Course Offerings for 2016/17

The unity underlying all life forms is explored through examination of the cell, and the biological chemicals, structures, and processes that govern cell organization, metabolism, communication, integration and reproduction. Major topics include respiration and photosynthesis; regulation of the cell cycle; features of multicellularity; DNA structure, function, and repair; gene expression and regulation; mitosis and meiosis; patterns of inheritance; microbial genetics.

Fall 2016

• MWF 11:30 a.m. – 12:20 p.m.

The unity underlying all life forms is explored through examination of the cell, and the biological chemicals, structures, and processes that govern cell organization, metabolism, communication, integration and reproduction. Major topics include respiration and photosynthesis; regulation of the cell cycle; features of multicellularity; DNA structure, function, and repair; gene expression and regulation; mitosis and meiosis; patterns of inheritance; microbial genetics.

Fall 2016

• MWF 10:30-11:20 a.m.

Interactions of organisms with each other and with the environment in the ongoing process of evolution by natural selection are examined in the context of the interplay of form with function – for bacteria and fungi, for plants and animals, for individuals and populations, and for communities and ecosystems. Major topics include regulation, homeostasis, growth and development, reproduction, and adaptation.

Winter 2017

• MWF 11:30 a.m. - 12:20 p.m.

Interactions of organisms with each other and with the environment in the ongoing process of evolution by natural selection are examined in the context of the interplay of form with function – for bacteria and fungi, for plants and animals, for individuals and populations, and for communities and ecosystems. Major topics include regulation, homeostasis, growth and development, reproduction, and adaptation.

Winter 2017

• MWF 10:30-11:20 a.m.

Concepts and principles of transmission (Mendelian) genetics and population genetics, using analysis and interpretation of genetic examples and situations to illustrate how genes are inherited, the resultant phenotypes and the effects of gene interactions. Where appropriate, interpretations will be extended to a discussion of the underlying molecular basis or genomic organization.

Fall 2016

• MWF 12:30-1:20 p.m.

An introduction to contemporary cell and molecular biology. Topics may include structure and function of cells, the cell cycle, molecular processes within cells including transcription and translation, aspects of cell and molecular signaling, an introduction to developmental biology, current techniques in cell and molecular biology, and applications to biotechnology, medicine and other health-related sciences.

Winter 2017

• MWF 9:30-10:20 a.m.

An integrated lecture and lab/tutorial-based course examining the diversity of animal life. The relationships of animal form and function are emphasized in terms of the solutions that have arisen through natural selection. Major topics to be covered include skeletal systems and locomotion, respiration, circulation, feeding and digestion, water and salt balance, thermoregulation, sensory and nervous systems, and reproduction.

Winter 2017

• MWF 10:30-11:20 a.m.

The course integrates three core themes in botany: 1) the role of plants in the development of the human civilization; 2) the diversity of form, structure, and function in relationship with the environment, and 3) the biodiversity, evolution, and conservation of vascular plants. Because botany studies plants at all the levels of organization, from molecules to ecosystems, its findings are used in a multitude of applied fields: agriculture, forestry, medicine, pharmacology, nutrition, biotechnology, conservation and environmental studies.

Fall 2016

• TR 11:30 a.m. – 12:50 p.m.

An introduction to fundamental concepts in microbiology involved in the study of archaea, bacteria, and viruses. Course material will include prokaryotic cell structure, metabolism, microbial genetics, phylogeny, and physiological diversity. Concepts important to the many applications of microbiology will also be introduced, such as biofilm development, microbial control and bioprocessing.

Fall 2016

• TR 8:30-9:50 a.m.

In this course, the cultivation of critical thinking and self-disciplined learning skills in the biological sciences is fostered by the identification, investigation and elucidation of core concepts, problems, and controversies associated with selected issues facing modern society. Potential topics could include: water resources, food security, climate change, ecosystem conservation, biodiversity. Students will develop competency in: formulating hypotheses; gathering and assessing information; communicating ideas, both orally and in writing; and engaging their peers in substantive discussion and problem-solving.

Winter 2017

• TR 8:30-9:50 a.m.

