An introductory course for graduate students in the Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry (MBB). Lecture presentations include general information for students starting graduate studies; effective research writing and presentation skills; fundamentals for proper data and statistical analysis; research ethics and policies for professional equality, diversity, and inclusiveness; professional skills for scientific careers.

In accompaniment with the weekly MBB departmental seminar series, students will read relevant literature from the speaker’s laboratory to participate in the scientific discussion that follows each seminar. Approaches for providing effective seminar presentations will also be discussed. Students must take MBB 803 twice, in two consecutive offerings, at the first opportunity in the MBB graduate program (fall and spring or spring and fall).

Recent research articles on the molecular mechanisms underlying cellular activities will be presented and discussed by students and faculty, with an emphasis on critically analyzing concepts, experimental design, and methodology. A student may not take more than 3 units of colloquia for credit. Prerequisite: BISC 331/MBB 331 or equivalent.

Recent research articles on modern genomic techniques will be presented and discussed by students and faculty, with an emphasis on critical analysis of the concepts, experimental design, technologies and the practical application of bioinformatics algorithms. A student may not take more than 3 units of colloquia. Prerequisite: It is recommended that students have previously taken one introductory computer-programming course (e.g. CMPT 102, 110, 120, 130 or equivalent) and one introductory statistics course (e.g. STAT 201, 270 or equivalent); or permission of the instructor.

Recent research articles on the structure, function, and interactions of macromolecules including proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids, as well as their complexes, will be presented and discussed by students and faculty, with an emphasis on critical analysis of the concepts and experimental design and methods. Prerequisite: BISC 331/MBB 331 or equivalent.

Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis.

An introductory course for graduate students in the Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry (MBB). Lecture presentations include general information for students starting graduate studies; effective research writing and presentation skills; fundamentals for proper data and statistical analysis; research ethics and policies for professional equality, diversity, and inclusiveness; professional skills for scientific careers.

In accompaniment with the weekly MBB departmental seminar series, students will read relevant literature from the speaker’s laboratory to participate in the scientific discussion that follows each seminar. Approaches for providing effective seminar presentations will also be discussed. Students must take MBB 803 twice, in two consecutive offerings, at the first opportunity in the MBB graduate program (fall and spring or spring and fall).

This course covers the biology and epidemiology of cancer and theories behind prevention, diagnosis and treatment of different types of cancer. A major goal of the course is to integrate knowledge and research on the biology of cancer with all disciplines in oncology. This course can only be taken once, either during an MSc or during a PhD. Prerequisite: Enrollment in a participating graduate program. No specific courses are prerequisites.

Features cancer-related research by trainees and faculty located at the BC Cancer Research Centre and other sites. Topics include recent developments in the molecular basis of oncogenesis, cancer bioinformatics, cancer epidemiology, cancer treatment and other clinical studies, and ethical issues. Students are required to present seminars on their research. Students undertaking the interdisciplinary oncology graduate specialization must enroll in this course throughout their entire time as a graduate student. This course can be taken twice, if a student does the interdisciplinary oncology graduate specialization (IOGS) as an MSc student, and also does it as a PhD student. Students who transfer from MSc to PhD would only take it once. Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. Prerequisite: Enrollment in a participating graduate program. No specific courses are prerequisites.

Recent research articles on the molecular mechanisms underlying cellular activities will be presented and discussed by students and faculty, with an emphasis on critically analyzing concepts, experimental design, and methodology. A student may not take more than 3 units of colloquia for credit. Prerequisite: BISC 331/MBB 331 or equivalent.

Recent research articles on modern genomic techniques will be presented and discussed by students and faculty, with an emphasis on critical analysis of the concepts, experimental design, technologies and the practical application of bioinformatics algorithms. A student may not take more than 3 units of colloquia. Prerequisite: It is recommended that students have previously taken one introductory computer-programming course (e.g. CMPT 102, 110, 120, 130 or equivalent) and one introductory statistics course (e.g. STAT 201, 270 or equivalent); or permission of the instructor.

Recent research articles on the structure, function, and interactions of macromolecules including proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids, as well as their complexes, will be presented and discussed by students and faculty, with an emphasis on critical analysis of the concepts and experimental design and methods. Prerequisite: BISC 331/MBB 331 or equivalent.

Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis.

Covers fundamental concepts related to the basic cellular neurobiology of neurons and other nervous system cells, neuronal pathfinding, electrophysiology, dendritic organization, axonal transport, plasticity, and signal transduction, as well as the integration of neurons into neural circuits and diseases of the nervous system. This course can only be taken once, either during a Masters or Doctoral program.

Fundamental concepts related to information processing (sensing, encoding, planning, decision-making, execution) by neural circuits are discussed. Topics include: neural communication, sensorimotor control of movement, neuroplasticity, and diseases of the brain. Issues of experimental design and application of modern neuroscience methods will be integrated across these topics. Additional topics will vary depending on the year. This course can only be taken once, either during a Masters or Doctoral program.

Workshops focus on providing students with skills to facilitate the translation of neuroscience, broadly defined, for the benefit of society. Faculty members at SFU as well as relevant clinicians and company representatives will run these workshops. Topics may include: how to translate fundamental questions into clinical-oriented questions; how to perform clinical research; how to start a spin-off company; how to pitch ideas for commercialization; how to work with industry; how drug-discovery works; and how to communicate to different audiences. All topics will relate specifically to neuroscience. Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. Prerequisite: Enrollment in translational and integrative neuroscience graduate specialization or permission from lead workshop organizer.