Note: This page is currently being updated (June 8 2017)
LEC = Lecture Instructor; LAB = Lab Instructor; COR = Coordinator; ADM = Administrator
Note: Subject to change. Please refer to the University Timetable for confirmation of fall/winter offerings listed below.
An introduction to the basic themes and concepts of modern biology spanning organizational levels from molecules to cells in an evolutionary context.
NOTE Also offered online. Consult Continuing and Distance Studies. Learning Hours may vary.
NOTE Also offered at the Bader International Study Centre, Herstmonceux. Learning Hours may vary.
LEARNING HOURS 111 (24L;6Lb;9G;12O;60P)
RECOMMENDATION 4U Biology and Chemistry, or equivalent high school background, are highly recommended.
| Fall 2017 | C. Moyes (LEC) W. Snedden (LEC) R. Snetsinger (LAB) |
| Winter 2018 (online) | K. Ko (LEC) |
| Summer 2018 (online) | K. Ko |
An introduction to the basic themes and concepts of modern biology spanning organizational levels from organisms to ecosystems in an evolutionary context.
NOTE Also offered online. Consult Continuing and Distance Studies. Learning Hours may vary.
NOTE Also offered at the Bader International Study Centre, Herstmonceux. Learning Hours may vary.
LEARNING HOURS 123 (36L;24Lb;24O;39P)
RECOMMENDATION BIOL 102/3.0.
| Fall 2017 (online) | TBA |
| Winter 2018 | A. Chippindale (Lec) V. Walker (Cor) R. Snetsinger (Lab) |
| Summer 2018 (online) | C. Moyes (Lec) |
Introductory genetics and evolutionary processes as they relate to the human condition - genetic diseases, medical techniques, inheritance and ethical issues such as cloning and genetically modified foods.
NOTE Also offered online. Consult Continuing and Distance Studies. Learning Hours may vary.
LEARNING HOURS 118 (26L;10T;10G;36O;36P)
ONE-WAY EXCLUSION May not be taken with or after BIOL 102/3.0; BIOL 103/3.0
| Fall 2017 (online) | T. Birt |
Introduces the basic concepts of ecology and shows how they relate to environmental issues such as population growth, resource management, biodiversity, agriculture, air and water pollution, energy, and climate change, and to solutions leading to a sustainable environment.
NOTE Also offered online. Consult Continuing and Distance Studies.
LEARNING HOURS 108 (36L;72P)
ONE-WAY EXCLUSION May not be taken with or after BIOL 302/3.0; BIOL 303/3.0.
| Winter 2018 | TBA |
A survey of animals, their internal organization and their relationships to their environment. Organismal biology is discussed in a phylogenetic context and the evolution of organizational complexity and the relations between structure and function are stressed.
LEARNING HOURS 117 (36L;33Lb;48P)
| Winter 2018 | B. Tufts (Lec) TBA (Lec) B. Vanderbeld (Lab) |
An introduction to Mendelian and molecular genetics covering the basic mechanisms of genetic transmission, gene structure and function, as well as the application of molecular genetics in medicine and biotechnology.
LEARNING HOURS 120 (36L;18Lb;18T;12O;36P)
PREREQUISITE A GPA of 1.90 in BIOL 102/3.0 and BIOL 103/3.0.
| Winter 2018 | V. Friesen (Lec) F. Gauthier (Lab) |
An introduction to the analysis of data from real life situations. Covers study design, descriptive and inferential statistics. Topics include probability, t‐tests, regression, Chi‐square tests, analysis of variance. Emphasis is in the foundation of statistical inference and practical application of statistical methods using statistical software.
LEARNING HOURS 120 (36L;12T;72P)
EXCLUSION No more than 3.0 units from BIOL 243/3.0; CHEE 209/3.0; ECON 250/3.0; GPHY 247/3.0; KNPE 251/3.0 (formerly PHED 251/3.0); NURS 323/3.0; POLS 385/3.0; PSYC 202/3.0; SOCY 211/3.0; STAT 263/3.0; STAT 267/3.0; STAT 367/3.0; COMM 162/3.0.
ONE‐WAY EXCLUSION May not be taken with or after STAT 269/3.0.
| Fall 2017 | Wm. Nelson |
Introductory ecology dealing with population growth and regulation, species interactions and reproductive and life history strategies. Laboratory work includes field studies as well as individual and group projects.
NOTE Field trip: estimated cost $85.
LEARNING HOURS 118 (36L;27Lb;12O;19Oc;24P)
PREREQUISITE BIOL 201/3.0 and BIOL 202/3.0 and BIOL 206/3.0.
COREQUISITE BIOL 243/3.0 or PSYC 202/3.0 or STAT 269/3.0.
| Fall 2017 | P. Martin (Lec) L. Nagel (Lab) |
| Winter 2018 | D. Orihel (Lec) S. Arnott (Lec) L. Nagel (Lab) |
Two weeks of field work plus written assignments in one or two areas of study to be done when specialized modules are available in May, July, August or February. Studies may include ecology of birds, fish, insects, small mammals, plants, tundra and taiga, lakes and caves.
