Academic Calendar 2023-2024

Microbiology and Immunology (MICR)

MICR 121  Microbiology for Nursing Students  Units: 3.00  

This course provides the student with a foundation in the subdisciplines of bacteriology, virology, parasitology, and immunology. The course is designed to examine common infectious diseases through a body-systems approach. Laboratory and tutorial sessions emphasize diagnostic microbiology.

Requirements: BCHM010 OR BCHM102  
Offering Faculty: Faculty of Health Sciences  
MICR 221  Fundamental Microbiology  Units: 3.00  

A fundamental study of the structure, genetics, and growth of microorganisms, focusing on bacteria and viruses. The roles of microbes in the environments in which they exist will be considered.

Learning Hours: 120 (36 Lecture, 18 Laboratory, 66 Private Study)  
Requirements: PREREQUISITE (A GPA of 1.90 (obtained in any term) or a `Pass¿ (obtained in Winter 2020) in BIOL 102/3.0 and BIOL 103/3.0) and CHEM 112/6.0. EXCLUSIONS MICR 271/3.0  
Course Equivalencies: MICR221, MICR229  
Offering Faculty: Faculty of Health Sciences  
MICR 270  Infection, Immunity and Inflammation  Units: 3.00  

This course focuses on 1) the overall organization of the immune system, 2) the role of the immune system in combating diseases caused by common pathogens as well as adverse reactions of the immune system and 3) application of the basic knowledge of immunology to the field of infectious disease prevention and control by vaccines and treatment of cancer. The unique features of this course lie in its overall structure and delivery that will prepare the student for further in-depth learning in the field of immunology.
NOTE This online course in infection and immunity is designed for students from various biological sciences and allied health backgrounds at all levels of post-secondary education and is recommended as a foundation course for students pursuing a life sciences career.
NOTE Also offered online. Consult the Bachelor of Health Sciences program office.
NOTE May not be taken for credit towards the Plan requirements of the LISC Specialization or Major Plans.

Learning Hours: 114 (36 Online Activity, 78 Private Study)  
Requirements: Minimum 2nd year (Level 2) standing and one of (BIOL 102/3.0; MICR 121/3.0; PHGY 170/3.0). One-way Exclusion May not be taken with or after MICR 360/3.0; MICR 386/3.0; BMED 386.  
Offering Faculty: Faculty of Health Sciences  
MICR 271  Introduction to Microbiology  Units: 3.00  

An introduction to the biology of microbes, including both pathogenic & beneficial bacteria, viruses, fungi, & protozoa. This overview of the biological features of these microorganisms will highlight these organisms¿ roles in the environment & in human health contributing to infectious diseases vs. maintaining healthy microbiomes.
NOTE Only offered online. Consult the Bachelor of Health Sciences Program office.

Learning Hours: 120 (60 Online Activity, 60 Private Study)  
Requirements: Minimum 2nd year (Level 2) standing and one of (PHGY 170/3.0; BIOL 102/3.0). Exclusion MICR 221/3.0  
Offering Faculty: Faculty of Health Sciences  
MICR 290  Antibiotic Resistance Lab  Units: 3.00  

This immersive laboratory course is designed to give students the opportunity to apply important microbiological and biochemical research techniques to the study of antibiotic resistance. Students work in small groups on a semester-long project, developing valuable lab skills that will support them with future research
opportunities.

Learning Hours: 120 (36 Laboratory, 48 Online Activity, 36 Private Study)  
Requirements: Minimum 2nd year (Level 2) standing, registration in a BHSc, LISC, or BCHM degree plan, and one of (MICR 270/3.0; MICR 271/3.0) Exclusion MICR 221/3.0  
Offering Faculty: Faculty of Health Sciences  
MICR 320  Microbes in Health and Disease  Units: 3.00  

This course will focus on the roles of microbes in health (human microbiome) and disease (pathogens). The molecular mechanisms of bacterial/viral virulence and the host response will be examined in order to develop an in depth understanding of the etiology of infectious diseases and the benefits derived from the human microbiome. Consult the Bachelor of Health Sciences program office
NOTE Also offered online. Learning Hours may vary.

Requirements: Minimum 3rd year (Level 3) standing and one of (MICR 221/3.0; MICR 271/3.0; MICR 229/3.0) and one of (MICR 360/3.0; MICR 386/3.0; BMED 386/3.0). Exclusion MICR 382/3.0  
Offering Faculty: Faculty of Health Sciences  
MICR 360  Immunology  Units: 3.00  

The general principles and mechanism of immune reaction. Immunochemical and immunobiological aspects of antibody formation and cell-mediated immunity in health and disease will be considered.

Learning Hours: 144 (36 Lecture, 36 Online Activity, 72 Private Study)  
Requirements: Prerequisite MICR 221 or MICR 271. Exclusion MICR 386.  
Offering Faculty: Faculty of Health Sciences  
MICR 386  Fundamentals of Immunology in Health and Disease  Units: 3.00  

Integrates the key principles of immunology to facilitate learning of immunology as it relates to human health and disease. This course offers real-life case studies, problems encountered and solutions applied, immunology virtual laboratory simulation, and extensive coverage of the basic science underlying each topic in the module.
Also offered online.
LEARNING HOURS may vary:120(48O;72P)

Requirements: Minimum 3rd year (Level 3) standing and one of (BCHM 218/3.0; BCHM 270/3.0), and one of (MICR 270/3.0; MICR 271/3.0; MICR 221/3.0). Exclusion MICR 360/BMED 877  
Offering Faculty: Faculty of Health Sciences  
MICR 435  Advanced Procaryotic Structure and Function  Units: 3.00  

An in-depth analysis of the genetics, biochemistry, assembly and function of the major structures of the procaryotic cell. Emphasis on the experimental approaches in the current literature.

