Summary
- Degree offered: Doctorate in Philosophy (PhD)
- Registration status option: Full-time
- Language of instruction: English
- Primary program: PhD in Biology
- Collaborative specialization: Chemical and Environmental Toxicology
- Program option (expected duration of the program):
- with thesis (12 full-time terms; 48 consecutive months)
- Academic units: Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, Ottawa-Carleton Institute of Biology.
Program Description
Ottawa-Carleton Joint Program
Established in 1984, the Ottawa-Carleton Institute of Biology (OCIB) combines the research strengths of the University of Ottawa and Carleton University. The Institute offers graduate programs leading to the master’s (MSc) and doctoral (PhD) degrees in Biology.
Research facilities are shared between the two campuses. Students have access to the professors, courses and facilities at both universities.
The Institute is a participating unit in the collaborative program in Chemical and Environmental Toxicology (at the master’s and doctoral levels).
The doctoral program participates in the Combined Program for Degrees in Medicine and Philosophy (MD/PhD). For more information please see the website of the Faculty of Medicine.
Collaborative Program Description
Toxicology is the study of effects of toxic substances on living systems. These toxic substances can either be organic or inorganic, synthetic or natural materials. Environmental toxicology further extends to aspects of chemical transport, fate, persistence and biological accumulation of toxic substances and their effects at the population and community levels. While individual researchers usually specialize in a particular area, toxicologists today must be able to appreciate significant research in other fields and therefore require an understanding of the basic principles of other disciplines. To meet this challenge the University of Ottawa and Carleton University offer a joint collaborative program leading to a master of science or a PhD degree with specialization in chemical and environmental toxicology.
This Ottawa-Carleton collaborative program in Chemical and Environmental Toxicology is intended to augment the research and training available to students through the individual supporting institutes.
Main Areas of Research
- Cell and molecular biology
- Ecology, behaviour and systematics
- Physiology and biochemistry
Other Programs Offered Within the Same Discipline or in a Related Area
- Master of Science Biology (MSc)
- Master of Science Biology Specialization in Chemical and Environmental Toxicology (MSc)
- Master of Science Biology Specialization in Bioinformatics (MSc)
- Master of Science Biology Specialization in Science, Society and Policy (MSc)
- Doctorate in Philosophy Biology (PhD)
- Doctorate in Philosophy Biology Specialization in Bioinformatics
Fees and Funding
- Program fees:
The estimated amount for university fees associated with this program are available under the section Finance your studies.
International students enrolled in a French-language program of study may be eligible for a differential tuition fee exemption.
- To learn about possibilities for financing your graduate studies, consult the Awards and financial support section.
Notes
- Programs are governed by the academic regulations in effect for graduate studies and by the General Regulations of the Ottawa-Carleton Institute of Biology (OCIB).
- In accordance with the University of Ottawa regulation, students have the right to complete their assignments, examinations, research papers, and theses in French or in English.
- Research activities can be conducted either in English, French or both, depending on the language used by the professor and the members of his or her research group.
Program Contact Information
Graduate Studies Office, Faculty of Science
30 Marie-Curie Street, Gendron Hall, Room 181
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
K1N 6N5
Tel.: 613-562-5800 x3145
Email: gradsci@uOttawa.ca
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For the most accurate and up to date information on application deadlines, language tests and other admission requirements, please visit the specific requirements webpage.
To be eligible, candidates must:
- Have a master’s degree in Biology (or equivalent) with a minimum average of 75% (B+).
Note: International candidates must check the admission equivalencies for the diploma they received in their country of origin.
- Demonstrate a good academic performance in previous studies as shown by official transcripts, research reports, abstracts or any other documents demonstrating research skills.
- Meet the funding requirements.
Note: International students must provide proof of financial support: i.e., a stipend provided by a supervisor as well as a combination of awards and/or trust funds.
- Identify at least one professor who is willing to supervise your research and thesis.
- We recommend that you contact potential thesis supervisors as soon as possible.
- To register, you need to have been accepted by a thesis supervisor.
- The supervisor’s name is required at the time of application.
- Be sponsored into the collaborative specialization by a faculty member of the collaborative program, normally the thesis supervisor, who must be appointed, cross-appointed or stand as an adjunct at the primary program.
- Meet the following additional requirements:
- Complete a relevant introductory course in toxicology, either:
- Prior to admission to the collaborative program in chemical and environmental toxicology; or
- While enrolled in the program by taking an introductory course (TOX 8156).
