Course Descriptions

This course will cover introductory concepts of bacterial and viral pathogens and their interactions with their host. Humans live in constant contact with bacteria and viruses but few cause symptoms. Viral pathogens are distinct from the normal flora in that they cause diseases. Bacterial pathogens are sometimes distinct from the normal flora and sometimes depending on the host environment, normally commensal bacteria can become pathogenic. Bacteria often gain entry to normally sterile locations in the body, and viruses are obligate intracellular parasites and must exploit the host cell for all aspects of their life cycle.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours
Prerequisite(s): BMSC 200.3 and BMSC 210.3.
Note: Students can take no more than two of the three following courses for credit: BMIS 308.3, MCIM 308.3, and MCIM 309.3.

This course focuses on the theoretical considerations and practical applications concerned with protein and enzyme function. Topics to be covered include protein purification, structure, enzyme kinetics, regulation of protein activity, protein analysis by mass spectrometry and antibodies. Laboratories will provide experience with the determination of structural and functional properties of proteins through ultracentrifugation, chromatography, electrophoresis, kinetics, phosphoamino acid identification, Western blotting and mass spectrometry-based bioinformatics analysis. Laboratories will also afford students the opportunity to hone their critical thinking and communication skills through the maintenance of a detailed laboratory notebook that accurately records experimental procedures and any associated data or observations, and the submission of related laboratory reports or assignments.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours and 4 Practicum/Lab hours
Prerequisite(s): BMSC 240.3 and CHEM 250.3
Note: Students with credit for BIOC 310 or BIOC 341 or BIOC 429 cannot take this course for credit.

This introductory virology course will explore the basic concepts about the biology of viruses with special focus on human viral pathogens. The major scientific milestones in the field of virology and the common themes in the replication cycle of major groups of viruses will be discussed. The topics covered include virus entry into cells, replication, production of infectious particles and transmission between host organisms, host-virus interactions, host antiviral immune responses, viral countermeasures to host defenses, vector transmission of viruses, vaccines, antivirals, viral diagnostics, surveillance, viral vectors, oncolytic viruses, techniques used to study viruses etc. Additionally, selected major human viral diseases and the biology of the associated viruses will be discussed in detail.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours
Prerequisite(s): BMSC 200.3, BMSC 210.3, and BMSC 220.3.

This course will provide a multidisciplinary introduction to the field of vaccinology. This includes historical perspectives on the emergence and evolution of vaccines, to modern strategies of vaccine development, formulation, and delivery. Through consideration of the processes involved in licensing and manufacturing, students will gain insight into the mechanisms and priorities to ensure vaccine efficacy and safety. The impacts of vaccines on human and animal health, including mechanisms of vaccine-induced protection, both at individual and population levels, will be considered and supported by case studies.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours
Prerequisite(s): BMSC 210.3.

The immune system is formed by a network of distinct cell types that collaborate with the major purpose of protecting our bodies from infectious pathogens such as bacterium and viruses. This system begins to develop during fetal gestation and is continuously remodeled, or edited, over our lifespan. A dysfunctional immune system not only increases our susceptibility to infections, but also contributes to the development of autoimmune diseases and cancer. This course will focus on providing a fundamental understanding of: 1) what types of immune cell exist, 2) where these cells come from, 3) what regulates immune cells and 4) ultimately how these cells function to keep us healthy.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours
Prerequisite(s): BMSC 200.3 and BMSC 210.3
Note: Students with credit for MCIM 321 or MCIM 421 or MCIM 821 or BMIS 821 may not take this course for credit.

This course explores how bacteria perform essential functions and adapt to diverse environments. You will learn about the bacterial cell envelope and surface, import and export of nutrients and macromolecules, regulation of gene expression and processes, and how bacteria generate specialized cellular forms. You will examine these topics through the analysis of classic and current literature, using a combination of lectures, activities and discussions. You will also gain an understanding of how bacterial processes are relevant for human health and biotechnology, such as the development of new antibiotics and vaccines.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours
Prerequisite(s): BMSC 210.3 and BMSC 230.3.
Prerequisite(s) or Corequisite(s): BMSC 320.3.

