TRN125Y1: Contemporary Issues in Health Sciences
Can the immune system be strengthened? Are some diseases incurable? What is the best way to stop the spread of a virus? This course examines the scientific principles underlying contemporary issues in the science of human health with the goal of exposing students to the current state of biomedical research. We will develop three distinct types of understanding that are essential to literacy about the science of human health: the basic concepts in science; the nature of scientific research; and the rules that govern how scientists do their work. This course will explore topics such as stem cells, gene editing, regenerative medicine, vaccination, drug development and personalized medicine. TRN125 provides 0.5 FCE towards breadth requirement 3 (Society and Its Institutions) and 0.5 FCE towards breadth requirement 4 (Living Things and Their Environment)
Breadth Requirement: 3) Society and Its Institutions + 4) Living Things and Their Environment
HOW WILL I BE EVALUATED?
TRN125 focuses on differentiating good science research from bad science research and exploring various relevant topics in the current science field. Assignments will often focus on exploring these principles and require students to delve into specific topics. These assignments can include but are not limited to:
- Critiques of academic literature/blogs
- Oral debates
- Infographics
Note: Assignments can vary from year to year
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
TRN125Y is a full year course that runs from September to April and is taken concurrently with TRN225Y as both courses are a part of the Biomedical Health stream of Trinity One. Coursework can include a mix of written work, oral debates, and a final paper. Additionally students are expected to participate in class discussions regarding topics relating to science and this is incorporated into their final mark. These discussions can be based on previous scientific discoveries, recent controversies, new treatments, along with other topics and students will be supported with proper resources to support them in preparing for these discussions.
TRN125 FAQs
TRN125 COURSE INSTRUCTOR
Dr. Olga Rojas, MD/PhD
Assistant Professor, Department of Immunology, University of Toronto
University of Toronto Email: olga.rojas@utoronto.ca
Description: Research Interests: Autoimmune diseases, multiple sclerosis, neuroinflammatory diseases.
Interesting fact: As a result of discoveries from Olga’s research, it has been discovered that the intestine is the source of immune cells that reduce brain inflammation in people with multiple sclerosis (MS).
Contact Us:
Sharon Reid
Acting Program Coordinator, Margaret MacMillan Trinity One
trinityone@trinity.utoronto.ca
