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Biology, Faculty of Science

BIOL: Biology


  1. BIOL 116 (3) Biology for Science Majors I

    First of a pair of courses that introduce students to the biological concepts necessary to continue into second-year biology. Covers evolutionary theory and its underlying genetic basis, basic cell biology, plant and animal nutrition, and energy acquisition. Credit will be granted for only BIOL 116/125 or BIOL 117/122. [3-3-0]

    Prerequisite: Either (a) CHEM 11 and one of Life Science 11, Anatomy and Physiology 12; or (b) CHEM 11 and one of BIOL 11, BIOL 12.

    Corequisite: One of CHEM 111, CHEM 121 is recommended.

  2. BIOL 117 (3) Evolution and Ecology

    Evolutionary theory and its underlying genetic basis; population, community, ecosystem, and behavioural ecology. Specific case studies and current environmental concerns. Recommended for Arts or Education students, in conjunction with BIOL 122. BIOL 117/122 cannot be used in place of BIOL 116/125 for those degree programs that require BIOL 116/125. Credit will be granted for only one of BIOL 117/122 or BIOL 116/125. [3-0-0]

  3. BIOL 122 (3) Physiology of Multicellular Organisms

    Physiological adaptations of plants and animals to their environments. Structure/function relationships of human organ systems. Recommended for Arts or Education students, in conjunction with BIOL 117. BIOL 117/122 cannot be used in place of BIOL 116/125 for those degree programs that require BIOL 116/125. Credit will be granted for either BIOL 117/122 or BIOL 116/125. Credit will be granted for only one of BIOL 122, both of HES 101 and HES 111, or both of HMKN 190 and HMKN 191. [3-0-0]

  4. BIOL 125 (3) Biology for Science Majors II

    Continuation of BIOL 116. Introduction to biological concepts necessary for second-year biology. Physiology of reproduction, gas exchange, inter-organ transport, inter-organ coordination in plants and animals, and excretion and movement in animals. Ecosystem, population, community, and behavioural ecology are discussed. Credit will be granted for only one of BIOL 116/125 or BIOL 117/122. [3-3-0]

    Prerequisite: BIOL 116.

    Corequisite: One of CHEM 113, CHEM 123 is recommended.

  5. BIOL 131 (3) Human Anatomy and Physiology I

    Introduction to human structures and functions, emphasizing basic physiological principles, plus cell and tissue structure. Laboratory work will include gross and microscopic anatomy, and will demonstrate underlying physiological processes. This course is for students planning to enrol in BIOL 133 in their second term. Credit will be granted for only one of BIOL 131, HES 101, or HMKN 190. [3-3-0]

    Prerequisite: Either (a) BIOL 122 or (b) all of Life Science 11 or Anatomy and Physiology 12, Chemistry 11 or (c) all of Biology 11 or 12, Chemistry 11.

  6. BIOL 133 (3) Human Anatomy and Physiology II

    Continuation and completion of the comprehensive survey of human structures and functions started in BIOL 131. Credit will be granted for only one of BIOL 133, HES 111, or HMKN 191. [3-3-0]

    Prerequisite: BIOL 131.

  7. BIOL 200 (3) Cell Biology

    Structure and function of plant and animal cells; membrane models, cytoplasmic organelles, biological information from gene to protein, the endomembrane system, secretion, intracellular digestion, endocytosis, transport processes, cytoskeleton and cell motility. [3-0-0]

    Prerequisite: BIOL 125 and one of CHEM 113, CHEM 123.

  8. BIOL 201 (3) Introduction to Evolution and Ecology

    Fundamental processes underlying adaptive evolution, speciation, and extinction. Methods used to reconstruct the evolutionary histories of, and relationships among, groups of organisms. Factors determining the distribution and abundance of organisms. Competition, predation, and an exploration of processes that promote species coexistence and lead to the maintenance of species diversity. [3-0-0]

    Prerequisite: BIOL 125.

  9. BIOL 202 (3) Introduction to Biostatistics

    Data analysis methods for biologists including sampling and experimental design, visualizing and describing data, probability, hypothesis testing, comparisons of proportions and means, correlation and regression analysis, analysis of variance, non-parametric, permutation-based tests, and the central roles that statistical analyses and reproducibility play in scientific research. R and RMarkdown are used to visualize and analyze data, and to communicate findings using literate programming. [3-2-0]

    Prerequisite: MATH 100.

