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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 899-6

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. 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 669-3 Special Topics in Genomics

Special Topics in Genomics

MBB 669-3

Consideration of recent research literature on contemporary topics in genomics.

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 724-3 Membrane Transport Systems

Membrane Transport Systems

MBB 724-3

Structure and function of molecules that mediate transport across membranes including channels, carriers, and pumps. Primary literature from the fields of biochemistry and physiology will be explored through lectures and independent study. Prerequisite: MBB 321, 322 and either MBB 323 or CHEM 360 or permission of the instructor.

MBB 727-3 Immune Responses in Health and Disease

Immune Responses in Health and Disease

MBB 727-3

Immunological responses towards bacterial, viral and parasitic infections. The basis of vaccines, primary immunodeficiencies, and the mechanisms by which the immune system causes allergy, autoimmune diseases, and organ transplant rejection. Immune responses towards cancer and therapeutic modulation of immune responses to protect against the indicated diseases will also be discussed. Prerequisite: MBB/HSCI 426 or MBB/HSCI 726 or permission of the instructor. Students with credit for MBB 427, HSCI 427 or HSCI 727 may not complete MBB 727 for credit.

MBB 728-3 Microbial Pathogenesis

Microbial Pathogenesis

MBB 728-3

The molecular strategies that bacterial and viral pathogens use to colonize the human body and cause disease will be studied. Emphasis will be placed on specific microbes and their virulence factors, secretion systems, toxins and surface adhesins. Strategies for combating microbial infections - antibiotics, antiviral agents and vaccines - will be discussed in detail. Students with credit for MBB 420, MBB 428, MBB 829, or BISC 820 under the same title of this course may not take this course for further 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

An overview of the newly emerging field of bioinformatics, which is loosely defined as the intersection between the fields of molecular biology and computer science. A combination of lecture format and hands-on instruction is provided in the use of, and theory behind, bioinformatic software tools used in genomic and computational biology research. An introduction to the development of bioinformatic software is included, though only basic computer science knowledge is required for this particular course. Prerequisite: one introductory computer programming course (e.g. CMPT 102, 103, 110, 120 or equivalent).

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 746-3 The Molecular Biology of Cancer

The Molecular Biology of Cancer

MBB 746-3

An examination of various types of cell death and cell survival mechanisms and their relationship to disease with a focus on cancer and therapeutic strategies. Prerequisite: MBB 322, MBB 331.

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 801-3 Student Seminar in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry

Student Seminar in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry

MBB 801-3

Discussion of recent literature through student seminars and written reports. Introduction to professional skills for scientific careers.

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 PhD students enrolled in the MBB PhD graduate program must take MBB 806. 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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