Human Biology

An introductory course that explores the development, physiology and continually changing function of the nervous system as it relates to certain types of human behaviour. Critical analysis of scientific evidence is used to enrich learning.

Interdisciplinary course consisting of three parts: the genetic basis, tools and techniques of biotechnology; medical, environmental and agricultural applications; and ethical, legal and social aspects of biotechnology (including approaches to risk assessment, reduction and acceptance). A prime example used in the third part is the controversy over genetically modified foods.

An introductory course in Health and Disease using an interdisciplinary approach that integrates developmental human biology with perspectives from the Social Sciences. An exploration of the key concepts and approaches that are necessary for understanding the dynamic nexus of human health and disease.

An introductory course covering the theories, operational components and strategies of implementing primary health care in developing countries. Topics include education, control of vector borne diseases, essential drug provision, maternal and child health and nutrition and incorporation of alternative and complementary technologies, community participation and deployment of health service providers.

An introduction to the biological, health, environmental, and sociopolitical issues that influence human health and well-being. Topics include genetic variation within and across human populations, biological variation related to the environment, determinants of health and disease, and human behaviour and development.

An introduction to classical and modern methods of genetic analysis. Topics include Mendelian genetics, the genetics of human population and disease, genomics, and applications of genetics to human society.

This intermediate course in neuroscience focuses on higher brain functions and mechanisms underlying human and animal behaviours. Topics may include advanced neurophysiological, neuroanatomical and genetic basis of various cortical functions, including learning and memory, "mirroring", and executive function. Experimental techniques used in neuroscience research such as electrophysiological recordings, brain imaging and neurogenetics are emphasized.

Students gain an appreciation for how science, business, government and society drive the development of biotechnology products. Topics include stem cells and regenerative medicine, diagnostics, cancer therapy, biotechnology in the developing world, antibiotic alternatives, and patents.

Laboratory and lecture course studying the structure of the cell, various tissues and organ systems. Emphasis is on functional morphology and the adaptive response (including the inflammatory reaction) by comparing histological sections of normal tissues and organs with common diseases including neoplasia, respiratory, and liver disease.

A multidisciplinary emphasis on the economic, historical, social and cultural determinants of health and human rights, and how structural violence prevents progress towards human rights. Case studies reflecting global aspects of health and human rights form a framework for approaching these issues.

Advancing technology increases our ability to intervene in the course of natural events involving human health and well being. Questions arise as whether we ought to and who will benefit or be harmed. This course considers the far-reaching bioethical implications of emerging bio-technology. Topics to be explored include-but are not limited to- ethical considerations in emerging reproductive technologies, genetic alteration/genetic enhancement. Use of life support technologies, synthetic life, life extension.

A laboratory course based on current research techniques for students in the Neuroscience Specialist and Major programs. Lab topics may include human brain imaging and disorders; animal behaviour, electrophysiology and cell culture; and microarray analysis of neural development. (Lab Materials Fee: $50)

A laboratory course based on current research techniques for students in the Fundamental Genetics and its Applications specialist and major programs. Lab topics may include basic microbiology, molecular biology and animal cell culture techniques, nutrigenomics; and microarray analysis of altered gene expression. (Lab Materials Fee: $50)

A laboratory course based on current research techniques for students in the HMB: Health & Disease and HMB: Global Health programs. Lab topics may include basic microbiology, molecular biology and animal cell culture techniques, immunocytochemistry, microarrays, and histological techniques. (Lab Materials Fee: $50)

Students analyze whole body, cellular, and molecular responses to stress. Techniques range from those standard in medical practice (e.g., blood pressure) to those used in cutting-edge research laboratories (e.g., microarrays). Students gain technical and analytical skills as they use these laboratory techniques to design and carry out individual and group experiments. (Lab Materials Fee: $25)

This is a rigorous, introductory course that presents the functional and comparative anatomy of the vertebrate brain. It is designed for students who intend to continue with studies in the Neurosciences and related areas.

The overall theme of this course is human genetics in disease. Topics include the molecular basis of human disease, using model organisms to identify disease-related genes, and genetic counseling. Expert guest lectures from clinical and basic sciences as well as small group work in tutorials build in-depth understanding.

Explore the scientific basis and interdisciplinary healthcare practices of several diseases (diseases vary by year). Discuss current issues related to the biology and the impact of these diseases.

Globalization of health problems impacts biomedical research. Current global health research advances are explored and global health research skills are developed. Both provide background preparation for global health research, particularly in international settings.

(This course is not being offered in the 2017-2018 Academic Year. Students are advised to take STA288H1 instead.)

Find out how to use statistics in your research, and critically assess published data using statistical concepts. The examples used in these lectures and small-group sessions are taken solely from human biology studies.