  10. BIOL 204 (3) Vertebrate Structure and Function

    Introduction to the vertebrate phyla and their evolution; comparative study of vertebrate structure and function, with dissection of representative forms. [3-3-0]

    Prerequisite: Either (a) BIOL 125 or (b) all of BIOL 117, BIOL 122.

  11. BIOL 205 (3) Comparative Invertebrate Zoology

    Introduction to the invertebrate phyla. [3-3-0]

    Prerequisite: Either (a) BIOL 125 or (b) all of BIOL 117, BIOL 122.

  12. BIOL 209 (3) Fungi

    Biology of fungi with emphasis on eukaryote evolution, symbiosis, life history adaptation, and importance to humans. [3-3-0]

    Prerequisite: Either (a) BIOL 125 or (b) all of BIOL 117, BIOL 122.

  13. BIOL 210 (3) Land Plants

    Comparative study of bryophytes, pteridophytes, gymnosperms, and angiosperms, integrating form, function, and ecology. [3-3-0]

    Prerequisite: Either (a) BIOL 125 or (b) all of BIOL 117, BIOL 122.

  14. BIOL 228 (3) Introductory Microbiology

    An introductory course providing a broad background in microbiology. Topics include structure, metabolism, diversity of micro-organisms, microbial genetics, virology, and immunology. Laboratory work will include techniques and experiments relevant to lectures. [3-3-0]

    Prerequisite: BIOL 125.

    Corequisite: One of CHEM 203, CHEM 213.

  15. BIOL 232 (3) Human Infectious Disease

    Agents of infectious disease in humans. Physiology and structure, mechanisms ofpathogenesis, immunological response, clinical disease caused, laboratorydiagnosis, treatment, prevention, and control. Properties and uses of antimicrobial agents, resistance, vaccines, and bioterrorism. Credit will be granted for only one of BIOL 232 or BIOL 314. [3-0-0]

    Prerequisite: Either (a) BIOL 235 or (b) HINT 231.

  16. BIOL 265 (3) Principles of Genetics

    Mendelian genetics, gene expression, recombination, mutation, evolution, and molecular techniques. Examples will be drawn from both eukaryotic and prokaryotic systems. Credit will be granted for only one of BIOL 265 or BIOL 365. [3-0-0]

    Prerequisite: BIOL 125.

  17. BIOL 300 (3) Advanced Cell Biology

    Functional anatomy of structural cells and other specialized types. Structures and processes including extracellular matrix, cell adhesion, cytoskeleton, apoptosis and autophagy. Techniques for analysis of subcellular components. [3-0-0]

    Prerequisite: BIOL 200.

  18. BIOL 301 (3) Evolutionary Principles and Methods

    An exploration of the field of Evolutionary Biology as an ongoing scientific endeavour. Current research methodology and development of concepts relating to the study of evolutionary change, adaptation, and the history of life will be examined. [3-0-0]

    Prerequisite: BIOL 201.

  19. BIOL 306 (3) Ecology of Animals

    Integrates recent advances in the study of animal ecology. Principles of animal community, population, and individual ecology are covered. [3-0-0]

    Prerequisite: BIOL 201 and BIOL 202.

  20. BIOL 307 (3) Limnology

    Integrated approaches to freshwater science and its place in environmental science. Ecosystem ecology of inland waters, relating aquatic organisms with their physical and chemical environment. Participation in a one-day weekend field trip in September or early October is required. Credit will be granted for only one of BIOL 307 or EESC 301. [3-3-0]

    Prerequisite: All of BIOL 116, BIOL 125. Third-year standing in Biology, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Environmental Chemistry, or Freshwater Science. One of BIOL 201 or BIOL 375 is recommended.

    Equivalency: EESC 301.

  21. BIOL 308 (3) Population Biology

    Demography, single species growth, competition, predation, and natural selection in plant and animal populations. [3-0-1]

    Prerequisite: One of MATH 101, MATH 103 and one of BIOL 201, GEOG 207.

  22. BIOL 309 (3) Field Ecology of Plants and Soil

    Applies concepts of community ecology to plants and soils. Important processes that influence plant community composition and structure; plant autecology; soil ecology; ecosystem processes. Labs provide experience in techniques commonly used by plant and soil ecologists. One full-day field trip required. [3-3-0]

    Prerequisite: BIOL 201 and one of BIOL 202, STAT 230.

