BIOL 1001 (3CR)
INTRODUCTORY BIOLOGY

A lecture and laboratory course designed to present a general introduction to the biology of living organisms. A systems approach will be used to explore how living organisms respond to the complex problems encountered while obtaining nutrition, carrying out internal fluid transport and gas exchange, getting rid of wastes, and growing and interacting with the environment and other life.

BIOL 1201 (3CR)
HUMAN BIOLOGY

A lecture and laboratory course based on the application of biological principles to practical human concerns. It will introduce the development, structure and function of the human body, and mechanisms involved in degenerative infectious diseases. This will be followed by a discussion of human reproduction and genetics. The impact of evolutionary theory on our understanding of the human species will be presented, as well as the interdependence between natural ecosystems and human activities. Threats to the environment through pollution and overpopulation will be discussed. This course is restricted to non-science majors. Science majors require the instructor's permission to enrol.

BIOL 1211 (3CR)
WORLD ECOSYSTEMS

This course will introduce students to the basic concepts of population, community and ecosystem level ecology. Topics will include population growth, competition, succession, community composition and the cycling of energy. Field and laboratory work will stress direct measurement and observation of natural situations that illustrate these concepts. Students will take this course at a field station that offers adequate housing and laboratory facilities. These field stations may be anywhere in the world, but would most likely be in the Maritimes, the Caribbean or the Canadian Rockies. This course is offered only during the spring/summer session through Continuous Learning and only to non-Science majors.

BIOL 1501 (3CR)
CELL BIOLOGY

A course providing an introduction to the structure, organization and functions of the cell, which is the fundamental structural and functional unit of living organisms. Particular emphasis will be placed on eukaryotic cells. Topics to be discussed include membranes and organelles, communication within and between cells, membrane transport, the cell cycle, meiosis and mitosis. There is a laboratory component to this course.

Prereq: BIOL 1001, CHEM 1001; or permission of the Department

BIOL 2101 (3CR)
POPULATION AND COMMUNITY BIOLOGY

A course designed to introduce current concepts of population and community ecology through lectures, field trips and laboratory exercises, using local organisms whenever possible. Familiarity with these organisms, principally aquatic insects, will be obtained through field trip and laboratory exercises.

Prereq: BIOL 1501; or permission of the Department

BIOL 2301 (3CR)
PLANT BIOLOGY

An introductory course in botany designed to present the structure and function of plants with an emphasis on vascular plants. Topics considered will include comparative evolutionary history, and development and functional adaptations to the environment.

Prereq: BIOL 1501; or permission of the Department

BIOL 2401 (3CR)
ANIMAL BIOLOGY

A lecture and laboratory course introducing students to the structure and function of major groups of invertebrate and vertebrate animals on a comparative basis. Topics to be covered in lectures will include comparative anatomy and phylogeny, and the evolution and function of locomotory, digestive, excretory, respiratory, nervous and reproductive systems. Laboratory exercises will be based on observation of both preserved and living material.

Prereq: BIOL 1501; or permission of the Department

BIOL 2601 (3CR)
GENETICS

An introduction to genetics which will address the seemingly paradoxical phenomena of genetic continuity and genetic variation of living beings. This will be achieved by examining the cellular and molecular basis of gene replication, recombination and mutation. Viruses, bacteria and eukaryotes of various levels of organismic complexity will serve as examples both in lectures and laboratories.

Prereq: BIOL 1501, CHEM 1021; or permission of the Department

BIOL 3011 (3CR)
EVOLUTION

A lecture-tutorial course investigating modern theories of biological evolution and natural selection. Discussion of these ideas requires an understanding of the types of evidence for biological change in organisms, of Mendelian genetics and mechanisms of inheritance, of sources of genetic variability in natural populations and of genetic equilibrium of populations.

Prereq: BIOL 2601; or permission of the Department

BIOL 3021 (3CR)
PALAEONTOLOGY

Life on earth did not always exist in the form we know it today. Both physical and biological aspects of the environment have changed repeatedly and dramatically over time. This course will provide an overview of the major fossil plant and animal taxa in the context of the history of life on Earth. Morphology and anatomy of organisms will be discussed in relation to accompanying changes in marinal and terrestrial environments. The diagnostic features of the organisms used as time (biostratigraphy) and/or environmental (paleoecology) indicators will be emphasized when appropriate. We will discuss macroscopic and microscopic forms of life.

