanisms, muscle, peripheral, central, and autonomic nervous systems.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Vollrath, Melissa; Ragsdale, David S; Shrier, Alvin; Cook, Erik; Aguer, Céline (Fall)
Fall
3 hours lectures weekly
Prerequisites: BIOL 112, CHEM 110, CHEM 120, PHYS 101 or PHYS 131, and PHYS 102 or PHYS 142. Pre-/co-requisites: BIOL 200, CHEM 212 or equivalent.
Restriction: Not open to students who have taken PHGY 211 or students who are taking and who have taken NSCI 200.
Restriction: For students in the Faculty of Science, and other students by permission of the instructor
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PHGY 210 Mammalian Physiology 2 (3 credits)
Overview
Physiology : Physiology of cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, endocrine and renal systems.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Vollrath, Melissa; Takano, Tomoko; Lauzon, Anne-Marie; White, John H; Aguer, Céline (Winter)
Winter
3 hours lectures weekly
Prerequisites: BIOL 112, CHEM 110, CHEM 120, PHYS 101 or PHYS 131, and PHYS 102 or PHYS 142. Pre-/co-requisite: BIOL 200, BIOL 201, BIOC 212, CHEM 212 or equivalent.
Restriction: For students in the Faculty of Science, and other students by permission of the instructor
Although PHGY 210 may be taken without the prior passing of PHGY 209, students should note that they may have some initial difficulties because of lack of familiarity with some basic concepts introduced in PHGY 209
3 credits from the following statistics courses:
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MATH 203 Principles of Statistics 1 (3 credits)
Overview
Mathematics & Statistics (Sci) : Examples of statistical data and the use of graphical means to summarize the data. Basic distributions arising in the natural and behavioural sciences. The logical meaning of a test of significance and a confidence interval. Tests of significance and confidence intervals in the one and two sample setting (means, variances and proportions).
Terms: Fall 2024, Winter 2025
Instructors: Stephens, David; Correa, Jose Andres (Fall) Sajjad, Alia (Winter)
No calculus prerequisites
Restriction: This course is intended for students in all disciplines. For extensive course restrictions covering statistics courses see Section 3.6.1 of the Arts and of the Science sections of the calendar regarding course overlaps.
You may not be able to receive credit for this course and other statistic courses. Be sure to check the Course Overlap section under Faculty Degree Requirements in the Arts or Science section of the Calendar. Students should consult http://www.mcgill.ca/students/transfercredit for information regarding transfer credits for this course.
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PSYC 204 Introduction to Psychological Statistics (3 credits)
Overview
Psychology : The statistical analysis of research data; frequency distributions; graphic representation; measures of central tendency and variability; elementary sampling theory and tests of significance.
Terms: Fall 2024, Winter 2025
Instructors: Kreitewolf, Jens (Fall) Kreitewolf, Jens (Winter)
Fall and Winter
Restriction: Not open to students who have passed a CEGEP statistics course(s) with a minimum grade of 75%: Mathematics 201-307 or 201-337 or equivalent or the combination of Quantitative Methods 300 with Mathematics 300
This course is a prerequisite for PSYC 305, PSYC 406, PSYC 310, PSYC 336
You may not be able to receive credit for this course and other statistic courses. Be sure to check the Course Overlap section under Faculty Degree Requirements in the Arts or Science section of the Calendar.
Complementary Courses (15-16 credits)
Students complete a minimum of 15 or a maximum of 16 complementary course credits selected as follows:
9 credits of advanced anatomy courses (AAC) selected from:
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ANAT 314 Human Musculoskeletal Anatomy
(3 credits)
Overview
Anatomy & Cell Biology : Introduction to the gross anatomy of the musculoskeletal system (bone, joints, muscles and neurovascular structures) of the head, neck, trunk, upper and lower limb regions of the human body, emphasizing functional anatomy and including surface anatomy and imaging. Exploration of the human body through cadaveric prosections, imaging and other materials.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Rolian, Campbell (Winter)
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ANAT 321 Circuitry of the Human Brain (3 credits)
Overview
Anatomy & Cell Biology : This course explores the functional organization of the human brain and spinal cord. The course focuses on how neuronal systems are designed to subserve specific motor, sensory, and cognitive operations.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Ragsdale, David S (Fall)
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ANAT 322 Neuroendocrinology (3 credits)
Overview
Anatomy & Cell Biology : A lecture course describing brain-endocrine relationships. Emphasis on modern experimental evidence and conceptual developments within the field.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Walker, Claire; Stroh, Thomas; Tamilia, Michael; Cermakian, Nicolas; Bernard, Daniel; Kokoeva, Maia; Storch, Kai-Florian (Winter)
Winter
3 hours lecture
Prerequisite: PHGY 210.