  23. BIOL 311 (3) Biochemistry I

    Structure and function of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids. Principles of thermodynamics and enzyme reaction mechanisms. Enzyme kinetics. Credit will only be granted for one of BIOL 311 or BIOC 304. [3-0-0]

    Prerequisite: BIOL 116 and one of CHEM 204, CHEM 214.

  24. BIOL 312 (3) Virology

    Study of viral agents of infectious disease in eukaryotes. Viral pathogens investigated with respect to classification, structure, replication, mechanisms of pathogenesis, clinical disease caused, epidemiology, laboratory diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and control. Topics include properties and uses of antiviral agents, production and use of vaccines, and bioterrorism. [3-0-0]

    Prerequisite: BIOL 228.

  25. BIOL 313 (3) Science Writing

    Develop strong and efficient writing skills in the biological sciences. Improve quality of written work; develop techniques for writing, editing, evaluating, and critiquing writing; and learn attributes unique to science writing and methods for writing fluent scientific prose. [3-0-0]

  26. BIOL 314 (3) Medical Microbiology

    Bacterial and fungal agents of infectious animal diseases. Physiology and structure, mechanisms of pathogenesis, immunological response, clinical disease caused, epidemiology, laboratory diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and control. Properties and uses of antibacterial and antifungal agents, resistance, vaccines, and bioterrorism. [3-0-0]

    Prerequisite: BIOL 228.

  27. BIOL 318 (3) Immunology

    Introduction to concepts of immunology. Immune system, innate immunity and complement, adaptive immunity, cellular and humoral immune response, cytokines, T-cell activation, the major histocompatibility complex, antibody structure and genetics, immune system and cancer, AIDS, autoimmunity, hypersensitivity. [3-0-0]

    Prerequisite: BIOL 228.

  28. BIOL 319 (3) Biochemistry II

    Continuation of BIOL 311. Energy production via glycolysis, oxidative phosphorylation, and photosynthesis. Integration and control of carbohydrate, lipid, and protein metabolism. Synthesis, and metabolism of nucleic acids and the biochemistry of gene function. Credit will only be granted for one of BIOL 319 or BIOC 305. [3-0-0]

    Prerequisite: BIOL 311.

  29. BIOL 341 (3) Neurobiology

    The nervous system control of animal behavior. Examples include: sensory processing and communication, predator-prey interactions, migration, motor-coordination, daily and seasonal changes in activity, cellular mechanisms of learning and memory. [3-0-0]

    Prerequisite: BIOL 200.

  30. BIOL 350 (3) Clinical Neuroscience

    The structural, biochemical, and functional changes that characterize clinically-important diseases of the nervous system, including: brain and spinal cord trauma; developmental disorders, memory, and memory dysfunction; neurodegenerative diseases; mood and anxiety disorders; epilepsy; and maintenance of homeostasis. [3-0-0]

    Prerequisite: One of BIOL 200, BIOL 341, PSYO 230, PSYO 331.

  31. BIOL 354 (3) Cell Physiology

    Analysis of cellular function common to diverse organisms with an emphasis on ion transport in excitable and non-excitable cells, signaling via second messengers, cellular pH regulation, and epithelial transport. [3-0-1*]

    Prerequisite: BIOL 200 and one of BIOL 202, STAT 230 and one of PHYS 121, PHYS 122.

  32. BIOL 356 (3) Comparative Animal Physiology

    Comparative course concerning the evolution and advantage of systems design in a variety of animals. Two underlying themes include the principles of homeostasis - the regulation of a constant internal state - and the systems involved in maintaining a constant internal environment: cardiovascular, respiratory, osmoregulatory, and endocrine. [3-0-0]

    Prerequisite: BIOL 354.

  33. BIOL 357 (3) Introduction to Entomology

    General survey of the evolution, classification, and biology of insects, with a special emphasis on their functional ecology. Experiments using insect systems as well as master techniques for collecting and curating insect specimens will be conducted in the lab. A properly-curated collection is a requirement for this course. [3-3-0]

    Prerequisite: BIOL 201 and one of BIOL 202, STAT 230. BIOL 205 is recommended.

  34. BIOL 358 (3) Plant Ecophysiology

    How plants respond to their environment; the physiological mechanisms that underlie adaptations to different physical environments. Water relations, gas exchange, and mineral nutrition; temperature and energy budgets; stress tolerance. [3-0-1.5]

    Prerequisite: BIOL 210 and one of BIOL 202, STAT 230.