- Complete a relevant introductory course in toxicology, either:
Language Requirements
Applicants must be able to understand and fluently speak the language of instruction (French or English) in the program to which they are applying. Proof of linguistic proficiency may be required.
Applicants whose first language is neither French nor English must provide proof of proficiency in the language of instruction.
Note: Candidates are responsible for any fees associated with the language tests.
Notes
- The choice of supervisor will determine the primary campus location of the student. It will also determine which university awards the degree.
- The admission requirements listed above are minimum requirements and do not guarantee admission to the program.
- Admissions are governed by the academic regulations in effect for graduate studies and by the General Regulations of the Ottawa-Carleton Institute of Biology (OCIB).
- Students must indicate in their initial application for admission to the PhD program in biology that they wish to be accepted into the collaborative program in chemical and environmental toxicology. Students must be admitted in one of the primary programs participating in the collaborative program. Students will normally be informed about their acceptance into the collaborative program at the same time as being informed about their admission into the primary program.
Fast-Track from Master’s to PhD
Students enrolled in the master’s program in biology at the University of Ottawa may be eligible to fast-track directly into the doctoral program without writing a master’s thesis, provided the following conditions are met:
- You must have completed the course requirements of your MSc program with a mark of A- or above in each course.
- Satisfactory progress in the research program.
- Written recommendation by the supervisor and the thesis advisory committee.
- Approval by the graduate studies committee.
Note: If the student meets the requirements, the transfer must take place within sixteen months of initial enrollment in the master’s. The minimal admission average requirements for the doctoral program must also be met. Following transfer, all the requirements of the doctoral program must be met.
Requirements for this program have been modified. Please consult the 2022-2023 calendars for the previous requirements.
Doctorate with Collaborative Specialization
Students must meet the following requirements for the doctorate with collaborative specialization. The units completed for the specialization count also towards the primary program:
The Department may require students to take additional courses depending on their backgrounds.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Compulsory Courses | ||
| 3 course units from: | 3 Units | |
| Principles of Toxicology | ||
| Ecotoxicology | ||
| 3 optional course units in biology (BIO) or toxicology (TOX) at the graduate level 1 | 3 Units | |
| Seminars 2 | ||
| TOX 9105 | Seminar in Toxicology 2 | 3 Units |
| Comprehensive Examination | ||
| BIO 9998 | Comprehensive Examination 3 | |
| Thesis | ||
| THD 9999 | Doctoral Thesis 4, 5 | |
Note(s)
- 1
The optional course units may also be selected in related disciplines approved by the Department of Biology.
- 2
Students who completed the seminar course TOX 9105 for the master’s specialization are exempted from this requirement.
- 3
The comprehensive examination must be completed within twelve months of the initial admission into the program.
- 4
Presentation and defense of a thesis in toxicology based on an original research carried out under the supervision of a faculty member participating in the chemical and environmental toxicology collaborative program.
- 5
Students are responsible for ensuring they have met all of the thesis requirements.
Minimum Requirements
The passing grade in all courses is B.
Students who fail 6 units, or the thesis proposal, or the comprehensive exam, or whose progress is deemed unsatisfactory must withdraw from the program.
Research at the University of Ottawa
Located in the heart of Canada’s capital, a few steps away from Parliament Hill, the University of Ottawa ranks among Canada’s top 10 research universities. Our research is founded on excellence, relevance and impact and is conducted in a spirit of equity, diversity and inclusion.
Our research community thrives in four strategic areas:
- Creating a sustainable environment
- Advancing just societies
- Shaping the digital world
- Enabling lifelong health and wellness
From advancing healthcare solutions to tackling global challenges like climate change, the University of Ottawa’s researchers are at the forefront of innovation, making significant contributions to society and beyond.
Research at the Faculty of Science
The Faculty of Science has become a true centre of excellence in research through its world-class professors as well as its programs and infrastructure in Biology, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Mathematics and Statistics, and Physics.
The research accomplished by its 140 internationally recognized professors, its approximately 400 graduate students and its dozens of postdoctoral researchers and visiting scientists has positioned the Faculty of Science as one of the most research intensive science faculties in Canada. Our professors have received many international and national awards including three NSERC Gerhard Herzberg Gold Medal winners and numerous Fellows of the Royal Society of Canada.