Prereq: BIOL 2301 and 2401; or permission of the Department

BIOL 3101 (3CR)
MICROORGANISMS

An introduction to the protists (algae, bacteria, fungi, protozoa) and to the viruses. The intent of this course is to make students familiar with the characteristics and nomenclature used to distinguish: (1) cells and viruses, (2) the major protists, and (3) sub-groups within each protist group. The natural and applied roles of these organisms will be discussed. Special emphasis will be placed on discussion of the bacteria because of the great diversity of habitats which are occupied as well as the equally great diversity of roles performed. Laboratory work will introduce the students to microbiological techniques and methods of identification.

Prereq: BIOC 2001; or permission of the Department

BIOL 3111 (3CR)
APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY

Discussion will centre on microorganisms as models to study interrelationships between physiology and ecology of the groups. Students will also be introduced to microorganism growth and the principles of co-ordinated regulation that achieve balanced growth and allow for transition from one environment to another.

Prereq: BIOL 3101; or permission of the Department

BIOL 3201 (3CR)
ANIMAL PHYSIOLOGY; ADAPTATION AND ENVIRONMENT

This course will focus on the physiological processes underpinning a monumental step in the evolution of the vertebrates, the transition from water to land. In lectures and laboratory exercises, the respiratory, circulatory, acid-base and osmoregulatory adaptations seen in fish to humans will be examined. The integration of animal physiology with the environment will also be studied by investigating metabolism and temperature.

Prereq: BIOL 2401 and BIOC 2001; or permission of the Department

BIOL 3211 (3CR)
ANIMAL CELL PHYSIOLOGY

This course will investigate physiological processes at the level of the animal cell. In lectures and laboratory exercises, we will examine major principles in neurophysiology, muscle function, sensory systems and endocrinology.

Prereq: BIOL 2401, BIOC 2001; or permission of the Department

BIOL 3311 (3CR)
ANIMAL DEVELOPMENT

An introductory lecture and laboratory course on animal development. Emphasis will be placed on the development of marine invertebrates, especially the sea urchins, from which a great deal of existing knowledge on development processes is derived. However, the development of selected vertebrates will be studied as well. Topics to be covered include gametogenesis and gametic structure, events at fertilization, mechanisms of cleavage and gastrulation, the organization of the early embryo as derived from experimental manipulation, pattern formation and regeneration.

Prereq: BIOL 2401; or permission of the Department

BIOL 3331/3341 (3CR)
SELECTED TOPICS IN MARINE SCIENCE I AND II

The courses taken for these credits will be from among those offered in the Summer at the Huntsman Marine Science Centre in St. Andrews, N.B. Since course offerings will change yearly, students must obtain permission from the Department before enrolling for any course. All costs associated with the course must be borne by the student.

Prereq: BIOL 2101, 2301, 2401; or permission of the Department

BIOL 3351 (3CR)
MARINE BOTANY

A lecture, laboratory, and field course summarizing recent advances in our understanding of macroscopic plant growth in the sea. This progress has been based upon studies involving morphology, development, physiology, and ecology. The following topics will be emphasized: the sea as an environment for plants to grow, production of marine plants, morphogenesis and geographic distribution of marine plants, and use of marine plants.

Prereq: BIOL 2301; or permission of the Department

BIOL 3361 (3CR)
MARINE BIOLOGY I: COASTAL SYSTEMS

Estuarine, intertidal and subtidal ecosystems exist at the interface of marine and terrestrial environments. In this course, students will study the ecology of these systems at the individual, population and community level. Topics will include community structure, food webs, reproductive biology of benthic organisms, and effects of physical and anthropogenic factors. The course will involve a field trip to the Huntsman Marine Sciences Centre in St. Andrews, N.B. Students will be expected to contribute to their accommodation costs.

