Academic Calendar - 2024

Western University Academic Calendar. - 2024

Courses


Course Numbering

0001-0999* Pre-University level introductory courses
1000-1999 Year 1 courses
2000-4999 Senior-level undergraduate courses
5000-5999 Professional Degree courses in Dentistry, Education, Law, Medicine and Theology (MTS, MDiv)
6000-6999 Courses offered by Continuing Studies
9000-9999 Graduate Studies courses

* These courses are equivalent to pre-university introductory courses and may be counted for credit in the student's record, unless these courses were taken in a preliminary year. They may not be counted toward essay or breadth requirements, or used to meet modular admission requirements unless it is explicitly stated in the Senate-approved outline of the module.


Suffixes

no suffix 1.0 course not designated as an essay course
A 0.5 course offered in first term
B 0.5 course offered in second term
A/B 0.5 course offered in first and/or second term
E 1.0 essay course
F 0.5 essay course offered in first term
G 0.5 essay course offered in second term
F/G 0.5 essay course offered in first and/or second term
H 1.0 accelerated course (8 weeks)
J 1.0 accelerated course (6 weeks)
K 0.75 course
L 0.5 graduate course offered in summer term (May - August)
Q/R/S/T 0.25 course offered within a regular session
U 0.25 course offered in other than a regular session
W/X 1.0 accelerated course (full course offered in one term)
Y 0.5 course offered in other than a regular session
Z 0.5 essay course offered in other than a regular session

Glossary


Prerequisite

A course that must be successfully completed prior to registration for credit in the desired course.


Corequisite

A course that must be taken concurrently with (or prior to registration in) the desired course.


Antirequisite

Courses that overlap sufficiently in course content that both cannot be taken for credit.


Essay Courses

Many courses at Western have a significant writing component. To recognize student achievement, a number of such courses have been designated as essay courses and will be identified on the student's record (E essay full course; F/G/Z essay half-course).


Principal Courses

A first year course that is listed by a department offering a module as a requirement for admission to the module. For admission to an Honours Specialization module or Double Major modules in an Honours Bachelor degree, at least 3.0 courses will be considered principal courses.



Campus





Course Level






Course Type




Medical Biophysics


An introduction to the discipline of Medical Biophysics is developed through lectures on key introductory concepts and techniques used in Medical Biophysics research, real-world research seminars given by faculty members, and interactive in-class activities. Research areas include magnetic resonance imaging, molecular imaging, microvascular oxygen transport, and cancer radiation therapy.

Antirequisite(s): Medical Biophysics 4445A/B, Medical Biophysics 4455A/B, Medical Biophysics 4467A/B, Medical Biophysics 4475A/B, Medical Biophysics 4518B, Medical Biophysics 4535A/B, Medical Biophysics 4700B.

Extra Information: 3 lecture hours.

Course Weight: 0.50
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The mechanical properties of biological structures and fluids in relation to function: deformability, strength, and visco-elasticity of hard and soft tissues, modes of loading and failure. Topics include mechanics of synovial joints, mechanics of hearing, and mechanics of orthopedic implants and joint replacement.

Prerequisite(s): One of Calculus 1000A/B, Calculus 1500A/B, Mathematics 1225A/B, Numerical and Mathematical Methods 1412A/B, the former Applied Mathematics 1412A/B, the former Applied Mathematics 1413; one of Physics 1201A/B, Physics 1401A/B, Physics 1501A/B, the former Physics 1028A/B, the former Physics 1301A/B. Typically taken in third year, this course is also open to second-year students with an overall average of at least 70% in first year.

Extra Information: 3 lecture hours, 2 laboratory/tutorial hours.

Course Weight: 0.50
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An introduction to three treatment modalities (radiation, surgical, chemotherapy) and the concepts, processes, and instrumentation required in the clinical application of ionizing radiation to treatment of cancer, and application to a case study. Topics include: susceptibility of cancer to radiation, radiation physics, clinical delivery of radiation and dose deposition.

Prerequisite(s): Medical Biophysics 3501A or Medical Biophysics 3720A. Open only to students who are registered in Years 3 or 4.

