BIOL 110 Introductory Zoology
A study of the functional morphology of selected animals with special emphasis on the various grades of organization and development in the different phyla.
BIOL 112 Introductory Biology 2
An introduction to the basic principles of the structure and function of plants and animals within an ecological and evolutionary framework. The biology of multicellular organisms will be emphasized.
BIOL 120 Introduction to Plant Structure and Function
A brief introduction to plant diversity, and the anatomy and physiology of vascular plants. The course will include a description of major cell and tissue types, and their organization in roots, stems, and leaves. Topics such as the processes of water and ion uptake, photosynthesis, long distance transport, and growth regulation will also be covered.
BIOL 130 Introductory Cell Biology
An introduction to the concepts of cell biology with emphasis on (1) the structural organization of the cell and (2) the function of critical molecular processes that are characteristic of living organisms.
BIOL 130L Cell Biology Laboratory
Experiments to study the principles of cell biology that are elaborated in BIOL 130.
BIOL 139 Genetics
Mendelian genetics. Chromosomal mechanisms in mitosis and meiosis. The origin, inheritance and adaptive significance of chromosomal changes. Nucleic acids as the carriers of genetic information. Natural selection and the evolution of genetic systems.
BIOL 140 Fundamentals of Microbiology
Introduction to the biology of bacterial and archaeal organisms. Topics include cell structure and function, methods of cultivation, genetics, phylogeny and taxonomy, and metabolic and genetic diversity.
BIOL 140L Microbiology Laboratory
Experiments to study the principles of microbiology that are elaborated in BIOL 140.
BIOL 208 Analytical Methods in Molecular Biology
An introduction to molecular methods used to analyze the structure of genes and genomes, including DNA sequencing, cloning, restriction mapping and bioinformatic tools. Techniques to monitor transcript and protein abundance, protein-protein and DNA-protein interactions will also be covered.
BIOL 211 Introductory Vertebrate Zoology
An introduction to the structure, evolution and development of vertebrate organ systems.
BIOL 221 Introductory Survey of Fungi, Algae and Plants
A comparative survey of the morphology and life histories of protoctistan and true fungi, prokaryotic and eukaryotic algae, bryophytes and vascular plants; observations on the evolution and ecological and economic significance; examples taken from the local flora, exotic habitats and the fossil record.
BIOL 241 Introduction to Applied Microbiology
Introduction to microbial ecology, environmental microbiology, food microbiology and medical microbiology. Topics in environmental microbiology include biogeochemical cycling and biological treatment of wastes and pollutants. Topics in medical microbiology include concepts of immunology and host-parasite relationships.
BIOL 250 Organismal and Evolutionary Ecology
This course provides students with an introduction to the basic principles of Scientific Reasoning, Ecology and Evolution. Coverage includes hypothesis testing and the nature of scientific inquiry, basic population genetics, physiological ecology, life histories, dispersal, basic population and community ecology, macroevolution, systematics and classification, as well as functional morphology.
BIOL 265 Diversity of Life
An introduction to the diversity of living organisms from simple prokaryotes to complex eukaryotes. Current ideas on classification and phylogeny will be compared with traditional schemes. Morphology, ecology, and economic uses of representative Phyla and Divisions will be discussed.
BIOL 273 Principles of Human Physiology 1
The physiology of major organ systems of the human body. Topics include neurophysiology and peripheral nervous system, muscle, the cardiovascular system, the components of blood, respiratory system and immune system. The combination of BIOL 273 and BIOL 373 covers all of the major topics of human physiology.
BIOL 273L Human Physiology 1 Laboratory
Experiments to study the principles of human physiology that are elaborated in BIOL 273.
BIOL 280 Introduction to Biophysics
Introduction to a physical understanding of biological systems at macro and molecular scales. The course is intended for 2nd year science and engineering students and will cover a broad spectrum of topics in biophysics, as well as an introduction to neurobiology, nanotechnology and biotechnology.
