For the list of optional 3000-level TMM or PHS courses, please consult the program catalogue. 

TMM3009: Biomedical Research Laboratory

This course facilitates the development of core technical, analytical and scientific communication skills required for successful future biomedical studies and careers. The course has two parts, an interactive training part that develops foundational knowledge of biomedical research approaches and hands-on expertise with commonly-used laboratory techniques, and a practical part that reinforces acquired competencies through the completion of two independent scientific projects under the supervision of a TMM Faculty member.

TMM3101: Molecular Biology and Inherited Diseases

Synopsis

This course introduces the central contribution to inherited and chronic disorders of molecular mechanisms involved in gene expression, protein translation, DNA replication, repair and recombination. While the course emphasizes how these fundamental mechanisms are altered and assessed in human disease, it also introduces examples of unconventional disease mechanism that go beyond the central dogma of molecular biology.

Key objectives and core competencies

By the end of this course, the student will be able to:

• Understand the fundamental mechanisms by which DNA is made into protein and apply that
• Describe the levels of regulation that govern important molecular processes
• Apply the knowledge of basic molecular pathways to evaluate the pathology of various molecular disorders and molecular problems
• Evaluate and integrate methodologies (basic and cutting-edge) in molecular biomedical research

Evaluations

• Quiz 1 (Lectures 2-5) - 12.5%
• Midterm 1 (Lectures 1-12) - 25%
• Quiz 2 (Lectures 13-16) - 12.5%
• Midterm 2 (Lectures 13-23) - 25%

TMM3102: Proteins: Structure, Functions and Diseases

Synopsis

This course develops a foundation for elucidating the molecular basis of disease and molecular therapies by introducing knowledge and approaches to study the structure and the mechanisms of action of proteins and other biological macromolecules. The course emphasizes general principles determining the activity of biological macromolecules, methods to solve and visualize protein structures, and approaches used to understand how proteins, DNA, RNA, membranes and other biomolecules work in concert to support cells, tissues and organs.

Key objectives and core competencies

By the end of this course, the student will be able to:

• Understand the structure/function relationship in proteins
• Put in a biological (disease or not) context the concepts related to Km, KD et Ki
• Interpretation of the impact of protein misfolding in various diaseses
• Understand the importance of structural biology in the identification of therapeutic molecules
• Learn how to use Pymol

Evaluations

• Quiz 5%
• Mid terms 2x20%=40%
• Assignment 15% 
• Final Exam 40%

TMM3103: Metabolic Pathways of Human Diseases

Synopsis

This course aims to provide a knowledge of the genetic and environmental factors that exert an influence on metabolic pathways, energy metabolism and human health. It covers a wide range of topics from dietary nutrients and bioenergetics to metabolic abnormalities and the prevention and treatment of metabolic diseases. The course emphasizes the development of an integrated perspective to understand how interconnectivity of genetic and environmental factors contribute to metabolic disease or exacerbate disease progression.

Key objectives and core competencies

By the end of this course, the learners are expected to:

• Understand the process of nutrient (e.g. carbohydrates, lipids, and amino acids) breakdown that is intimately linked to bioenergetics (i.e. ATP and reducing agent formation).
• Appreciate the concept of subcellular compartmentalization of biochemical reactions involved in energy production and energy consumption, particularly the importance of mitochondrial integrity.
• Familiarize with the biosynthetic pathways for cholesterol, triglycerides, amino acids, and plasma lipoproteins, and identify rate-limiting steps in each synthetic pathway.
• Grasp the notion of interconnectivity and non-linearity of various metabolic pathways, and understand the flux of key intermediates between anaplerosis and cataplerosis.
• Gain knowledge on hormonal regulation of energy homeostasis through kinase-mediated signaling, and apply these knowledge to metabolic diseases known as Metabolic Syndromes.

Breakdown of the marks

• 40% mid-term
• 20% oral presentation
• 40% final (not cumulative)

TMM3104: Cellular Basis of Disease

Synopsis

This course provides the knowledge foundation for understanding mechanisms by which aberrations in the cell machinery contribute to human disease. The course covers a broad range of mammalian cell biology topics from organelles and intracellular trafficking to apoptosis, differentiation and cell migration. The course also introduces the use of synthetic biology approaches to modulate cellular function or engineer entirely novel properties.

Key Objectives and Core Competencies

By the end of the course the learner should be able to:

• Identify and explain the function of mammalian organelles
• Understand the difference between eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells
• Understand the molecular pathways that govern cell migration, division, death & differentiation
• Understand the GTPase-dependent molecular machinery that regulates intracellular transport
• Understand major pathways of cell communication via vesicles & ligand/receptor interactions

Evaluation

• 10% Independent learning video presentation
• 5% Drug discovery activity (Rayner)
• 5%Participation in class learning activities (Lee)
• 40% Midterm
• 40% Final Exam

TMM3105: Immunity and Infectious Disease

Synopsis

This course offers an introduction to immunology with a focus on the cellular and molecular mechanisms of the immune system involved in the defense against infection and disease. It covers a range of topics from the cells and organs of the immune system to the molecular and clinical outcomes of immune responses, and emphasize the integration and application of this knowledge to understand how immunity and infection contributes to human diseases and their treatment.

