Honours Bachelor of Science in Molecular Genetics and Microbiology

Molecular biology has revolutionized the fields of genetics and microbiology. The Department of Molecular Genetics offers Specialist and Major programs in Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, which emphasize the molecular aspects of both disciplines. Genetics, the science of heredity, and microbiology, the study of microorganisms (microbes), have long served as meeting grounds for a variety of biological disciplines. Developments in genetics and microbiology have contributed greatly to our basic understanding of the fundamental processes of life as well as to the treatment of genetic and infectious diseases. Of particular significance in molecular genetics has been the development of techniques that permit the isolation, through cloning, of the genes responsible for specific traits, and the detailed analysis of their regulation, interactions, and products. More recently the advent of genome sequencing has fueled efforts to understand in full the information content of the genome and to assign function to every gene, using methods that allow systematic, genome-scale analyses of gene expression, the phenotypic consequences of gene disruption, and the interactions between genes and gene products. Molecular techniques have increased our ability to diagnose and understand viral and bacterial disease, and the complex microbehost interactions that are involved. The impact of these and other technological advances extend to such diverse fields as plant and animal developmental biology, virology, immunology, cancer biology, and biotechnology. Studies at a molecular level are essential to understanding the consequences to life when fundamental processes are altered by mutation, by infection, or by the environment.

Ontario Secondary School Diploma Six 4U/M courses, including: Biology (SBI4U), Calculus & Vectors (MCV4U), Chemistry (SCH4U), English (ENG4U), Physics (SPH4U) is recommended or equivalent qualifications