NOTE Field trip: estimated cost of each module and the schedule of offerings for each year are available in January.
PREREQUISITE BIOL 102/3.0 and BIOL 103/3.0 and (registration in a BIOL Major, BIOL Science Minor/General, BIMA Specialization, BIPS Specialization, BTEC Specialization, or EBIO Specialization Plan)
| Fall / Winter / Summer | S. Arnott (Cor) L. Nagel (Adm) |
One week of field work plus written assignments in one or two areas of study to be done when specialized modules are available in May, July, August or February. Studies may include ecology of birds, fish, insects, small mammals, plants, tundra and taiga, lakes and caves.
NOTE Field trip: estimated cost of each module and the schedule of offerings for each year are available in January.
PREREQUISITE BIOL 201/3.0 and BIOL 202/3.0. Prior to registering in the course students must complete the application process, be placed in a module and complete the field work.
| Fall / Winter / Summer | S. Arnott (Cor) L. Nagel (Adm) |
| Fall 2017 | C. Eckert |
An introduction to the basic principles of fisheries biology and examination of the biological foundations of current problems affecting the world’s fisheries, with an emphasis on developing sound science‐based strategies to resolve these problems.
LEARNING HOURS 120 (36L;84P)
PREREQUISITE BIOL 103/3.0 and BIOL 202/3.0.
| Winter 2018 | B. Tufts |
Two weeks of field work plus written assignments in one or two areas of study to be done when specialized modules are available in May, July, August or February. Studies may include ecology of birds, fish, insects, small mammals, plants, tundra and taiga, lakes and caves.
NOTE Field trip: estimated cost of each module and the schedule of offerings for each year are available in January.
PREREQUISITE BIOL 307/3.0. Prior to registering in the course students must complete the application process, be placed in a module and complete the field work.
| Fall / Winter / Summer | S. Arnott (Cor) L. Nagel (Adm) |
Ethnobotany is the study of the relationships that exist between indigenous cultures and local flora. Case studies will be presented to examine the various categories of plant use, the importance of traditional knowledge to Western culture, and the role of plant conservation and cultural sustainability.
NOTE Only offered online. Consult Arts and Science Online.
RECOMMENDATION BIOL 201/3.0.
PREREQUISITE BIOL 102/3.0 and BIOL 103/3.0.
| NOT OFFERED 2017-18 |
An evolutionary approach to the study of animal behaviour. This course explores processes and patterns in behaviour, with emphasis on perception, communication, foraging, spacing, reproduction and social behaviour in a variety of animals. Methods of studying and analyzing behaviour are explored through laboratory exercises.
NOTE Also offered online. Consult Arts and Science Online. Learning Hours may vary.
LEARNING HOURS 132 (36L;12T;12I;12O;24Oc;36P)
RECOMMENDATION BIOL 202/3.0.
COREQUISITE 6.0 units from BIOL 201/3.0; BIOL 202/3.0; BIOL 205/3.0; BIOL 206/3.0.
| Fall 2017 | F. Bonier |
A comparative examination of interaction between animals and their environment including: physiological adaptations to extreme environments (e.g., arctic, desert); responses to acute and chronic environmental stress (e.g., hypoxia, temperature); environmental regulation of normal physiological processes; uses of comparative models in other fields.
LEARNING HOURS 120 (36L;24O;60P)
PREREQUISITE BIOL 339/3.0.
| Winter 2018 | Y. Wang |
Vertebrate biodiversity including characteristics and adaptations of the major classes of the living vertebrates; major environmental and geological changes associated with vertebrate evolution.
LEARNING HOURS 120 (36L;12Lb;72P)
PREREQUISITE BIOL 201/3.0 and BIOL 202/3.0 and BIOL 206/3.0.
| Not Offered 2017-18 |
Two weeks of field work plus written assignments in one or two areas of study to be done when specialized modules are available in May, July, August or February. Studies may include ecology of birds, fish, insects, small mammals, plants, tundra and taiga, lakes and caves.
NOTE Field trip: estimated cost of each module and the schedule of offerings for each year are available in January.
PREREQUISITE BIOL 307/3.0 and BIOL 317/3.0. Prior to registering in the course students must complete the application process, be placed in a module and complete the field work.
| Fall / Winter / Summer | S. Arnott (Cor) L. Nagel (Adm) |
| Fall 2017 | J. Monaghan (Cor) Wm. Bendena (Lec) |
| Winter 2018 | P. Young |
The course explores biological contributions to society in the fields of environmental assessment and management, materials and food production, and biotechnology. Emphasis is placed on understanding of applied processes in relevant service and production industries.