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ANAT 365 Cellular Trafficking (3 credits)
Overview
Anatomy & Cell Biology : This course explores the fundamental mechanisms that govern the organizations of intracellular membranes, how vesicle generation is signaled, how the membranes curve and bud, and how vesicles know where to go and fuse. In addition to intracellular vesicles, the principles of mitochondrial dynamics and process of cellular autophagy are examined. Also, there is a focus on "Applied Cell Biology", with respect to how the exquisite regulation of cellular transport plays a central role in complex biological systems. A series of modules will take students through the mechanisms of cellular polarity, neurotransmission, metabolic cell biology, pathogen invasion, and more. The emphasis is on the morphological aspects of the processes, and on the major techniques that led to discovery.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Zeytuni, Natalie; McBride, Heidi; Kennedy, Timothy E; Stroh, Thomas; Presley, John; Sossin, Wayne Steven; Estall, Jennifer (Fall)
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ANAT 381 Experimental Embryology (3 credits)
Overview
Anatomy & Cell Biology : The basic processes of reproduction and embryonic development, such as molecular signaling; cell-cell interaction; differentiation; cell fate determination; genetic and epigenetic control of embryonic development.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Nagano, Makoto; Ao, Asangla; Ryan, Aimee; Clarke, Hugh; Tanny, Jason (Fall)
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ANAT 514 Advanced Human Anatomy Laboratory (3 credits)
Overview
Anatomy & Cell Biology : A laboratory course exploring human anatomy education through regionally focused dissection-based projects and applications of technology in anatomy teaching and learning.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Venne, Gabriel (Winter)
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ANAT 565 Diseases-Membrane Trafficking (3 credits)
Overview
Anatomy & Cell Biology : This course will examine how research into diseases has played a key role in unraveling the intricate molecular mechanisms controlling membrane trafficking in mammalian cells. Membrane trafficking disorders fall into two groups those arising from a) membrane-associated or b) cytoskeletal defect. Topics include a) mechanisms of endosomal maturation, lysosomal storage disorders and rab protein-mediated vesicular trafficking and b) rho GTPase and cytoskeletal binding protein mediated trafficking associated with neurological diseases and cancer.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Presley, John; Lefrancois, Stephane; Lamarche, Nathalie; Nilsson, Tommy; Pshezhetsky, Alexei (Winter)
Prerequisite: ANAT 365
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NEUR 310 Cellular Neurobiology (3 credits)
Overview
Neurology and Neurosurgery : A survey of the functional organization of nerve cells, signalling in the nervous system, and principles of neural development. Topics include cell polarity, neurotransmitters, neurotrophins, receptors and second messengers, cell lineage, guidance of axon outgrowth, and nerve regeneration. Emphasis will be placed on analysis of neurons at the molecular level.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Cloutier, Jean-Francois; Ragsdale, David S; Kennedy, Timothy E; Fournier, Alyson Elise; Sossin, Wayne Steven; Ruthazer, Edward; Fortin, Jerome (Winter)
6-7 credits of biologically oriented courses (BOC) selected from:
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ANAT 314 Human Musculoskeletal Anatomy
(3 credits)
Overview
Anatomy & Cell Biology : Introduction to the gross anatomy of the musculoskeletal system (bone, joints, muscles and neurovascular structures) of the head, neck, trunk, upper and lower limb regions of the human body, emphasizing functional anatomy and including surface anatomy and imaging. Exploration of the human body through cadaveric prosections, imaging and other materials.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Rolian, Campbell (Winter)
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ANAT 321 Circuitry of the Human Brain (3 credits)
Overview
Anatomy & Cell Biology : This course explores the functional organization of the human brain and spinal cord. The course focuses on how neuronal systems are designed to subserve specific motor, sensory, and cognitive operations.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Ragsdale, David S (Fall)
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ANAT 322 Neuroendocrinology (3 credits)
Overview
Anatomy & Cell Biology : A lecture course describing brain-endocrine relationships. Emphasis on modern experimental evidence and conceptual developments within the field.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Walker, Claire; Stroh, Thomas; Tamilia, Michael; Cermakian, Nicolas; Bernard, Daniel; Kokoeva, Maia; Storch, Kai-Florian (Winter)
Winter
3 hours lecture
Prerequisite: PHGY 210.