Prereq: BIOL 2101, 2301, 2401; or permission of the Department

BIOL 3371 (3CR)
MARINE BIOLOGY II: OPEN OCEAN

Two-thirds of the Earth surface is occupied by pelagic environment of an approximate mean depth of 3700 meters, the open ocean. The evolution of the oceanic basins and the physical and chemical properties of their waters will be discussed in the context of their biological significance. Emphasis will be placed on the functioning of major ecological groups (plankton, nekton and benthos) and on processes controlling their interactions. The course will involve a field trip to the Huntsman Marine Science Centre at St. Andrews where students will study populations and communities of local plankton, nekton and benthos. Students will be expected to contribute to their accommodation costs.

Prereq: BIOL 2101, 2301, 2401; or permission of the Department

BIOL 3401 (3CR)
ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR

A course which will present the development, physiology, ecology and evolution of animal behaviour. Topics to be discussed will include basic concepts of behavioural organization; physiology of behaviour, learning and memory phenomena; behaviour of communication; reproductive behaviour and mating systems; spatial distribution patterns and social systems; migrations and orientation mechanisms; feeding and anti-predator behaviours. Field excursions and laboratory exercises will permit students to observe and to quantify different behaviours in a variety of animal species.

Prereq: BIOL 2101, 2401; or permission of the Department

BIOL 3411 (3CR)
ICHTHYOLOGY

This course provides an overview of the general biology of fish-like chordates, with particular emphasis on the teleost fishes, the most diverse and abundant taxonomic group of living vertebrates. Lectures will focus on adaptations that have allowed fishes to occupy most aquatic habitats and to become the most evolutionary successful group of vertebrates. Lectures will cover aspects of form and function, ecology and behaviour of evolutionary relationships. Laboratory exercises will provide students with practical experience at identifying specimens and learning about their form, function, behaviour, ecology and evolution.

Prereq: BIOL 2101 and 2401; or permission of the Department

BIOL 3451 (3CR)
ENTOMOLOGY

Insects surpass all other organisms in their diversity and numbers, comprising over two thirds of the earth's known animals. This course will introduce students to this class of organisms by covering the following six areas: structure, function classification and phylogeny, behaviour and ecology. Throughout the course, evolutionary forces influencing the animals and systems involved will be stressed. Discussions will emphasize the use of the comparative methods to determine what these forces might be.

Prereq: BIOL 2401; or permission of the Department

BIOL 3501 (3CR)
NATIVE FLORA (VASCULAR PLANTS)

A field-oriented course on identification, taxonomy, and ecology of vascular plants.

Prereq: BIOL 2301; or permission of the Department

BIOL 3601 (3CR)
ECOLOGICAL GENETICS

This course builds on the material presented in Introductory Genetics, presenting theoretical concepts used in investigating the genetic properties of populations. The basic concepts used to describe and measure the genetic variation within and between populations will be presented in a lecture format. Theoretical and observed consequences of population differences will be considered. Students will be expected to participate in discussions and debates focussing on topics related to population genetics. tutorials will provide opportunities to work through mathematical treatments of models and problem solving.

Prereq: Biology 2601, Math 1111, or permission of the Department

BIOL 3611 (3CR)
MAMMALOGY

Mammals are a successful and diverse group of vertebrates which have long been of cultural, economic and scientific interest to humans. This course will outline the evolution, radiation and biogeography of mammals, followed by a detailed examination of all extant mammalian orders. A strong emphasis of the course will be on the biology, ecology and conservation of North American mammals; however, students will also gain an appreciation for the world-web diversity of mammals, their life history strategies, and related conservation issues.

Prereq: BIOL 2101, 2401; or permission of the Department

BIOL 3651 (3CR)
INTRODUCTION TO ORNITHOLOGY

An introduction to the study of birds through lectures, laboratories and field trips. All of the bird families represented in the Maritime region will be discussed, with special emphasis on anatomy, structural adaptations, behaviour and physiology. The species composing the bird communities of the Sackville area will be examined during field trips.

Prereq: BIOL 2101, 2401; or permission of the Department

BIOL 3701 (3CR)
BIOMETRICS

This lecture course will introduce data analysis, the principles of experimental design and the formulating and testing of hypotheses. Graphical and statistical (t-test, chi-square test, anova) analyses of laboratory and field collected data will be described, and their appropriate use in Biology discussed.