The Faculty of Science, through its strategic use of infrastructure programs, hosts world-class Core Facilities and is at the leading edge for the study of Catalysis, Experimental and Computational Chemistry, Environmental Toxins, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, Isotope Analysis, Molecular Biology and Genomics, X-Ray Spectrometry/Diffractometry, Geochemistry, Mass Spectrometry, Physiology and Genetics of Aquatic Organisms, and Photonics. The Faculty is also associated with the Fields Institute for research in mathematical science and the Centre de recherche mathématiques (CRM) at the Université de Montréal, providing a unique setting for mathematical research.
For more information, refer to the list of faculty members and their research fields on Uniweb.
IMPORTANT: Candidates and students looking for professors to supervise their thesis or research project can also consult the website of the faculty or department of their program of choice. Uniweb does not list all professors authorized to supervise research projects at the University of Ottawa.
Not all of the listed courses are given each year. The course is offered in the language in which it is described.
A 3-unit course at the University of Ottawa is equivalent to a 0.5-unit course at Carleton University.
BIO 5101 Topics in Biotechnology (3 units)
A course concerned with the utilization of biological substances and activities of cells, genes and enzymes in manufacturing, agricultural and service industries. A different topic will be selected each year. This course is equivalent to BIOL 5001 at Carleton University.
Course Component: Lecture
Prerequisite: A course in cell physiology or biochemistry, or permission of instructor.
BIO 5102 Advanced Field Ecology (3 units)
Field experience in a new environment (e.g. local, national, international) to learn about ecological processes (note extra fees associated with course). This course is equivalent to BIOL 5605 at Carleton University.
Course Component: Lecture
BIO 5104 Advances in Applied Biochemistry (3 units)
Contemporary methods of recombinant DNA technology combined with modern methods and strategies for expressing, secreting, purifying and characterizing proteins. This course is equivalent to BIOL 5004 at Carleton University.
Course Component: Lecture
BIO 5105 Advanced Neuroethology (3 units)
A comparative and evolutionary approach to studying neural mechanisms underlying animal behaviour, including genetic, neural and hormonal influences on behaviour. This course is equivalent to BIOL 5801 at Carleton University.
Course Component: Lecture
Prerequisites: Biology 61.335 and 61.361 or equivalents and registration in a graduate program, or written permission of the department.
BIO 5107 Seminar in Biochemistry I (3 units)
A graduate seminar on current topics in the field of Biochemistry. This course introduces the seminar format and involves student, faculty and invited seminar speakers. The student will present a seminar and submit a report on a current topic in Biochemistry. This course is equivalent to BIOL 5002 at Carleton University. Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
Course Component: Lecture
BIO 5108 Bayesian Statistics for Biologists (3 units)
Introduction to the philosophy of Bayesian inference; practical experience applying to biological data. Model formulation, identification of appropriate priors and resulting posteriors given priors and data, and the practice of drawing inferences from these posteriors. This course is equivalent to BIOL 5408 at Carleton University.
Course Component: Lecture
BIO 5109 Biological Data Science in R (3 units)
Develops the practical skills needed to work with large and complex datasets, as a complement to statistical methods. Topics include programming, quality control, tidy data, visualization, project organization, reproducibility, how to troubleshoot code, and how to translate research goals into a project pipeline. This course is equivalent to BIOL 5404 at Carleton University.
Course Component: Lecture
BIO 5111 Biophysical Techniques (3 units)
Theory and application of current biochemical/biophysical instrumentation and techniques including X-ray crystallography, nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry, infrared, circular dichroism and fluorescence spectroscopy, isothermal titration and differential scanning calorimetry. This course is equivalent to BIOL 5111 at Carleton University.
Course Component: Lecture
BIO 5126 Analysis of Next-Generation Sequence Data (3 units)
Assembly and analysis of next-generation sequence (NGS) data. Through hands-on exercises and independent projects, students will learn to use tools for quality control, assembly, mutation calling, and other NGS applications. No previous knowledge of bioinformatics or programming is required. This course is equivalent to BIOL 5526 at Carleton University.
Course Component: Lecture
BIO 5128 Molecular Methods (3 units)
An intensive two-week laboratory course where students are introduced to methods such as CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing, in situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry, qRT-PCR and digital droplet PCR.
Course Component: Theory and Laboratory
BIO 5130 Ethnobotany and Ethnopharmacology (3 units)
Introduction and current perspectives on world ethnobotanies, traditional knowledge, medicinal and food systems; quantitative and qualitative methods; ethical requirements; pharmacological basis of traditional drugs, phytochemsitry, drug discovery and development; safety, risk assessment and regulations.