Extra Information: 3 lecture hours.

Course Weight: 0.50
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The study of the biophysics and physiology of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems in health and disease, including cellular biophysics, cardiac function, physics of blood flow, vascular mechanics in the microcirculation and large vessels, lung function, physics of air flow, breathing mechanics, diffusive and convective transport and exchange.

Prerequisite(s): One of Calculus 1000A/B, Calculus 1500A/B, Mathematics 1225A/B, Numerical and Mathematical Methods 1412A/B, the former Applied Mathematics 1412A/B, the former Applied Mathematics 1413; one of Physics 1201A/B, Physics 1401A/B, Physics 1501A/B, the former Physics 1028A/B, the former Physics 1301A/B. Typically taken in third year, this course is also open to second-year students with an overall average of at least 70% in first year.

Extra Information: 2 lecture hours, 1 tutorial hour.

Course Weight: 0.50
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Concepts of images relevant to all imaging modalities. Image formation and capture including digital cameras and the eye, pixels, aliasing, resolution, contrast, sensitivity, specificity, ROC, window/level, dynamic range, RGB, spectroscopy. Image compression and quality, quantitative analysis based on imaging software and principles of quantitative stereology.

Prerequisite(s): One of Calculus 1000A/B, Calculus 1500A/B, Numerical and Mathematical Methods 1412A/B or the former Applied Mathematics 1412A/B, plus one of Applied Mathematics 1201A/B, Calculus 1301A/B, Calculus 1501A/B, Mathematics 1600A/B, Numerical and Mathematical Methods 1414A/B or the former Applied Mathematics 1414A/B, or the former Applied Mathematics 1413; one of Physics 1201A/B, Physics 1401A/B, Physics 1501A/B, the former Physics 1028A/B, the former Physics 1301A/B. Integrated Science 1001X can be used as a prerequisite in place of Calculus 1301A/B. Typically taken in third year, this course is also open to second-year students with an average of at least 70% in first year.

Extra Information: 2 lecture hours, 1 tutorial hour.

Course Weight: 0.50
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An overview of the concepts and techniques used in molecular imaging research. Research areas include genetic engineering of imaging contrast, molecular probes for positron emission tomography, cell tracking using magnetic resonance imaging, and optical molecular imaging of tissue dynamics.

Antirequisite(s): The former Medical Biophysics 2582B.

Prerequisite(s): Biochemistry 2280A; 1.0 course from Applied Mathematics 1201A/B, Calculus 1000A/B, Calculus 1301A/B, Calculus 1500A/B, Calculus 1501A/B, Data Science 1000A/B, Mathematics 1225A/B, Mathematics 1228A/B, Mathematics 1229A/B, Mathematics 1600A/B, Statistical Sciences 1024A/B; and 0.5 course from Physics 1201A/B, Physics 1501A/B, the former Physics 1028A/B, the former Physics 1301A/B. Integrated Science 1001X can be used as a prerequisite in place of Calculus 1301A/B. Open only to students who are registered in Years 3 or 4.

Extra Information: 3 lecture hours.

Course Weight: 0.50
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Through this introductory course, students will learn the physics and methods of how images are formed for the major clinical imaging modalities, which include ultrasound, x-rays (i.e., diagnostic radiology), computed tomography, nuclear medicine, positron-emission tomography (PET), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Antirequisite(s): the former Medical Biophysics 4475A/B.

Prerequisite(s): One of Calculus 1000A/B, Calculus 1500A/B, Numerical and Mathematical Methods 1412A/B, the former Applied Mathematics 1412A/B, the former Applied Mathematics 1413; and one of Physics 1201A/B, Physics 1401A/B, Physics 1501A/B, the former Physics 1028A/B, the former Physics 1301A/B. Open only to students who are registered in Years 3 or 4.

Extra Information: 3 lecture hours.

Course Weight: 0.50
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Lectures cover the theory, instrumentation, and application of light in pre-clinical and medical research with clinical applications for studying cancers, musculoskeletal conditions, cardiovascular diseases, and neuromonitoring. Specific themes include instrumentation; generation, transmission, and detection of light; optical microscopy; spectroscopy; and imaging of tissue metabolism, blood content, oxygenation, and flow.

