XII. Course Descriptions
Biology
Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences
Department of Integrative Biology
Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology
Department of Plant Agriculture
| BIOL*1020 Introduction to Biology F (3-2) [0.50] |
| This course will introduce important concepts concerning the organization of life, from cells to ecosystems. The dynamic and
interactive nature of all living systems will be emphasized. This course will be valuable for students without Grade 12 or
4U Biology who are interested in environmental issues, medicine, advances in biotechnology and related topics. Department
of Integrative Biology.
|
| Restriction(s): |
BIOL*1030, BIOL*1040, BIOL*1070, BIOL*1080, BIOL*1090 |
| BIOL*1030 Biology I F (3-3) [0.50] |
| 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. Material from BIOL*1030 will be referred to in BIOL*1040 to emphasize the integrated nature of biology. Students lacking Grade 12 or 4U Biology should consult with their program
counsellor prior to taking BIOL*1030.
|
| Restriction(s): |
Registration in the BBRM |
| Location(s): |
Kemptville, Ridgetown |
| BIOL*1040 Biology II W (3-3) [0.50] |
| 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. Materials introduced in BIOL*1030 will be built on and referred to in BIOL*1040.
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
BIOL*1030 |
| Restriction(s): |
Registration in the BBRM |
| Location(s): |
Kemptville, Ridgetown |
| BIOL*1050 Biology of Plants & Animals in Managed Ecosystems F (3-2) [0.50] |
| In this course students will investigate the biology of plants and animals in the context of agroecosystems and other managed
ecosystems. Students will learn about the form and function of plants and animals and interactions between organisms and their
environments. The course strongly emphasizes participatory and self-directed learning, problem solving, reasoning and exposure
to primary research literature and will address key concepts in evolution, plant and animal structure, physiology and ecology.
Students lacking Grade 12 or 4U Biology should consult with their program counsellor prior to taking BIOL*1050 in first semester. Departments of Plant Agriculture and Department of Animal and Poultry Science.
|
| Restriction(s): |
BIOL*1030, BIOL*1040 |
| Location(s): |
Kemptville, Ridgetown, Guelph |
| BIOL*1070 Discovering Biodiversity F,W (3-0) [0.50] |
| This course strongly emphasizes the development of learning and reasoning skills, an understanding of the nature of biological
inquiry, and key concepts in evolution, ecology, and organismal biology. These include the meaning and significance of biodiversity
and current issues surrounding it, the evolutionary processes through which biological diversity originates and is interrelated,
the complexity of organisms and the importance of physical organization and regulatory processes, and the nature of interactions
among organisms and between organisms and their biotic and abiotic environments. Students lacking Grade 12 or 4U Biology should
consult with their program counsellor prior to taking BIOL*1070 in first semester.
|
| Restriction(s): |
BIOL*1030, BIOL*1040 |
| BIOL*1080 Biological Concepts of Health F,W (3-1) [0.50] |
| This course will define the physiology of the individual as the biological foundation of health and focus on selected studies
of health and illness in the adult human. Students will derive an understanding of the biological foundation of their own
health as an adult and will be encouraged to expand the concepts and processes of individual health to human populations,
animals and the environment. Through lectures, laboratories, small group tutorials and an individual research project, students
will gain an introduction to research in the health sciences. Students lacking Grade 12 or 4U Biology should consult with
their program counsellor prior to taking BIOL*1080 in first semester.
|
| Restriction(s): |
BIOL*1030, BIOL*1040 |
| BIOL*1090 Introduction to Molecular and Cellular Biology F,W (3-0) [0.50] |
| This course will foster an understanding of key concepts in molecular and cell biology and genetics including evolution, relationship
between structure and function, energy and regulation, interrelatedness of life, and the nature of science. By relating these
concepts to their daily lives, through analysis of problems and tutorial discussions, students will develop an understanding
of five central themes: 1) all living things share common properties, 2) the cell is the fundamental functional unit of life,
3) managing energy is central to success, 4) genes are the fundamental information unit of life, and 5) heredity. Students
lacking Grade 12 or 4U Biology should consult with their program counsellor prior to taking BIOL*1090 in first semester.
|
| Restriction(s): |
BIOL*1030, BIOL*1040 |
| BIOL*1500 Humans in the Natural World S,F,W (3-0) [0.50] |
| This course will examine past and present human interactions with Nature from an ecological perspective. It investigates current
global issues that require multi-disciplinary environmental analysis. Department of Integrative Biology. (Also offered through
Distance Education format.)
|
| Equate(s): |
ZOO*1500 |
| Restriction(s): |
Students in the BSC program cannot take this course for credit. This course may not count toward the requirements for the
biology minor.
|
| BIOL*2060 Ecology S,F,W (3-1) [0.50] |
| This course discusses 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 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): |
4.00 credits including (BIOL*1040 or BIOL*1070)
|
| Restriction(s): |
BIOL*3110, BIOL*3120 |
| BIOL*2400 Evolution F,W (3-0) [0.50] |
| This course provides a broad overview of evolutionary biology. It examines the concepts and mechanisms that explain evolutionary
change and the evolution of biological diversity at different levels of biological organization (gene to ecosystem) and across
space and time. It also introduces historical forms of scientific inquiry, unique to biology. The course is designed to be
of interest to students with general interests in science and in research in all areas of biology. Department of Integrative
Biology.
