Course Description
Sleep is a conserved and fundamental aspect of life, yet its purpose and function remain enigmatic. This course will cover fundamental theories on the regulation, evolution, and function of sleep-wake states, with the ultimate goal of answering the What, Where, When, Why, and How of sleep. This course will discuss the evolution of sleep by comparing and contrasting sleep in various organisms: from hydrozoans and insects to fish, birds, reptiles and mammals. In these animals, sleep is associated with profound changes in physiological function at the molecular, cellular and system levels. An emphasis will be placed on the neuro-control of sleep, including the genetics, circuits, and molecular regulation of sleep. Finally, the course will also cover the importance of sleep for cognitive function, memory consolidation, and overall health. Students will gain hands-on experience in comparative biology and data analysis of sleep in different animal models.
Prerequisite
( BIO270H1, BIO271H1)/ ( PSL300H1, PSL301H1)
Exclusion
N/A
Lecturer(s)
Prof Jimmy Fraigne
jimmy.fraigne@utoronto.ca
Prof M. Shafer
maxwell.shafer@utoronto.ca
Course Administrator
Nalini Dominique-Guyah
nalini.dominique@utoronto.ca
Contact Hours
24L/12T
Recommended Text(s)/Readings
Principles and Practice of Sleep Medicine, 7th edition. Additional primary research and review papers will be available to students via Quercus.
Evaluation (Subject to change)
Weekly Quizzes (10%)
Assignment 1 (15%)
Term Test (30%)
Assignment 2 (15%)
Final Research Proposal (30%)
Last updated on June 13th, 2025