ɬÀï·¬

Metabolic Biochemistry.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

The generation of metabolic energy in higher organisms with an emphasis on its regulation at the molecular, cellular and organ level. Chemical concepts and mechanisms of enzymatic catalysis are also emphasized. Included: selected topics in carbohydrate, lipid and nitrogen metabolism; complex lipids and biological membranes; hormonal signal transduction.

Molecular Biology.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

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.

Introductory Organic Chemistry 2.

Terms offered: Summer 2026

Modern spectroscopic techniques for structure determination. The chemistry of alcohols, ethers, carbonyl compounds, and amines, with special attention to mechanistic aspects. Special topics.

Introduction to Neuroscience 1.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

An introduction to how nerve cells generate action potentials, communicate with one another at synapses, develop synaptic connections, early brain development, and the construction of specific neural circuits.

Introduction to Neuroscience 2.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

An introduction to how the nervous system acquires and integrates information and uses it to produce behaviour.

Neuroethics.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

An introduction to ethical issues arising from basic and clinical neuroscience. Overview of therapeutic, diagnostic, and research interventions in mental and neurological disorders, and their implications on society.

Neuroscience Seminar.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

Analysis of current research in neuroscience.

Neuroscience Seminar.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

See NSCI 400D1 for course description.

Honours Research Project.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

Students undertake an independent research project in the field of neursocience under the guidance of an established ɬÀï·¬ neuroscientist. They are expected to obtain hands-on research experience in their supervisor's laboratory, learn about the strengths and limitations of the methodology and work independently.

Honours Research Project.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

Students undertake an independent research project in the field of neursocience under the guidance of an established ɬÀï·¬ neuroscientist. They are expected to obtain hands-on research experience in their supervisor's laboratory, learn about the strengths and limitations of the methodology and work independently.

Channels, Synapses and Hormones.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

In-depth presentation of experimental results and hypotheses on cellular communication in the nervous system and the endocrine system.

Human Cognition and the Brain.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

The course is an introduction to the field studying how human cognitive processes, such as perception, attention, language, learning and memory, planning and organization, are related to brain processes. The material covered is primarily based on studies of the effects of different brain lesions on cognition and studies of brain activity in relation to cognitive processes with modern functional neuroimaging methods.

Molecular Mechanisms of Cell Function.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

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.

Cell Biology and Metabolism.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

This course introduces the student to our modern understanding of cells and how they work. Major topics to be covered include: photosynthesis, energy metabolism and metabolic integration; plasma membrane including secretion, endocytosis and contact mediated interactions between cells; cytoskeleton including cell and organelle movement; the nervous system; hormone signaling; the cell cycle.

Foundations of Programming.

Terms offered: Summer 2026

Introduction to computer programming in a high level language: variables, expressions, primitive types, methods, conditionals, loops. Introduction to algorithms, data structures (arrays, strings), modular software design, libraries, file input/output, debugging, exception handling. Selected topics.

Computer Programming for Life Sciences.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

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.

Introduction to Computer Science.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

Object oriented programming in Java: classes and objects, interfaces, inheritance. Data structures and abstract data types: arrays, stacks, queues, linked lists, trees, binary trees,binary search trees, heaps, hash tables, graphs. Recursive and non-recursive algorithms and their asymptotic complexity: searching and sorting, tree and graph traversal. Mathematical tools: induction, recurrence relations.

Principles of Statistics 2.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

The concept of degrees of freedom and the analysis of variability. Planning of experiments. Experimental designs. Polynomial and multiple regressions. Statistical computer packages (no previous computing experience is needed). General statistical procedures requiring few assumptions about the probability model.

Statistics.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

Sampling distributions, point and interval estimation, hypothesis testing, analysis of variance, contingency tables, nonparametric inference, regression, Bayesian inference.

Statistics for Experimental Design.

Terms offered: Summer 2026

An introduction to the design and analysis of experiments, including analysis of variance, planned and post hoc tests and a comparison of anova to correlational analysis.

Mathematical Models in Biology.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

Application of finite difference and differential equations to problems in cell and developmental biology, ecology and physiology. Qualitative, quantitative and graphical techniques are used to analyze mathematical models and to compare theoretical predictions with experimental data.

Calculus 3.

Terms offered: Summer 2026

Taylor series, Taylor's theorem in one and several variables. Review of vector geometry. Partial differentiation, directional derivative. Extreme of functions of 2 or 3 variables. Parametric curves and arc length. Polar and spherical coordinates. Multiple integrals.

