Biology is the scientific study of living things: their form, their
function, their origin and their behaviour. The study of Biology can be an important part
of a liberal education, for to understand it well requires knowledge of chemistry, physics,
mathematics, and natural history; to describe it well requires a command of language and
ability to present observations visually; to appreciate it requires an awareness of human
nature, both past and present, and the interplay between humans and other living organisms
and their common environment. For three thousand years this discipline has developed to
describe living things in aid of the arts of healing, of gardening and of living. Today it
abounds with exciting new knowledge and discoveries, so that wise people still read about
it with amazement or pursue it with delight.
In this department three things are attempted:
to give all students an understanding of the scope, techniques and general principles which
underline Biology; to encourage independent study and self-learning where possible; to give
those students who are seriously interested in advanced studies an opportunity of exploring
the areas of special interest to faculty who are primarily concerned with the fields of
ecology and physiology.
Students intending to take a Major or Minor or Honours in Biology
should consult the Department website and/or a Program Advisor before completing
registration.
Note: The listing of a course in the Calendar is not a guarantee that the
course is offered every year.
Note: Students must obtain a grade of at least C- in all courses used to
fulfill prerequisite requirements. Otherwise, written permission of the
appropriate Department Head or Program Co-ordinator must be obtained.
BIOL 1001 (3CR)
INTRODUCTORY BIOLOGY
Format: lecture 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours
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
Format: lecture 3 hours
Note: This course is restricted to non-science majors. Science majors require the instructor's permission to
enrol.
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.
BIOL 1211 (3CR)
WORLD ECOSYSTEMS
Format: lecture 3 hours
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
Format: lecture 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours
Prereq: CHEM 1001; or permission of the Department
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.
BIOL 2101 (3CR)
INTRODUCTION TO ECOLOGY
Format: lecture 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours
Prereq: BIOL 1001; or permission of the Department
Exclusion: Any version of BIOL 2101 previously offered with a different title
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.
BIOL 2301 (3CR)
PLANT BIOLOGY
Format: lecture 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours
Prereq: BIOL 1001; or permission of the Department
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.
BIOL 2401 (3CR)
ANIMAL BIOLOGY
Format: lecture 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours
Prereq: BIOL 1001; or permission of the Department
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.
BIOL 2601 (3CR)
GENETICS
Format: lecture 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours
Prereq: BIOL 1501; or permission of the Department
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.
BIOL 2701 (3CR)
BIOMETRICS
Format: lecture 3 hours
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
Exclusion: BIOL 3701
Note: Students may count for credit towards a degree a maximum of 6 credits from BIOL 2701,
GENS 2431, MATH 2311, and PSYC 2001
This course introduces data analysis, the principles of experimental
design and the formulating and testing of hypotheses. It describes graphical and statistical (t-test,
chi-square test, anova) analyses of laboratory and field collected data, and discusses their appropriate
use in Biology.
BIOL 3011 (3CR)
EVOLUTION
Format: lecture 3 hours
Prereq: BIOL 2601; or permission of the Department
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.
BIOL 3021 (3CR)
PALAEONTOLOGY
Format: lecture 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours
Prereq: BIOL 2301 and 2401; or permission of the Department
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.
BIOL/BIOC 3031 (3CR)
MOLECULAR ANALYSES
Format: Integrated Lecture and Laboratory, 6 Hours
Prereq: BIOC 2001; or permission of the Program Advisor
Exclusion: BIOC 3531, BIOC 3021
This course focuses on experiential analysis and computer modeling of key concepts of
the molecular basis of biology, including nucleic acid structure, synthesis, and replication
through template-directed polymerizations. The course builds on these key concepts to explore
gene structure, expression, and engineering, leading to the wide-ranging applications of
molecular biology to biology, medicine, and diagnostics.
BIOL 3101 (3CR)
MICROORGANISMS
Format: lecture 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours
Prereq: BIOC 2001; or permission of the Department
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.
