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Interdisciplinary Medical Sciences (IMS) modules

The IMS modules may only be completed within the BMSc Program and are designed for students who wish to study two or more basic medical science disciplines.

Why consider IMS modules?

greater flexibility in course selection than a discipline-specific module
opportunity to gain a broader foundation in the basic medical sciences
study at least two discplines at an advanced (fourth-year) level
rather than a discipline-specific research project and thesis, Year 4 Honors Specialization module involves an interdisciplinary examination of a clinical disease,
prerequisite courses for graduate or professional programs may be included in the modules
experience a wide variety of hands-on laboratory techniques used in medical research
combine the Honors Specialization IMS with Ivey to lead to a BMSc/HBA degree (2 Honors degrees in 5 years)
students considering an international exchange in Year 3 may find the flexibility in the Honors Specialization in IMS allows for easier course selection at an exchange institution
in the Honors Specialization module, students are exposed to cutting-edge research by world-renowned scientists and clinicians

Modules

The Honors Specialization (HSP) modules provide the opportunity for an indepth study of the interrelationships between two or more of the Basic Medical Science Disciplines. They are attractive to students who desire more latitude in their studies. Although the two HSP modules are essentially the same, the basic medical science course selection in Years 3 and 4 of the Honors Specialization in IMS is more clearly defined. The most significant difference is the requirement in the Honors Specialization IMS of a 3000-level basic medical sciences laboratory course and a limit is placed on the number of introductory or survey courses (i.e. Biochemistry 3385A, 3386B, Pharmacology 2060B, etc.) that can be counted toward the module.

The signature courses of both Honors Specialization modules are an advanced laboratory, Medical Sciences 4900F/G, and a lecture course, Medical Sciences 4930F/G. Offered jointly by the Basic Medical Science Departments, these two courses introduce students to a variety of techniques and topics in medical research. The laboratory provides an introduction to research, with an emphasis on hands-on experience. Major topics include animal models of human disease, real time PCR, biochemical assays, histology, and medical imaging. The lecture course, designed to complement the laboratory course, will give students the background knowledge in areas of disease, metabolism, proteomics and signaling pathways. Scientific writing is also included in the course material.

Honors Specialization in Medical Sciences (for students entering Year 4 in September 2014)

Honors Specialization in IMS (for students entering Year 3 in September 2014)

Specialization in IMS

This module leads to a non-Honors BMSc degree and is not, therefore, as popular. Medical Sciences 4900F/G and 4930F/G are not available to students in this module.

Specialization in Medical Sciences (for students entering Year 4 in September 2014)

Specialization in IMS (for students entering Year 3 in September 2014)

Major in IMS

This major is restricted to students in the BMSc Program and must be taken in combination with another Major or an Honors Specialization/Specialization module. The Double Major is popular with students wishing to take both introductory and advanced courses from at least two basic medical science disciplines.

Major in IMS (for students entering Year 3 in September 2014)

Courses

Medical Sciences 4100F/G

An introduction to the field of laboratory animal science and comparative human and animal pathology. Major topics include regulatory oversight of animal-based research, animal biology and disease, animals as models of human diseases, genetic manipulation of research animals, and major intrinsic and extrinsic factors affecting biomedical research.

2 lecture hours, 9 laboratory hours; 0.5 course

The pre-requisite for this course is enrolment in Year 4 of a BMSc degree or an Honors BSc degree. Although not technically a basic medical science discipline, it can be used to meet the discipline requirement in the Honors Specialization and Major modules in Medical Sciences and IMS.

Course outline - not offered in 2014/15

Medical Sciences 4200F/G:

This course is an interdisciplinary study of inflammation and its role in aggravating chronic disease. Students will evaluate the inflammatory process through the lens of several of the basic medical science disciplines, and will apply this knowledge to the clinical manifestations of chronic diseases. Topics covered will include the pathophysiological and biochemical origins of inflammation, cancer, obesity, CNS inflammatory disorders and therapeutic targets. Students will complete interactive online learning modules prior to in-class sessions and will spend in-class time working through patient case studies, evaluating scientific literature and learning about the "real-life" application of biomedical research. Students will be evaluated through online quizzes, assignments, midterm and final exams and a capstone project.

Three sections of the in-class portion of this course are offered in each term on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 12:30 pm.

The pre-requisite is registration in Year 4 of the Honors Specialization in Medical Sciences / IMS.

Course outline

Medical Sciences 4900F/G:

Offered jointly by Basic Medical Science Departments, this laboratory course will introduce students to a variety of techniques used in medical research. Major topics include tissue culture, real time PCR, biochemical assays, histology, and medical imaging. The laboratory provides an introduction to research, with emphasis on hands-on experience.

4 hour laboratory; 0.5 course

This advanced lab course is restricted to students in Year 4 of the Honors Specialization in Medical Sciences / IMS. Three sections of the lab are offered in each term on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 1:30-5:30 pm in the Drimmer Facility (MSB 117). Medical Sciences 4930FG is a co-requisite for this course (both courses must be completed in the same term).

Course outline

Medical Sciences 4930F/G:

Offered jointly by Basic Medical Science Departments, this lecture course will provide students with background knowledge in a variety of techniques and topics in medical research. Major topics include disease, metabolism, proteomics and signaling pathways.

2 lecture hours, 1 tutorial hour; 0.5 course

This lecture course is restricted to students in Year 4 of the Honors Specialization in Medical Sciences / IMS and is designed to complement the material covered in Medical Sciences 4900FG. The lecture is offered on Friday at 12:30 pm in both terms. Attendance at the tutorial is mandatory. Medical Sciences 4900FG is a co-requisite for this course (both courses must be completed in the same term).

Course outline

Counselling Information

Pre-requisite charts

The following charts should be used as a tool or guide for selecting courses from the basic medical sciences. As course pre-requisites can change, students should always review the online Academic Calendar before making final decisions.