Ordinary Differential Equations.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

First order ordinary differential equations including elementary numerical methods. Linear differential equations. Laplace transforms. Series solutions.

Probability.

Terms offered: Summer 2026

Sample space, events, conditional probability, independence of events, Bayes' Theorem. Basic combinatorial probability, random variables, discrete and continuous univariate and multivariate distributions. Independence of random variables. Inequalities, weak law of large numbers, central limit theorem.

Neural Basis of Behaviour.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

Neural mechanisms of animal behaviour; neuroethology; cellular neurophysiology, integrative networks within nervous systems; neural control of movement; processing of sensory information.

Integrative Neuroscience.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

In depth presentation of experimental results and hypotheses underlying our current understanding of how single neurons and ensembles of neurons encode sensory information, generate movement, and control cognitive functions such as emotion, learning, and memory, during voluntary behaviours.

Introductory Molecular and Cell Biology.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

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.

Basic Genetics.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

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.

Introduction to Software Systems.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

Comprehensive overview of programming in C, use of system calls and libraries, debugging and testing of code; use of developmental tools like make, version control systems.

Introduction to Computer Science.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

Object oriented programming in Java: classes and objects, interfaces, inheritance. Data structures and abstract data types: arrays, stacks, queues, linked lists, trees, binary trees,binary search trees, heaps, hash tables, graphs. Recursive and non-recursive algorithms and their asymptotic complexity: searching and sorting, tree and graph traversal. Mathematical tools: induction, recurrence relations.

Ordinary Differential Equations.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

First order ordinary differential equations including elementary numerical methods. Linear differential equations. Laplace transforms. Series solutions.

Probability.

Terms offered: Summer 2026

Sample space, events, conditional probability, independence of events, Bayes' Theorem. Basic combinatorial probability, random variables, discrete and continuous univariate and multivariate distributions. Independence of random variables. Inequalities, weak law of large numbers, central limit theorem.

Statistics.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

Sampling distributions, point and interval estimation, hypothesis testing, analysis of variance, contingency tables, nonparametric inference, regression, Bayesian inference.

Circuitry of the Human Brain.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

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.

Biochemistry of Macromolecules.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

Gene expression from the start of transcription to the synthesis of proteins, their modifications and degradation. Topics covered: purine and pyrimidine metabolism; transcription and its regulation; mRNA processing; translation; targeting of proteins to specific cellular sites; protein glycosylation; protein phosphorylation; protein turn-over; programmed cell death (apoptosis).

Molecular Biology of the Gene.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

A survey of current knowledge and approaches in the area of regulation of gene expression, post-transcriptional control of gene expression, and signal transduction.

Cell and Molecular Laboratory.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

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.

Mathematical Models in Biology.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

Application of finite difference and differential equations to problems in cell and developmental biology, ecology and physiology. Qualitative, quantitative and graphical techniques are used to analyze mathematical models and to compare theoretical predictions with experimental data.

Evolution of Brain and Behaviour.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

Functional and comparative approach to neuroanatomy, examining how species changes in brain organization contribute to evolutionary changes in behaviour.

Laboratory in Neurobiology.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

Methods of neurobiological research, including extracellular and intracellular recordings, electrical stimulation, and the study of neuro-behavioural problems.

Pain.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

An introduction to pain research and theory, with emphasis on the interactions of psychological, cultural and physiological factors in pain perception. The role of these factors in clinical pain and its management by pharmacological and non-pharmacological means will be discussed.

Introduction to Human Memory.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

Introduction to human memory. Topics include: methods in memory research; major models and taxonomies of memory, such as the modal model, working memory, semantic, episodic, and procedural memory, declarative and non-declarative memory; fundamental memory processes, such as formation, maintenance, retrieval, and forgetting; memory development; autobiographical memory; metamemory; disorders of memory.

Computational Psychology.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

Application of computational methods to the simulation of psychological phenomena. Comparison of natural and artificial intelligence. Symbolic and neural network techniques. Methods for evaluating simulations.

Behavioural Neuroscience 2.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

The physiological bases of motivational states, with respect to feeding, drinking, sexual behaviour, drug use, and aggression. Physiological bases of learning and memory.

Hormones and Behaviour.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

The role of hormones in organization of CNS function, as effectors of behaviour, in expression of behaviours and in mental illness.

Neurobiology of Learning.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

Exploration of the neurobiological basis of learning, from molecules to circuits, focusing on the synaptic, cellular and circuit-level processes that support learning, in the context of different brain regions and forms of learning.