  35. BIOL 359 (3) Physiology Laboratory

    Experimental cellular and animal physiology. Topics include cell volume regulation, membrane transport, pH regulation, neuronal physiology, respiratory physiology, cardiac physiology, muscle physiology and renal physiology. Restricted to students in the Zoology Major or Honours program. [1-4-0]

    Prerequisite: BIOL 354.

    Corequisite: BIOL 356.

  36. BIOL 363 (3) Developmental Biology

    Principles of animal development. Embryonic development of key invertebrates is compared to vertebrates at the morphological, genetic, and epigenetic levels. Differential gene expression and cell signaling responsible for the specification of embryonic cell fates and pattern formation will be compared in various animals. Credit will be granted for only one of BIOL 363 or BIOL 263. [3-3-0]

    Prerequisite: BIOL 200.

  37. BIOL 366 (3) Molecular Genetics

    Stresses the principles of molecular biology techniques and their relevance to the study of all areas of biology. Gene expression, gene regulation, and development genetics. [3-0-0]

    Prerequisite: One of BIOL 265, BIOL 365.

  38. BIOL 370 (3) African Savannah Biology

    Analysis of the ecological, developmental, and evolutionary mechanisms responsible for the diversity of African savannah life including early hominins. [3-0-0]

    Prerequisite: BIOL 201.

  39. BIOL 371 (3) Flora of British Columbia

    Flora of BC, plant identification, and biogeoclimatic zones. Two-week (10-day) course; daily field exercises; equivalent to a one-term lecture and laboratory course. Usually offered at the start of first term in the summer. Students must arrange their own transportation to and from local field locations. Additional fees may apply.

    Prerequisite: BIOL 201 and successful completion of 48 academic credits.

  40. BIOL 372 (3) Field Ornithology

    Field study of birds. Two-week (10 day) course; daily field exercises; equivalent to a one-term lecture and laboratory course. Usually offered first term in the summer. Students must arrange their own transportation to and from local field locations. Additional fees may apply.

    Prerequisite: One of BIOL 201, BIOL 204 and successful completion of 48 academic credits.

  41. BIOL 375 (3) Flora and Fauna of Inland Waters

    Introduction to major groups of organisms in inland waters. Cyanobacteria, algae, plants, and animals; their ecology, evolution; conservation and their use in biomonitoring. Credit will be granted for only one of BIOL 375 or FWSC 375. [3-3-0]

    Prerequisite: Either (a) BIOL 125 or (b) all of BIOL 117, BIOL 122. Third-year standing in Biology, Freshwater Science, or Earth and Environmental Sciences.

    Equivalency: FWSC 375.

  42. BIOL 380 (3) Food and Industrial Microbiology

    A detailed examination of the microbes that play a role in the manufacturing of beverages (e.g., beer and wine), solid foods (e.g., cheese), and industrial processes (e.g., waste water treatment). [3-0-0]

    Prerequisite: BIOL 228.

  43. BIOL 381 (3) Environmental Microbiology

    Introduction to the diverse roles of microbes in natural and artificial environments. Topics range from community interactions to biogeochemical cycles to biodegradation and will introduce principles, practical applications such as waste water treatment, and implications of environmental microbiology. [3-0-0]

    Prerequisite: BIOL 228 and one of CHEM 203, CHEM 213.

  44. BIOL 382 (3) Prokaryotic Physiology

    Physiology and molecular biology of prokaryotic organisms. Molecular structure and functional aspects of prokaryotic cells including: bacterial and archaeal metabolism; energy production and use by aerobes and anaerobes; cellular growth and biosynthesis; and molecular genetics. Credit will be granted for only one of BIOL 382 or BIOL 420V when the subject matter is of the same nature. [3-0-0]

    Prerequisite: BIOL 228 and one of CHEM 204, CHEM 214.

  45. BIOL 393 (3) Biochemistry Laboratory

    Topics include protein separation, enzyme kinetics, ELISA, DNA Ligation and Transformation, PCR, RFLP analysis, Agarose gel electrophoresis, STR and VNTR analysis, and gene regulation. Credit will be granted for only one of BIOL 393 or BIOC 393. [0-4-0]

    Prerequisite: BIOL 311.

    Corequisite: BIOL 366.

    Equivalency: BIOC 393.

