Neuroscience

Faculty List

Associate Chair & Program Supervisor: TBA  Email: neuroscience-program-supervisor@utsc.utoronto.ca
Course Support & Program Advisor: Hanan Domloge  Email: hdomloge@utsc.utoronto.ca

Neuroscience encompasses aspects of a variety of disciplines that have the common goal of understanding how the nervous system works. Techniques from constituent disciplines like anatomy, biochemistry, molecular biology, pharmacology, physiology, psychology and zoology are used to unravel some of the mysteries of the brain and its mechanisms of action. Investigators in Neuroscience have also made fundamental contributions to clinical aspects of neurodysfunction and behaviour.

The Major Program is intended for students who wish to combine their studies of Neuroscience with other areas of interest. The Specialist Program is designed for students who have a particular interest in the Neurosciences and wish to focus their studies in this area. The Specialist (Co-operative) Program provides the student with a broad background in neuroscience, with intensive lab experience and practical experience in real job settings.

In a very few instances, courses from the other campuses may be used to satisfy Program requirements. However such substitutions must be pre-approved by the Program Supervisor, in writing on an official form obtained from the Registrar's Office.

Admission to Neuroscience Programs
The Specialist and Major programs in Neuroscience have enrolment limits. Every year students will be admitted to the Specialist Programs in Neuroscience including Co-operative studies and the major program in NRO. Entry into these programs can be gained as follows:

1. Direct entry: Students may be admitted directly from high school, on the basis of academic performance and must have completed math and chemistry (biology is recommended).  Physics is recommended for students interested in applying to the specialist program.   Students will be required to have a cumulative GPA of 2.30 or higher at the end of 1st year (i.e. at the end of the session in which they complete their 4th credit) to remain in the Specialist program. Students whose cumulative GPA at the end of 1st year is between 2.00 and 2.49 may transfer to the major program.
2. Admission after first year: Students may apply to the program after completing a minimum of 4.0 credits including 1 credit in biology, chemistry and psychology. Admission will be based on cumulative GPA with 2.8 or higher guaranteeing admission to the Specialist program and 2.0 to the Major program. Students with lower GPAs will be considered to the extent that laboratory spaces are available for both programs. The minimum GPA used to admit these students will be determined in May (after the Winter session) and August (after the Summer session). Application for admission will be made to the Registrar through ROSI, in April/May and July/August.

Neuroscience courses
Priority access to Neuroscience courses will be given to Major and Specialists in Neuroscience programs and other programs requiring these courses. During the first two weeks of Fall/Winter registration, the courses will be restricted to these students. Provided space is available, the courses will be opened to other students in the third week.

First-Year Students in Neuroscience
BIOA01H3, BIOA02H3, CHMA10H3, CHMA11H3, PSYA01H3 and PSYA02H3 are recommended in the first year if you are intending to pursue a Specialist or Major Program in Neuroscience.  For Specialists, MATA30H3 is recommended in first year and [PHYA10H3 or PHYA11H3] is recommended in the first two years.

Service Learning and Outreach (Previously known as Science Engagement)
For experiential learning through community outreach, classroom in-reach and team research, please see the Teaching and Learning section of this Calendar.

Neuroscience Programs

SPECIALIST PROGRAM IN NEUROSCIENCE (SCIENCE)

Associate Chair & Program Supervisor:  TBA  Email: neuroscience-program-supervisor@utsc.utoronto.ca
Course Support & Program Advisor: Hanan Domloge  Email: hdomloge@utsc.utoronto.ca

Program Requirements
This program requires completion of 14.0 credits:

