Biology Courses
Course Details
Fundamentals of Biology I BIO-121
This course focuses on the molecular and cellular processes in living organisms. Topics covered in lecture and laboratory include: the structure and function of biomolecules, cell membranes, organelles, and cells; genetic replication and expression; cell cycle; and energy metabolism. Includes a weekly three-hour lab. Materials fee applies.
Prerequisites:
Grade 12 U Biology or permission of the department
Corequisites:
CHE-121
Fundamentals of Biology II BIO-122
This course explores the broad branches of the tree of life and how organisms interact with each other and with the environment. The structure and function of representative species of bacteria, protists, fungi, plants, and animals are examined in lecture and laboratory. Phylogeny and the theory of evolution are covered and discussed within a Christian framework. Includes a weekly three-hour lab. Materials fee applies.
Prerequisites:
BIO-121or permission of the instructor
Corequisites:
CHE-122
or permission of the instructor
Survey of the Plant Kingdom BIO-223
An introduction to the major groups of living plants, with emphasis on classification. Aspects of classification include methods and principles, comparative biochemistry, structure and function, growth, development, and reproduction. The role of certain plants as a source of fundamental biological knowledge is emphasized. Includes a weekly three-hour lab. Materials fee applies.
Prerequisites:
BIO-122or permission of the instructor
Invertebrate Zoology BIO-224
An introduction to the major groups of living and fossil animals with emphasis on classification. Aspects of classification include methods and principles, comparative biochemistry, structure, function, growth, development, and reproduction. The importance of certain animals in fundamental biological research is emphasized. Includes a weekly three-hour lab. Materials fee applies.
Prerequisites:
BIO-122
Ecology and Evolution BIO-232
An introduction to organismal and physiological ecology (the inter-actions of organisms with their physical environment), population and community biology, and the structure and function of ecosystems. Includes a weekly three-hour lab or field work. Materials fee applies.
Prerequisites:
BIO-122
Cell and Molecular Biology BIO-242
A study of the structure and function of cells as the fundamental building units of living organisms. Topics include, but are not restricted to the molecular constituents of cells, major cell organelles, endo/exocytosis, intracellular signaling, cell growth and metabolism, and special cell functions. Methods of investigation will be examined throughout the course and the development of hypotheses and theories will be placed in a historical and contemporary context. Includes a weekly three-hour lab. Materials fee applies.
Prerequisites:
BIO-122, CHE-121
Genetics BIO-261
Discussion of the organization, replication, transmission, expression, and evolution of genetic materials. The course is organized around the levels of genes, chromosomes, organisms and populations. Topics include the expression, control and mutation of genes; the molecular organization and information coding; replication, repair, transmission and mutation of chromosomes; the relation between genes, genotype, phenotype and environment; and the genetic structure and variability of populations, including selection and speciation. Throughout the course methods of investigation will be explained. The structure and operation of genetics as a science will also receive attention. Includes a weekly three-hour lab. Materials fee applies.
Prerequisites:
BIO-122, CHE-121
Vertebrate Zoology BIO-325
An introduction to the taxonomic groups of vertebrate organisms and their defining features. Topics include comparative morphology, reproduction, development, environmental adaptation, and development of vertebrate organ systems. Includes a weekly three-hour lab or field trips. Materials fee applies.
Prerequisites:
BIO-122
Field Biology BIO-333
A course designed to increase the exposure of students to organisms in their field settings. Topics discussed include biogeography, the observation of the integration of structural and functional diversity in local ecosystems, techniques in taxonomy, population sampling, and hypothesis testing in the field. Some fieldwork will be scheduled for Saturdays. Includes a weekly three-hour lab or fieldwork. Materials fee applies.
Prerequisites:
BIO-232
Perspectives on Evolution BIO-335
An examination of the history and philosophy of science as it relates to the development of the evolutionary worldview from Aristotle through the 18th century to the modern era. Topics include the Modern Synthesis theory of evolution and beyond, the physiological and psychological relatedness of humans and animals, the scientific evidence for and against evolution, evolution as the foundations for scientific thought, and relating principles of evolution to Christian stewardship.
