Course Descriptions

Designed as a preparatory access course for students who were unable to access, or need to review, 30-level biological science curricula. Content focuses on core concepts, terminology, problem solving strategies, and skills foundational to success in post-secondary biological sciences and related degree paths.

Weekly hours: 2 Lecture hours and 3 Seminar/Discussion hours
Prerequisite(s): Grade 12 Diploma or equivalent
Note: BIOL 90 fulfills prerequisite requirements for BIOL 120 and BIOL 121, though BIOL 90 is not directly equivalent to Biology 30. BIOL 90 is a not-for-credit course and does not contribute to the course requirements for a university degree.

Includes geological, biological and ecological studies. It considers the history of the earth and the forces which shape its changing surface, the nature of life and the requirements for life on the earth, heredity and evolution including the record of life preserved in the rocks, organism diversity, and the effects of people on the environment. There will be a physical sciences/biological sciences laboratory devoted to an integrated approach to the environment, using techniques from physics, chemistry, biology and geology.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours and 3 Practicum/Lab hours
Note: Students with credit for BISC 100 or 101 or BIOL 107, 110, 120 or 121 or GEOL 205 or 206 may not take this course for credit.

An introduction to the underlying fundamental aspects of living systems: covering cell biology, genetics and the evolutionary processes which lead to complex, multi-cellular life forms.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours and 3 Practicum/Lab hours
Prerequisite(s): Biology 30 or BIOL 90 or BIOL 107 or BIOL 108.
Note: Chemistry 30 is strongly recommended. Students with credit for BIOL 110 will not receive credit for BIOL 120.

Our world has at least 15 million species, all of which have adapted to particular environments and lifestyles and use energy to grow and reproduce. We examine these processes in representative organisms from all the major groups, and discuss factors influencing changes in biodiversity over time and space.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours and 3 Practicum/Lab hours
Prerequisite(s): Biology 30 or BIOL 90 or BIOL 107 or BIOL 108.
Note: Students with credit for BIOL 110 will not receive credit for BIOL 121. Costs in addition to tuition will apply to this course. Please contact the department for details.

Will examine the organization of the plant body and how cells, tissues and organs function and contribute to growth, development and reproductive success. The course will deal broadly with plant biology, emphasizing flowering plants, and providing the foundation for senior courses on plants.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours and 3 Practicum/Lab hours
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 120.
Note: BIOL 121 is strongly recommended. Students with credit for BIOL 202 or BIOL 205 may not take this course for credit.

Will study the problems all animals overcome in order to survive and reproduce, and the different body systems that must deal with both unique and common environmental challenges.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours and 3 Practicum/Lab hours
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 120.
Note: BIOL 121 is strongly recommended. Students with credit for any of BIOL 203, BIOL 217, BMSC 207, BMSC 208, BMSC 224, HSC 208 or PHSI 208 will not subsequently receive credit for BIOL 224. Students may receive credit for both BIOL 224 and BMSC 207 if they are taken concurrently, or if BMSC 224 is taken first.

Content ranges from Mendelian genetics to computational procedures based on the complete genome. Examples from eukaryotic species, including humans, are emphasized. Topics include classical transmission genetics, cytogenetics, DNA structure and replication, gene function, mutation and repair, regulation, recombinant DNA technology, and structural, functional and comparative genomics.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours and 3 Practicum/Lab hours
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 120.
Note: BIOL 121 is strongly recommended. Students with credit for BIOL 211 will not receive credit for BIOL 226.

An introduction to ecological principles and the functioning of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Community structure and dynamics, ecosystem production, populations, energy flow and material recycling will be considered.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours and 3 Practicum/Lab hours
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 108 or BIOL 121 or GEOG 120 or 6 credit units in GEOL.
Note: Students with credit for BIOL 253 or PLSC 213 will not receive credit for BIOL 228.