LEARNING HOURS 108 (36L;12T;60P)
PREREQUISITE BIOL 201/3.0 and BIOL 205/3.0.
| Fall 2017 | D. Lefebvre |
| Winter 2018 | Wm. Plaxton |
Physics, chemistry and biology of freshwater lakes. Emphasis on: morphometry; light and temperature; water chemistry in relation to nutrients; physiological requirements; composition and interaction of algal and invertebrate populations; eutrophication; pollution; environmental change.
NOTE Field trip: estimated cost $35.
LEARNING HOURS 113 (36L;18Lb;8Oc;51P)
RECOMMENDATION BIOL 201/3.0 and BIOL 202/3.0 are recommended.
PREREQUISITE CHEM 112/6.0
| Fall 2017 | J. Smol |
| Fall 2017 | C. Moyes |
| Winter 2018 | W. Snedden |
| Winter 2018 | R. Montgomerie |
| Fall 2017 | L. Aarssen |
| Winter 2018 (online) | L. Aarssen |
The contributions and effects of biotechnology on humanity will be explored from the perspective of their impacts on society including moral and ethical issues. Biotechnological contributions to society to be explored will include those in medicine, industry, and agriculture.
LEARNING HOURS 120 (36L;12T;72P)
PREREQUISITE BIOL 205/3.0 or BCHM 218/3.0.
EXCLUSION No more than 3.0 units from BIOL 360; BIOL 507/3.0.
| Not Offered 2017-18 |
Why sex? The evolutionary origins and consequences of sex and sexual reproduction. Topics include costs and benefits of sexual reproduction, the evolution and coevolution of sexes, gametes and genitalia, mating systems, gender differences and sex determination throughout the biotic world.
LEARNING HOURS 122 (36L;8T;18O;60P)
RECOMMENDATION BIOL 206/3.0.
PREREQUISITE BIOL 102/3.0 and BIOL 103/3.0 and (3.0 units from BIOL 201/3.0; BIOL 202/3.0; BIOL 205/3.0; BIOL 206/3.0).
EQUIVALENCY BIOL 210/3.0.
| Fall 2017 | A. Chippindale |
Biological Foundations List
BIOL 102/3.0; BIOL 103/3.0; BIOL 201/3.0; BIOL 202/3.0; BIOL 205/3.0; BIOL 206/3.0; BIOL 302/3.0; BIOL 303/3.0; BIOL 330/3.0; BIOL 334/3.0; BIOL 339/3.0; BIOL 341/3.0
| Fall 2017 | Y. Wang (Lec) B. Vanderbeld (Lab) |
Biological Foundations List
BIOL 102/3.0; BIOL 103/3.0; BIOL 201/3.0; BIOL 202/3.0; BIOL 205/3.0; BIOL 206/3.0; BIOL 302/3.0; BIOL 303/3.0; BIOL 330/3.0; BIOL 334/3.0; BIOL 339/3.0; BIOL 341/3.0
| Winter 2018 | K. Ko (Lec) B. Vanderbeld (Lab) |
Biological Foundations List
BIOL 102/3.0; BIOL 103/3.0; BIOL 201/3.0; BIOL 202/3.0; BIOL 205/3.0; BIOL 206/3.0; BIOL 302/3.0; BIOL 303/3.0; BIOL 330/3.0; BIOL 334/3.0; BIOL 339/3.0; BIOL 341/3.0
| Winter 2018 | L. Seroude |
Intensive laboratory work (8h/day) to be carried out over two and a half weeks in May. Practical work includes DNA isolations, DNA cloning, PCR, production of proteins, biochemical and immunological analysis of proteins.
NOTE Priority to students registered in BIOL Major and Specialization degree Plans. See course website for details.
LEARNING HOURS 112.5 (100Lb;12.5P)
PREREQUISITE (BCHM 218/3.0 or BIOL 330/3.0 or MBIO 218/3.0) and a minimum GPA of 2.0 in the Biological Foundations List.
Biological Foundations List
BIOL 102/3.0; BIOL 103/3.0; BIOL 201/3.0; BIOL 202/3.0; BIOL 205/3.0; BIOL 206/3.0; BIOL 302/3.0; BIOL 303/3.0; BIOL 330/3.0; BIOL 334/3.0; BIOL 339/3.0; BIOL 341/3.
| Summer 2017 | L. Seroude |
| Summer 2018 | L. Seroude |
The use of living organisms to address environmental problems. Topics include mechanisms of contaminant extraction, absorption, concentration, and degradation using bacteria and plants to detoxify organic compounds, sequester heavy metals or clean up excess nutrients.
LEARNING HOURS 109.2 (36L;12T;6Oc;55.2P)
RECOMMENDATION BIOL 322/3.0 or BIOL 339/3.0 or BIOL 341/3.0.
PREREQUISITE BIOL 330/3.0 and a minimum GPA of 2.0 in the Biological Foundations List.
| Not Offered 2017-18 |
The use of living organisms to address environmental problems. Topics include mechanisms of contaminant extraction, absorption, concentration, and degradation using bacteria and plants to detoxify organic compounds, sequester heavy metals or clean up excess nutrients.
