Biology BIOL
Instruction offered by members of the Department of Biological Sciences in the Faculty of Science.
Department Head - D.M. Reid
For other courses offered by the Department of Biological Sciences see Biochemistry; Biotechnology; Botany; Cellular, Molecular and Microbial Biology; Ecology; Marine Sciences; Zoology.
†Limited amounts of non-scheduled class time involvement will be required for these courses.
Junior Courses
Biology 205 H(3-0)
The Organization and Diversity of Life
A study of biological concepts and mechanisms illustrated by current examples of medical and environmental problems.
Note: Credit for both Biology 205 and either 231 or 233 will not be allowed.
Note: Not open for credit to Majors or Minors in the Department of Biological Sciences or to Natural Sciences program students with a Concentration in Biological Sciences.
Biology 231 H(3-3)
Introduction to Cellular Biology
Examination of many fundamental principles of life common to all organisms; continues with an overview of structure, replication and function in viruses, bacteria, protists and fungi.
Prerequisites: Biology 30 and Chemistry 30.
Note: Credit for both Biology 205 and 231 will not be allowed.
Note: Not recommended for those students seeking a single half course, general interest overview of the biological sciences. Those seeking such a course should consider Biology 205.
Note: Biology 231 is not a prerequisite for Biology 233. Biology 231 and 233 may be taken in any order.
Biology 233 H(3-3)
Introduction to Organismic Biology of Plants and Animals
Various groups are introduced with a focus on diversity, and form and function in terrestrial plants and major metazoan phyla.
Prerequisites: Biology 30 and Chemistry 30.
Note: Credit for both Biology 205 and 233 will not be allowed.
Note: Not recommended for those students seeking a single half course, general interest overview of the biological sciences. Those seeking such a course should consider Biology 205.
Note: Biology 231 is not a prerequisite for Biology 233. Biology 231 and 233 may be taken in any order.
Senior Courses
Biology 305 H(3-0)
The Human Organism
An introduction to human biology that analyzes 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.
Prerequisites: One of Biology 30 or 205 or 231.
Note: Credit for Biology 305 and any of Kinesiology 261, Zoology 269, 361 or 363 will not be allowed.
Note: Not open for credit to Majors and Minors in the Department of Biological Sciences or to Natural Sciences program students with a Concentration in Biological Sciences.
Biology 307 H(3-0)
Ecology and Human Affairs
The major principles of ecology and evolution. How organisms survive in the physical environment; Darwinism; sex and societies; species interactions; who lives where and why; who lives together and how; the biology of ecosystems. The intent of the course is to give non-biologists an understanding of ecological and evolutionary principles that will allow them to better appreciate the place and role of human beings in the modern world.
Prerequisites: Second-year standing.
Note: Not open for credit to Majors and Minors in the Department of Biological Sciences or to Natural Sciences program students with a Concentration in Biological Sciences.
Biology 311 H(3-3)
Principles of Genetics
Topics will include Mendelian inheritance, allelic relationships, genetic linkage, sex linkage, sex determination, changes in chromosome structure, segregation and recombination, structure and function of the genetic material, molecular genetics, genetics of bacteria and viruses, gene fine structure, gene function, complementation, and regulation of gene expression. Several selected organisms will be used in the laboratories to illustrate pertinent genetic principles.
Prerequisites: Biology 231, 233 and Chemistry 203
Note: 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.
Biology 313 H(3-3)
An Introduction to Ecology and Evolution
Ecological processes and evolutionary principles that explain the origin, maintenance, and dynamics of biological diversity. Ecological interactions will be studied to understand the dynamics of populations and communities, and the evolution of traits. Mechanisms of genetic change of populations will be discussed and how these changes give rise to large-scale evolutionary patterns.
Prerequisites: Biology 231 and 233.
Note: Knowledge of Mendelian genetics is a distinct asset. Students are strongly advised to take Biology 311 prior to or concurrently with Biology 313.
Note: Successful completion of Biology 313 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.
Biology 315 H(3-3)
Quantitative Biology I
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.
Prerequisites: Biology 233 and one of Mathematics 249, 251 or 261.
Note: 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.
Biology 331 H(3-1T)
Introduction to Cellular and Molecular Biology
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.
Prerequisites: Biology 311.
Note: 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.
Biology 335 H(3-3)
Biology of Fungi
Morphology, life history patterns and systematics of fungi. Fungal ecology including fungi as parasites, symbionts and decomposers. Basic molecular biology, genetics and physiology.
Prerequisites: Biology 231 and 233.
Biology 401 H(3-1T)
Evolutionary Biology
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.
Prerequisites: Biology 313 and 315.
Biology 451 H(3-1T)
Conservation Biology
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.
Prerequisites: Biology 313.
Biology 501 H(3-0)
(Medical Science 501)
Principles and Mechanism of Pharmacology
Basic principles of pharmacology, with specific emphasis on receptor signaling mechanisms.
Prerequisites: Consent of the Department and Biochemistry 443, and one of Zoology 461, 463, or Medical Science 404.
Biology 503 H(3-0)
(Medical Science 503)
Pharmacology of Organ Systems
Pharmacology of the nervous, cardiovascular, renal and immune systems, as well as anti-cancer therapies. Principles of toxicology.
Prerequisites: Biology 501 (Medical Science 501) or consent of the Department.
Biology 515 H(3-0)
(Medical Science 515)
Cellular Mechanisms of Disease
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.
Prerequisites: Biochemistry 443 and Biology 331.
Biology 520 F(3-3)
Field Course in Tropical Biology
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.
Prerequisites: Consent of the Department.
Biology 591 H (1-5
Insect Biodiversity
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.
Prerequisites: Consent of the Department.
Graduate Courses
Enrollment in any graduate course requires consent of the Department.
(Only where 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 programs.
Biology 601 H(2S-0)
Research Seminar
Reports on studies of the literature or of current research. Graduate students normally register in their supervisor's divisional section.
601.01. Biochemistry I
601.02. Biochemistry II
601.03. Botany I
601.04. Botany II
601.05. Cellular, Molecular and Microbial Biology I
601.06. Cellular, Molecular and Microbial Biology II
601.07. Ecology I
601.08. Ecology II
601.09. Zoology I
601.10. Zoology II
NOT INCLUDED IN GPA
Biology 603 H(3-1)
(Medical Science 603)
Biology of Laboratory Animals
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.
Note: Enrollment in this course is restricted in the first instance to graduate students who will do research utilizing animals.
Biology 607 H(3-3)
Special Problems in Biology
Lectures, seminars, term papers and training in theoretical and/or laboratory methods.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
Biology 619 H(3-0)
Advanced Evolutionary Biology
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 in biology.
Note: Offered in odd-even dated academic years.