In accordance with Senate's Policy Regarding Inactive Courses, courses which have not been offered in the previous three academic years and which are not scheduled to be offered in the current academic year have been removed from the following listing. For information about any of these inactive courses, please contact the Head of the Department.
NOTES: 1) Students may obtain credit for only six 1000-level credit hours in Biology. Normally, these courses will be
Biology 1001-1002, which are prerequisite to all higher courses in Biology, except where noted below.
2) According to the nature of particular courses, the specified number of laboratory hours may consist of some
combination of laboratory work, seminars or directed independent study relevant to the practical aspects of the subject
matter.
1001-1002. Principles of Biology. An introduction to the science of Biology, including a discussion of the unity, diversity
and evolution of living organisms.
Three hours of lecture and a three-hour laboratory per week.
NOTE: Biology 1001 is a prerequisite for Biology 1002.
2010. Biology of Plants. A study of the structure, function and reproductive biology of plants, with emphasis on the
vascular plants, and on their relationship to environment and human activities.
Three hours of lecture and a three-hour laboratory per week.
Prerequisites: Biology 1001 and 1002; Chemistry 1010 or 1050 (or 1000).
2040. Modern Biology and Human Society I. This course examines various aspects of the human body, and the
implications of modern biological research for human beings. Topics include cancer; diet and nutrition and associated
diseases; circulatory disease, immunity, human genetics, biorhythms, new diseases, genetic engineering and reproductive engineering.
Three hours of lectures/seminars per week.
NOTE: Biology 2040 is not acceptable as one of the required courses for the Minor, Major or Honours programs in
Biology. There are no prerequisites for this course.
2041. Modern Biology and Human Society II. This course examines the origins and consequences of the environmental
crisis of the 20th century. Topics include the population explosion, energy, material cycles, air and water and land
pollution, global food supplies, the fisheries, wildlands, renewable and non-renewable resources, environmental ethics.
Three hours of lecture/seminar per week.
NOTE: Biology 2041 is not acceptable as one of the required courses for the Minor, Major or Honours programs in
Biology. There are no prerequisites for this course.
2060. Principles of Cell Biology. A modern view of the biology of eukaryotic cells, organelles and molecules and their
interactions in the functioning of living organisms.
Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week.
Prerequisites: Biology 1001, 1002 and 2250; Chemistry 2440 or 2400
Prerequisites or co-requisites: Physics 1021 or 1054; Biochemistry 2101
NOTE: Credit may not be obtained for both Biology 2060 and the former Biology 3060.
2120. Biology for Students of Earth Sciences. An introduction of the principles of Biology for students in Earth Sciences.
Topics will include principles of classification, levels of biological organization, fundamental characteristics of living
organisms and basic concepts in ecology.
Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week.
Prerequisites: Earth Science major; Earth Sciences 1001 or 1002 or permission of the Head of Department.
NOTES: 1) Entry to this course is restricted to Earth Sciences majors, or by permission of the Head of Department.
2) This course may not be used for credit by Biology Majors or Minors.
3) Credit may not be obtained for both Biology 2120 and either of Biology 1001 or 1002.
2122. Biology of Invertebrates. A study of the invertebrates with emphasis on structure and function, adaptations and life
histories. The laboratories will present a broad survey of the major invertebrate groups.
Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week.
Prerequisites: Biology 1001 and 1002.
NOTE: Credit may not be obtained for both Biology 2122 and the former Biology 3122.
2210. Biology of Vertebrates. A study of the vertebrates, with emphasis on structure and function, adaptations and life histories.
Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week.
Prerequisites: Biology 1001 and 1002.
NOTE: Credit may not be obtained for both Biology 2210 and the former Biology 3210.
2250. Principles of Genetics. An introduction to Mendelian and molecular genetics. Phenotype and genotype, behaviour
of alleles in genetic crosses, chromosome theory of inheritance, genetic linkage, molecular biology of DNA, RNA and
protein, molecular basis of mutation, recombinant DNA, applications of genetic biotechnology.
Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week.
Prerequisites: Biology 1001 and 1002; Chemistry 1010 and 1011 (or 1050/1051).
Prerequisites or corequisites: Chemistry 2440 or 2400.
NOTE: Credit may not be obtained for both Biology 2250 and the former Biology 3250.
2600. Principles of Ecology. A conceptual course introducing the principles of ecology, including theoretical, functional
and empirical approaches.
Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week.
Prerequisites: Biology 1001 and 1002.
NOTE: Credit may not be obtained for both Biology 2600 and the former Biology 3600.
2900. Principles of Evolution and Systematics. An introduction to the processes and patterns of evolution, and the
principles of classification. Natural selection and other microevolutionary pro-cesses, variation and adaptation, species and
speciation, phylogenetic systematics, reconstruction of phylogeny, macro-evolutionary patterns in the fossil record and
their interpretation.
Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week.
Prerequisites: Biology 1001, 1002 and 2250.
Prerequisite of corequisite: Statistics 2550 (or equivalent)
NOTE: Credit may not be obtained for both Biology 2900 and the former Biology 3900.
3041. Boreal Flora. The identification of the terrestrial vascular plants of Newfoundland and Labrador. Various aspects of
floral biology, and the use of dichotomous keys will be covered.
Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week.
Prerequisites: Biology 1001 and 1002.
NOTE: Credit can be obtained for only one of Biology 3041 or ENVS 3110.
3050. Introduction to Microbiology. A study of the basic principles underlying microbial life. The structure, function,
nutrition and growth, control, and bioenergetics of bacteria. An introduction to the biology of fungi and viruses, and to
principles of immunology. Aspects of disease and the biotechnological uses of micro-organisms. The laboratory sessions
provide training in aseptic techniques and diagnostic experimental manipulations with microorganisms.
Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week.
Prerequisites: Biology 1001 and 1002; Chemistry 2440 or 2400,
Either Chemistry 2401 or 2420 may be used as a corequisite.
3053. Microbiology for Nurses. The fundamentals of microbiology with an emphasis on medical microbiology. The
course will include topics such as: host responses to infections, human diseases caused by microorganisms, and the control
and exploitation of microorganisms. Entrance is restricted to Nursing students in the Collaborative B.N. program.
Lecture: Three hours per week.
Laboratories: Two hours per week.
NOTE: Biology 3053 is not acceptable as one of the required courses for the Minor, Major or Honours programs in
Biology, nor is it acceptable for any of the joint programs between Biology and other disciplines.
3160. Insect Morphology and Physiology. An examination of the structural organization and physiology of insects.
Comparisons with other arthropod classes will be drawn where appropriate.
Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week.
Prerequisites: Biology 2122.
NOTE: Credit may not be obtained for both Biology 3160 and the former Biology 3150. It is recommended that students
enrolling in Biology 3160 have already completed one of Biology 3401, Biology 3402, Biology 4404, or Biochemistry
3106.
3202. Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy. The phylogenetic development and comparative anatomy of the vertebrates.
Three hours of lecture and four hours of laboratory per week.
Prerequisites: Biology 1001 and 1002.
NOTE: Credit may not be obtained for this course and either of the former Biology 3200 or the former Biology 3201.
3295. Population and Evolutionary Ecology. An introduction to the theory and principles of evolutionary ecology and
population dynamics.
Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week.
Prerequisites: Biology 2600; at least one of Biology 2010, 2122 or 2210.
NOTE: Credit may not be obtained for both Biology 3295 and the former Biology 4290.
3401. Comparative Animal Physiology. A comparative study of the basic physiological processes, with special attention
paid to those strategies invoked by animals which enable them to adapt to environmental changes.
Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week.
Prerequisites: Biology 2060 and 2210.
Prerequisite or Co-requisite: Biochemistry 3106.
NOTE: Credit may not be obtained for both Biology 3401 and the former Biology 4401.
