Our Electives ♞ ♜ ♖ ♕ ♝ ♗ ♚ ♔

Course Description
In this course, we focus exclusively on the dominant role of biologic therapies in modern medicine. In 2020, six of the top 10 drugs by revenue were molecules of biologic origin, namely those manufactured primarily by biosynthetic rather than chemical means, with sales of the top selling therapy, the anti-TNFα monoclonal antibody adalimumab, falling just shy of the US$20 billion mark. The lucrative preeminence of biologics is set to continue, bolstered by the introduction of innovative molecular delivery strategies, such as antibody-targeted conjugates, fragments and fusions, as well as by the robust staying power of market leaders. The latter phenomenon is an inevitable consequence of the higher-than-usual regulatory hurdles faced by conventional generic manufacturers seeking to make biosimilars: intended copies of off-patent biologics that, having undergone a strict comparability exercise, are approved by regulatory agencies such as the EMA and the FDA.

This course will survey this changing landscape within an historical framework and will highlight critical scientific and process parameters unique to biologics, that set them apart from conventional small-molecule medicines, including their molecular architecture and mechanisms of action, manufacturing considerations, analytical and functional lot release assays and clinical trial design. We will explore some of the pitfalls by examining a roster of clinical case studies. The capacity of payers to afford these increasingly high-cost therapies in the face of current economic trends will be discussed.

The broad goals of the course are as follows—

› A detailed understanding of the complexities associated with biologic drugs;

› A broad familiarity with biologics manufacturing and its inherent variability;

› A critical understanding of the aspects of biosimilarity; and

› A familiarity with the clinical implic­ations emerging from the use of biologics.

Course Description
This is an adv­anced course in machine learning that is focused on the applic­ation of neural networks in a health context. The course assumes a strong foundation to create machine learning models in the coding language R. Basic foundations of neural networks are reviewed. Students will learn about the limitations and the appropriate use of neural networks by working on health and biological related data sets.

Course Description
This new elective course looks at modern develop­ments in neuro­science and cognitive psych­ology, that point to new uses of tech­nology to enhance brain function. The course builds its foundation with a neuroanatomy primer, as well as an introduction to the cognitive neuro­science of daydreaming. How can technology be used to aid attention to avoid critical errors? How can better sleep and acts of creativity be supported from emerging technologies? In what way can video games be an aid and a burden to brain function? The major project for the course will explore digital biomarkers for cognitive performance.

Session: Winter (IMI2003HS) & Summer (IMI2003HY)
Instructor: Duncan Jones
Credits: 0·5 ^E

 

Course Description

A project involves planning and completing a series of tasks in order to achieve a desired outcome. Each project is a unique venture, with a beginning and an end. Whether at work or in your personal life, we have all undertaken projects. The effective management of a project is thus a key skill for its successful delivery, especially on time and on budget. The application of formal processes, tools, knowledge and experience can improve project success rates, especially for projects that are larger, more complex, costly, risky and in some cases critical.

Through a series of case studies and class discussions, this new elective explores this practice of project management across a range of industries. Various supporting tools and techniques will also be introduced. Through direct involvement in a project of choice, an opportunity is provided to further develop insights into the various technical and collaborative issues that can negatively impact a project as well as how to overcome them, mitigate them and prevent them in the future.

Course Description
In this course through a series of lectures and case discussions, students learn about the formation, financing, and manage­ment of early-stage ventures especially as it relates to the (bio)­tech­nology and associated medical device space. Topics include opportunity identifi­cation and assessment, preclinical and clinical phases, regulatory procedures and pathways, legal issues including patents and venture finance. Students will each be required to select a young, publicly-traded company in which to complete an in-depth analysis, presentation and report.

Recommended prep­aration for this course: These three essays by Paul Graham.

Course Description
This course is a compliment to IMI3001H, in which student teams are given the opportunity to learn more about the issues and opportunities facing early-stage (bio)­tech­nology ventures through direct experiences working on real projects for select early-stage firms within the community. This experiential learning involves working in teams on select, negotiated work packages in conjunction with the company founders in addition to mentoring by the instructors or TAs. This project work is supplemented with lectures covering practical and applied topics such as project management, client communic­ations, research methods, patent searching and analysis, market research, competitive intelligence and financial modelling. The final assessment involves a presentation and client report.