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ANAT 365 Cellular Trafficking (3 credits)
Overview
Anatomy & Cell Biology : This course explores the fundamental mechanisms that govern the organizations of intracellular membranes, how vesicle generation is signaled, how the membranes curve and bud, and how vesicles know where to go and fuse. In addition to intracellular vesicles, the principles of mitochondrial dynamics and process of cellular autophagy are examined. Also, there is a focus on "Applied Cell Biology", with respect to how the exquisite regulation of cellular transport plays a central role in complex biological systems. A series of modules will take students through the mechanisms of cellular polarity, neurotransmission, metabolic cell biology, pathogen invasion, and more. The emphasis is on the morphological aspects of the processes, and on the major techniques that led to discovery.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Zeytuni, Natalie; McBride, Heidi; Kennedy, Timothy E; Stroh, Thomas; Presley, John; Sossin, Wayne Steven; Estall, Jennifer (Fall)
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ANAT 381 Experimental Embryology (3 credits)
Overview
Anatomy & Cell Biology : The basic processes of reproduction and embryonic development, such as molecular signaling; cell-cell interaction; differentiation; cell fate determination; genetic and epigenetic control of embryonic development.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Nagano, Makoto; Ao, Asangla; Ryan, Aimee; Clarke, Hugh; Tanny, Jason (Fall)
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ANAT 565 Diseases-Membrane Trafficking (3 credits)
Overview
Anatomy & Cell Biology : This course will examine how research into diseases has played a key role in unraveling the intricate molecular mechanisms controlling membrane trafficking in mammalian cells. Membrane trafficking disorders fall into two groups those arising from a) membrane-associated or b) cytoskeletal defect. Topics include a) mechanisms of endosomal maturation, lysosomal storage disorders and rab protein-mediated vesicular trafficking and b) rho GTPase and cytoskeletal binding protein mediated trafficking associated with neurological diseases and cancer.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Presley, John; Lefrancois, Stephane; Lamarche, Nathalie; Nilsson, Tommy; Pshezhetsky, Alexei (Winter)
Prerequisite: ANAT 365
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BIOL 300 Molecular Biology of the Gene (3 credits)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : A survey of current knowledge and approaches in the area of regulation of gene expression, post-transcriptional control of gene expression, and signal transduction.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Schöck, Frieder; Moon, Nam Sung (Fall)
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BIOL 301 Cell and Molecular Laboratory (4 credits)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : An introduction to biology research and communication with a focus on cell and molecular biology. Through conducting a series of project-based experiments and writing a final report, molecular and synthetic biology techniques such as gene cloning, manipulation, protein isolation and characterization and how research is conducted, analyzed and communicated will be addressed. In addition, an introduction to bioinformatics methods and their role in analysis will be provided.
Terms: Fall 2024, Winter 2025
Instructors: Hayer, Arnold; Harrison, Paul; Zheng, Huanquan; Leroux, Maxime (Fall) Zheng, Huanquan; Harrison, Paul; Leroux, Maxime; Hayer, Arnold (Winter)
Fall or Winter
1 hour lecture and one 6-hour laboratory
Prerequisites: BIOL 200, BIOL 201 (or ANAT 212/BIOC 212); or BIOL 219
Restrictions: Not open to students who have taken or are taking BIOC 300, or BIOC 220 and BIOC 320. Requires departmental approval.
For approval email maxime.leroux [at] mcgill.ca. Specify your ID number as well as the term and two lab day preferences.