3402. Principles of Plant Physiology. A consideration of the principles of plant physiology, including water relations,
nutrition, metabolism, growth and development.
Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week.
Prerequisites: Biology 2010 and 2060.
Prerequisite or corequisite: Biochemistry 3106.
NOTE: Credit may not be obtained for both Biology 3402 and the former Biology 4403.
3500. Histology. A study of microstructure and ultrastructure of tissues and organ systems in vertebrates, particularly
mammals, with emphasis on correlating structure and function.
Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week.
Prerequisites: Biology 2060 and 2210.
3530. Developmental Biology. A study of developmental systems in protistans, plants and animals with a focus on the
underlying principles and molecular mechanisms involved in cellular differentiation, morphogenesis and growth.
Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week.
Prerequisites: Biology 2060, 2122, 2210 and 2250.
3540. Histotechnique. Theory and practice of preparatory tech-niques for microscopical study of tissues and cells.
Experimental approach in cytochemical localization of cell components and introduction to electron microscopy.
Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week.
Prerequisite: Biology 3500.
3610. Boreal Ecology. A study of the principal features of terrestrial ecosystems, with emphasis on the boreal region.
Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week.
Prerequisites: Biology 2010, 2250, 2600 and 2900; Statistics 2550 or equivalent.
NOTE: Credit can be obtained for only one of Biology 3610 or ENVS 3131.
3620. Aquatic Microbial Ecology. A study of the nature, distribution and activities of microorganisms in the freshwater
and marine environments. Field and laboratory work illustrate some of the investigative techniques used in this area of study.
Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week.
Prerequisites: Biology 2600 and 3050; Statistics 2550 or equivalent.
NOTE: Credit may not be obtained for both Biology 3620 and the former Biology 3603.
3709. Field Course in Marine Principles and Techniques. The course begins with a two-week field school immediately
prior to the beginning of the Fall Semester. In the Fall Semester there are follow-up lectures, readings and submission of
reports. The course is designed to introduce the principal marine environments, organisms and techniques. It is strongly
recommended that this course be taken before either Biology 3710, 3711 or 4810. May be taken only with the permission
of the Head of Department.
Prerequisites: Biology 2600 and 2900; Statistics 2550 or equivalent.
3710. The Aquatic Environment. The abiotic properties of marine and freshwater systems, including basin formation,
chemical properties, circulation and dynamics, sampling techniques and the special characteristics of estuarine systems.
Emphasis will be on large bodies of water, but stream hydrology will also be discussed.
This course may be offered in a usual 13 week semester or as a two-week field course.
Either: three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week.
Or: a two-week field course that embodies equivalent instructional time.
Prerequisites: Physics 1021 or 1054; Chemistry 1011 or 1051; Biology 2600 as prerequisite or corequisite.
NOTE: Credit may not be obtained for both Biology 3710 and the former Biology 3700.
3711. The Ecology of Open Waters. A comparative survey of the major biological groups in open water aquatic habitats,
both freshwater and marine, with community structure, trophic interactions and energy flow as central themes. Strategies
for measuring population levels and production and for constructing both conceptual and quantitative models of
ecosystems and their components are emphasized.
This course may be offered in a usual 13 week semester or as a two-week field course.
Either: three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week.
Or: a two-week field course that embodies equivalent instructional time.
Prerequisites: Biology 2010, 2122, 2600 and 3710.
NOTE: Credit may not be obtained for both Biology 3711 and the former Biology 3701.
3712. Benthic Biology. The biology of the aquatic benthos (bottom-dwelling organisms); their origins, adaptations, life
histories and ecological roles.
This course may be offered in a usual 13 week semester or as a two-week field course.
Either: three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week.
Or: a two-week field course that embodies equivalent instructional time.
Prerequisites: Biology 2122, 2600 and 3710.
NOTE: Credit may not be obtained for both Biology 3712 and the former Biology 3630.
