Contemporary Evolution - Fall 2025
The idea that observing evolutionary change requires vast tracts of time has been soundly refuted by both observation and experiment. We will document evolution in action over a wide range of settings, from evolving model organisms in the lab to the rapid adaptation of microbes to antibiotics and organisms to a rapidly changing planet. Understanding evolutionary processes is vital to our health and the preservation of biodiversity on our planet.
Urbanization & Biodiversity - Winter 2026
This course reviews the many ways that organisms respond to urbanization and the challenges of living in urban areas, encompassing physiological, behavioural, and life history responses of individuals, evolutionary adaptations of populations, and changes in composition and dynamics of ecological communities. Discussions will focus on broad patterns that help us better understand how cities impact biodiversity, and why some organisms tolerate urban challenges so much better than others.
Important Information
Prerequisite
Level 4 or above 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 from the Department.