Prerequisites:
Year 3 or 4 standingBIO-334 is the Capstone Course in the Biology Department and is required for all majors in the 3rd or 4th year.
Physiological Psychology BIO-336
This course will examine some of the global issues in psychology that touch on the relationship between neurological mechanisms and human personhood. Students will study introductory neurophysiology and neuroanatomy, concentrating on neural
and synaptic transmission and basic subdivisions of the nervous system. Building on this foundation, various topics will be discussed including lateralization of functions, sensory systems, motivation and regulatory systems, emotional behaviour, learning and memory, and brain damage and related disorders.
Prerequisites:
PSY-121 or PSY-122
Plant Physiology BIO-343
An examination of physiological mechanisms of plant growth and development. Topics
include water relations, the movement of water and solutes, photosynthesis, nutrition,
the production of plant substances, plant hormones, photomorphogenesis, and
periodism. Includes a weekly three-hour lab. Materials fee applies.
Prerequisites:
BIO-122
Microbiology BIO-351
An introductory course which provides an understanding of microbial structure and biochemistry and includes practical experience in the handling and maintenance of microbial cultures. Topics include the classification and identification of micro-organisms, the role of microorganisms in health and disease, and the application of microbial processes in industry. Includes a weekly three-hour lab. Materials fee applies.
Prerequisites:
BIO-242
Biochemistry I: Structures and Functions of Biomolecules BIO-361
An introduction to the structure, function, and analysis of the major classes of
biomolecules found in living organisms: proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids. Includes an introduction to the structure and function of enzymes. Includes a weekly three-hour lab. Materials fee applies.
Prerequisites:
CHE-221
Recommended:
BIO-242, CHE-222
Developmental Biology BIO-363
A study of irreversible biological phenomena at the molecular, cellular, and organismal
level. Topics include oogenesis, spermatogenesis, fertilization, cleavage, morphogenesis, cell interactions, induction, cell differentiation, pattern formation, and sex determination. Includes a weekly three-hour lab. Materials fee applies.
Prerequisites:
BIO-261
Senior Seminar I BIO-381
These courses consist of a weekly one-hour seminar that explores the contexts for the
disciplines of chemistry and environmental science, including historical, theological, ethical, societal, and vocational dimensions. The seminars will also equip students to carry out scientific research in the fields of chemistry and environmental science.
(0.75 credits each)
Prerequisites:
Year 3 or 4 standing in a Biology major
Senior Seminar II BIO-382
These courses consist of a weekly one-hour seminar that explores the contexts for the
disciplines of chemistry and environmental science, including historical, theological, ethical, societal, and vocational dimensions. The seminars will also equip students to carry out scientific research in the fields of chemistry and environmental science.
(0.75 credits each)
Prerequisites:
Year 3 or 4 standing in a Biology major
Senior Seminar III BIO-383
These courses consist of a weekly one-hour seminar that explores the contexts for the
disciplines of chemistry and environmental science, including historical, theological, ethical, societal, and vocational dimensions. The seminars will also equip students to carry out scientific research in the fields of chemistry and environmental science.
(0.75 credits each)
Prerequisites:
Year 3 or 4 standing in a Biology major
Senior Seminar IV BIO-384
These courses consist of a weekly one-hour seminar that explores the contexts for the
disciplines of chemistry and environmental science, including historical, theological, ethical, societal, and vocational dimensions. The seminars will also equip students to carry out scientific research in the fields of chemistry and environmental science.
(0.75 credits each)
Prerequisites:
Year 3 or 4 standing in a Biology major
Comparative Animal Physiology BIO-426
This course examines different physiological processes seen in the animal kingdom that
allow organisms to maintain homeostasis while inhabiting diverse climates and dynamic environments. Topics include aquatic and aerial respiration, cardiovascular systems, water and solute balance, excretion, cellular energetics, membrane physiology, nervous systems, cell movement, and endocrinology. Materials fee applies.
Prerequisites:
BIO-224 or 325
Neurobiology BIO-441
This course provides a detailed exploration of the basic physiological processes that occur within the nervous systems of various organisms. Emphasis is placed on the invertebrate nervous systems and the manner by which simple systems can be used to
gain a better understanding of the mammalian brain. Includes a weekly three-hour lab. Materials fee applies.