Offered occasionally by visiting faculty and in other special situations. Students interested in these courses should contact the department for more information.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours

Offered occasionally by visiting faculty and in other special situations. Students interested in these courses should contact the department for more information.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours

Examines the essential processes and principles of current, topical biological research. The course is designed to enhance the capacity to understand biological concepts, critically evaluate scientific work, develop logical and sound opinions and improve written and oral communication skills.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours and 3 Seminar/Discussion hours
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 120 or BIOL 121; plus 9 credit units BIOL at the 200-level or above; plus one of STAT 245, STAT 246 or PLSC 214.
Note: This course is a requirement in the B.Sc. Four Year and Honours programs in Biology and Environmental Biology and for the Certificate in Biological Research; students in these programs should consider taking BIOL 301 as early as possible in their program.

A quantitative and conceptual overview of evolutionary mechanisms at different biological scales, including molecular/genetic, population and species levels.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours and 3 Practicum/Lab hours
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 120 and BIOL 121, BIOL 226 and 3 senior credit units in BIOL.
Note: This course is a requirement in all Biology degrees and serves as a prerequisite for other senior BIOL courses. Students should consider taking this course no later than their third year. Students with credit for BIOL 263 or BIOL 401 may not take this course for credit.

An exploration of the natural history of organisms living in cold, northern environments. Topics focus on the special characteristics of northern environments and how organisms have adapted to life in those environments. Activities incorporate scientific and Indigenous knowledge of ecology, animal behavior, and human relationships with life in the North.

Prerequisite(s): BIOL 121 and at least one of BIOL 228, PLSC 213, INDG 241, or GEOG 280.
Note: BIOL 314 is delivered over the course of four weekends during the regular term. Students need to make themselves available for all of the scheduled course times and should consult with the Department of Biology in advance of registering for this course. Students may receive credit for only one of BIOL 312, BIOL 314, or NRTH 312.

Examines advanced topics in the molecular genetics of eukaryotes. Examples of topics covered include epigenetics, RNA interference or post-transcriptional gene silencing, the role of model organisms in scientific research, organelle genetics, and RNA splicing. The lab will involve a combination of hands-on experimentation, computer-based analysis and student presentations.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours and 3 Practicum/Lab hours
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 226.

Considers physical, chemical and functional aspects of animal cells and tissues. Specifically examines membrane transport mechanisms, bioelectricity and fundamental principles of muscle and nervous system physiology, evolution and plasticity. Cellular mechanisms underlying learning and memory are introduced.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours and 4 Practicum/Lab hours
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 224 or HSC 208; CHEM 112; CHEM 115 or CHEM 250 (CHEM 115 recommended).
Note: PHYS 115 and 117 are recommended. Students with credit for BIOL 217 will not receive credit for this course. Offered on an annual basis.

An in-depth examination of cardiovascular, respiratory, osmoregulatory, digestive, and reproductive system physiology in animals. Examples are drawn from vertebrate and invertebrate models. Emphasizes endocrine and nervous coordination of cellular and whole animal body functions.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours and 4 Practicum/Lab hours
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 317.
Note: Students with credit for BIOL 218 will not receive credit for BIOL 318.

Mathematical modeling is the art of mathematically analyzing a real-world problem and, applied to biology, informs both experimental design and outcomes. It is fast becoming a critical component of any biologist’s toolbox. This course, relying only on concepts from introductory calculus, will explore and develop a number of mathematical modeling tools in the context of biology, develop mathematical intuition into biological problems, and introduce a sophisticated mathematical software package to enable analysis.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours and 3 Practicum/Lab hours
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 120 or BIOL 121; and one of MATH 110, MATH 123, MATH 125 or MATH 164; and completion of 45 cu of university level courses.
Note: Students who have completed BIOL 398 Mathematical Modeling for Biologists may not complete this course for credit.

Introduces vascular plant diversity. Will include basic principles of plant systematics (methods of classification, description, nomenclature and taxonomic keys), practical experience with the identification of vascular plants, and tempos and patterns of plant speciation and evolution.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours and 4 Practicum/Lab hours
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 121 and BIOL 222.
Note: Students are required to make a collection of plants and may wish to begin the collection over the summer prior to the course. In that case, contact the instructor for details and supplies pertaining to the plant collection.

