Collaborative Program of the Faculty of Arts & Science and the Faculty of Medicine
University Professor Emeritus
M.A. Packham, BA, Ph D, FRSC
Professors Emeriti
R.A. Anwar, M Sc, Ph D
A. Bennick, M Sc D, Ph D
N. Camerman, B Sc, Ph D
G.E. Connell, BA, Ph D, FRSC, O.C.
T. Hofmann, Dip Chem, D Sc Tech
V.K. Kalnins, M Sc, Ph D
B.G. Lane, BA, Ph D
H.G. Lawford, B Sc, Ph D
A. Marks, MD, Ph D
M.A. Moscarello, BA, MD, Ph D
R.K. Murray, MB, Ch B, MS, Ph D
R.H. Painter, B Sc, Ph D (T)
B. Sarkar, M Pharm, Ph D
H. Schachter, BA, MD, Ph D, FRSC
D.O. Tinker, B Sc, Ph D
G.R. Williams, B Sc, Ph D, D Sc (S), FRSC
Professor and Chair of the Department
R. Reithmeier, B Sc, Ph D
University Professor
D.H. MacLennan, BA, M Sc, Ph D, FRSC, O.C.
Professors
K. Adeli, B Sc, M Sc, Ph D
R.R. Baker, B Sc, Ph D (V)
D. Bazett-Jones, M Sc, Ph D
C.E. Bear, M Sc, Ph D
H.S. Chan, B Sc, Ph D
D.M. Clarke, B Sc, Ph D
C.M. Deber, B Sc, Ph D, FRSC
J. Forman-Kay, B Sc, Ph D
S. Grinstein, B Sc, Ph D, FRSC
J.W. Gurd, BA, Ph D
L. Howell, B Sc, Ph D
C.J. Ingles, B Sc, Ph D
D.E. Isenman, B Sc, Ph D
A.O. Jorgensen, Ph D
L. Kay, B Sc, Ph D, FRSC
F.W. Keeley, B Sc, Ph D
S. Kelley, BA, Ph D
A. Klip, M Sc, Ph D, FRSC
P.N. Lewis, B Sc, Ph D
C.A. Lingwood, B Sc, Ph D
L.A. Moran, B Sc, Ph D
E.F. Pai, Dipl-Chem, Dr rer nat
G. Privé, B Sc, Ph D
D.E. Pulleyblank, B Sc, Ph D
B.H. Robinson, B Sc, Ph D
D. Rotin, B Sc, Ph D
J.M. Segall, B Sc, Ph D
C.H. Siu, BA, Ph D
W. Trimble, B Sc, Ph D
D.B.Williams, M Sc, Ph D
S. Wodak, L.C. Ph D
Associate Professors
L. Attisano, B Sc, Ph D
G.W. Brown, B Sc, Ph D
J.W. Callahan, M Sc, Ph D
A. Chakrabartty, B Sc, Ph D
A.R. Davidson, B Sc, Ph D
J.R. Glover, B Sc, Ph D
W. Houry, B Sc, Ph D
R. Pomès, B Eng, Ph D
M.L. Rand, B Sc, Ph D
J. Rini, B Sc, Ph D
C.A. Smibert, B Sc, Ph D
I. Stagljar, B Sc Dipl-Mol Biol, Ph D
B. Steipe, MD, Ph D
C.M. Yip, BA Sc, Ph D
Assistant Professors
S. Angers, B Sc, Ph D
M.F. Manolson, B Sc, Ph D
A. McQuibban, B Sc, M Sc, Ph D
J. Parkinson, B Sc Ph D
J. Rubinstein, B Sc, Ph D
S. Sharpe, B Sc, Ph D
A. Volchuk, B Sc, Ph D
Senior Lecturer
S. Andreopoulos, M Sc, Ph D
Lecturer
A. Khan, B Sc, Ph D
Biochemistry is the study of the chemistry of living organisms. Biochemists seek a molecular explanation of life by attempting to understand its underlying principles. Biochemistry is concerned with the relevance of a molecule to an organism and the correlations between its structure and its function. Modern biochemistry grew out of the application of chemical techniques to biological problems and is the foundation of biological science and medicine. In many ways it combines biology and chemistry but the subject now covers such a broad range of activity that it is difficult to draw a neat border around biochemistry. Some of the most exciting areas of current biochemistry research include:
* structural biology * enzyme mechanisms * signal transduction and regulation* biotechnology* molecular cell biology* gene expression and development* metabolic diseases * proteomics and bioinformatics * molecular evolution* protein folding* membranes and transport
The Biochemistry Specialist Program is academically oriented and designed to provide students with a fundamental understanding of the theoretical and practical aspects of the discipline. The program offers training in problem solving specifically using a molecular approach. Biochemistry specialists will gain experience in critical thinking and the skills required to evaluate scientific rationale. The Biochemistry Major Program offers students fundamental training in the science and gives each student in the program the chance to combine Biochemistry with another relevant Major Program. This may be within the Life Sciences or Basic Sciences, or may be within the arts. For example, the combination of Biochemistry with Economics or with English could provide students with training relevant to the fields of investment within biotechnology or scientific journalism. Students who excel within the Biochemistry Major Program may be offered the chance to enter the Specialist Program at the third year. Frequently students who have completed a B.Sc. in the Specialist Program continue their studies in graduate programs in Biochemistry and other Life Sciences. Graduates from either the Specialist or Major Programs may find employment in research and teaching. Employers include universities and colleges, government laboratories, clinical biochemistry laboratories, forensic laboratories, pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology companies, and many other industries. Skills learned in the Biochemistry Specialist and Major Programs are also helpful in other areas such as marketing, finance, and law. Some biochemistry graduates continue their studies in medicine, dentistry or other health related programs.
