For more information on our course offerings, please go to York Course Website.
Important Course Information
Newly admitted graduate students must read the advising information before registering for courses, and request that the advising block be removed by the Biology Graduate Office (biogpa@yorku.ca).
Students take several courses to make up the 6 credits required for their MSc degree, which must include one of BIOL5038 1.5 (Current Topics in Molecular and Cellular Biology), BIOL 5086 1.5 (Critical Skills in Ecology and Evolution), or BIOL 5100 1.5 (Critical Skills in Animal Physiology). MSc students in the Neuroscience Graduate Diploma program may take BIOL 5146 3.0 (Fundamentals in Neuroscience I) in lieu of BIOL 5038, BIOL 5086, or BIOL 5100.
Students can take combinations of courses to make up the credits required for their degree. A number of these courses are offered in any particular year. Most of the courses will have fairly low enrolments (typically 6-10 students).
Graduate students from other Ontario Universities, interested in enrolling in a York graduate course, should consult their own graduate program regarding Ontario visiting graduate student plan (OVGS) procedures.
This course covers the area of molecular biology called proteins, including topics in protein synthesis, folding, transport, regulation and degradation. Topics on proteins will include recent advances in the mechanisms and control of protein synthesis, folding, transport, regulation (allostery) and degradation.
This course covers signal transduction including the activation of cell surface receptors, the generation of secondary messengers and intracellular ionic currents. Prerequisites: undergraduate courses in biochemistry and molecular biology.
This course is designed for graduate students to introduce them to the process of scientific inquiry and hypothesis-based research. Students will be taught different formats of scientific writing and oral presentation.
This course is designed for graduate students to introduce them to the process of scientific inquiry and hypothesis-based research. Students will be taught different formats of scientific writing and oral presentation.
This course examines common statistical methods used in biology. Data science and statistical workflows are developed. Descriptive statistics, generalized linear models, regression, nonparametric tests, bootstrapping, randomization tests, multivariate statistics, and bioinformatic analyses may be considered. The R programming language will be used. The above description should be changed to the following... This course examines common statistical methods used in biology. Data science and statistical workflows are developed. Descriptive statistics, generalized linear models, regression, nonparametric tests, bootstrapping, randomization tests, multivariate statistics, and bioinformatic analyses may be considered. The R programming language will be used. An undergraduate course in biostatistics or statistics is required. Prerequisite: BIOL 2060 3.0 Statistics for Biologists, or equivalent
This course reviews expectations and responsibilities of graduate research in ecology and evolution. It trains students in communicating research in oral and written forms, and in the importance of understanding the deep history of ideas in their research field.
This course introduces graduate students to classical and recent literature in Ecology and Evolution, outline the current state of the field, and explain the contribution of novel experimental and empirical approaches to solving evolutionary and ecological questions. Students are also exposed to the latest methodological innovations in the field.
This course reviews expectations and responsibilities of graduate research in Animal Physiology. It trains students in communicating research in oral and written forms, and in the importance of understanding the deep history of ideas in their research field. This course is required for all new MSc students in the Animal Physiology stream.
This course covers advanced topics in comparative animal physiology with an emphasis on regulatory mechanisms and homeostasis. Topics include endocrinology, neurobiology, metabolism, osmotic and ionic regulation, reproduction and hi-light modern integrative physiology techniques. Examples are drawn from both vertebrate and invertebrate animals.
This course covers computer programming methods that are useful in experimental psychology. The course assumes no previous programming experience, and brings students to the point where they are able to write useful programs to advance their own research. Classes are held in a computer laboratory, and each week's class consists of a lecture followed by programming practice on assigned problems. Topics include the MATLAB programming language, data files, curve fitting, Monte Carlo simulations, statistical tests, journal-quality data plots, 2D and 3D graphics (OpenGL) and interfacing to external devices.
This course will focus on molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the structure and function of the nervous system, functional neuroanatomy, and the neurophysiology of movement. Prerequisites: undergraduate course in neuroscience or equivalent or by permission of course director
This course focuses on a systems approach to specialized circuits within the central nervous system that determine sensory, motor and cognitive systems. Permission of the course directors is required to enroll in the course.
In-depth studies of current topics in Endocrinology; including regulation of functions of hormones and molecular mechanisms of hormone actions; cutting edge research technologies; and emerging concepts.
Examines specific stem cell populations and the molecular regulation governing their capacity for proliferation, differentiation and self-renewal with particular emphasis on skeletal muscle and adipose tissue. Other topics include normal and traumatic regeneration/repair; stem cells in cancer; therapeutic strategies for muscle myopathies.
Progress in research is assessed annually as described in M.Sc. Course Requirements.
Progress in research is assessed annually as described in M.Sc. Course Requirements.
An introduction to the micro-fluidics for life science applications. This course offers a unique opportunity to all science, health and engineering students to learn the fundamental of micro-fluidic technologies for a variety of cellular and molecular applications. The coverage is both practical and in depth integrating experimental, theoretical and simulation examples.
Progress in research is assessed annually as described in Ph.D. Course Requirements
Progress in research is assessed annually as described in Ph.D. Course Requirements .
Progress in research is assessed annually as described in Ph.D. Course Requirements
Progress in research is assessed annually as described in Ph.D. Course Requirements
Not all courses are offered each year. Please check the York Courses Website for further information and updates, including course locations, schedules, and instructors.
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The Graduate Program in Biology at York is an exciting environment to pursue innovative, socially engaging, career-ready education. Contact our Graduate Program Assistant to learn more.