BIOL 3111 (3CR)
FUNCTIONAL MICROBIOLOGY
Format: lecture 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours
Prereq: BIOC 2001; or permission of the Department
Exclusion: any version of BIOL 3111 previously offered with a different title
This course emphasizes the ecophysiology of microorganisms, particularly
prokaryotes, and their key roles in biogeochemical cycles. We will cover the key
functional microbial groups which mediate major steps in the biogeochemical cycles,
their ecological requirements and the limiting factors on their growth and activity.
This will lead to discussion of the roles of microorganisms in current issues in
biology and environmental science, including bio-remediation, biological control,
climate change, antibiotic resistance, food processing and (re)emerging pathogens.
BIOL 3201 (3CR)
ANIMAL PHYSIOLOGY; ADAPTATION AND ENVIRONMENT
Format: lecture 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours
Prereq: BIOL 2401; or permission of the Department
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.
BIOL 3211 (3CR)
HUMAN CELL PHYSIOLOGY
Format: lecture 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours
Prereq: BIOC 2001; or permission of the Department
Exclusion: any version of BIOL 3211 previously offered with a different title
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.
BIOL 3311 (3CR)
DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
Format: lecture 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours
Prereq: BIOL 2601; or permission of the Department
Exclusion: any version of BIOL 3311 previously offered with a different title
This course examines the development of selected invertebrates, vertebrates and
plants. Topics to be covered include gametogenesis fertilization, mechanisms of
cleavage and gastrulation, the organization of the early embryo as deduced from
experimental manipulation, pattern formation, cloning, and regeneration.
BIOL 3331/3341 (3CR)
SELECTED TOPICS IN MARINE SCIENCE I AND II
Format: field courses at Huntsman Marine Science Centre
Prereq: BIOL 2101, 2301, 2401; or permission of the Department
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.
BIOL 3351 (3CR)
MARINE BOTANY
Format: lecture 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours
Prereq: BIOL 2301; or permission of the Department
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.
BIOL 3361 (3CR)
MARINE BIOLOGY I: COASTAL SYSTEMS
Format: lecture 3 hours, field trip
Prereq: BIOL 2101, 2301, 2401; or permission of the Department
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.
BIOL 3401 (3CR)
ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR
Format: lecture 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours
Prereq: BIOL 2101, 2401; or permission of the Department
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.
BIOL 3411 (3CR)
ICHTHYOLOGY
Format: lecture 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours
Prereq: BIOL 2101 and 2401; or permission of the Department
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.
BIOL/GENS 3421 (3CR)
BIOGEOGRAPHY
Format: lecture 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours
Prereq: GENS 2431, 2421; or permission of the Department
Exclusion: GEOG 3421
Note: This course is cross-listed with BIOL 3421 and may therefore count as three credits
in either discipline.
This course explores the links between the geomorphology and climatology of a region and
the plant-animal
environments through a biogeographical approach to ecological studies. It focuses on the
geography of plants including environmental controls of plant distributions and
the functional and historical aspects of plant communities.
BIOL 3451 (3CR)
ENTOMOLOGY
Format: lecture 3 hours, laboratory/field trip 3 hours
Prereq: BIOL 2401; or permission of the Department
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.
BIOL 3501 (3CR)
NATIVE FLORA (VASCULAR PLANTS)
Format: lecture 3 hours, laboratory/field trip 3 hours
Prereq: BIOL 2301; or permission of the Department
A field-oriented course on identification, taxonomy, and ecology of vascular plants.
BIOL 3601 (3CR)
ECOLOGICAL GENETICS
Format: lecture 3 hours, tutorial 1 hour
Prereq: Biology 2601, Math 1111, or permission of the Department
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.
BIOL 3611 (3CR)
MAMMALOGY
Format: lecture 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours
Prereq: BIOL 2101, 2401; or permission of the Department
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.
