Course Information


Fall Term Courses:

MEDBIO 3330F: Human & Animal Biomechanics

Human & Animal Biomechanics

The mechanical properties of biological structures and fluids in relation to function, deformability, strength, and visco-elasticity of hard and flexible tissues, modes of loading and failure. Special topics include mechanics of synovial joints, concussion and head injuries, and mechanics of orthopedic implants and joint replacement.

Antirequisite(s): None
Prerequisite(s): One of Calculus 1000A/B, 1500A/B, Mathematics 1225A/B, Applied Mathematics 1413, or the former Calculus 1100A/B; one of Physics 1028A/B, 1301A/B, 1401A/B or 1501A/B, and one of Physics 1029A/B, 1302A/B, 1402A/B or 1502A/B, or one of the former Physics 1020, 1024 or 1026. Typically taken in third year, this course is also open to second-year students with an overall average of at least 70% in first year.
Corequisite(s): None
Pre-or Corequisite(s): None
Extra Information: 3 lecture hours, 2 laboratory/tutorial hours, 0.5 course.

Instructor: Dr. Abbas Samani

MEDBIO 3336F/G: Human & Animal Interactions with the Physical Environment

Examination of the physical processes in the environment that affect life and physical processes in animals and man that enable them to survive. Topics include pressure, temperature, light, gravity, sound, ionizing and nonionizing radiation. Special topics: heat exchange, vision and hearing, altitude and diving, the space environment, and radiation tolerance.

  • Not currently offered

Prerequisite(s):  One of Biology 1001A or 1201A and one of Biology 1002B or 1202B, or the former Biology 1222 or 1223; one of Physics 1028A/B, 1301A/B, 1401A/B or 1501A/B, and one of Physics 1029A/B, 1302A/B, 1402A/B or 1502A/B, or one of the former Physics 1020, 1024 or 1026.
Pre-or Corequisite(s): Calculus 1000A/B,  1500A/B or the former 1100A/B plus one of Calculus 1301A/B or 1501A/B, or Applied Mathematics 1413.
Extra Information: 2 lecture hours, 1 tutorial hour, 0.5 course.

Instructor: N/A

MEDBIO 3501A: Biophysics of Transport Systems

The physics of blood flow and vascular mechanics in the microcirculation and large vessels, surface energy and interactions at biological interfaces such as the lung, diffusive and convective transport and exchange.

Antirequisite(s): The former Medical Biophysics 3302E.
Prerequisite(s): One of Calculus 1000A/B, 1500A/B, Mathematics 1225A/B, Applied Mathematics 1413, or the former Calculus 1100A/B; one of Physics 1028A/B, 1301A/B, 1401A/B or 1501A/B, and one of Physics 1029A/B, 1302A/B, 1402A/B or 1502A/B, or one of the former Physics 1020, 1024 or 1026. Typically taken in third year, this course is also open to second-year students with an overall average of at least 70% in first year.
Corequisite(s): None
Pre-or Corequisite(s): None
Extra Information: 2 lecture hours, 1 tutorial hour, 0.5 course.

Instructor: Dr. John McGuire

MEDBIO 3505F: Mathematical Transform Applications in Medical Biophysics

The role of mathematical transforms in biomedical research. Application of Fourier Transforms for imaging and image analysis. Applications of systems analysis and Laplace Transforms to model complex systems, and of linear time-invariant systems and kinetic models to analyze physiological processes.

Antirequisite(s): The former Medical Biophysics 3303E.
Prerequisite(s): One of Calculus 1000A/B, 1500A/B or the former 1100A/B plus one of Calculus 1301A/B or 1501A/B, or Applied Mathematics 1413; one of Physics 1028A/B, 1301A/B, 1401A/B or 1501A/B, and one of Physics 1029A/B, 1302A/B, 1402A/B or 1502A/B, or one of the former Physics 1020, 1024 or 1026. Although typically taken in third year, this course is available to second-year students with an overall average of at least 70% in first year.
Corequisite(s): None
Pre-or Corequisite(s): None
Extra Information: 2 lecture hours, 2 laboratory/tutorial hours, 0.5 course.