BIOL 301 Human Anatomy
This course will survey the basic human anatomical features of the skeletal, muscular, nervous, cardiovascular, endocrine and reproductive systems. Emphasis will be placed on functional and clinical anatomy.
BIOL 302 Functional Histology
A hierarchical approach to biological structure with an emphasis on functional morphology. Starting with the cell, the fundamental unit of structure and function, the material progressively develops how cells organize to form tissues such as epithelium, connective tissue and muscle. Emphasis on how these tissue building blocks cooperate to form the major organs and organ systems of the human body.
BIOL 303 Introductory Developmental Biology and Embryology
Fundamental processes and concepts in embryonic development including the acquisition of multicellularity, organization of the early embryo, morphogenesis of tissues, major organ systems, fetal membranes, growth, differentiation and analysis of common developmental defects.
BIOL 308 Principles of Molecular Biology
Prokaryote and eukaryote genome structure and replication; mechanisms of gene expression and regulation.
BIOL 321 Plant Anatomy and Morphogenesis
Plant structure in relation to tissue formation and development with particular reference to the angiosperms. Cell, tissue and organ differentiation will be discussed. Phenotypic variation in response to environmental influences will also be covered.
BIOL 323 Plant Physiology
A study of plant physiological processes with an emphasis on the role of key metabolic pathways in plant growth and development. Topics such as photosynthesis, nitrogen assimilation, growth regulators, mineral nutrition, water relations, and stress physiology will be covered.
BIOL 325 Flowering Plants
A study of floral morphology in relation to classification and evolution. An introduction to taxonomy and nomenclature. History of taxonomy. Systems of classification. Mechanisms of pollination.
BIOL 331 Advanced Cell Biology
The functional organization of cells with particular reference to cell-cell interaction, the structure, function and development of organelles and the biological roles of cellular membranes.
BIOL 335L Molecular Biology Techniques
Selected experiments to provide students with a range of laboratory skills in recombinant DNA technology.
BIOL 342 Molecular Biotechnology 1
Molecular biotechnology applies the principles of recombinant DNA technology (genetic engineering, gene cloning) to the development of commercial products. The methods of recombinant DNA technology, molecular diagnostic systems for detecting diseases and transgenic organisms will be discussed.
BIOL 345 Microorganisms in Foods
Food preservation, spoilage, poisoning and modern concepts in quality assurance programs are studied. The aim is to understand factors governing microbial changes in foods. Problem solving in the food industry is emphasized. Laboratory work will reflect current practices in quality control and testing.
BIOL 346 Microbial Ecology and Diversity
Examples from terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, and plant- and animal-associated environments, will be used to illustrate the activities and diversity of microorganisms in these habitats. The importance of the ecological roles of microbes to aspects of agriculture, geochemistry, human biology, and the biology of extreme environments will be considered. [Formerly BIOL 446]
BIOL 348L Laboratory Methods in Microbiology
Selected experiments to provide students with a range of laboratory skills in microbiology.
BIOL 349 Synthetic Biology Project Design
Synthetic biology involves developing new approaches, based on engineering principles, for genetic engineering of biological systems. Students will prepare a comprehensive research proposal for a synthetic biology project of their own design, under the supervision of a faculty member. Attendance at a weekly journal club focused on synthetic biology will be mandatory .
BIOL 350 Ecosystem Ecology
This course provides an overview of the dynamic interactions among microbes, plants, animals and their physical environment with emphasis on ecosystem structure and function. Topics include the hydrological cycle, biogeochemical cycling, ecological energetics, roles of population and community interactions, paleoecology and current topics in ecosystem science.
BIOL 351 Aquatic Ecology
Study of the structure and function of lake and stream ecosystems. The course emphasizes biological components and processes, but includes the origin and nature of lake and stream systems and the fundamentals of surface water chemistry and physics. Human influences, management options and current issues will be examined with readings and project work.