BIOL 3621 (3CR)
EXPERIENTIAL GENETICS
Format: Integrated Lecture and Laboratory, 5 Hours
Prereq: BIOL 2601 Introductory Genetics; or permission of the Department
This course explores current problems in genetics through a series of research projects.
The research projects introduce students to some or all of: Mendelian analysis, crosses using
genetic model organisms (primarily Drosophila melanogaster), conventional light microscopy,
fluorescent microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, polymerase chain reaction (PCR),
DNA extraction, gel electrophoresis, cytology, in situ hybridization, immunocytology, data mining,
and related techniques.
BIOL 3651 (3CR)
INTRODUCTION TO ORNITHOLOGY
Format: lecture 3 hours, laboratory/field trip 3 hours
Prereq: BIOL 2101, 2401; or permission of the Department
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.
BIOL/BIOC 3711 (3CR)
BIOCHEMICAL ECOLOGY
Format: seminar 3 hours
Prereq: BIOL 2101, BIOC 2001; or permission of the Biology Department
Note: This course is cross-listed and may therefore count as three credits in either
discipline.
This course deals with the biochemistry of interactions between animals, plants and
microorganisms that occur in the natural environment. It places strong emphasis 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.
BIOL 3751 (3CR)
COMPARATIVE CHORDATE ANATOMY
Format: lecture 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours
Prereq: BIOL 2401; or permission of the Department
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.
BIOL 3801 (3CR)
THEORETICAL AND EVOLUTIONARY ECOLOGY
Format: lecture 3 hours
Prereq: BIOL 2101; MATH 1111; third year standing or permission of the
Department
This course critically evaluates theories of population and evolutionary ecology that
were introduced in BIOL 2101. It explores the effects of specific parameters on the predicted
outcomes of classical ecological(such as population growth, competition, predation, and community)
and evolutionary models using a suite of mathematical and simulation techniques. The course assesses
the limitations, application, and interpretation of outcomes for each examined model.
BIOL 3811 (3CR)
CONSERVATION BIOLOGY
Format: lecture 3 hours
Prereq: BIOL 2101; or permission of the Department
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.
BIOL 3911 (3CR)
PLANTS AND HUMAN SOCIETY
Format: lecture/seminar 3 hours
Prereq: First year level Biology; or permission of the Department
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.
BIOL 3941 (3CR)
PLANT PHYSIOLOGY
Format: lecture 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours
Prereq: BIOL 2301 and BIOC 2001; or permission of the Department
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.
BIOL 4101 (3CR)
BEHAVIOURAL ECOLOGY
Format: lecture 3 hours
Prereq: BIOL 3011, 3401; or permission of the Department
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.
BIOL 4111 (3CR)
FIELD ECOLOGY
Format: lecture 3 hours, laboratory/field trip 3 hours
Prereq: BIOL 2101, 4711; or permission of the Department
Note: BIOL 4711 may be taken as a corequisite.
This course introduces students to the basic principles of
field ecology research, experimental design, and data analysis, through lectures,
laboratories, field trips, course readings, and guest speakers. Course topics focus
on various techniques used in quantitative field ecology, including the design of observational
studies, environmental impact survey techniques, 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.
BIOL 4141 (3CR)
MYCOLOGY
Format: lecture 3 hours
Prereq: BIOL 3101 (or as a co-requisite); or permission of the Department
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.
BIOL 4151 (3CR)
VIROLOGY
Format: Lecture/Seminar 3 hours
Prereq: BIOL 2601, 3101 (with permissin, BIOL 3101 may be taken as a co-requisite);
or permission of the Department
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.
BIOL 4201 (3CR)
ENVIRONMENTAL PHYSIOLOGY
Format: Lecture/Seminar 3 hours
Prereq: BIOL 3201, 3211; or permission of the Department
Exclusion: BIOL 4201 - Topics in Comparative Animal 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.
