Medical Genetics and Microbiology

Introduction

Molecular biology has revolutionized the fields of genetics and microbiology. The Department of Medical Genetics and Microbiology offers a combined Specialist program in Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, which emphasizes the molecular aspects of both disciplines. Genetics, the science of heredity, and microbiology, the study of microorganisms (microbes), have long served as meeting grounds for a variety of biological disciplines. Developments in genetics and microbiology have contributed greatly to our basic understanding of the fundamental processes of life as well as to the treatment of genetic and infectious diseases.

Of particular significance in molecular genetics has been the development of techniques that permit the isolation, through cloning, of the genes responsible for specific traits, and the detailed analysis of their regulation, interactions, and products. Molecular techniques have increased our ability to diagnose and understand viral and bacterial disease, and the complex microbe/host interactions that are involved. The impact of these and other technological advances extend to such diverse fields as plant and animal developmental biology, virology, immunology, cancer biology, and biotechnology. Studies at a molecular level are essential to understanding the consequences to life when fundamental processes are altered by mutation, by infection, or by the environment.

The Molecular Genetics and Microbiology program is a research-intensive program and is designed to provide a strong background in science that is applicable to a variety of careers. Career opportunities for graduates include employment in research institutes, universities and other educational institutions, and industry. The program provides an excellent preparation for post-graduate research and professional programs.

The Molecular Genetics and Microbiology program consists of two streams, called Genetics and Microbiology. Students enter the program at the start of their second year, and choose a stream by the start of the third year. Each stream provides focused training, but there is considerable overlap between the programs, reflective of both the cross-disciplinary requirements of these two rapidly evolving disciplines and the impact of each on areas spanning modern biomedical science.

Undergraduate Coordinator: Dr. B. Funnell, Medical Sciences Building (416-978-1665; email: mgy.info@utoronto.ca)

Undergraduate Office/General Inquiries: Medical Sciences Building Rm 4396 (416-978-8359; email: undergrad.medgen@utoronto.ca)

More information is available on our website: http://www.utoronto.ca/medicalgenetics/

Molecular Genetics and Microbiology Program

Molecular Genetics and Microbiology (Science program)

Enrolment in this program is limited and selection is based on performance in First year required courses. Apply at the end of the First year via the Faculty’s Subject POSt web site. At later times, contact the Undergraduate Coordinator.

Specialist program:

(14 full courses or their equivalent)

First Year:
BIO150Y1; (CHM138H1, CHM139H1)/CHM151Y1; MAT135Y1/ MAT137Y1; PHY110Y1/PHY138Y1/PHY140Y1 (PHY138Y1 recommended)

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

Third Year:

Genetics Stream:
1. BCH340H1, BCH371H1; MGY311Y1, MGY312H1
2. At least 0.5 full-course equivalents must be taken from BCH335H1, CHM347H1, MGY377H1, MGY378H1

Microbiology Stream
1. IMM335Y1; MGY311Y1, MGY376H1, MGY377H1, MGY378H1

Fourth Year:

Genetics Stream:
1. MGY420H1, MGY432H1plus 2.5 credits from Genetics Lists 1 and 2, distributed as follows:
2. At least 1.5 full-course equivalents must be taken from list 1:MGY425H1, MGY428H1, MGY451H1, MGY452H1, MGY460H1, MGY470H1
3. Up to 1.0 full-course equivalent may be taken from list 2:BCH422H1, BCH440H1, BCH441H1; BIO461H1, BIO472H1; HPS333H1; MGY434H1, MGY440H1, MGY445H1, MGY480Y1; ZOO328H1

Microbiology Stream:
1. MGY432H1plus 2.5 credits from Microbiology Lists 1 and 2, distributed as follows:
2. At least 1.5 full-course equivalents must be taken from list 1:LMP402H1, LMP436H1; MGY420H1, MGY428H1, MGY434H1, MGY440H1, MGY445H1, MGY485H1
3. Up to 1.0 full-course equivalent may be taken from list 2:BCH304H1, BCH335H1, BCH340H1, BCH422H1, BCH426H1, 435H1, BCH441H1, BIO472H1, BOT404H1, 405H1, 452Y1, IMM430H1, JBI428H1, LMP403H1, MGY425H1, MGY451H1, MGY452H1, MGY460H1, MGY470H1, MGY480Y1, ZOO357H1