Molecular biology, the manipulation of organisms at the genetic level, has been essential for many of the key biological discoveries of the late 20thcentury and will drive the future of research and medicine for generations to come. This course will prepare students to view various techniques not as individual experiments, but as the steps and tools which can be linked together to make new discoveries and solve long standing problems of biology. An introduction to the underlying fundamental aspects of living systems: covering cell biology, genetics and the evolutionary processes which lead to complex, multi-cellular life forms.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours and 4 Practicum/Lab hours
Prerequisite(s): BMSC 240.3; BMSC 210.3; and BMSC 220.3 or BIOL 226.3
Note: Students with credit for BIOC 311.3 or MCIM 391.3 may not take this course for credit

This is a Course-based Undergraduate Research Experience (CURE) course. Students will be provided with a collection of results and observations from suitable experimental systems provided by local faculty. In teams of up to four, students will be coached in developing a “next step” hypothesis and designing protocols to test their hypothesis. Once the experiment has been acceptably designed, each team will determine reagents required, prepare necessary reagents, set up equipment, carry out the experiment, analyze the results and prepare a formal journal-style report that describes the experimental purpose, the methods, the results and the conclusions.

Weekly hours: 2 Lecture hours and 3 Practicum/Lab hours
Prerequisite(s): BMSC 210.3 and BMSC 240.3
Pre or Corequisite(s): BMIS 340.3
Note: BMSC 320.3, MCIM 326.3 or BIOC 300.3 recommended. Students will be required to successfully complete the online U of S Safety Resources “WHMIS 2015” and “Laboratory Safety” courses prior to initiating individual laboratory work. Some time will be available in the first week lab session. Students may be required to complete these courses outside of scheduled course time during week 1. Students with credit for MCIM 398.3 Team Based Experimental Microbiology may not take this course for credit.

The principles and applications of techniques used in microbiology and immunology are covered with an emphasis on problem solving by experimentation. Included are methods relating to safe handling, growth and identification of microbes and methods for studying virology and immunology.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours and 4 Practicum/Lab hours
Prerequisite(s): BMIS 321.3 and BMSC 240.3
Note:: Students with credit in MCIM 390 may not take this course for credit.

Offered occasionally by visiting faculty and in other special situations to cover, in depth, topics that are not thoroughly covered in regularly offered courses.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours

Offered occasionally by visiting faculty and in other special situations to cover, in depth, topics that are not thoroughly covered in regularly offered courses.

Students in their final year of the Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology program are required to attend the seminar series sponsored by the Department.

Prerequisite(s): 9 credit units of BIOC, BMIS and/or MCIM courses
Note: BIOC 490.0 or MCIM 490.0 fulfill program requirements for this course.

This is a lecture-based course that will focus on the advanced principles of protein structure, stability and biological function. In addition, techniques used to study protein structure will be introduced and illustrated with practical examples and problems.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours
Prerequisite(s): BMIS 310.3
Note: Students with credit for BMST 305 or BIOC 405 will not receive credit for this course.

This course focuses on engineering and rational design of proteins. Topics that will be covered include protein 3-dimensional structure, structure prediction, non-covalent interactions and stability, computational evolution, rational design, high-throughput screening, antibodies, directed evolution, design of novel fold, assembly and enzyme, gain-of-function enzymes, and incorporation of noncanonical amino acids.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours
Prerequisite(s): BMIS 310.3 and CHEM 250.3
Note: Students with credit for BIOC 334 and BIOC 412 and BMIS 812 will not receive credit for this course.

Concepts in the molecular biology of Viruses are considered. The course covers molecular biological themes common to life cycles of all viruses, including virion structure, virus entry, gene expression, genome replication, assembly, release, and virus-host interactions. In addition, representative members of animal virus families are used as models to illustrate specific viological events and modern methods to study viruses.

Prerequisite(s): BMSC 200.3, 210.3, 220.3.
Note: MCIM 326.3 is recommended. Students with credit for MCIM 417 or MCIM 817 or BMIS 817 may not take this course for credit..

Considers how the activation of innate and adaptive immune mechanisms contribute to pathology. Topics include basic mechanisms of immune-cell migration and inflammation, functions of cytokines, antibody and cell-mediated hypersensitivity reactions and their role in disease processes as seen in allergies, transplantation and autoimmunity.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours
Prerequisite(s): BMIS 321.3
Note: Students with credit for MCIM 423 will not receive credit for this course.

Explores ways in which microbial pathogens interact with their hosts from a molecular and genetics perspective. Topics include: general pathogenic mechanisms of bacteria, bacterial virulence factors and their genetic regulation; molecular genetic approaches to studying pathogenesis; and various model systems which have been used to understand pathogenic mechanisms.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours
Prerequisite(s): BMSC 320.3
Note: Students with credit for MCIM 425 and BMIS 825 will not receive credit for this course.