Instructors: Dr. Neil Gelman and Dr. Keith St. Lawrence

 

MEDBIO 3645A: Introduction to Biomedical Optics

An introduction to the physical and biophysical principles underlying the methodology and technology for the medical uses of light including diagnostic and therapeutic applications. Specific areas will include: instrumentation which involves light detection and analysis, light spectroscopy which involves photodynamic therapy and diffuse optical tomography and optical imaging.

Antirequisite(s): None
Prerequisite(s): One of Calculus 1000A/B, 1500A/B or the former 1100A/B plus one of Calculus 1301A/B or 1501A/B, or Applied Mathematics 1413; one of Physics 1028A/B, 1301A/B, 1401A/B or 1501A/B, and one of Physics 1029A/B, 1302A/B, 1402A/B or 1502A/B, or one of the former Physics 1020, 1024 or 1026. Although typically taken in third year, this course is open to second-year students with a minimum average of 75% in first year.
Corequisite(s): None
Pre-or Corequisite(s): None
Extra Information: 2 lecture hours, 0.5 course

Instructor: Dr. Jeffrey Carson

MEDBIO 4445A: Digital Image Processing

Covers the fundamentals of digital image processing including image representation, 2D linear systems theory and Fourier analysis, digital filtering and segmentation. Focus is on software implementation.

Antirequisite(s): None
Prerequisite(s): Medical Biophysics 3503G or the former Medical Biophysics 3302E; Medical Biophysics 3505F and 3507G, or the former Medical Biophysics 3303E; Calculus 2303A/B or 2503A/B; Physics 2101A/B and 2102A/B, or 1.0 course from the former Medical Biophysics 2128A/B and 2129A/B or the former Physics 2128A/B and 2129A/B, or permission of the department.
Corequisite(s): None
Pre-or Corequisite(s): None
Extra Information: 2 lecture hours, 0.5 course

Instructor: Dr. Hanif Ladak

MEDBIO 4475A: Medical Imaging

Antirequisite(s): None
Prerequisite(s): Medical Biophysics 3503G or the former Medical Biophysics 3302E; Medical Biophysics 3505F and 3507G, or the former Medical Biophysics 3303E; Physics 2101A/B and 2102A/B, or 1.0 course from the former Medical Biophysics 2128A/B and 2129A/B or the former Physics 2128A/B and 2129A/B, or permission of the department.
Corequisite(s): None
Pre-or Corequisite(s): None
Extra Information: 3 lecture hours, 0.5 course.

Instructor: Dr. Maria Drangova

MEDBIO 4535A: Hemodynamics

Fundamentals of steady and pulsatile blood flow in tubes and blood vessels. Hemodynamic models and the role of non-dimensional parameters. Measurement of pressure, flow velocity and distribution. Characteristics of flow in large and small blood vessels: geometric factors, measurement techniques and physical alteration of flow by disease.

Antirequisite(s): None
Prerequisite(s): Medical Biophysics 3501F and 3503G, or the former Medical Biophysics 3302E; Medical Biophysics 3505F and 3507G, or the former Medical Biophysics 3303E; or permission of the department.
Corequisite(s): None
Pre-or Corequisite(s): None
Extra Information: 2 lecture hours, 0.5 course.

Instructor: Dr. Dan Goldman

Winter Term Courses:

MEDBIO 2582B: Imaging in Biology

An introduction to concepts involved in the quantification of biological processes. Methods of quantification in the control of gene expression, protein synthesis, subcellular interactions will be examined. Students will be introduced to how light, radiation and electromagnetism can be used to examine and quantify biological processes.

Antirequisite(s): None
Prerequisite(s):  Biology 1001A and Biology 1002B, or the former Biology 1222 or 1223; Chemistry 1301A/B and 1302A/B or the former 1100A/B and 1200B, or the former
Chemistry 1050; Calculus 1000A/B or 1500A/B or the former 1100A/B; Calculus
1301A/B or 1501A/B; Physics 1028A/B or 1301A/B or 1501A/B; Physics 1029A/B or
1302A/B or 1502A/B

Pre-or Corequisite(s): Biochem 2280A, Biol 2581B
Extra Information: 3 lecture hours, 0.5 course.