  46. BIOL 401 (3) Spatial Ecology

    Spatial patterns in ecology, exploring ways to describe variation and mechanisms that give rise to patterns. Dispersal, metapopulation and source-sink dynamics, connectivity and fragmentation, heterogeneity, disturbance, edges, and dynamics of geographical ranges. Credit will be granted for only one of BIOL 401 or BIOL 512. [3-0-0]

    Prerequisite: One of BIOL 202, STAT 230.

  47. BIOL 406 (3) Functional Glycoscience

    Metabolism and nomenclature of glycans (saccharides) in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Roles of glycans in normal cell function and in congenital, chronic and infectious diseases. Techniques for glycan analysis. [3-0-0]

    Prerequisite: BIOL 200 and one of BIOL 319, BIOC 305.

  48. BIOL 410 (3) Plant-Microbe Interactions

    Ecological, physiological, and molecular perspectives will be covered on root-associated micro-organisms with the potential to benefit plants. Implications for agriculture, forestry, bioremediation, and conservation. Credit will be granted for only one of BIOL 410 or BIOL 510. [3-0-0]

    Prerequisite: BIOL 228.

  49. BIOL 414 (3) Advanced Field Ecology

    Independent research projects in the field, while considering application of methods to solving problems in ecology. Study design, hypothesis development, primary data collection, analysis, and interpretation; formal manuscripts for publication. Credit will be granted for only one of BIOL 414 or BIOL 514. [3-0-1]

    Prerequisite: One of BIOL 202, GEOG 271 and one of BIOL 201, GEOG 207.

  50. BIOL 417 (3) Evolutionary Ecology

    Advanced survey of the field of evolutionary ecology: the study of the ecological basis for the evolution of life histories, sex, mating strategies, and foraging strategies. Credit will only be granted for one of BIOL 417 or BIOL 517. [3-0-0]

    Prerequisite: BIOL 308 and one of BIOL 202, STAT 230.

  51. BIOL 422 (3) Conservation Biology

    Scientific basis of conservation biology. Analysis of demographic data, population models, and extinction risks. Examine complex habitat, landscape, genetic, and trophic interactions that affect populations. Conservation approaches including habitat planning, reserve design, surrogacy, and policy. Credit will be granted for only one of BIOL 422 or BIOL 513. [3-0-0]

    Prerequisite: BIOL 308.

  52. BIOL 423 (3) Endocrinology

    Regulation of metabolism and homeostasis by the endocrine system. Classes of hormones and mechanisms of action; integration of multiple organ systems through hormonal regulation, and endocrine abnormalities in chronic diseases. [3-0-0]

    Prerequisite: One of BIOL 319, BIOC 305.

  53. BIOL 424 (3) Global Food Systems: Society, Ecology, Sustainability

    Evaluating food system sustainability issues, including management and technology alternatives, through the lenses of (1) systems-analytic (i.e., life cycle) thinking and tools; and (2) sustainable scale (relative to ecological carrying capacity), distributive justice, and efficient allocation. Credit will be granted for only one of BIOL 424 or MGMT 470. [3-0-0]

    Prerequisite: Third-year standing.

    Equivalency: MGMT 470.

  54. BIOL 426 (3) Cancer Biology

    The molecular and cellular basis of cancer. Introduction to principles of oncology including prevention, diagnosis and treatment. [3-0-0]

    Prerequisite: One of BIOL 311, BIOC 304 and all of BIOL 200, BIOL 265, BIOL 318.

  55. BIOL 430 (3-9) Special Topics in Biology, Lecture Format

    With permission of the department head, this course may be taken more than once with a different topic. Credit will be granted for only one of BIOL 430, 431, 432, 433, 530, 531, 532, 533 when the subject matter is of the same nature.

  56. BIOL 431 (3-9) Special Topics in Biology, Laboratory Format

    With permission of the department head, this course may be taken more than once with a different topic. Credit will be granted for only one of BIOL 430, 431, 432, 433, 530, 531, 532, 533 when the subject matter is of the same nature.

  57. BIOL 432 (3-9) Special Topics in Biology, Lecture and Laboratory Format

    With permission of the department head, this course may be taken more than once with a different topic. Credit will be granted for only one of BIOL 430, 431, 432, 433, 530, 531, 532, 533 when the subject matter is of the same nature.

  58. BIOL 433 (3-9) Special Topics in Biology, Experiential Learning Format

    With permission of the department head, this course may be taken more than once with a different topic. Credit will be granted for only one of BIOL 430, 431, 432, 433, 530, 531, 532, 533 when the subject matter is of the same nature.

