SCIENCES New Courses 1
ABORIGINAL STUDIES ABS240Y1 Ecological Interactions: Intro to Aboriginal and Western Sciences Introduction to methodologies and applications of Aboriginal and Western sciences, with an emphasis on environmental change, animal behaviour, evolution, sustainable practices, and implications of intrinsic ecological connections. Exploratory labs, often outdoors, develop literacy and skills in each paradigm as well as critical thought, creative reflection, and synthesis of knowledge. DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY CHM101H1 The Chemistry and Biology of Organic Molecules: Sex Drugs and Rock and Roll! An introduction to chemistry and chemical principles for non-scientists, with a focus on the chemistry and biology of organic molecules. The myriad roles these compounds play in our lives is discussed, including their use as pheromones, medicines and weapons, and their effect on colour, taste and smell. CHM446H1 Organic Materials Chemistry This course covers design, synthesis, characterization and application of organic materials. Emphasis is placed on classic examples of organic materials including semiconducting polymers, molecular devices, self-assembled systems, and bioconjugates, as well as recent advances from the literature. DEPARTMENT OF CELL AND SYSTEMS BIOLOGY BIO130H1 Molecular and Cell Biology One of the goals of modern biology is to understand how the basic building blocks of life give rise to biological form and function. This course provides students with a common lexicon to understand the key principles and concepts in molecular and cell biology, with a focus on how the building blocks of life lead to functioning cells. BIO230H1 From Genes to Organisms The genome is the "book of life", providing instructions to construct an organism. This course introduces genome biology and explores how the building blocks of life are networked into functioning organisms. We will investigate how cells perceive internal and external cues, how gene expression is shaped by this perception, and how these events give rise to the myriad of life around us. DEPARTMENT OF ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY BIO120H1 Adaptation and Biodiversity Principles and concepts of evolution and ecology related to origins of adaptation and biodiversity. Mechanisms and processes driving biological diversification illustrated from various perspectives using empirical and theoretical approaches. Topics include: genetic diversity; natural selection; speciation; physiological, population and community ecology; global change biology; conditions for coexistence; conservation, species extinction, and invasion biology. BIO220H1 From Genomes to Ecosystems in a Changing World Dynamics of genetic and ecological change in biological systems, from genomes to ecosystems. Evolutionary genetic and ecological perspectives on wide-ranging topics including disease, aging, sexual conflict, genetics of human differences, conservation, and global climate change. Applications of evolutionary, ecological, and molecular-genetic principles and processes. Responsibilities of human societies in a changing world. EEB266H1 Animal Diversity: Invertebrates This course explores the diversity of invertebrates animals (e.g. sponges, jellyfish, flatworms, molluscs, annelids, nematodes, anthropods and echinoderms), focusing on the special 2
attributes and biological requirements of different groups, how they function in their natural environments, and what makes each group vulnerable to human-based exploitation. Labs emphasize recognition of major groups, and use living organisms when possible, but involve no invasive procedures. EEB267H1 Animal Diversity: Vertebrates This course explores the diversity of chordate animals (vertebrates, tunicates, and lancelets), focusing on morphological physiological, ecological and behavioural traits that make each group special and how those traits increase vulnerability to human-based exploitation. Labs involve living organisms whenever possible, but only for display purposes. EHJ351H1 The Ecology of Human Population Growth Predicting human population growth is important to society. How many people can Earth support and what constraints on lifestyle will be imposed by different population sizes? Topics include: principles of demography; history of scientific bases for predicting human population growth; uncertainty in growth predictions; ecological consequences of population growth; impacts of behavioural or evolutionary change on population growth; philosophical and political issues affecting human population regulation. EHJ352H1 Evolution of the Human Genome Human genome diversity and evolution, with a focus on current research. The course integrates application of human evolutionary genomics to the understanding of human history and adaptation, the causes of disease, and genome structure and function. Topics include: comparative genomics, population genomics of adaptation, association mapping, repetitive/selfish DNA, and gene duplication. EEB382H1 Diversity of Fishes The systematics, morphology, ecology, behaviour, biogeography, and conservation of fishes. Identification of major groups of fish; what makes each group biologically special and how those unique traits might contribute to conservation concerns. Laboratories focus on exercises designed to highlight how ichthyologists do research. (Not offered in 2010-11) EEB397Y1 Research Project in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology An intermediate research project requiring the prior consent of a member of the Department to supervise the project. The topic is to be one mutually agreed on by the student and supervisor. They must arrange the time, place, and provision of any materials and submit to the Undergraduate Office a signed form of agreement outlining details prior to being enrolled. This course is open to highly self-motivated students who are in their Third Year and have a strong interest in ecology and/or evolutionary biology. Students are required to write up the results of their research