Instructor: Dr. Savita Dhanvantari

MEDBIO 3503G: Fundamentals of Digital Imaging

Concepts of images relevant to all imaging modalities. Image formation and capture including digital cameras and the eye, pixels, aliasing, resolution, contrast, sensitivity, specificity, ROC, window/level, dynamic range, RGB, spectroscopy. Image compression and quality, quantitative analysis based on imaging software and principles of quantitative stereology.

Antirequisite(s): None
Prerequisite(s): Calculus 1000A/B, 1500A/B or the former 1100A/B plus one of Calculus 1301A/B or 1501A/B, or Applied Mathematics 1413; one of Physics 1028A/B, 1301A/B, 1401A/B or 1501A/B, and one of Physics 1029A/B, 1302A/B, 1402A/B or 1502A/B, or one of the former Physics 1020, 1024 or 1026. Typically taken in third year, this course is also open to second-year students with an average of at least 70% in first year.
Corequisite(s): None
Pre-or Corequisite(s): None
Extra Information: 2 lecture hours, 1 tutorial hour, 0.5 course.

Course Coordinator: Dr. Timothy Scholl

MEDBIO 3507G: Analysis of Oxygen Transport in Biological Systems

The application of physics and mathematics for modeling oxygen transport. Emphasis on problem solving and simple MATLAB computer models for enhancing the students' interpretation of analytical solutions. Topics include the Krogh-Erlang capillary model, microvascular blood flow, oxygen diffusion in thin tissues and tumors, and finite difference models in unsteady-state systems.

Antirequisite(s): The former Medical Biophysics 3303E.
Prerequisite(s): One of Calculus 1000A/B, 1500A/B or the former 1100A/B plus one of Calculus 1301A/B or 1501A/B, or Applied Mathematics 1413; one of Physics 1028A/B, 1301A/B, 1401A/B or 1501A/B, and one of Physics 1029A/B, 1302A/B, 1402A/B or 1502A/B, or one of the former Physics 1020, 1024 or 1026. Although typically taken in third year, this course is available to second-year students with an overall average of at least 70% in first year.
Corequisite(s): None
Pre-or Corequisite(s): None
Extra Information: 2 lecture hours, 2 laboratory/tutorial hours, 0.5 course.

Instructor: Dr. Dan Goldman

MEDBIO 4455B: Biological Control Systems

An introduction to linear systems and control theory as applied to organ system regulation and adaptation. Emphasis is placed on biophysical models of the respiratory and cardiovascular systems, and interactions with medical devices. (A systems engineering approach to biophysical problems.)

Antirequisite(s): None
Prerequisite(s): Medical Biophysics 3501F or the former Medical Biophysics 3302E; Medical Biophysics 3505F or the former Medical Biophysics 3303E; or permission of the department
Corequisite(s): None
Pre-or Corequisite(s): None
Extra Information: 3 lecture hours, 0.5 course.

Instructor: Dr. James Lacefield

MEDBIO 4518B: Molecular Imaging - NEW!

An introduction to the role of diagnostic imaging in detecting molecules, genes, and cells in vivo. Emphasis will be in how these techniques can help study molecular mechanisms of disease in vivo. Topics include DNA/protein synthesis, transgenic mice, novel contrast agents and small animal imaging.

Antirequisite(s): None
Prerequisite(s): Biochemistry 2280A; Medical Biophysics 3501F
Corequisite(s): None
Pre-or Corequisite(s): None
Extra Information: 2 lecture hours, 0.5 course.

Instructor: Dr. Savita Dhanvantari

MEDBIO 4467B: Radiation Biology with Biomedical Applications

Nature and effects of ionizing radiation on biomolecular structures, living cells and tissues. Genetic effects and methods of radiation protection. Radiobiological implications of diagnostic and therapeutic radiation.

