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Instruction offered by members of the Department of Biological Sciences in the Faculty of Science.
Department Head – R.M.R. Barclay
For other courses offered by the Department of Biological Sciences see Biochemistry; Cellular, Molecular and Microbial Biology; Ecology; Marine Sciences; Plant Biology; Zoology.
†Limited amounts of non-scheduled class time involvement will be required for these courses.
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Biology
205
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The Organization and Diversity of Life
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A study of biological concepts and mechanisms illustrated by current examples of medical and environmental problems.
Course Hours:
H(3-0)
Antirequisite(s):
Credit for both Biology 205 and any of 231, 233, 241 and 243 will not be allowed.
Notes:
Not open for credit to Honours, Majors or Minors in the Department of Biological Sciences or to Natural Sciences program students with a Concentration in Biological Sciences.
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Biology
241
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Energy Flow in Biological Systems
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An introduction to the energetics of life from molecules through ecosystems. Topics include: energy in biological systems; how different organisms obtain, store and use energy; energy budgets of organisms; and energy flow through cells and ecosystems.
Course Hours:
H(3-3)
Prerequisite(s):
Biology 30 and Chemistry 30.
Antirequisite(s):
Credit for Biology 241 and 205 will not be allowed. Credit for more than two of Biology 231, 233, 241, 243 will not be allowed.
Notes:
Biology 241 is a prerequisite for Biology 243. Not recommended for students seeking a single half course, general interest overview of the biological sciences. Those seeking such a course should consider Biology 205.
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Biology
243
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DNA, Inheritance and Evolution
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An introduction to central concepts in evolution and DNA as a vehicle for inheritance of genetic information. Topics include: the nature of genetic information and inheritance including transcription, translation and replication; natural selection and speciation; origin and history of biodiversity.
Course Hours:
H(3-3)
Prerequisite(s):
Biology 241.
Antirequisite(s):
Credit for Biology 243 and 205 will not be allowed. Credit for more than two of Biology 231, 233, 241, 243 will not be allowed.
Notes:
Not recommended for students seeking a single half course, general interest overview of the biological sciences. Those seeking such a course should consider Biology 205.
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Biology
305
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The Human Organism
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An introduction to human biology that analyses the structure and function of systems in our bodies. Leads to an appreciation of how the human body maintains itself and carries out the functions necessary to sustain any organism. A course for non-majors that will develop their understanding of the anatomy and physiology of their own species in a zoological and evolutionary context.
Course Hours:
H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
One of Biology 30 or 205 or 231 or 241.
Antirequisite(s):
Credit for Biology 305 and any of Kinesiology 259, 260, Zoology 269, 361, 363, 461 or 463 will not be allowed.
Notes:
Not open for credit to Honours, Majors and Minors in the Department of Biological Sciences or to Natural Sciences program students with a Concentration in Biological Sciences.
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Biology
307
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Ecology and Human Affairs
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The major principles of ecology. How the physical environment affects organisms; behavioural ecology and life histories; species interactions; the biology of populations, communities, and ecosystems; biodiversity and conservation. The non-biologists will gain an understanding of ecological and evolutionary principles that will allow them to better appreciate the natural world, and the increasing environmental impacts of humans.
Course Hours:
H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Completion of at least four full-course equivalents.
Notes:
Not open for credit to Honours, Majors and Minors in the Department of Biological Sciences or to Natural Sciences program students with a Concentration in Biological Sciences, or to students in the Environmental Sciences program.
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Biology
309
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Plants and People
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A review of the structure and function of plants. A survey of the nature of people's basic food plants and an overview of agricultural and forestry practices. Plant improvement by traditional and modern methods, and plant propagation.
Course Hours:
H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Biology 205 or 231 or 241.
Antirequisite(s):
Not open for credit to Honours, Majors and Minors in the Department of Biological Sciences or to Natural Sciences program students with a Concentration in Biological Sciences.
