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Courses 2010/2011 Calendar for the Dept. of Biology can be downloaded here (MS Word). Streams for Biology majors and honours students can be downloaded here (MS Word) Graduate Courses: Please visit our Programs page. 111 Introductory Cell Biology Explores cell biology (organelle structure and function) and basic genetics. Three credits and a laboratory. 112 Diversity of Life Explores organismic diversity, functional morphology, embryogenesis and ecology from an evolutionary perspective. Three credits and a laboratory. 105 Basic Cell Biology Covers basic cell biology and genetics with a human orientation. Enrollment is restricted to nursing students. Three credits and a tutorial. 115 Microbes in Human Biology An introduction to microorganisms from a human and environmental perspective. This course deals primarily with viruses, bacteria and fungi and their interactions with the human species. Topics include bacterial structure, function and diversity, disease and antibiotics, and aspects of applied microbiology. Limited to students of nursing. Prerequisites: BIOL 105; CHEM 150 completed or concurrent. Three credits and a tutorial. 201 Animal Biology An introduction to major groups of animals emphasizing the structure, physiology and way of life of certain species. Three credits and a laboratory. Course Homepage. 202 Plant Biology An introduction to the diversity, form and function of plants emphasizing the biology of land plants. Organisms are treated from the perspectives of evolution, reproduction, physiology, and ecology. Three credits and a laboratory. 203 Introductory Ecology An introduction to the fundamental concepts of ecology, focusing on factors affecting the abundance and distribution of plant and animal populations. Three credits and a laboratory. 204 Introductory Genetics An introduction to the mechanisms of inheritance, structure of the genome, and genetic analysis. Concepts emphasized include DNA structure and function, gene regulation, mutation, repair, linkage and gene manipulation. Laboratory involves problem solving and performing genetic crosses with fruit flies. Three credits and a laboratory. 221 Humans and the environment I This course introduces the basic science necessary to understand a number of current environmental issues. Within each broad area, the mechanisms and dynamics of the living and non-living systems will be covered, with the goal of understanding how human activity can alter the structure and function of terrestrial ecosystems. Open to arts or science students in their third or fourth year and second year environmental sciences students. Three credits, no laboratory. 222 Humans and the environment II This course introduces current environmental issues related to resource use and environmental degradation. After a brief introduction to resource types and use, both non-renewable and renewable energy sources are discussed, followed by water, mineral, and food/soil resources. In each case, the course material will progress from global, Canadian, and finally Nova Scotian perspectives. The last half of the course will deal with environmental degradation, and will provide students with an understanding of cause, extent, and impacts of all forms of pollution. Three credits, no laboratory. 231 Plants and Civilizations (Open to Arts) An introduction to the role of plants in human affairs. Topics will include plants as medicine, food, fibres, and psychoactive agents. The course will introduce basic plant structure, and integrate chemistry with utilization. Important themes will be the roles of plants in aboriginal cultures and the processes of plant domestication and breeding. Prerequisites: (Check with Dr Garbary) Three credits and lab. Not offered in 2009-2010. 251 Human Anatomy and Physiology I An integrated study of the Integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous and endocrine systems of the human body. The course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive working knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of these systems, which can be applied to their particular programs. Enrollment is limited to students in human kinetics, human nutrition, or nursing. For students not taking CHEM 100 or 150 a tutorial will be required. Three credits and a laboratory. 252 Human Anatomy and Physiology II An integrated study of the cardiovascular, respiratory, urinary, reproductive and digestive systems of the human body. The course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive working knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of these systems, which can be applied to their particular programs. Enrollment is limited to students in human kinetics, human nutrition, or nursing. For students not taking CHEM 100 or 150 a tutorial will be required. Three credits and a laboratory. Credit may be awarded for only one of BIOL 304 and 252. 