In this course, the cultivation of critical thinking and self-disciplined learning skills in the biological sciences is fostered by the identification, investigation and elucidation of core concepts, problems, and controversies associated with selected issues facing modern society. Potential topics could include: water resources, food security, climate change, ecosystem conservation, biodiversity. Students will develop competency in: formulating hypotheses; gathering and assessing information; communicating ideas, both orally and in writing; and engaging their peers in substantive discussion and problem-solving.

Winter 2017

• TR 10-11:20 a.m.

A lecture and laboratory course covering toxicological principles, toxicity testing as well as the effects of natural and human-made contaminants on the environment. Topics for discussion include hydrocarbons, metals, herbicides, pesticides, radionuclides and emerging contaminants.

Fall 2016

• TR 11:30 a.m. – 12:50 p.m.

An integrated study of the distribution, abundance and diversity of plants and animals, with an emphasis on the study of broad patterns in the ecological characteristics of organisms and ecosystems. Topics typically may include temporal and spatial patterns of biodiversity, species abundances and range patterns, vicariance, dispersal, species interactions, disturbance events, historical and evolutionary biogeography, endemism and island biogeography.†† 

Fall 2016

• TR 8:30–9:50 a.m.

A comprehensive and integrative course on evolution by natural selection as the underlying principle of modern biology. Topics include the mechanisms of selection; the concepts of adaptation, fitness and species; the evolution of sex; co-evolution; and the origin of life.†† 

Fall 2016

• MWF 8:30- 9:20 a.m.

An evolutionary approach to the study of animal behaviour. The control and development of behaviour will be introduced and placed in context within the broader scope of biology; however, the main emphasis of the course will be on the adaptive value and evolutionary history of specific behaviours.

Winter 2017

• MWF 1:30-2:20 p.m.

Factors that govern population growth, including intra- and inter-specific competition, foraging behaviour, resource partitioning, predator-prey dynamics, parasitism and mutualism will be examined using observational and experimental data as well as mathematical models. Applied topics in population ecology including harvesting, preservation and management, and biological control will be discussed. Laboratory work will focus on sampling methodology, patterns of density and dispersion, predator-prey interactions, and competitive interactions. Students will present seminars on current topics in population ecology.

Winter 2017

• MWF 9:30-10:20 a.m.

An introduction to the study of animal cells and tissues, based on histological techniques used in light microscopy and electron microscopy, with a focus on an examination of the four basic tissue types (epithelium, connective tissue, muscle tissue, nervous tissue). In addition, the immune system, the circulatory system, the integument, and the central nervous system will be discussed as representative of the complex arrangement of tissues that form the organ systems of the animal body. The relationship between structure and function is stressed.

Fall 2016

• TR 1-2:20 p.m.

A lecture and laboratory course covering cell structure and function, with an emphasis on eukaryotes. Topics may include biological membranes, the structure, function and development of organelles, including membrane trafficking and protein targeting, as well as signal transduction pathways, and the cytoskeleton.

Winter 2017

• MW 11:30 a.m. – 12:50 p.m.

A lecture course covering topics in modern molecular biology. Topics may include the structure of prokaryotic and eukaryotic genes and genomes, concepts of DNA replication, mechanisms and regulation of gene expression, DNA repair and recombination, regulatory RNAs and epigenetics. (Cross-listed as CH351.)

Winter 2017

• MWF 11:30 a.m. – 12:20 p.m.

An examination of basic events in early development of model vertebrate and invertebrate organisms, including the formation of gametes, fertilization, embryogenesis, feto-maternal relationships, and an overview of the development of body systems.

Fall 2016

• MWF 12:30-1:20p.m.

A comparative investigation of animal anatomy and physiology using a systems approach (respiratory, circulatory, digestive, excretory, movement). Central themes focus on homeostasis and the linkages between the environment and anatomical, physiological and behavioural adaptations.

Fall 2016

• TR 8:30-9:50 a.m.

An introduction to the study of relationships among plants and their abiotic and biotic environment, with a focus on the relationship between human activities and plant communities. 

Fall 2016

• F 9:30 a.m. – 12:20 p.m.

A lecture, student seminar, and laboratory course relating plant structure to function. Cells, tissues and organs will be studied, linking them to specific functions. Once their functions are understood, an emphasis will be placed on how the organs are capable of structural and mechanistic modifications to allow non-mobile plants to live in their environments.