LEARNING HOURS 109.2 (36L;12T;6Oc;55.2P)
RECOMMENDATION BIOL 322/3.0 or BIOL 339/3.0 or BIOL 341/3.0.
PREREQUISITE BIOL 330/3.0 and a minimum GPA of 2.0 in the Biological Foundations List.
Biological Foundations List
BIOL 102/3.0; BIOL 103/3.0; BIOL 201/3.0; BIOL 202/3.0; BIOL 205/3.0; BIOL 206/3.0; BIOL 302/3.0; BIOL 303/3.0; BIOL 330/3.0; BIOL 334/3.0; BIOL 339/3.0; BIOL 341/3.0
| Winter 2018 | S. Arnott |
| Not Offered 2017-18 |
This course will explore genetic aspects of conservation, addressing questions such as: How is genetic variation lost? Can loss of genetic variation result in extinction? How much genetic variation is 'enough' for population viability? Can loss of genetic variation be prevented? How do we define management units for conservation? And is hybridization a problem or a benefit for conservation?
LEARNING HOURS 120 (24L;24T;72P)
PREREQUISITE (BIOL 243/3.0 or PSYC 202/3.0 or STAT 263/3.0 or STAT 269/3.0) and a minimum GPA of 2.0 in the Biological Foundations List.
COREQUISITE BIOL 302/3.0 or BIOL 303/3.0.
Biological Foundations List
BIOL 102/3.0; BIOL 103/3.0; BIOL 201/3.0; BIOL 202/3.0; BIOL 205/3.0; BIOL 206/3.0; BIOL 302/3.0; BIOL 303/3.0; BIOL 330/3.0; BIOL 334/3.0; BIOL 339/3.0; BIOL 341/3.0
| Fall 2017 | V. Friesen |
Biological Foundations List
BIOL 102/3.0; BIOL 103/3.0; BIOL 201/3.0; BIOL 202/3.0; BIOL 205/3.0; BIOL 206/3.0; BIOL 302/3.0; BIOL 303/3.0; BIOL 330/3.0; BIOL 334/3.0; BIOL 339/3.0; BIOL 341/3.0
| Not Offered 2017-18 | TBA |
An exploration into the world of insects, one of the most abundantly successful group of organisms on the earth.
LEARNING HOURS 120 (12L;36T;72P)
RECOMMENDATION BIOL 330/3.0 or BCHM 218/3.0 or MBIO 218/3.0.
ONE-WAY EXCLUSION May not be taken with or after BIOL 507/3.0.
PREREQUISITE BIOL 205/3.0 and a minimum GPA of 2.0 in the Biological Foundations List.
Biological Foundations List
BIOL 102/3.0; BIOL 103/3.0; BIOL 201/3.0; BIOL 202/3.0; BIOL 205/3.0; BIOL 206/3.0; BIOL 302/3.0; BIOL 303/3.0; BIOL 330/3.0; BIOL 334/3.0; BIOL 339/3.0; BIOL 341/3.0
| Not Offered 2017-18 |
The use of genetic analysis to understand developmental processes such as cell fate determination, pattern formation and morphogenesis. Emphasis will be on the molecular pathways used during embryonic development, highlighting applications and techniques using model organisms.
LEARNING HOURS 126 (36L;18S;24G;12I;12O;24P)
PREREQUISITE (BCHM 218/3.0 or BIOL 330/3.0 or MBIO 218/3.0) and a minimum GPA of 2.0 in the
Biological Foundations List.
BIOL 102/3.0; BIOL 103/3.0; BIOL 201/3.0; BIOL 202/3.0; BIOL 205/3.0; BIOL 206/3.0; BIOL 302/3.0; BIOL 303/3.0; BIOL 330/3.0; BIOL 334/3.0; BIOL 339/3.0; BIOL 341/3.0
| Winter 2018 | I. Chin-Sang |
Biological Foundations List
BIOL 102/3.0; BIOL 103/3.0; BIOL 201/3.0; BIOL 202/3.0; BIOL 205/3.0; BIOL 206/3.0; BIOL 302/3.0; BIOL 303/3.0; BIOL 330/3.0; BIOL 334/3.0; BIOL 339/3.0; BIOL 341/3.0
| Not Offered 2017-18 |
An examination of the foundations of evolution, classification and other selected topics from historical, philosophical and scientific perspectives.
LEARNING HOURS 120 (36L;24T;60P)
PREREQUISITE (BIOL 302/3.0 or BIOL 303/3.0) and a minimum GPA of 2.0 in the Biological Foundations List.
