Program and Course Search

BIOL 204 Cell Biology provides the student with a thorough knowledge of cell structure and function. Topics covered include biomolecules, membranes, organelles, cell movement, cell signaling, gene regulation, and transcription and translation. Experimental techniques used in modern cellular and molecular biology are also introduced.

CHEM 212 Organic Chemistry I explores the relationship between the structures of carbon-containing molecules and their physical and chemical properties. Some topics from 1st-year general chemistry are reviewed briefly: alkanes, stereochemistry, alkenes, and nucleophilic substitution and elimination reactions of alkyl halides. The correlation between structure and acidity is investigated, and the chemistry of alkynes and alcohols is examined. Structure-determination techniques, including IR and NMR, are explored. The laboratory work for this course provides practical experiences with separation/purification techniques, molecular synthesis, and qualitative analytical methods applied to organic compounds.

INDG 101 Indigenous People's Relationships: Once You've Heard the Story.  Students are introduced to how colonial policies and legislation has and continues to impact relationships between Indigenous Peoples (First Nations, Metis, Inuit), settlers and the Canadian and Provincial governments, and the broader western world view. The oral system of historical documentation, Indigenous stories, testimonies, and other evidence are critically examined. Students will explore and analyze how Indigenous resilience and resurgence is building self-determination and supporting reconciliation.  Students will build awareness and insight into Indigenous worldview, teachings, protocols, and methodologies. Circle pedagogy and oral presentation are key components. This is an interactive relational course that requires committed respectful class community engagement with the composition of a commitment statement. This course is foundational to INDG100 and certain topics will be explored further in other programs.

BIOL 206 Introductory Biochemistry provides an introduction to biochemistry including protein structure and function, and representative catabolic and anabolic pathways. Topics covered include water, enzyme kinetics and enzyme structure and function. Experimental techniques used in biochemistry and molecular biology are also introduced.

BIOL 212 Introduction to Microbiology is a survey of the microbial world, with discussions of the medical and ecological significance of key organisms. The biology of micro-organisms (including bacteria and viruses) is a key focal point, but there will also be discussions of immunology and pathology. The laboratory component will build basic skills necessary to perform and interpret research in the fields of medical microbiology, industrial microbiology, environmental microbiology, immunology and virology. A basic knowledge of biology will be presumed, including basic cell biology, ecology, physiology, biochemistry and metabolism.

CHEM 213 Organic Chemistry II is a continuation of CHEM 212. The survey of organic families is continued with a study of aldehydes and ketones, carboxylic acid derivatives, aromatics and amines. The chemistry of a variety of compounds of biological interest is also discussed. The laboratory work involves synthesis and organic structure determination.

BIOC 302 General Biochemistry builds on principles of biochemistry explored in BIOL 206. The biosynthesis of lipids, amino acids and nucleotides will be discussed. DNA, RNA and protein metabolic pathways will be explored, along with regulatory mechanisms. The laboratory component uses techniques introduced in BIOL 206 to study the fundamental components of cellular function.

CHEM 225 Physical Chemistry for Biosciences presents the basic concepts of chemical thermodynamics and kinetics that apply to biological systems. Students will explore why gases would behave differently at different conditions (e.g. deep sea diving, high altitude, other planets), how ideal engines function, why some reactions spontaneous, how do we explain the effect of salting roads in winter, how batteries and our metabolism generate energy, how kinetics is related to thermodynamics (why diamonds do not break down into graphene) and how we use of spectroscopy to explore biological structures. In the laboratory, quantitative properties of systems are measured, to illustrate the theory discussed in lectures.

PHIL 210 Biomedical Ethics explores ethical moral questions that arise in the context of healthcare. Students will engage with these questions by learning ethical theory and by studying challenging cases. They will outline the relevant features of real life examples, weigh moral considerations, and practice articulating recommendations about what to do. The course covers biomedical topics such as autonomy, informed consent, surrogate decision-making, traumatic brain injury, refusing care, medical assistance in dying, assisted reproduction, abortion, public health, organ donation, genetic screening and therapy, research and experimentation, rural medicine, and global health intervention. While this course is geared primarily to Rural Pre-Medicine students, it may be of interest to anyone concerned with biomedical research and healthcare.

BIOL 202 Principles of Genetics. This course provides the student with a knowledge of classical and reverse genetics. Topics covered include Mendelian inheritance, chromosome theory of heredity, sex determination, mutation, the structure and function of genes, molecular genetics, and the genetic structure of populations. Experimental techniques used in molecular genetics are also introduced.

INDG 302 Indigenous Health and Healing introduces students to the topic of Aboriginal health and healing from the time prior to first contact with European newcomers through to the present. We will also focus on cultural awareness and critical thinking on current Aboriginal health and healing issues. Aboriginal health and healing will be explored from within a variety of Aboriginal perspectives that are inclusive of the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of health and well-being. Skill-based training in cultural safety and anti-racism based on the recommendations and information provided by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission results and the 'calls to action' will be emphasized. Aboriginal worldviews and 'ways of knowing' will be embedded in the course delivery as well as course content.

In RPM 321 Rural Health Applied Research Project, students will implement the health-related project proposals developed in RPM 320. Students will continue to consolidate hands-on skills such as team work, group facilitation, project planning and implementation, and teaching/learning.