The essential biochemistry, genetics, cell biology, and metabolic pathways underlying the survival and success of all living organisms. Themes and case studies could range from the application of genetic engineering in biotechnology to the role of cellular dysregulation in inheritable diseases.
NOTE Also offered online. Consult Arts and Science Online. Learning Hours may vary.
NOTE Also offered at the Bader International Study Centre, Herstmonceux. Learning Hours may vary.

The origins and diversification of multicellular organisms, their form, function and adaptation to stress and a changing world. Themes and case studies include energy flow from molecules to ecosystems, organismal interactions including parasitism and disease dynamics, and the impacts of human activity.
NOTE Also offered online. Consult Arts and Science Online. Learning Hours may vary.
NOTE Also offered at the Bader International Study Centre, Herstmonceux. Learning Hours may vary.

Introductory genetics and evolutionary processes as they relate to the human condition - genetic diseases, medical techniques, inheritance and ethical issues such as cloning and genetically modified foods.
NOTE Also offered online. Consult Arts and Science Online. Learning Hours may vary.

Introduces the basic concepts of ecology and shows how they relate to environmental issues such as population growth, resource management, biodiversity, agriculture, air and water pollution, energy, and climate change, and to solutions leading to a sustainable environment.
NOTE Also offered online. Consult Arts and Science Online. Learning Hours may vary.

This course provides a phylogenetically based overview of biodiversity across the Tree of Life including viruses; archaea, bacteria, algae, fungi, plants, invertebrates and vertebrates.Patterns of organizational complexity and species diversity are explained in the context of evolutionary processes, structure function relationships and ecology.
NOTE Textbook and onQ course site for distributing reading material.

An introduction to Mendelian and molecular genetics covering the basic mechanisms of genetic transmission, gene structure and function, as well as the application of molecular genetics in medicine and biotechnology.

An introduction to the genetic mechanisms of population differentiation and evolutionary change - from molecules to species. The genetical theory of evolution is also applied to problems involving conservation, biotechnology and the evolution of disease.
NOTE Priority to BIOL concentrators will be given during course selection.

A hands on laboratory course that establishes the fundamentals of scientific investigation and applies them to selected biological questions. Students will learn to develop hypotheses, design and execute experiments, and to analyze and present results. There will be four modules structured as: Cell, Organism, Population and Ecosystem.
NOTE Blended learning, online material and hands on activities in the lab.
NOTE QUBS Field Trip: Estimated cost $40.

An introduction to the analysis of data from real life situations. Covers study design, descriptive and inferential statistics. Topics include probability, t-tests, regression, Chi-square tests, analysis of variance. Emphasis is in the foundation of statistical inference and practical application of statistical methods using statistical software.

An exploration of the relationships between living things and their environment in an evolutionary framework. Topics include constraints, organismal ecology, population dynamics, interactions, community structure, energy and elemental flow through ecosystems, and global diversity patterns. We will collect, analyze, and interpret ecological data.
NOTE QUBS Field Trip: estimated cost $50.

Two weeks of field work plus written assignments in one or two areas of study to be done when specialized modules are available in May, July, August or February. Studies may include ecology of birds, fish, insects, small mammals, plants, tundra and taiga, lakes and caves. The schedule of offerings for each year is available in January.
NOTE    Field trip: estimated cost of each module and the schedule of offerings for each year is available in January.

One week of field work plus written assignments in one or two areas of study to be done when specialized modules are available in May, July, August or February. Studies may include ecology of birds, fish, insects, small mammals, plants, tundra and taiga, lakes and caves. The schedule of offerings for each year is available in January.
NOTE    Field trip: estimated cost of each module and the schedule of offerings for each year is available in January.

Human civilization depends on plants. We have changed them and they have changed us. This course investigates the biology and evolution of valuable economic plants, the science of plant domestication and genetic manipulation, and how our interactions with plants have altered the economy, politics, and sociology of human civilization.

An introduction to the basic principles of fisheries biology and examination of the biological foundations of current problems affecting the world's fisheries, with an emphasis on developing sound science-based strategies to resolve these problems.

Two weeks of field work plus written assignments in one or two areas of study to be done when specialized modules are available in May, July, August or February. Studies may include ecology of birds, fish, insects, small mammals, plants, tundra and taiga, lakes and caves. The schedule of offerings for each year is available in January.
NOTE    Field trip: estimated cost of each module and the schedule of offerings for each year is available in January.