Advances in Neuroethology.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

Neural mechanisms underlying behaviour in vertebrate and invertebrate organisms.

Biomedical Signals and Systems.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

An introduction to the theoretical framework, experimental techniques and analysis procedures available for the quantitative analysis of physiological systems and signals. Lectures plus laboratory work using the Biomedical Engineering computer system. Topics include: amplitude and frequency structure of signals, filtering, sampling, correlation functions, time and frequency-domain descriptions of systems.

Computational Perception.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

Computational models of visual perception and audition. Vision problems include stereopsis, motion, focus, perspective, color. Audition problems include source localization and recognition. Emphasis on physics of image formation, sensory signal processing, neural pathways and computation, psychophysical methods.

Basic and Clinical Aspects of Neuroimmunology.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

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.

Computational Neuroscience.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

A survey of computational methods commonly used to model brain function, including mathematical modeling to describe the relationship between neuronal activity and perception, action, and cognition. Mathematical basis for vision, motor control and attention. Data relevant to brain processes and models explaining these data, using engineering, statistics and artificial intelligence.

Topics in Radionuclide Imaging.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

The course deals with neuroreceptor and oncologic imaging and imaging of cerebral bloodflow and metabolism. The role of radiochemistry and physics will be demonstrated in the context of clinical and research applications. Understanding how radiochemistry and physics intermingle with the medical aspects of radiotracer development will result in a deeper insight into the complex pathways of tracer design and the methods necessary to properly interpret the data obtained.

Analyzing Physiological Systems.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

An introduction to quantitative analysis of physiological data, both to the mode of thinking and to a set of tools that allows accurate predictions of biological systems. Examples will range from oscillating genetic networks to understanding higher brain function. Modelling and data analysis through examples and exercises will be emphasized.

Advanced Neurophysiology.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

Topics of current interest in neurophysiology including the development of neurons and synapses, physiology of ionic channels, presynaptic and postsynaptic events in synaptic transmission and neuronal interactions in CNS function.

Ion Channels.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

A discussion of the principal theories and interesting new developments in the study of ion channels. Based on a textbook, computer exercises and critical reading and presentation of research papers. Topics include: Properties of voltage-and ligand-gated channels, single channel analysis, structure and function of ion channels.

Chronobiology.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

An introduction to the field of chronobiology. The aim is to provide basic instruction on different types of biological rhythms, with particular focus on circadian rhythms.

Topics in Systems Neuroscience.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

Topics of current interest in systems neurophysiology and behavioural neuroscience including: the neural representation of sensory information and motor behaviours, models of sensory motor integration, and the computational analysis of problems in motor control and perception. Students will be expected to present and critically discuss journal articles in class.

Membranes and Cellular Signaling.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

An integrated treatment of the properties of biological membranes and of intracellular signaling, including the major role that membranes play in transducing and integrating cellular regulatory signals. Biological membrane organization and dynamics; membrane transport; membrane receptors and their associated effectors; mechanisms of regulation of cell growth, morphology, differentiation and death.

Developmental Neurobiology Seminar.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

Discussions of all aspects of nervous system development including pattern formation, cell lineage, pathfinding and targeting by growing axons, and neural regeneration. The basis for these discussions will be recent research papers and other assigned readings.

Genetic Approaches to Neural Systems.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

This course will focus on recent research employing genetic-based methods to examine the functional and structural properties of the nervous system. The focus will be on approaches for studying neural circuits and behavior in a range of model organisms. Topics will include recent technological advances, such as optogenetics for modifying and controlling neuronal activity, and animal models of neurological diseases. Students will critically analyze the application of these methods to current research through in-class discussion of primary literature, student presentations, and written assignments.

Advances in Molecular/Cellular Neurobiology.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

Discussion of fundamental molecular mechanisms underlying the general features of cellular neurobiology. An advanced course based on lectures and on a critical review of primary research papers.

Nucleic Acids.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

RNA processing, localization and stability. RNAi mechanisms, regulation and applications. Regulation of DNA replication. Genomics: human genome sequence, regulation and organization. DNA repair mechanisms. Special topics on transgenics, genetic diseases and cancer.

Membranes and Cellular Signaling.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

An integrated treatment of the properties of biological membranes and of intracellular signaling, including the major role that membranes play in transducing and integrating cellular regulatory signals. Biological membrane organization and dynamics: membrane transport; membrane receptors and their associated effectors; mechanisms of regulation of cell growth, morphology, differentiation and death.

