Introduction

Immunology is an integrative branch of the medical sciences which draws upon the more traditional disciplines of Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Pathology, and Biochemistry. In essence, Immunology is the study of the physiological responses which result when foreign (i.e. non-self) materials are introduced into a vertebrate organism such as man. Traditionally, the discipline has focussed on the body’s response to infectious micro-organisms, with the purpose of developing effective vaccines. However, the scope of modern Immunology now encompasses all aspects of self vs. non-self recognition phenomena including organ transplantation, tumour immunology and autoimmune diseases. Recent major advances in our understanding of the cellular and molecular basis of the immune response promise to provide us with a new generation of prophylactic, therapeutic and diagnostic reagents of relevance to human and animal health.

The Department of Immunology in collaboration with Trinity College co-ordinates a specialist program in Immunology. The emphasis of this program is to provide students with a sound theoretical understanding of the cellular and molecular basis of non-self recognition, together with sufficient laboratory experience to enable the students to consider embarking on a career in the discipline. Immunologists may have careers in universities and other centres of learning and research, as well as in the biotechnology industries, diagnostic laboratories and various government agencies.

Courses in this specialist program are drawn from offerings by the Department, together with courses from other Departments, taught in some cases by members of the Department of Immunology. As enrolment in the specialist program is restricted, please consult specific requirements outlined in the program description section.

Undergraduate Coordinator:

Dr. J.C. Zúñiga-Pflücker (416-978-0926)

Enquiries:

Department of Immunology, Room 5271, Medical Sciences Building (416-978-8360)

More information is available on our website:

www.immunology.utoronto.ca

Immunology Programs

Immunology (Science program)

The Immunology Specialist Program is a Type 3 program. Enrolment is limited and selection is based on performance in First year required courses, only students with a CGPA of equal to or over 3.5 will be considered for acceptance into the program. Students apply via the Faculty’s Subject POSt web site.

Specialist program
(beginning the program in or after 2001):
(14 full courses or their equivalent, including at least three 400-series courses)

First Year:
BIO150Y1; CHM138H1, CHM139H1; MAT135Y1/MAT137Y1; PHY110Y1/PHY138Y1/PHY140Y1 (PHY138Y1 recommended)

Second Year:
BCH242Y1; BIO250Y1, BIO260H1/HMB265H1; CHM220H1, CHM247H1

Third Year:
BCH371H1; IMM335Y1; MBY377H1, 378H1; MGB311Y1

Fourth Year:
1. IMM429H1, IMM430H1, IMM435H1; JBI428H1
2. IMM450Y1 or one full course equivalent at the 400-series level in ANA, BCH, LMP, MBY, MGB, or ZOO

Note: Students already enrolled in the Immunology specialist program prior to 2001 should follow the courses described in the 1999-2000 Calendar