Ethnobotany is the study of the relationships that exist between indigenous cultures and local flora. Case studies will be presented to examine the various categories of plant use, the importance of traditional knowledge to Western culture, and the role of plant conservation and cultural sustainability.
NOTE Only offered online. Consult Arts and Science Online.

An evolutionary approach to the study of animal behaviour. This course explores processes and patterns in behaviour, with emphasis on perception, communication, foraging, spacing, reproduction and social behaviour in a variety of animals. Methods of studying and analyzing behaviour are explored through laboratory exercises.
NOTE Also offered online. Consult Arts and Science Online. Learning Hours may vary.

A comparative examination of interaction between animals and their environment including: physiological adaptations to extreme environments (e.g., arctic, desert); responses to acute and chronic environmental stress (e.g., hypoxia, temperature); environmental regulation of normal physiological processes; uses of comparative models in other fields.

Vertebrate biodiversity including characteristics and adaptations of the major classes of the living vertebrates; major environmental and geological changes associated with vertebrate evolution.
NOTE    Field trip: estimated cost $35.

Two weeks of field work plus written assignments in one or two areas of study to be done when specialized modules are available in May, July, August or February. Studies may include ecology of birds, fish, insects, small mammals, plants, tundra and taiga, lakes and caves. The schedule of offerings for each year is available in January.
NOTE    Field trip: estimated cost of each module and the schedule of offerings for each year is available in January.

An introduction to the cellular basis of biological variation. The course explores the control of cell function exerted by the nucleus, the pathways for building and fuelling cells, and the control of integrative cellular events.
NOTE Also offered online. Consult Arts and Science Online. Learning Hours may vary.

This course will explore the structure of genomes and the nature and origin of gene families as well as large scale functional genomics methods for analysis of novel gene function.

The course explores biological contributions to society in the fields of environmental assessment and management, materials and food production, and biotechnology. Emphasis is placed on understanding of applied processes in relevant service and production industries.

A survey of selected topics including: general principles of enzymology; bioenergetics; metabolism and its control; the importance of proteomic and enzyme research in functional genomics and biotechnology; mechanisms whereby animals and plants acclimate at the biochemical level to environmental stress.

Physics, chemistry and biology of freshwater lakes. Emphasis on: morphometry; light and temperature; water chemistry in relation to nutrients; physiological requirements; composition and interaction of algal and invertebrate populations; eutrophication; pollution; environmental change.
NOTE QUBS Field trip: estimated cost $45.

Introduction to life in the World's oceans and seas from a global, ecological, and evolutionary perspective. Study of marine habitats, food webs, biodiversity, ecological processes, functional biology, adaptations of marine organisms, and human impacts on marine life (fisheries and environmental impacts).
NOTE Only offered at the Bader International Study Centre, Herstmonceux. Learning hours include four days of fieldwork.

Focus is placed on adaptive physiology and integrative function (nervous and hormonal, movement, excretion, circulation and digestion) with examples selected from various phylogenetic levels as appropriate.

The course examines various aspects of plant cell biology, physiology, and biochemistry including carbon and nitrogen metabolism (photosynthesis, respiration, etc.), water relations, mineral nutrition, response to environmental stress, roles of plant hormones, plant biotechnology.

Advanced topics in using R for data management, exploratory data analysis, data visualization, and statistical analysis using the general linear model, with particular focus on statistical literacy and biological examples from both laboratory and field research.

An exploration of how evolutionary thinking can affect our understanding of our lives, our species, and our ability to share the planet with other species.
NOTE Also offered online. Consult Arts and Science Online. Learning Hours may vary.

The contributions and effects of biotechnology on humanity will be explored from the perspective of their impacts on society including moral and ethical issues. Biotechnological contributions to society to be explored will include those in medicine, industry, and agriculture.

Why sex? The evolutionary origins and consequences of sex and sexual reproduction. Topics include costs and benefits of sexual reproduction, the evolution and coevolution of sexes, gametes and genitalia, mating systems, gender differences and sex determination throughout the biotic world.

Laboratory-based course emphasizing experimental approaches to understanding the principles of animal physiology covered in BIOL 339.

Laboratory-based course emphasizing experimental approaches to understanding the principles of plant physiology covered in BIOL 341/3.0.

Self-directed and self-selected hands-on experimental techniques used in fundamental biology research, biotechnologies, and medical sciences.

