Course Information

NEW* 2022-2023 We’ve combined the best of the introduction to human physiology (Phys 2130) and the introduction to pharmacology (Pharm 2060B), to provide an overview of both disciplines in this 1.0 credit course.  

COURSE INFORMATION: Physiology & Pharmacology 2000 is a core course in Human Physiology and Pharmacology. Students will study the physiological processes and pharmacological treatments of nerve, muscle, central nervous system, renal, cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine, reproductive, and gastrointestinal control systems as they function in living humans, under healthy and diseased conditions.  

Syllabus 2000

COURSE MANAGER: 
Dr. Christine Bell
christine.bell@uwo.ca

COURSE INFORMATION: Almost all our knowledge of physiology and pharmacology is based on the results of laboratory experiments.  It was through carefully designed experiments that most of the information presented in lecture (Physiology 3120, 3140a and Pharmacology 3620) was obtained.  The same experimental approach is being used to solve the many remaining mysteries about how the body works and how diseases are treated with medications.  We believe that to thoroughly under­stand the science of physiology and pharmacology, one must understand the experimental basis. This course is targeted at learning the scientific method along with data analysis, which is applied in both disciplines of physiology and pharmacology. Therefore, the labora­tory exercises are a fundamental part of the study of physiology and/or pharmacology.

This new lab course combines many of the experiments that were conducted in both Physiology 3130z and Pharmacology 3580z, which are no longer offered. We feel Phys/Pharm 3000e brings together the best of these two older, highly successful labs.

syllabus 3000E

COURSE MANAGER: 
Dr. Oana Birceanu
obircean@uwo.ca 

COURSE INFORMATION: This course will explore, in depth, concepts of gastrointestinal digestion and absorption, and post-absorptive metabolism, including hepatic and pancreatic physiology.  Specific areas covered will include: gut-brain-liver axis and nutrient metabolism, pancreatic exocrine and endocrine physiology, and intestinal and hepatic glucose and lipid metabolism.  All areas will be discussed with particular attention to relevant pathologies and disease states, including obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. Current and emerging therapeutic strategies for the treatment of these metabolic diseases will also be presented. The course will be presented as a series of lectures on selected topics by two faculty members, with two scheduled in class debates regarding current policy, treatment(s) and/or guidelines for the management of metabolic disease. Students will be expected to recall facts, recognize general concepts, understand and explain fundamental concepts, and synthesize information presented in lectures to solve problems. Students will be evaluated through written journal article reviews, a mid-term exam and a final exam

syllabus 4100A

COURSE MANAGER:
Dr. Rennian Wang
rwang@uwo.ca

COURSE INFORMATION: This course examines the use of traditional and emerging models to study developmental and disease processes. From transgenic mice, to CRISPR-Cas9, to rapid screening of drugs for pharmaceutical testing, the understanding of how model systems can be utilized in the sciences to evaluate developmental and environmental disorders will be explored.

syllabus 4440B

COURSE MANAGER:
Dr. Chris Pin
cpin@uwo.ca 

COURSE INFORMATION: This course will provide an overview of the development and biology of skeletal tissues, introduce current techniques used to study skeletal physiology and examine the biological bases of common musculoskeletal diseases and their treatments.. 2 lecture hours, 0.5 course.

syllabus 4530B

COURSE MANAGER:
Dr. Matt Grol
mgrol2@uwo.ca

NOT OFFERED FW2023

2022 Topic: Endocrinology with a specific focus on the Pituitary gland

COURSE INFORMATION: Topic(s) will reflect an area of interest in Physiology and Pharmacology and may vary each year. Prior to registration, check with the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology for the selected topic. 2021 Topic: Endocrinology with a specific focus on the Pituitary gland.

syllabus 4800A

COURSE MANAGER:
Dr. Frank Beier
fbeier@uwo.ca 

NOT OFFERED FW 2023

COURSE INFORMATION: Students will investigate the neurobiology of aging. Topics include causes of brain aging; comparing pathological versus normal brain aging; reviewing current models of origins and progression of diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s; examining translational work in non-human models; and discuss the future of biomarkers and treatments for age related diseases.

2 lecture hours, 0.5 course.

syllabus 4750B

COURSE MANAGER:
Dr. Taylor Schmitz

tschmitz@uwo.ca

COURSE INFORMATION: A major laboratory project in Physiology or Pharmacology, which emphasizes experimental design, instrumentation, collection and analysis of data and communication of experimental results by oral, poster and written presentations. Students will select the physiology or pharmacology project from a list provided by the department and be matched to a supervisor. Antirequisite(s): the former Pharmacology 4980E, the former Physiology 4980E. Extra Information: Minimum 15 laboratory hours per week plus 2 seminar hours in alternate weeks.