285 Paleontology Principles of paleontology including methods of analysis of fossil individuals, populations and species; biostratigraphy; paleoecology; biogeography; evolution and extinction. The origin and major events in the history of life from an evolutionary and ecological perspective. Laboratory study of selected fossil groups, field and laboratory techniques. Prerequisite: GEOL 100 or 170. Cross-listed as GEOL 385. Three credits and a laboratory. 301 Form and Function in Animals This course will introduce and apply the physical concepts required to understand form and function in the complexity of biological processes. Prerequisite: PHYS 100. Three credits and a lab. Course Homepage. 302 Evolution An introduction to the evolutionary process. Lecture topics will include: natural selection and adaptation, Darwin and his detractors, the process of speciation, methods of phylogenic reconstruction, human evolution. Prerequisite: 18 credits in BIOL. Three credits and an evening tutorial. 303 (375) Human Biomechanics This course provides a mechanical analysis of body-motion, including everyday Careers from walking to athletic events such as cycling. Laboratories will introduce the basic physical principles, and the use of high speed video cameras in the analysis of physical performance. Three credits and a laboratory. Cross-listed as HKIN 375. 304 Vertebrate Physiology This course provides integrated information on how organs work, embellished with examples from 'primitive' and 'advanced' vertebrates, including the human, with the overarching theme of the functional evolution of vertebrates. Systems covered include neural, cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, acid-base, reproductive, and endocrine. Credit may be awarded for only one of BIOL 304 and 252. Three credits and a laboratory. 306 Ichthyology Introduces students to the diversity of fish in terms of morphology and physiology, ecology, and behaviour, as well as the basic concepts of fisheries science and management. The emphasis will be on a global perspective for the lecture component, while laboratory work will focus on Atlantic Canadian species and conditions. Prerequisite: BIOL 201, 203. Three credits and lab. 307 Field Biology A lecture, laboratory, and field based course providing practical experience in the observation, collection, identification and quantification of organisms in nature. The course is held for two weeks in May, and will emphasize field ecology, and deal with some or all of the following groups of organisms: birds, small mammals, fish, plants, marine algae, marine invertebrates, insects. Three credits and a laboratory. Visit the course website. 311 Marine Biology I An introduction to marine habitat and the ecological factors that determine population regulation and community structure for marine organisms. The course will include an overview of marine ecological theory, field work, and laboratory observations, focusing on Nova Scotia shores. Prerequisite: Biology 203. Three credits, laboratory, and literature research project. Visit the course website. 312 Marine Biology II A course that considers life in all marine zones. While focused on animal life, we will consider the history of the ocean, its physical nature, a survey of its inhabitants, their adaptations to life in the sea and biodiversity. Life histories and reproduction of animals will be discussed, including selected symbioses. The physiology and development of organisms will be considered with respect to human impacts on marine systems. Prerequisites: 201-204; Aquatic Resources students exempt. 315 Introductory Microbiology A course providing a broad perspective on the microbial world and its role in the biosphere. The diversity, morphology, and physiology of prokaryotic microorganisms will be discussed. Laboratories will stress basic microbiological techniques including microscopic examination, isolation from natural environments, enumeration and examination of physiology. Human nutrition may only take his course upon completion of BIOL 105 (102), CHEM 221 and 255. Three credits and a laboratory. 317 Molecular Biology An introduction to the major biological molecules, their isolation and analysis. Topics to be discussed include the theory and techniques of cell breakage, molecular analysis and quantification by manipulation of DNA. Laboratories will be a practical application of some of the techniques described in lectures. Prerequisites: BIOL 315, CHEM 221 and 255. Three credits and a laboratory. 320 Biology of Cancer An introduction to the problem of cancer, emphasizing the cellular and molecular biology of carcinogenesis in humans and model systems. The multicausal, multistep nature of the process will be highlighted, including the role of viruses, oncogenes, carcinogens and ionizing radiations. Students are required to prepare a critical article on an aspect of cancer research. Three credits and a tutorial. Prerequisite: BIOL 395. Visit the Course Homepage here. 321 Environmental Ecology of Mariculture This course explores the environmental implications of mariculture, the aquaculture of marine species. The course introduces students to the various types of mariculture, with special emphasis on Canadian examples. The course then examines all established aspects of the environmental impact of mariculture on coastal marine ecosystems. Legal implications, licensing practices, and other regulatory aspects pertaining to environmental impact will also be discussed. Prerequisites: AQUA 100 and BIOL 203, or usual BIOL prerequisites. 