Undergraduate Coordinator: Dr. R. R. Baker, roy.baker@utoronto.ca
Undergraduate Administrator: Brenda Bradshaw, brenda.bradshaw@utoronto.ca.
Enquiries: Medical Sciences Building, Room 5207 (416-978-2700)
Web site: www.biochemistry.utoronto.ca
Biochemistry Programs
Biochemistry (Science Program)
The Biochemistry Specialist Program is a Type 3 program. Enrolment is limited and selection is based on performance in First Year courses. Typically, students considered for entrance into the Specialist Program have a GPA greater than 3.0. Students apply via the Facultys Subject POSt web site. See the departmental web site at www.biochemistry.utoronto.ca for more information.
Specialist Program:
(14 full courses or their equivalent, including at least three 400-series courses)
First Year: BIO 150Y1; CHM 151Y1/(CHM 138H1, 139H1); MAT 135Y1/136Y1/137Y1; (PHY131H1, 132H1)/(151H1, 152H1)/110Y1/138Y1/140Y1 [PHY131H1, 132H1 recommended])
Second Year: BCH 242Y1; (BIO240H1,241H1)/ BIO 250Y1; CHM 220H1, 247H1/249H1
NOTE:
BIO260H1 is a recommended preparation for MGY311Y1.
Third Year:
1. BCH 335H1, 340H1, 371H1; MGY 311Y1
2. 1.5 full-course equivalents from the following list:Any 300-level course(s) in BIO/BOT/CHM/HMB/IMM/LMP/MGY/PCL/PSL/ZOO/BIO260H1/CHM217H1/345H1/347H1/BCH304H1(departmental approval required).
Fourth Year:
1. BCH 471Y1
2. Four of: BCH 422H1/425H1/426H1/440H1/441H1/444H1/445H1/CHM 447H1/JBI 428H1/MGY 420H1/425H1
Major Program
(8 full courses or their equivalent, including two 400-series half-year courses as noted below)
The Biochemistry Major program is a Type 3 program. Only students with a GPA of 2.5 or higher will be considered for entrance into the Major program. Enrollment is limited and selection is based upon performance in First Year courses. Students may combine this Biochemistry Major with another suitable Major within Science, Humanities, or Social Sciences. In order to be admitted into the program you must have taken a full course load in first year (five full courses) and the enrollment is limited.For more information, refer to the Biochemistry web site at www.biochemistry.utoronto.ca
First Year: BIO 150Y1; CHM 151Y1 (CHM 138H1, 139H1); MAT 135Y1/136Y1/137Y1
Second Year: BCH 210H1;(BIO240H1, 241H1) / BIO 250Y1; CHM 247H1/249H
Third Year:
1. BCH 370H1
2. BCH311H1
3. One full-course equivalent from the following list:Any 300-level course(s) in BIO/BOT/CHM/HMB/IMM/LMP/MGY/PCL/PSL/ZOO/BIO 260H1/CHM 217H1/CHM 220H/BCH 304H1 (depart-mental approval required)
Fourth Year: Two of: BCH 422H1/425H1/426H1/440H1/441H1/444H1/445H1/CHM 447H1/JBI 428H1* (*NOTE JBI 428H1 has IMM 334Y/335Y1 as prerequisite)
Bioinformatics and Computational Biology
If we were to choose the single most important scientific advance of the last century, it would be iconified in the image of the double helix of DNA and its implied duality: life propagates as pure information, which is encoded in physical molecules. Molecular biology is an information science as much as it is a physical science. Bioinformatics devises methods to make biological information computable - to abstract properties of molecules, cellular systems and biological organisms, to efficiently store and retrieve the very large volumes of data that are being accumulated, to support sensitive comparisons and to mine the data with sophisticated statistical tools. Computational biology is bioinformatics goal: to advance our understanding of life through computational analysis, modeling, and prediction. However, integrating the two cultures of computer science and life science has been a challenge, and a bottleneck for progress has emerged from a lack of dually qualified researchers. The Bioinformatics and Computational Biology specialist program is designed to provide a balance between its foundational subjects and to cover advanced topics in both the theoretical and the life-sciences. It aims to train the generalist, who will become creative at the intersection of two fields, rather than pursue their subspecialization. The program draws on the Universitys state-of-the-art facilities across several departments, as well as being firmly embedded in a comprehensive landscape of graduate and postgraduate research in one of the Universitys priority areas. Graduates of the program would typically pursue graduate studies in any of the participating departments: Computer Science (from the biocomputing stream, see below), Biochemistry, Botany or Zoology (from the bioanalyst stream). Important advances in the computer sciences have been motivated by these needs and there is virtually no field in the life-sciences and in molecular medicine that does not critically depend on insightful data analysis.
