Potential Students

Interested students at all levels (including high school level) are encouraged to explore research experience in the Baksh Research Group. Please email Dr. Shairaz Baksh at [email protected] ​about current research opportunities in the lab, or about any questions or concerns you may have.  

Previous Courses Taught at the University of Alberta (2005-2018)

Pediatrics (PAED 600): Critical Discussions of Biomedical and Clinical Research
A seminar course designed for study of current topics in Child Health Research, specific to the student's MSc or PhD Program in the Department of Paediatrics. Prerequisite or Corequisites: Normally restricted to graduate students in Paediatrics. Consent of the Department.

Biochemistry (BIOCH 410/510): Signal Transduction
Principles of the biochemistry of cell communication and signal transduction through receptor activation, the generation of second messengers, and the control of protein modifications. The course will emphasize the mechanisms responsible for the regulation of cell migration, division and death. Prerequisites: BIOCH 310, 320 and 330, or BIOCH 203 and 205, all with a minimum grade of B-, or consent of the Department. Intended for undergraduate students. Graduate students may not register for credit (see BIOCH 510).

Biochemistry (BIOCH 650A): Signal Transduction
A journal club and discussion group addressing topics in the general area of signalling mechanisms that control cell activation, growth, apoptosis and vesicle trafficking. Specific talks range from biochemistry, genetics and microbiology to molecular biology and clinical aspects. Prerequisite: BIOCH 410/510 or consent of Department.

Oncology (ONCOL 520): Tumor Biology
The course will provide an introduction to the basic science of oncology. Topics to be covered comprise: the genetic basis of cancer, including the role of proto-oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes; mechanisms of carcinogenesis and radiation-sensitivity, including DNA repair and cell cycle control; the molecular basis of tumor metastasis, including tumor cell invasion, extravasation and dormancy; the role of inflammation in cancer initiation and progression; angiogenesis; cancer genetics, and epigenetics; cell signaling; experimental therapeutics; cancer stem cells; drug-resistance; metabolism and palliation. Course offered in alternate (even-numbered) years. Prerequisites: BIOCH 200, and one of the following: BIOCH 320 or 330 or ONCOL 320.

Oncology (ONCOL 661): Current Topics in Cancer Research II
A general seminar course based on recent advances in a wide range of topics related to cancer. Note: Oncology 661 should be taken in the first term of the year in which Oncology 660 is taken. Graduate students must obtain one credit from ONCOL 661 in order to meet the minimum requirements for the MSc and PhD programs in the Department of Oncology. Restricted to graduate students in the Department of Oncology.

DMED 512: Infection, Immunity and Inflammation
Basic and clinical aspects of immunity, inflammation and infection, including relevant parts of haematology. Infection with various classes of micro-organisms, and the appropriate management is an important focus. Open only to students registered in the MD or DDS program.

MED 525/DDS 508: Oncology
Principles and concepts of clinical oncology. Open only to students registered in the DDS program.