U3 Courses

DISCLAIMER: Schedule suggestions are only a guideline to complete the Major Program and should not be thought of as the only way to complete your degree. Course insight is only a reflection of previous years experiences and may not reflect the coming year’s grading scheme or the nature of the course as these fluctuate from year to year.

Summary of U3 Microbiology and Immunology Classes

Course

Pros

Cons

Comments

Evaluation

MIMM 414 Advanced Immunology (F)

Learn how to efficiently read scientific papers
Not a heavy workload
Learn to be critical when analyzing data

Three profs, they pick papers in their field so not a huge variety
The class is 3h long

Very fun class, you get to work with your peers in groups
Very useful if you’re doing research and teaches you how to efficiently go through the literature
You read a paper each week and learn from that rather than the typical lecture style course

All exams consist of analyzing a paper and answering questions about it
3 quizzes (10% each)
Final 70%

MIMM 465 Bacterial Pathogenesis and Host Defences (F)

Split into two sections: midterm and presentations so there is no final
Very straightforward material
Presentations are dense and long (45mins) but build important skills

Presentation group is chosen at random so if you have teammates you don’t get along with it might not be a pleasant experience
You have to show up to class due to the participation mark

Dr. Reed is so great
I highly recommend presenting as early as possible and then you barely have anything to do for the rest of the semester

40% Midterm
35% Presentation
15% Summary “quizzes”
15% Review another presentation (read paper + ask questions)

MIMM 413 Parasitology (W)

Really interesting whether you like parasites or not
Provides interesting geographical, historical and epidemiological reasons for parasites evolution and spread

A bit heavy when you consider there are lectures and alb for 3 credits

Momar is the best

Midterm 25%
Lab 20% (reports 10%, lab exam 10%)
Final 55%

MIMM 466 Viral Pathogenesis and Host Defenses (W)

Very interesting and incredibly relevant to current times
Focus is more on symptoms, treatment, pathology and the history of viral infections rather than rote memorization

Very heavy class for 3 credits. Should really be 4 credits instead considering it’s 4 hours of lecture per week

Midterm 25% (MCQ and Essay)
Presentation 30%
Final 45%

MIMM 497D1,2 Immunology Advanced Research Project (F/W/S)

This is a great opportunity to apply the knowledge you have acquired in the previous years;
Great way to develop your research skills and see if research is for you, especially if you’re not sure on whether you want to do a Master’s;
No exams, and the paper you submit is graded by your PI;
You can essentially work whenever you want (no fixed time).

It can be difficult to find a good PI/lab in that works in a field that you are interested in;
Juggling classes and experiments/lab meetings/other lab responsibilities can be challenging at times.

I recommend this class if you’re trying to avoid exams/quizzes and if you want to work on your on time;
A great way to see if research is for you, and what field actually interests you.

Written Reports: 50% (One report for Fall, one report for Winter).
Research performance: 50%

MIMM 501/502 Honours Research Project (F/W)

Build upon presentation skills
Learn how to present to the lay audience
Learn how to write a strong thesis paper
Detailed insight into your research topic of choice

Requirement to spend a majority of your time in the lab (approx. 20 hours a week)
Frustrating when things in the lab don’t work (and they often don’t)

Good course for anyone who wants to know if they want to pursue a career in research
Learn a lot of life skills (critical thinking, patience, perseverance)

10% proposal
10% participation
35% grade by the PI
25% final written manuscript
20% final oral presentation