Course Component: Lecture
BIO 5144 Plant Molecular Biology (3 units)
An introduction to plant gene structure and function, cloning into plants and the manipulation of plant genes. The course will combine elements of plant biochemistry, physiology and molecular biology with a strong emphasis on practical research aspects. This course is equivalent to BIOL 5144 at Carleton University.
Course Component: Lecture
BIO 5158 Applied Biostatistics (3 units)
Applied biostatistics to real problems. Experimental design and data collection. Consequences of violating assumptions of different tests. Monte Carlo and Bootstrap analysis. Case studies and exercises in using statistical analysis packages. This course is equivalent to BIOL 5158 at Carleton University.
Course Component: Lecture
BIO 5302 Methods in Molecular Genetics (3 units)
Theory and associated applications of emerging methods in molecular genetics, including information gathered from large-scale genome-wide analysis and protein-protein interaction data, and how this information can advance understanding of cell biology. This course is equivalent to BIOL 5105 at Carleton University.
Course Component: Lecture
Prerequisites: Graduate standing and permission of the department.
BIO 5305 Biostatistics I (3 units)
Application of statistical analyses to biological data. Topics include ANOVA, regression, GLMs, and may include loglinear models, logistic regression, general additive models, mixed models, bootstrap and permutation tests. This course is equivalent to BIOL 5407 at Carleton University.
Course Component: Lecture
Prerequisites: Graduate standing, courses in elementary ecology and statistics and permission of the department.
BIO 5306 Modelling for Biologists (3 units)
Use and limitations of mathematical and simulation modelling approaches for the study of biological phenomena. This course is equivalent to BIOL 5409 at Carleton University.
Course Component: Lecture
BIO 5308 Laboratory Techniques in Molecular Genetics (3 units)
Laboratory course designed to give students practical experience in recent important techniques in molecular genetics. This course is equivalent to BIOL 5106 at Carleton University.
Course Component: Lecture
Prerequisites: Graduate standing and permission of the department.
BIO 5310 Advanced Evolutionary Biology (3 units)
Advances in micro-and macroevolution including the mechanisms both driving and constraining evolutionary change, phylogenetic relationships, patterns of evolutionary change at the molecular or phenotypic level, and evolutionary theory and techniques as applied to these areas. This course is equivalent to BIOL 5510 at Carleton University.
Course Component: Lecture
BIO 5311 Advanced Evolutionary Ecology (3 units)
The ecological causes and consequences of evolutionary change, focussing on how the ecological interactions among organisms and their biotic and abiotic environments shape the evolution of phenotypic and species diversity. This course is equivalent to BIOL 5511 at Carleton University.
Course Component: Lecture
BIO 5312 Principles and Methods of Biological Systematics (3 units)
Biological systematics with reference to morphological and molecular character evolution and phylogeny reconstruction.
Course Component: Lecture
BIO 5313 Topics in Evolutionary and Comparative Biology (3 units)
In the ever-diversifying field of evolutionary and comparative biology, it is becoming increasingly necessary for early-career researchers to cultivate a broad set of skills, eventually to launch a project of interdisciplinary nature. This course provides workshop and hands-on training for students to develop broad basis and familiarity with the research toolkit of modern biology. Topics include the use of statistical programs, 3D data acquisition and analysis, cladistic analysis and phylogenetic comparative method, microscopy and histology, basic bioinformatics, and scientific illustration. Each workshop will be led by a faculty expert. Offered in alternate years. This course is equivalent to BIOL 5313 at Carleton University.
Course Component: Lecture
BIO 5314 Advances in Aquatic Sciences (3 units)
Advanced theoretical and applied aquatic sciences including current topics in limnology and oceanography (e.g. impacts of climate change, invasive species, and atmospheric pollution) with implications for lake, river, coastal and wetland management. This course is equivalent to BIOL 5514 at Carleton University.
Course Component: Lecture
BIO 5320 Advances in Conservation Biology (3 units)
Interdisciplinary exploration of the science of scarcity and diversity in a human dominated world. This course is equivalent to BIOL 5520 at Carleton University.