in a formal paper, often in the format of a research article, and may be required to present the results at a poster session and/or participate in an oral presentation. Students should contact their potential supervisors over the summer before classes begin in September. EEB488H1Y Research Issues in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology This course is taken concurrently by students who are enrolled in EEB498Y1 Advanced Research Project in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, and uses a combination of seminars, discussions and presentations (including presentations by students) designed to cover issues commonly encountered when conducting research in ecology and evolutionary biology. Topics may include: experimental design, effective use of statistics, scientific writing and publishing, public communication, ethics, and career development. Students will be required to attend departmental seminars. This is a half-course that runs from Sept. to April and meets in alternate weeks. 3
CENTRE FOR ENVIRONMENT ENV430H1 Environment and Health of Vulnerable Populations The seminar introduces students to a wide range of topics and issues as they relate to the environment and health of vulnerable populations. Through readings and discussion, students will explore the potential health effects of exposures in children and other vulnerable populations to a variety of chemical and physical agents in both the indoor and outdoor environments. A number of case studies or topics will be examined to exemplify why certain populations may be especially vulnerable to various environmental hazards. Issues related to equity and justice will also be examined. FACULTY OF FORESTRY FOR203H1 Introduction to Arboriculture Introduction to the production, establishment and management of trees in urban environments; their taxonomy, growth and health; tree appraisal and risk assessment and mitigation FOR309H1 Urban Forestry Internship Students will complete an internship with a suitable company, agencies or NGO with an emphasis on work experience in the practical aspects of arboriculture and/or urban forest management. The internship will consist of a minimum of 300 hours of employment to be completed during the summer after third year of the Specialist in Urban Forestry. FOR421Y1 Urban Forest Management Plan Working in groups of 3 to 4, students develop and defend publicly a comprehensive urban forest management plan covering a 20 year time frame and addressing arboricultural plans, urban forest conservation policies, public engagement strategies, human and financial resource planning, etc. HUMAN BIOLOGY PROGRAM HMB325H1 Statistics Applied to Human Biology Find out how to use statistics in your research, and critically assess published data using statistical concepts. Unlike other statistics courses, the examples used in these lectures and small-group sessions are taken solely from human biology studies. HMB396Y0 International Research Project in Human Biology Your individual, independent research project is supervised by a faculty member in an approved partner university. This unique opportunity to conduct a lab-based research project is open to students in any Human Biology program. Requires approval of the Human Biology Program from whom application forms may be obtained. This is a credit/no-credit course. HMB442H1 Topics in Epidemiology The focus is on the theory and application of biostatistics and epidemiology to current developments in special topics in substantive areas of epidemiology (e.g., chronic disease, environmental & occupational health, infectious disease, methods, social). HMB496Y1 Summer Research Project in Human Biology An independent summer research project supervised by a faculty member of the Faculty of Arts and Science or the Faculty of Medicine. HMB497H1 Scientific Communication 2 Pursue independent literature research on topics in areas of current human biology study. Hone your critical & creative thinking, communication, and information literacy skills before graduate school. Produce proposals, manuscripts and presentations. 4
DEPARTMENT OF LABORATORY MEDICINE AND PATHOLOGY LMP415H1 Forensic Pathobiology A thematic review of the major scientific areas and research controversies in forensic medicine. The approach is mechanistic analysis and evidence-based medicine. Classical forensic medicine is critically analyzed with emphasis on experimental methods to resolve controversies. We also explore how the justice system utilizes medical and scientific data. DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS MAT271H1 Insights from Mathematics This breadth course is accessible to students with limited mathematical background. Various mathematical techniques will be illustrated with examples from humanities and social science disciplines. Some of the topics will incorporate user friendly computer explorations to give participants the feel of the subject without requiring skill at calculations. MAT332H1 Intro to Graph Theory This course will explore the following topics: Graphs, Subgraphs, Isomorphism, Trees, Connectivity, Euler and Hamiltonian Properties, Matchings, Vertex and Edge Colourings, Planarity, Network Flows and Strongly Regular Graphs. Participants will be encouraged to use these topics and execute applications to such problems as timetabling, tournament scheduling, experimental design and finite geometries. MAT475H1 Problem-solving seminar This course addresses the question: How do you attack a problem the likes of which you ve never seen before? Students will apply Polya s principles of mathematical problem solving, draw upon their previous mathematical knowledge, and explore the creative side of mathematics in solving a variety of interesting problems and explaining those solutions to others. PHARMACEUTICAL CHEMISTRY PHC420H1 Application of Medicinal Chemistry to Pharmacology The topics in this course explore the relation between the chemistry of drugs and their therapeutic effects. PHC421Y1 Biomolecular Interactions and Thermodynamics This course provides students with