2001-2002 Calendar: Microbiology

MBY Microbiology

Introduction

Microbiology is a branch of the biological sciences which is concerned with the study of microorganisms (microbes) including bacteria, viruses, algae, fungi and protozoa. In practice, algae, fungi and protozoa have become the domain of botanists and zoologists whereas microbiologists focus on the study of bacteria and viruses.

Microbes have long been recognized as causative agents of infectious disease. The study of microbes continues to be important in the control of diseases due to newly emerging and re-emerging pathogens. With modern techniques, it is now possible to study microbe/host interactions at the molecular level and thereby develop strategies for prevention and treatment of specific diseases. However, the significance of microbiology goes far beyond the control of infectious disease. Bacteria and viruses control the health and ecological balance of this planet; without bacteria, life on earth would not be possible. For centuries, microorganisms have played a valuable role in food production. More recently, microbes and their metabolic activities have provided the basis for modern techniques in molecular biology and biotechnology.

Microorganisms and the specialized techniques for their study are used not only in microbiology but also in related fields such as biochemistry, immunology, pathobiology, pharmacology, genetics, nutrition and ecology. A background in microbiology opens up many career opportunities. Some graduates proceed to professional schools or to further study in microbiology or related discipline whereas others enter the workforce directly. Some of the many career opportunities can be found in universities, colleges, research institutes, hospitals and government as well as private laboratories. Microbiologists can also have careers in biotechnology and in industries which manufacture products such as food, beverages, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and vaccines.

Undergraduate Secretary:

Professor G. Clark, Medical Sciences Building (416-978-6075)

Enquiries:

Medical Sciences Building, Room 4388 (416-978-8359)

E-mail address:

medgen.micro@utoronto.ca

MICROBIOLOGY PROGRAM

MICROBIOLOGY (Hon.B.Sc.)
Enrolment in this program is limited and selection is based on performance in science and math courses. Students should enrol at the end of their first year of studies. It is possible to enrol after second or third year provided that the student has completed the required courses and meets the criteria for performance. Apply via the Web from early April to mid-May. At later times, contact the Undergraduate Secretary.

Specialist program:
(14 full courses or their equivalent, including at least one 400-series course)
Note: Students entering the third year in September, 2001, will complete the program as follows:

First Year:
BIO 150Y; CHM 137Y/151Y; MAT 135Y/137Y; PHY 110Y/138Y/140Y (PHY 138Y recommended)

Second Year:
BIO 250Y, 260H; CHM 222Y, 240Y

Third Year:
BCH 310H; IMM 334Y; JLM 349H; MBY 376H, 377H, 378H

Fourth Year:
Three full-course equivalents from: LMP 436H; MBY 422Y, 428H, 434H, 440H, 444H, 445H, 450H, 480H; MGB 430H. (One of these course equivalents must be a laboratory course, i.e. MBY 422Y or (MBY 450H, MGB 430H)
Note: Students entering first or second year in September, 2001 will complete the program as follows:

First Year:
BIO 150Y; CHM (138H, 139H)/151Y; MAT 135Y/137Y; PHY 110Y/138Y/140Y (PHY 138Y recommended)

Second Year:
BCH 210H; BIO 250Y, 260H; CHM 220H, 247H

Third Year:
IMM 335Y; JLM 349H; MBY 376H, 377H, 378H

Fourth Year:
Four full-course equivalents from the lists below:
1. Three to four full-course equivalents must be taken from: LMP 436H; MBY 422Y, 428H, 434H, 440H, 444H, 445H, 450H, 480H;
MGB 430H. (One of these course equivalents must be a laboratory course, i.e. MBY 422Y or (MBY 450H, MGB 430H))
2. Up to one full-course equivalent may be taken from: ANA 304Y, 401H; BCH 422H, 426H, 441H; BOT 404H, 405H, 452Y; IMM 430H; JBI 428H; JZM 357H, 358H; LMP 402H, 403H; MGB 420H, 425H, 451H, 452H, 460H, 470H
NOTES:
1. Students may take MBY 422Y in either the summer or the fall and winter session.
2. Students may take BCH 242Y/321Y, MGB 311Y in place of BCH 210H/310H, JLM 349H. Students in the Microbiology program must obtain permission from the Microbiology Undergraduate Secretary in order to enrol in BCH 242Y/321Y and MGB 311Y.
3. Students with a strong interest in Environmental Microbiology should consult the course calendar for Scarborough Campus.
4. Students with an interest in the study of fungi or the microorganisms of plants should consult the course descriptions for the Department of Botany.