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.
Calendar Year
Term
Course #
Course Title
2025
W
gs/biol 5027M
Topics in Molecular Biology I: Gene Expressions
This course covers the area of gene expression, including topics in chromatin remodelling, mechanisms of transcriptional activation/repression and activation of transcription factors by extracellular signals. Prerequisites: undergraduate courses in biochemistry and molecular biology. Students may not also receive credit for GS/BIOL 5027 3.00.
Instructional Format: SEMR
Instructor(s): J. McDermott
2024
F
gs/biol 5038A
Current Topics in Molecular and Cellular 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.
Instructional Format: SEMR
Instructor(s): E. Rosonina
2025
W
gs/biol 5038M
Current Topics in Molecular and Cellular 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.
Instructional Format: SEMR
Instructor(s): A. Hilliker
2024
F
gs/biol 5081A
Intro. To Biostatistics
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
Instructional Format: SEMR
Instructor(s): E. McFarlane
2024
F
gs/biol 5086A
Critical Skills in Ecology and Evolution
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.
Instructional Format: SEMR
Instructor(s): S. Rehan
2025
W
gs/biol 5088M
Advanced Topics in Ecology and Evolution
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.
Instructional Format: SEMR
Instructor(s): S. Rehan
2024
F
gs/biol 5100A
Critical Skills in Animal Physiology
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.
Instructional Format: LECT
Instructor(s): J. Paluzzi
2024
F
gs/biol 5134A
Vascular Biology in Health and Disease
Instructional Format: LECT
Instructor(s): T. Haas
2025
W
gs/biol 5137M
Brain Mechanisms of Movement in Health and Disease
This course reviews fundamental concepts in motor control, and surveys the role of different cerebral cortical areas in controlling voluntary movements. Data from experimental and patient studies are used to illustrate the motor function of different brain regions.
Instructional Format: LECT
Instructor(s): L. Sergio
2025
W
gs/biol 5139M
Advanced Exercise Physiology I: Muscle
TBA
Instructional Format: LECT
Instructor(s): D. Hood
2024
F
gs/biol 5144A
Computer Programming for Experimental Psychology
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.
Instructional Format: SEMR
Instructor(s): R. Murray
2024
F
gs/biol 5146A
Fundamentals of Neuroscience I: Structures, Neurons and Synapses
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
Instructional Format: LECT
Instructor(s): D. Crawford
2025
W
gs/biol 5147M
Fundamentals of Neuroscience II: Circuits, Systems and Behaviour
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.
Instructional Format: SEMR
Instructor(s): J. Ruttle
2025
W
gs/biol 6021M
M.Sc. Research Evaluation
Progress in research is assessed annually as described in M.Sc. Course Requirements.
Instructional Format: REEV
2025
W
gs/biol 6022M
M.Sc. Research Evaluation
Progress in research is assessed annually as described in M.Sc. Course Requirements.
Instructional Format: REEV
2025
W
gs/biol 7021M
Ph.D. Research Evaluation
Progress in research is assessed annually as described in Ph.D. Course Requirements
Instructional Format: REEV
2025
W
gs/biol 7022M
Ph.D. Research Evaluation
Progress in research is assessed annually as described in Ph.D. Course Requirements .
Instructional Format: REEV
2025
W
gs/biol 7023M
Ph.D. Research Evaluation
Progress in research is assessed annually as described in Ph.D. Course Requirements
Instructional Format: REEV
2025
W
gs/biol 7024M
Ph.D. Research Evaluation
Progress in research is assessed annually as described in Ph.D. Course Requirements
Instructional Format: REEV
Not all courses are offered each year. Please check the York Courses Website for further information and updates, including course locations, schedules, and instructors.
Learn More
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.