Prereq: BIOL 1501, the completion of the Mathematics/Computer Science requirement on the Bachelor of Science, and at least two second-year Biology courses; or permission of the Department

BIOL 3711 (3CR)
CHEMICAL ECOLOGY

This course deals with the biochemistry of interactions between animals, plants and microorganisms that occur in the natural environment. Strong emphasis is placed on the role of so-called "secondary metabolites" or "natural products" such as alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, etc., in the insect-plant, vertebrate-plant, plant-plant and vertebrate-vertebrate relationships.

Prereq: BIOL 2101, CHEM 2131; or permission of the Department

BIOL 3751 (3CR)
COMPARATIVE CHORDATE ANATOMY

A lecture and laboratory course in which the structure, function and diversity of vertebrate animals will be examined and compared. It will discuss successive modifications of structural and functional systems found in vertebrates, and speculate on the survival value of these systems and on their relationships to contemporary environments.

Prereq: BIOL 2401; or permission of the Department

BIOL 3801 (3CR)
THEORETICAL AND EVOLUTIONARY ECOLOGY

This course begins with the classical growth curves, competition and predator-prey equations by Lotke, Volterra and others. The use of these simple mathematical models in niche and community theory is discussed, and the alternative approaches to interpreting natural communities are introduced (e.g. system analysis, neutral community models). The underlying assumptions are discussed in the light of modern neo-Darwinian and physiological approaches.

Prereq: BIOL 2101, either BIOL 2301 or 2401; MATH 1111, 1121; or permission of the Department

BIOL 3811 (3CR)
CONSERVATION BIOLOGY

The field of conservation biology applies to the principles of ecology, biogeography, and population genetics to the mitigation of human impact and the maintenance of global biodiversity. The course will familiarize the student with the concepts and principles of conservation biology and will encourage active debate about threats to ecological integrity and the ways scientists attempt to cope with such threats.

Prereq: BIOL 2101; or permission of the Department

BIOL 3901 (3CR)
PLANT DEVELOPMENT

A lecture and laboratory course designed to explore the question of development of anatomical structures within vascular plants. The role of heredity and environment in signalling pattern development from a single fertilized seed to the multicellular reproductive plant will be discussed. Particular attention will be paid to the function of plant growth factors as signal devices.

Prereq: BIOL 2301 and BIOC 2001; or permission of the Department

BIOL 3911 (3CR)
PLANTS AND HUMAN SOCIETY

This course will deal with the interactions between plants and human societies from the time of the introduction of agriculture until the present. It will include the consideration of the evolution of vascular plants, especially those important to agriculture and forestry. It will emphasize the origins of agriculture on various continents; it will discuss economic botany and the present day commercial uses of plants. Consideration will be given to interrelations between plants and societies in their dietary, cultural and religious connotations. Finally, the course will consider world food shortages, either present or potential, and possible ways to alleviate these.

Prereq: First year level Biology; or permission of the Department

BIOL 3941 (3CR)
PLANT PHYSIOLOGY

A lecture and laboratory course designed to present a general introduction to the physiology of plants. Topics that will be discussed include photosynthesis, from the level of light entrapment to that of the fixation of carbon dioxide; translocation of sugars and the storage of energy rich food reserves; transpiration and water loss from leaves, as well as uptake and water transport within the plant; and mineral nutrition including uptake and transport of nutrients as well as their distribution and use.

Prereq: BIOL 2301 and BIOC 2001; or permission of the Department

BIOL 4101 (3CR)
BEHAVIOURAL ECOLOGY

A course to explore the relationships between animal behaviour and ecology, emphasizing the behavioural strategies which animals have evolved to enhance their survival and to increase their reproductive success. Topics such as foraging, living in groups, resource defence, sexual selection, parental care, mating systems, altruism and communication will be discussed within a neo-Darwinian framework using optimality models and game theory.