Intensive laboratory work (8h/day) to be carried out over two and a half weeks in May. Practical work includes DNA isolations, DNA cloning, PCR, production of proteins, biochemical and immunological analysis of proteins.
NOTE Priority to students registered in BIOL Major and Specialization degree Plans. See course website for details.

The use of living organisms to address environmental problems. Topics include mechanisms of contaminant extraction, absorption, concentration, and degradation using bacteria and plants to detoxify organic compounds, sequester heavy metals or clean up excess nutrients.
NOTE    Field trip: estimated cost $40.
RECOMMENDATION BIOL 301/3.0 or BIOL 322/3.0 or BIOL 339/3.0 or BIOL 341/3.0 is recommended.

An in-depth look at the ecology and evolution of freshwater aquatic ecosystems, considering the role of populations, interspecific interactions, and the flow of energy and matter. There will be an emphasis on linking ecological theory with empirical evidence from aquatic systems. Topics will include dispersal and colonization, ecological genetics, resource competition, predator-prey interaction, evolution of life-history strategies, habitat coupling, and biogeochemical cycling.

This course focuses on the fundamental biology underlying the major global change issues that humanity currently faces. Strong emphasis will be placed on the critical interconnections among issues across hierarchical levels from molecule to biosphere that explain the patterns and mechanisms which have led to our current environmental predicament.

Principles of terrestrial ecosystem ecology: soils; plant-soil interactions; energy and water balance; carbon and nutrient cycling; species effects; landscape-level and whole earth biogeochemistry; global change. 
NOTE    Overnight field trip: cost $75.

This course will introduce students to many "hands-on" techniques currently used in fisheries. This will include fish identification, different capture techniques for fisheries assessment, bioacoustics, environmental monitoring, techniques for ageing fish, diet analysis, fish tracking (biotelemetry approaches), and data management.

The application of biological research to the conservation of biodiversity and natural resources, as well as the interaction of biology with philosophy, politics and economics in influencing conservation policy.
NOTE    A course fee to cover guest speakers and field trips of not more than $40.

An exploration into the world of insects, one of the most abundantly successful group of organisms on the earth.
NOTE    An overnight field trip is estimated to cost $65; a limited number of bursaries may be available for exceptional circumstances; contact the instructor early in the previous term.
RECOMMENDATION BIOL 330/3.0 or MBIO 218/3.0

The use of genetic analysis to understand developmental processes such as cell fate determination, pattern formation and morphogenesis. Emphasis will be on the molecular pathways used during embryonic development, highlighting applications and techniques using model organisms.

The cellular origins of diversity in physiological processes, with consideration of the role of evolutionary, developmental and molecular mechanisms.

Application of basic coding and analytical methods to obtain, organize, analyze, visualize, and interpret information from large, complex datasets (i.e. 'Big Data') in biology. Datasets may include climate/weather records, 'omics' data, specimen collections, long-term observational studies, journal articles, and other historical and online sources.

An examination of the foundations of evolution, classification and other selected topics from historical, philosophical and scientific perspectives.

The mechanisms of evolutionary change - from genes to societies. How natural selection interacts with genetic and population processes to make organisms adapted to their environment and to create biological diversity.

An exploration of higher-level processes in evolution spanning considerations of mechanisms of speciation, extinction, adaptive radiation, and phylogenetics.

Research in eukaryotic molecular genetics with an emphasis on epigenetics. Epigenetic phenomena will be examined in a range of models from single-celled organisms to metazoans, with student discussions on topics as diverse as bioethics, disease controls, and eugenics.

An exploration of human disease, illness, and injury, and the symptoms and treatments of medical conditions, with an evolutionary framework.

The current status of research in the study of the neural control of the natural behaviour of animals. Topics include the detection and coding of information in the environment, the integration of this information in the process of decision-making, the generation of the motor patterns that underlie behaviour, and general constraints on form and function of neural circuits.

This course will focus on how molecular biology is used in basic and medical research to dissect the mechanisms involved in a large variety of biological problems. Students in the course will explore molecular literature and techniques that are relevant to their interest through seminar presentations, writing critiques, scientific reviews.

This course will dissect signal transduction pathways and molecular responses in plants exposed to environmental stresses such as pathogen infection, drought, or temperature fluctuations. Emphasis is on understanding techniques used to investigate changes in gene expression, protein-protein interactions, sub-cellular localization, as well as the analysis of mutant and transgenic plant lines.

This is an experiential course on the business of science and the steps leading to the commercialization of an agrobiotech product. Students will go through a series of workshops to develop their own ideas into a commercially valuable product, plus an assessment of all related social and economic issues using business-oriented exercises.

