Biomedical Sciences
Program at a glance
In the first year, Biomedical Sciences students will focus on the foundations in scientific disciplines including, biology, chemistry, physics and math. The two inquiry courses provide students with additional tools to investigate the biomedical sciences research literature, develop scientific writing and presentation skills, and introduce the of interdisciplinary research.
In the 2nd year, Biomedical Science students will build on the first-year’s foundation with further exploration of organic chemistry, biochemistry, cellular and molecular biology (MDSC 351) and human genetics (MDSC 341). The BHSc core inquiry course (MDSC 308) continues to develop research inquiry, writing and communication skills. In addition, students start to build their own learning portfolio as they select a humanities option, a core option and an open option, in topics and courses that are of particular interest to them.
Biomedical Sciences students explore advanced courses in their area of interest. Biomedical Science students will develop essential skills for research design in molecular biology and integrate these with additional skills in statistics and bioinformatics. An example is the required core course MDSC408, which will give the students hands-on training in laboratory techniques and bioinformatics approaches, used in research laboratories Students will also select two open, one senior and four core option courses, which will allow for further specialization in advanced topics of individual interest in year four. The MDSC core option courses in year three include integrated research courses to enable students the opportunity for experiential learning (MDSC 402, MDSC 417/419), as well as develop further foundations in bioinformatics, physiology, molecular biology, biochemistry and epidemiology.
Biomedical Sciences students integrate their learning in the biomedical sciences as they complete an honours thesis research project. In addition, student select options to build on those selected in year three, which include, among others, advanced topics in anatomy, cancer biology, cell biology, neuroscience, physiology, pharmacology, genetics, immunology and infectious diseases.
BIOL 241 - Energy Flow in Biological Systems
An introduction to the energetics of life from molecules through ecosystems. Topics include: energy in biological systems; how different organisms obtain, store and use energy; energy budgets of organisms; and energy flow through cells and ecosystems.
BIOL 243 - DNA, Inheritance and Evolution
An introduction to central concepts in evolution and DNA as a vehicle for inheritance of genetic information. Topics include: the nature of genetic information and inheritance including transcription, translation and replication; natural selection and speciation; origin and history of biodiversity.
CHEM 201 - General Chemistry: Structure and Bonding
An introduction to university chemistry from theoretical and practical perspectives, that focuses on an exploration of the fundamental links between electronic structure, chemical bonding, molecular structure and the interactions of molecules using inorganic and organic examples.
CHEM 203 - General Chemistry: Change and Equilibrium
An introduction to university chemistry from theoretical and practical perspectives that focuses on an exploration of the fundamental links between kinetics, equilibria and thermodynamics and explores acidity/basicity and redox behaviour using inorganic and organic examples.
PHYS 221 (211) - Mechanics
Introductory Newtonian particle mechanics and rigid bodies in rotational equilibrium: Kinematics, Newton's laws, conservation of momentum and mechanical energy.
PHYS 223 - Introductory Electromagnetism, and Thermal Physics
Electrical forces and energy. Static electric fields due to point charges. Parallel-plate capacitor. Simple DC circuits. Lorentz force. Static magnetic fields generated by electric currents. Electromagnetic induction. Gas Laws; kinetic theory of gases; temperature, thermal energy, specific heat; energy transfer; laws of thermodynamics; PVT diagrams.
MDSC 203 - Developing Health Research Literacy I
Students will be introduced to the interdisciplinary scope of health research through reading and writing assignments. Students will learn the basics of academic research enquiry and practice academic writing and presentation skills through individual and team assignments.
MDSC 205 - Developing Health Research Literacy II
Students will develop their critical thinking skills and their ability to write logically, well-argued research papers. Students will learn the fundamentals of logical reasoning as well as how to analyze theoretical issues in science, medicine, and philosophy.
MATH 249 (265) - Introductory Calculus
An introduction to single variable calculus. Limits, derivatives and integrals of algebraic, exponential, logarithmic and trigonometric functions play a central role. Additional topics include applications of differentiation; the fundamental theorem of calculus, improper integrals and applications of integration.