Prereq: BIOL 3011, 3401; or permission of the Department

BIOL 4111 (3CR)
FIELD ECOLOGY

This course will introduce students to the basic principles of field ecology research, experimental design, and data analysis, through lectures, laboratories, field trips, course readings, and guest speakers. The course will focus on various techniques used in quantitative field ecology, including the design of observational studies, environmental impact assessments, and manipulative experiments used for the description and classification of habitats, and assessing the ecological factors that influence plant and animal distribution and abundance. Throughout the course we will also read, critique and discuss research papers from the primary ecological literature.

Prereq: BIOL 2101, 3701; or permission of the Department

BIOL 4141 (3CR)
MYCOLOGY

This course will give an overview of true Fungi (Ascomycetes, Basidiomycetes, Zygomycetes and Chytridiomycetes), and of the fungus-like Oomycetes. Structure/function relationships will be emphasized, as well as the significance of the various groups in ecology, medicine, plant disease and their use in industry.

Prereq: BIOL 3101 (or as a co-requisite); or permission of the Department

BIOL 4151 (3CR)
VIROLOGY

This is an introductory course on virology that will cover the fundamental features of animal, bacterial, and plant viruses. Lectures will cover the biochemical genetic features of viral structure and replication, techniques used in studying viruses, the evolution of viruses, cell defence against viruses, the history of viruses as the causal agents of animal and plant disease, and current antiviral strategies. The role of viruses as agents of evolutionary change, and their use in modern molecular genetics will also be discussed.

Prereq: BIOL 2601, 3101 (Bio 3101 may also be taken as a co-requisite); or permission of the Department

BIOL 4201 (3CR)
ENVIRONMENTAL PHYSIOLOGY

This advanced course in animal physiology will examine the physiological and biochemical strategies animals use to survive in diverse, often stressful environments. Using primary literature from scientific journals, this course will focus on animal responses to environmental conditions such as hypoxia/anoxia, high and low temperatures, overwintering, altitude, environmental pollutants, osmotic stress and UV radiation. Weekly discussion groups on recent topical papers will form a major component of this course.

Prereq: BIOL 3201, 3211; or permission of the Department

BIOL 4211 (3CR)
ENDOCRINOLOGY

This is a course that will cover vertebrate hormone systems generally although some aspects of invertebrate systems may be examined. Lectures and seminars will discuss hormone synthesis, control of secretion, modes of secretion and general mechanisms of action. Also, specific hormone systems such as the hypothalamus-pituitary axis, renin-angiotensin system, pituitary-adrenal axis etc., will be examined.

Prereq: BIOL 3201 or 3211; or permission of the Department

BIOL 4221 (3CR)
EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY

This advanced lecture-based course will explore the metabolic and systemic basis of exercise, the physiology of training and performance and exercise under special conditions (environment, disease). In addition to studying these fundamentals of exercise physiology, we will also delve into recent research and advancements in the field.

Prereq: BIOL 3201, 3211; or permission of the Department

BIOL 4251 (3CR)
SELECTED TOPICS IN BIOLOGY

The course deals with different selected areas in Biology. The course content, format and prerequisites will vary depending on the particular area of biology to be covered.

BIOL 4301 (3CR)
PHYSIOLOGICAL PLANT ECOLOGY

The emphasis in this course will be on the ways plants respond to their environment. Topics include a discussion of transpiration and heat transfer, photosynthesis in nature, vernalization, photoperiodism and response to stress such as drought, temperature, salinity and pollutants.

Prereq: BIOL 2101 and 3941; or permission of the Department

BIOL 4371 (3CR)
ADVANCED MARINE SCIENCE

This course provides students who are seriously interested in marine science with an opportunity for in depth study of selected topics from the most progressive areas of marine science. Depending on student interest all or some of the following areas will be addressed: advances in biological, geological, chemical and physical oceanography and methodology (e.g. application of remote technology in marine exploration, ultra-clean methods of measuring trace nutrients). Emphasis will be placed on specific topics whose progress carries global significance and may include ocean/atmosphere interactions, sustainable fisheries, integrative aquaculture, marine ecological engineering, etc.