Physical principles underlying medical imaging. Modalities covered: x-rays, computed tomography, nuclear medicine, ultra-sound, and magnetic resonance imaging. Topics include signal generation, detection and the associated mathematics to produce medically useful images, and factors affecting resolution and sensitivity.

Antirequisite(s): None
Prerequisite(s): Medical Biophysics 3501F or the former Medical Biophysics 3302E; one of Medical Biophysics 3507G or Physics 2101A/B or 2102A/B, or the former Medical Biophysics 2128A/B and 2129A/B or the former Physics 2128A/B and 2129A/B; or permission of the department.
Corequisite(s): None
Pre-or Corequisite(s): None
Extra Information: 2 lecture hours, 0.5 course.

Instructor: Drs Scott Karnas and Hatim Fakir 

MEDBIO 4700B: Case Studies in Medical Biophysics - **NEW COURSE**

Case studies will highlight specific issues that medical biophysics covers while introducing important concepts and the multidisciplinary nature of research, professionals, and applications in the field. The key themes are cardiovascular and circulatory health, molecular and cellular imaging for research, diagnostic imaging in humans, cancer radiotherapy, and medical images processing.

Antirequisite(s): None
Prerequisite(s): Registration in Year 4 of an Honors degree that contains a module offered by the Department of Medical Biophysics or, with special permission, registration in Year 4 of a BESc degree or an Honors BHSc, BMSc or BSc degree.
Corequisite(s): None
Pre-or Corequisite(s): None
Extra Information: 3 lecture hours, 0.5 course.

Instructor: Dr. John McGuire

Full Courses (September - April):

MEDBIO 3970Z: General Biophysics Laboratory - Full Year Half Course*

Intended primarily for students in Honors Specialization and Major modules in Medical Biophysics. Laboratories include topics from biomechanics (mechanical properties of arteries and bone), imaging (quantitative stereology, optical CT), biophysical analysis (diffusion and washout models), and transport systems (cardiovascular fluid dynamics). Includes an individual 6-week project in a research laboratory.

Antirequisite(s): The former Medical Biophysics 3302E.
Prerequisite(s): None
Corequisite(s): None
Pre-or Corequisite(s): Medical Biophysics 3330F/G; Medical Biophysics 3501F; Medical Biophysics 3505F.
Extra Information: 3 laboratory hours (3 laboratory hours every other week and up to 3 tutorial hours, at the instructor's discretion, in alternate weeks).
0.5 course spanning both the Fall and Winter terms.

Instructor: Dr. John Ronald

MEDBIO 4970E: Project in Medical Biophysics

Major laboratory course in experimental biophysics for fourth-year Honors or Honors Specialization Medical Biophysics. The three components are: a major experimental project (topic and advisor chosen in consultation with the student), scientific communication (student presentation and reports), and electronic information processing (data capture, computer analysis of biophysical signals).

Antirequisite(s): Medical Biophysics 4971E.
Prerequisite(s): Medical Biophysics 3970Z and registration in Year 4 of one of the following Honors Specialization modules: Medical Biophysics (Medical Science Concentration), Medical Biophysics (Physical Science Concentration), or Medical Biophysics (Biological Science Concentration).
Corequisite(s): None
Pre-or Corequisite(s): None
Extra Information: 15 hours weekly on average, 1.5 course.

Instructor: Dr. Jeffrey Carson

MEDBIO 4971E: Project in Medical Biophysics (Clinical Project)

Major laboratory course in experimental biophysics for fourth-year Honors or Honors Specialization Medical Biophysics. The three components are: a major experimental project (Clinical topic and advisor chosen in consultation with the student), scientific communication (student presentation and reports), and electronic information processing (data capture, computer analysis of biophysical signals).

Antirequisite(s): Medical Biophysics 4970E.
Prerequisite(s): Medical Biophysics 3970Z and registration in Year 4 of an Honors Specialization in Medical Biophysics (Clinical Physics Concentration).
Corequisite(s): None
Pre-or Corequisite(s): None
Extra Information: 15 hours weekly on average, 1.5 course.

Instructor: Dr. Jeffrey Carson