Examination of all aspects of the synapse in both the peripheral and central nervous systems of invertebrates and vertebrates. Topics include: synapse formation, synaptic transmission, synaptic plasticity, learning and memory, and neurological disorders.

This course engages students in the fundamental science of epidemiology applied to health and disease. After an introduction to various measures of health and disease, the scientific methods used to investigate, analyze, prevent and control health problems will be illustrated using biomedical and public health examples.

Explores the pandemic of AIDS in Africa through a social science lens. (Given by Human Biology and New College)

Human genome diversity and evolution with a focus on current research. The course integrates applications 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.

Genetic basis of normal and abnormal function of the nervous system. Lecture topics include neural gene expression, regulation of chromatin and neuron function, genome wide association studies and disorders of brain and behaviour, optogenetic and pharmacogenetic techniques to probe neural circuit function. Tutorials emphasize critical analysis of primary research.

Your individual, independent research project is supervised by a faculty member in an approved university. This unique opportunity to conduct a lab-based research project is open to students in any Human Biology program. Coordinated by Centre for International Experience. Not eligible for CR/NCR option.

A research project is supervised by a faculty member of the Faculty of Arts and Science or the Faculty of Medicine. Not eligible for CR/NCR option. Applications for this course are due to the Human Biology Program Office no later than 15 days prior to the first day of F-term. For more information please check the Human Biology website.

Your individual, independent research project is supervised by a faculty member in an approved university. This unique opportunity to conduct a lab-based research project is open to students in any Human Biology program. Not eligible for CR/NCR option. Coordinated by Woodsworth College.

An instructor-supervised group project in an off-campus setting. Details at http://www.artsci.utoronto.ca/current/course/399. Not eligible for CR/NCR option.

This course introduces life science students to biomedical advances and technologies in medicine, including drug patents, medical device implants, diagnostic and medical device software. Limitations of patent protection in commercializing medical products, and limitations to scalability will also be discussed.

The bridge between basic scientific research and clinical practice integrates fundamental knowledge about molecular/cellular mechanisms and clinical disorders to increase the potential for new medical treatments, therapies and interventions as well as understanding of disease processes. Case applications delivered by experts illustrate how promising laboratory discoveries transform medicine and medical science.

Since research involving human subjects lays the foundation for innovation in modern health care, this course examines health care ethics along a continuum from bench to bedside. Ethical issues are discussed in the context of specific cases involving human research, as well as contemporary clinical practice.

This course focuses on the use of neuroimaging techniques in understanding how trauma, disorders, and disease impact neural structure and function. Lectures will focus on local and long-range neural impact of pathology and neuroimaging assessment. Lab work will focus on practical skills including image processing, analyses, and experimental design.

This seminar course focuses on recent research into the neurobiology underlying human behaviour. A variety of normal and abnormal human behaviours are studied (e.g., voluntary action, moral cognition, hedonism, aggression).

Theme based lecture and seminar course underlining current medical research in relation to the areas of genes, genetics and biotechnology. Topics vary yearly.

This course focuses on current medical research related to human disease. Faculty from the Department of Anesthesia, Faculty of Medicine present their own preoperative research. The potentially profound health effects of anesthesia, pain management, and the control of the cardiorespiratory system essential for most surgery are also highlighted.

Current research covering the breadth of neuroscience is showcased by members of the Collaborative Program in Neuroscience. These topical reports cover the spectrum from molecular through genetic, cellular, developmental, systems, behavioural and modelling. As well, approaches to studying neurodegenerative diseases and clinical neurophysiology are introduced.

This course explores innovation in research and technology in the field of applied genetics.

Lecture and seminar course emphasizing current research. Topics may include the digestive system, cardiovascular system, respiratory system, stem cells, and neoplasia. Topics vary depending on class interest.

Seminar and theme based course examining the opportunity to apply basic knowledge of biological determinants of disease to designing health system interventions and informatics that can have a global impact in the near term.

Introduction to complementary and alternative medical therapies. Topics include, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Naturopathy, Ayurvedic, and Mind-Body Practices. Physiological mechanisms will be emphasized and therapies will be critically analyzed from an evidence-based research perspective. Integrating alternative therapies into Western practices with a focus on personalized medicine will be discussed.

Theme-based lecture and seminar course underlining current basic science research in the area of molecular and cell biology as related to human disease. Topics focus on the impact of fundamental processes (e.g., cell migration) on the cellular and molecular aspects of physiology and pathophysiology in a variety of systems (e.g., immune, nervous).

