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.
Biology courses are designated by BIOL.
1001
Principles of Biology
is an introduction to the science of Biology, including a discussion of the unity, diversity and evolution of living organisms.
LH: 3
UL: credit may be obtained for only 6 1000-level credit hours in Biology
1002
Principles of Biology
is an introduction to the science of Biology, including a discussion of the unity, diversity and evolution of living organisms.
LH: 3
PR: BIOL 1001
UL: credit may be obtained for only 6 1000-level credit hours in Biology
2010
Biology of Plants
is 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.
LH: 3
PR: BIOL 1001 and 1002; Chemistry 1010 or 1050 (or the former Chemistry 1000)
2040
Modern Biology and Human Society I
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.
OR: seminars
UL: not acceptable as one of the required courses for the Minor, Major or Honours programs in Biology
2041
Modern Biology and Human Society II
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.
OR: seminars
UL: not acceptable as one of the required courses for the Minor, Major or Honours programs in Biology
2060
Principles of Cell Biology
is a modern view of the biology of eukaryotic cells, organelles and molecules and their interactions in the functioning of living organisms.
CO: Physics 1021 or 1051; Biochemistry 2101
CR: the former BIOL 3060
LH: 3
2120
Biology for Students of Earth Sciences
is 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.
LH: 3
PR: Earth Science major; Earth Sciences 1001 or 1002 or permission of the Head of Department.
UL: may not be used for credit by Biology Majors or Minors
2122
Biology of Invertebrates
is 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.
CR: the former BIOL 3122
LH: 3
2210
Biology of Vertebrates
is a study of the vertebrates, with emphasis on structure and function, adaptations and life histories.
CR: the former BIOL 3210
LH: 3
2250
Principles of Genetics
is 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.
CR: the former BIOL 3250
LH: 3
PR: BIOL 1001 and 1002; Chemistry 1010 and 1011 (or 1050/1051)
2600
Principles of Ecology
is a conceptual course introducing the principles of ecology, including theoretical, functional and empirical approaches.
CR: the former BIOL 3600
LH: 3
2900
Principles of Evolution and Systematics
is an introduction to the processes and patterns of evolution, and the principles of classification. Natural selection and other microevolutionary processes, variation and adaptation, species and speciation, phylogenetic systematics, reconstruction of phylogeny, macro-evolutionary patterns in the fossil record and their interpretation.
CO: Statistics 2550 (or equivalent)
CR: the former BIOL 3900
LH: 3
PR: Statistics 2550 (or equivalent)
3041
Boreal Flora
covers the identification of the terrestrial vascular plants of Newfoundland and Labrador. Various aspects of floral biology, and the use of dichotomous keys will also be covered.
CR: Environmental Science 3110
LH: 3
3050
Introduction to Microbiology
is a course in which the basic principles underlying microbial life are studied. Aspects include structure, function, bioenergetics and growth with an emphasis on prokaryotes. Also studied are viruses, microbial diseases, introductory principles of immunology and the control of microorganisms. The laboratory sessions provide training in culture and determinative techniques using microorganisms.
CO: Chemistry 2401
LH: 3
PR: BIOL 1001 and 1002; Chemistry 2440 or 2400 and Chemistry 2401
3052
Food Microbiology
- inactive course.
3053
Microbiology for Nurses
examines 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.
LH: 2
PR: students admitted to the Bachelor of Nursing (Collaborative) program
UL: 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
- inactive course.
3202
Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy
examines the phylogenetic development and comparative anatomy of the vertebrates.
CR: the former BIOL 3200 or the former BIOL 3201
LH: 3
3295
Population and Evolutionary Ecology
is an introduction to the theory and principles of evolutionary ecology and population dynamics.
CR: the former BIOL 4290
LH: 3
3300
Introductory Entomology
is a study of the classification and ecology of insects within an evolutionary framework. Topics will include molecular biological and classical morphological issues surrounding insect taxonomy, evolutionary based higher systematics, and the ecological roles of insects in a variety of ecosystems.
CR: BIOL 4150 and the former BIOL 4140
LH: 3
PR: BIOL 2600. It is recommended that students have completed BIOL 2900.
3401
Comparative Animal Physiology
is 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.
CO: Biochemistry 3106
CR: the former BIOL 4401
LH: 3
PR: Biochemistry 3106
3402
Principles of Plant Physiology
is a consideration of the principles of plant physiology, including water relations, nutrition, metabolism, growth and development.
CO: Biochemistry 3106
CR: the former BIOL 4403
LH: 3
PR: Biochemistry 3106
3500
Histology
is a study of microstructure and ultrastructure of tissues and organ systems in vertebrates, particularly mammals, with emphasis on correlating structure and function.
LH: 3
3530
Developmental Biology
is 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.
LH: 3
3540
Histotechnique
- inactive course.
3610
Boreal Ecology
is a study of the principal features of terrestrial ecosystems, with emphasis on the boreal region. This course may be offered in a usual 13 week semester or as a two-week field course.
