Office of the Registrar
Faculty of Science (2022/2023)
13 Course Descriptions

In accordance with Senate's Policy Regarding Inactive Courses, the course descriptions for courses which have not been offered in the previous three academic years and which are not scheduled to be offered in the current academic year have been removed from the following listing. For information about any of these inactive courses, please contact the Head of the Department.

13.1 Biochemistry

In accordance with Senate's Policy Regarding Inactive Courses, the course descriptions for courses which have not been offered in the previous three academic years and which are not scheduled to be offered in the current academic year have been removed from the following listing. For information about any of these inactive courses, please contact the Head of the Department.

Biochemistry courses are designated by BIOC.

1430

Biochemistry for Nurses

is an introduction to the chemistry and structure-function relationships of carbohydrates, lipids and proteins. It will examine the basic metabolism of carbohydrates and fats, with emphasis on the biochemical fluctuations that occur in human health and disease, and will include a brief introduction to molecular genetics. Entry into this course is restricted to students in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Collaborative) Program and those signed in by special permission. Prospective Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Collaborative) program students should consult with the Faculty of Nursing concerning admission to this course.

CR: the former BIOC 2430

LC: 4

PR: Level 3 Chemistry or Chemistry 1010 or Chemistry 1810 or equivalent, and acceptance to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Collaborative) Program

UL: may not be used for credit to fulfil the requirements for a major in the Department of Biochemistry

1600

Food, Drugs, and Your Body

examines the substances humans put into their bodies and the impact the substances have on cellular physiology and metabolism. With a special emphasis on current trends, the course introduces the concept of foods and drugs, how they are metabolised by the body, the social and political implications of foods and drugs, how they can influence overall health, and the sometimes grey areas between foods and drugs.

2005

Food, Food Safety, and Health

introduces the concepts of the composition of foods, and how the processing of food affects sensory appeal, shelf life and nutrient composition. Common food and water-borne illnesses (risks and prevention) are covered in the course content. Students will also be introduced to food biotechnologies, including genetically modified organisms, nutraceuticals and the development of functional foods.

2100

Introduction to Molecular Biology and Genetics

will cover the heritability of simple traits from phenotype to genotype; the discovery of DNA as the molecule of heredity; the structure and function of DNA; the elucidation of the genetic code; and the manipulation of DNA for recombinant DNA technology and biotechnology.

CO: the former BIOC 2101, Chemistry 2401, Physics 1021 or 1051. Students may replace the co-requisite Chemistry 2401 with Chemistry 2440 as a prerequisite. Chemistry 2440 may not be taken as a co-requisite of 2100.

CR: BIOC 2200, Biology 2250

LH: up to four hours on alternate weeks which will normally consist of one three hour laboratory period plus one additional hour on the following day

PR: the former BIOC 2101, Chemistry 2401, Physics 1021 or 1051, Science 1807 and Science 1808. Students may replace the co-requisite Chemistry 2401 with Chemistry 2440 as a prerequisite. Chemistry 2440 may not be taken as a co-requisite of 2100.

2200

Introduction to Molecular Biology and Genetics

will cover the heritability of simple traits from phenotype to genotype; the discovery of DNA as the molecule of heredity; the structure and function of DNA; the manipulation of DNA for recombinant DNA technology and biotechnology; and briefly, pharmacogenetics. Biology students should normally take Biology 2250 in the Fall semester, and Biochemistry and Biochemistry (Nutrition) students should normally take BIOC 2200 in Winter semester.

CO: Chemistry 2400

CR: BIOC 2100, Biology 2250

PR: Chemistry 1001 or Chemistry 1051

2201

Introduction to Biochemistry

(same as the former BIOC 2101) is an introduction to the major organic substances of living organisms, proteins, carbohydrates and lipids: their structure, analysis and biochemical function. Other topics include: enzymes; the biochemistry of membranes, including the plasma membrane and specialized intracellular membranes; and the biochemistry of selected differentiated cells.

CO: Physics 1021 or 1051

CR: the former BIOC 2101, Pharmacy 2004, or the former Pharmacy 3110

PR: Chemistry 1001 or Chemistry 1051, Chemistry 2400 and Physics 1020 or 1050

2600

Introduction to Human Nutrition

(same as Human Kinetics 2600) gives an overview of human nutrition with an emphasis on topics of current interest. Students will gain an understanding of nutrition in the context of health maintenance across the life span. Topics covered will include nutrition during pregnancy, nutrition for infants, Canadian Recommended Nutrient Intakes / Dietary Reference Intakes, weight loss and weight gain, nutriceuticals and ergogenic aids.

