Biology Courses
BI1013 Introduction to Biology I
Credit hours: 3
This course provides an introduction to the basic concepts of biology including cell biology, genetics, and zoology. BI1013 complements BI1023. (3-hour lab)
Prerequisite: Grade 12 Biology or Permission of the Registrar
BI1023 Introduction to Biology II
Credit hours: 3
Discover the diversity of living organisms and their interactions in BI1023. Additional attention will be placed on the world of plants. BI1023 complements BI1013. (3-hour lab)
Prerequisite: Grade 12 Biology or Permission of the Registrar
BI1613 Foundations to Biology I
Credit hours: 3
BI1613 together with BI1623 provide non-biology majors with a basic foundation for studies in biology. The two courses present a broad survey of key areas of biology such as the structure and function of cells, genetics, and the diversity of life.
Prerequisite: Permission of the Registrar
BI1623 Foundations to Biology II
Credit hours: 3
This course is the second part of introduction to biology following BI1613 and will provide the basic foundation for studies in biology. The two courses present a broad survey of different areas of biology including the structure and function of cells, genetics, the origin of life, the kingdoms of life, human anatomy, and physiology.
Prerequisite: Permission of the Registrar
BI2013 Ecology
Credit hours: 3
Explore the principle theories of ecology in BI2013. Focus will be placed on current research exemplifying these theories.
Prerequisites: BI1013, BI1023
BI2113 Botany
Credit hours: 3
From algae to angiosperms, characteristics of plant structure, function, and interactions will be investigated. Significant time will be spent examining plants in their natural environment. (3-hour lab)
Prerequisites: BI1013, BI1023
BI2213 The Animal Kingdom
Credit hours: 3
Animal phyla from protists to mammalia will be examined in this course. Life history strategy and morphology will be emphasized. (3-hour lab)
Prerequisites: BI1013, BI1023
BI2413 Brain and Behaviour
Credit hours: 3
This course provides an introduction to biopsychology, the scientific study of the biology of behaviour. This course will introduce the anatomy and function of the systems, structures, and cells that make up the human nervous system. The role of the brain in the sensory and motor systems and the ability of the brain to continually change and adapt will be examined. The current biopsychological research into topics such as hunger, sleep, addiction, emotion, and psychiatric disorders will also be explored.
Prerequisite: Permission of the Registrar
BI2703 Human Anatomy and Physiology I
Credit hours: 3
This course will provide an overview of the structure and functions of human body including cells, tissues, and organs of the following systems: integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, and special senses. Physiological activities to maintain homeostasis will be investigated as well. (3-hour lab)
Prerequisite: BI1013
BI3013 Environmental Issues
Credit hours: 3
Challenge the way that you live by encountering the perturbations humans have caused in world ecosystems. Critique current environmental issues, apply ecological principles, and discuss human responsibility to the environment. Field trips may be arranged.
Prerequisites: BI1013, BI1023, or Permission of the Registrar
BI3113 Developmental Biology
Credit hours: 3
This course begins with gametogenesis followed by fertilization. Embryo development until the formation of primary organ rudiments will be followed for representative vertebrates with an emphasis on the similarities between groups. The development of ectodermal, mesodermal, and endodermal organs will be studied primarily in mammals.
Prerequisites: BI1013, BI1023, BI3133.
BI3123 Microbiology
Credit hours: 3
This course is an examination of the microbial world: prokaryotic and eukaryotic, free-living, and parasitic. An understanding of the significance of microorganisms in human lives and the natural world will be developed. (3-hour lab)
Prerequisites: BI1013, BI1023
BI3133 Cell Biology
Credit hours: 3
This course provides an overview that focuses on cell structure, including the subcellular structures and functions in both eukaryotes and prokaryotes. Major cell activities such as cell motility, cell communication, transportation and protein sorting, distribution, secretion, and endocytosis will be investigated. The pathology of diseases such as cancer will be clarified on the cellular level.
Prerequisites: BI1013, BI1023
BI3153 Microbiology for the Health Sciences
Credit hours: 3
This course is an examination of the microbial world including bacteria, virus, fungi, and protozoa. It helps students understand the significance of microorganisms for humans. It also facilitates learning on the pathology and epidemiology of different microbial diseases. Students cannot receive credit for both BI3123 and BI3153. (Generally BI3153 will be offered only to students in a nursing program.)
Prerequisite: Permission of the Registrar
BI3203 Biochemistry for Life Sciences
Credit hours: 3
Building on the organic chemistry taught in CH2113, this introduction to biochemistry concentrates on form, function, and metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. (3-hour lab)
Prerequisites: BI1013, BI1023, CH2113
BI3323 Plant Propagation
Credit hours: 3
This course will investigate principles of sexual and asexual reproduction in plants. Practical application of culturing and propagating will be stressed. (3-hour lab)
Prerequisite: BI2113
BI3333 Immunology
Credit hours: 3
This course investigates the overall immune systems such as humoral and cell-mediated immune systems. Some topics included in this course are cells and organs of the immune systems, immunoglobins, T-cells, B-cells, cytokines, leukocyte migration, and AIDS.
