Please note:
To view the Summer 2026 Academic Calendar, go to www.sfu.ca/students/calendar/2026/summer.html.
Genomics
The genomics certificate program includes 31 units, 22 of which are required with the remaining nine selected from a list of electives.
Admission Requirements
Admission is governed by the University's admissions regulations. After University admission, approval of the Molecular Biology and Biochemistry (MBB) Program Coordinator is required for formal acceptance into the program. This may be done anytime before graduation, but is recommended upon completion of MBB 342. The certificate can be completed by students in various major programs that use the life sciences undergraduate core curriculum for the lower division requirements. Credits applied to one certificate may not be applied to another certificate or diploma.
Prerequisite and Required Course Grades
Students enrolling in upper division MBB courses must have a grade of C or better in prerequisite courses. Students enrolled in this certificate program must have a grade of C- or better in all required courses (including those selected from the list of electives) to graduate with this certificate.
Program Requirements
Students must have a minimum 2.0 grade point average (GPA) calculated on all required courses (including those selected from the list of electives).
Students must complete all of
Principles and concepts of transmission of genetic information. Topics include: molecular basis of inheritance, interpretation of pedigrees, chromosomal mapping, linkage, crosses, epigenetics, and the regulation and flow of genetic information from DNA to proteins. Focus on problem-solving. Prerequisite: BISC 101 and 102, both with a minimum grade of C-.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Sessional |
Sep 9 – Dec 6, 2026: Tue, 8:30–10:20 a.m.
Sep 9 – Dec 6, 2026: Thu, 8:30–9:20 a.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
|
| D101 |
Sep 9 – Dec 6, 2026: Tue, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
| D102 |
Sep 9 – Dec 6, 2026: Tue, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
| D103 |
Sep 9 – Dec 6, 2026: Tue, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
| D104 |
Sep 9 – Dec 6, 2026: Tue, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
| D105 |
Sep 9 – Dec 6, 2026: Tue, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
| D106 |
Sep 9 – Dec 6, 2026: Tue, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
| D107 |
Sep 9 – Dec 6, 2026: Wed, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
| D108 |
Sep 9 – Dec 6, 2026: Wed, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
| D109 |
Sep 9 – Dec 6, 2026: Wed, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
| D110 |
Sep 9 – Dec 6, 2026: Thu, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
| D111 |
Sep 9 – Dec 6, 2026: Thu, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
| D112 |
Sep 9 – Dec 6, 2026: Wed, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
| D113 |
Sep 9 – Dec 6, 2026: Thu, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
The structure, function and synthesis of proteins, RNA and DNA and their interrelated biological functions within the cell. An introduction to molecular biology techniques and methods of protein purification and analysis. Prerequisite: or Corequisite CHEM 281.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Edgar Young |
Sep 9 – Dec 6, 2026: Mon, Wed, Fri, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
| D101 |
Sep 9 – Dec 6, 2026: Mon, 8:30–9:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
| D102 |
Sep 9 – Dec 6, 2026: Mon, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
| D103 |
Sep 9 – Dec 6, 2026: Mon, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
| D104 |
Sep 9 – Dec 6, 2026: Mon, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
| D105 |
Sep 9 – Dec 6, 2026: Mon, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
| D106 |
Sep 9 – Dec 6, 2026: Mon, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
| D107 |
Sep 9 – Dec 6, 2026: Mon, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
| D108 |
Sep 9 – Dec 6, 2026: Tue, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
| D109 |
Sep 9 – Dec 6, 2026: Wed, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
| D110 |
Sep 9 – Dec 6, 2026: Wed, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
| D111 |
Sep 9 – Dec 6, 2026: Mon, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
Practical course providing hands-on experience in fundamental molecular biology and biochemistry techniques including DNA isolation, restriction enzyme digestion, transformation, polymerase chain reaction, DNA and protein electrophoresis and immunofluorescence. Prerequisite: or Corequisite: MBB 222 with a minimum grade of C- or better. Students who have taken MBB 308 or MBB 309 first may not then take this course for further credit.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Sophie Sneddon |
Sep 9 – Dec 6, 2026: Tue, 1:30–5:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
|
Sophie Sneddon |
Sep 9 – Dec 6, 2026: Wed, 1:30–5:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
|
Sophie Sneddon |
Sep 9 – Dec 6, 2026: Thu, 1:30–5:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
A study of the molecular processes which underlie cell structure and function, integrating ultrastructural, physiological and biochemical approaches. Modern techniques used in the analysis of organelle and cell function are integral parts of the course. Prerequisite: MBB 222, BISC 101, CHEM 281, all with a minimum grade of C- or better.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Valentin Jaumouille |
Sep 9 – Dec 6, 2026: Mon, Wed, Fri, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
| D101 |
Sep 9 – Dec 6, 2026: Wed, 8:30–9:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
| D102 |
Sep 9 – Dec 6, 2026: Wed, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
| D103 |
Sep 9 – Dec 6, 2026: Wed, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
| D104 |
Sep 9 – Dec 6, 2026: Wed, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
| D105 |
Sep 9 – Dec 6, 2026: Wed, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
| D106 |
Sep 9 – Dec 6, 2026: Thu, 8:30–9:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
| D107 |
Sep 9 – Dec 6, 2026: Thu, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
| D108 |
Sep 9 – Dec 6, 2026: Thu, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
The study of DNA and RNA in relation to gene structure and expression: DNA replication and the regulation of gene expression in bacteria and higher organisms. Introduction to recombinant DNA and cloning theory; natural vector structures and recombinant vector construction. Prerequisite: MBB 231, and BISC 202, with a minimum grade of C.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Stephanie Vlachos |