Lipids and Lipoproteins in Disease.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

Structure, function and metabolism of lipids and lipoproteins as they relate to lipid storage diseases, obesity, insulin resistance, diabetes, heart disease, Alzheimers disease and other neurological diseases. Transcriptional and post-translational mechanisms governing the synthesis and degradation of important enzymes, lipids, and lipid transport molecules; role of lipid mediators in signaling pathways and protein modification; assembly and dynamics of lipoproteins and biological membranes; genetic disruptions of lipid regulatory proteins such as cell surface receptors leading to human disease.

Advanced Endocrinology 1.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

This course is designed for U3 students who are in a major or honours program in anatomy, biology, biochemistry or physiology and for graduate students. A multidisciplinary approach will be used to teach biosynthesis and processing of hormones, their regulation, function and mechanism of action. The material will cover hypothalamic, pituitary, thyroid, atrial and adrenal hormones as well as prostaglandins and related substances.

Special Topics in Neuropsychology.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

Developments in cognitive neuroscience and cognitive neuropsychiatry via readings from primary sources. Topics include the neural bases of memory, emotion, social cognition and neuropsychiatric diseases. Integrating knowledge from studies in clinical populations and functional neuroimaging studies.

Sensorimotor Neuroscience.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

A systematic examination of the sensorimotor system, drawing on models and data from both behavioural and physiological studies. Topics include: cortical motor areas, cerebellum, basal ganglia, spinal mechanisms, motor unit properties and force production, prioception, muscle properties.

Cognitive Science.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

The multi-disciplinary study of cognitive science, exploring the computer metaphor of the mind as an information-processing system. Focus on levels of analysis, symbolic modeling, Turing machines, neural networks, as applied to topics such as reasoning, vision, decision-making, and consciousness.

Affective Neuroscience.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

Focus on the neurobiology of emotion, the links between emotion and cognition, and the role of experience and individual differences in emotional states associated with psychopathology.

Sleep Mechanisms and Behaviour.

Terms offered: Summer 2026

This course covers basic biological mechanisms, possible functions and behavioural aspects of sleep. Additional topics include: disorders of sleep, their effects on behaviour and cognition, and treatment approaches; as well as medical, neurological and psychiatric disorders, and drugs, that affect sleep.

Special Topics Seminar 2.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

These seminars are offered by special arrangement between interested Psychology staff and students. Note: A written proposal detailing the plans for the seminar must be approved by the Department Curriculum Committee before the student is permitted to register for this course. This proposal must be received by the Departmental Curriculum Committee well before the beginning of the term for which the seminar is proposed. Consult the Departmental Handbook for additional information.

Psychoneuroendocrinology.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

This advanced seminar course offers an in-depth introduction to current topics in psychoneuroendocrinology. Students will read and discuss original scientific literature from human and animal research interrogating the mechanisms by which hormones act in the brain to influence behaviour in health and disease. Students will gain a refined understanding of key concepts in psychoneuroendocrinology, such as negative feedback control and the key neuroendocrine axes and their role in behavioural control. They will apply this knowledge to critically evaluate original scientific literature and generate hypothesis-driven research questions from the scientific literature.

Cognitive Neuroscience of Attention.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

An introduction to cognitive properties and neural mechanisms of human attention. The material will include an overview of the history of attention research, contemporary theories of attention, the varieties of attention, behavioral and neuroimaging experimental methods, the nature of attentional dysfunctions, and the links between attention and other cognitive functions including memory and consciousness.

Human Decision-Making.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

Interdisciplinary study of decision-making, covering contemporary approaches to understanding how humans compute values and make choices. Measurement of and techniques for assessing variables such as risk and uncertainty, utilities and preferences, reinforcement learning, heuristics and biases, and self-control. Emphasis on quantitative models of decision-making.

Advances: Neurobiology of Mental Disorders.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

Current theories on the neurobiological basis of most well known mental disorders (e.g. schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, dementia). Methods and strategies in research on genetic, physiological and biochemical factors in mental illness will be discussed. Discussion will also focus on the rationale for present treatment approaches and on promising new approaches.

Early Adversity, Development and Health .

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

The concept of adversity during critical developmental periods from gestation to adolescence. Examination of neurodevelopmental mechanisms, neural pathways and plasticity leading to vulnerability and resilience. How single cell expression patterns, neuronal networks and gene association studies can inform about the biological underpinnings of adversity, the individual differences in susceptibility and how these biological mechanisms link psychopathologies to other comorbidities.