Also known as:
(formerly Botany 309)
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†Biology
311
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Principles of Genetics
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Topics will include Mendelian inheritance, allelic relationships, genetic linkage, sex linkage, changes in chromosome structure, segregation and recombination, epistasis, molecular genetics, genetics of bacteria and viruses, gene fine structure, gene function, complementation, bioinformatics and regulation of gene expression. Several selected organisms will be used in the laboratories to illustrate pertinent genetic principles.
Course Hours:
H(3-3)
Prerequisite(s):
Any two of Biology 231, 233, 241 and 243.
Notes:
Successful completion of Biology 311 is required for admission to all the specialty programs offered by the Department. Students are urged to complete this course in their second year to ensure timely completion of the program.
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Biology
313
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Principles of Ecology
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The ecological principles, theories and interactions of organisms at individual, population, community and ecosystem levels will be explored. Ecological principles will be applied to examine current issues involving conservation of species, habitats, biodiversity and ecosystem function.
Course Hours:
H(3-3)
Prerequisite(s):
Completion of at least four full-course equivalents, including Biology 233 or any two of Biology 231, 241 and 243.
Notes:
Successful completion of Biology 313 is required for admission to many of the specialty programs offered by the department. Students are urged to complete this course in their second year to ensure timely completion of the program.
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Biology
315
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Quantitative Biology I
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Data collection, presentation and analysis in the biological sciences. Basic design of biological experiments including concepts of control, replication, and interspersion. Analysis of biological data will include tests of statistical hypotheses and estimation techniques.
Course Hours:
H(3-3)
Prerequisite(s):
Biology 233 or 241.
Notes:
Biology 315 is a prerequisite for several Ecology courses offered by the department. Students are urged to complete this course in their second year to ensure timely completion of the program. Enrolment in this course may be limited. See Program Details in the Faculty of Science section of this Calendar.
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Biology
331
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Introduction to Cellular and Molecular Biology
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The principles of cellular structure and function. Molecular organization of membranes, organelles, nucleus and cytoplasmic structures; the integration of cellular functions; assembly of organelles; the regulation of cell proliferation; and the interaction of cells with their neighbours and their environment.
Course Hours:
H(3-1T)
Prerequisite(s):
Biology 311.
Notes:
Successful completion of Biology 331 is required for admission to all the specialty programs offered by the department. Students are urged to complete this course in their second year to ensure timely completion of the program.
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Biology
371
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Comparative Biology of Plants and Animals
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An exploration of how multicellular organisms meet the challenges of living, both as individuals, and in an evolutionary context. Parallels and divergence between plants and animals are illustrated in their responses to the challenges they face, with the water-to-land transition forming a central theme in shaping the form and function of plant and animal life.
Course Hours:
H(3-1T)
Prerequisite(s):
Biology 241 and 243.
Antirequisite(s):
Biology 233.
Notes:
Biology 371 was offered for the first time in Fall of 2013. Students who registered in Biological Sciences programs prior to the Fall of 2012 should follow the 2011-2012 or earlier appropriate Calendars. Successful completion of Biology 371 is required for admission to all the specialty programs offered by the Department. Students are urged to complete this course in their second year to ensure timely completion of the program.
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Biology
375
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Insects, Science and Society
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Examination of insects as the most diverse and abundant form of animal life on the planet, why they are so successful and how they influence our lives. Topics include how insects are built, what they do, and how they interact with people and have come to be so important economically and culturally, as pests, pollinators, experimental animals, maintaining our environment and forming complex societies. Other topics include evolution of insects, insects in history and culture and how insects can help us address issues such as biological conservation, climate change and animal rights.
Course Hours:
H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Completion of at least 4 full-course equivalents.
Notes:
Not open for credit to honours, majors or minors in the Department of Biological Sciences or to Environmental Science and Natural Sciences program students with a Concentration in Biological Sciences. Offered in odd/even dated academic years.