LECTURES: Students are required to spend 12-15 hours/week in the laboratory plus 2 seminar hours on alternate weeks.

Supervisor Matching Process 4980E

syllabus: 4980E

COURSE MANAGER:

COURSE INFORMATION: A survey course outlining the principles of human/mammalian physiology; general properties of the living cell and the internal environment; neural, muscle, cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, renal and endocrine systems; metabolism, reproduction and homeostasis. Course is restricted to nursing students. 2 lecture hours, 1 tutorial hour, 1.0 course.
 
LECTURES: Course is offered online only.

syllabus 1020

COURSE MANAGER:

COURSE INFORMATION: An introductory course, outlining the principles of human/mammalian physiology along with a general survey of various physiological systems (e.g. cardiovascular, renal, neural, motor, gastrointestinal, endocrine, respiratory, etc.). Limited to students enrolled in first year Kinesiology. 2 lecture hours, 1 tutorial hour, 1.0 course.

syllabus 1021

COURSE MANAGER: 
Dr. Angela Beye
abeye2@uwo.ca

COURSE INFORMATION: A survey course outlining the principles of human/mammalian physiology; general properties of the living cell and internal environment; neural, muscular, cardiovascular, respiratory, gastro-intestinal, renal and endocrine system; metabolism, reproduction and homeostasis. 1.0 course.

syllabus 2130

COURSE INFORMATION: A survey course of the physiology of various systems (e.g. neural, endocrine, renal, cardiovascular, digestive, respiratory, etc.) of the mammal. 3 lecture hours, 1.0 course.

syllabus 3120

COURSE MANAGER:
Dr. Anita Woods
anita.woods@uwo.ca 

COURSE INFORMATION: A survey of principles of cellular physiology including membrane, ion channel, receptor, and transport protein function, and signal transduction mechanisms. 3 Lecture hours, 0.5 course.

syllabus 3140A

COURSE MANAGER:
Dr. Christine Bell     christine.bell@uwo.ca

COURSE INFORMATION: This course examines the normal pulmonary environment, including lung development and adaptations to high altitude and exercise, and a variety of pathophysiological conditions and processes. For each condition or disease, physiological abnormalities and current therapies will be discussed, as will pathophysiological mechanisms with some emphasis on chronic and acute inflammation.

syllabus 4200B

COURSE MANAGER:
Dr. Sean Gill
sgill8@uwo.ca

Dr. Rudd Veldhuizen
rveldhui@uwo.ca

Description: The fundamental goal of pluripotent stem cell biology is to understand how the self-renew and differentiation capabilities of these extraordinary cells are regulated to produce cells capable of differentiating into a wide range of functional cell types. This course will examine a variety of current topics within the field of pluripotent stem cell physiology. In particular, we will focus on the basic biology of embryo-derived stem cells and their potency. We will briefly cover pre- and post-implantation embryo development, focusing on cell fate determination and the cell lines derived from these developmental stages. We will discuss how these embryo-derived cell lines are isolated and tested, what factors allow for their expansion, how they can be genetically manipulated and what intrinsic and extrinsic factors regulate their self-renewal and cellular differentiation characteristics. We will also discuss pluripotent stem cells derived by somatic cell nuclear transfer and cellular reprogramming technologies. An understanding of this physiology will enable students a thorough understanding of stem cell function and cell fate determination to assess whether regenerative medicine is feasible with pluripotent cells along with gaining the ability to critically evaluate the ethical issues that surround this field.

Course Learning Outcomes:

1. demonstrate a strong understanding of the scientific methodologies behind pluripotent stem cells by formulating hypotheses, designing experiments, analyzing and interpreting data and making reasoned conclusions and improvements in experimental design in light of published work
2. interpret figures and proper figure descriptions along with identifying the strengths and weaknesses of information and the various research techniques used
3. perform literature searches and be able to evaluate and critique current literature in pluripotent stem cell physiology and generate a clear and concise written layperson article
4. explain and apply different stem cell models and technologies (e.g. knockout vs. knock-in, genome editing approaches etc.) with varying experimental procedures (Western vs. real time RT-qPCR etc.) to interpret the scientific literature encompassing the pluripotent stem cell field
5. demonstrate the ability to critically evaluate, manage, reflect on, integrate and apply their pluripotent stem cell knowledge in solving problem based learning exercises and examination questions
6. develop convincing arguments to effectively debate complex ideas and relevant scientific and / or ethical issues to be made aware of that scientific knowledge changes, has different interpretations and that ethical issues are not always simple choices between two differing views

syllabus 4510A

COURSE MANAGER:

Dr. Dean Betts    dean.betts@schulich.uwo.ca 

COURSE INFORMATION: This course explores fundamental concepts in regenerative medicine, including stem cell biology, and focuses on the physiology and pathophysiology of hematopoiesis and cancer development, blood vessel formation for tissue repair, and cellular transplantation for regenerative therapies.

syllabus 4520B

COURSE MANAGER:
Dr. David Hess
dhess@robarts.ca

COURSE INFORMATION: A 4th year course on ion channel related diseases such as sensorineural hearing loss, immunodeficiency, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, and cardiac arrhythmias.   We will cover physiology and pathophysiology of relevant ion channels.   

2 lecture hours, 0.5 course.

syllabus 4600A

COURSE MANAGER:
Dr. Donglin Bai
donglin.bai@schulich.uwo.ca

COURSE INFORMATION: A study of the regulation of the circulation including factors involved in the regulation of cardiac output, reflex control of the circulation and long-term control of arterial pressure.

syllabus 4610B

COURSE MANAGER:
Dr. Don Welsh
dwelsh@robarts.ca

COURSE INFORMATION: The hypothalamus and limbic system contribute to the neural integration of autonomic, endocrine and skeletomotor responses which contribute to homeostasis and adaptive behaviors. Topics include the regulation of body temperature, blood pressure, energy, water and electrolytes, circadian rhythms and the integration of reproductive function. 2 lecture hours, 0.5 course.

syllabus 4650A

COURSE MANAGER:
Dr. Wataru Inoue
winoue@robarts.ca 

COURSE INFORMATION: Mechanisms at the cellular and molecular level by which function of neurons and their communication to target cells is regulated. Topics may include mechanisms involved in cell fate determination in the nervous system, specification of neuronal phenotype, neurochemical transmission, receptor signal transduction mechanisms, and receptor-ligand biology. 2 lecture hours, 0.5 course.

syllabus 4680B

COURSE MANAGER:
Dr. Wei-Yang Lu
wlu53@uwo.ca 

COURSE INFORMATION: The development and growth of the fetus are covered, from blastocyst implantation through to parturition. Specific areas of study include the establishment and role of the placenta for maternal-fetal development, including placental endocrine function along with nutrient, oxygen, and drug transport. The development of the fetal cardiovascular, respiratory, and metabolic system is also examined.  These areas are also discussed with respect to the concept of ‘fetal programming’ which suggests that in utero insults (i.e. hypoxia, malnutrition, obesity) can adversely affect fetal development and predispose to increased risk of metabolic disease in adulthood.  The molecular mechanisms of parturition are also highlighted. 

COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES:

By the end of this course, successful students will be able to:

• - identify the critical role of the placenta for the proper fetal development.
• - integrate how an adverse in utero environment leads to short-term pregnancy complications  and long-       term metabolic deficits in the offspring.
• - delineate the maternal and fetal signals involved in the onset of parturition.
• - interpret and analyze primary research in fetal physiology. 

syllabus 4700B

COURSE MANAGER:
Dr. Timothy Regnault
tim.regnault@uwo.ca 

COURSE INFORMATION: Examines the basic principles and surveys molecular mechanisms of regulation of cell growth, adhesion, migration, and differentiation and their functional integration to support survival and development. Dysregulation of these processes in disease will also be examined. The course is composed of both lectures and student presentations of scientific literature.

2 lecture hours, 0.5 course.

syllabus 4730B

COURSE MANAGER:
Dr. Sean Cregan
scregan@robarts.ca

COURSE INFORMATION: This course will examine reproductive health across familial generations, involving the impact of factors like diet, environmental stress, substance abuse, and mental health. Select factors that influence female and male fertility, pregnancy, and newborn outcomes that set the trajectory for life-long and family transgenerational health and well-being will be discussed. Extra Information: Blended course.  

 3 lecture hours (two hours in-person and one hour or equivalent online).

COURSE MANAGER:
Dr. Timothy Regnault
tim.regnault@uwo.ca 

COURSE INFORMATION: A course for students in the Nursing and other Health Sciences programs as well as students in BMSc and BSc programs, to provide a basic understanding of the fundamentals of drug action and the mechanisms of action and therapeutic use of the important classes of drugs. Online, 0.5 course.

syllabus 2060B

LECTURES: Lectures online only.