3750. Animal Behaviour I. (Same as Psychology 3750). An introduction to the mechanisms and development of the
behaviour of animals. Topics include: the history of ethology and comparative psychology, methods of animal behaviour
study, behaviour of animals in relation to physiology, sensory function, learning, communication, orientation, and other
areas in biology and psychology.
Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week.
Prerequisites: Biology 1001 and 1002; Statistics 2550 or equivalent.
NOTE: Credit may be obtained for only one of Biology 3750, Psychology 3750, the former Biology 4700, or the former
Psychology 4700.
3811. Paleontology (W). (Same as Earth Sciences 3811) This course is taught and administered by the Department of
Earth Sciences.
Prerequisites: EITHER Earth Sciences 1001 and Biology 2120 (or Biology 1001 and 1002), OR Biology 2122 and 2210.
NOTE: Credit may be obtained for only one of Biology 3811, the former Biology 3800, and the former Earth Sciences
3801.
4000. Bacterial Systematics. A study of bacterial classification, nomenclature and identification. Subjects include classical
and numerical taxonomy, aerobic and anaerobic culture techniques, phage typing, serotyping and the significance of
genetic relatedness. The laboratory work presents the techniques of determinative bacteriology.
Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week.
Prerequisites: Biology 2250 and 3050.
4012. Phycology. The biology of the algae. A study of the structure, reproduction and evolution of the major divisions of
the algae. Aspects of algal physiology and ecology relating to how algae are adapted to life in freshwater, marine and
symbiotic environments, together with economic aspects of phycology, will also be covered. The laboratories will
emphasize the recognition and identification of representative species of the major algal divisions with a bias towards local
species. There will be field trips to collect material in local marine and freshwater environments.
This course may be offered in a usual 13 week semester or as a two-week field course.
Either: three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week.
Or: a two-week field course that embodies equivalent instructional time.
Prerequisites: Biology 2060 and 2600.
4040. Mycology. A study of the physiology, morphogenesis, nature of plant and animal parasitism, ecology and taxonomy
of terrestrial and freshwater fungi.
Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week.
Prerequisites: Biology 2060 and 3050.
NOTE: Credit may not be obtained for both Biology 4040 and the former Biology 3020.
4141. Nematology. A study of plant parasitic, insect parasitic and free-living marine, freshwater and terrestrial nematodes,
with emphasis on taxonomy, biology, economic importance, control methodologies and environmental applications.
Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week.
Prerequisites: Biology 2010, 2122 and 2600.
4150. Insect Systematics and Ecology. A study of the classification, ecology and behaviour of insects with special
emphasis on the boreal fauna.
Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week.
Prerequisites: Biology 2122 and 2600.
NOTE: Credit may not be obtained for both Biology 4150 and the former Biology 4140.
4180. General Parasitology. An examination of parasitism as a way of life, with emphasis on classification, structural
adaptation, life cycles and ecology.
Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week.
Prerequisites: Biology 2122, 2210 and 2600.
4182. Fisheries and Wildlife Parasitology. A study of the important parasites of fish and other wildlife and their impact
on both individuals and populations.
Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week.
Prerequisite: Biology 4180.
4200. Immunology. A study of vertebrate and invertebrate immune systems including antigens and antibodies and their reactions.
Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week.
Prerequisites: Biology 2122, 2210 and 3050.
4241. Advanced Genetics. Advanced topics in modern genetic analysis, including regulation of gene expression,
developmental genetics, molecular basis of inherited disease, genomics, immuni-genetics, behavioural genetics, and
molecular evolution.
Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week.
Prerequisites: Biology 2250; Biochemistry 2101.
4245. Biophysics. An examination of the physical properties involved in defining diffusion, membrane properties,
electrochemical potentials and the processes of bioenergetics within cells and organelles. Selected topics in biomechanics
and the functioning of whole organisms with respect to size, shape, support, orientation, transport and motility.
Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week.
Prerequisites: Biology 2060; Biochemistry 2101.