BIOL 354 Environmental Toxicology 1
An introduction to the basic theories, principles and techniques of environmental toxicology. A comparative study of the effects of specific groups of toxicants on ecosystems; biodegradation and cycling.
BIOL 359 Evolution
A study of the processes of evolution; the differentiation of populations and the origin of new forms of life.
BIOL 361 Biostatistics and Experimental Design
An introduction to hypothesis testing and experimental design in Biology. Topics will include: exploratory data analysis, analysis of variance, categorical data analysis, correlation, linear regression, multiple linear regression, power analysis, visualization tools and statistical software.
BIOL 365 Resources in Bioinformatics
A survey of the resources available for analysis of DNA, RNA and protein sequence data. The focus will be on existing tools and databases and their application. Included will be practical experience with web-based bioinformatics tools. This course is primarily intended for Bioinformatics and Computational Science students.
BIOL 366 Introduction to Bioinformatics
An introduction to the basics of bioinformatics including computational tools and databases used in the collection and analysis of DNA, RNA and proteins.
BIOL 370 Comparative Animal Physiology 1
A comparative study of salt and water balance, nitrogenous excretion and mechanisms of energy acquisition and metabolism in animals inhabiting different environments. Topics also include the integrated response to stress adaptation in animals living in extreme environments.
BIOL 371 Comparative Animal Physiology 2
A comparative study of the nervous, sensory, circulatory, respiratory and reproductive systems of animal species adapted to different environments. Evolutionary adaptations associated with the transition from aquatic to terrestrial life will be a recurring theme.
BIOL 373 Principles of Human Physiology 2
The physiology of major organ systems of the human body. Topics include the central nervous system, the sense organs, the digestive system, the endocrine system, the reproductive system, and the excretory system.
BIOL 373L Human Physiology 2 Laboratory
Laboratory exercises to study the principles of human physiology that are described in BIOL 373.
BIOL 374L Techniques in Animal Physiology
Laboratory exercises and computer-based simulations to study the functions of the cardiovascular, respiratory, nervous, digestive and excretory systems of vertebrate and invertebrate animals. Students will learn the techniques of recording data with mechanical and electronic instruments, handling of animals, and analysis of data with computational software.
BIOL 376 Cellular Neurophysiology
The structure, function and diversity of ion channel and receptor signalling. The principles of synaptic connectivity and synaptic plasticity, axon guidance, synapse formation, nerve regeneration, and an exploration of in vitro and in vivo electrophysiological recording methods will be covered.
BIOL 381 Restoration Ecology
Exploration of the philosophical, conceptual, political and practical foundations of restoration in ecosystems, siting strategies, succession management, community assembly and restoration in different habitats.
BIOL 382 Computational Modeling of Cellular Systems
An introduction to dynamic mathematical modeling of cellular processes. The emphasis is on using computational tools to investigate differential equation-based models. A variety of cellular phenomena are discussed, including ion pumps, membrane potentials, intercellular communication, genetic networks, regulation of metabolic pathways, and signal transduction.
BIOL 383 Tropical Ecosystems
This course examines the fundamental concepts of terrestrial ecosystems in tropical climates. The course has three sections: (1) biophysical aspects (climate, location, landforms, soil, vegetation), (2) tropical resource systems (forest- and agroecosystems) within the framework of conventional and sustainable resource extraction, and (3) current conservation issues. Case studies are presented.
BIOL 403 Advanced Topics in Developmental Biology
Explores the cellular and molecular basis of developmental phenomena in animals. Lectures will emphasize the experimental basis for both historical and contemporary knowledge with a focus on the major developmental systems in model organisms. Course content will concentrate on themes that permeate current published research.
BIOL 412 Arthropod Zoology
A survey of the phylum Arthropoda, including the insects, with emphasis on their classification, interrelationships and ways of life.
BIOL 426 Phycology
Algae and applied uses of algae. Topics include examination of algal groups from evolutionary and ecological perspectives. Uses of algae in industry and food as well as negative impacts of various algal groups.