A consideration of economically important vascular plants, plant families, plant parts and products used as food, textiles and medicines. The origin, history and domestication of plants and major crops, diversification of crops and major centers of agriculture in the world and fundamental roles of plants in human societies are discussed.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours and 3 Practicum/Lab hours
Permission of the instructor required.
Prerequisite(s): 6 credit units selected from BIOL 107, 108, 120, 121; or completion of 60 credit units at the university level.

A structural and functional study of the organization of the vascular plant body. The course deals with plant cell organelles, cell types and basic tissue organization. Examination of live material is emphasized in the laboratory.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours and 4 Practicum/Lab hours
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 121 and 222.

Three sections which deal respectively with plant cell physiology, the physiology of the whole plant and the physiology of plant growth and morphogenesis.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours and 4 Practicum/Lab hours
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 222.

Often overlooked due to their small size, or wrongly considered to be 'lower plants', fungi are more closely related to animals. They have major impacts on human health, biotechnology, the environment, and agriculture. We examine fungal diversity, cell biology and development, reproductive and genetic strategies, symbioses, and biotechnology applications in this diverse and successful group.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours and 4 Practicum/Lab hours
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 120 and 121.
Note: BIOL 226 and/or ACB 200 or BMSC 220 are recommended. A field trip to observe local fungal specimens in their natural environment may be scheduled for a Saturday, depending on the season and weather. This possibility will be discussed during the first lecture.

A survey of the biology of the major groups of plant pathogens and of the major types of plant diseases with emphasis on symptoms, transmission and control. Approximately equal emphasis is placed on theory and on laboratory work.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours and 4 Practicum/Lab hours
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 121 and 222.

Introduction to the principles and methods of field biology as applied to southern boreal forest and lake ecosystems. Students will complete an independent field research project. Includes an extended field study during late summer at the Biological Field Station on the Kenderdine Campus at Emma Lake.

Weekly hours: 7 Practicum/Lab hours
Permission of the instructor required.
Prerequisite(s): 21 senior credit units BIOL, and restricted to students with minimum CWA of 70% overall and in Biology.
Note: This course is required in the Honours program in Biology. Enrolment is limited and priority will be given to students admitted to the Honours program in Biology. It is recommended that this course be completed after the third year of study.

An introduction to the biology of fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals. The course will consist of a brief phylogenetic survey and an examination of the evolution of different vertebrate body systems. Emphasis will be placed on comparative morphology, embryology and physiology.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours and 4 Practicum/Lab hours
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 121 and 224.
Note: Students with credit for BIOL 351 may not take this course for credit.

The theory of population growth, distribution and abundance of organisms.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours and 4 Practicum/Lab hours
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 228 and a course in statistics.
Note: BIOL 302 is recommended. Students with credit for BIOL 263 or BIOL 473 may not take this course for credit.

Surveys insects and their close relatives based on morphology and taxonomy. Focuses on insect natural history, comparative anatomy and classification. Representative types examined in the laboratory provide an understanding of current trends in insect taxonomy and phylogeny.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours and 4 Practicum/Lab hours
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 120 and 121 and 3 additional credit units of senior BIOL courses; or permission of the instructor.
Note: Students are required to make a collection of insects and may wish to begin the collection over the summer prior to the course. In that case, contact the instructor for details.

Examines physical and biotic factors shaping species assemblages over space and time, especially processes controlling plant communities (e.g. environmental factors, disturbance, and biotic interactions). Explores current issues in community ecology, such as impacts of diversity loss, invasive species, and environmental change. Laboratories focus on experimental design, data collection and analysis.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours and 3 Practicum/Lab hours
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 228 or PLSC 213; one of STAT 245, STAT 246, or PLSC 214.

This course is designed to provide students with an introduction to biological research. Students will study a research question with a faculty supervisor, through a combination of a research literature review and practical work. A written report and an oral presentation are required.

Weekly hours: 5 Practicum/Lab hours
Prerequisite(s): Completion of 12 cu of senior BIOL courses and permission of the department. BIOL 301 is strongly recommended.
Note: Students are required to obtain a faculty supervisor prior to registration in this course. Students are encouraged to complete this course in their 3rd year. BIOL 480 or BIOL 481 may subsequently be completed for credit, provided that the topic studied for BIOL 480 or BIOL 481 is substantially different than that studied in BIOL 380. The written report submitted for completion of this course will be maintained on file in the Department.

