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Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry
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MBB GRADUATE COURSES

Course Descriptions

REQUIRED courses

MBB 898-18 MSc Thesis

MSc Thesis

MBB 898-18

Students who are working on their Master of Science thesis enrol in this course every term. This course will not count towards the course work requirements.

MBB 899-6 PhD Thesis

PhD Thesis

MBB 899-18

Students who are working on their PhD thesis enrol in this course every term. This course will not count towards the course work requirements.

general courses

MBB 505-3  Problem Based Learning in Bioinformatics

Problem Based Learning in Bioinformatics

MBB 505-3

The problem-based learning course will develop students' ability to exchange ideas in small groups focused on real but simplified problems in bioinformatics. Problems will be carefully selected to cover multiple areas of bioinformatics research. This is an advanced bioinformatics course that assumes the student has previous bioinformatics training. Prerequisite: MBB 741 or equivalent bioinformatics course (undergraduate or graduate). This course is identical to CMPT 505 and students cannot take both courses for credit.

MBB 659-3 Special Topics in Bioinformatics

Special Topics in Bioinformatics

MBB 659-3

Consideration of recent research literature on contemporary topics in bioinformatics. See Supplementary Outline for more information. Prerequisites: MBB 441 or 741; or CMPT 341 or 881.

MBB 679-3 Special Topics in Proteomics

Special Topics in Proteomics

MBB 679-3

Consideration of recent research literature on contemporary topics in proteomics. Prerequisite: MBB 442 or 742.

MBB 700-1 Selected Topics in Biotechnology and Business

Selected Topics in Biotechnology and Business

MBB 700-1

A survey of the legal, economic and social aspects of technology transfer in the areas of molecular biology, biochemistry, and biotechnology presented by a series of local experts. Topics will include patents, contracts, intellectual property, capitalization and others. The format will be a formal lecture followed by a workshop.

MBB 702-3 Developmental Biology of Cell Signalling

Developmental Biology of Cell Signalling

MBB 702-3

Aspects of developmental and cellular biology in the context of signal transduction pathways. The diverse mechanisms used in cell signalling and how the various approaches to the study of signal transduction in organismal development complement each other will be examined with an emphasis on current literature.

MBB 721-3 Nucleic Acids

Nucleic Acids

MBB 721-3

An examination of recent literature about the structure and function of DNA and RNA.

MBB 722-3 Biological Membranes

Biological Membranes

MBB 722-3

A review of recent literature on the structure, dynamics, function and biosynthesis of membrane lipids and proteins.

MBB 723-3 Protein Structure and Function

Protein Structure and Function

MBB 723-3

Mechanistic principles for how protein molecules achieve diverse functions such as chemical catalysis and conformational switching. Students will learn to critique hypotheses about structural mechanisms, and to interpret the primary literature reporting on structural evidence from X-ray diffraction and spectroscopy.

MBB 727-3 Immune Responses in Health and Disease

Immune Responses in Health and Disease

MBB 727-3

Defects in the immunologic response to bacterial, viral and parasitic infections. The mechanisms of action of vaccines. The causes of immune-mediated diseases, such as autoimmune diseases, hypersensitivity reactions (including asthma and allergy) and organ transplant rejection. The reaction of the immune system to cancer and immunotherapy for cancer. Prerequisite: One of MBB 326, HSCI 326, MBB 426 or HSCI 426, or permission of the instructor. Students with credit for MBB 427, HSCI 427, or HSCI 727 may not complete MBB 727 for credit.

MBB 729-3 RNA-mediated Gene Regulation

RNA-mediated Gene Regulation

MBB 729-3

RNA plays an important role in gene regulation. This course will explore recent primary literature studying the biochemistry of these processes. Students who have taken MBB 420 or MBB 829 under the same title cannot take this course for further credit.

MBB 730-3 Mechanisms of Secretory Transport

Mechanisms of Secretory Transport

MBB 730-3

Analysis of mechanisms of protein, lipid, and nucleic acid delivery and transport within cells. The course will examine processes of protein targeting,exocytosis, and endocytosis; molecular mechanisms of COP-and clathrin-mediated vesicle transport; and viral and SNARE-mediated membrane fusion.Lectures will present landmark experiments from classic papers, and student presentations will focus on recent research articles. The significance of these findings with respect to human disease and signal transduction will be considered. Prerequisite: MBB 322 and BISC 331/MBB 331 or permission of the instructor.