1. The following 4.0 credits:
   BIOA01H3 Life on Earth: Unifying Principles
   BIOA02H3 Life on Earth: Form, Function and Interactions
   CHMA10H3 Introductory Chemistry I: Structure and Bonding
   CHMA11H3 Introductory Chemistry II: Reactions and Mechanisms
   [MATA30H3 Calculus I for Biological and Physical Sciences or (MATA20H3) Calculus A]
   [PHYA10H3 Physics IA or PHYA11H3 Physics IB]
   PSYA01H3 Introductory Psychology: Part I
   PSYA02H3 Introductory Psychology: Part II
2. The following 3.5 credits:
   BIOB10H3 Cell Biology
   BIOB11H3 Molecular Aspects of Cellular and Genetic Processes
   CHMB41H3 Organic Chemistry I
   CHMB42H3 Organic Chemistry II
   NROB60H3 Neuroanatomy Laboratory
   PSYB65H3 Human Brain & Behaviour
   [STAB22H3 Statistics I or PSYB07H3 Data Analysis in Psychology]
3. The following 5.5 credits:
   BIOC12H3 Biochemistry I: Proteins & Enzymes
   BIOC13H3 Biochemistry II: Bioenergetics & Metabolism
   BIOC32H3 Human Physiology I
   BIOC33H3 Human Physiology II: Lecture & Laboratory
   NROC34H3 Neuroethology (Invertebrate Neurobiology)
   NROC61H3 Learning & Motivation
   NROC63H3 Neuroscience Laboratory
   NROC64H3 Sensory & Motor Systems
   NROC69H3 Synaptic Organization & Physiology of the Brain
   PSYC08H3 Advanced Data Analysis in Psychology
   PSYC62H3 Drugs & the Brain
4. 1.0 credit from the following:
   BIOC14H3 Genes, Environment and Behaviour
   BIOD19H3 Epigenetics in Health and Disease
   BIOD27H3 Molecular Endocrinology
   BIOD45H3 Animal Communication
   BIOD65H3 Pathologies of the Nervous System
   NROD60H3 Current Topics in Neuroscience
   NROD63H3 Advanced Neuroscience Laboratory
   NROD66H3 Drug Addiction
   NROD67H3 Psychobiology of Aging
   PSYD17H3 Social Neuroscience
   PSYD33H3 Current Topics in Abnormal Psychology
   PSYD66H3 Current Topics in Human Brain & Behaviour
   Note: 0.5 credit of NROD98Y3, Thesis in Neuroscience, may also be counted towards Requirement 4.

SPECIALIST (CO-OPERATIVE) PROGRAM IN NEUROSCIENCE (SCIENCE)

Associate Chair & Program Supervisor:  TBA 
Course Support & Program Advisor:  Hanan Domloge  Email:  hdomloge@utsc.utoronto.ca
Co-op Contact: askcoop@utsc.utoronto.ca

The Neuroscience Co-operative program is designed to provide the student with a broad education in neuroscience, including neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, behaviour, psychology, biochemistry, cell and molecular biology and data analysis through lectures, lecture/lab and intensive laboratory courses.
The program combines academic studies in the field of neuroscience with practical work experience in settings in which scientific knowledge from various subfields in the discipline is applied. Students may apply for work term employment in settings such as research and development departments in industry, educational institutions, health care institutions and government agencies. The work experience provided by the program enables students to explore career opportunities that may be pursued following the Bachelor's degree. Work settings may also provide students with the opportunity to observe neuroscientists interacting with other professionals, hence providing a broader and more informed basis for the selection of a post-graduate program appropriate to the student's talents and interests. Some work settings will provide the opportunity for participation in applied research.

For information on admissions, fees, work terms and standing in the program, please see the Co-operative Programs section of this Calendar.

Program Admission
Enrolment in the program is limited.
Prospective Applicants: For direct admission from secondary school or for students who wish to transfer to U of T Scarborough from another U of T faculty or from another post-secondary institution, see the Co-operative Programs section in this Calendar.
Current U of T Scarborough students: Application procedures can be found at the Registrar's Office website at: www.utsc.utoronto.ca/subjectpost. The minimum qualifications for entry are 4.0 credits including BIOA01H3, BIOA02H3, CHMA10H3, CHMA11H3, PSYA01H3 & PSYA02H3 plus a cumulative GPA of at least 2.75.