Offered occasionally by visiting faculty and in other special situations to cover, in depth, topics that are not thoroughly covered in regularly offered courses.

Weekly hours: 3 Seminar/Discussion hours

Offered occasionally by visiting faculty and in other special situations to cover, in depth, topics that are not thoroughly covered in regularly offered courses.

Weekly hours: 3 Seminar/Discussion hours

Consists of modules taught by faculty in the environmental sciences. Students will participate together in weekly seminars, assigned readings, essays and oral presentations to learn about current issues in the environment and cutting-edge research with an environmental focus.

Weekly hours: 2.5 Seminar/Discussion hours
Permission of the Department is required.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 228 and BIOL 301.
Note: Students in the B.Sc. 4-Year and Honours Environmental Biology program must take this course in their fourth year. Enrolment preference will be given to students who have declared a major in Environmental Biology.

Introduction to the ecology of lakes. The biological, chemical and physical properties of lakes are examined at lake and watershed levels. Theoretical and applied topics, including human impacts (e.g., eutrophication, climate change, ultraviolet radiation, contaminants, and angling) are examined. Laboratories and field trips provide training in limnological techniques.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours and 4 Practicum/Lab hours
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 121, BIOL 228 and CHEM 112; or permission of the instructor.
Note: A course in statistics is recommended. Students with credit for BIOL 415 may not take this course for credit.

A study of the molecular biology of plants: nuclear and plastid genomes, coordination of expression between nuclear and plastid genomes, transposable elements, biotic and abiotic stress, hormonal effects on gene expression, plant transformation, and biotechnology applications of plant molecular biology.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours and 4 Practicum/Lab hours
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 121, one of BIOL 316 or BMSC 320, and one of BIOL 325, BIOL 331 or BIOL 345. BIOL 301 is strongly recommended.
Note: BIOL 301 is strongly recommended.

A practical course that will provide students with the background, experience and understanding of modern molecular biology as it pertains to the biological sciences. Emphasis will be placed on utilizing large, publicly available datasets to generate and test hypotheses about how organisms function at the molecular level. A single research theme will be used in the lab for investigation of biological processes in model organisms, extending into non-model species.

Weekly hours: 1 Lecture hours and 6 Practicum/Lab hours
Permission of the department is required.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 316 or BMIS 340.
Note: BIOL 301 is recommended.

Studies how activities in an animal's nervous systems produces and modifies natural behaviour. Topics in the course include: the detection and coding of information from the environment, integration of information for decision-making, generation of motor patterns that underlie behaviour, and general constraints on form and function of neural circuits.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours and 4 Practicum/Lab hours
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 317 or NEUR 350; or permission of instructor.

Deals with helminths, arthropods and protozoa of people, domestic and wild animals, and birds. Examples from these parasite and host types will be used to illustrate important concepts, including basic structure and function, life cycles, ecology, biogeography, individual and population level host-parasite-environment relationships, epizootiology and parasite control strategies.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours and 3 Practicum/Lab hours
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 121 and 9 additional credit units of senior BIOL courses or permission of the instructor.
Note: BIOL 302 is recommended.

An introduction to light interactions with biological systems. The class will examine the evolution of biological pigments and photoreceptor systems. Emphasis will be placed on how plants and animals detect changes in their environment based on light cues and how they respond at the physiological level. Examples of topics which will be explored are the evolution of vision, photosynthetic energy production, circadian rhythms, phototoxicity and bioluminescence.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours and 3 Practicum/Lab hours
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 120; and 15 credit units of senior BIOL or permission of the instructor.
Note: Students with credit for BIOL 498: Photobiology may not take BIOL 440 for credit.

The biology of fishes including their morphological diversity, physiology, behaviour and ecology, and their management and utilization.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours and 4 Practicum/Lab hours
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 121 and 224 and BIOL 228.
Note: BIOL 302 is recommended.

