Current Topics in Prion Biology

BCH2103H

The content of this course will focus on emerging topics of interest in prion biology. Topics that will be covered will include: 1) prion function; 2) prion structure; 3) prion detection; 4) prion disease therapeutics; and 5) prion-like propagation of protein aggregates in other neurodegenerative diseases. Each class (2 hr) will consist of a brief introductory lecture on the day’s topic and then 2-3 students will present a paper to the class, which will be followed by a discussion session.

Course Next Offered

Fall 2025

Course Time and Location

Tuesday mornings from 10am-12pm in MSB 5231 on the following dates:
October 28
November 11, 18, 25
December 2, 9

Enrollment Limit

Yes — 15

Method of Student Evaluation

40% oral presentation
40% written report
20% participation
Each student will be required to give one journal club-style presentation of an assigned paper (40%). At the end of the course, students will prepare a short research proposal that follows on from the results in the assigned paper (40%).

Coordinator

Joel C. Watts

Joel C. Watts

Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases
Krembil Discovery Tower
60 Leonard Ave., Rm. 6KD412
416-507-6891
joel.watts@utoronto.ca

Last Updated 28 July 2025