CNS (Centre for Neurobiology of Stress)
The Centre for the Neurobiology of Stress is a state-of-the-art facility that brings together researchers from Biological Sciences and Psychology at UTSC as well as local, national and international collaborators. The CNS infrastructure is comprised of an Advanced Microscopy Suite housing an array of electrophysiological, confocal, EM and fluorescent microscopy equipment; a Behavioral Testing Facility; a Cellular & Molecular Biology Suite; and an Arctic Field Station which supports research into the effects of natural stress on behaviour and physiology. Established in 2000, the CNS has been awarded a total of $10,000,000 in CFI and MRI funds to expand and upgrade all aspects of the centre including the addition of a spinning disk confocal, in vivo multiphoton imaging and physiological and behavioral analysis systems.
Vivarium and Aquatic Facilities
UTSC has a main vivarium, as well as two aquatic facilities that are equipped to house a variety of animals including fish (freshwater and saltwater), birds, and rodents. All facilities were recently renovated and expanded to include additional housing, behavioural, procedural, and surgical spaces. The facility also has access to quarantine and Containment Level 2 spaces.
Please contact the Vivarium Director, Michelle Wodzak (Michelle.Wodzak@utoronto.ca) for more information.
Greenhouse in the SRB (Science Research Building)
The Science Research Building was commissioned in 2009 and houses six plant biology faculty and their laboratories in an open concept building design. The building features a microscopy suite, tissue culture facility, a darkroom, radioisotopes labs, a plant growth facility, coldrooms, an NMR facility and conference and seminar rooms. The open-concept design facilitates interactions amongst students and faculty, fostering collaborative relationships and technology transfer.
Koffler Scientific Reserve at Jokers Hill
The Koffler Scientific Reserve at Jokers Hill hosts research in ecology, evolution, genetics, environmental science and cognate areas of study. Most of Jokers Hill, totaling 350 ha, is blanketed by a mosaic of wetlands and forests, including Ontario’s largest remaining stand of old-growth hardwood. In this Ecological Observatory, scientists monitor, measure and analyze natural processes as they unfold. The hayfield and pastures--relics of the equestrian days--are an Ecological Laboratory where researchers perform intensively manipulative experiments that subject theories about the environment to scientifically rigorous testing. Facilities include newly renovated laboratories and field equipment. (link to: http://ksr.utoronto.ca/)