Prerequisites:
BIO-325
Toxicology BIO-445
Toxicology is the field of study which seeks to understand the adverse effects of toxic
substances (chemical, physical, and/or biological) to living organisms. Fundamental
concepts will be addressed such as dose-response relationships, mechanism of uptake,
transport, distribution and storage of xenobiotics, detoxification and depuration, target
organ toxicity, and physiological consequences (e.g. teratogenesis, mutagenesis,
carcinogenesis), and risk assessment techniques. Includes a weekly three-hour lab.
Materials fee applies.
Prerequisites:
BIO-242 or 261
Biochemistry II: Enzymes and Metabolism BIO-462
An investigation of the kinetics and regulation of enzyme-catalyzed reactions, the
principles of metabolism, and the central metabolic pathways, including glycolysis,
gluconeogenesis, the pentose phosphate pathway, the citric acid cycle, the electronic
transport chain, fatty acid metabolism, and amino acid metabolism. Includes a weekly
three-hour lab. Materials fee applies.
Prerequisites:
BIO-361
Advanced Techniques in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology BIO-463
This course will provide students with an immersion into the world of molecular biology research. Students will investigate unique research questions within a team-based laboratory setting. Throughout the course, students will gain experience with project and experimental design, various laboratory techniques, data analysis, and interpretation, as well as the honing of oral and written communication skills. This course is particularly intended for students interested in graduate studies, or careers in the research field. Includes a weekly three-hour lab. Materials fee applies.
Prerequisites:
BIO-261,
BIO-361,
BIO-351Recommended: HSC-342
Endocrinology BIO-467
This course provides basic knowledge of the structure and function of the endocrine
system in a variety of organisms ranging from vertebrates to man. The role of endocrine Vglands in growth and the reproduction and maintenance of homeostasis are described as well as the neurological pathways coordinating the timing of hormone release. Includes a weekly three-hour lab. Materials fee applies.
Prerequisites:
BIO-325
Internship BIO-480
A one-term training experience in a specific area of biology. The purpose of the internship is to give students on-the-job experience and to help students in making career decisions and in preparing students for post-graduate education and for employment opportunities.
Prerequisites:
Year 4 standing
Honours Independent Study BIO-485
Available in areas such as developmental biology, genetics, ecology, invertebrate physiology, zoology, and toxicology. For information on setting up an independent study see page 52 of the Academic Calendar.
Prerequisites:
Year 4 standing
Honours Research Project BIO-490
This course is typically a one-term undergraduate student research project. Students
will plan, carry out, analyze, interpret, and present results of departmentally-approved
research project. The course is especially intended for students interested in applying to
graduate school. For more information on setting up an independent research project, see page 52 of the Academic Calendar.
Prerequisites:
Year 4 standing
History & Philosophy of Science SCI-310
An introduction to key topics in the history and philosophy of Western science. The course explores how scientific ideas (in the past and now) are situated historically and culturally, are informed by worldviews, and shape worldviews.
Prerequisites:
Year 3 or 4 standing
Physics for the Life Sciences PHY-115
An introduction to physical phenomena basic to the health sciences, physical education, and biology. Included are topics which apply to the life sciences: mechanics and properties of
matter, heat, wave phenomena, electricity and magnetism, modern physics, basic electronics, measurement, and data analysis. Includes a weekly three-hour lab. Materials fee applies.
Prerequisites:
Any Grade 12 U or M mathematics or permission of the instructor
Physics I: Newtonian Mechanics PHY-121
An introductory, calculus-based study of the physical world. The course covers mechanics and other selected topics. Includes a weekly three-hour lab. Materials fee applies.
Prerequisites:
Grade 12 U Calculus
Corequisites:
MAT-121
Physics II: Waves, Heat and Time PHY-122
A continuation of PHY-121, this course covers selected topics in wave motion, thermodynamics, optics, and modern physics. Includes a weekly three-hour lab. Materials fee applies.
Prerequisites:
PHY-121
Corequisites:
MAT-122