Antirequisite(s): the former Medical Biophysics 3645A/B, the former Medical Biophysics 4710A/B.

Prerequisite(s): One of Calculus 1000A/B, Calculus 1500A/B, Numerical and Mathematical Methods 1412A/B or the former Applied Mathematics 1412A/B; one of Physics 1201A/B, Physics 1401A/B, Physics 1501A/B, the former Physics 1028A/B, the former Physics 1301A/B. Open only to students who are registered in Years 3 or 4.

Extra Information: 2 lecture hours, 1 tutorial hour.

Course Weight: 0.50
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Laboratory tasks and seminars introduce students to conducting and communicating research in medical biophysics. Students practice data collection and analyses through preset exercises and assessments. Students complete an individual 12-week term project in a research laboratory under supervision by faculty. Laboratory exercises and projects depend on expertise of participating faculty.

Antirequisite(s): the former Medical Biophysics 3970Z.

Pre-or Corequisite(s): Medical Biophysics 3330F/G, Medical Biophysics 3501A. Open to students in Year 3 and 4 only.

Extra Information: First term: 1 lecture hour each week and 2 laboratory hours bi-weekly. Second term: students will be expected to spend up to 6 hours per week in the research project lab and up to 3 hours bi-weekly in lecture or laboratory, at the instructor’s discretion.

Course Weight: 1.00
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Lectures introduce theory and advanced methods for modelling the mechanical behaviours of soft tissues, bone and blood vessels. Students practice and apply computational tools, including finite element solvers (e.g. ABAQUS, FEBio and SimVascular), to solve large scale and complex biomechanics problems encountered in biomedical applications.


Extra Information: 2 lecture hours, 1 laboratory hour.

Course Weight: 0.50
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An introduction to the fundamentals of digital image processing including image representation, 2D linear systems theory and Fourier analysis, digital filtering and segmentation. Concentrates on practical techniques through an exposure to image processing applications in industry, science and medicine and assignments based on MATLAB numeric computation and visualization environments.

Prerequisite(s): Calculus 2303A/B or Calculus 2503A/B; Computer Science 2035A/B; or permission of the department.

Extra Information: 3 lecture hours.

Course Weight: 0.50
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An introduction to linear systems and control theory as applied to organ system regulation and adaptation. Emphasis is placed on biophysical models of the respiratory and cardiovascular systems, and interactions with medical devices.

Prerequisite(s): Medical Biophysics 3501A and Medical Biophysics 3505F; or permission of the department.

Extra Information: 3 lecture hours.

Course Weight: 0.50
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Nature and effects of ionizing radiation on biomolecular structures, living cells and tissues. Genetic effects and methods of radiation protection. Radiobiological implications of diagnostic and therapeutic radiation.

Prerequisite(s): Medical Biophysics 3501A; one of Medical Biophysics 3467B or Physics 2101A/B or Physics 2102A/B or the former Medical Biophysics 3507G; or permission of the department.

Extra Information: 2 lecture hours.

Course Weight: 0.50
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Lectures and seminars highlight topics in cardiovascular, circulatory, and respiratory sciences that medical biophysics cover while introducing important concepts and the multidisciplinary nature of research, professionals, and applications in the field. Key themes are mathematical modelling, experimental models, and technologies used in research and clinic.

Antirequisite(s): the former Medical Biophysics 3507G, the former Medical Biophysics 4535A/B.

Prerequisite(s): Medical Biophysics 3501A.

Extra Information: 2 lecture hours, 1 tutorial hour.

Course Weight: 0.50
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The role of diagnostic imaging in detecting molecules, genes, and cells in vivo. The emphasis is on how these techniques assist in studying molecular mechanisms of disease in vivo. Topics include DNA/protein synthesis, transgenic mice, novel contrast agents and small animal imaging.


Extra Information: 2 lecture hours.