322 Marine Pollution An example of the sources, types, fate and ecological effects of pollution that enters the marine environment. Lecture material will be augmented, whenever possible, with examples drawn from Atlantic Canada, with special emphasis on the pulp and paper industry, and offshore hydrocarbon exploration and development. Laboratory material will deal with topics such as detection of the pollutants, toxicity testing, regulatory aspects, and effluent treatment. Prerequisites: AQUA 100 and BIOL 203, or usual BIOL prerequisites. 331 Biostatistics Strongly recommended for all major, advanced major, and honours students. An investigation of statistics and experimental design in the context of biological and health science issues. Topics include analysis of variance, analysis of categorical data, distribution-free tests, and linear and multiple regression. Students will learn how to analyze data and interpret conclusions using a statistical software package. Three credits and a one-hour laboratory. 335 Developmental Biology An introduction to animal embryology placed in a modern context. Laboratories emphasize key events in embryogenesis of selected animals, including experiments on metamorphosis and regeneration. Three credits and a laboratory. 342 Invertebrate Zoology A comparative study of the morphology, behaviour, physiology, ecology and taxonomy of invertebrate animals. Students will learn in both lecture and lab the remarkable diversity of both form and function in these animals, while also learning to ask critical questions about the organisms and design experiments that will lead to further insight into invertebrate zoology. Prerequisite: BIOL 201. Three credits and lab. 343 Comparative Anatomy of Vertebrates A comparative study of the anatomy of chordate animals with emphasis on vertebrate phylogeny. Laboratory study of the anatomy of selected chordate specimens. Three credits and a laboratory. Visit the Course Homepage here. 384 Experimental Research in Biology This course provides training in experimental design and data analysis, with emphasis on research questions that are common in biology. All relevant aspects of experimental research will be covered, e.g. identifying a problem, formulating a hypothesis, designing an experiment, analyzing and interpreting data, and delineating future research steps. Concepts and techniques will be applied with numerical examples. Prerequisite: BIOL 203. Three credits and lab. Course Homepage here. 385 Animal Behaviour An introduction to the principles of ethology drawing on examples from all animal phyla, with an emphasis on vertebrates. Students learn the physiological, ecological and evolutionary bases of behaviour. Topics covered will span simple reflexes through complex social behaviours, including, for example, locomotion, predation, communication, mating, and human behaviours. Participation in field trips is required. Prerequisite: BIOL 201. Three credits and lab. 395 Cell Biology an introduction into the eukaryotic cell. The relationships between biochemical mechanisms and organelle functions will be emphasized. The techniques used to study cell function will be examined in lectures and in laboratory practicals. Prerequisites: CHEM 100 and 255. Three credits and a laboratory. Visit the Course Homepage here. 401 Comparative Physiology and Biophysics An introduction to physical aspects of biological systems. Topics include: application of solid and fluid mechanics to living systems and mechanics of locomotion. Prerequisites: BIOL 304, MATH 110, PHYS 100. Three credits and a laboratory. 403 Physiology of Sensations This course introduces students to the anatomical structures, neural pathways and physiological mechanisms utilized to sense our external environment. Emphasis will be placed on proprioception in humans, spinal reflexes, pain, equilibrium, vision, smell, taste, and auditory perception. Current literature will be discussed as it relates to each of the senses. Three credits and laboratory. 404 Comparative Endocrinology Covers principles and concepts in vertebrate and invertebrate control systems, including the principal actions of hormones and neurohormones, hormone interactions, and endocrine disorders. Prerequisite: BIOL 252 or 304. Three credits and lab. 407 Integrated Resource Management An introduction to integrated resource management planning and land use decision making, in an industrial landscape, using the principles of landscape ecology, ecosystem management, and conservation biology. Lectures will examine the challenges of biodiversity conservation and wildlife and water management using these methods. Guest lecturers from industry and other land user groups will discuss the opportunities, constraints, criticisms and problems presented by multi-stakeholder approaches to this form of management. Local field trips plus major project. Three credits and laboratory. 