Program Requirements

Work Terms
The program requires eight four-month terms of study and two four-month work terms over a four year period. To be eligible for their first work term, students must have completed at least 10.0 credits including: BIOB10H3, BIOB11H3, BIOB12H3, CHMB41H3, CHMB42H3, NROB60H3, NROC61H3 or NROC64H3. Students must also successfully complete Arts & Science Co-op Work Term Preparation Activities, which include multiple networking sessions, speaker panels and industry tours along with seminars covering resumes, cover letters, job interviews and work term expectations, prior to their first work term.

To be eligible for their second work term, students must have completed at least 12.5 full credits and have received satisfactory evaluation for their performance and for their report on their first work term.

Course Requirements
The program requires the completion of 15.0 credits including the 14.0 credits as specified in the Specialist Program in Neuroscience, plus the following:

1. BIOB12H3 Cell and Molecular Biology Laboratory
2. BIOC23H3 Practical Approaches to Biochemistry
3. The Arts & Science Co-op Work Term Preparation course

MAJOR PROGRAM IN NEUROSCIENCE (SCIENCE)

Associate Chair & Program Supervisor: TBA  Email: neuroscience-program-supervisor@utsc.utoronto.ca
Course Support & Program Advisor: Hanan Domloge  Email: hdomloge@utsc.utoronto.ca

Program Requirements
The Program requires completion of 8.0 credits. Students who wish to combine the Major Program in Neuroscience with the Major in Biology or the Major in Mental Health Studies or the Major in Psychology are advised that they must present 12.0 distinct credits to receive certification of the completion of both programs. Consultation with the respective Program Supervisors in the selection of credits is recommended.

The following indicates the required credits for the Major Program in Neuroscience:

1. The following 3.0 credits:
   BIOA01H3 Life on Earth: Unifying Principles
   BIOA02H3 Life on Earth: Form, Function and Interactions
   CHMA10H3 Introductory Chemistry I: Structure and Bonding
   CHMA11H3 Introductory Chemistry II: Reactions and Mechanisms
   PSYA01H3 Introductory Psychology: Part I
   PSYA02H3 Introductory Psychology: Part II
2. The following 2.5 credits:
   BIOB10H3 Cell Biology
   BIOB11H3 Molecular Aspects of Cellular and Genetic Processes
   NROB60H3 Neuroanatomy Laboratory
   PSYB65H3 Human Brain and Behaviour
   [STAB22H3 Statistics I or PSYB07H3 Data Analysis in Psychology]
3. The following 1.5 credits:
   BIOC32H3 Human Physiology I
   NROC61H3 Learning and Motivation
   NROC64H3 Sensory and Motor Systems
4. 1.0 credit from the following:
   BIOC14H3 Genes, Environment and Behaviour
   BIOD19H3 Epigenetics in Health and Disease
   BIOC33H3 Human Physiology II: Lecture & Laboratory
   BIOD27H3 Molecular Endocrinology
   BIOD45H3 Animal Communication
   BIOD65H3 Pathologies of the Nervous System
   NROC34H3 Neuroethology
   NROC63H3 Neuroscience Laboratory
   NROC69H3 Synaptic Organization & Physiology of the Brain
   NROC90H3 Supervised Study in Neuroscience
   NROD60H3 Current Topics in Neuroscience
   NROD63H3 Advanced Neuroscience Laboratory
   NROD66H3 Drug Addiction
   NROD67H3 Psychobiology of Aging
   PSYC62H3 Drugs and the Brain
   PSYD17H3 Social Neuroscience
   PSYD33H3 Current Topics in Abnormal Psychology
   PSYD66H3 Current Topics in Human Brain & Behaviour

Neuroscience Courses

NROB60H3    Neuroanatomy Laboratory

This course will focus on lab neuroanatomy at both the human and animal level. This will also include examination of the structure and function of neurons and glia, neurochemistry, and neuromechanisms of communication at the cellular and molecular level.
Prerequisite: BIOA01H3 and BIOA02H3 and PSYA01H3 and PSYA02H3
Exclusion: CSB332H, PSY290H, PSY391H, (ZOO332H), CSB332H
Breadth Requirement: Natural Sciences
NOTE: CHMA10H3 and CHMA11H3 are strongly recommended for students with no Chemistry background