Fall 2016

• MWF 9:30-10:20 a.m.

A lecture and lab/tutorial course exploring plant physiology. Specific topics will include: water relations, nutrients, bioenergetics, photosynthesis, respiration, plant productivity, plant development and hormones, tropisms and movements, and secondary metabolites.

Winter 2017

• M 7 -9:50 p.m.

Fundamental concepts of bacterial physiology are both introduced and applied throughout the course. Emphasis is placed on understanding the applications of microbiology at a physiological level. Genetic adaptation and developmental responses to specific nutrients and environmental stressors will be studied in addition to biosynthetic activities. Specific topics include; bacterial fermentations, transport mechanisms, shock responses and quorum sensing.

Winter 2017

• MWF 8:30-9:20 a.m.

Knowledge of microbial cell composition is important to understanding many of the sub-disciplines of microbiology; including virology, immunology, medical microbiology and microbial ecology. In this course, the synthesis and arrangement of specialized cellular structures will be explored and related to the role of these structures in fundamental microbial process and survival of microbes under a wide variety of conditions. Special emphasis will be placed on demonstrating the role of prokaryotic structures in evolutionary adaptation, disease establishment and their potential as targets for the development of antibiotics and/or therapeutics.

Fall 2016

• MWF 10:30-11:20 a.m.

This course examines the totality of issues related to data collection, management and analysis for biologists: from the development of hypotheses, the design of experiments, measurement and sampling, to statistical analyses and final publication of results in formats acceptable for scientific reports and papers. Emphasis will be placed on the application of statistical methods using statistical software rather than theory, and stress the practical aspects of biostatistics.

Fall 2016

• TR 11:30 a.m. – 12:50 p.m.

This course is a study of the major systems of the vertebrate classes from an evolutionary point of view. It is based in both lectures and labs with a significant emphasis on the laboratory portion. Representative vertebrate organisms examined in detail include those from both aquatic and terrestrial environments.

Winter 2017
Instructor: Jim McGeer
Pre-requisites: BI256

• TR 10-11:20 a.m.

Limnology is the study of inland waters including lakes and rivers. Students will learn about the biological communities living in freshwater ecosystems and their relationship with physical and chemical characteristics of those systems. Topics to be covered will include: the distribution, origin, and fate of inland waters, the roles of heat and light in structuring aquatic habitats, factors affecting the productivity of inland waters, the diversity and ecology of planktonic communities, the interactions between plankton and fish, and the interactions between benthic (bottom-dwelling) animals and fish communities. Near the end of the semester there will be two field trips to local aquatic habitats where field collection techniques will be demonstrated and practiced.

Winter 2017
Instructor: Derek Gray
Pre-requisites: BI111 or GG101

• MWF 10:30-11:20 a.m.

An advanced lecture, lab and/or seminar and tutorial course covering various aspects of environmental toxicology. Topics for discussion include exposure, impact and risk assessments, fate and behaviour of contaminants as well as environmental guidelines and regulations.

Winter 2017

• M 7-9:50 p.m.

An exploration of the origin of life on planet Earth, and the history and scientific support for the endosymbiotic theory of the origins and diversity of eukaryotic organisms. Specific topics will include: early life on Earth, the origin of eukaryotes, the evolutionary history of mitochondria and chloroplasts, the diversity of eukaryotic organisms with a focus on protists, and examples of current endosymbiotic relationships.

Fall 2016

• MWF 1:30-2:20 p.m.

A lecture and laboratory course that will provide students with an understanding of, and experience with, the current concepts and methods used in the study of bioinformatics. Techniques may include sequence alignment, algorithms such as Smith-Waterman, BLAST, FASTA, amino-acid substitution matrices, Hidden Markov Models and motif finding. (Cross-listed as CH454).

Winter 2017

• MWF 9:30-10:20 a.m.

The structure and development of communities and ecosystems, with an emphasis on the examination of patterns in species richness, biodiversity, succession, island biogeography, and ecosystem energetics. Multivariate techniques to analyze community structure will be discussed. Applied issues will be examined, including sustainability, pollution and conservation.†

Fall 2016

• MW 11:30 a.m. – 12:50 p.m.

