MBS program course descriptions

Biochemistry (3)

This course emphasizes the key principles related to metabolic biochemistry. It lays the foundation for potential further study of human biochemistry or other related fields.

Cell Biology (3)

This course emphasizes the basics of cell structure and function, modern investigative techniques used in the cell biology laboratory and exposure to the practical application of cell biology concepts under normal physiological conditions and disease states.

Genetics (3) 

This course introduces classical and molecular genetics. The emphasis is on inherited human disorders and the emerging model of the human genome. Major topics include Mendelian genetics, cytogenetics, multifactorial inheritance, developmental genetics, epigenetics, RNA biology, cancer genetics and genomics. 

Physiology (3) 

This course introduces the physiological aspects of the human body by using a systems-based approach. It emphasizes broad concepts that form the basic understanding of human physiology and the physiology of each organ system.  

Professional Identity Formation (2) 

This course helps you develop your professional skills and engages you in postgraduate career planning. It focuses on professional identity formation, career planning, interpersonal skill development and reflection and self-directed lifelong learning.

Professional School Application Enhancement (3)

The professional school application enhancement (Princeton Review) course for preparing to take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), the Dental Admissions Test (DAT) or the Graduate Records Examination (GRE) can help improve your score.

Immunology (3) 

Immunology provides a fundamental knowledge of the role of the immune response in human health and disease. It examines the tissues, cells and molecules that comprise the immune system and studies the principles of the immune response in the context of microbial infection and immunopathogenesis. Immunologic and microbial features that influence host-microbe interactions and outcomes of infection are highlighted. You’ll apply basic immunological principles to develop an understanding of various diseases such as autoimmunity and cancer, along with the immunotherapeutic approaches used to treat them.

Neuroscience (3)

Neuroscience introduces human neurobiological systems. It covers fundamentals of neurobiology, including the general structure of the human nervous system, the bases of excitable cells in the nervous system, modes of cell-to-cell communication, distinctions between the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system, sensory and motor systems. Methodology used in the understanding and investigation of the nervous system is covered. The course is taught through a combination of didactic presentations, podcasts, active learning in the form of team-based learning and topic presentations by student groups.

Epidemiology (3)

This course broadly introduces the principles and methods of epidemiology and the basics of biostatistics, with particular emphasis on the role of these core disciplines in public health practice and research. You’ll learn about the basic epidemiological and biostatistical concepts and tools applied in public health practice and population-based research. You will gain the knowledge required to appropriately interpret epidemiological and statistical data, to determine appropriate study design and methods for epidemiological and clinical studies and to critically review the clinical and public health research literature. The influence of socio-demographic characteristics and lifestyle factors on disease risk and mortality are also discussed.