BIOL 428 Plant Molecular Genetics
An examination of the current molecular techniques used to study plant development physiology. Topics include mutant isolation, transcript and metabolite profiling, gene silencing and protein localization.
BIOL 431 Bacterial Molecular Genetics
Bacterial molecular biology with an emphasis on the use of genetic tools to study the biology of microorganisms. Topics include mutagenesis, conjugation, recombination, gene regulation, plasmids, transposons, bacteriophage and genomics.
BIOL 432 Molecular Biotechnology 2
How recombinant DNA technology is used to produce vaccines, plant growth promoting bacteria, pharmaceuticals, crop plants and other commercial products will be discussed.
BIOL 434 Human Molecular Genetics
Recent advances in human molecular genetics will be examined with emphasis on how human disease-causing genes are mapped, identified, isolated and characterized. Examples will draw from research on Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Huntington disease, cystic fibrosis, Alzheimer disease, cancer, vision defects and other disorders.
BIOL 435L Molecular Biology Techniques
Selected experiments to provide students with a range of laboratory skills in recombinant DNA technology.
BIOL 438 Molecular Biology of Animal Development
An examination of the current major issues in the regulation of gene expression during animal development with emphasis on technical and conceptual advances. Current research literature will be reviewed.
BIOL 439 Environmental and Natural Products Biochemistry
This course deals with the functions, distribution and environmental ramifications of natural compounds produced by plants and other biological systems. Natural products are those compounds usually described as secondary metabolites, i.e. those apparently non-essential products whose physiological and ecological functions are either obscure or are of peripheral importance to the organism. However, many of these non-essential products have profound competitive, economic and pharmacological significance; and as research proceeds, their physiological roles within the parent organisms are becoming clearer. As well, this course has a strong emphasis on how environmental chemical and physical processes impact on living organisms and their biochemistry.
BIOL 441 Immunology
An introduction to the vertebrate immune response; the cells and tissues of the lymphoid system; humoral and cell-mediated immunity; initiation and regulation of the immune response; the immune system and disease, techniques used in immunology.
BIOL 442 Virology
A survey of viral structures, life cycles, and the interactions of viruses with their hosts. The laboratory component will include demonstrations of procedures used for viral detection and titration, as well as individual library research projects.
BIOL 443 Fermentation Biotechnology
Biology of industrial micro-organisms: fermentation systems; fermentation raw materials; downstream processing; biomass production; food fermentations; production of industrial chemicals, food additives, enzymes and other products by fermentation.
BIOL 444 Microorganisms and Disease
A study of the microorganisms involved in pathogenesis, their mode of infection, symptoms and prevention of diseases.
BIOL 447 Environmental Microbiology
A study of the environmental impact of microorganisms. Aspects of pollution, waste treatment, biodegradation of environmental contaminants, and nutrient cycling will be examined.
BIOL 448 Microbial Physiology and Biochemistry
A study of the physiology of microorganisms. Provides biochemical and molecular level detail on the diverse structures and metabolic functions of bacterial, archaeal, and eukaryal cells. Aspects of microbial growth, nutrition and metabolism are examined in the context of how microorganisms develop diverse solutions for meeting essential requirements for life.
BIOL 449 Public Health Microbiology
How the health of human populations is influenced by microbial communities. Aspects of the epidemiology of infectious diseases, factors influencing the emergence of microbial pathogens and antibiotic-resistant strains, means to control undesired microbial populations in habitats such as water, biodegradable materials and food will be discussed. Approaches to the regulation and monitoring of microbial agents will also be examined.
BIOL 450 Marine Biology
Ecological processes and evolutionary adaptation are explored in the world's largest and most diverse ecosystems. The major ocean habitats will be characterized, stressing their importance as resources, moderators of climate and reservoirs of biodiversity.