Conservation biology applies the principles of ecology, biogeography, population genetics, economics, sociology, anthropology and philosophy to the mitigation of human impact and the maintenance of global biodiversity. The course will familiarize students with the concepts and principles of conservation biology, the threats to ecological integrity and the ways scientists attempt to cope with these threats.

Fall 2016

• TR 11:30 a.m. – 12:50 p.m.

An examination of functional changes in cells, tissues and organs consequent to disease or injury. Topics may include the mechanisms of inflammation, hypertension, coronary artery disease, concussion, asthma, hepatitis, dysentery as well as other multi-organ conditions from environmental or other types of stress. (Cross-listed as HE431).

Fall 2016

• MWF 1:30-2:20 p.m.

This course covers molecular and cellular immunology, including innate and adaptive immune responses relative to human health. Innate immunity topics include physical barriers, complement cascade, phagocytosis, cytokine production and activation of adaptive immune responses. Adaptive immunity topics address antigen recognition and activation of B and T cells. Other topics will include research and biomedical advances in immunomodulation, immunosuppression, immunotherapy, autoimmunity and vaccination. (Cross-listed as HE434).

Fall 2016

• MWF 9:30-10:20 a.m.

The course first covers the basics of microbial diversity and metagenomics, and continues with the examination of recent literature on the human microbiome projects around the world. Topics to be covered include: studying microbial diversity: 16S rRNA genes versus random metagenomic sampling; metagenomes, concepts, applications and expectations; from microbial pathogenicity to disbiosis; development of human microfloras; from microbial diversity to metagenomes to gene functions; and functional metagenomics.

Winter 2017

• MWF 10:30-11:20 a.m.

Emphasizing the complexity and dynamics of genomes and the genetic regulation of biological processes, the topics examined will typically include genetic elements that move within and between genomes, the genetic control and regulation of organism development.

Fall 2016

• MWF 8:30-9:20 a.m.

A contemporary and comparative approach to the micro-anatomical study of the organ systems of representative vertebrate models including fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals. Emphasis is placed on the relationship between structure and function. Classical descriptions of vertebrate histological structures are supplemented with modern findings in biochemistry, immunocytochemistry and molecular biology to give the student a solid basis for understanding animal morphology and evolutionary relationships.

Winter 2017

• MWF 9:30-10:20 a.m.

A lecture and laboratory course on the theory and practical aspects of molecular biotechnology. Topics may include plasmid DNA and its isolation from E. coli, use of restriction endonucleases, PCR, gene cloning, manipulation of gene expression, and recombinant protein expression in bacteria.

Winter 2017

• TR 8:30-9:20 a.m.

An examination of development, integrating topics from the genome to the whole organism. Emphasis will be placed on using cell biology to understand evolution and development, as understanding the changes that drive developmental processes at the cellular level is fundamental for a broad understanding of plant and animal development.

Winter 2017

• MWF 8:30-9:20 a.m.

A lecture, laboratory and student seminar course emphasizing comparative aspects of animal physiology and adaptations in response to different environments. Topics covered may include gas exchange, circulatory dynamics, osmoregulation, nutrition, energetics, membrane physiology and endocrinology from the molecular to the whole organism level.

Winter 2017

• TR 11:30 a.m. – 12:50 p.m.

A lecture-based course focusing on patterns of diversification and distribution of vertebrates, including the roles of morphology, ecology and behaviour in shaping both the history of contemporary biodiversity and the ability of animals to respond to changes at the level of landscapes, regions and continents.

Winter 2017

• MW 5:30-6:50 p.m.

An examination of the mechanisms involved in hormonal control and regulation of reproduction, growth, development and metabolism, with a focus on the physiological consequences of alterations in endocrine homeostasis.

Winter 2017

• TR 10-11:20a.m.

The coevolution of the economically significant plants of the world and human societies.

Winter 2017

• MWF 12:20-1:20p.m.

Diversity of Canadian Plants - it's description, analysis, conservation strategies and potential sustainable uses.

Fall 2016

• TR 8:30-9:50 a.m.

An examination of topics related to biomedical virology including but not limited to: virus structure and replication strategies, immune response to virus infections along with the role of vaccines and antiviral drugs in combating virus infections, the beneficial uses of viruses, the emergence, spread and extinction of viruses and current diagnosis and detection methods. (Cross-listed as HE432).