Bioinformatics and Computational Biology (Science Program)
The Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Program is jointly sponsored by the Departments of Biochemistry, Botany, Computer Science and Zoology. Enrollment is limited and selection is based on performance in the required first year courses.
Specialist program:
(16.5 full courses or their equivalent)
First Year: MAT135Y1/MAT137Y1/MAT157Y1; (CSC107H1/CSC108H1, CSC148H1)/CSC150H1; CSC165H1; CHM151Y1 / (CHM138H1, CHM139H1); BIO150Y1BIO150Y1; writing requirement (0.5 credit, see Note 2 to Comprehensive Program in Computer Science)
Second Year: MAT223H1/MAT240H1; STA247H1; STA248 H1; CSC207H1; CSC236H1/CSC240H1; BCH242Y1; BIO250Y1
Third Year: CSC263H1 / CSC265H1; CSC321H1 / CSC343H1; CSC373H1 / CSC375H1; BCH441H1 / BIO472H1; MGY311Y1 / (BIO260H1, BIO349H1)
Fourth Year: Bio Analyst Stream (preparation for life-science graduate programs)BCB410H1; BCB420H1; CSC411H1; five half credits from (BCB430Y1, BCH335H1, BCH340H1, MGY420H1, MGY425H1, MBY428H1, BCH422H1, BCH426H1, BCH440H1, MGY460H1, BIO460H1, BIO473H1, BOT421H1, BOT450H1, BOT458H1)Bio Computing Stream (preparation for computer-science graduate programs)BCB410H1; BCB420H1; CSC411H1; CSC336H1/CSC350H1; one half credit from (MGY420H1, MGY425H1, MBY428H1, BCH422H1, BCH426H1, BCH440H1, MGY460H1, BIO460H1, BIO473H1, BOT421H1, BOT450H1, BOT458H1); three half credits from (BCB430Y1, CSC324H1, CSC363H1, MAT244H1, CSC310H1 CSC321H1,CSC343H1, CSC412H1 CSC456H1)
Bioinformatics & Computational Biology Courses
See page 32 for Key to Course Descriptions.For Distribution Requirement purposes, all BCB courses are classified as SCIENCE courses (see page 26). For details on BCB courses, see www.biochemistry.utoronto.ca/bcb
BCB410H1 Applied Bioinformatics [26L, 13P]
Practical introduction to concepts, standards and tools for the implementation of strategies in bioinformatics and computational biology.
Prerequisite: CSC263H1, CSC373H1, MGY311Y1/ (BIO260H1, BIO349H1) or special permission
BCB420H1 Computational Systems Biology [26L]
Current approaches to using the computer for analysing and modeling biology as integrated molecular systems. The course complements an introductory Bioinformatics course such as BCH441H1. (Enrolment limited).
Prerequisite: MGY311Y1 / (BIO260H1, BIO349H1), BCB441H1/CSB472H1 or special permission,
BCB430Y1 Special Project in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology [TBA]
An opportunity for specialized individual research in bioinformatics and computational biology by arrangement with the course coordinator and a supervisor.
Prerequisite: GPA 3.0 and written acceptance by coordinator and supervisor.Corequisite: BCB410H1, BCB420H1
Exclusion: Any other 4th year special project course taken at the same time.
Molecular Biophysics (Science Program): See Physics
Biochemistry Courses
See page 32 for Key to Course Descriptions. For Distribution Requirement purposes, all BCH courses are classified as SCIENCE courses (see page 26).