BIOL 452 Quantitative Fisheries Biology
The practices of fisheries science including the effects of industrial fisheries on fish stocks, methods of capture, obtaining, using and interpretation of vital statistics of fish stocks, population estimation, stock-recruitment, growth, mortality and fecundity. Emphasis is placed on the use of statistical information for making ecological inferences about the status of fish populations. Familiarity with linear regression is essential.
BIOL 453 Wetlands
Basic concepts on the distribution, hydrology, geochemistry, formation and ecology of wetlands with an emphasis on temperate and subarctic systems. The uses and management of wetlands are considered with the view of wetlands as functional ecosystems.
BIOL 455 Ecological Risk Assessment and Management
Examination of the use of scientific information characterizing the risks posed to the environment by anthropogenic stresses. Discussions will take place in the context of aquatic ecology and presume a background of standard aquatic toxicology methods. Methods for assessing risks, including environmental impact assessment, risk quotients, national and international risk assessment paradigms, and cumulative effects assessment will be examined. Critical connections between assessment and management will also be discussed.
BIOL 456 Population Biology
The analysis of the structure and dynamics of plant and animal populations. Theoretical, mathematical and experimental approaches to the study of population ecology.
BIOL 457 Analysis of Communities
A study of the organization, structure and development of communities with emphasis on vegetation change. Topics include: diversity, stability; succession; sampling procedures and multivariate analysis.
BIOL 462 Applied Wetland Science
Advanced concepts on wetland ecosystems in the context of regional and global earth systems processes such as carbon and nitrogen cycling and climate change, applications of wetland paleoecology, use of isotopes and other geochemical tools in wetland science, and wetland engineering in landscape rehabilitation and ecotechnology. Current issues in Canada and abroad will be examined.
BIOL 465 Current Topics in Bioinformatics
This course will deal with current issues and trends in Bioinformatics. The course will be divided between lectures and student seminars.
BIOL 466 Biogeochemical Microbiology
A study of the microbial contribution to Earth's biogeochemical cycles. This course examines the bacterial and archaeal microbial communities that contribute to nutrient cycling in terrestrial and aquatic environments. Emphasis is placed on the discovery of new organisms and enzymes involved in these processes and the use of innovative methodologies to explore their ecology
BIOL 470 Methods of Aquatic Ecology
An introduction to methods used to sample and characterize the ecological structure and function of aquatic ecosystems, including basic aspects of the abiotic environment. Field trips to lake and stream sites are combined with laboratory analysis of samples and data. While the main emphasis is on the techniques, the exercises also provide direct experience with some of the natural and anthropogenic variation observable in aquatic systems.
BIOL 473 Mammalian Reproduction
This course will provide an in-depth coverage of reproductive biology in a range of mammalian species. Emphasis will be on the principles underlying the regulation of key reproductive processes, from the whole animal to the molecular level. Topics will include applications of these principles to human and veterinary medicine, and ethical problems posed by some reproductive technologies.
BIOL 474 Bioprocessing
The course will provide an understanding of the principles and practices of processing biological materials, which represents an essential core activity of the biotechnology, agri-food, chemical and pharmaceutical industries. Individual processing operations involved and important industrial processes will be developed in this course.
BIOL 475 Current Topics in Applied Microbiology
Students will explore a variety of topics in applied microbiology as reflected by journal articles in the current literature. [Offered W].
BIOL 476 Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience
This course is an introduction to the cell and molecular biology of the central and peripheral nervous systems. Following an overview of the gross anatomical structures and specialized functions of the brain, spinal cord and peripheral nervous system, the course will focus on the cell and molecular biology of neurons. Major topics will include: the synthesis and trafficking of neuronal proteins, voltage and transmitter gated ion channels, membrane potential, and the molecules and mechanisms of synaptic transmission at the neuromuscular junction and central synapses.
BIOL 479 Population Genetics and Evolution
This course provides an overview of the interplay among mutation, random and non-random mating, genetic drift, gene flow and selection within and among natural populations. Special emphasis is placed on the dynamic role these factors play in the process of population divergence, and ultimately speciation. Case studies will illustrate the application of population genetic methodology in fields such as ecology, conservation biology, and forensic sciences.