BIOL 4211 (3CR)
ENDOCRINOLOGY
Format: Lecture/Seminar 3 hours
Prereq: BIOL 3201 or 3211; or permission of the Department
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.
BIOL 4221 (3CR)
EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY
Format: Lecture/Seminar 3 hours
Prereq: BIOL 3201, 3211; or permission of the Department
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.
BIOL 4301 (3CR)
PHYSIOLOGICAL PLANT ECOLOGY
Format: Lecture/Seminar/Laboratory Project 3 Hours
Prereq: BIOL 2101 and 2301; or permission of the Department
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.
BIOL 4371 (3CR)
ADVANCED MARINE SCIENCE
Format: Lecture/Seminar 3 hours
Prereq: One of BIOL 3351, 3361 or 3371; or permission of the Department
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.
BIOL 4401 (3CR)
EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY OF SEX AND REPRODUCTION
Format: Seminar 3 Hours
Prereq: BIOL 3011, 3401; or permission of the Department
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.
BIOL 4511 (3CR)
TOPICS IN INVERTEBRATE ZOOLOGY
Format: Lecture 3 Hours, Laboratory 3 Hours
Prereq: BIOL 2401; or permission of the Department
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.
BIOL 4701 (3CR)
TROPICAL MARINE BIOLOGY
Format: Lecture 3 Hours, Field Trip
Prereq: BIOL 2101, 2401, and one of BIOL 3361, 3371; and permission of the
Department
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.
BIOL 4711 (3CR)
ADVANCED BIOMETRICS
Prereq: MATH 2311, or PSYC 2011, or BIOL 2701, or GENS 2431; or permission of the Department
This is an applied course dealing with the collection and analysis
of biological data. Basic techniques will be reviewed, and students will be
exposed to a variety of statistical techniques including advanced ANOVA and
regression, techniques for categorical data, resampling methods, MANOVA and
other multivariate techniques. The range of topics covered depends to some
extent on the interest and experience of the participants. Experimental
design issues such as power analysis and pseudoreplication will be considered
throughout. The focus of this course is on teaching students how to design
studies with clear hypotheses, select appropriate statistical methods, and
carry out the analyses. Students will apply the techniques they have learned
in lectures to real data sets. The course is intended for upper-level
undergraduates with an interest in analysis of biological data. It would be
especially beneficial for those who are either pursuing honours or wish to do so,
and for those who intend to continue on to graduate studies.
BIOL 4903 (3CR)
CURRENT ADVANCES IN BIOLOGY
Format: Lecture/Seminar 3 hours
Coreq: Registration in BIOL 4990; or permission of the Department
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.
BIOL 4950/4951 (6/3CR)
INDEPENDENT STUDY IN BIOLOGY
Format: Independent Study
Prereq: Permission of the Department/Program Advisor. Students must obtain
consent of an instructor who is willing to be a supervisor and must register
for the course prior to the last day for change of registration in the term
during which the course is being taken.
Note: A program on Independent Study cannot duplicate subject matter covered through
regular course offerings.
Note: Students may register for BIOL 4950/51 more than once, provided the subject
matter differs.
This course permits senior students, under the direction faculty members,
to pursue their interest in areas not covered, or not covered in depth, by other
courses through a program of independent study.
BIOL 4990 (6CR)
THESIS
Format: Independent Study/Thesis
Prereq: Consent of supervising staff member prior to registration and permission of the
Department
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.
BIOL 1991/2991/3991/4991 (3CR)
SPECIAL TOPIC IN BIOLOGY
Format: Variable
Prereq: Set by the Department/Program when the topic and level are announced
Note: When a Department or Program intends to offer a course under this designation,
it must submit course information, normally at least three months in advance, to the Dean.
Note: Students may register for BIOL 1991/2991/3991/4991 more than once, provided the
subject matter differs.
This course either focuses on topics not covered by the current course offerings
in a department or program or offers the opportunity to pilot a course that is being
considered for inclusion in the regular program.