Introduction to local and world mammal faunas including living and extinct taxa. Evolution, behaviour, ecology, morphology, phylogeny, and physiology will be emphasized in lectures. Laboratories will be concerned with classification, identification, and anatomical adaptations.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours and 4 Practicum/Lab hours
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 121 and 224 and BIOL 228.
Note: BIOL 302 is recommended.

Introduction to the diversity of birds of the world. Lecture material focuses on evolution, ecology, behaviour, physiology and conservation. Laboratories focus on morphological diversity and taxonomy.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours and 4 Practicum/Lab hours
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 121 and 224 and BIOL 228.
Note: BIOL 302 is recommended.

Identification of aquatic insects, discussions of current literature, field trips, collections, and laboratory work.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours and 4 Practicum/Lab hours
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 121 and 224 and BIOL 228; or permission of the instructor.
Note: Students are advised to contact the instructor about making a collection of insects the summer before enrolling in the course.

An introduction to the theoretical and scientific foundation of conservation biology as applied to animals and plants. Course material will cover elements of population, community and landscape ecology as they apply to conservation challenges. Labs will include measuring biodiversity and analysis of current conservation issues. Field trips are compulsory.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours and 4 Practicum/Lab hours
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 228 and BIOL 302 or permission of the instructor.
Note: There will be costs for a field trip in addition to tuition fees.

Fundamental concepts in animal behaviour. An introduction to the form, control and adaptive significance of animal behaviour.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours and 4 Practicum/Lab hours
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 228; 6 additional credit units of senior BIOL courses; one of STAT 245, STAT 246 or PLSC 214.

An introduction to the principles of ecological toxicology, including: population modeling, experimental design and interpretation of field studies, and contaminant impact assessment on populations, communities and ecosystems. Computer laboratory exercises will be used to model populations and ecosystems and analyze changes in populations and communities resulting from contaminant impacts.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours and 3 Practicum/Lab hours
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 120 and 121 and BIOL 228 and 6 additional credit units of senior BIOL courses and a course in statistics; or permission of the instructor.
Note: TOX 301 is recommended. Students cannot receive credit for both BIOL 475 and BIOL 875.

This course is designed to provide students with experience in researching and interpreting primary research in biology. Students will study a research question with a faculty supervisor, primarily through a research literature review. A written report and an oral presentation are required.

Weekly hours: 5 Practicum/Lab hours
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 301; and 12 credit units from BIOL courses at the 200-level or above, ACB 406.3, ANBI 470.3, ANSC 313.3, ARCH 270.3, BINF 200.3, BMSC 210.3, BMSC 220.3, FABS 212.3, GEOL 343.3, GEOL 433.3, MCIM 487.3, PLSC 405.3, PLSC 411.3, PLSC 416.3, PLSC 422.3, PLSC 423.3, PLSC 425.3, TOX 300.3, TOX 301.3 of which at least 3 credit units must be at the 300-level or above; and permission of the department.
Note: Students are required to obtain a faculty supervisor prior to registration in this course.

The student will work on a laboratory or field project under the supervision of a faculty member. Before beginning, the student must obtain a supervisor and then submit an outline of the project for approval by the Head of the Department. At the end of the project, the student will submit to the Department a written report in thesis form. An oral presentation is required.

Weekly hours: 6 Practicum/Lab hours
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 301; and BIOL 380 or 15 additional credit units of BIOL courses at the 200-level or above, of which at least 6 credit units must be at the 300-level or above; and permission of the department.
Note: Students with credit for BIOL 481 cannot take BIOL 480 for credit. Honours Agriculture Biology students may not take both this course and AGRC 494. Those in College Scholar Programs may not take this course in addition to another laboratory or field project designed under the Program.

The student will work on a laboratory or field project under the supervision of a faculty member. Before beginning, the student must obtain a supervisor and then submit an outline of the project for approval by the Head of the Department. At the end of the project, the student will submit to the Department a written report in thesis form. An oral presentation is required.

Weekly hours: 6 Practicum/Lab hours
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 301; and BIOL 380 or 15 additional credit units of BIOL courses at the 200-level or above, of which at least 6 credit units must be at the 300-level or above; and permission of the department.
Note: Students with credit for BIOL 480 cannot take BIOL 481 for credit. Agricultural Biology students may not take both BIOL 481 and AGRC 494 for credit. Those in College Scholar programs may not take this course in addition to another laboratory or field project designed under the program.