415 Biogeography a lecture and seminar course dealing with the description and interpretation of present and past distributions of plants and animals. There will be integration of evolutionary, ecological and historical concepts, and both aquatic and terrestrial organisms will be considered. A term paper is required and students will present a seminar. Three credits and an evening tutorial. 417 Microbial Pathogenics This course will provide a general overview of a host's defense mechanisms including immune and inflammatory responses, and will describe the pathogenic interactions between humans and different types of microbes with an emphasis on bacterial systems. Students will be required to present at least one seminar and produce a research paper. Prerequisite: BIOL 315. Three credits and a laboratory. 425 Advanced Cell Biology Discussion will focus on currently researched questions in eukaryotic cell structure and function, and will emphasize advanced experimental techniques used to probe the cell. Prerequisites: BIOL 295 or 395 and CHEM 255. Three credits and a laboratory. 430 Genes and Development An examination of the molecular-genetic basis of development in multicellular organisms, this course highlights the use of model organisms, mutants, gene cloning, and gene-engineering to explore how genes, proteins and cells interact in the development of animal and plant bodies. A research paper and short seminar are required; laboratories examine development in the fruit fly Drosophila and the mustard cress Arabidopsis. BIOL 355 is a recommended prerequisite. Three credits and a laboratory. Visit the Course Homepage here. 450 Behavioural Neuroscience Cross-listed as PSYC 430. This is a lecture, seminar, and laboratory course in which current topics in the field of behavioural neuroscience will be considered. Lab component. Six credits. 470 Environmental Microbiology This course describes the impact of microorganisms on the structure of natural environments and will cover such topics as plant-microbe interactions, biogeochemical cycling, diagnoses and bioremediation. Microbial ecosystems of aquatic, terrestrial and extreme environments will be discussed and examined in a laboratory setting. Prerequisites: BIOL 315. Three credits and a laboratory. 472 Freshwater Ecology A study of the physical, chemical and biological features of freshwater that affect the abundance and distribution of plants and animals. A major portion of the laboratory sessions will involve field trips to local examples of typical freshwater ecosystems. Each student will be required to prepare a 20-minute seminar on some aspect of applied freshwater ecology. Three credits and a laboratory. 474 Soil Ecology An introduction to the diversity of soil organisms and their roles in ecosystem processes. The nature of soil as habitat for bacteria, fungi and animals, and the connections between soil and the aboveground environment will be considered along with the role of soils and soil organisms in decomposition, nutrient cycling, plant nutrition and ecosystem succession. Students must complete a semester-long lab project. Prerequisite: BIOL 203. Three credits and a laboratory. 475 Accessing the Biological Literature Library resources and on-line databases will be used to write an easy on a topic presented in the department seminar series. Restricted to senior advanced majors and honours students. Students taking this course must also take one other 400-level course, excluding BIOL 491. Three credits. 481 Evolution and Development Development, as the process that builds the organism, occupies the middle ground between the genotype and phenotype, whereas Evolution is the process by which the genotype and phenotype change over time. How do these fundamental biological processes interact? We will explore topics such as mechanisms of evolutionary change, the shared genetic bases of development among taxa, the origin of embryonic development, origin of novelties, life history evolution, metamorphosis, phylogenetic analyses of change and how the environment and development interact to produce evolutionary change. This course will be a Lecture and Seminar course designed to introduce students to points of intersection between these two disciplines and to foster the ability to access and critically read the relevant literature.485 Experimental Research in Biology and Ecology 491 Senior Seminar Seminars on topics of major biological interest are presented by faculty members and visiting scientists. This course is required of all biology advanced majors and honours students in their final year of study. No credit. 493 Honours Thesis Three credits. 499 Directed Studies Students with an average of at least 75 may, on a tutorial basis under the guidance of a professor, pursue an area of interest not normally offered by the department. Three credits and seminar.
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