MBB 736-3 Gene Expression

Gene Expression

MBB 736-3

A consideration of the mechanisms and regulation of gene expression in eukaryotes and prokaryotes.

MBB 738-3 Human Molecular Genetics

Human Molecular Genetics

MBB 738-3

The course will consider recent advances in human molecular genetics. Topics will include genome analysis, genetic testing, and studies of genetic disorders. Prerequisite: MBB 331 (or BISC 331) or equivalent.

MBB 741-3 Bioinformatics

Bioinformatics

MBB 741-3

Lectures and hands-on instruction at the computer in the use of, and theory behind, bioinformatic software and algorithms for the analysis of macromolecular data. Prerequisite: MBB 331 and MBB 342 or permission of the instructor.

MBB 743-3 Protein Biogenesis, Function and Degradation

Protein Biogenesis, Function, and Degradation

MBB 743-3

The central dogma of molecular biology (DNA to RNA to protein) underscores two fundamental biological processes, transcription and translation, that are essential to life. Protein biogenesis (folding, assembly, targeting to the proper cellular compartment), protein modification and protein degradation represent three other equally important cellular activities. The emphasis in this course will be to review the literature on protein biogenesis,function, and degradation, and explore the new and exciting developments that are just starting to uncover how mechanistically complex these processes are.

MBB 745-3 Advanced Microbial Pathogenesis

Advanced Microbial Pathogenesis

MBB 745-3

Recent advances in microbial pathogenesis with an emphasis on primary literature. Students who have taken this topic under MBB 829 or MBB 839 may not take this course for further credit.

MBB 746-3 The Molecular Biology of Cancer

The Molecular Biology of Cancer

MBB 746-3

An examination of the molecular mechanisms that contribute to tumor formation, the hallmarks of cancer and their relationship to therapeutic strategies.

MBB 747-3 Stem Cell Biology and Applications

Stem Cell Biology and Applications

MBB 747-3

Foundational biology of stem cell populations, technological advances, current and potential therapeutic applications. Prerequisite: Permission of the department. Recommended: MBB 322 or BISC 333 or equivalent. Students with credit for MBB 447 or BISC 447 may not take this course for further credit. Students with credit for MBB 440, BISC 472, MBB 839 or BISC 881 under the title "Stem Cell Biology and Applications" may not take this course for further credit.

MBB 760-3 Special Topics in Bioinformatics and Genomics

Special Topics in Bioinformatics and Genomics

MBB 760-3

The topics in this course will vary from term to term, depending on faculty availability and student interest. Students may repeat this course for further credit under a different topic. Prerequisite: Will vary depending on the topic. Students with credit for MBB 669 under the same topic may not take this course for further credit.

MBB 761-3 Comparative Genomics

Comparative Genomics

MBB 761-3

Examination of the fundamentals of comparative genomics, identification and activity of functional elements in genomes, inter- and intra-species comparisons, relationship of genomic to phenotypic variation, and personalized genomics are among the topics to be explored. Comparison of genome data has impacts on medicine and many other fields of the life sciences. Prerequisite:MBB 331.

MBB 762-3 Human Genomics

Human Genomics

MBB 762-3

The organization of the human genome and the role of genomic variation in health and disease. Genomics and personalized medicine; intellectual property and privacy issues.

MBB 763-3 Forensic Genomics

Forensic Genomics

MBB 763-3

A focus on the molecular and genomic biology associated with forensic science, including genome structure, genotyping, genetic analysis of DNA fingerprints, DNA data bases and CODIS, Y STRs. mtDNA and ethical considerations of DNA typing. Prerequisite: Permission of the department. Recommended: MBB 331 or equivalent. Students with credit for MBB 463 may not take this course for further credit.

MBB 764-3 From Genome to System

From Genome to System

MBB 764-3

Methods that enable the integration of Biochemical, Genetic and Genomic knowledge (BiGG) to reconstruct a genomic scale network that defines the metabolic physiology of an organism will be explored. Applications of these approaches in the fields of microbial evolution, interaction networks, genetic engineering and drug discovery will be discussed. Prerequisite: An undergraduate bioinformatics course or equivalent.

MBB 765-3 Cancer Genomics

Cancer Genomics

MBB 765-3

Our understanding of the role of genetic and epigenetic changes in the formation of human cancers continues to be advanced by genomic technologies. Current techniques for studying cancer genomes and how heritable changes can lead to treatment resistance will be discussed. Prerequisite: Permission of the department. Recommended: MBB 331 and MBB 342 or equivalent.

