XII. Course Descriptions
Biology
Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences
Department of Integrative Biology
Department of Molecular and Cell Biology
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BIOL*1020 Introduction to Biology F (3-2) [0.50]
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| This course will introduce important concepts concerning the organization of life on our planet, from cells to ecosystems. The dynamic and interactive nature of all living systems will be emphasized. This course will be valuable for students without 12U or OAC biology who are interested in environmental issues, medicine, advances in biotechnology and related topics. |
| Restriction(s): |
BIOL*1030, BIOL*1040, or equivalent |
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BIOL*1030 Biology I F,W (3-3) [0.50]
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| A lecture and laboratory course which introduces the concepts and controversies in contemporary biology and their implications. Using an integrative approach, the course examines some of the basics of biology and two of the common challenges of life, acquisition and processing of nutrients and information flow. How these challenges are faced by animals, microbes and plants and the diversity of structures and processes that have evolved in response to them will be discussed. This is the first course in a two course biology series. When you select it, you are strongly advised to take the second course, BIOL*1040, immediately thereafter. Material from BIOL*1030 will be referred to in BIOL*1040 to emphasize the integrated nature of biology. Students lacking 4U or OAC Biology should consult with their program counsellor prior to taking BIOL*1030. |
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BIOL*1040 Biology II F,W (3-3) [0.50]
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| A continuation of BIOL*1030. A lecture and laboratory course which continues with additional challenges of life faced by animals, microbes and plants and the diversity of structures and processes that have evolved in response to them. To indicate the value of biology to society, some topical issues in biology will be addressed. This is the second course in a two course biology series and should be taken immediately after successfully completing BIOL*1030. Materials introduced in BIOL*1030 will be built on and referred to in BIOL*1040. |
| Prerequisite(s): |
BIOL*1030
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BIOL*2060 Ecology F,W (3-1) [0.50]
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| This is a basic course that presents a discussion of the ecology of plants, animals, fungi and bacteria as individual organisms, interacting populations, communities and ecosystems. Lectures and discussion groups are used to demonstrate the tremendous difficulty of interpreting ecological data derived from field studies. The value of laboratory-based research in ecology will also be discussed. The course will be important for anyone who wishes to understand what we know and need to know about the way ecological systems work. Department of Integrative Biology. (Also offered through distance education format.) |
| Prerequisite(s): |
BIOL*1040
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BIOL*2210 Introductory Cell Biology S,F,W (3-0) [0.50]
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| The structure and function of eukaryotic cells with emphasis on multicellular organisms. Role of subcellular structures and organelles in cellular processes of bioenergetics, division, differentiation, motility, secretion, nutrition, and communication. (Also offered through distance education format.) |
| Prerequisite(s): |
BIOL*1040
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BIOL*2250 Biostatistics and the Life Sciences W (3-2) [0.50]
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| This course in biostatistical methods will emphasize the design of research projects, data gathering, analysis and the interpretation of results. Statistical concepts underlying practical aspects of biological research will be acquired while working through the process of scientific enquiry. Weekly computer laboratory sessions will focus on practical data visualization and statistical analysis using computer statistical packages. Simple parametric and nonparametric methods are reviewed, followed by more advanced topics that will include some or all of the following: two factor ANOVA and multiple regression, and introductions to discriminant analysis, cluster analysis, principle components analysis, logistic regression, and resampling methods. (Also listed as STAT*2250.) Departments of Mathematics and Statistics and Integrative Biology. |
| Prerequisite(s): |
STAT*2040 or STAT*2100
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| Equate(s): |
STAT*2250
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| Restriction(s): |
STAT*2050
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BIOL*3010 Laboratory and Field Work in Ecology F (0-6) [0.50]
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| This course emphasizes field and laboratory work in ecology. Students will gain experience in experimental designs, sampling, analysis and interpretation of data collected to answer ecological questions. Local field sites will be used to run in-course experiments. Critical thinking about ecological issues relevant to society will be emphasized. Department of Integrative Biology. |
| Prerequisite(s): |
BIOL*1040 or STAT*2040
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| Co-requisite(s): |
BIOL*2060 or BIOL*3110
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BIOL*3050 Mycology W (3-3) [0.50]
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| This course provides an introduction to the fungal lifestyle and to classification and evolution of the major groups of fungi, including microfungi, yeasts and other eukaryotic microbes. The characteristics of fungal cell structure, genetics and metabolism will be presented, and fungal reproduction and sporulation processes discussed with reference to the life cycles of representative forms. The ecological and economic importance of fungi will be demonstrated by considering fungal ecology, symbiotic relationships, mycotoxins and pathogenic fungi and industrial applications of fungi and yeasts. Laboratory work will provide familiarity with procedures for culturing, examining and identifying fungi and yeasts. Department of Integrative Biology and Department of Mollecular and Cellular Biology. |
| Prerequisite(s): |
BOT*2100 or MICR*2030
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| Restriction(s): |
BOT*3200, MICR*3100
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BIOL*3110 Population Ecology F,W (3-1) [0.50]
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| An exploration of the structure and dynamics of animal and plant populations. The first part of the course will focus on demographic characteristics of populations and simple models of population growth and natural regulation. The second part of the course will concentrate on a variety of population processes, including predator-prey interactions, spatial dynamics, and disease-host interactions, and consider how these processes affect population dynamics. A quantitative approach emphasizing the use of mathematical models, graphical analysis, and statistics will provide the basic conceptual framework, which will be illustrated by selected case studies. Department of Integrative Biology. |