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
BIOL*1040 or (BIOL*1070, BIOL*1090)
|
| Restriction(s): |
BIOL*3400, ZOO*3300 |
| BIOL*3010 Laboratory and Field Work in Ecology F (0-6) [0.50] |
| This course emphasizes field and laboratory work in ecology. Students will gain experience with 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*2060, (STAT*2040 or STAT*2230)
|
| BIOL*3020 Population Genetics F (3-2) [0.50] |
| This course is designed to explore the concepts of random mating, inbreeding, random drift, assortative mating and selection
as they relate to natural populations. The dynamic genetic structure of populations and its relationship to the process of
speciation is examined. The role and significance of molecular genetics as it relates to population genetics, evolution, systematics
and phylogeny is also considered. Department of Integrative Biology.
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
MBG*2000 or MBG*2040 |
| Equate(s): |
MBG*3000 |
| BIOL*3110 Population Ecology F,W (3-1) [0.50] |
| This course will explore 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): |
BIOL*2060, (MATH*1080 or MATH*1200), (STAT*2040 or STAT*2230)
|
| BIOL*3120 Community Ecology W (3-1) [0.50] |
| This course will examine the structure and dynamics of communities, and will deal 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*2060 or BIOL*3110 |
| BIOL*3130 Conservation Biology W (3-0) [0.50] |
| This course is an introduction to the biological basis for conserving wild, living resources, including freshwater and marine
fish, plants and wild life. Topics to be covered include principles of population, community and landscape genetics and ecology
relevant to the conservation, restoration and management of endangered species, ecosystems and/or renewable resources, including
an introduction to the theory and practice of sustained-yield harvesting. Department of Integrative Biology.
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
BIOL*2060 or BIOL*3110 |
| BIOL*3300 Applied Bioinformatics W (3-2) [0.50] |
| This course covers current methods for making use of large molecular data sets to identify the genes that control traits,
to characterize genes' functions, and to infer genetic relationships among individuals. It focuses on case studies and current
research in agriculture and medicine to introduce molecular data analysis methods, including analyzing molecular markers,
constructing nucleotide and protein sequence alignments, constructing phylogenies, and finding motifs and genes in biological
sequences. Lab sessions include an introduction to Unix and Perl for the biologist and hands-on use of several molecular data
analysis programs. Department of Plant Agriculture.
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
(MBG*2020 or MBG*2040), STAT*2040 |
| BIOL*4010 Adaptational Physiology W (3-0) [0.50] |
| This course examines adaptations of organisms to various aquatic and terrestrial environments. A mechanistic approach will
be used to establish the strategies (anatomical, physiological, biochemical) of environmental adaptation. Examples will include
adaptations of deep-sea and polar organisms, adaptations to salinity and desiccation challenges, oxygen availability, sensory
adaptations and symbiotic adaptations. Department of Integrative Biology.
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
ZOO*3210 |
| Equate(s): |
IBIO*4010 |
| BIOL*4100 Molecular Evolution and Phylogenetics F (2-2) [0.50] |
| 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): |
1 of BIOL*2400, BIOL*3400, ZOO*3300 |
| BIOL*4110 Ecological Methods F (3-3) [1.00] |
| This course will examine the theoretical and practical aspects of research methods in ecology. Emphasis will be placed on
experimental design, sampling, population estimation, statistical inference, and 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*3110 or BIOL*3120), (STAT*2040 or STAT*2230)
|
| BIOL*4120 Evolutionary Ecology W (4-0) [0.50] |
| This course is 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. Department of Integrative
Biology.
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
BIOL*3110, (1of BIOL*2400, BIOL*3400, ZOO*3300)
|
| BIOL*4150 Wildlife Conservation and Management F (3-0) [0.50] |
| 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 populations, long-term persistence of ecological communities, harvesting, bio-economics,
and habitat modification. Department of Integrative Biology.
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
BIOL*3110 or BIOL*3130 |
| Restriction(s): |
ZOO*4110 |
| BIOL*4350 Biology of Polluted Waters F (3-3) [0.50] |
| This is a practical course in biology of disturbed waters, and toxicity of pollutants to aquatic life. It's designed to familiarize
students with the characteristics of polluted ecosystems, best methods of field survey, and procedures for toxicity tests.
Department of Integrative Biology.
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
BIOL*3450 |
| Equate(s): |
ZOO*4350 |
| BIOL*4410 Field Ecology F (3-3) [0.75] |
| This is a 12-day field course held in Algonquin Park, Ontario, during August. Students independently conduct and write reports
about 2 research projects of their choice and design (in consultation with faculty members), on any of: vertebrate, invertebrate,
or plant ecology, and/or behaviour, in terrestrial or aquatic habitats. Emphasis is placed upon students asking ecological
questions, designing experiments, and then collecting data from intensive field work. There are no formal lectures, but an
organizational meeting is held in the winter semester prior to the field course. The charge by the field station for room
and board will be passed on to the student. Students are also responsible for their own transportation to and from the field
station. A departmental application form must be submitted for approval at least 4 weeks prior to the last day of course selection
for the Summer semester, and the signature of the course coordinator will be required to select the course. This course must
be recorded as part of your Fall course selection and tuition and compulsory fees will be calculated accordingly. Students
taking this course DO NOT use course numbers reserved for Ontario Universities Program in Field Biology. Detailed information
is available from the Department of Integrative Biology.