MBB 778-3 Molecular Epidemiology of Infectious Disease

Molecular Epidemiology of Infectious Disease

MBB 778-3

Application of modern molecular methods to epidemiological studies. Globally-relevant and emerging infectious diseases will be highlighted. Students with credit for MBB 478, HSCI 478, or HSCI 778 may not take this course for further credit.

MBB 801-3 Student Seminar in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry

Student Seminar in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry

MBB 801-3

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.

MBB 803-1 MBB Department Seminar Series

MBB Department Seminar Series

MBB 803-1

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).

MBB 806-3 PhD Graduate Research Candidacy Examination

PhD Graduate Research Candidacy Examination

MBB 806-3

Oral presentation and defense of a written PhD research proposal. Students will be examined on their knowledge relevant to the proposed research, capacity to complete the proposed thesis research (including any relevant preliminary results), and understanding of the broader field of study. All students enrolled in the MBB PhD graduate program must take MBB 806. Students in the MSc program wishing to transfer to the PhD program must successfully complete MBB 806. Prerequisite: Permission of the student's supervisory committee. See Supplementary Outline for more information and the MBB 806 application form.

MBB 821-1 Cell and Molecular Biology Colloquium

Cell and Molecular Biology Colloquium

MBB 821-1

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. Prerequisite: BISC 331/MBB 331 or equivalent. A student may not take more than 3 units of colloquia for credit.

MBB 829-3 Special Topics in Biochemistry

Special Topics in Biochemistry

MBB 829-3

Consideration of recent literature concerning selected contemporary research topics. Can be taken more than once with permission of the instructor.

MBB 839-3 Special Topics in Molecular Biology

Special Topics in Molecular Biology

MBB 839-3

Consideration of recent literature concerning selected contemporary research topics. Can be taken more than once with permission of instructor.

MBB 841-1 Genomics and Bioinformatics Colloquium

Genomics and Bioinformatics Colloquium

MBB 841-1

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. 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 210, 270 or equivalent); or permission of the instructor.

MBB 861-1 Biomolecular Structure and Function Colloquium

Biomolecular Structure and Function Colloquium

MBB 861-1

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.

directed reading courses

MBB 871-1 Directed Readings in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry

Directed Readings in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry

MBB 871-1

Programs of directed readings and critical discussions offered to individual students according to their needs. Except under exceptional circumstances, the readings should not be offered by the senior supervisor or directly related to the student's thesis research topic. Study programs must be approved by the MBB graduate studies committee. Students may not take more than three units of Directed Readings for the duration of their graduate program.

MBB 872-2 Directed Readings in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry

Directed Readings in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry

MBB 872-2

Programs of directed readings and critical discussions offered to individual students according to their needs. Except under exceptional circumstances, the readings should not be offered by the senior supervisor or directly related to the student's thesis research topic. Study programs must be approved by the MBB graduate studies committee. Students may not take more than three units of Directed Readings for the duration of their graduate program.

MBB 873-3 Directed Readings in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry

Directed Readings in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry

MBB 873-3

Programs of directed readings and critical discussions offered to individual students according to their needs. Except under exceptional circumstances, the readings should not be offered by the senior supervisor or directly related to the student's thesis research topic. Study programs must be approved by the MBB graduate studies committee. Students may not take more than three units of Directed Readings for the duration of their graduate program.

Western Deans' and CAGS Mobility Agreements

Graduate students can take graduate courses in other departments/faculties in SFU or throughout Canada. Acceptance into a course is not guaranteed and is subject to availabilty. Find application forms at the Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies forms page.

Western deans' agreement

The Western Deans' Agreement was established in 1974 as an expression of cooperation and mutual support among universities offering Graduate programs in western Canada. Its primary purpose is the reciprocal enrichment of graduate programs throughout western Canada.

Please visit the Dates + Deadlines page to review due dates for WDA documentation each term.

CAGS Mobility Agreement

Canadian Association for Graduate Students (CAGS) wishes to encourage graduate student mobility within Canada in order to foster the exchange of ideas, specialized training, research collaboration, and interdisciplinarity. You can take a course integral to your graduate program at a Canadian university outside the Western Dean's Agreement via CAGS Mobility Agreement. 

CAGS documentation is due a minimum of 6 weeks prior to the first day of the new term at the host institution.

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