Course Information

MICROIMM 2500A/B - Biology of Infection and Immunity

The biology of the human immune system and microbial pathogens including viruses, bacteria, parasites and fungi. Host-pathogen relationships and mechanisms used by microbes to cause disease will be emphasized.

Prerequisite(s): Either Biology 1001A or 1201A and either Biology 1002B or 1202B.

Extra Information: 3 lecture hours, 0.5 course.

MICROIMM 3100A - Microbiology

The fundamental aspects of the ecology, structure, physiology, replication, pathogenesis and genetics of bacteria and viruses. Topics include the usages of microbes in health and industry, foodborne and waterborne bacterial diseases, parasitic diseases and global health aspects, gene therapy vectors and vaccines.

Prerequisite(s): Biochemistry 2280A; Biology 2581B; Microbiology and Immunology 2500A/B

Pre-or Corequisite(s): It is recommended that Biochemistry 3381A be taken concurrently or previously.

Extra Information: 3 lecture hours, 0.5 course.

MICROIMM 3300B - Immunology

Elementary concepts of innate and adaptive immunity, structure and function of the immune system, antigens and antibodies, genetic basis of the immune response, humoral and cellular immunity, immunological tolerance, organ and tissue transplantation, allergy and autoimmune disease.

Prerequisite(s): Biochemistry 2280A; Biology 2581B; Microbiology and Immunology 2500A/B

Extra Information: 2 lecture hours, 1 lecture/tutorial hour, 0.5 course

MICROIMM 3500B - Biological and Social Determinants of Infectious Disease

A trans-disciplinary approach to examine the introduction, spread and ecological impact of infectious diseases; the underlying biological and social determinants of infectious diseases with an emphasis on the effects of environment and socio-economic status; lessons learned from global pandemics; treatment/prevention of infectious diseases and challenges with implementation in under-resourced communities.
 
Prerequisite(s): Microbiology and Immunology 2500A/B

Extra Information: 3 lecture hours, 0.5 course.

MICROIMM 3610F - Microbiology Laboratory

Laboratory techniques used in the broad discipline of microbiology, including bacteriology and virology. Laboratory exercises include the staining, biochemical characteristics and identification of live bacteria, plus genetic techniques used to study microorganisms. This course runs parallel to, and applies basic principles acquired in, Microbiology and Immunology 3100A.

Prerequisite(s): Biology 2581B; Microbiology and Immunology 2500A/B.

Pre-or Corequisite(s): Biochemistry 3381A; Microbiology and Immunology 3100A

Extra Information: 1 lecture/tutorial hour, 3 laboratory hours, 0.5 course.

MICROIMM 3620G - Immunology Laboratory

This course will familiarize students with a variety of practical techniques used in immunology research and diagnostic laboratories. The course applies basic principles acquired in Microbiology and Immunology 3300B

Prerequisite(s): Biochemistry 2280A with a mark of at least 65%; Biology 2581B; Chemistry 2213A/B and 2223B with marks of at least 60% in both courses; Microbiology and Immunology 2500A/B.

Pre-or Corequisite(s): Microbiology and Immunology 3300B

Extra Information: 1 lecture/tutorial hour, 3 laboratory hours, 0.5 course

MICROIMM 4100A - Bacterial Pathogenesis

A course offering an integrated view of bacterial pathogenesis mechanisms. Topics focus mainly on medically important bacterial pathogens, with an emphasis on how they cause disease and the host’s immune defense mechanisms to these infectious microbes.
 
Prerequisite(s): Microbiology and Immunology 3100A with a mark of at least 70%.

Extra Information: 3 lecture hours, 0.5 course

MICROIMM 4200B - Molecular Virology

Molecular mechanisms involved in viral replication and host pathogen relationships. This course focuses on animal and human viruses and their host-pathogen relationships including immune evasion strategies, mechanisms of host restriction, evolutionary relationships, disease pathogenesis and therapeutic applications of viral vectors.
 
Prerequisite(s): Microbiology and Immunology 3100A with a mark of at least 70%.

Extra Information: 2 lecture hours, 2 tutorial hours, 0.5 course

MICROIMM 4300A - Clinical Immunology

This course covers advanced concepts on cellular and molecular regulation of the immune system and their application to clinical conditions including autoimmune diseases, transplantation, and cancer. Recent advances and challenges in immunotherapeutics, immunology research, and immune mechanisms are highlighted.
 
Prerequisite(s): Microbiology and Immunology 3300B (or the former 3300A) with a mark of at least 70%.

Extra Information: 2 lecture hours, 0.5 course.

MICROIMM 4400B - Microbial Applications

Microbes are all around us and, whereas some cause disease, the vast majority are innocuous and often utilized to benefit humankind. This course highlights essential roles of microorganisms in food production, biotechnology, and human health.
 
Prerequisite(s):  Microbiology and Immunology 3100A and Microbiology and Immunology 3610F, with marks of at least 70% in each.

Extra Information: 2 lecture hours, 2 lab/tutorial hours, 0.5 course.

MICROIMM 4750F/G - Bioinformatics of Infectious Disease

An overview of concepts and applications of techniques in bioinformatics for the study and clinical/public health management of infectious diseases. Students are introduced to the basic analysis of conventional and next-generation sequence data, principles of maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference, reconstructing epidemic and evolutionary histories, detecting adaptation, and molecular epidemiology.

Antirequisite(s): Medical Bioinformatics 4750F/G.

Prerequisite(s): Biology 2581A/B; Biology 2290F/G; and either Biology 2244A/B or Statistical Sciences 2244A/B.

Pre-or Corequisite(s): Biochemistry 3383F/G if Biology 2290F/G has not been taken; Microbiology and Immunology 2500A/B is recommended.

Extra Information: 2 lecture hours, 2 laboratory hours.

MICROIMM 4970E - Research Project and Seminar

The major laboratory course for students in Honours Specialization modules offered by the Department of Microbiology and Immunology. Includes an independent research project supervised by a faculty member; lectures on laboratory safety, biosafety, use of animals in research, scientific integrity; scientific communication (two seminars and a written report).
 
Antirequisite(s): Biochemistry 4483E, Anatomy and Cell Biology 4480E

Prerequisite(s): Microbiology and Immunology 3610F and 3620G with a mark in each of at least 70%, or the former Microbiology and Immunology 3600G with a mark of at least 70%. Enrolment is limited and is available only to students in Year 4 of the Honours Specializations in Microbiology and Immunology and Biochemistry of Infection and Immunity. Students in the Honours Specialization in Biochemistry of Infection and Immunity require only one of the following half-courses with a mark of at least 70% as the prerequisite: Biochemistry 3380G, Microbiology and Immunology 3610F or 3620G (or the former Microbiology and Immunology 3600G).
syllabus: 4970E,

Extra Information: 15 hours per week, 1.5 course.