Offered occasionally by visiting faculty and in other special situations to cover, in depth, topics that are not thoroughly covered in regularly offered courses.

Weekly hours: 3 Seminar/Discussion hours

Offered occasionally by visiting faculty and in other special situations to cover, in depth, topics that are not thoroughly covered in regularly offered courses.

Weekly hours: 3 Seminar/Discussion hours

Review of the literature on selected topics including microscopic and sub-microscopic cellular organization, and cell function.

Weekly hours: 3 Seminar/Discussion hours
Permission of instructor required.

A review of current ecological and environmental topics concerning inland waters.

Weekly hours: 3 Seminar/Discussion hours
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 412, or an undergraduate limnology course, or permission of the instructor.

This course explores, at an advanced level and through critical examination of current literature, neural mechanisms responsible for the generation of adaptive behaviours of animals. Topics for discussion will deal with structural or functional characteristics of neurons, synapses or circuits that have a definite motor or behavioural correlate.

Weekly hours: 3 Seminar/Discussion hours
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 430 or permission of the instructor.

Selected topics dealing with recent advances in plant physiology.

Weekly hours: 3 Seminar/Discussion hours
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 331 or permission of the instructor.

A survey of floral diversity, pollination mechanisms, breeding systems, and reproductive strategies of seed plants with an emphasis on angiosperms. One important component is the examination of floral biology for reproductive success. With increasing emphasis on crop/seed yields, germination, and seedling establishment/recruitment, this course is important for students in the area of Plant Biology, Ecology, and Plant Sciences dealing with these topics.

Prerequisite(s): BIOL 323.3 and/or BIOL 326.3 or equivalent, or instructor’s authorization.
Note: Strong knowledge in concepts of plant biology, genetics, and evolution would be an asset.

This course examines how various environmental stressors including contaminants alter vital physiological functions and cause toxic effects in aquatic animals. Students will explore the current state of science and also learn how the physiological knowledge and principles can be applied to regulatory decision making for the protection of aquatic life.

A review of recent advances in certain fields of insect physiology.

Weekly hours: 1 Seminar/Discussion hours and 3 Reading hours and 2 Practicum/Lab hours
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 365, 366; or permission of the instructor.

Examination of current concepts and techniques in the study of animal behaviour.

Weekly hours: 3 Seminar/Discussion hours

This course examines how principles and theories in ecology can better inform ecotoxicology problems at multiple levels of biological organization (individuals to ecosystems). Much of the science of this relatively young discipline has traditionally lacked a conceptual basis and major recent advances are being drawn from ecological theories, models and approaches to strengthen the field. Students will examine current advanced topics and contemporary approaches that add ecological relevance and predictive strength to both field and laboratory ecotoxicology studies.

Weekly hours: 1 Lecture hours and 2 Practicum/Lab hours
Permission of the instructor is required.
Note: Students cannot receive credit for both BIOL 475 and BIOL 875.

Students and faculty reports on selected topics in aquatic and terrestrial ecology.

Weekly hours: 2 Seminar/Discussion hours

Evaluates current problems and solutions in conservation and management of wildlife, primarily birds, with emphasis on hypothesis-testing, and identification, review and application of ecological theories and modern analytical techniques (e.g., abundance estimation; survival analysis). Quantitative analysis of specific case-histories dealing with management of birds.

Weekly hours: 2 Lecture hours and 1 Practicum/Lab hours
Prerequisite(s): A senior level ecology course and permission of the instructor.

Assigned reading and tutorials, projects and/or lectures in special topics related to the student's major field of interest. Students are required to prepare three essays or term papers or their equivalent if another form of evaluation is more appropriate.

Offered occasionally in special situations. Students interested in these courses should contact the department for more information.

All graduate students are required to attend and contribute to the annual BIOL 990 graduate student symposium to develop scientific communication skills. Biology M.Sc. and Ph.D. students must register for this course each term until they have fulfilled the BIOL 990 requirement.

Students writing a Master's thesis must register for this course.

Students writing a Ph.D. thesis must register for this course.