Course Component: Lecture
BIO 5558 Biostatistiques appliquées (3 crédits)
Application des biostatistiques à des problèmes concrets. Design expérimental et échantillonnage. Impact des violations des hypothèses implicites d'application de divers tests. Analyse de Monte Carlo et Bootstrap. Études de cas et exercices d'utilisation de logiciels courants d'analyse statistique.
Volet : Cours magistral
BIO 5950 Recherche et communication en biologie / Research and Communication in Biology (3 crédits / 3 units)
Une introduction aux études supérieures en biologie en mettant l'accent sur les compétences centrales requises pour mener à bien des projets de recherche et développer les habiletés professionnelles requises. Le cours s'adresse aux étudiant.e.s débutant.e.s aux cycles supérieurs et sera composé de modules couvrant la rédaction scientifique et la communication orale, la gestion de projets de recherche, le développement de carrière et diverses compétences centrales requises dans les programmes d'études supérieures en biologie. / An introduction to graduate studies in biology with an emphasis on central skills required to successfully conduct research projects and develop required professional abilities. The course is intended for starting graduate students and will be composed of modules covering scientific writing and oral communication, research project management, career development and various central skills required in biology graduate programs.
Volet / Course Component: Séminaire / Seminar
BIO 6103 Special Topics in Neuroscience (3 units)
An in-depth study of current topics in neuroscience. Course content varies yearly and has recently included cognitive neuroscience, neuropharmacology, neurodegeneration, and behavioural medicine. Also listed as PSYC 6300. This course is equivalent to BIOL 6203 at Carleton University.
Course Component: Lecture
BIO 6300 Advanced Science Communication (3 units)
The theory and practice of effective science communication. Topics may include : writing for, presenting to, and engaging with diverse audiences, as well as graphic design and data visualization, social and digital media, and knowledge mobilization. Experiential Learning Activity: Applied Research. This course is equivalent to BIOL 6500 at Carleton University.
Course Component: Lecture
BIO 6304 Techniques in Neuroscience (3 units)
Completion of a research project carried out under the supervision of a neuroscience faculty member. The student will learn a new neuroscience technique and apply it to a research objective. May be repeated for different projects. Also listed as PSYC 6204. This course is equivalent to BIOL 6204 at Carleton University.
Course Component: Lecture
BIO 6305 Advanced Seminar in Neuroscience (3 units)
A comprehensive pro-seminar series, covering issues ranging from cellular and molecular processes through to neural systems and behaviours as well as psychopathology. Also listed as PSYC 6202. Courses BIO 6305, BIO 6303 (BIOL 6303) cannot be combined for units. This course is equivalent to BIOL 6305 at Carleton University.
Course Component: Lecture
BIO 8102 Special Topics in Biology (3 units)
Selected aspects of specialized biological subjects not covered by other graduate courses. This course is equivalent to BIOL 5502 at Carleton University.
Course Component: Laboratory, Lecture
BIO 8105 Advances in Applied Ecology (3 units)
The application of ecological and evolutionary principles in addressing resource management challenges and environmental problems. This course is equivalent to BIOL 5512 at Carleton University.
Course Component: Lecture
Permission of the Department is required.
BIO 8108 Advanced Topics in Development (3 units)
Recent advances in developmental biology. Topics may include embryonic induction, regulation of morphogenesis and differentiation, mechanisms of regional specification and pattern formation, and developmental genetics. This course is equivalent to BIOL 6505 at Carleton University.
Course Component: Lecture
BIO 8109 Advanced Molecular Biology (3 units)
In-depth coverage of the structure, function, and synthesis of DNA, RNA, and proteins. This course is equivalent to BIOL 6001 at Carleton University.
Course Component: Lecture
BIO 8115 Genomics in Graduate Studies (3 units)
Applying tools of genomics in the current research environment. Students will build an original research proposal that includes genomics analyses distinct from those they currently use. The goal of this course is to investigate how genomics (broadly defined) can help students tackle and/or uncover new interesting questions related to their current graduate research. This course is equivalent to BIOL 6115 at Carleton University.
Course Component: Lecture
BIO 8116 Advances on Plant Molecular Biology (3 units)
Use of molecular genetics in general plant biology and the contribution of plant genomics to our understanding of plant metabolism, plant development, and plant interactions with the environment at the molecular, genome, and cellular levels. This course is equivalent to BIOL 6002 at Carleton University.
Course Component: Lecture
Prerequisite: BIO 8109/61.601F1 and this course normally will be offered together in the same year but only in alternate years.
