Year 2 Course Descriptions

Select the name of a course to see the course description from the University of Alberta Academic Calendar.

BIOCH 200
BIOL 207
CHEM 263
NEURO 210
PHYSL 212, PHYSL 214 (Students must be manually enrolled in both courses by the Department of Physiology. Registration via Bear Tracks is not possible.)
PSYCO 275
*6 in Science options
*3 in Arts options


BIOCH 200 - Introductory to Biochemistry
*3 (fi 6) (either term,3-0-0)

An introduction to the fundamental principles of biochemistry. Protein structure and function; lipids and the structure of biological membranes; nucleotides and the structure of nucleic acids; bioenergetics and the metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, and nitrogen; the integration and regulation of cellular metabolism.

Prerequisites: CHEM 101 and CHEM 261 or 164, or SCI 100. Notes: (1) This course is designed for students who require a one-term introduction to the fundamental principles of biochemistry and for students who intend to take further courses in biochemistry. (2) BIOCH 200 may not be taken for credit if credit has already been obtained in any of BIOCH 203, 205, or 220.


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BIOL 207 - Molecular Genetics and Heredity
*3 (fi 6) (either term,3-1s-3)

The chromosomal and molecular basis for the transmission and function of genes. The construction of genetic and physical maps of genes and genomes. Strategies for the isolation of specific genes. Examples of regulatory mechanisms for the expression of the genetic material in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes.

Prerequisite: BIOL 107 or SCI 100.


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CHEM 263 - Organic Chemistry II
*3 (fi 6) (either term,3-0-3)

Continuation of the structural and chemical properties of the basic functional groups of organic compounds including alkynes, aromatic compounds, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids and their derivatives and amines. Illustration of these functional groups in natural products such as carbohydrates, amino acids and proteins, nucleic acids and lipids. Discussion of the application of spectroscopic methods for the structure determination in simple organic molecules.

Prerequisites: CHEM 161 or 164 or 261 or SCI 100. Note: Students who have obtained credit for CHEM 163 cannot take CHEM 263 for credit.


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NEURO 210 - Introduction to Neuroscience
*3 (fi 6) (second term,3-0-0)

An interdisciplinary course designed to introduce students to the field of clinical neuroscience. Students will learn the main features of degenerative brain diseases (such as Alzheimer's disease and multiple sclerosis), developmental disorders of the brain (such as autism), psychiatric disorders (depression, schizophrenia and obsessive compulsive disorder), and brain injury (trauma, stroke and spinal cord injury). Key concepts attempting to explain these disorders in terms of underlying genetic, cellular and cognitive mechanisms will be emphasized.

Prerequisite: PSYCO 275
Course Instructor: Francois Bolduc & Bradley Kerr


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PHYSL 212 - Human Physiology I
(Students must be manually enrolled by the Department of Physiology. Registration via Bear Tracks is not possible.)
*3 (fi 6) (first term,3-0-0)

An introduction to human physiology. Part 1, covering: membrane transport mechanisms; intracellular and electrical signaling; the physiology of excitable tissues; the physiology of blood; and the cardiovascular system. Required for students in the Physiology Honors program. Recommended for students in other Honors/Specialization programs. Prerequisites: BIOL 107 and 108; CHEM 101 and 102.

Pre- or corequisites: CHEM 164 or 261, and 263. Credit may be obtained in only one of PHYSL 212 and 214, or 210. Students with credit in PHYSL 212 and 214, or 210 may not obtain credit in ZOOL 241 or 242.


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PHYSL 214 - Human Physiology II
(Students must be manually enrolled by the Department of Physiology. Registration via Bear Tracks is not possible.)
*3 (fi 6) (second term,3-0-0)

An introduction to human physiology. Part 2, covering: the physiology of the gastrointestinal tract; the respiratory system; the renal system; endocrinology; and the reproductive system. Required for students in the Physiology Honors program. Recommended for students in other Honors/Specialization programs.

Prerequisite: PHYSL 212.


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PSYCO 275 - Brain and Behavior
*3 (fi 6) (either term,3-0-0)

An introduction to brain mechanisms involved in sensation, perception, movement, motivation, learning, and cognition, as studied in both humans and lower animals.

Prerequisites: PSYCO 104 or SCI 100 and Biology 30 or equivalent.


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