Key objectives and core competencies

By the end of this course, the student will be able to:

• Understand the fundamental cellular and molecular mechanisms of the innate immune response, including the cells and organs of the immune system, pattern recognition receptor signalling, complement system, cytokines and chemokines.
• Understand the fundamental cellular and molecular mechanisms of the adaptive immune response, including MHC molecules, VDJ recombination, antigen receptor signalling, development and function of lymphocytes.
• Define the basic cellular and molecular basis of diseases related to the immune system, including infectious disease, congenital and acquired immunodeficiencies, hypersensitivity disorders and allergies, and tumorigenesis.

Evaluation

• Participation 3%
• Seminar 17%
• Midterm 40%
• Final Exam 40%

TMM3106: Introduction to Neurobiology

Synopsis

This course introduces fundamental topics of neurobiology and mechanisms of neurological disorders. The course covers a range of knowledge areas, from the anatomy of the nervous system and the cell types of the brain to mechanisms underlying developmental defects, cortical reorganization, neurogenesis and neurodegeneration, and emphasises how this knowledge is applied to neurological diseases such as epilepsy, autism and Alzheimer's.

Key objectives and core competencies

By the end of this course, the student will be able to:

• Know the anatomy of the nervous system with neuroanatomical laboratory rotation
• Know the cell types of the brain
• Understand the fundamentals of neuronal excitability
• Know the mechanism controlling synapse formation, function and plasticity including the role of G protein coupled receptors in Alzheimer’s disease
• Know the nervous system development including neural stem cells, neurogenesis and mechanisms underlying developmental defects
• Appreciate the plasticity in the adult nervous system focusing on cortical reorganization, neurogenesis, and behavioral outcomes
• Understand Cellular mechanisms involved in neurodegeneration and cell death, pertaining to neurological diseases.

Evaluations

• Anatomy lab test 5%
• Figure Fact Sheets 20%
• Class presentations 30%
• New and Views Assays 15%
• Take home exam 30%

TMM3107: Introduction to high-throughput and systems biology and methods relevant to disease

Synopsis

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the foundations of systems biology and precision medicine with emphasis on practical applications of ‘-omics’ technologies in biomedical research and clinical decision-making. The course covers a range of topics ranging from medical genetics and the exploration of large datasets to identify disease genes and mechanisms, to integrated network perspectives of human diseases and synthetic biology approaches to engineer gene- and cell-based human therapeutics.

TMM3108: Introduction to Medical Bioinformatics

Synopsis

This course aims to enhance research and scientific communication skills through the application of computational biology tools to aid the analysis and interpretation of biomedical data and the production of publication-quality figures. The course provides a practical introduction to scientific computing with emphasizes on the creation of transparent and reusable code for robust data analysis in biomedical research and the creation of impressive visualizations and presentation graphics.

TMM3300: Selected Topics in Translational and Molecular Medicine

Synopsis

The course aims to provide knowledge of molecular mechanisms underlying heart failure, neuromuscular disease and cancer progression and the therapeutic applications of stem cell, RNA- and DNA-based therapies. The course emphasises reading of current scientific literature to define disease states and treatment avenues, and to explore the limitations and challenges faced by current translational efforts.

Key objectives and core competencies

By the end of this course, the student will be able to:

• Understand mechanisms of disease progression and potential avenues to treatment.
• Use the current literature to define disease states and describe the translational potential and implications of cutting edge research in the field.
• Demonstrate understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying heart failure, neuromuscular disease and cancer progression.
• Understand the therapeutic potential of stem cell, RNA- and DNA-based therapies and the limitations and challenges faced by current translational efforts.

Evaluations

• 20% in class discussion
• 30% assignments
• 25% Midterm 1
• 25% Final Exam

TMM3300B: Special topics in Translational and Molecular Medicine: Introduction to inquiry-based research

Synopsis

Introduction to inquiry-based research Translational and molecular medicine (TMM) is a research-oriented undergraduate program that emphasizes current methodologies, techniques and technologies in biomedicine. This course will give students the opportunity to assess the current scientific literature and perform a real-world laboratory project. Participation in this course can serve as early entry point to the TMM program, a way to gain hands on-lab experience or a chance to explore biomedical research at the Faculty of Medicine. This course is open to first and second year students in any program in the Faculty of Science at the University of Ottawa or similar programs at other universities.