Biological Foundations List
BIOL 102/3.0; BIOL 103/3.0; BIOL 201/3.0; BIOL 202/3.0; BIOL 205/3.0; BIOL 206/3.0; BIOL 302/3.0; BIOL 303/3.0; BIOL 330/3.0; BIOL 334/3.0; BIOL 339/3.0; BIOL 341/3.0
| Not Offered 2017-18 |
Biological Foundations List
BIOL 102/3.0; BIOL 103/3.0; BIOL 201/3.0; BIOL 202/3.0; BIOL 205/3.0; BIOL 206/3.0; BIOL 302/3.0; BIOL 303/3.0; BIOL 330/3.0; BIOL 334/3.0; BIOL 339/3.0; BIOL 341/3.0
| Winter 2018 | TBA |
Biological Foundations List
BIOL 102/3.0; BIOL 103/3.0; BIOL 201/3.0; BIOL 202/3.0; BIOL 205/3.0; BIOL 206/3.0; BIOL 302/3.0; BIOL 303/3.0; BIOL 330/3.0; BIOL 334/3.0; BIOL 339/3.0; BIOL 341/3.0
| FALL 2017 | S. Lougheed |
Biological Foundations List
BIOL 102/3.0; BIOL 103/3.0; BIOL 201/3.0; BIOL 202/3.0; BIOL 205/3.0; BIOL 206/3.0; BIOL 302/3.0; BIOL 303/3.0; BIOL 330/3.0; BIOL 334/3.0; BIOL 339/3.0; BIOL 341/3.0
| Fall 2017 | Wm. Bendena (LEC) V. Walker (Cor) |
Biological Foundations List
BIOL 102/3.0; BIOL 103/3.0; BIOL 201/3.0; BIOL 202/3.0; BIOL 205/3.0; BIOL 206/3.0; BIOL 302/3.0; BIOL 303/3.0; BIOL 330/3.0; BIOL 334/3.0; BIOL 339/3.0; BIOL 341/3.0
| Winter 2018 | F. Bonier |
Biological Foundations List
BIOL 102/3.0; BIOL 103/3.0; BIOL 201/3.0; BIOL 202/3.0; BIOL 205/3.0; BIOL 206/3.0; BIOL 302/3.0; BIOL 303/3.0; BIOL 330/3.0; BIOL 334/3.0; BIOL 339/3.0; BIOL 341/3.0
| Winter 2018 | R.M. Robertson |
Molecular biology is the area of biology that analyzes biological phenomena at the molecular level. Molecular Biology overlaps with Genetics, Biochemistry and Cell Biology to ultimately establish unambiguously the causal relationship between genetic information and biological outcomes. The course will focus on how molecular biology is used in basic and medical research to dissect the mechanisms involved in a large variety of biological problems. Students in the course will explore molecular literature and techniques that are relevant to their interest through seminar presentations, writing critiques, scientific reviews. The schedule and evaluation of the course will be finalized after consultation with the students.
RECOMMENDATION BIOL 430.
PREREQUISITE Level 4 and registration in a Biology Honours Plan (BIOL-M-BSH, BIOL-P-BSH, BIMA-P-BSH, BIPS-P-BSH, BTEC-P-BSH, EBIO-P-BSH) and a minimum GPA of 2.0 in the Biological Foundations List or permission of the Department.
LEARNING HOURS 120 (36S;84P)
Biological Foundations List
BIOL 102/3.0; BIOL 103/3.0; BIOL 201/3.0; BIOL 202/3.0; BIOL 205/3.0; BIOL 206/3.0; BIOL 302/3.0; BIOL 303/3.0; BIOL 330/3.0; BIOL 334/3.0; BIOL 339/3.0; BIOL 341/3.0
| Not Offered 2017-18 |
Literally rooted in place, plants have adapted robust ways to survive in a changing environment. This course will dissect signal transduction pathways and other molecular responses that are activated in plant cells exposed to environmental stresses such as pathogen infection, drought, or temperature fluctuations. Students will explore and critically evaluate current literature in plant molecular biology and genetics. Emphasis will be placed on understanding techniques used to investigate changes in gene expression, protein-protein interactions, sub-cellular localization, as well as the analysis of mutant and transgenic plant lines.
PREREQUISITE Level 4 and registration in a Biology Honours Plan (BIOL-M-BSH, BIOL-P-BSH, BIMA-P-BSH, BIPS-P-BSH, BTEC-P-BSH, EBIO-P-BSH) and a minimum GPA of 2.0 in the Biological Foundations List and (BIOL 330/3.0 or BIOL 334/3.0 or BIOL 341/3.0 or BIOL 430/3.0) or permission of the Department.
LEARNING HOURS 120 (36S;84P)
Biological Foundations List
BIOL 102/3.0; BIOL 103/3.0; BIOL 201/3.0; BIOL 202/3.0; BIOL 205/3.0; BIOL 206/3.0; BIOL 302/3.0; BIOL 303/3.0; BIOL 330/3.0; BIOL 334/3.0; BIOL 339/3.0; BIOL 341/3.0
| Winter 2018 | J. Monaghan |
This is an experiential course on the business of science. The focus of the course is to look at the issues behind plant biotechnology and the steps leading to the commercialization of a transgenic (or non-transgenic) plant/product. The commercialization process will be covered through a series of workshops. Students will go through the process of developing their own ideas into a commercially valuable product, plus an assessment of all related social and economic issues using business-oriented exercises.