COURSE MANAGER: 

COURSE INFORMATION: This will be a full year systems-based pharmacology course that will examine drugs used to treat diseases that affect various organs of the body (e.g. cardiovascular disease, neurological diseases, etc.) and some fundamental principles. There will be emphasis on how the drugs target the organ, the mechanisms of the drug action, and
adverse effects of the drugs on the system. The topics in Pharmacology 3620 will be aligned closely with the topics in Physiology 3120 (Human Physiology – a course strongly recommended as a co-requisite). As a
result, you will learn how a particular organ system works in physiology and then, in Pharm 3620, you will learn about the diseases that affect that system and how the drugs work to target and treat the diseases.

syllabus 3620

INSTRUCTORS:

COURSE MANAGER: 
Dr. Fabiana Crowely
fabiana.crowley@schulich.uwo.ca

COURSE DISCRIPTION: The course is designed to teach students the principles of cardiovascular pharmacology and therapeutics.  We will focus on the underlying mechanistic bases of cardiovascular diseases including ischemic heart disease and heart failure, especially at the cellular and molecular levels, and examine how these relate to therapeutic interventions. Throughout the course, mechanisms, either of disease processes or drug actions are stressed. In addition, recent and late-breaking developments in the understanding and treatment of cardiovascular disease represent important components of the course.

syllabus 4320A

COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES:

• To define the principles of drugs for the treatment of cardiovascular disease
• To explain cellular and molecular mechanisms of cardiovascular disease in relation to pharmacological treatments
• To assess and critique studies on the effects and mechanisms of cardiovascular drugs

COURSE MANAGER: 
Dr. Qinping Feng
qfeng@uwo.ca

COURSE INFORMATION: Clinical Pharmacology is a scientific and medical disciple dedicated to the bench-to-bedside study of drug action through an in-depth knowledge of human pharmacology and therapeutics. This course in clinical pharmacology focuses on fundamental concepts highlighted with examples from clinical cases, therapeutic applications and relevance to drug discovery and development. 2 lecture hours, 0.5 course.

syllabus 4350A

COURSE MANAGER:
Dr. Rommel Tirona
rommel.tirona@schulich.uwo.ca

COURSE DESCRIPTION: Pharm 4360B is a half course to introduce students to the basic concepts in cancer biology and therapeutic properties of anticancer agents. The first module focuses on recent advances in our understanding of the molecular and genetic basis of cancer as well as how signaling is altered in cancer cells, that have led to a new era in cancer therapy. The lectures in the second module will focus on principles of chemotherapy and the concept of targeted therapy, using examples from drugs used clinically, as well as new drugs that are in clinical trials. These will include drugs that target G protein-coupled receptors, receptor tyrosine or serine/threonine kinases. The class will be in lecture format and meet for 2 hrs each week.

COURSE INFORMATION: This course will cover the pharmacological and pathophysiological effects of non-medical drug use including mechanisms of action, tolerance and addiction long-term effects, side effects and toxicity, treatment of addictions and overdoses.  Pharmacokinetics will also be examined including routes of administration, activation, deactivation, elimination, and drug-drug ineractions. 2 lecture hours, 0.5 course.

syllabus 4370B

COURSE MANAGER:
Dr. Peter Cidiac
Peter.chidiac@schulich.uwo.ca

NOT OFFERED FW2023

COURSE INFORMATION: This course will provide an overview in the treatment and rationale for treatment of a number of neurological and psychiatric illnesses. Topics will include epilepsy, depression schizophrenia, cognitive disorders Parkinson’s disease and stroke. The format of the course is approximately 50% lecture and 50 % student presentations of relevant scientific literature.

syllabus 4380B

COURSE MANAGER:
Dr. Vania Prado
vprado@robarts.ca

COURSE INFORMATION:This course will present mechanisms of major receptor, ion channel, exchanger and other protein actions that drive cell signalling processes in health and disease. Pharmacological interventions and drug design will be discussed in relation to dysfunctional cell signalling pathways and available protein structure information. Extra Information: 2 lecture hours.

syllabus:4620A

COURSE MANAGER:
Dr. Rithwik Ramachandran
rithwik.ramachandran@schulich.uwo.ca

COURSE INFORMATION: A course dealing with the pharmacological and toxicological principles underlying the adverse effects of xenobiotics in humans. In addition to reviewing mechanisms of toxicity in humans, the course will include overviews of the principles of management of human poisoning, the principles of chronic toxicity and of drug safety in humans.

syllabus: 4660A

COURSE MANAGER:
Dr. Ute Schwarz
uschwarz@uwo.ca