Hi, can someone from the program describe what it was like to be in this program and what type of things do you learn in this program (like courses and labs and is it interesting?). Also how is the workload? is it possible to maintain a good gpa in this program?

Thanks!

I have to go to work in like 4 minutes, but myself and nh999 are graduates of this program.

I'll respond when I get home =p.

Originally Posted by VoyozooT

Hi, can someone from the program describe what it was like to be in this program and what type of things do you learn in this program (like courses and labs and is it interesting?). Also how is the workload? is it possible to maintain a good gpa in this program?

Thanks!

I loved the Biology (Physiology Specialization).

In second year, there are field labs through Biology 2F03 but they're pretty fun and straight-forward (e.g. one is a hike through Cootes Paradise). Biology 2B03 is easy, there was a lab component, but I think they might have scrapped it. Biology 2A03 is probably the most indicative of the subject matter that you'll be learning about. The focus is on the cardiovascular system, respiratory system, renal system, as well as minor things about hormones and muscles.

If you're interested in anatomy there is a third year vertebrate anatomy course. And there is also the first year Kin 1Y03/1YY3 courses. For more on neuromuscular physiology Kin 2C03 is good. A lot of the psych courses on the physiology list are good if you have an interest in neural physiology (Psych 2D03/2E03/2F03/3J03...). Keep in mind that most of the program focuses on comparative physiology (especially Biology 3UU3) so you'll be learning about various organisms.

Bio 3U03 is probably the most lab intensive course outside of your thesis. There are weekly labs and you'll have to write a formal report bi-weekly. Still, it's a really interesting course - especially if you enjoy the systems I mentioned early. The most lab-intensive component of this program is the undergraduate thesis where you get to pick your area of interest. If you're not interested in wet lab research, then you can always do clinical research.

There was a fairly heavy workload in third year: Biology 3ZZ3, Biology 3P03, Biochem 3G03, Biology 3UU3, Biology 3U03 all in one year. Keep in mind that you don't necessarily have to take all of them at the same year. The key to success with this program isn't the ability to memorize every single detail. Moreso, using key principles to reason things out is far more important (and efficient). I managed to do relatively well in the program despite being lazy during my fourth year (you can PM me for more info about this).

Can you tell me a bit more about Bio 3ZZ3 ?

Thanks in advance

Originally Posted by mak12

Can you tell me a bit more about Bio 3ZZ3 ?

Thanks in advance

Bio 3ZZ3 is an introductory seminar course. So each week two students present the assigned paper and then one of the authors comes in to talk about their research. It's really interesting and a good opportunity to see what can be done in the field.

The paper component when I took it was one essay each term, based on the essay. However, I heard that they're now mini assignments summarizing the papers. It was just introduced two years ago, I was the guinea pig year ... so there may be changes still.

There are two tests (not sure if they've been scrapped) - multiple choice and short answer about the assigned readings. Do the readings and you'll do well.

Jay - do you recommend taking Kin 1Y03 / 1YY3 before taking upper year kin courses? or is it still okay to jump right to Kin 2C03 and others?

Originally Posted by kritters91

Jay - do you recommend taking Kin 1Y03 / 1YY3 before taking upper year kin courses? or is it still okay to jump right to Kin 2C03 and others?

You don't really need Kin 1Y03/1YY3 as Bio 2A03 material overlapped significantly. Kin 2C03 was more focused on muscle physiology ... I heard having a decent knowledge of physics was useful, but it's possible to do well in Kin 2C03 without Kin 1Y03/1YY3.

Granted, this is second hand information :p

I'm fairly sure that Kin 1Y03/1YY3 are both mandatory before taking Kin 2C03 and 2CC3. So whether or not they're helpful if you already have the biology credits, I think you don't have any choice as to whether you need to take them.

Originally Posted by jade177

I'm fairly sure that Kin 1Y03/1YY3 are both mandatory before taking Kin 2C03 and 2CC3. So whether or not they're helpful if you already have the biology credits, I think you don't have any choice as to whether you need to take them.

They were waived for physiology students.

edit: as long as you're taking Bio 2A03, which you definitely should if you're a phys student.

or both KINESIOL 1Y03 and 1YY3, or BIOLOGY 2A03, and registration in Honours Biology (Physiology Specialization). (See Department Note 8.)

Oh, another thing, my friends ended up taking 2C03 during 3rd year. Which may have made the course easier.

Since you said there are some hard courses you have to take in one year...would you suggest taking biochem the year after perhaps?

You guys have any general tips? Physio's got a pretty tough reputation.

Originally Posted by sanju

Since you said there are some hard courses you have to take in one year...would you suggest taking biochem the year after perhaps?

Biochem 2EE3? That was one of my "bird" courses, it's pretty easy so I would take it in 2nd year.

Some students ended up waiting until 4th year to take Biochem 3G03 because the course load is very heavy during 3rd year. I took all 5 Biologies and didn't have a problem, it's definitely doable if you time manage..

Brit - the key to doing well in physiology is realizing that there is just so much content to cover in various courses. Don't study every single detail because it's pointless. Instead, know your major principles well and you should be able to figure out the smaller facts.

yes i meant biochem 3g03
I have bio 3p03/3u03/3uu3/3zz3
kin 1y03
stats 2b03
and if I take it biochem 3g03 all term 1 courses (3zz3 is full year course)
so would you say that's too much?
if so, what course should i replace biochem with??

Originally Posted by sanju

yes i meant biochem 3g03
I have bio 3p03/3u03/3uu3/3zz3
kin 1y03
stats 2b03
and if I take it biochem 3g03 all term 1 courses (3zz3 is full year course)
so would you say that's too much?
if so, what course should i replace biochem with??

Your course load should be fine.

Biochem 3G03 wasn't too bad as long as you went to the tutorials. I ended up taking it during 3rd year (with Dr. Yang)

Jay- How did you find the workload in second year compared to third year in general?