This course provides current knowledge of the biochemical and clinical aspects of human cancer. The course will focus on the importance of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes and other topics such as tumor formation and metastasis, apoptosis, cancer epigenetics, signal transduction mechanisms, and drug resistance, drug development, and biochemical and clinical importance of tumor models.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours
Prerequisite(s): BMSC 230.3, BMSC 240.3 and CHEM 250.3
Note: Students with credit for BIOC 430.3, BIOC 830.3 or BMIS 830.3 will not receive credit for this course.

Metabolism is the set of chemical reactions that occur in living organisms to produce energy and substrates that are necessary to sustain life. This course will explore cellular and organismal metabolism with a focus on the relationships between key metabolic pathways and genetic and acquired human diseases. Topics will include diabetes and obesity as well as other diseases of amino acid, carbohydrate, lipid and vitamin cofactor metabolism.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours
Prerequisite(s): BMSC 230.3, BMSC 320.3 and CHEM 250.3
Note: Students with credit for BIOC 435 will not receive credit for this course.

This course exposes students to advanced topics in molecular biology including methods and strategies to utilize and analyze genes and their expression in cells and whole organisms. Topics include: delivery of genes into cells and animals and their applications; how to knock-out genes or knock-in new features to a gene; the molecular basis of disease including epigenetics; how to edit genomes with CRISPR/Cas9; single-cell analysis and technology; introduction to the various sub-disciplines in “omics” research and the differences between “omics” and hypothesis-driven research; and introduction to current approaches used in DNA forensics including ancestry-related DNA analyses.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours
Prerequisite(s): BMIS 340.3
Note: Students with credit for BIOC 436 will not receive credit for this course.

Bacterial and bacteriophage genetic systems will be dissected with a view to understanding their genomes, gene regulation, replication, mutagenesis, repair, and recombination, and their practical use as tools for molecular genetics experimentation and biotechnology.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours and 1 Tutorial hours
Prerequisite(s): BMSC 320.3
Note: BIOL 226 is strongly recommended. Students with credit for MICR 386, MICR 387 or MCIM 387 may not take MCIM 487 for credit.

In this course, students have an exciting opportunity to carry out their own research project under the supervision of a faculty member and to further develop critical thinking skills. Students will learn how to review the scientific literature relevant to a specific research problem; how to develop a hypothesis and set specific objectives; and how to design and execute experiments. Students will also gain experience in analyzing and interpreting experimental data and learn how to write a scientific report. Students will also have an opportunity to present their project and findings to the department through an oral presentation.

Weekly hours: 8 Practicum/Lab hours
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Honours program in Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology.
Note: Permission of the department is required. Students with credit for BIOC 489.6 or MCIM 491.6 may not take this course for credit.

Offered occasionally by visiting faculty and in other special situations to cover, in depth, topics that are not thoroughly covered in regularly offered courses.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours

Offered occasionally by visiting faculty and in other special situations to cover, in depth, topics that are not thoroughly covered in regularly offered courses.

This course focuses on engineering and rational design of proteins. Topics that will be covered include protein 3-dimensional structure, structure prediction, non-covalent interactions and stability, computational evolution, rational design, high-throughput screening, antibodies, directed evolution, design of novel fold, assembly and enzyme, gain-of-function enzymes, and incorporation of noncanonical amino acids.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours and 1 Tutorial hours
Permission of instructor required.
Note: Students with credit for BIOC 812, BIOC 412, or BMIS 412 will not receive credit for this course.

Review various biochemical, genetic and molecular biological approaches in the study of model unicellular eukaryotic microorganisms, primarily Saccharomyces yeasts. Emphasis will be on genome organization and manipulation, DNA metabolism, control of gene expression and cell cycle regulation. The complete yeast genome sequence and its application will be discussed. Experimental strategies developed in these lower eukaryotes for the study of other organisms will also be discussed.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 226 (formerly BIOL 211) or permission of the instructor.
Note: Students with credit for MICR 816 or MCIM 816 will not receive credit for this course.

Considers the molecular details of virus replication and the host response to infection. Topics covered include virus structure, entry, replication, assembly and virus hose interactions. Molecular details and protein functions in the replication of DNA viruses and, + and - strand RNA viruses will be analyzed and compared. Seminars will be used to analyze current research papers and modern viral analysis techniques. This course is intended for graduate students who have not completed a senior undergraduate course in molecular Virology.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours and 1 Tutorial hours
Note: Students who have credit for MCIM 417 or MCIM 817 will not receive credit for this course.