Sep 9 – Dec 6, 2026: Tue, Thu, 8:30–10:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
| D101 |
Sep 9 – Dec 6, 2026: Mon, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
| D102 |
Sep 9 – Dec 6, 2026: Tue, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
| D103 |
Sep 9 – Dec 6, 2026: Thu, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
| D104 |
Sep 9 – Dec 6, 2026: Fri, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
Major topics in genomics and bioinformatics, with integrated discussion of associated ethical/legal/social issues. An overview of laboratory and computer-based methods to study genomes, and their applications. Hands-on computer lab session providing an opportunity to use and experiment with bioinformatics software and databases utilized in genomics and bioinformatics research. Prerequisite: MBB 231, BISC 202 and either MBB 110 or three units of CMPT or equivalent, all with a minimum grade of C. Recommended: STAT 201 (or an equivalent statistics course) or STAT 270.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Fiona Brinkman |
Sep 9 – Dec 6, 2026: Tue, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
| D101 |
Fiona Brinkman |
Sep 9 – Dec 6, 2026: Thu, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
| D102 |
Fiona Brinkman |
Sep 9 – Dec 6, 2026: Thu, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
and one of
Research methodology and associated statistical analysis techniques for students with training in the life sciences. Intended to be particularly accessible to students who are not specializing in Statistics. Prerequisite: Recommended: 30 units. Students cannot obtain credit for STAT 201 if they already have credit for - or are taking concurrently - STAT 101, 203, 205, 285, or any upper division STAT course. Quantitative.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Jinko Graham |
Sep 9 – Dec 6, 2026: Tue, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Sep 9 – Dec 6, 2026: Thu, 12:30–2:20 p.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
|
|
Tim Swartz |
Online | ||
| OP01 | TBD |
Basic laws of probability, sample distributions. Introduction to statistical inference and applications. Prerequisite: or Corequisite: MATH 152 or 155 or 158, with a minimum grade of C-. Students wishing an intuitive appreciation of a broad range of statistical strategies may wish to take STAT 100 first. Quantitative.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Sessional |
Sep 9 – Dec 6, 2026: Mon, Wed, Fri, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
| OP01 | TBD |
and three of
The course provides an overview of "omics" methods in large-scale identification of gene functions in various organisms, and demonstrates how this knowledge can be applied in genomics fields, including plant and animal breeding. Prerequisite: BISC 202, MBB 222, MBB 231, and (BISC 357 or MBB 331), all with a minimum grade of C-.
Special Topics in Cells, Molecules and Physiology not currently offered in the Department of Biological Science. Prerequisite: To be announced.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Sherryl Bisgrove |
Sep 9 – Dec 6, 2026: Mon, 4:30–6:20 p.m.
Sep 9 – Dec 6, 2026: Wed, 4:30–5:20 p.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
Selected topics in areas not currently offered within the undergraduate course offerings in the Department of Biological Sciences. Prerequisite: To be announced.
Selected topics in Ecology, Evolution and Conservation not currently offered in the Department of Biological Science. Prerequisite: To be announced.
The topics in this course will vary from term to term, depending on faculty availability and student interest. Prerequisite: Will be announced before the start of the term and will depend upon the nature of the topic offered.
The topics in this course will vary from term to term, depending on faculty availability and student interest. Prerequisite: Will be announced before the start of the term and will depend upon the nature of the topic offered.
Examining the use of, and theory behind, bioinformatic software and algorithms for the analysis of macromolecular data. Includes consideration of recent literature and discussion of ethics in method development and analysis. Prerequisite: MBB 243 or 3 units of CMPT or equivalent with a minimum grade of C, or permission of the instructor; MBB 331 and MBB 342, with a minimum grade of C.
The topics in this course will vary from term to term, depending on faculty availability and student interest. Students may repeat this course for further credit under a different topic. Prerequisite: Will be announced before the start of the term and will depend upon the nature of the topic offered.
The organization of the human genome and the role of genomic variation in health and disease. Genomics and personalized medicine; intellectual property and privacy issues. Prerequisite: MBB 331 and MBB 342, with a minimum grade of C. Students with credit for MBB 440 with this same course title may not complete this course for further credit.
A focus on the molecular and genomic biology associated with forensic science, including genome structure, genotyping, genetic analysis of DNA fingerprints, DNA data bases and CODIS, Y STRs. mtDNA and ethical considerations of DNA typing. Prerequisite: MBB 331, with a minimum grade of C.
Our understanding of the role of genetic and epigenetic changes in the formation of human cancers continues to be advanced by genomic technologies. Current techniques for studying cancer genomes and how heritable changes can lead to treatment resistance will be discussed. Prerequisite: MBB 331 and MBB 342 with a minimum grade of C or permission of the instructor. Students with credit for MBB 460 under the title "Cancer Genomics" may not take this course for further credit.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Ryan Morin |
Sep 9 – Dec 6, 2026: Tue, Thu, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
Application of modern molecular methods to epidemiological questions. Globally-relevant and emerging infectious diseases will be highlighted. Prerequisite: HSCI 326 or MBB 326 or MBB 331, with a minimum grade of C, or HSCI 338 with a minimum grade of C-. Students with credit for HSCI 478 may not take this course for further credit.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
|
William Hsiao |
Sep 9 – Dec 6, 2026: Mon, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
# course must be in an area related to genomics and must be approved by the MBB academic advisor
* courses require additional prerequisites