a fundamental knowledge of the thermodynamics of the non-covalent interactions important in biochemical interactions and drug development. PHC461H1 Clinical Drug Development This course is designed to broaden student's understanding of the development and licensing of new drugs and how scientific principles, ethics, governmental regulations and commercial considerations are coordinated for designing clinical trials. The format involves lectures, group discussion and student presentations. DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS PHY385H1 Introduction to Optics An introduction to the physics of light. Topics covered include: electromagnetic waves and propagation of light; the Huygens and Fermat principles; Geometrical Optics and optical instruments; Interference of waves and diffraction; Polarization; Introduction to photons, lasers, and optical fibers. DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHOLOGY PSY405H1 Individual Projects An intensive laboratory or applied research project under the supervision of a staff member. Will be approved by the Department only when the student and staff member can show that the project is academically demanding and uniquely suitable for the individual student in 5
terms of the rest of the student s program. Note: Projects spread out over the full academic year are still only worth a half credit. PSY406H1 Individual Projects An intensive laboratory or applied research project under the supervision of a staff member. Will be approved by the Department only when the student and staff member can show that the project is academically demanding and uniquely suitable for the individual student in terms of the rest of the student s program. Note: Projects spread out over the full academic year are still only worth a half credit. PSY414H1 Moral Development Examination of cognitive-developmental, psychoanalytic, sociobiological, behaviouristic and cultural-anthropological approaches to moral development. Issues covered include definitions of morality, the relationship between moral judgment and action, gender differences and commonalities, and the role of culture in moral development. PSY417H1 Aging and Social Cognition Examines theory and research in the social cognitive aspect of aging. Topics range from impression formation and causal attributions to perceptions of control and emotions. PSY424H1 Social Psychology of Interpersonal Relationships This course focuses on the social psychology of interpersonal relationships between and among individuals, especially romantic or close relationships and friendships. It surveys what social psychologists have learned about the development, maintenance, disruption or dissolution of personal relationships, as well as current social psychological theories of interpersonal relationships. PSY425H1 Self-Consciousness The distinguishing feature of our species is the reflexivity of our consciousness - the ability to conceive of and interpret ourselves and our experiences. All our higher symbolic capabilities rest upon this foundation. The aim of this multidisciplinary course is to trace out a variety of interpretive frames through which we may look at and better understand self-awareness. PSY427H1 Psychology and the Mass Media This multidisciplinary course examines how we come to know ourselves and our world, and to feel, judge, and act through the simulative mediation of mass communication. The intent is to provide students with greater understanding of the highly commodified symbolic environment that surrounds them and to which they continually respond and react as audience. PSY434H1 Maps of Meaning: The Architecture of Belief Culture appears to have a narrative structure. Animal learning and neuropsychological theory helps us understand how narratives might regulate emotion. Threat of broad scale emotional dysregulation motivates individuals to protect their cultures. PSY435H1 Environmental Psychology A review of the field of positive psychology, which is the study of fulfillment and personal growth. The focus is on empirical research regarding the development of healthy, productive, and resilient individuals. Topics include: subjective well-being, optimism, flow experiences, self-control and emotional intelligence, social support and empathy. PSY450H1 History of Psychology Philosophical predecessors and early development of modern psychology; schools of thought and shifting areas of theory and research. History and philosophy of science, in general. Current systems and theories. 6
PSY473H1 Social Cognitive Neuroscience Social cognitive neuroscience is an emerging interdisciplinary field that seeks to integrate theories of social psychology and cognitive neuroscience to understand behavior at three fundamentally interrelated levels of analysis (social, cognitive, and neural). Topics such as self-regulation, cooperation, attitudes, and prejudice will be examined. PSY475H1 Attention and Performance Visual attention; attentional selection for object recognition, feature integration, and action; movements of attention; eye-hand coordination, eye movements, limb movements. Models of attention and motor control. PSY492H1 Neurobiology of Learning and Memory Understanding the complexities of how the mammalian nervous system acquires and stores information and how it transforms this information into appropriate behavior is fundamentally important to our understanding of both animal and human behavior. This course explores empirical and theoretical contributions to our understanding of the neural basis of learning and memory. PSY493H1 Cognitive Neuroscience The use of higher cortical functions to study cognitive processes in humans and other primates. Some topics the course covers are: hemispheric specialization, emotion and the cerebral hemispheres, organization of language after brain damage, amnesia, aging. PSY494H1 Physiology and Psychology of Emotion The role of brain and body in expression and experience of emotion in humans, considered theoretically and through the experimental, physiological and clinical literatures. 7