English 2XX
Year 2
MDSC 341 - Principles of Human Genetics
Genetics is the study of biological information. The course provides students with the foundations in genetics from inheritance, mutations, molecular, population and clinical genetics. Understanding the role of genetics is key as the foundation of many health problems today.
MDSC 351 - Honours Cellular and Molecular Biology
Students will build on the concepts learned in the introductory biology and genetics courses and provide a solid background in cellular and molecular biology that students will need to understand many aspects of modern medical sciences.
CHEM 351 - Organic Chemistry I
An introduction to Organic Chemistry from a mechanistic perspective. Structure, bonding, and function, e.g. physical properties and reactivity. Stereochemistry; kinetics and thermodynamics. Spectroscopy (nuclear magnetic resonance, infrared, ultra-violet/visible, and mass spectrometric techniques). Substitution and elimination reactions of saturated functional groups - the chemistry of alkanes, alkyl halides, alcohols and their derivatives. Laboratory: Practical techniques.
CHEM 353 - Organic Chemistry II
The concept and implications of aromaticity. The reactions of unsaturated functional groups via substitution, elimination and addition mechanisms - the chemistry of alkenes, alkynes, aromatics, aldehydes, ketones and carboxylic acids and their derivatives. Laboratory: Characteristic functional group reactivity, synthesis, and qualitative organic analysis.
MDSC 308 - Full year course - Interdisciplinary Research Approaches
Students are introduced to the questions, methods and research techniques used across the different majors of Biomedical Sciences, Bioinformatics and Health and Society and work both independently and in interdisciplinary groups to explore their application to current health issues.
BCEM 393 (341) - Introduction to Biochemistry
Biomolecules and metabolism as a foundation for understanding molecular organization and reactions of life. Relationships between structure and biological function of amino acids, proteins, lipids, nucleic acids and coenzymes. Principles of metabolism are illustrated using key metabolic pathways. Laboratory involves inquiry-based approaches for studying biomolecules and metabolic pathways.
Open Option
*See below
Humanities Option
*See below
Core Option
*See below
Year 3
MDSC 408 - Full year course - Research Design in Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics
An introduction to the research methods utilized in the Health Sciences. Students will begin to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to conduct research in their respective fields. The importance of research design, qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods and the theoretical constructs that inform these approaches will be emphasized.
MDSC 407 - Statistics and Research Design in Health Sciences
Students are introduced to statistics and research design in the biomedical and health sciences. A focus will be on building the statistics literacy skills, required for the analyses of health-related data and understanding and reviewing the health sciences literature.
Core Option
*See below
Core Option
*See below
Open Option
*See below
Open Option
*See below
Core Option
*See below
Core Option
*See below
Senior Option
*See below
Year 4
MDSC 508 - Full year course - Honours Thesis and Research Communication
Capstone research course in the BHSc to be conducted through any one of the basic research departments. Students would be expected to conduct research. Course also involves weekly small group sessions aimed at building research communication skills. Course culminates with submission of a written thesis that is presented and defended in front of a panel of faculty members in an oral examination.
Senior Option
*See below
Senior Option
*See below
Biomedical Option
*See below
Senior Option
*See below
Biomedical Option
*See below
Biomedical Option
*See below
Options
Open
Any course.
Senior
Any course at the 300-level or above.
Biomedical
Any senior courses from Cumming School of Medicine, Faculty of Science or *selected senior courses from Faculty of Arts (see below or the Academic Calendar).
*Acceptable courses from Faculty of Arts to satisfy the Biomedical Option are:
Anthropology 305, 311, 413, 435, 451, 523, 552, 553, 589
Archaeology 417
Geography 482, 485, 585
Psychology 300, 301, 365, 369, 375
Other courses from the Faculty of Arts may be considered on a case-by-case basis with the approval of the Biomedical Sciences Director.