Course Weight: 0.50
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Biophysics related to blood flow: Biomechanical properties of blood, heart, arteries, and veins; pressure, flow, and Poiseulle's law; optimality principles; fluid flow conservation laws and their mathematical description; pulsatile flow in rigid vessels; wave propagation in elastic vessels; structure and blood rheology of the microcirculation; oxygen delivery and flow regulation.

Prerequisite(s): Medical Biophysics 3501A, Medical Biophysics 3503G, Medical Biophysics 3505F and Medical Biophysics 3507G; or permission of the department.

Extra Information: 2 lecture hours.

Course Weight: 0.50
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Selected topics of current interest in Medical Biophysics.

Prerequisite(s): Permission of the Department.

Extra Information: 3 lecture hours.

Course Weight: 0.50
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Case studies will highlight specific issues that medical biophysics covers while introducing important concepts and the multidisciplinary nature of research, professionals, and applications in the field. The key themes are cardiovascular and circulatory health, molecular and cellular imaging for research, diagnostic imaging in humans, cancer radiotherapy, and medical images processing.

Prerequisite(s): Registration in Year 4 of an Honours degree that contains a module offered by the Department of Medical Biophysics or, with special permission, registration in Year 4 of a BESc degree or an Honours BHSc, BMSc or BSc degree.

Extra Information: 3 lecture hours.

Course Weight: 0.50
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This course will present the major modalities of medical imaging (e.g., MR, PET, CT, etc.) from a conceptual perspective. Clinical correlate lectures will be used as follow ups to provide applications to real world pathological conditions and to understanding the benefits of those modalities for guiding clinical diagnosis and improving health outcomes.

Prerequisite(s): Registration in Year 4 of a BSc or BMSc degree and one of the following: Biochemistry 2280A, Biochemistry 3380G, Medical Biophysics 3720A, Medical Biophysics 3980E, Medical Sciences 3990E, Microbiology and Immunology 3610F, Microbiology and Immunology 3620G, Physiology and Pharmacology 3000E, the former Medical Biophysics 3970Z. One of Physics 1202A/B, 1502A/B, the former Physics 1029A/B, the former Physics 1302A/B is recommended.

Extra Information: 2 lecture hours, 1 tutorial hour.

Course Weight: 0.50
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This course focuses on various modern molecular genetic research approaches, model systems, experimental designs, and analytical methods used to identify disease biomarkers and their use in precision medicine for improved health outcomes. Examples will be taken from cardiovascular diseases and cancer, and latest biomarker/precision medicine-related outcomes.

Prerequisite(s): Biochemistry 2280A and registration in Year 4 of a BSc or BMSc degree.

Extra Information: 2 lectures, 1 tutorial hour.

Course Weight: 0.50
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Major laboratory course in experimental biophysics for Honours Specialization modules offered by the Department of Medical Biophysics. Three components are: a major experimental project (topic and advisor chosen in consultation with the student), scientific communication (student presentation and reports), and electronic information processing (data capture, computer analysis of biophysical signals).

Antirequisite(s): Medical Biophysics 4971E.

Prerequisite(s): Medical Biophysics 3980E or the former Medical Biophysics 3970Z and registration in Year 4 of one of the following Honours Specialization modules: Medical Biophysics (Medical Science Concentration), Medical Biophysics (Physical Science Concentration), or Medical Biophysics (Biological Science Concentration); or registration in Year 4 of an Honours Specialization in Medical Biophysics and Biochemistry plus either Medical Biophysics 3980E or the former Medical Biophysics 3970Z or Biochemistry 3380G.

Extra Information: 15 hours weekly on average.

Course Weight: 1.50
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Major laboratory course in experimental biophysics for Honours Specialization modules in Medical Biophysics with three components: a major experimental project related to clinical physics (topic and advisor chosen in consultation with the student), scientific communication (student presentation and reports), and electronic information processing (data capture, computer analysis of biophysical signals).

Antirequisite(s): Medical Biophysics 4970E.

Prerequisite(s): Medical Biophysics 3980E or the former Medical Biophysics 3970Z; and registration in Year 4 of an Honours Specialization in Medical Biophysics.

Extra Information: 15 hours weekly on average.

Course Weight: 1.50
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