Fall 2016

• MWF 10:30-11:20 a.m.

Microbial roles in freshwater, marine and terrestrial ecosystems will be studied. Emphasis is placed on the metabolic diversity of specialized microbial communities found in natural habitats. Microbial function in natural and constructed degradation or remediation processes will be examined from an ecological perspective.

Fall 2016

• W 8:30-11:20 a.m.

Microbial disease will be examined from a physiological and molecular perspective. Factors involved in overcoming host defense, virulence and pathogenesis will be studied. Emphasis will be placed on the physiological mechanisms and genetic regulation involved as well as host resistance and response. Historical and emerging microbiologically-mediated diseases of the human body will be covered.

Fall 2016

• MWF 11:30 a.m. – 12:20 p.m.

An introduction to the biology, morphology, and life cycles of parasitic protozoans, platyhelminths, and arthropods of humans and domestic animals. The nature of parasitism with an emphasis on form and function, transmission, and ecology will be examined. Topics may include the symptomatology, pathogenesis, zoonotic potential, diagnosis and treatment options for some common parasitic agents.  

Fall 2016

• TR 8:30-9:50 a.m.

A lecture and laboratory course that takes a thematic approach to the study of invertebrate zoology, with a focus on functional morphology, developmental processes, and modes of reproduction, and on how these types of studies combined with molecular evidence and cladistic analysis provide insight into the evolutionary relationships amongst the major invertebrate groups. In addition, the contribution of the invertebrates to the functioning of healthy ecosystems, and the need to conserve diversity in these important organisms will be examined. 

Fall 2016

• W 7-9:50 p.m.

A study of the diversity and ecological physiology of fishes, the largest class in the phylum Chordata comprising more than 25,000 species. Lectures will address the diversity of physiological and structural adaptations that have enabled fishes to occupy a wide variety of aquatic habitats. Specific topics to be examined will include swimming, respiration, circulation, osmoregulation, growth and metabolism, nutrition, the senses, reproduction and development. Issues related to aquaculture, commercial and recreational fishing will also be discussed,

Fall 2016
Instructor: Jonathan Wilson
Pre-requisites: BI256 and BI358
Exclusions: BI462*

• TR 10-11:20 a.m.

An in-depth examination of two intimate symbiotic relationships resulting in the formation of either nodules or mycorrhizae, two types of structures which prove to be essential in plant nutrient uptake and soil enrichment. In this lecture/seminar course, students will be made aware of the intricacy of the associations which to be successful rely on a tight orchestration between both the plant and the micro-symbiont. Both mutualistic alliances are based on molecular signaling and recognition, morphological and physiological responses, and biochemical contributions from the symbiotic players.

Fall 2016
Instructor: Frédérique Guinel
Pre-requisites: BI368 or BI369

• W 2:30-5:20 p.m.

Individually supervised research resulting in the presentation of a thesis. Students should apply in the Winter term prior to their final year. Application to the course requires a minimum GPA of 7.0 in Biology, completion of 15 credits, either BI296 or CH390 and will depend on the availability of supervisors. Students taking this course are required to attend all departmental seminars.

To apply for BI499‡, you will have to complete the BI499 Intent to Register Application Form and also attach a letter of motivation.

Fall-Winter 2016/17

• F 2:30-4:20 p.m.

This seminar-based course is a core requirement for all students in the MSc in Integrative Biology. Over the course of the term the group will explore the principles underlying integrative approaches to biology.

Fall 2016

• F 8:30-11:20 a.m., M. Wilkie

This course examines the totality of issues related to data collection, management and analysis for biologists: from the development of hypotheses, the design of experiments, measurement and sampling, to statistical analyses and final publication of results in formats acceptable for scientific reports and papers. Emphasis will be placed on the application of wide variety of statistical methods using statistical software rather than theory, and stress the practical aspects of biostatistics. A problem solving approach to graduate research planning, data acquisition, analysis and publication.

Fall 2016

• TR 11:30 a.m. - 12:50 p.m., T. Long

Students will complete a thesis based on original research and defend it before an examining committee.

Ongoing: Register each fall, winter and spring term for the duration of your program (including the term in which you plan to defend).

2.0 credits