PREREQUISITES Level 4 and registration in a Biology Honours Plan (BIOL-M-BSH, BIOL-P-BSH, BIMA-P-BSH, BIPS-P-BSH, BTEC-P-BSH, EBIO-P-BSH) and a minimum GPA of 2.0 in the Biological Foundations List and [(BIOL 205/3.0 or BCHM 218/3.0) and BIOL 341/3.0] or permission of the Department.
LEARNING HOURS 120 (15L;9S;24G;72P)
Biological Foundations List
BIOL 102/3.0; BIOL 103/3.0; BIOL 201/3.0; BIOL 202/3.0; BIOL 205/3.0; BIOL 206/3.0; BIOL 302/3.0; BIOL 303/3.0; BIOL 330/3.0; BIOL 334/3.0; BIOL 339/3.0; BIOL 341/3.0
| Fall 2017 | K. Ko |
Life on earth has radiated to exploit virtually every conceivable habitat and lifestyle. Biochemical adaptation is a fundamental aspect of biological diversity because it integrates molecular structure, with metabolic function and control. The purpose of the course is to evaluate the impressive array of mechanisms whereby animals, plants, and microbes acclimate at the biochemical level to 'extreme' environmental conditions such as temperature stress, high pressure, lack of oxygen, salt stress, oxidative stress, and desiccation. Students are expected to read and to lead discussion on original research publications, and to develop a general literature review and research proposal on a relevant topic that will be presented in a seminar and submitted as a written report.
Course Goals and Objectives
RECOMMENDED BIOL 341 and BIOL 322
PREREQUISITE BIOL 334 or (BCHM 315 and BCHM 316) or BCHM 310. Level 4 and registration in a Biology Honours Plan (BIOL-M-BSH, BIOL-P-BSH, BIMA-P-BSH, BIPS-P-BSH, BTEC-P-BSH, EBIO-P-BSH) and a minimum GPA of 2.0 in the Biological Foundations List and (BIOL 330/3.0 or BIOL 334/3.0 or BIOL 341/3.0 or BIOL 430/3.0) or permission of the Department.
Biological Foundations List
BIOL 102/3.0; BIOL 103/3.0; BIOL 201/3.0; BIOL 202/3.0; BIOL 205/3.0; BIOL 206/3.0; BIOL 302/3.0; BIOL 303/3.0; BIOL 330/3.0; BIOL 334/3.0; BIOL 339/3.0; BIOL 341/3.0
| Winter 2018 | Wm. Plaxton |
| Fall 2017 | V. Walker |
Cell proliferation underlies development and tissue renewal and is implicated in many diseases. Our universal model of eukaryotic cell cycle control is based on studies in a number of model systems. The course will focus on control mechanisms, deriving information from systems as diverse as yeast and human cells. Introductory material will follow D. Morgan’s book, The Cell Cycle, and then focus on the current research literature. Students will give an introductory as well as a research level seminar and write a research paper on the same theme of their choice.
PREREQUISITE BIOL 330 or BCHM 218 (MBIO218). BIOL 334 or (BCHM 315 and BCHM 316) or BCHM 310. Level 4 and registration in a Biology Honours Plan (BIOL-M-BSH, BIOL-P-BSH, BIMA-P-BSH, BIPS-P-BSH, BTEC-P-BSH, EBIO-P-BSH) and a minimum GPA of 2.0 in the Biological Foundations List and (BIOL 330/3.0 or BIOL 334/3.0 or BIOL 341/3.0 or BIOL 430/3.0) or permission of the Department.
Biological Foundations List
BIOL 102/3.0; BIOL 103/3.0; BIOL 201/3.0; BIOL 202/3.0; BIOL 205/3.0; BIOL 206/3.0; BIOL 302/3.0; BIOL 303/3.0; BIOL 330/3.0; BIOL 334/3.0; BIOL 339/3.0; BIOL 341/3.0
| Winter 2018 | P. Young |
| Not Offered 2017-18 |
This ecology course is aimed at identifying and critiquing potential mechanisms by which our civilization could most effectively move toward more sustainable living. This topic incorporates biogeochemical, ecological, economic, social, genetic and behavioral features and constraints. Each iteration of the course will focus on a specific thematic question related to at least some of those components. Emphasis will be on interactive discussions and student-led seminars in which participants will have ample opportunities to explore, analyze and synthesize scientific information, to learn how the scientific process works, to write and speak effectively, and to develop their understanding of global change issues and sustainability.
PREREQUISITES BIOL 302 and 303 strongly recommended. Level 4 and registration in a Biology Honours Plan (BIOL-M-BSH, BIOL-P-BSH, BIMA-P-BSH, BIPS-P-BSH, BTEC-P-BSH, EBIO-P-BSH) and a minimum GPA of 2.0 in the Biological Foundations List and (BIOL 330/3.0 or BIOL 334/3.0 or BIOL 341/3.0 or BIOL 430/3.0) or permission of the Department.