Requirements: PREREQUISITES BIOL 205/3.0 and (MICR 221/3.0 or MICR271 or MICR 229/3.0 with a minimum grade of B-) and reg in the LISC Major or Spec. Plan) and (a GPA of 2.5). COREQUISITE BCHM 310/6.0 or BCHM 315/3.0 or BIOL 334/3.0.  
Offering Faculty: Faculty of Health Sciences  
MICR 436  Microbial Genetics  Units: 3.00  

A detailed description of the processes of heredity in bacteria including a discussion of gene structure and evolution, gene expression and its control, the exchange of genetic material in the microbial world and genetic engineering and its applications. The laboratory component will emphasize modern approaches to genetic engineering.
NOTE Offered in alternate years to MICR 435/3.0.

Requirements: PREREQUISITES BIOL 205/3.0 and (MICR 221/3.0 or MICR227 or MICR 229/3.0 with a minimum grade of B) and (reg in the LISC Major or Spec. Plan) and (a GPA of 2.5). COREQUISITE BCHM 310/3.0 or BCHM 315/3.0 or BIOL 334/3.0.  
Offering Faculty: Faculty of Health Sciences  
MICR 450  Principles of Molecular Virology  Units: 3.00  

Further study of contemporary virology, using the textbook as a guide to particles, genomes, replication, expression, infection and pathogenesis. Emphasizing reading and writing to develop skills in observation and critical thinking, important attributes in understanding the scientific method.
NOTE Offered in alternate years to MICR 451/3.0.

Requirements: PREREQUISITES BIOL 205/3.0 and (MICR 221/3.0 or MICR271 with a minimum grade of B-) and (Level 4 and registrationin the LISC Major or Spec. Plan) and (a GPA of 2.5). COREQUISITE BCHM 310/6.0 or BCHM 315/3.0.  
Offering Faculty: Faculty of Health Sciences  
MICR 451  Viral Pathogenesis  Units: 3.00  

This molecular virology course covers viral replication strategies and virus-host interactions, with an emphasis on mechanisms of viral pathogenesis, focusing on human pathogenic viruses such as coronaviruses, hepatitis viruses, HIV, and herpesviruses. Tutorials will be in journal club format with group discussion and analysis of recent literature.

Learning Hours: 120 (24 Lecture, 12 Tutorial, 84 Private Study)  
Requirements: Prerequisite Level 3 or above and registration in the LISC Major or Specialization Plan, or BHSc program and a minimum CGPA of 2.50 and (MICR 221/3.0 or MICR 271/3.0) and (BCHM 218/3.0 or BIOL 330/3.0).  
Offering Faculty: Faculty of Health Sciences  
MICR 452  Viral Infection and Immunity  Units: 3.00  

Course material will focus on the molecular basis for virus pathogenesis including host immune responses to virus infection, and viral countermeasures. Emphasis will be on viral infections that result in gastrointestinal, haematological, neurological, and respiratory diseases. Tutorials will focus on discussion of current and seminal literature.

Requirements: Prerequisite Minimum 4th year (Level 4) standing, registration in a LISC/BHSc Major or SSP, a GPA of 2.5, and one of (MICR 221; MICR 271), and one of (MICR 360; MICR 386).  
Offering Faculty: Faculty of Health Sciences  
MICR 461  Advanced Immunology  Units: 3.00  

Advanced immunology course focused on current topics in immunology and immunology-related scientific research.

Requirements: Prerequisite Minimum 4th year (Level 4) standing, registration in a LISC/BHSc Major or SSP, a GPA of 2.5, and a minimum grade of A- in one of (MICR 360; MICR 386).  
Offering Faculty: Faculty of Health Sciences  
MICR 483  Advanced Topics in Infectious Diseases  Units: 3.00  

This course will examine basic principles of infectious diseases such as Pathophysiology, Epidemiology and Transmission, and Control of Infectious Agents including an emphasis on Antimicrobial Therapy and Resistance. Selected Infectious Disease syndromes will be examined to explore unique host microbe interactions. Students will work through the topics online using interactive multimedia modules. Student assessment will include weekly online quizzes, group, and individual assignments. Active participation will also form part of student assessment. At the completion of the course, students will have an understanding of the key concepts of emerging topics in infectious diseases.
NOTE Also offered online. Consult the Bachelor of Health Sciences program office.

Requirements: Prerequisite Minimum 4th year (Level 4) standing and one of (MICR 320/3.0; MICR 270/3.0; MICR 221/3.0; MICR 271/3.0), or permission from the instructor. Equivalency BMED 483/3.0*.  
Offering Faculty: Faculty of Health Sciences  
MICR 499  Research Project in Microbiology and Immunology  Units: 12.00  

A research project supervised by and closely related to the research program of a faculty member. The research project involves experimental design, data collection and analysis, written report and oral presentation. Students will be required to attend seminars and tutorials on topics related to research. Limited enrolment.
NOTE Acceptance by a supervisor required prior to registration.
NOTE Students whose research requires the care and/or handling of animals must also complete the Introductory Animal Care Course and if required the appropriate Animal Use workshops through the Office of the University Veterinarian.

Learning Hours: 480 (288 Laboratory, 24 Group Learning, 24 Individual Instruction, 144 Private Study)  
Requirements: Prerequisite Level 4 and registration in a LISC or ELSC Specialization Plan and cumulative GPA of 2.50 or higher and MICR 221. Exclusion ANAT 499; CANC 499; EPID 499; LISC 499; MICR 455; NSCI 499; PATH 499; PHAR 499; PHGY 499; REPD 499.  
Offering Faculty: Faculty of Health Sciences