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.

The course provides a comprehensive introduction to a variety of therapeutic approaches including gene therapy, CRISPR-based gene editing, epigenetic manipulations & regenerative medicine. This course consists of three parts: tools and techniques of gene & genome manipulations; medical, environmental and agricultural biotechnology applications; and ethical, legal and social aspects of modern biotechnology as it pertains to human health and wellbeing.

An introductory course in Health and Disease using an interdisciplinary approach that integrates bacteriology and virology with other aspects of human biology, including chronic disease and neoplasia. An exploration of the key concepts and approaches that are necessary for understanding the dynamic nexus of human health and disease. (Lab Fees: $40)

An introductory course covering the theories, operational components and strategies of implementing health care in resource-poor settings. Topics may include education, control of vector-borne diseases, essential drug provision, maternal and child health, nutrition, 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.

What is holistic health in an Indigenous framework? How can holistic health (physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual) be ethically explored to inform health and healing? What is cultural safety in health care systems? This course explores the effects of traditional practices, culture, activities, arts, land-based healing, music and ceremony in health and healing.

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.

Credit course for supervised participation in faculty research project. Details at https://www.artsci.utoronto.ca/current/academics/research-opportunities/.... Not eligible for CR/NCR option.

This neuroscience course focuses on higher brain functions and the mechanisms underlying human and animal behaviours. Topics may include the emerging role of the gut microbiome's impact on behaviour, pathogens that alter neuronal development and the biological basis of mindfulness and placebos. In addition, the impact that exercise and sleep play in modulating these behaviours are examined. Common experimental techniques used in neuroscience research such as brain imaging and cellular genetics are emphasized.

Students gain an appreciation for how science, 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. (Lab Materials Fee: $27)

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 program. Lab topics may include human brain imaging and disorders, electrophysiology, cell culture, and changes in gene expression during neuronal development. Labs start in the first week of term. (Lab Materials Fee: $60)

A laboratory course based on current research techniques for students in the Fundamental Genetics and its Applications programs. Lab topics may include molecular biology and animal cell culture techniques, nutrigenomics; an overview of microarrays and a CRISPR module. Labs start in the first week of term. (Lab Materials Fee: $100)

A laboratory course based on current research techniques and topics which may include basic microbiology, molecular biology and animal cell culture techniques, immunocytochemistry, changes in gene expression, and histological techniques. Labs start in the first week of term. (Lab Materials Fee: $70)

Students analyze whole body, cellular, and molecular responses to stress. Techniques range from those standard in medical practice (e.g., fitness measures, blood pressure, lung function) to current research techniques (cell culture, changes in gene expression). Students gain technical and analytical skills as they work at the bench to design and carry out individual and group experiments. Labs start in the first week of term. (Lab Materials Fee: $52)

This is a rigorous, introductory course that addresses the structure of the vertebrate central nervous system with an emphasis on functional human neuroanatomy. 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.

Examination of all aspects of the synapse in both the peripheral and central nervous systems of invertebrates and vertebrates. Topics include: neuroplasticity, synapse formation, synaptic transmission, synaptic modulation, and the molecular biological basis of neurodegenerative 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 social, 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 both the normal and abnormal development of the nervous system and its function. Topics include the regulation of neural gene expression, the role of epigenetics on 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.

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 https://www.artsci.utoronto.ca/current/academics/research-opportunities/.... Not eligible for CR/NCR option.

Credit course for supervised participation in faculty research project. Details at https://www.artsci.utoronto.ca/current/academics/research-opportunities/.... 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 may also be discussed. Specific topics vary from year to year and will be based on the course instructor's area(s) of expertise.

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. Specific topics vary from year to year and will be based on the instructor's area(s) of expertise.

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 introduction to techniques and clinical/research applications. Lab work will focus on the development of 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 which may include: voluntary action; moral cognition; hedonism; aggression; mental health; addiction; the impact of the gut microbiome on brain development and health.

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

This course focuses on various medical research related to human disease. Topics vary based on course instructor's area(s) of expertise.

Current research covering the breadth of neuroscience is showcased by members of the Collaborative Program in Neuroscience. Topics vary yearly, but 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. Specific topics vary from year to year and will be based on the course instructor's area(s) of expertise.

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. Biological 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, focusing on cell migration and its relevance to human health and disease. Topics may focus on the impact of fundamental processes underlying the cell biology, physiology and pathophysiology of cell motility in a variety of systems (e.g. immune, nervous system, cancer context).

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 neurodegenerative 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.

This advanced course aims to provide students with current, in-depth knowledge of the genetics of specific human diseases, including single gene (e.g., Huntington disease), multifactorial (e.g. Alzheimer’s disease), and non-Mendelian (e.g. mitochondrial DNA-related disease) disorders, and how the use of genetics to elucidate disease mechanisms can lead to treatments and personalized medicine in order to improve healthcare.

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, such as epilepsy and autism. Current research from basic, translational, and clinical perspectives will be examined using case studies.

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. Specific topics vary from year to year and will be based on the course instructor's area(s) of expertise.

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 considers the health benefits and risks of different forms of exercise, with a goal of understanding how people should exercise, and how much, depending on their athletic and health goals. It introduces elements of exercise science including the biomechanics of tissues and injuries to develop an understanding of how both the quantity and quality of movement and loading contribute to healthy training and/or injury. Some common injuries in sport such as knee injuries and concussions are used as examples of how various patterns of loading can cause injuries.

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. Labs start in the first week of term. (Lab Materials Fee: $105)

An experiential learning course exploring health-related challenges and social determinants of health in partnership with local community organizations. Lectures and tutorials will support learning of selected biological and social aspects of health and disease, neuroscience, genetics or population health, and the development of scientific knowledge translation skills relevant to the community agencies. Cannot be taken concurrently with a full year research project course.

A research project course for students enrolled in a Human Biology program, supervised by a faculty member appointed in a faculty or division at St. George Campus (Faculties of Arts & Science, Medicine, Engineering, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, etc.). Open to third and fourth year students.

Students are responsible for securing their own supervisor. Should a HMB Specialist require help securing a supervisor, the request must be made by email to the Human Biology Program Office no later than July 20 for Academic year projects and January 30 for Summer projects.

Completed applications for this course are due to the Human Biology Program Office by September 1 for Academic year projects and May 1 for Summer projects. Please see the application on the Special Enrolment Courses page on the HMB Website.

Not eligible for CR/NCR option.

A research project course for students enrolled in a Human Biology program, supervised by a faculty member appointed in a faculty or division at St. George Campus (Faculties of Arts & Science, Medicine, Engineering, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, etc.).

Students are responsible for securing their own supervisor. Should a HMB Specialist require help securing a supervisor, the request must be made by email to the Human Biology Program Office no later than July 20 for Academic year projects and January 30 for Summer projects.

Completed applications for this course are due to the Human Biology Program Office by September 1 for Academic year projects and May 1 for Summer projects. Please see the application on the Special Enrolment Courses page on the HMB Website.

Not eligible for CR/NCR option.