NROC34H3    Neuroethology

Neural basis of natural behaviour; integrative function of the nervous system; motor and sensory systems; mechanisms of decision-making, initiating action, co-ordination, learning and memory. Topics may vary from year to year.
Prerequisite: (BIOB30H3) or BIOB34H3 or NROB60H3
Breadth Requirement: Natural Sciences

NROC61H3    Learning and Motivation

Topics covered under the category of motivation include: physiological basis of eating, drinking and sexual behaviour, sleep, and the neural correlates of reward. Topics covered under learning include: learning categories, memory systems and the cell and molecular basis of learning and memory.
Prerequisite: (BIOB30H3) & NROB60H3
Breadth Requirement: Natural Sciences

NROC63H3    Neuroscience Laboratory

Instruction in a variety of techniques used in investigations of nervous system function. Behavioural techniques, neurological manipulation, perfusions, histology, animal ethics and the preparation of scientific papers will be covered. Priority will be given to students enrolled in the Neuroscience Specialist Program (Co-op and Non co-op).
Prerequisite: [PSYB07H3 or STAB22H3] & NROB60H3
Exclusion: PSY399H
Enrolment Limits: 20
Breadth Requirement: Natural Sciences

NROC64H3    Sensory and Motor Systems

A focus on the mechanisms by which the nervous system processes sensory information and controls movement.
The topics include sensory transduction and the sensory physiology for each of the sensory systems (olfactory, visual, somatosensory, auditory, gustatory) and models of sensory processing. Both spinal and central mechanisms of motor control are also covered.
Prerequisite: (BIOB30H3) & NROB60H3
Exclusion: PSY290H
Breadth Requirement: Natural Sciences

NROC69H3    Synaptic Organization and Physiology of the Brain

Neuronal morphology, synaptic connectivity, and molecular mechanisms of synaptic function are covered in detail. Similarities in circuitry among such diverse structures as the olfactory bulb, cerebellum, hippocampus and neocortex are examined in detail. The goal is to engender a deeper understanding of cellular mechanisms of information processing in the CNS.
Prerequisite: (BIOB30H3) & NROB60H3
Breadth Requirement: Natural Sciences

NROC90H3    Supervised Study in Neuroscience

An intensive research project intended to provide laboratory/field experience in data collection and analysis. The project must be completed over 2 consecutive terms. NROC90H3 & NROC93H3 provide an opportunity to engage in research in an area after completing basic coverage in regularly scheduled courses. The student must demonstrate a background adequate for the project proposed and should present a clear rationale to prospective supervisors. Regular consultation with the supervisor is necessary, and extensive data collection and analysis will be required. Such a project will culminate in a written research report. Students must first find a supervisor before the start of the academic term in which the project will be initiated. They must then obtain a permission form from the Department of Psychology's website (www.utsc.utoronto.ca/psych/undergraduates) that is to be completed and signed by the intended supervisor, and returned to the Psychology Office. At that time, the student will be provided with an outline of the schedule and general requirements for the course, including the structure of the required log-book. Students seeking supervision off campus are further advised to check the appropriateness of the proposed advisor with the Program Supervisor. If the proposed supervisor is not appointed to the Neuroscience faculty at UTSC then a secondary supervisor who is a member of the Neuroscience group at UTSC will be required.
Prerequisite: 3.0 credits in Psychology, Biology or Neurosciences and permission of instructor.
Exclusion: PSYC90H3