CR: Environmental Science 3131
LC: either three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week or a two week field course that embodies equivalent instructional time
LH: either three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week or a two week field course that embodies equivalent instructional time
PR: BIOL 2010, 2250, 2600 and 2900; Statistics 2550 or equivalent
3620
Aquatic Microbial Ecology
is 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.
CR: the former BIOL 3603
LH: 3
3709
Field Course in Marine Principles and Techniques
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 BIOL 3710, 3711 or 4810.
PR: BIOL 2600; Statistics 2550 or equivalent and permission of the Head of Department
3710
The Aquatic Environment
examines 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.
CO: BIOL 2600
CR: the former BIOL 3700
LC: either three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week or a two-week field course that embodies equivalent instructional time
LH: either three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week or a two-week field course that embodies equivalent instructional time
PR: Physics 1021 or 1051; Chemistry 1011 or 1051
PR: BIOL 2600
3711
The Ecology of Open Waters
is 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.
CR: the former BIOL 3701
LC: either three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week or a two-week field course that embodies equivalent instructional time
LH: either three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week or a two-week field course that embodies equivalent instructional time
3712
Benthic Biology
examines 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.
CR: the former Biology 3630
LC: either three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week or a two-week field course that embodies equivalent instructional time
LH: either three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week or a two-week field course that embodies equivalent instructional time
3714
Estuarine Fish Ecology Field Course
examines community structure, function and distribution of northern coastal fishes in fjords and estuarine environments. Emphasis on sampling, field techniques, taxonomy, quantitative characterization, adaptations and habitat relationships. A comparative approach will contrast fish communities from other areas. To be held as a two week field course.
PR: BIOL 2600
3750
Animal Behaviour I
is 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.
CR: Psychology 3750 and Psychology 4770
LH: 3
3811
Paleontology
(W)
is taught and administered by the Department of Earth Sciences.
CR: Earth Sciences 3811, the former BIOL 3800, and the former Earth Sciences 3801
PR: either Earth Sciences 1002 and BIOL 2120 (or BIOL 1001 and 1002); or BIOL 2122 and 2210
4000
Bacterial Systematics
is 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.
LH: 3
4012
Phycology
studies 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.
LC: either three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week or a two-week field course that embodies equivalent instructional time
LH: either three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week or a two-week field course that embodies equivalent instructional time
4014
Biology and Ecology of Boreal and Arctic Seaweeds
is a field course examination of seaweed biology and ecology with special study of living specimens in estuarine, fjordic and exposed coastal sites, demonstrating their physiological and ecological adaptations to cold-water habitats. This course is offered at the Bonne Bay Marine Station during the Summer Semester with two weeks of instruction followed by a week to complete course requirements.
PR: BIOL 2600 or equivalent
4040
Mycology
is a study of the physiology, morphogenesis, nature of plant and animal parasitism, ecology and taxonomy of terrestrial and freshwater fungi.
CR: the former BIOL 3020
LH: 3
4122
Advanced Topics in Marine Invertebrates
provides an in-depth examination of physiological, ecological and behavioural adaptations in marine invertebrates. Lectures will be combined with discussions of relevant papers from the primary literature on topics of current interest, which may relate to functional morphology, ecology, evolution and natural history. Students will also gain practical research experience through the study of live and preserved animals.
LH: 3
4141
Nematology
is 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.
LH: 3
4150
Insect Systematics and Ecology
- inactive course.
4180
General Parasitology
is an examination of parasitism as a way of life, with emphasis on classification, structural adaptation, life cycles and ecology.
LH: 3
4182
Fisheries and Wildlife Parasitology
is a study of the important parasites of fish and other wildlife and their impact on both individuals and populations.
LH: 3
PR: BIOL 4180
4200
Immunology
is a study of vertebrate and invertebrate immune systems including antigens and antibodies and their reactions.
LH: 3
4241
Advanced Genetics
has 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.
LH: 3
4245
Biophysics
is 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.
LH: 3
4250
Evolutionary Genetics
has 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.
LH: 3
4251
Genomics
will have lecture, seminar, and laboratory components. Topics covered will include Technical Foundations of Genomics, Global Gene Expression Profiling, Bioinformatics, Comparative Genomics, Microbial Genomics, Genomics and Medicine, Genomics and Agriculture, Environmental Genomics, and Ethical Issues of Genomics. Each topic will involve a lecture component, in which theory and methods will be taught using the textbook and journal articles. Some lecture and lab times will be devoted to seminars on methods and papers related to lecture or laboratory components of the course. In the lab component, students will have the opportunity to use state-of-the-art genomic techniques to address a research question.
LH: 3
OR: seminar
4270
History of Biology
is a 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.
OR: 3 hour seminar per week
PR: a minimum of 90 credit hours including a minimum of 9 credit hours from any of BIOL 2010, 2122, 2210, 2600 and including a minimum of 6 credit hours in Biology at the 3000 level or above, plus the permission of the Instructor
4306
Applied Biology
is 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.