BIOL 480 Molecular Ecology
This course will provide an overview of the application of modern molecular methodologies such as DNA sequencing and microsatellite genotyping to Ecology and Organismal Biology. Topics covered will include parentage and mating systems, population analysis, species delineation and phylogeography. Special emphasis will be placed on the importance and use of molecular methods in conservation biology.
BIOL 483 Animal Cell Biotechnology
A study of the techniques and applications of animal cell culture to biotechnology. Topics include basic cell culture technique, gene modification, products of animal cell culture and large scale productions.
BIOL 484 Advanced Eukaryotic Genetics
The role of classical genetic analysis in the context of today's genomic era. Topics: meiotic recombination, meiosis, complementation analysis, chromosome aberrations, and genetic interactions. Methods used in model eukaryotic genetic organisms such as forward and reverse genetic screens, genetic mosaics, conditional mutants, and genetic mapping will be discussed. Examples will illustrate how genes continue to be identified using classical-based approaches in a variety of biological processes, including cell cycle progression, cancer and metastasis, learning and memory, as well as pattern formation and embryonic development. Alternatives to traditional mutagenesis-based screens and the links between classical and molecular genetics will also be discussed.
BIOL 488 Ecotoxicology and Watershed Management
The course will explore the scientific principles affecting the ecological structure and function of watersheds as well as emerging threats to environmental quality. The course will explore the scientific principles affecting the ecological structure and function of watersheds as well as emerging threats to environmental quality. Case studies, with an emphasis on Canadian and local examples, will be used to more fully understand scientific principles and explore the impacts of natural and human activities on the ecology of drainage basins. The course may include a local field trip.
BIOL 490A Field Course in Marine Biology
A two-week study of marine environments and biota. Emphasis on the flora and fauna of rocky shores, mud flats, and the sub-tidal benthos. Grade based on a field notebook and a research project. This course will normally be held at Huntsman Marine Lab, New Brunswick each September. Courses sponsored by Ontario Universities at other times of the year also qualify.
BIOL 490B Field Course in Marine Biology
A two-week study of marine environments and biota. Emphasis on the flora and fauna of rocky shores, mud flats, and the sub-tidal benthos. Grade based on a field notebook and a research project. This course will normally be held at Huntsman Marine Lab, New Brunswick each September. Courses sponsored by Ontario Universities at other times of the year also qualify.
BIOL 491A Aquatic Field Biology
A two-week study of the flora and fauna of lakes, bogs and streams. Emphasis on biosystematics, distribution and dynamics of organisms. Both population and community approaches are stressed. This course will normally be held in Algonquin Park, Ontario each September. Courses sponsored by Ontario Universities Program in Field Biology, at other times of the year also qualify.
BIOL 491B Field Course in Terrestrial and Aquatic Biology
A two-week study of the flora and fauna of terrestrial environments, lakes and streams. Emphasis on biosystematics, distribution and dynamics of organisms. Both population and community approaches are stressed. This course will normally be held in Algonquin Park, Ontario each September. Courses sponsored by Ontario Universities at other times of the year also qualify.
BIOL 492 Marine Mammals and Seabirds
A three-week field course at the Huntsman Marine Science Centre, St. Andrews, NB. Marine mammals and seabirds will be observed under natural conditions through frequent field trips at sea and ashore. There is a strong emphasis on field research and each student will complete an independent research project. Lectures and labs will introduce the evolution, zoogeography, morphology, ecology, physiology, and behaviour of diving air-breathing vertebrates.
BIOL 498A Field Course 2
A general interest field course usually of one week duration. Courses sponsored by Ontario Universities at other times of the year also qualify.
BIOL 498B Field Course 2
A general interest field course usually of one week duration. Courses sponsored by Ontario Universities at other times of the year also qualify.