Frequently Asked Questions

Medical Science building, U of T

The sun glints at the top of a sculpture in front of the Medical Science Building on the University of Toronto campus.

The Biochemistry with a Medical Perspective course is administered through the University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies. Helpful information is summarized on their Essential Information page.

Please also review the Distance Learning FAQ on the SCS website.

Click on a question to jump to the answer:

Who offers this course?

The Biochemistry Department at the University of Toronto, in collaboration with the School of Continuing Studies.

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Who are the instructors/course directors?

The lectures are prepared and presented by University of Toronto professors Roy Baker, Reinhart Reithmeier and Shana Kelley. Medical vignettes will be given by Professor emeritus, Dr. Robert Murray, M.D who will provide a medical perspective to the material presented in the lectures. Dr. Roula Andreopoulos, an experienced undergraduate biochemistry course administrator and full Professor, Teaching Stream, will coordinate this course. Read more on the Instructors page.

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Who can take this course?

The course is open to local and international students, professionals, and private individuals. It is ideal for students who require a full credit course in biochemistry as a prerequisite for entrance into professional programs in the health sciences.
This course is NOT available to students already registered in degree programs at any of the three campuses of the University of Toronto.

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What are the course fees?

The 2024-25 fee for the course CAN $ 1350.00 plus applicable HST tax. This fee does not include costs for the textbook and registration for writing the final exam.

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How do I pay my fees?

Please see the School of Continuing Studies web site for payment of fees methods and payment deadlines.

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How do I register?

You may register in person, online, by telephone, regular mail, or fax. Forms are available online for download, or in the SCS Course Calendar.

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How do I know that I've been accepted?

SCS states that for online registration the student will "Simply choose your course, and click on Request to Register. You will be prompted to create your own personal file, and then to enter your Visa, MasterCard or American Express payment information. You will know within seconds that your payment has been authorized and your place in the course has been secured".
http://learn.utoronto.ca/how-to-register/forms-applications
http://learn.utoronto.ca/how-to-register/registration-faqs

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When do I get my grades and what kind of certificate/diploma do I get?

Shortly after completing the course, the School of Continuing Studies will issue Letter of Completion and a Grade Report to the student.

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How long is the course?

The fall and winter sessions of SCS 2472 will run for 18 weeks, while the summer session will be an accelerated 14 weeks.

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What is the schedule for the course?

Important dates for the fall, winter and summer sessions can be found in the Schedule section of this web site. You may also download a detailed PDF format listing of lectures, quizzes and exam times for the Fall 2024 course offering.

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What can I do with this course?

SCS2472 is intended for individuals who have an interest in learning in depth about biochemistry, and for students who are preparing for entry into medical school, dental school, or other health professional program and require a full course equivalent in introductory biochemistry.

The content of SCS 2472 Biochemistry with a Medical Perspective is equivalent to a full year course in introductory biochemistry typically given in the second and third year of university.

Before registering, students planning to use this course for admission or as a requirement to any academic program or as a prerequisite to any other course are strongly advised to get confirmation from the institution to which they are applying that this course will meet the requirements.

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What is the textbook for this course?

The required textbook is: Biochemistry: A Short Course, by John Tymoczko, Jeremy Berg and Lubert Stryer, published by W.H.Freeman and Co., 4th ed. New York, 2019.

The textbook can be purchased through any university bookstore or through the publisher's website: http://www.whfreeman.com.

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I missed a quiz. Can I take it again?

No. If you miss a quiz you will receive a grade of 0 for that quiz.

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Where do I take my exam?

Examinations can be arranged anywhere in the world. The examination is conducted by the School of Continuing Studies on a group basis by location at invigilated examination centres. Candidates must use pre-established centres if possible and you may be required to travel up to 30 km. If, for good reason, you cannot write at one of the established centres, a form is provided to request another location.

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How do I get my marks?

Upon completion of the course, the School of Continuing Studies will issue a Letter of Completion and a Grade Report to the student.

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What is Quercus?

The course is presented and administered through the Quercus learning platform. Quercus is a web based user-friendly interface that allows students to access the course documents, video lectures and online quizzes. The course discussion board can be used for extensive communication between the instructors, TAs and other students enrolled in the course. Login to Quercus at this address:
https://q.utoronto.ca

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I lost/forgot my password. How do I get a new password?

If you lose your password, getting a new one is easy. Simply go to the request page, follow the instructions, and a new password will be emailed to you.

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