BIO 8120 Directed Studies in Biology (3 units)
One-on-one instruction in selected aspects of specialized biological subjects not covered by other graduate courses. Students may not take this course from their thesis supervisor(s), and are limited to one directed studies course per program. This course is equivalent to BIOL 5502 at Carleton University.
Course Component: Lecture
BIO 8122 Advanced Insect Biology (3 units)
Overview of the biological processes that allow insects to function in their environments and to overcome the constraints and limitations that the environment places on them. This course is equivalent to BIOL 5307 at Carleton University.
Course Component: Lecture
Prerequisite: In addition to the course material, students will write two terms papers (Alter nate years).
BIO 8162 Advanced Endocrinology (3 units)
Major topics in comparative endocrinology: understanding the structure, function and evolution of vertebrate endocrine systems, including endocrine disruption. This course is equivalent to BIOL 5402 at Carleton University.
Course Component: Lecture
Prerequisite: An undergraduate Endocrinology course (BIO 4127 or equivalent).
BIO 8303 Advanced Microscopy (3 units)
Development of the practical skills of microscopy through original research and supporting theory lectures. This course is equivalent to BIOL 5203 at Carleton University.
Course Component: Lecture
Prerequisites: Open to 4th year and graduate students with consent of the instructor.
BIO 8320 Advanced Plant Biology (3 units)
Recent developments in plant biology. Topics may include plant anatomy, systematics, evolution, genetics, ecology, ethnobotany, cell biology, and/or biotechnology. This course is equivalent to BIOL 6300 at Carleton University.
Course Component: Lecture
Prerequisite: Biology 61.425 and Biology 61.426/427, or permission of the department.
BIO 8361 Advanced Animal Physiology (3 units)
Recent advances in animal physiology, emphasizing comparative, evolutionary and environmental approaches. This course is equivalent to BIOL 6304 at Carleton University.
Course Component: Lecture
BIO 8365 Advanced Behavioural Ecology (3 units)
Recent advances in behavioural ecology including topics such as the evolution of tactics and strategies of group living, foraging, anti-predation, resource use and defence, cooperation, reproduction, and parental care. This course is equivalent to BIOL 5802 at Carleton University.
Course Component: Lecture
BIO 8510 Thèmes choisis en biologie (3 crédits)
Aspects de sujets biologiques spécialisés qui ne sont pas couverts dans d'autres cours d'études supérieures.
Volet : Cours magistral
BIO 8520 Études dirigées en biologie (3 crédits)
Enseignement individualisé sur un sujet biologique spécialisé qui n'est pas couvert dans d'autres cours d'études supérieures. Il est interdit de suivre ce cours avec son directeur de thèse. Limite d'une seule étude dirigée par programme.
Volet : Cours magistral
BIO 8910 Thèmes choisis en biologie / Special Topics in Biology (3 crédits / 3 units)
Aspects de sujets biologiques spécialisés qui ne sont pas couverts dans d'autres cours d'études supérieures. / Selected aspects of specialized biological subjects not covered by other graduate courses.
Volet / Course Component: Cours magistral / Lecture
Prérequis : connaissance passive de l'anglais. / Prerequisite: Passive knowledge of French.
BIO 8938 Interaction entre plantes et animaux / Plant Animal Interactions (3 crédits / 3 units)
Les substances métaboliques secondaires des plantes et leur rôle en tant que phagorépresseurs ou phagostimulants pour les animaux et en tant qu'agents antifongiques ou allélopathiques. On discutera de la co-évolution des plantes et des organismes phytophages (insectes et mammifères) et des dimensions physiologique et écologique de cette relation. / Secondary metabolites of plants and their role as attractants or antifeedants to animals and as allelopathic or antifungal agents. Emphasis will be placed on co-evolution of plants and phytophagous organisms such as insects and mammals, and the ecological and physiological dimensions of this relationship. Offered in alternate years. Ce cours est équivalent à BIOL 6404 à la Carleton University. / This course is equivalent to BIOL 6404 at Carleton University.