This lecture-based course will familiarize students with fungi of public health importance, particularly those that cause disease in humans and other animals. The course will focus on the clinical presentation, pathophysiology, and treatment of fungal infections, as well as the ecology, physiology and evolutionary biology of the agents responsible. The course will also address other ways in which fungi influence human and animal health.

This course will discuss how heavy metals are integral to organ function through various biological pathways, the importance of metal regulation and control and its relationship with gene transcription. An introduction of metallo-therapeutics will also be featured, ranging from neuro-degenerative therapies to cancer treatment.

This course, featuring a service-learning component, explores dementia. In patients with dementia, intellectual, social and occupational functioning deteriorate. The course addresses the multi-disciplinary aspects of dementia (clinical, genetic, molecular, social) with a focus on the most common cause of dementia, Alzheimer's disease.

A short application to enrol in this course is required. Information may be found via the Human Biology Program website.

Toronto researchers present current insight into the genetics of specific human diseases: single gene (e.g., cystic fibrosis), chromosome (e.g, Down syndrome) and multifactorial inheritance (e.g., heart disease) disorders.

(This course is not offered for the 2016 - 2017 academic year)

Vitamin and mineral deficiencies, termed 'hidden hunger', affect about half the world's population. Explore the global nature, catastrophic consequences, and causes of these deficiencies. Discuss formulation and implementation of international, national, and local policies to alleviate 'hidden hunger' especially in infants and young children. A service-learning opportunity is integrated. Students will be required to contribute to a local community organization while using course knowledge to develop a project or initiative beneficial to the organization and community.

a short application to enrol in this course is required. Information may be found via the Human Biology Program website.

Proper development of the human brain is essential for human health. This course will examine how neurodevelopment failures contribute to neurological disorders and diseases, including epilepsy and autism. Current research from basic, translational, and clinical perspectives will be examined using case studies. The impact of neurodevelopmental disorders and diseases on the individual and community will be discussed.

Clinical medicine is making rapid progress in predicting individual patients' disease risk, prevention, diagnosis and treatment. This new health care delivery requires overcoming major science and policy challenges to pave the way for its navigation by professionals and patients. Focus is on the significance of current breakthrough applications (e.g., nanoscale DNA sequencing).

Seminars explore the global AIDS crisis, adopting the medical-anthropological perspective of Paul Farmer's Infections and Inequalities. Varying epidemiological profiles of AIDS are placed in broader social, cultural, and political-economic frameworks. The impact of globalization and structural inequality on local cultures and lifestyles provides an essential backdrop to the discussions.

This course introduces students to complex issues at the interface between environment and health where health is broadly defined. Each year a current and controversial case study is explored from scientific, medical, political and policy perspectives. The course takes students from the molecular to individual to population and societal levels.

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, etc.).

This course introduces biomechanics and builds on knowledge of the biomechanics of injury and dysfunction to develop a systematic understanding of risk, injury prevention, and initial management of injuries in sports and physical activities. Some additional topics include doping in sport, travel issues in competitive sport, and ethical issues in clinical sport medicine.

Enhancing performance has broad appeal. This course explores current developments for achieving peak performance academically, physically and emotionally. We focus on the scientific basis of the links between performance and stress, and of the benefits and risks of pharmacological methods to achieve performance enhancement. Various stress management skills are introduced.

Examine the physiological and biochemical responses of the human body to both acute and chronic bouts of physical activity. The impact of activity on health, and health on physical activity, is explored by examining adaptations from the cellular to the systemic level of bodily function.

This course featuring a service-learning component discusses how mental well-being is a critical element of total health. We explore the evidence underpinning the role of physical activity in the avoidance of mental disorders, recovery from mental disorders, and the quality of life of those with or without mental disorders.

A short application to enrol in this course is required. Information may be found via the Human Biology Program website.

Dentistry is one of the oldest branches of medicine responsible for the treatment of diseases of oral cavity. This course will introduce students to the key concepts as well as the latest research in the dental sciences, including but not limited to craniofacial structures, bone physiology, odontogenesis, pathogenesis of oral diseases, and technology in dental sciences.

Building on their experience in 3rd-year labs, students participate in inquiry-based laboratory experiments in diverse areas of current human biology research. Open to students in any Human Biology program. (Lab Materials Fee: $50)

An independent research project is supervised by a faculty member of the Faculty of Arts and Science or the Faculty of Medicine. Not eligible for CR/NCR option. Applications for this course are due to the Human Biology Program Office no later than 15 days prior to the first day of summer F-term.

A research project is supervised by a faculty member of the Faculty of Arts and Science or the Faculty of Medicine. Not eligible for CR/NCR option. Applications for this course are due to the Human Biology Program Office no later than 15 days prior to the first day of F-term. For more information please check the Human Biology website.