4250. Evolutionary Genetics. Advanced topics in the study of micro and macro-evolutionary phenomena. Genetic
variation in natural populations; theory of genetic drift, mutation, migration, inbreeding, and natural selection; neutral
theory of molecular evolution, patterns of nucleotide substitution, heritability and quantitative genetics.
Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week.
Prerequisites: Biology 2250 and 2900.
4270. History of Biology. Consideration of the development of biological concepts as interactions between observations,
philosophical systems and cultural environment. This course will normally require students to make verbal presentations to
the class, participate in discussions and submit written papers. May be taken only with the permission of the Instructor.
Three hours of lecture plus one three-hour seminar per week.
Prerequisites: A minimum of 90 credit hours overall including a minimum of nine credit hours from any of Biology 2010,
2122, 2210, 2600 and including a minimum of six credit hours in Biology at the 3000 level or above, plus the permission
of the Instructor.
4306. Applied Biology. An examination of how biological and other sciences are applied to the problems of management
and utilization of organisms at both the individual and systems level to meet human needs.
Prerequisites: Biology 2060, 2250, 2600, 2900 and one of Biology 2010, 2122 or 2210.
NOTE: Credit may not be obtained for Biology 4306 and either of the former Biology 4303 or the former Biology 4304.
4360. Community and Ecosystem Ecology. A study of the basic principles, patterns and processes of ecological
communities and ecosystems.
Three hours of lecture plus a seminar/discussion group each week.
Prerequisites: Biology 2250, 2600 and 2900 and one of Biology 2010, 2122 or 2210; Statistics 2550 or equivalent.
4404. Microbial Physiology. A study of the structure and growth of microorganisms. Subjects include metabolic
diversityand functions of components and organelles. The physiology of microbes interacting with their environment is
emphasized. Quantitative experimental methodology is studied in the laboratory.
Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week.
Prerequisites: Biology 2250 and 3050; Biochemistry 3106.
4505. Systematics and Biogeography. A study of the geographical distributions of plants and animals with particular
reference to temporal and spatial variability and to theories advanced to explain historical and recent distribution patterns.
Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week.
Prerequisites: Biology 2250, 2600, 2900 and one of Biology 2010, 2122 or 2210.
NOTE: Credit may not be obtained for both Biology 4505 and Geography 4170.
4510. Distribution Patterns in the Sea. An ecological approach to the description and understanding of biogeographic
patterns in the sea. Lectures and discussions will focus on what the main patterns are and how they are determined, aspects
of the ocean environment that contribute to pattern, how lifestyles are adapted to oceanic conditions, diversity and
dispersal, analytical techniques, and practical geographic problems concerning the exploitation and management of marine
resources. It is recommended (but not required) that students take Biology 3710, 3711 and 4505 beforehand.
Three hours of lecture/seminar and a three hour laboratory/discussion session each week.
Prerequisite or corequisite: Biology 4605.
4550. Principles of Endocrinology. This course comprises an introduction to basic concepts concerned with how chemical
messages are transmitted and received between cells to coordinate body functions. Hormonal control of adaptation,
reproduction, metabolism, growth, digestion, and electrolyte homeostasis will be discussed. Although the endocrinology of
invertebrates and lower vertebrates will be mentioned as appropriate, the main emphasis will be on mammalian and human
endocrinology at the level of the whole organism.
Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week.
Prerequisites: Biology 2122 and 3401; Biochemistry 3106.
4600. Ichthyology. The study of fishes: taxonomy, life histories, evolution, behaviour and zoogeography.
Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week.
Prerequisites: Biology 2210 and 2600.
4601. Functional Biology of Fish. An introduction to the anatomical, physiological and histological aspects of selected
processes in the life cycle of fishes.
Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week.
Prerequisites: Biology 2060, 2210 and one of Biology 3401, 3402 or 4404; Biochemistry 3106.