Volet / Course Component: Cours magistral / Lecture
BIO 8940 Statistiques avancées et science ouverte / Advanced Statistics and Open Science (3 crédits / 3 units)
Les analyses statistiques sont fondamentales à un processus scientifique rigoureux. Par conséquent, il est primordiale de comprendre les statistiques et de reporter correctement les analyses pour améliorer la transparence et la qualité de la science. Le cours a pour objectifs: 1) d'améliorer la compréhension des modèles statistique avancés (incluant les modèles mixtes généralisés); 2) de développer de bonnes habitudes pour coder (utilisation de R et Rmarkdown); 3) d'améliorer la gestion des données et du code statistique (manipulation de données et github); et 4) de présenter les principes de science ouverte (se basant sur OSF). / Statistics are a key component of rigorous science and as such there is a need to both understand advanced statistics and properly document the analysis to improve scientific communication transparency and quality. The course aims to 1) provide an understanding of advanced statistical models (including generalized linear mixed models), 2) develop good coding practices (using R and Rmarkdown), 3) improve data and code management (data manipulation and github) and 4) present the principles of open science (using OSF).
Volet / Course Component: Cours magistral / Lecture
BIO 8950 Recherche et communication en biologie / Research and Communication in Biology (3 crédits / 3 units)
Une introduction aux études supérieures en biologie en mettant l'accent sur les compétences centrales requises pour mener à bien des projets de recherche et développer les habiletés professionnelles requises. Le cours s'adresse aux étudiant.e.s débutant.e.s aux cycles supérieurs et sera composé de modules couvrant la rédaction scientifique et la communication orale, la gestion de projets de recherche, le développement de carrière et diverses compétences centrales requises dans les programmes d'études supérieures en biologie. / An introduction to graduate studies in biology with an emphasis on central skills required to successfully conduct research projects and develop required professional abilities. The course is intended for starting graduate students and will be composed of modules covering scientific writing and oral communication, research project management, career development and various central skills required in biology graduate programs.
Volet / Course Component: Séminaire / Seminar
BIO 9998 Examen de synthèse / Comprehensive Examination
Volet / Course Component: Recherche / Research
TOX 5129 Adverse Outcome Pathways: A Framework to Support the Modernization of Chemical Risk Assessment (3 units)
This course will introduce the Adverse Outcome Pathway (AOP) framework and how it can be used to support the integration of modern test methods (e.g. in silico, in vitro, high throughput, etc..) into the chemical risk assessment process. Students will first learn about current practices and recent advances in both human health and ecological chemical risk assessment. Then students will receive an advanced introduction to the AOP framework, including the theory of AOPs, how they can be used in regulatory toxicology for facilitating the use of mechanistic data, test paradigm development, and risk assessment, and training on best practices for contributing to the AOP knowledge base. This will include in-class case studies on AOP development and a final assignment where student will be responsible for developing a novel AOP for a specific toxicity.
Course Component: Lecture
TOX 8156 Principles of Toxicology (3 units)
The basic theorems of toxicology with examples of current research problems. The concepts of exposure, hazard and risk assessment will be defined and illustrated with experimental material from some of the more dynamic areas of modern research. This course is equivalent to BIOL 6402 at Carleton University.
Course Component: Lecture
TOX 8158 Environmental Chemistry and Toxicology (3 units)
Overview of environmental chemistry and toxicology principles including chemical sources, fate, and effects in the environment. Examining organic reactions occurring in abiotic environments and biological systems, study aspects of toxicant disposition and biotransformation. Emphasis on contemporary problems in human health and the environment.
Course Component: Lecture
TOX 9104 Ecotoxicology (3 units)
Selected topics and advances in ecotoxicology with emphasis on the biological effects of contaminants. The potential for biotic perturbance resulting from chronic and acute exposure of ecosystems to selected toxicants will be covered along with the methods pesticide, herbicide and pollutant residue analysis and the concept of bound residues. This course is equivalent to BIOL 6403 at Carleton University.
Course Component: Lecture
TOX 9105 Seminar in Toxicology (3 units)
A one-session course in seminar format highlighting current topics in toxicology. The student will present a seminar and submit a report on the seminar topic. Student, faculty and invited seminar speakers.
Course Component: Seminar
TOX 9106 Genetic Toxicology (3 units)
Topics in mutagenesis and DNA repair, including spontaneous and induced mutagenesis, genetic toxicology testing, the genetics and biochemistry of replication, DNA repair and recombination, and the role of mutagens in the development of genetic disease and cancer. This course is equivalent to BIOL 6406 at Carleton University.
Course Component: Lecture
TOX 9107 Toxicology and Regulation (3 units)
This course will help students develop the understanding and skills to apply research results in toxicology to real-world needs for the management of risks posed by environmental contaminants as well as the development of regulation and policy involving such management.
Course Component: Lecture