BCH299Y1 Research Opportunity Program
Credit course for supervised participation in faculty research project. See page 48 for details.
BCH210H1 Biochemistry I: Proteins, Lipids and Metabolism [39L, 26T]
Proteins, enzymes, membranes and the metabolism of carbohydrates and lipids. This course is intended for students who are NOT taking BCH 242Y1 as part of their program.
Exclusion: BCH242Y1/310H1/320Y1/321Y1/CHM265H5(UTM)/ 361H5(UTM)/362H5(UTM)
Prerequisite: (CHM138H1, 139H1)/CHM151Y
NOTE: CHM1** WITH COURSE EXCLUSION TO CHM138H AND CHM139H meet the prerequisite requirement for BCH210H. SCI1** DOES NOT COUNT AS A PREREQUISITE. CHM140Y1 (UTM) is equivalent to CMH139H1 ONLY. Students that have an SDF for CHM138/139 are not permitted to take BCH210H1 until a final mark appears on the transcript.
BCH242Y1 Biochemistry [78L]
An introduction to biochemistry for students specializing in biochemistry and related specialist programs. The major topics include protein structure, enzyme mechanisms, carbohydrates, metabolism and bioenenergetics, lipids, membranes, structure of DNA and RNA.
Exclusion: BCH210H1/310H1/320Y1/321Y1/CHM265H5(UTM)/ 361H5(UTM)/362H5(UTM)
Prerequisite: (CHM138H1, 139H1)/CHM151Y
BCH304H1 Cell Dynamics & Interactions [28L, 11T]
Principles and concepts of cell biology; structure, molecular organization and dynamic cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix interactions during cell migration, cell adhesion, cell polarity and tissue organization and the role of cytoskeletal components and cell surface receptors in these processes. Approaches and imaging techniques used; contributions of cell biology to advances in medicine. cGPA of 2.5 is required for non-Biochemistry Major and Specialists.
Exclusion: ANA304Y1
Prerequisite: BIO250Y1, BCH210H1/242Y1
BCH311H1 Biochemistry II: Nucleic Acids and Biologic Information Flow [26L, 26T]
Nucleic acids and flow of information in biological systems. Information storage and transmission by nucleic acids, as well as new molecular technologies will be discussed.
Prerequisite: BCH210H1, CHM247H1/249H1
Exclusion: BIO349H1/CSB349H1, PSL350H1
BCH335H1 Nucleic Acids and Recombinant DNA Technology [39L]
Structure of DNA and RNA. Catalytic RNAs (ribozymes). Aspects of DNA topology and chromatin structure. Restriction/modification and fundamentals of recombinant DNA technology.
Exclusion: BCH430H1
Prerequisite: BCH242Y1
BCH340H1 Proteins: from Structure to Proteomics [39L]
Proteins are the main functional units of the cell. In this course, a detailed overview of protein structure, stability, folding, and protein-ligand interactions will be given with strong emphasis on discussing the basic principles in the field. Biophysical methods as well as theoretical approaches to studying protein stability and folding will be pre-sented. Finally, proteomics approaches to map protein-protein interactions will be discussed. Priority will be given to students in the specialist programs listed in the Arts & Science Registration Handbook & Timetable.
Exclusion: BCH421H1
Prerequisite: BCH242Y1
BCH370H1 Laboratory Course in Biochemical Techniques [13L, 39P]
This course reinforces theoretical principles through experiments that encompass pH and buffers, spectrophotometry, chromatography, electrophoresis and enzyme kinetics. Intended for students who are not proceeding further in biochemistry. It is highly recommended that students take this course in their third year as space is limited and priority will go to third-year students. cGPA of 2.5 is required for non-Biochemistry Major and Specialists.
No enrolment will be permitted five days after the start of class. (Enrolment limited)
Exclusion: BCH371H1, CHM379H1
Prerequisite: BCH210H1
BCH371H1 A Laboratory Course in Biochemistry [ 75P]
An introduction to laboratory techniques of modern biochemistry. Experiments illustrate and develop the concepts described in lecture courses, and prepare the student for advanced training in biochemical laboratory techniques. (Enrolment limited)
Exclusion: BCH370H1, CHM379H1
Prerequisite: BCH242Y1
Note
Students who have completed University of Toronto at Mississaugas CHM361H5 and 362H5 may enroll in 400-series lecture courses if they obtain permission of the Department
BCH422H1 Membrane Proteins: Structure, and Function [26L]
Structural features of membrane proteins and methods of analysis. Function of membrane proteins as transporters, channels, pumps and receptors. Molecular aspects of disease processes linked to membrane proteins.