Prerequisites: BI1013, BI1023; BI3123, 3133 recommended
BI3343 Nutrition
Credit hours: 3
This course introduces students to the science of human nutrition by providing an overview of the nutrients that are determinants of health. The requirements and functions of the organic nutrients (carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and vitamins) and the inorganic nutrients (minerals and water) are presented. Other topics covered in this course include disorders related to intake or metabolism, various methods used to assess nutrient intakes, and interpretation of current research in the field of human nutrition.
Prerequisites: BI1013, BI1023 and CH1013, CH1023 or Permission of the Registrar
BI3423 Genetics
Credit hours: 3
This course investigates fundamental principles in current hereditary theory including patterns of inheritance, pedigree analysis, linkage, recombination, and mutation. The social and ethical implications of human genetic principles will also be considered.
(3-hour lab)
Prerequisites: BI1013, BI1023. BI3133 recommended.
BI3513 Directed Studies in Biology
Credit hours: 3
This course is available for students when their interests and the professor’s expertise allow for a more in-depth tutorial or project approach. Students must be highly capable and must have completed upper level prerequisite courses in the area of study.
Prerequisite: Permission of the Registrar
BI3523 Directed Studies in Biology
Credit hours: 3
This course is available for students when their interests and the professor’s expertise allow for a more in-depth tutorial or project approach. Students must be highly capable and must have completed upper level prerequisite courses in the area of study. (3-hour lab)
Prerequisite: Permission of the Registrar
BI3603 Research Methods in Ecology
Credit hours: 3
This research methods course coaches students in both doing and communicating science with excellence. Using ecological examples, students will simulate the components necessary for effective research with emphases on design, analysis, and communication.
Prerequisites: BI2013, MT2253.
BI3613 Animal Behaviour
Credit hours: 3
This course introduces the biological bases of animal behaviour, including human behaviour. Behavioural patterns are examined using genetic and environmental perspectives. The genetics and ecology of social behaviour are explored. This course is intended to provide a synthesis of current thinking on animal behaviour, and it will include examples of local species.
Prerequisites: BI1013, BI1023, BI2213
BI3653 Research Methods in the Life Sciences
Credit hours: 3
This course is intended for senior students to gain experience in experimental design and laboratory methods commonly used in the life sciences. Students will develop competence in research design and application through various research projects. The analysis and communication of the results from the research projects will provide the opportunity to develop excellence in individual and team reports.
Prerequisite: MT2253.
BI3703 Human Anatomy and Physiology II
Credit hours: 3
This course augments the base of knowledge about Human Anatomy and Physiology covered in BI2703 by investigating the structure and functions of the human body with a focus on the cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, endocrine, immune, urinary, and reproductive systems.
Prerequisites: BI2703
BI3823 Agroecology
Credit hours: 3
Learn to integrate ecology and food systems. Interactions and cycling within food systems will be examined. The practical application of theoretical knowledge along with sustainability will be stressed.
Prerequisite: BI2013, BI2113, or Permission of the Registrar
BI4113 Evolution
Credit hours: 3
Examine principle constructs, theory development, and current issues in evolutionary biology.
Prerequisites: BI1013, BI1023, BI3423, and upper level standing
BI4413 Neuroscience
Credit hours: 3
This course will introduce students to current research topics in neuroscience, including molecular neurobiology, neural development, plasticity and regeneration, neuronal death, and synaptic transmission.
Prerequisites: BI1013, BI1023; Corequisite: BI2703
BI4513 Advanced Directed Studies in Biology
Credit hours: 3
This course is available for students when their interests and the professor’s expertise allow for a more in-depth tutorial approach. Students must be highly capable and must have completed upper level prerequisite courses in the area of the directed study.
Prerequisite: Permission of the Registrar
BI4523 Advanced Directed Studies in Biology
Credit hours: 3
This course is available for students when their interests and the professor’s expertise allow for a more in-depth tutorial approach. Students must be highly capable and must have completed upper level prerequisite courses in the area of the directed study. (3-hour lab)
Prerequisite: Permission of the Registrar
BI4703 Applied Ecology
Credit hours: 3
Learn the ecological underpinnings, practice, and motivations behind conservation biology and restoration ecology. A strong focus will be placed on applying theory and concepts through the development of practical and feasible management regimes.
Prerequisite: BI2013; Corequisite: BI3013
BI4913 Advanced Research
Credit hours: 3
This course is designed as a hands-on research course intended for senior students to gain experience in experimental design and field-work or laboratory methods commonly used in biology. Through various research projects, students will develop competence in research design and application, and the analysis and communication of results. (3-hour lab)
Prerequisite: BI3603 or BI3653, and upper level standing
BI4996 Thesis
Credit hours: 6
Exceptional students, upon request prior to the completion of their third year, may be granted permission to write a thesis as an element to their Honours degree requirements.