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Biology
401
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Evolutionary Biology
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An introduction to the micro- and macro-evolutionary processes responsible for the diversity of organisms. Topics include heredity, genetic variation, population structure, genetic drift, natural selection and adaptation, sexual selection, evolution of interactions between species, speciation, phylogeny and biogeography.
Course Hours:
H(3-1T)
Prerequisite(s):
Biology 313 and 315.
Notes:
Enrolment in this course may be limited. See Program Details in the Faculty of Science section of this Calendar.
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Biology
435
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Biology of Fungi
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Morphology, life history patterns and systematics of fungi. Fungal ecology including fungi as parasites, symbionts and decomposers. Basic molecular biology, genetics and physiology.
Course Hours:
H(3-3/2)
Prerequisite(s):
Biology 313 and 331.
Antirequisite(s):
Credit for both Biology 435 and 335 will not be allowed.
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Biology
451
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Conservation Biology
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The application of ecological theory and principles to the conservation and management of natural and modified ecosystems, with emphasis on preservation of biodiversity and sustainable development. Topics include disturbance as an ecological process, ecological and evolutionary responsiveness of natural systems, ecology of resource harvesting, management of endangered habitats and populations, implications of human population growth and global change.
Course Hours:
H(3-1T)
Prerequisite(s):
Biology 313.
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Biology
453
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Plants in their Environment
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An integration of physiological and ecological aspects of plant adaptation to different environments. Topics include interactions between plants and other organisms (e.g., bacterial and fungal symbionts, animal pollinators, herbivores) as well as the influence of abiotic stressors on plant growth and distribution. The ecological consequences and possible applications of such interactions are discussed.
Course Hours:
H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Biology 313 and one of Botany 303, Biology 371 or Plant Biology 403.
Also known as:
(formerly Biology 351)
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Biology
461
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Systems Biology: Functional Genomics and Molecular Networks
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Introduction to high-throughput methods for global functional and network analysis of genes and proteins. Topics include microarrays, chromatin immunoprecipitation, synthetic genetic array analysis, next-generation sequencing and network topology.
Course Hours:
H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Biology 331.
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Biology
503
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Pharmacology of Organ Systems
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Pharmacology of the nervous, cardiovascular, renal and immune systems, as well as anti-cancer therapies. Principles of toxicology.
Course Hours:
H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Biology 501 (Medical Science 501) or consent of the Department.
Also known as:
(Medical Science 503)
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Biology
505
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Medicinal Plant Biochemistry
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Deals with biochemical, molecular, and cellular aspects of plant metabolism, natural product diversity in the plant kingdom, and modern molecular and biochemical methods to understand plant metabolism. The focus is on the metabolic pathways that are either unique to plants, or that exhibit unique features in, plants. Several key plant pathways that produce plant-derived medicines will be discussed.
Course Hours:
H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Biology 331 and Biochemistry 393.
Antirequisite(s):
Credit for Biology 505 and Botany 503 will not be allowed.
Notes:
Enrolment in this course may be limited. See Program Details in the Faculty of Science section of this Calendar.
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Biology
515
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Cellular Mechanisms of Disease
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The cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying basic human disease processes and how these can be influenced by lifestyle and environmental factors. The ways in which this knowledge can be used in the laboratory diagnosis of disease.
Course Hours:
H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Biochemistry 443 and one of Biology 331 or Medical Science 351.
Also known as:
(Medical Science 515)
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Biology
520
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Field Course in Tropical Biology
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An examination of biodiversity in a selected region of the tropics, including aspects of ecology of animals and plants, animal behaviour and an introduction to field techniques for observing and censusing selected taxa. Field studies will take place at forest and savannah sites with consideration of community-based conservation efforts.
Course Hours:
F(3-3)
Prerequisite(s):
Consent of the Department.
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Biology
591
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Insect Biodiversity
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A field course in the natural history and classification of insects, one of the most diverse groups of organisms known, as they are encountered in their natural habitat. Course material will include: techniques for collection and identification of major groups of insects and related terrestrial arthropods; aspects of behaviour and ecology of local species; use of insects as indicators of environmental change; censusing/monitoring insect populations.