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
0.50 credits in ecology |
| Equate(s): |
ZOO*4410 |
| Restriction(s): |
Instructor consent required. |
| BIOL*4500 Natural Resource Policy Analysis W (3-0) [0.50] |
| This course explores the role of science in management decision-making for Canadian renewable natural resources, including
legal, political, social and economic factors. The course will rely on active learning by students working in collaborative
groups, leading to deeper understanding of real-world issues while developing professional skills that are essential for those
who wish to make significant contributions at the science-management interface. Four themes will be explored: 1) acts/policies/guidelines,
2) science and other knowledge systems, 3) management strategy evaluation, and 4) decision analysis & adaptive management.
Department of Integrative Biology.
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
15.00 credits including BIOL*4150 |
| Restriction(s): |
Registration in Semester 7 or 8, BIOL*4040, ZOO*4050 |
| BIOL*4610 Arctic Ecology F (1-6) [0.75] |
| This three-week field course provides an opportunity to study the flora and fauna of marine, freshwater and terrestrial environments
of the high Arctic. Based in the high Arctic, the course includes lectures, field exercises and student projects. An information
session is held in January; students are required to register before March. Signature of course coordinator is required for
course selection. Students are responsible for cost of food and transportation. This course must be recorded as part of your
Fall course selection and tuition and compulsory fees will be calculated accordingly. Students taking this course DO NOT use
course numbers reserved for Ontario Universities Program in Field Biology. Detailed information is available from the Department
of Integrative Biology. (Offered in even-numbered years.)
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
BIOL*2060 or BIOL*3110 |
| Equate(s): |
ZOO*4610 |
| Restriction(s): |
Instructor consent required. |
| BIOL*4700 Field Biology S,F,W (1-6) [0.50] |
| Students may apply for 2-week courses in the OUPFB (Ontario Universities Program in Field Biology). This program offers a
diversity of field courses in biological subjects ranging from the Arctic to the Tropics, microbes to mammals, and covering
marine, freshwater and terrestrial habitats. Costs include food and lodging and may include transportation. Detailed information
is available from the Department of Integrative Biology.
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
BIOL*2060 or BIOL*3110 |
| Equate(s): |
ZOO*4700 |
| Restriction(s): |
Permission of the course coordinator. Instructor consent required. |
| BIOL*4710 Field Biology S,F,W (1-6) [0.25] |
| Students may apply for 1-week courses in the OUPFB (Ontario Universities Program in Field Biology). This program offers a
diversity of field courses in biological subjects ranging from the Arctic to the Tropics, microbes to mammals, and covering
marine, freshwater and terrestrial habitats. Costs include food and lodging and may include transportation. Detailed information
is available from the Department of Integrative Biology.
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
BIOL*2060 or BIOL*3110 |
| Equate(s): |
ZOO*4710 |
| Restriction(s): |
Permission of the course coordinator. Instructor consent required. |
| BIOL*4800 Field Biology S,F,W (1-6) [0.50] |
| Students may apply for 2-week courses in the OUPFB (Ontario Universities Program in Field Biology). This program offers a
diversity of field courses in biological subjects ranging from the Arctic to the Tropics, microbes to mammals, and covering
marine, freshwater and terrestrial habitats. Costs include food and lodging and may include transportation. Detailed information
is available from the Department of Integrative Biology.
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
BIOL*2060 or BIOL*3110 |
| Equate(s): |
ZOO*4800 |
| Restriction(s): |
Permission of the course coordinator. Instructor consent required. |
| BIOL*4810 Field Biology S,F,W (1-6) [0.25] |
| Students may apply for 1-week courses in the OUPFB (Ontario Universities Program in Field Biology). This program offers a
diversity of field courses in biological subjects ranging from the Arctic to the Tropics, microbes to mammals, and covering
marine, freshwater and terrestrial habitats. Costs include food and lodging and may include transportation. Detailed information
is available from the Department of Integrative Biology.
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
BIOL*2060 or BIOL*3110 |
| Equate(s): |
ZOO*4810 |
| Restriction(s): |
Permission of the course coordinator. Instructor consent required. |
| BIOL*4900 Field Biology S,F,W (1-6) [0.50] |
| Students may apply for 2-week courses in the OUPFB (Ontario Universities Program in Field Biology). This program offers a
diversity of field courses in biological subjects ranging from the Arctic to the Tropics, microbes to mammals, and covering
marine, freshwater and terrestrial habitats. Costs include food and lodging and may include transportation. Detailed information
is available from the Department of Integrative Biology.
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
BIOL*2060 or BIOL*3110 |
| Equate(s): |
ZOO*4900 |
| Restriction(s): |
Permission of the course coordinator. Instructor consent required. |
