This course is designed for students whose main research interest is in the field of respiratory physiology and how breathing is controlled. It provides overviews of the leading research in this field, as well as some of the experimental techniques in current use.
Format:
Read review(s) assigned previous week, 2 hours for a talk and discussion current week, up to 10-page summary due following week.
All students participate, led by the course supervisor, and joined by experts ad hoc.
Content:
Outlines of Topics/Areas: This course will focus upon selected topics in Respiration and its control. Students will be expected to summarise each topic, based upon the talk presented and the appropriate readings assigned by the teaching faculty. Participation in discussions is required. The course proceeds as follows:
1 Introduction
2 Neural aspects
3 Acid-Base balance
4 Central Chemoreceptors
5 Peripheral Chemoreceptors
6 Chemoreflex control of Breathing
7 Pulmonary Mechanics
8 Breathing during exercise
9 Breathing during sleep
10 Adaptation and Hypoxia
11 Data Acquisition
Students do not need a strong background in all topics covered but are expected to research unfamiliar aspects of topics as necessary for their reports. One of the major goals of this course is to broaden the interdisciplinary background of the participants.
Prerequisite:
None.
Evaluation:
Grading is entirely based on the written reports submitted the week following each seminar. These reports present the topic to provide the student in the future with a mini review of the topic as published in reviews as well as critiques of current thought and future questions to be addressed experimentally.
Course Start Date:
Please contact Dr. Duffin at j.duffin@utoronto.ca for the Winter 2025 course start date.