CR: Human Kinetics 2600 or the former Kinesiology 2600

2901

Biochemistry Laboratory

develops robust basic biochemistry lab skills in the context of a biotechnology project; students purify and characterize a recombinantly expressed enzyme. Students learn skills including safety, pipetting, buffer calculations, making solutions, protein bioinformatics, techniques for protein enrichment, enzyme kinetics measurements and calculations, graphing data, keeping a lab book, teamwork, critical analysis and presentation of their work in several formats. Students may co-author a scientific publication based on their results.

AR: attendance is required in the laboratory component of this course

CO: Chemistry 2400

LH: 3

PR: Chemistry 1051, Science 1807 and Science 1808

3052

Food Microbiology

(same as Biology 3052) is the study of the microbiology of water and food with regard to the beneficial and detrimental roles of microorganisms on interaction with these systems. Emphasis will be on the microbiology of food, fermentations, food spoilage and food borne vectors of human disease.

CR: Biology 3052, and the former BIOC 3054, BIOC 3401

LC: three hours per week

LH: three hours per week

PR: Biology 3050 and Science 1807 and Science 1808

3105

Physical Biochemistry

examines topics such as: types of intermolecular forces in biomolecules; the folding of biomolecules and the role of water; pH, buffers, and ionisation of biomolecules; thermodynamics: equilibria, coupled reactions, transport across membranes and redox reactions; and ligand binding. Other topics will include: size and shape of biomolecules; isotopes in biochemistry; and, spectroscopy of biomolecules.

OR: a two hour problem-solving class

PR: BIOC 2201 or the former 2101; and the former Chemistry 2300 or 2301 or Physics 2053

3106

Metabolism

examines the catabolism of carbohydrates, lipids and amino acids. Other topics will be: mitochondria, chloroplasts and ATP synthesis; biosynthesis of carbohydrates and lipids; metabolic specialization of differentiated cells and tissues; and, integration of metabolism.

CR: BIOC 3206, the former BIOC 3102 or Pharmacy 3111

LH: one three-hour laboratory or one-hour tutorial per week

OR: one-hour tutorial or one three-hour laboratory per week

PR: BIOC 2201 or the former 2101, Science 1807 and Science 1808

3107

Nucleic Acid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

examines the structure, function and biochemistry of DNA and RNA and the biochemical processes in the flow of information from the gene to protein. These will include: DNA replication, recombination and repair processes; transcription of RNA and RNA splicing; and protein synthesis. The regulation of gene expression will also be covered at an introductory level. The course will also include an introduction to cloning methodology.

CR: BIOC 3207

LH: up to four hours per week which will normally consist of one three hour laboratory period plus one additional hour on the following day.

PR: BIOC 2201 or the former 2101; and one of BIOC 2100, 2200, or Biology 2250, Science 1807 and Science 1808

3108

Molecular Biochemistry of the Cell

focuses on the molecular biochemistry of intracellular regulation, including advances in topics such as signal transduction, apoptosis and cancer. Other topics will include protein processing and sorting, cyclins, G-protein structure, function and regulation, cell adhesion molecules and the structure of the extracellular matrix.

PR: BIOC 2100 or 2200, or Biology 2250; and BIOC 2201 or the former 2101

311A/B

Human Physiology

- inactive course.

3202

Community Nutrition

- inactive course.

3203

Fundamentals of Human Nutrition

is the cornerstone course for the study of nutrition. The sources, uptake and physiologic roles of essential nutrients will be discussed in the context of growth, maintenance, reproduction and overall health in humans.

CO: BIOC 3106 or 3206

CR: the former BIOC 3201

PR: BIOC 2201 or the former 2101, 2600

3206

Metabolism

examines the catabolism of carbohydrates, lipids and amino acids. Other topics will be: mitochondria, chloroplasts and ATP synthesis; biosynthesis of carbohydrates and lipids; metabolic specialization of differentiated cells and tissues; and, integration of metabolism.

CR: BIOC 3106, the former BIOC 3102 or Pharmacy 3111

PR: BIOC 2201 or the former 2101

3207

Nucleic Acid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

examines the structure, function and biochemistry of DNA and RNA and the biochemical processes in the flow of information from the gene to protein. These will include: DNA replication, recombination and repair processes; transcription of RNA and RNA splicing; and protein synthesis. The regulation of gene expression will also be covered at an introductory level. The course will also include an introduction to cloning methodology.

CR: BIOC 3107

PR: BIOC 2201 or the former 2101; and one of BIOC 2100, 2200, or Biology 2250

3402

Food Chemistry

examines the following topics: water structure and the role of water in chemical reactions and mechanical properties of foods; chemistry and physical properties of carbohydrates, proteins and lipids; food dispersions; pigments and natural colorants; food flavour; enzyme properties and applications; vitamins and minerals; chemistry of enzymic and non-enzymic browning; characteristics of: muscle tissue, milk, eggs, bread and edible plant tissue; food additives; and, chemical changes in foods during processing.