  59. BIOL 440 (6) Honours Thesis

    Students undertake a research project on a specific topic as agreed upon by the faculty member and the student. A written thesis is required, with a public presentation of the thesis in the form of a poster or a seminar.

    Prerequisite: Permission of the department head and course supervisor.

  60. BIOL 444 (3) Dynamic Modelling of Human-Environment Systems

    Design and use of dynamic models of complex systems; spatial modelling of the environment; agent- and individual-based models; applications to biodiversity conservation, environmental management, land use change and natural resource management. Credit will be granted for only one of BIOL 444, BIOL 544, EESC 444, or EESC 544. [3-3-0]

    Prerequisite: One of MATH 100, MATH 101, MATH 103 and one of APSC 254, BIOL 202, GEOG 271, PSYO 271, STAT 121, STAT 230. Third-year standing. At least three credits of second-year BIOL/EESC and three credits of third-year BIOL/EESC are strongly recommended.

    Equivalency: EESC 444.

  61. BIOL 452 (3-12) d Directed Studies in Biology

    Allows investigation on a specific topic as agreed upon by the faculty member and the student. Permission of the Biology department head required. No more than 6 credits with the same supervisor. No more than 9 credits per academic year.

  62. BIOL 459 (3) Behavioural Ecology

    Ecological and evolutionary basis for behaviour, the role of behaviour in enabling an organism to adapt to its environment. Topics include optimization and game theoretic approaches, foraging, sociality, mating, and parental care. [3-0-0]

    Prerequisite: BIOL 201.

  63. BIOL 460 (3) Population Genetics

    Concepts in empirical and theoretical population genetics. Primary processes shaping genetic variation within and among populations. Methodologies for measuring genetic variation in nature, and practical applications of population genetic principles to genomics, molecular evolution, human evolution, and conservation biology. Credit will be granted for only one of BIOL 460 or BIOL 560. [3-0-0]

    Prerequisite: BIOL 201.

  64. BIOL 461 (3) Cell Signaling

    Signal transduction mechanisms of cells as mediators of responses to their environments. Interplay between signaling pathways, and relationships between signaling defects, disease, and therapeutic agents, with a focus on eukaryotic cells. Credit will be granted for only one of BIOL 461 or BIOL 420A when the subject matter is of the same nature. [3-0-0]

    Prerequisite: BIOL 200 and one of BIOL 311, BIOC 304.

  65. BIOL 468 (3) Molecular Approaches in Ecology and Evolution

    Techniques for collecting molecular and population genetic data. Applications in ecology, evolution, and conservation. Characteristics of molecular markers, associated analytical approaches, emerging genomic technologies, and case studies. Credit will be granted for only one of BIOL 468 or BIOL 568. [3-0-0]

    Prerequisite: BIOL 201.

  66. BIOL 477 (3) Bioinformatics

    Analysis of nucleic acid sequences using command-line computer programs. Use of biological databases. Structure and evolution of genomes. Credit will be granted for only one of BIOL 477, BIOL 577, or BIOL 420Y (Bioinformatics). [3-0-0]

    Prerequisite: BIOL 265 and at least 6 credits of 300-level BIOL or BIOC courses.

  67. BIOL 480 (3) Mycology

    A detailed examination of the fungi. Emphasis is on taxonomy, evolution, genetics, ecology, and physiology of the Chytridiomycota, Zygomycota, Glomeromycota, Ascomycota, and Basidiomycota. The seminar emphasizes discussion and interpretation of primary literature, and quantitative data. [3-0-1.5]

    Prerequisite: BIOL 311.

  68. BIOL 501 (3) Biology Seminar

    Required for all Biology M.Sc. students. Based on Biology seminar speakers and their research programs. Students will attend the seminars and learn skills required to critically evaluate the underlying research.

  69. BIOL 507 (3) The Biochemical Basis of Disease

    Draws on foundational knowledge of normal biochemistry. Inborn errors of metabolism, abnormal growth and metabolism, neurodegeneration and inappropriate protein folding, deficiency diseases, endocrine disorders, and cardiovascular and hematological disorders. Credit will be granted for only one of BIOL 507 or BIOC 407.

    Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.

  70. BIOL 510 (3) Plant-Microbe Interactions

    Ecological, physiological, and molecular perspectives will be covered on root-associated micro-organisms with the potential to benefit plants. Implications for agriculture, forestry, bioremediation, and conservation. Credit will be granted for only one of BIOL 510 or BIOL 410.