Prerequisite: BCH210H1/242Y1, MGY311Y1/BIO349H1/PSL350H1
BCH425H1 Structural Biology: Principles and Practice [26L]
Theory and practice of modern biophysical techniques as applied in the study of structure and function of macromolecules; emphasis on protein X-ray crystallography, NMR, and other spectroscopic methods; discussion of selected examples.
Prerequisite: BCH 210H1/242Y1, CHM220H1. Analytical problem solving skills are highly recommended for this course.
BCH426H1 Regulation of Signalling Pathways [26L]
A variety of questions relating to signal transduction are investigated. How is calcium regulated in the cell and how does calcium regulate cell function? How are extracellular signals received and transmitted by intracellular proteins to control cellular prolifera-tion and differentiation? What signaling paths are triggered by insulin?
Prerequisite: BCH210H1/242Y1, MGY311Y1/BIO349H1/PSL350H1
BCH427H1 Advanced Molecular Biophysics [26L]
This course provides a focused study of concepts in thermodynamics, statistical mechanics and quantum mechanics through examples dealing with important current problems in molecular biophysics. Concepts in thermodynamics and statistical mechanics will be surveyed through applications to protein folding, while principles of quantum mechanics will be emphasized through a study of nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.
Prerequisite: CHM326H1/PHY355H1, CHM328H1
JBI428H1 Molecular Immunology [26L]
Molecular mechanisms involved in innate and adaptive immunity including the structure and function of immunoglobulins, the complement system, antigen processing and presentation and membrane signalling events. Emphasis is on experimental approaches and quantitative aspects. (Given jointly by the Departments of Biochemistry and Immunology)
Prerequisite: BCH210H1/242Y1, IMM334Y1/335Y
Recommended preparation: BIO349H1/MGY311Y1/PSL350H1
BCH440H1 Protein Biosynthesis [26L]
Mechanisms of translation initiation and translational control, ribosome assembly and structure. Protein folding and molecular chaperones. Protein targeting and transport. Regulation of protein degradation.
Prerequisite: BCH210H1/242Y1, MGY 311Y1/BIO 349H1/PSL350H1
BCH441H1 Bioinformatics [26L, 13T]
This course covers computational methods and internet resources in modern biochemistry and molecular biology. The main topics include: sequence and genome databases, sequence alignment and homology search, use and interpretation of molecular structure, and phylogenetic analysis. Assignments focus on competence building with essential, web-based bioinformatics tools. Tutorials are optional and will be offered based on needs.
Exclusion: CSB472H1, BIO472H1
Prerequisite: BCH210H1/242Y1, MGY311Y1/(CSB349H1/BIO349H1)/PSL350H1 or special permission
BCH444H1 Protein Trafficking in the Secretory & Endocytic Pathways [26L]
This course examines the molecular details of the secretory and endocytic pathways in the cell. Some of the specific topics covered will include protein translocation into the ER, chaperones and protein folding in the ER, retrotranslocation and protein degradation, the Unfolded Protein Response (UPR), vesicle biogenesis and ER-Golgi transport, regulated secretion, basic concepts in endocytosis and protein sorting in polarized cells.
Prerequisite: BCH 242Y1/210H1, MGY311Y1/PSL 350H1/BIO349H1
BCH445H1 Organelles and Cell Function [26L]
Principles and concepts of cell biology are covered including structure, biogenesis, and dynamic behaviour of cell organelles. The roles of sub-nuclear structure in DNA replica-tion and of vesicular transport in endocytosis, exocytosis and phagocytosis are empha-sized, as are modern imaging techniques and contributions of cell biology to advances in medicine.
**Please note in the past academic session this course was presented as BCH 305H1
Exclusion: ANA304Y1, BCH305H1
Prerequisite: BIO250Y1, BCH210H1/242Y1, MGY311/BIO349/PSL350
BCH471Y1 Advanced Biochemistry Laboratory [168P]
Experiments demonstrating modern concepts of biochemistry and molecular biology. (Enrol-ment limited)
Prerequisite: (BCH335H1 + 340H1 + 371H1)/(CHM361H5 [UTM] + 362H5 [UTM] + 371H5 [UTM]) + MGY311Y1
BCH473Y1 Advanced Research Project in Biochemistry [154P]
Research in a particular area of biochemistry, by arrangement with the Department and the instructor concerned. Students must have a minimum GPA of 3.0.
Prerequisite: BCH335H1 + 340H1 + 371H1, and permission of Department
Co-requisite: BCH471Y1
Biological Chemistry: see Chemistry
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