LH: 3

PR: BIOC 2005; BIOC 2201 or the former 2101; Chemistry 2400, Science 1807 and Science 1808

3600

Sports and Exercise Nutrition

deals with the specific roles of nutrients in sport and exercise, and the application of nutrition to sport and exercise.

CR: the former BIOC 4241

PR: BIOC 2600 or HKR 2600 or the former BIOC 3200/3201; and one of BIOC 311B, MED 310B, HKR 2320

3906

Nutritional Biochemistry and Metabolism Laboratory

teaches advanced biochemical lab and critical thinking skills with a focus on metabolism and nutrition-related biochemistry. Topics may include animal diet formulation, tissue culture, immunoblots, metabolic flux assays, metabolic regulation, nutrient metabolism, metabolomics and metabolic energetics. Students develop their quantitative reasoning, teamwork, and written and oral communication skills. Students may have opportunities to tour lab facilities and to co-author a scientific publication based on their results.

AR: attendance is required in the laboratory component of this course

CO: BIOC 3106 or 3206

LH: 3

PR: BIOC 2901, Science 1807 and Science 1808

3907

Molecular Biology Laboratory

develops biochemical lab and critical thinking skills through a molecular biology focused project. Topics may include restriction digestion, PCR amplification-based techniques, recombinant DNA and plasmid construction, gene expression systems, nucleic acid bioinformatics, and application of high through-put methods in molecular biology. Students develop their quantitative reasoning, teamwork and communication skills (written and oral). Students may have the opportunity to coauthor a peer-reviewed scientific publication based on their results.

AR: attendance is required in the laboratory component of this course

LH: 3

PR: BIOC 2901, Science 1807 and Science 1808, and one of BIOC 2100, 2200, Biology 2250

4002

Biochemical Regulation

examines metabolic regulation at the cellular and multicellular level. Topics will include: control theory; hormones: their biosynthesis and mechanism of action; signal transduction; and, endocrine coordination of metabolic processes. Principles will be illustrated by the use of case studies from the medical and veterinary literature.

LC: two to three hours per week, together with assigned reading and case studies

PR: BIOC 2100 or 2200, or Biology 2250; BIOC 3106 or 3206

4101

Proteins

will review the history of protein research and the general properties of proteins and include other topics such as: strategy and methods for purification; chemical structure, properties, modification and determination of the protein amino acids; sequencing strategy, chain cleavage methods and end group analysis; folding of the protein main chain and techniques to determine structure; and, the relationship between structure and function: protein filaments, motors and regulators. It will also cover disease-related proteins and other examples from the current literature.

LC: two to three hours per week, together with assigned reading

PR: BIOC 3105

4102

Current Topics in Biochemistry

is a seminar course in which faculty and students will discuss topics of current interest in the biochemical literature. Students will be responsible for reading and critically assessing recent literature.

PR: Honours Biochemistry students in their final year or permission of the Head

4103

Prokaryotic Gene Regulation

is a detailed and up-to-date treatment of the mechanisms of genetic regulation found in bacterial cells. The course will develop topics based on the evidence of bacterial genetics and modern molecular biological experiments. Topics may include: theory of mutations, RNA transcription, positive and negative regulation of transcription; regulation of protein synthesis; control of DNA replication; bacterial operons and regulons; developmental molecular biology in bacterial systems; and evolution and molecular biology of organelles.

PR: BIOC 3107 or 3207

4104

Eukaryotic Gene Regulation and Developmental Biology

details the cellular and molecular aspects of eukaryotic gene regulation and development. Topics to be covered will include the DNA content and organization of eukaryotes, mechanisms controlling the expression of eukaryotic genetic information at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels, and the methodologies used to define these mechanisms. Detailed consideration will be given to the cell-surface events which regulate nuclear gene expression and cell lineage specification. Developmental mechanisms operating in a number of model systems will be discussed.

PR: BIOC 3107, 3108, or 3207

4105

Immunology

(same as Biology 4200 and Pharmacy 3006 and the former Pharmacy 4105) is an introduction to the cells and organs of the innate and adaptive immune systems. The molecular and cellular basis of allergy, autoimmunity, vaccination and cancer immunology will also be discussed.

CR: Biology 4200, Pharmacy 3006, the former Pharmacy 3105, the former Pharmacy 4105

PR: BIOC 2201 or the former 2101

4200

Bioenergetics and Biological Oxidation

examines topics such as: respiration and electron transport; the functional organization of energy transducing membranes; the structure and function of flavoenzymes, cytochromes, iron-sulfur proteins and quinones; enzyme reduction of oxygen; and, free radicals in biological systems.

LC: two to three hours per week and assigned reading

PR: BIOC 3106 or BIOC 3206

4201

Membranes - Structure and Function

examines the structure of model and biological membranes, the molecular interactions between membrane components and the effects of these interactions on the biophysical and functional properties of membranes. Other topics will include the structure-function of specialized membranous systems, such as lipoprotein, lung surfactant, and lipid rafts; membrane lipid composition in biochemical adaptation and function; and the role of membrane proteins in intracellular trafficking, receptor function, enzymatic activity and membrane-related diseases.