Course Hours:
H(1-5)
Prerequisite(s):
Biology 243 and 313 and consent of the Department.
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Graduate Courses
Enrolment in any graduate course requires consent of the Department.
Only when appropriate to a student's program may graduate credit be received for courses numbered 500-599.
600-level courses are available with permission to undergraduate students in the final year of their program.
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Biology
601
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Research Seminar
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Reports on studies of the literature or of current research. Graduate students normally register in their supervisor's research cluster
601.01. Biochemistry I
601.02. Biochemistry II
601.03. Cell, Development and Physiology I
601.04. Cell, Development and Physiology II
601.05. Ecology and Evolutionary Biology I
601.06. Ecology and Evolutionary Biology II
601.11. Microbiology I
601.12. Microbiology II
Course Hours:
H(1S-0)
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
NOT INCLUDED IN GPA
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Biology
603
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Biology of Laboratory Animals
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The course is based on the Canadian Council on Animal Care Syllabus "Basic Principles of Laboratory Animal Science for Research Scientists." In addition to the study of common, research, farm and exotic animals, topics to be covered include ethical considerations, regulation and legislation, animal models, animal facilities and husbandry, hazard control, surgery, anaesthesiology, euthanasia and post-mortem examinations. Practical sessions will provide experience in handling and restraint of specific laboratory animals, injections, blood collection, anaesthesiology and surgery.
Course Hours:
H(3-1)
Notes:
Enrolment in this course is restricted in the first instance to graduate students who will do research utilizing animals.
Also known as:
(Medical Science 603) (Veterinary Medicine 603)
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Biology
607
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Special Problems in Biology
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Independent research or reading project that may include seminars, term papers and training in theoretical and/or laboratory methods.
Course Hours:
H(3-0 or 0-6)
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
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Biology
609
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Advanced Statistical Applications in Biology
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This course explains and demonstrates the analysis of biological data with general linear models, generalized linear models, maximum-likelihood fitting of non-linear models, and resampling techniques. Content is presented in a workshop format, so that students learn the application of computer analysis coincidentally with statistical concepts.
Course Hours:
H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Familiarity with statistical inference, regression, and ANOVA-based experimental design (equivalent of Ecology 425) is required.
Notes:
Offered during odd-even dated academic years.
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Biology
617
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Darwin’s Origin of Species
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An examination of the first edition of Charles Darwin's “On the Origin of Species” and related writings. Students will lead discussions of scientific, philosophical, and other issues raised by the book, and write a term paper on a related topic of their choice.
Course Hours:
H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Consent of the Department.
Notes:
The instructor does not assume an advanced background in biology and will not focus on technical scientific issues. May not be offered every year.
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Biology
619
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Advanced Evolutionary Biology
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The theory of organic evolution. Historical development of evolutionary ideas. Darwin's contribution. The mechanism of natural selection; sexual, kin and group selection. The application of the theory in biogeography, ecology, ethology and other areas of biology.
Course Hours:
H(3-0)
Notes:
Offered during odd-even dated academic years.
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Biology
651
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Topics in Systems Biology
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In-depth discussions of the latest publications in systems biology, with emphasis on the fundamental principles of genome and cell function.
Course Hours:
H(3-0)
Notes:
Offered during odd-even dated academic years.
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Biology
653
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Topics in Functional Genomics
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Presentation and discussion of the primary literature in high-throughput methods for global functional and network analysis of genes and proteins (reverse genetics, microarrays, two hybrid, mass spectrometry and RNAi screening).
Course Hours:
H(3-0)
Notes:
Offered during even-odd dated academic years.
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Biology
703
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Recent Advances in Biology
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Lectures, seminars and/or laboratories on special advanced topics in biological sciences. Each student should seek consent of a departmental faculty member who will supervise the chosen study.
Course Hours:
H(3-0) or H(0-6)
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
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COURSES OF INSTRUCTION