  71. BIOL 512 (3) Spatial Ecology

    Examination of major spatial patterns in ecology, exploring ways to describe variation and the mechanisms that give rise to patterns. Dispersal, metapopulation and source-sink dynamics, connectivity and fragmentation, heterogeneity, disturbance, edges, and dynamics of geographical ranges. Credit will be granted for only one of BIOL 512 or BIOL 401. [3-0-0]

  72. BIOL 513 (3) Conservation Biology

    Scientific basis of conservation biology. Obtain and analyze demographic data, develop population models, and project extinction risks. Complex habitat, landscape, genetic, and trophic interactions that affect population dynamics. Conservation approaches including habitat planning, reserve design, surrogacy, and policy. Credit will be granted for only one of BIOL 422 or BIOL 513. [3-0-0]

  73. BIOL 514 (3) Advanced Field Ecology

    Independent research projects in the field, while considering application of methods to solving problems in ecology. Study design, hypothesis development, primary data collection, analysis, and interpretation; formal manuscripts for publication. Credit will be granted for only one of BIOL 514 or BIOL 414.

  74. BIOL 517 (3) Evolutionary Ecology

    Advanced survey of the field of evolutionary ecology: the study of the ecological basis for the evolution of life histories, sex, mating strategies, and foraging strategies. Credit will only be granted for one of BIOL 417 or BIOL 517. [3-0-0]

  75. BIOL 530 (1-9) Special Topics in Biology, Lecture Format

    With permission of the department head, this course may be taken more than once with a different topic. Credit will be granted for only one of BIOL 430, 431, 432, 433, 530, 531, 532, 533 when the subject matter is of the same nature.

  76. BIOL 531 (1-9) Special Topics in Biology, Laboratory Format

    With permission of the department head, this course may be taken more than once with a different topic. Credit will be granted for only one of BIOL 430, 431, 432, 433, 530, 531, 532, 533 when the subject matter is of the same nature.

  77. BIOL 532 (1-9) Special Topics in Biology, Lecture and Laboratory Format

    With permission of the department head, this course may be taken more than once with a different topic. Credit will be granted for only one of BIOL 430, 431, 432, 433, 530, 531, 532, 533 when the subject matter is of the same nature.

  78. BIOL 533 (1-9) Special Topics in Biology, Experiential Learning Format

    With permission of the department head, this course may be taken more than once with a different topic. Credit will be granted for only one of BIOL 430, 431, 432, 433, 530, 531, 532, 533 when the subject matter is of the same nature.

  79. BIOL 544 (3) Dynamic Modelling of Human-Environment Systems

    Design and use of dynamic models of complex systems; spatial modelling of the environment; agent- and individual-based models; applications to biodiversity conservation, environmental management, land use change and natural resource management. Credit will be granted for only one of EESC 544, EESC 444, BIOL 444 or BIOL 544.

    Equivalency: EESC 544.

  80. BIOL 552 (3-9) d Directed Studies in Biology

    Allows investigation on a specific topic as agreed upon by the supervisory committee and the student. This course may be taken more than once with a different topic. No more than 6 credits may be completed with the same instructor.

    Prerequisite: Permission of the graduate program advisor and the course instructor.

  81. BIOL 560 (3) Population Genetics

    Concepts in empirical and theoretical population genetics. Primary processes shaping genetic variation within and among populations. Methodologies for measuring genetic variation in nature, and practical applications of population genetic principles to genomics, molecular evolution, human evolution, and conservation biology. Credit will be granted for only one of BIOL 560 or BIOL 460. [3-0-0]

  82. BIOL 568 (3) Molecular Approaches in Ecology and Evolution

    Techniques for collecting molecular and population genetic data. Applications in ecology, evolution, and conservation. Characteristics of molecular markers, associated analytical approaches, emerging genomic technologies, and case studies. Credit will be granted for only one of BIOL 568 or BIOL 468. [3-0-0]

  83. BIOL 577 (3) Bioinformatics

    Analysis of nucleic acid sequences using command-line computer programs. Use of biological databases. Structure and evolution of genomes. Credit will be granted for only one of BIOL 477, BIOL 577 or BIOL 420Y (Bioinformatics). [3-0-0]

  84. BIOL 599 (21) M.Sc. Thesis

    Pass/Fail.

  85. BIOL 699 (0) Ph.D. Thesis

    Pass/Fail.


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