The course explores biology of extraordinary organisms that flourish under conditions of stress and how more ordinary organisms deal with periodically unfavourable circumstances. Emphasis is placed on understanding of the relevant adaptations and processes involved.
NOTE No textbook is required. The course website will be used to provide lecture notes and assigned readings from scientific books, journals and selected websites.

Organisms arise from a single cell into functional tissues, patterns, and structures by orchestrating cell behaviors, such as cell divisions, cell differentiation, pattern formations, cell shape changes and cell movements. This course will focus on the genetic and molecular analyses of how these cell behaviors occur.
NOTE No textbook is required. The course website will be used to provide lecture notes and assigned readings from scientific books, journals and selected websites.

Biochemical adaptation is a fundamental aspect of biological diversity because it integrates molecular structure, with metabolic function and control. The course evaluates the mechanisms whereby animals, plants, and microbes acclimate at the biochemical level to 'extreme' environmental conditions such as temperature stress, high pressure, hypoxia, salt stress, oxidative stress, and desiccation.

This course covers the ethical, societal and environmental impacts of biotechnology. There will be critical analysis of public policy and the value of biotechnologies to science and the public. Topics will likely include synthetic biology, human cloning, xenotransplants, stem cells, nanomaterials, marine biotechnology, eugenics, patenting, GMOs and the release of biotech products to the environment.

Cell proliferation underlies development and tissue renewal and is implicated in many diseases. Our universal model of eukaryotic cell cycle control is based on studies in a number of model systems. The course will focus on control mechanisms, deriving information from systems as diverse as yeast and human cells.

This course will explore ecological and evolutionary aspects of species invasions, with an emphasis on aquatic invaders. Course discussions will include such topics as invasive species and factors that influence their arrival, establishment, and spread, as well as management strategies that can be employed to reduce the arrival, establishment, and spread of invasive species.

This ecology course will identify and critique potential mechanisms by which our civilization could most effectively move toward more sustainable living. The topic incorporates many fundamental aspects of biology, and each course iteration may include biogeochemical, ecological, economic, social, genetic, philosophical, and behavioural components.

This course will examine the influence of biotic and/or abiotic factors in aquaculture industries around the globe. We will explore the application of different biotechnologies in fishery industries and assess the potential impacts of various types of aquaculture practices on the environment and our fundamental socio-economical values.

This course is mainly to provide students with a background in studies of long-term environmental change, with a focus on research that is especially relevant to today's environmental problems. Key topics include: climatic change, lake pollution, atmospheric deposition of contaminants and related topics.

This course uses the latitudinal increase in diversity towards the equator as a launching point to explore how diversity forms, is maintained, and disappears, and why we find such dramatic variation in diversity around the world. Discussions will focus on both evolutionary and ecological perspectives of diversity, and we will review various hypotheses to explain latitudinal diversity gradients.

Topics vary from year to year. Please consult the Department of Biology website for more information.

Individual research projects under the supervision of a staff member; reported in the form of a thesis, poster and seminar.
NOTE In the spring preceding fourth year, students must select projects in consultation with potential supervisors. Registration is subject to availability of a supervisor. Work on the project during summer is advantageous if field studies are required. See also the statement on BIOL 501/3.0-BIOL 536/3.0 in the BIOL Department Information, preliminary information section.

Research practicum under the supervision of a Biology faculty member. The course will involve a combination of research in the host laboratory, attendance of BIOL 537 or other seminars in the Department, and literature research to present as a major paper and seminar.
NOTE Students will normally be enrolled in the fourth year of their Program, having completed the third year core requirements of their Plan.

Research practicum under the supervision of a Biology faculty member. The course will involve a combination of research in the host laboratory, attendance of BIOL 537 or other seminars in the Department, and literature research to present as a major paper and seminar.
NOTE Students will normally be enrolled in the fourth year of their Program, having completed the third year core requirements of their Plan.

Research practicum under the supervision of a Biology faculty member. The course will involve a combination of research in the host laboratory, attendance of BIOL 537 or other seminars in the Department, and literature research to present as a major paper and seminar.
NOTE Students will normally be enrolled in the fourth year of their Program, having completed the third year core requirements of their Plan.

Individual research projects under the supervision of a staff member; reported in the form of a thesis, poster, and seminar.
NOTE Students must select projects in consultation with potential supervisors a minimum of one full term in advance of starting the course.