Biological Foundations List
BIOL 102/3.0; BIOL 103/3.0; BIOL 201/3.0; BIOL 202/3.0; BIOL 205/3.0; BIOL 206/3.0; BIOL 302/3.0; BIOL 303/3.0; BIOL 330/3.0; BIOL 334/3.0; BIOL 339/3.0; BIOL 341/3.0
| Fall 2017 | P. Grogan |
| Not Offered 2017-18 |
The main aim of this course is to provide students with a background in studies of long-term environmental change, with a focus on research that is especially relevant to today's environmental problems. Key topics include: climatic change, lake pollution, atmospheric deposition of contaminants and related topics. Paleolimnological techniques using lake sediments will be the focus in the first part of the course, but other approaches used to explore environmental change (such as ice cores, tree rings, corals) will be explored in student presentations and papers.
RECOMMENDATION BIOL 335. PREREQUISITE Level 4 and registration in a Biology Honours Plan (BIOL-M-BSH, BIOL-P-BSH, BIMA-P-BSH, BIPS-P-BSH, BTEC-P-BSH, EBIO-P-BSH) and a minimum GPA of 2.0 in the Biological Foundations List or permission of the Department. LEARNING HOURS 132 (21L;15S;96P)
Biological Foundations List
BIOL 102/3.0; BIOL 103/3.0; BIOL 201/3.0; BIOL 202/3.0; BIOL 205/3.0; BIOL 206/3.0; BIOL 302/3.0; BIOL 303/3.0; BIOL 330/3.0; BIOL 334/3.0; BIOL 339/3.0; BIOL 341/3.0
| Winter 2018 | B. Cumming |
LEARNING HOURS 120 (9L;9S;18G;84P
| Not Offered 2017-18 |
The aim of developmental biology is to understand how plants and animals are put together. This involves cell divisions, cell differentiation, pattern formations, cell shape changes and cell movements. All of these processes are beautifully orchestrated to form the functional tissues, patterns and structures of all organisms. Traditionally, these processes of development have been mainly descriptive from experimental embryology approaches. This course will focus on the genetic and molecular analyses of how these cell behaviors occur. We will explore the approaches developmental biologists use to try and decipher the language of how cells communicate with each other during development. The molecular principles that govern development have been conserved throughout animal evolution and these discoveries have brought about a new wave of excitement in the way which we can describe developmental mechanisms. This course delves deeper than BIOL 430, which gave students a general introduction to developmental mechanisms. Subjects will be chosen based on students' interests.
Prerequisite: BIOL330
Biological Foundations List
BIOL 102/3.0; BIOL 103/3.0; BIOL 201/3.0; BIOL 202/3.0; BIOL 205/3.0; BIOL 206/3.0; BIOL 302/3.0; BIOL 303/3.0; BIOL 330/3.0; BIOL 334/3.0; BIOL 339/3.0; BIOL 341/3.0
| Winter 2018 | I. Chin-Sang |
Biological invasions profoundly impact biodiversity and ecosystem function worldwide, yet they represent an evolutionary paradox. How is it possible that a small population of individuals can rapidly proliferate in a novel environment and outcompete native species that have evolved under natural selection in those same environments for centuries to millennia? Invasion genetics is an attempt to address this question through the study of genetic diversity and evolutionary processes in the context of contemporary environmental changes (e.g. habitat modification, climate change). This course emphasizes the application of knowledge from coursework in ecology, statistics, population genetics, genomics, and evolutionary ecology to a common goal of understanding how species become invasive. Coursework will involve reading, interpreting and discussing recently published studies. Group assignments will place modern advances into their historical context. Students who complete this course will gain appreciation for the integrated nature of biological research and its application to the challenges of global change.
PREREQUISITE Level 4 and registration in a Biology Honours Plan (BIOL-M-BSH, BIOL-P-BSH, BIMA-P-BSH, BIPS-P-BSH, BTEC-P-BSH, EBIO-P-BSH) and a minimum GPA of 2.0 in the Biological Foundations List or permission of the Department.
Biological Foundations List
BIOL 102/3.0; BIOL 103/3.0; BIOL 201/3.0; BIOL 202/3.0; BIOL 205/3.0; BIOL 206/3.0; BIOL 302/3.0; BIOL 303/3.0; BIOL 330/3.0; BIOL 334/3.0; BIOL 339/3.0; BIOL 341/3.0
| Winter 2018 | R. Colautti |
Biological Foundations List
BIOL 102/3.0; BIOL 103/3.0; BIOL 201/3.0; BIOL 202/3.0; BIOL 205/3.0; BIOL 206/3.0; BIOL 302/3.0; BIOL 303/3.0; BIOL 330/3.0; BIOL 334/3.0; BIOL 339/3.0; BIOL 341/3.0
| Fall / Winter 2017-18 | Wm. Bendena P. Young |
Research practicum under the supervision of a Biology faculty member. The course will involve a combination of research in the host laboratory, attendance of BIOL 537 or other seminars in the Department, and literature research to present as a major paper and seminar.