PR: BIOC 3105

4210

Biochemical Research Techniques I

examines the proteome and the genome. This course is designed to familiarize students with current methodology employed in the analyses of the complements of proteins and genes resident in eukaryotic cells. Emphasis will be placed on techniques that facilitate the simultaneous functional analyses of large numbers of proteins or genes. A variety of techniques, used in the study of expression and functional proteomics, will be described, including 2D PAGE, tagged proteins, fluorophores, mass spectrometry and protein microarrays. Techniques used in the study of gene expression and functional genomics will also be described, including the use of reporter gene constructs, analysis of protein-DNA interactions, expressions of cloned genes and several experimental approaches used to define the eukaryotic transcriptome.

AR: attendance is required

PR: BIOC 3105

4211

Biochemical Research Techniques II

introduces students to the primary literature of metabolism. It teaches them to critique, both orally and in writing, current research papers. By means of guest lecturers and field trips it introduces students to biochemical activities outside of the home department.

AR: attendance is required

PR: BIOC 3106 or 3206

4230

Lipid and Lipoprotein Metabolism

is designed to provide current knowledge about advances and controversies in lipid and lipoprotein metabolism in the context of health and disease. Topics to be covered include advanced knowledge about lipid and lipoprotein synthesis and regulation, reverse cholesterol transport, plus lipid and lipoprotein utilization to regulate cellular and physiological functions. The covered topics will be related to areas such as reproductive biology, atherosclerosis, AIDS, Alzheimer’s, and cancer.

CR: BIOC 6000

PR: One of BIOC 3106, 3206, Pharmacy 3111

4231

Molecular Biology of the Bacterial-Human Interface

will explore the molecular biology of the bacteria that inhabit or invade human bodies, how these bacteria get established in humans, the biochemical mechanisms by which some bacterial pathogens can damage the host, and the contest for essential nutrients (e.g. iron) between bacteria and host.

PR: BIOC 3107 or 3207, or permission of the course instructor

4232-4239

Special Topics in Biochemistry

will be given for senior undergraduates, and will cover a range of topics in specialized fields in Biochemistry. They may be taught by visiting specialists when available.

PR: to be determined at the time of offering

4240

Gene-Nutrient Interactions and Personalized Nutrition

is designed to familiarize students with emerging discoveries in the area of diet-gene interaction and to further their understanding of the relationships between the genome and diet as well as the potential to design personalized diets for better health. Students will develop an appreciation for the role of nutrients in the prevention and/or development of disease.

PR: BIOC 2100, 2200 or Biology 2250; BIOC 3106 or BIOC 3206; and one of BIOC 3203 or the former BIOC 3200

4241-4249

Special Topics in Nutrition

will be given for senior undergraduates, and will cover a range of topics in specialized fields in Nutrition. They may be taught by visiting specialists when available.

PR: to be determined at the time of offering

4300

Advanced Nutrition

is a course in which current controversies and trends in human nutrition are presented and discussed using the scientific literature.

PR: BIOC 3203 or the former BIOC 3200/3201, and either BIOC 311B or Medicine 310B

4301

Nutrition and Disease

is a course which addresses the scientific basis for nutritional intervention in chronic human disease.

PR: BIOC 3203 or the former BIOC 3200/3201, and either BIOC 311B or Medicine 310B

4502

Techniques in Nutrition Research

is a seminar course in which faculty and students will discuss concepts and methods used in the study of nutrition. Students will be responsible for reading and critically assessing recent literature.

PR: BIOC 4301

PR: Honours Nutrition students in their final year or permission of the Head

499A and 499B

Dissertation

is the independent study of a problem in Biochemistry and is obligatory for Honours students in Biochemistry and Biochemistry(Nutrition). Faculty advisors will guide the subject of study which must be approved by the Head of the Department or delegate. The written dissertation shall be submitted by the end of the tenth week of the second semester. At the end of that semester the student will give an oral presentation and answer questions on their study.

CH: 6

OR: Occasional classes will be held to guide and advise students in the preparation of their written reports. Students are expected to attend these classes.

PR: Honours students in their final year or permission of the Head; Science 1807 and Science 1808

AR = Attendance requirement; CH = Credit hours are 3 unless otherwise noted; CO = Co-requisite(s); CR = Credit can be retained for only one course from the set(s) consisting of the course being described and the course(s) listed; LC = Lecture hours per week are 3 unless otherwise noted; LH = Laboratory hours per week; OR = Other requirements of the course such as tutorials, practical sessions, or seminars; PR = Prerequisite(s); UL = Usage limitation(s).