4605. Quantitative Methods in Biology. (Same as Statistics 4581 and the former Statistics 4605). Quantitative reasoning
using verbal, graphical and statistical models of scaled quantities (units and dimensions). Exploratory and confirmatory
analysis of field and laboratory data. Hypothesis testing, including randomization tests. Topics include the general linear
model (t-tests, ancova etc), correlation, autocorrelation, geographic statistics, estimates of population size and multivariate methods.
Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week.
Prerequisite: Statistics 2550.
4620. Ornithology. Structure, classification, evolution, ecology and behaviour of birds, with particular reference to those
of economic importance. Identification of the birds of Eastern Canada.
Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week.
Prerequisites: Biology 2210 and 2600.
4630. Mammalogy. Evolution, systematics, life histories and distribution of mammals, with particular emphasis on eastern
North American forms.
Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week.
Prerequisites: Biology 2210 and 2600.
4650. Conservation in Biology and Geography. (Same as Geography 4650). Examination of how biological and
geographical principles can be applied to conserving biological diversity in the natural world under conditions of
exploitation and habitat loss. Special emphasis will be given to relevant provincial examples.
Three hours of lecture per week and 3 hours of seminar/discussion group per week.
Prerequisites: 30 credit hours in either Biology or Geography and permission of the course co-ordinator.
4701. Animal Behaviour II. (Same as Psychology 4701). An examination of the behaviour of animals with particular
emphasis on evolution and ecology. Topics include behavioural genetics and evolution, reproductive strategies, social
behaviour, habitat selection, territoriality, foraging behaviour, and other topics in biology and psychology.
Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week.
Prerequisites: Biology/Psychology 3750(formerly Biology 4700).
4750. Fisheries Ecology. The application of ecological principles to the problem of managing exploited fish populations.
Laboratory exercises will be based on a simulation approach to fisheries problems using computer and animal models.
Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week.
Prerequisites: Biology 2600, Statistics 2550 (or equivalent).
4800. Advanced Palaeontology. (Same as Earth Sciences 4800). This course is taught and administered by the Department
of Earth Sciences.
Prerequisites: Earth Science/Biology 3811, and one of Statistics 2510, Statistics 2550 or Mathematics 2000.
4810. Research Field Course in Marine Biology. The course will consist of an intensive two-week field school designed
to acquaint students with marine field research, experimental design, methodology and data analysis. Emphasis will be
placed on individual projects. Projects must be designed and approved prior to the commencement of the course and will
involve a written report. May be taken only with permission of the Head of Department. At the discretion of the Head of
Department, another recognized field course may be substituted for Biology 4810.
Prerequisites: Biology 3710 and any two of Biology 2010, 2122 or 2210. It is strongly recommended that students take
Biology 3709 before 4810.
4820. Field Course in Terrestrial Biology. The course will begin with a three-week field school immediately prior to the
beginning of the Fall Semester. It is designed to acquaint students with terrestrial organisms and environments, and
emphasis will be placed on survey and sampling techniques. In the Fall Semester the material and data collected in the field
will be used in lecture and laboratory periods dealing with identification, analytical methods, and report compilation.
Prerequisites: Biology 2010, 2122, 2210, 2600 and permission of the Head. of the Department.
Recommended: Biology 4605.
4822. Internship in Biology. The course is an external applied laboratory where a student works with professionals on a problem or problems in biological research. Co-operating agencies may include Environment Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Agriculture Canada, the Provincial Departments of Fisheries and Forestry, and others. The student will have a supervisor within the Department and one in the co-operating agency, and will be expected to write a scientific account detailing the particulars of the work experience. The arrangements for the position must be agreed upon, and a project proposal approved, by the Head of the Department or delegate prior to registration for the course. Enrolment will be dependent upon the availability of suitable positions, and will be limited to students in the Honours Program. This course can be done in any semester, and carries three credit hours.
499A/499B. Honours Dissertation. This course is available only to students in the Honours Program. Requirements for the Dissertation are outlined under the heading "HONOURS DEGREES".
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