The immune system is formed by a network of distinct cell types that collaborate with the major purpose of protecting our bodies from infectious pathogens such as bacterium and viruses. This system begins to develop during fetal gestation and is continuously remodeled, or edited, over our lifespan. A dysfunctional immune system not only increases our susceptibility to infections, but also contributes to the development of autoimmune diseases and cancer. This course will focus on providing a fundamental understanding of: 1) what types of immune cells exist, 2) where these cells come from, 3) what regulates immune cells and 4) ultimately how these cells function to keep us healthy.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours and 1 Practicum/Lab hours
Prerequisite(s): BMSC 210.
Note: Students with credit for MCIM 321, MCIM 421, MCIM 821, or BMIS 321 may not take this course for credit.

Considers how the activation of innate and adaptive immune mechanisms by microbial infections contribute to pathology. Topics include basic mechanisms of immune-cell migration and inflammation, functions of cytokines, antibody and cell-mediated hypersensitivity reactions and their role in disease processes as seen in allergies and autoimmunity. A portion is devoted transplantation immunology and to regulation of the immune response to tumors and parasites.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours and 3 Seminar/Discussion hours
Prerequisite(s): MCIM 321 (formerly MICR 421) or equivalent.
Note: Students with credit for MCIM 823 may not take this course for credit.

Explores the molecular mechanism of bacterial pathogenesis through landmark articles and current research papers. Topics include molecular mechanisms in bacterial pathogen, their genetic regulation, and cutting edge approaches and various model systems to study pathogenesis.

Weekly hours: 3 Seminar/Discussion hours
Note(s): Permission of the course instructor is required. Students with credit for BMIS 425.3, MICR 425.3, MCIM 425.3, or MCIM 825.3 may not take this course for credit.

This course, combined with BMIS 430 honours students, delves into the biochemical and clinical aspects of human cancer, emphasizing oncogenes, tumour suppressor genes, tumour formation, metastasis, apoptosis, signal transduction, and cancer treatment strategies. It also introduces the fundamentals of cancer metabolism. BMIS 830 students must undertake the “Advanced Topics in the Biochemistry of Cancer” module, requiring in-depth research from current literature and a term paper preparation. By the course's conclusion, BMIS 830 students will be proficient in understanding human cancer's biochemical and clinical facets, grasping the roles of key genes in cancer, discerning signal transduction pathways, comprehending cancer metabolism basics, enhancing communication and critical analysis skills, effectively searching the literature, evaluating, and reporting experimental design and data interpretation in recent publications.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours and 1.5 Practicum/Lab hours
Prerequisite(s): BMSC 220.3 (Cell Biology) or permission of the course coordinator.
Note: Students with credit for BIOC 830.3 or BMIS 430.3 will not receive credit for this course.

Modern and advanced methods and strategies of nucleic acid manipulation, and characterization of genes in cells and whole organisms are presented. Topics include PCR applications, delivery of genes into cells and animals, generation of transgenic and gene knockout animals, DNA fingerprinting, and aspects of molecular medicine such as screening approaches for genetic diseases.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours
Permission of the instructor required
Note: Students with credit for BIOC 836 will not receive credit for this course.

Current research in infectious disease and immunology will be presented and discussed weekly. Each term, each credit student will present a one-hour seminar on a review publication in one week and a one-hour seminar on a related, recent data paper from the literature in a second week. Each seminar will be followed by a one-hour discussion period between students and participating faculty. Non-presenting credit students will hand-in a one-page critical analysis of the manuscript prior to the start of each data paper seminar. Students will be assessed on comprehension and critical analysis of presented material, contribution to discussions and presentation skills.

Weekly hours: 1 Seminar/Discussion hours
Prerequisite(s): Permission of the course instructor is required.
Note: Students with credit for MCIM 860 may not take this course again for credit.

Current research in molecular microbiology and related areas will be presented and discussed by graduate students and faculty. Each term (T1 & T2) the student will present a seminar on a current research topic and will submit a critical essay on a focused area of research.

Weekly hours: 1 Seminar/Discussion hours
Note: Students with credit for MCIM 861 may not take this course again for credit.

These courses are offered occasionally by visiting faculty and in other special situations. Students interested in these courses should contact the department for more information.

These courses are offered occasionally by visiting faculty and in other special situations. Students interested in these courses should contact the department for more information.

All Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology graduate students must register annually for this course. This seminar series presents a wide range of topics from the life sciences and are held throughout the year. Students in the graduate program are required to attend these seminars and may also be required to attend seminars in related fields given in other departments or institutions on campus.

Students writing a Master's thesis must register for this course.

Students writing a Ph.D. thesis must register for this course.