NROC93H3    Supervised Study in Neuroscience

An intensive research project intended to provide laboratory/field experience in data collection and analysis. The project must be completed over 2 consecutive terms. NROC90H3 & NROC93H3 provide an opportunity to engage in research in an area after completing basic coverage in regularly scheduled courses. The student must demonstrate a background adequate for the project proposed and should present a clear rationale to prospective supervisors. Regular consultation with the supervisor is necessary, and extensive data collection and analysis will be required. Such a project will culminate in a written research report. Students must first find a supervisor before the start of the academic term in which the project will be initiated. They must then obtain a permission form from the Department of Psychology's website (www.utsc.utoronto.ca/psych/undergraduates) that is to be completed and signed by the intended supervisor, and returned to the Psychology Office. At that time, the student will be provided with an outline of the schedule and general requirements for the course, including the structure of the required log-book. Students seeking supervision off campus are further advised to check the appropriateness of the proposed advisor with the Program Supervisor. If the proposed supervisor is not appointed to the Neuroscience faculty at UTSC then a secondary supervisor who is a member of the Neuroscience group at UTSC will be required.
Prerequisite: 3.0 credits in Psychology, Biology or Neurosciences and permission of instructor.
Exclusion: PSYC93H3

NROD60H3    Current Topics in Neuroscience

An intensive examination of selected issues and research problems in the Neurosciences.
Prerequisite: NROC61H3 & NROC64H3

NROD63H3    Advanced Neuroscience Laboratory

Instruction in a variety of advanced techniques used to investigate nervous system functioning. Advanced molecular and cellular histochemical techniques used in the neurosciences will be covered as well as theory, methodology and image analysis.
Prerequisite: NROC61H3 & NROC64H3
Corequisite: PSYC08H3
Exclusion: PSY399H
Enrolment Limits: 20
Breadth Requirement: Natural Sciences

NROD66H3    Drug Addiction

An examination of the major phases of the addiction cycle, including drug consumption, withdrawal, and relapse. Consideration will be given to what basic motivational and corresponding neurobiological processes influence behaviour during each phase of the cycle. Recent empirical findings will be examined within the context of major theoretical models guiding the field.
Prerequisite: [NROC61H3 or NROC64H3] & PSYC62H3
Corequisite: PSYC08H3
Exclusion: NROD60H3 (if taken in the 2009 Fall Session)
Enrolment Limits: 20
Breadth Requirement: Natural Sciences

NROD67H3    Psychobiology of Aging

This course will characterize various anatomical, biochemical and physiological changes that occur in the nervous system with age and will explore the association between these changes and cognitive deterioration. We will examine several age-related disease states and evaluate the validity of current theories and experimental models of aging in depth.
Prerequisite: NROB60H3 & [NROC61H3 or NROC64H3]
Corequisite: NROC61H3
Enrolment Limits: 20
Breadth Requirement: Natural Sciences

NROD98Y3    Thesis in Neuroscience

This course offers the opportunity to engage in a year long research project under the supervision of an interested member of the faculty in Neuroscience. The project will culminate in a written report in the form of a thesis and a poster presentation. During the course of the year, at appropriate times, students will meet to present their own research proposals, to appraise the proposals of others, and to discuss the results of their investigation. Students must first find a supervisor, which is usually confirmed before the start of the academic term in which the project will be initiated. Students will meet as a group with the coordinator as well as individually with their supervisor. Preference in this course is given to Specialists in Neuroscience with a cumulative GPA of 3.3 or higher. Students planning to pursue graduate studies are especially encouraged to enrol in the course. Students must obtain a permission form from the Department of Psychology's website (www.utsc.utoronto.ca/psych/undergraduates) that is to be completed and signed by the intended supervisor, and submitted to the Psychology Office. At that time, the student will be provided with an outline of the schedule and general requirements for the course. Students seeking supervision off campus will need to arrange co supervision with a faculty member in Neuroscience at UTSC.
Prerequisite: Satisfactory completion of 15.0 credits in any discipline, including PSYB07H3 and one laboratory half-course in Psychology, Biology or Neuroscience and consent of a faculty member in Psychology or Biology to serve as a research supervisor.
Note:  Preference will be given to students in a specialist program in Neuroscience whose 15.0 credits include PSYC08H3 and who have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.3.
Exclusion: BIOD98Y3, PSYD98Y3, (BGYD98Y3), (BGYD99Y3), (BGYD01Y3), (BGYD02Y3)