CR: the former BIOL 4303 or the former BIOL 4304
PR: BIOL 2060, 2250, 2600, 2900 and one of BIOL 2010, 2122 or 2210
4360
Community and Ecosystem Ecology
is a study of the basic principles, patterns and processes of ecological communities and ecosystems.
OR: a seminar/discussion group each week
PR: BIOL 2250, 2600 and 2900 and one of BIOL 2010, 2122 or 2210; Statistics 2550 or equivalent
4402
Electron Microscopy in Life Sciences
- inactive course.
4404
Microbial Physiology
is a study of the structure and growth of microorganisms. Themes covered in this course include the structure, function and regulation of the microbial cellular machinery, the hierarchical regulation of cellular activities, and communication between cells. Quantitative experimental methodology relating to microbial physiology is studied in the laboratory.
LH: 3
4405
Landscape Ecology
is an introduction to the theory and principles of landscape pattern and processes, including issues related to scale, networks, landform and vegetation patterns, species distributions, and natural and human-caused aspects of landscape change.
CO: Statistics 2550 or equivalent
LH: 3
PR: Statistics 2550 or equivalent
PR: BIOL 2600 and 18 credit hours in Biology or permission from the course instructor
4505
Systematics and Biogeography
is 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.
CR: the former Geography 4170
LH: 3
PR: BIOL 2250, 2600, 2900 and one of BIOL 2010, 2122 or 2210
4510
Distribution Patterns in the Sea
- inactive course.
4550
Principles of Endocrinology
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.
LH: 3
4600
Ichthyology
is the study of fishes: taxonomy, life histories, evolution, behaviour and zoogeography.
LH: 3
4601
Functional Biology of Fish
is an introduction to anatomical, physiological and cellular aspects of selected processes in the life cycle of fishes.
4605
Quantitative Methods in Biology
is 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.
CR: Statistics 4581 and the former Statistics 4605
LH: 3
PR: Statistics 2550
4620
Ornithology
examines structure, classification, evolution, ecology and behaviour of birds, with particular reference to those of economic importance. Identification of the birds of Eastern Canada.
LH: 3
4630
Mammalogy
examines evolution, systematics, life histories and distribution of mammals, with particular emphasis on eastern North American forms.
LH: 3
4650
Conservation in Biology and Geography
is an 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.
CR: Geography 4650
OR: 3 hours of seminar/discussion group per week
PR: 30 credit hours in either Biology or Geography
4701
Animal Behaviour II
is 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.
LH: 3
4710
Experimental Marine Ecology of Newfoundland Waters
is a two-week field course examines the ecology of cold ocean environments, focussing on energy flux through marine pelagic and benthic flora and fauna of Newfoundland waters, and how the dynamics of this environment influence linkages among organisms in different habitats. The course will be field intensive with some lecture component and a strong hands-on field component. Students will identify local organisms and study how and why they vary in time and space. This course will be offered during two weeks of the Spring semester.
PR: BIOL 2600
4750
Fisheries Ecology
is 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.
LH: 3
PR: BIOL 2600
4800
Advanced Palaeontology
is a field, lecture, laboratory and seminar course dealing with selected topics in general and applied paleontology. Topics include measuring evolution and extinction, population paleontology, functional morphology, paleoecology, statistical methods for paleontological studies, and applications in petroleum, mining, and environmental studies. This course is taught and administered by the Department of Earth Sciences.
CR: Earth Sciences 4800
PR: Earth Sciences/BIOL 3811, and one of Statistics 2510, Statistics 2550 or Mathematics 2000
4810
Research Field Course in Marine Biology
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. At the discretion of the Head of Department, another recognized field course may be substituted for BIOL 4810.
PR: BIOL 3710 and any two of BIOL 2010, 2122 or 2210 and permission of the Head of the Department. It is strongly recommended that students take BIOL 3709 before 4810.
4820
Field Course in Terrestrial Biology
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.
PR: BIOL 2010, 2122, 2210, 2600 and permission of the Head of the Department. It is recommended that students complete BIOL 4605.
4822
Internship in Biology
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.
PR: students in the Honours Program
4900
Research Methods in Genetic Biotechnology
will include DNA extraction, DNA amplification by the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), DNA cloning, DNA sequence analysis and Bioinformatics. Additional modules in gene expression and re-sequencing chip technologies may be included. This will be offered on campus as a three week course. Preference for admission will be given to senior students.
PR: BIOL 2060, BIOL 2250 or Biochemistry 2100 and permission of the Head of the Department or delegate
4910-4920
Special Topics in Biology
will be given for senior undergraduates and will be in a two-week format which will involve equivalent instruction time as a course on campus. These courses will cover a range of topics in specialized fields in Biology and may be offered at the Bonne Bay Field Station, at the Harlow campus or elsewhere as appropriate. They may be taught by visiting specialists when available.
499A and 499B
Honours Dissertation
is available only to students in the Honours Program. Requirements for the Dissertation are outlined under Honours Degrees.
PR: admission to the Honours Program