| Prerequisite(s): |
(MATH*1080 or MATH*1200), STAT*2040
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BIOL*3120 Community Ecology F,W (3-1) [0.50]
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| A course on the structure and dynamics of communities, dealing with both theoretical and applied aspects of community ecology. Emphasis is on the modern quantitative view of community ecology, and on the development of problem-solving skills. Department of Integrative Biology. |
| Prerequisite(s): |
BIOL*3110
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BIOL*3130 Conservation Biology W (3-0) [0.50]
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| An introduction to the biological basis for the management of wild, living resources, including freshwater and marine fish and wild life. Topics will include an overview of processes related to resource population abundance and dynamics, theory and practice of sustained-yield harvesting, and conservation and restoration of endangered species and/or ecosystems. Both theoretical and applied aspects of resource management will be emphasized. Department of Integrative Biology. |
| Prerequisite(s): |
BIOL*3110
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BIOL*3300 Applied Bioinformatics W (3-2) [0.50]
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| New molecular genetic and information technologies have enabled biologists to produce and to access large and informative data sets. This course will provide an introductory understanding of the databases and methods used in computational molecular data analysis. Topics covered will include introducing the UNIX-related operating system, reviewing major molecular databases and their structures, constructing sequence alignments, constructing phylogenies, and finding motifs and genes in biological sequences. Lab sessions will include an introduction to Unix and Perl for the biologist and hands-on use of several molecular data analysis programs. |
| Prerequisite(s): |
MBG*2020, (STAT*2040 or STAT*2100) |
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BIOL*3450 Introduction to Aquatic Environments F,W (3-3) [0.50]
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| An introduction to the structure and components of aquatic ecosystems, how they are regulated by physical, chemical and biological factors, and the impact of humans on these environments and their biota. Laboratory periods will centre around computer-based exercises and simulation of aquatic systems. Department of Integrative Biology. (Also offered through distance education format.) |
| Prerequisite(s): |
BIOL*1040, (CHEM*1050 or CHEM*1310), ZOO*2070 is strongly recommended |
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BIOL*4050 Advanced Eukaryotic Microbiology F (3-0) [0.50]
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| This course will focus on several selected topics concerning yeasts, fungi, and protists. It will emphasize the ecology of fungi in natural environments, fungi pathogens of animals and plants, use of yeasts and fungi as model systems in biology, and other topics in contemporary eukaryotic microbiology. Department of Integrative Biology and Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology. (Offered in even-numbered years.) |
| Prerequisite(s): |
BIOL*3050
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BIOL*4060 Restoration Ecology W (3-1) [0.50]
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| An overview of the process used to restore naturally occurring ecological systems that have been degraded by human activity. Students will review restoration projects in Canada and abroad, to become more familiar with experimental design, analysis and data management, as it is currently used in restoration ecology. Emphasis will be placed on the scientific method and the role of ecological theory. Political, social, and economic aspects of restoration will also be considered. Department of Integrative Biology. |
| Prerequisite(s): |
BIOL*2060 or (BIOL*3110 and BIOL*3120) |
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BIOL*4100 Molecular Evolution and Phylogenetics F (2-2) [0.50]
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| This course is designed to provide students with an appreciation for the uses of molecular data in the study of evolutionary processes. An overview of the principles of molecular data analysis using a phylogenetic approach will be given. In addition, the importance of incorporating evolutionary history into biodiversity research and other applied topics will be emphasized. Laboratory sessions will be devoted to practical training in analytical tools using specialized computer software, and for student presentation of independent research projects. The course will involve practical training in molecular data analysis using a phylogenetic approach and discussion of current topics from the primary literature. Department of Integrative Biology. |
| Prerequisite(s): |
MBG*3000 or ZOO*3300
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BIOL*4110 Ecological Methods F (3-3) [0.75]
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| An advanced course designed to present theoretical and practical aspects of research methods in ecology. Emphasis will be placed on experimental design, sampling, population estimation, statistical inference, and community characteristics of producers and consumers. Students will participate in research projects of their own design, and will gain experience in preparing research proposals, research papers and posters, and making oral presentations. Department of Integrative Biology. |
| Prerequisite(s): |
BIOL*3010, BIOL*3120, STAT*2040
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BIOL*4120 Evolutionary Ecology W (3-1) [0.50]
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| An examination of common ecological circumstances faced by plants and animals and the morphological, behavioral and life history characteristics that have evolved in response. Particular emphasis will be placed on evolutionary processes and on adaptive aspects of thermoregulation, foraging strategies, spatial distribution, social and reproductive strategies. The course will emphasize both the theoretical basis and the empirical evidence for ecological adaptation. There is a 1-hour seminar each week for class discussion of selected lecture topics. Department of Integrative Biology. |
| Prerequisite(s): |
BIOL*3110, MBG*2000, (MBG*3000 or ZOO*3300) |
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BIOL*4150 Wildlife Conservation and Management W (3-0) [0.50]
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| This course builds on previous courses in population and community ecology to evaluate the long-term dynamics of threatened populations in the context of human intervention. The course will also provide a "hands-on" introduction to computer modeling, with application to contemporary issues in population ecology and resource management. Lectures will be drawn from the following topics: growth and regulation of single populations, long-term persistence of ecological communities, harvesting, bio-economics, and habit modification. Department of Integrative Biology. |
| Prerequisite(s): |
BIOL*3110 or BOT*2050
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| Restriction(s): |
ZOO*4110
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