NOTE Students will normally be enrolled in the fourth year of their Program, having completed the third year core requirements of their Plan.
LEARNING HOURS 128 (8S;12T;60Pc;48P)
PREREQUISITE Registration in a Biology Honours Plan (BIOL-M-BSH, BIOL-P-BSH, BIMA-P-BSH, BIPS-P-BSH, EBIO-P-BSH) and permission of the Department.
ONE-WAY EXCLUSION Not to be taken concurrently with BIOL 537.
| Fall or Winter 2017-18 | Various Faculty |
Research practicum under the supervision of a Biology faculty member. The course will involve a combination of research in the host laboratory, attendance of BIOL 537 or other seminars in the Department, and literature research to present as a major paper and seminar.
NOTE Students will normally be enrolled in the fourth year of their Program, having completed the third year core requirements of their Plan.
LEARNING HOURS 128 (8S;12T;60Pc;48P)
PREREQUISITE Registration in a Biology Honours Plan (BIOL-M-BSH, BIOL-P-BSH, BIMA-P-BSH, BIPS-P-BSH, EBIO-P-BSH) and permission of the Department.
COREQUISITE BIOL 538.
ONE-WAY EXCLUSION Not to be taken concurrently with BIOL 537.
| Fall or Winter 2017-18 | Various Faculty |
Research practicum under the supervision of a Biology faculty member. The course will involve a combination of research in the host laboratory, attendance of BIOL 537 or other seminars in the Department, and literature research to present as a major paper and seminar.
NOTE Students will normally be enrolled in the fourth year of their Program, having completed the third year core requirements of their Plan.
LEARNING HOURS 248 (8S;24T;120Pc;96P)
PREREQUISITE Registration in a Biology Honours Plan (BIOL-M-BSH, BIOL-P-BSH, BIMA-P-BSH, BIPS-P-BSH, EBIO-P-BSH) and permission of the Department.
ONE-WAY EXCLUSION Not to be taken concurrently with BIOL 537.
| Fall / Winter 2017-18 | Various Faculty |
Individual research projects under the supervision of a staff member; reported in the form of a thesis, poster, and seminar.
NOTE Students must select projects in consultation with potential supervisors a minimum of one full term in advance of starting the course.
LEARNING HOURS 446 (8L;18S;360Pc;60P)
PREREQUISITE Admission to the final year of the BTEC program in Biology, and permission of the project supervisor and course coordinator.
EXCLUSION No more than 1 course from BIOL 537/12.0 and BIOL 541/12.0.
I've spent more time than many will believe [making microscopic observations], but I've done them with joy, and I've taken no notice those who have said why take so much trouble and what good is it?
It's a parts list... If I gave you the parts list for the Boeing 777 and it had 100,000 parts, I don't think you could screw it together and you certainly wouldn't understand why it flew
What is true for E. coli is also true for the elephant
The world becomes full of organisms that have what it takes to become ancestors. That, in a sentence, is Darwinism
Shall we conjecture that one and the same kind of living filaments is and has been the cause of all organic life?
Nature proceeds little by little from things lifeless to animal life in such a way that it's impossible to determine the line of demarcation
Cells let us walk, talk, think, make love, and realize the bath water is cold
In the distant future I see open fields for far more important researches. Psychology will be based on a new foundation, that of the necessary acquirement of each mental power and capacity by gradation. Light will be thrown on the origin of man and his history
It is my belief that the basic knowledge that we're providing to the world will have a profound impact on the human condition and the treatments for disease and our view of our place on the biological continuum
Imagine a house coming together spontaneously from all the information contained in the bricks: that is how animal bodies are made
A grain in the balance will determine which individual shall live and which shall die - which variety or species shall increase in number, and which shall decrease, or finally become extinct
The stuff of life turned out to be not a quivering, glowing, wondrous gel but a contraption of tiny jigs, springs, hinges, rods, sheets, magnets, zippers, and trapdoors, assembled by a data tape whose information is copied, downloaded and scanned
We wish to discuss a structure for the salt of deoxyribose nucleic acid. (D.N.A.). This structure has novel features which are of considerable biologic interest
We are biology. We are reminded of this at the beginning and the end, at birth and at death. In between we do what we can to forget
The systems approach to biology will be the dominant theme in medicine
I've always been interested in animal behavior, and I keep reading about it because it's so surprising all the time - so many things are happening around us that we neglect to look at. Part of the passion I have for biology is based on this wonderment"
Because all of biology is connected, one can often make a breakthrough with an organism that exaggerates a particular phenomenon, and later explore the generality
Nothing in Biology makes sense except in the light of evolution
Biology is now bigger than physics, as measured by the size of budgets, by the size of the workforce, or by the output of major discoveries; and biology is likely to remain the biggest part of science through the twenty-first century
Nothing can be more incorrect than the assumption one sometimes meets with, that physics has one method, chemistry another, and biology a third