Prereq: Two of BIOL 3351, 3361 or 3371; or permission of the Department

BIOL 4401 (3CR)
EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY OF SEX AND REPRODUCTION

This is a seminar/discussion course on the evolution of sexuality and various reproductive patterns. Topics covered will include (but not be limited to): what is sex, sexual and asexual reproduction, asexual reproduction and parthenogenesis, the role of sex in evolution, Muller's Ratchet vs. the Red Queen, genetic and epigenetic sex determination, sexual selection, mating strategies of males and females, role of parasites in the evolution of sex, fertilization strategies and hermaphroditism.

Prereq: BIOL 3011, 3401; or permission of the Department

BIOL 4511 (3CR)
TOPICS IN INVERTEBRATE ZOOLOGY

A course allowing detailed study into several aspects of invertebrate zoology. Each student will be expected to research a specific group of invertebrates thoroughly, and to communicate this information to the other members of the class. In addition, the student will undertake a laboratory study of a topic of interest in invertebrate zoology.

Prereq: BIOL 2401; or permission of the Department

BIOL 4701 (3CR)
TROPICAL MARINE BIOLOGY

This lecture and field course will introduce students to the fauna, flora and complex interactions in tropical habitats and allow independent research in such habitats. Habitats explored will be coral reefs, reef lagoons, mangrove swamps and rocky shores. Ecological and behavioural interactions of organisms in those areas will be stressed. The field component of this course will take place at a field station in the Caribbean for twelve days that include the week of Independent Study. The course will include six, 3 hour lectures and two weeks at the Field Station. Students will pay all costs of transportation, room, board and lab fees for this expedition.

Prereq: BIOL 2101, 2401, and one of BIOL 3361, 3371; and permission of the Department

BIOL 4711 (3CR)
ADVANCED BIOMETRICS

This course deals with the collection and analysis of biological data. Throughout the course, the model-comparison approach will be used, using both parametric and non-parametric techniques. The different approaches to hypothesis testing as developed by Fisher, Neyman-Pearson and Bayes, simple power calculations and an introduction to computer-intensive methods (Monte Carlo, Bootstrap, etc.) will be presented. Examples discussed during lectures or assignments will be analyzed with SYSTAT and Resampling Stats. Both programs will be available on Maclab computers. The course is intended for students who have taken an introductory course in statistics, and who are familiar with the basic assumptions of classical statistical analysis. The range of topics covered depends to some extent on the interest and experience of the participants.

Prereq: MATH 2311, or PSYC 2001, or BIOL 3701; or permission of the Department

BIOL 4903 (3CR)
CURRENT ADVANCES IN BIOLOGY

A seminar course for Honours students in Biology which will critically evaluate a wide range of topics from the current literature in all branches of biological science. Students will be expected to deliver seminars on topics outside their thesis area and present preliminary thesis results.

Coreq: Registration in BIOL 4990; or permission of the Department

BIOL 4950 (6CR)
SPECIAL TOPICS IN BIOLOGY

A course to permit an advanced student to pursue a special field of study, or to take advantage of a different approach under the direction of an appropriate staff member. Each student's programme will be planned individually using lectures, reading, tutorials, laboratory work, etc.

Prereq: Permission of the Department. Each student must obtain, prior to registration, consent of a staff member who is willing to be a supervisor.

BIOL 4990 (6CR)
THESIS

The thesis requires a report on one or more laboratory, library or field investigations carried out by arrangement with and under the direction of an appropriate member of the staff. This course is open only to candidates for Honours in Biology in their senior year. A minimum grade of B is required in this course for successful completion of an honours degree.

Prereq: Consent of supervising staff member prior to registration and permission of the Department

BIOL 5103 (3CR)
GRADUATE STUDIES IN BIOLOGY 1

Prereq: Registration in the M.Sc. programme and permission of the Department

BIOL 5113 (3CR)
GRADUATE STUDIES IN BIOLOGY II

Prereq: Registration in the M.Sc. programme and permission of the Department

BIOL 5203 (3CR)
GRADUATE STUDIES IN BIOLOGY III

Prereq: Registration in the M.Sc. programme and permission of the Department

BIOL 5213 (3CR)
GRADUATE STUDIES IN BIOLOGY IV

Prereq: Registration in the M.Sc. programme and permission of the Department

BIOL 5990 (6CR)
M.SC. THESIS IN BIOLOGY