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BIOL 303 Developmental Biology (3 credits)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : A consideration of the fundamental processes and principles operating during embryogenesis. Experimental analyses at the molecular, cellular, and organismal levels will be presented and discussed to provide an overall appreciation of developmental phenomena.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Gerhold, Abigail; Rao, Yong; Dufort, Daniel (Winter)
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BIOL 306 Neural Basis of Behaviour (3 credits)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : Neural mechanisms of animal behaviour; neuroethology; cellular neurophysiology, integrative networks within nervous systems; neural control of movement; processing of sensory information.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Sakata, Jon; Dent, Joseph Alan (Fall)
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BIOL 313 Eukaryotic Cell Biology (3 credits)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : In-depth examination of the structure and function of eukaryotic cells, with an emphasis on experimental design and interpretation. Examination of the molecular mechanisms of various cellular processes, including protein homeostasis, intracellular transport, cytoskeletal dynamics, multicellular organization and cell proliferation.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Weber, Stephanie (Winter)
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BIOL 314 Molecular Biology of
Cancer (3 credits)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : The molecular basis of human cancers, including analyzing the events that promote the formation of oncogenes and inhibit tumour suppressor genes, the biochemical properties of the proteins encoded by these genes, and their functions. Current molecular targets for cancer therapy and the concepts and consequences of inheriting mutations in genes that predispose to cancer.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Dankort, David (Winter)
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BIOL 320 Evolution of Brain and Behaviour (3 credits)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : Functional and comparative approach to neuroanatomy, examining how species changes in brain organization contribute to evolutionary changes in behaviour.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Woolley, Sarah; Sakata, Jon (Winter)
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COMP 204 Computer Programming for Life Sciences (3 credits)
Overview
Computer Science (Sci) : Computer Science (Sci): Computer programming in a high level language: variables, expressions, types, functions, conditionals, loops, objects and classes. Introduction to algorithms, modular software design, libraries, file input/output, debugging. Emphasis on applications in the life sciences.
Terms: Fall 2024, Winter 2025
Instructors: Becerra, David (Fall) Siddiqi, Kaleem (Winter)
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EXMD 504 Biology of Cancer (3 credits)
Overview
Experimental Medicine : An introduction to the biology of malignancy. A multidisciplinary approach dealing with the etiology of cancer, the biological properties of malignant cells, the host response to tumour cell growth and the principles of cancer therapy.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Garzia, Livia; Teodoro, Jose Guerreiro; Gold, Phil; Brodt, Penina; Tonin, Patricia; Bailey, Swneke; Fortin, Jerome; Malagón, Talía; Jung, Sungmi; Labbé, David (Fall)
Fall
Prerequisite (Undergraduate): A good knowledge of biology at the cellular and molecular level. Open to U3 and graduate students only
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NEUR 310 Cellular Neurobiology (3 credits)
Overview
Neurology and Neurosurgery : A survey of the functional organization of nerve cells, signalling in the nervous system, and principles of neural development. Topics include cell polarity, neurotransmitters, neurotrophins, receptors and second messengers, cell lineage, guidance of axon outgrowth, and nerve regeneration. Emphasis will be placed on analysis of neurons at the molecular level.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Cloutier, Jean-Francois; Ragsdale, David S; Kennedy, Timothy E; Fournier, Alyson Elise; Sossin, Wayne Steven; Ruthazer, Edward; Fortin, Jerome (Winter)
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NEUR 502 Basic and Clinical Aspects of Neuroimmunology (3 credits)
Overview
Neurology and Neurosurgery : The role of inflammation in physiological function of the nervous system, as well as in a broad range of neurological diseases where inflammation can act as a contributing factor to the development of pathology or promote recovery, including fundamentals of neuroimmunology to molecular/cellular aspects of neuroinflammation underlying the pathology seen in clinical conditions.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Zhang, Ji; Antel, Jack P; Cermakian, Nicolas; Stratton, Jo Anne (Winter)
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PATH 300 Human Disease (3 credits)
Overview
Pathology : Provides a fundamental understanding of the diseases prevalent in North America, for upper level students in the biological sciences. Includes: general responses of cells and organ systems to injury; assessment of individual diseases by relating the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and prevention to the primary biological abnormalities in each disorder.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Zorychta, Edith (Winter)
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PHAR 300 Drug Action (3 credits)
Overview
Pharmacology and Therapeutics : Principles of pharmacology and toxicology. Frequently encountered drugs will be used as a focus to illustrate sites and mechanisms of action, distribution, metabolism, elimination and adverse side effects.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Zorychta, Edith; Thanabalasuriar, Ajitha; Bernard, Daniel (Fall)
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PHAR 301 Drugs and Disease (3 credits)
Overview
Pharmacology and Therapeutics : This course further explores the basic principles of pharmacology as illustrated by drugs used in the treatment of disease. Emphasis is placed on drugs used for diseases prevalent in North America.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Castagner, Bastien (Winter)
Winter
Prerequisite: PHAR 300