Biology Course Descriptions
According to the nature of particular courses, the specified number of course hours may consist of some combination of lectures hours, laboratory work, tutorials, seminars and/or directed independent study relevant to the practical aspects of the subject matter.
Information regarding the time commitment for each course is detailed in the flags below each description using the following headings: AR = Attendance requirement; CH = Credit hours are 3 unless otherwise noted; CO = Co-requisite(s); CR = Credit can be retained for only one course from the set(s) consisting of the course being described and the course(s) listed; LC = Lecture hours per week are 3 unless otherwise noted; LH = Laboratory hours per week; OR = Other requirements of the course such as tutorials, practical sessions, or seminars; PR = Prerequisite(s); UL = Usage limitation(s).
Biology courses are designated by BIOL.
For the most up-to-date list of courses in Biology please refer to the University Calendar.
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
PR: Science 1807 and Science 1808
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: Science 1807 and Science 1808; BIOL 1001
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: Science 1807 and Science 1808; BIOL 1001 and 1002
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.
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.
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.
LH: 3
PR: Science 1807 and Science 1808; BIOL 2250 or Human Biosciences 2004 or the former Biochemistry 2100 or 2200
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.
CR: BIOL 1001 or 1002
LH: 3
PR: Science 1807 and Science 1808; 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.
LH: 3
PR: Science 1807 and Science 1808; BIOL 1002
2210 Biology of Vertebrates is a study of the vertebrates, with emphasis on structure and function, adaptations and life histories.
LH: 3
PR: Science 1807 and Science 1808; BIOL 1002
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 Biochemistry 2100 or 2200
LH: 3 hour labs alternating weekly with tutorials
PR: Science 1807 and Science 1808; BIOL 1001 and 1002; Chemistry 1050 (or Chemistry 1200)
2600 Principles of Ecology is a conceptual course introducing the principles of ecology, including theoretical, functional and empirical approaches.
LH: 3
PR: Science 1807 and Science 1808; BIOL 1001 and 1002, or BIOL 2120 and admission to a major in Environmental Physics
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.
LH: 3
PR: Science 1807 and Science 1808; BIOL 2250
3014 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, fiordic and exposed coastal sites, demonstrating their physiological and ecological adaptations to cold-water habitats.
OR: 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: Science 1807 and Science 1808; BIOL 2600 or equivalent
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.
LH: 3
PR: Science 1807 and Science 1808; BIOL 2250 (or Biochemistry 2100 or Biochemistry 2200); Human Biosciences 2001 (or the former Biochemistry 2201 or 2101)
3052 Food Microbiology (same as Human Biosciences 3052) is the study of the microbiology of water and food with regard to the beneficial and detrimental roles of microorganisms on interaction with these systems. Emphasis will be on the microbiology of food, fermentations, food spoilage and food borne vectors of human disease.
EQ: Human Biosciences 3052, the former Biochemistry 3052
LH: 3
PR: Science 1807 and Science 1808; BIOL 3050
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: Science 1807 and Science 1808; 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
3202 Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy examines the phylogenetic development and comparative anatomy of the vertebrates.
LH: 3
PR: Science 1807 and Science 1808; BIOL 1001 and 1002
3295 Population and Evolutionary Ecology is an introduction to the theory and principles of evolutionary ecology and population dynamics.
PR: Science 1807 and Science 1808; BIOL 2600 and 2900
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.
LH: 3
PR: Science 1807 and Science 1808; 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: Human Biosciences 2003 or the former Biochemistry 3106 or 3206
LH: 3
PR: Science 1807 and Science 1808; BIOL 2060 and 2210
3402 Principles of Plant Physiology is a consideration of the principles of plant physiology, including water relations, nutrition, metabolism, growth and development.
CO: Human Biosciences 2003 or the former Biochemistry 3106 or 3206
LH: 3
PR: Science 1807 and Science 1808; BIOL 2010 and 2060
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
PR: Science 1807 and Science 1808; BIOL 2060 and 2210
3530 Molecular and Developmental Biology is a study of developmental model systems with a focus on the underlying principles and molecular mechanisms involved in embryogenesis, organogenesis, morphogenesis, cellular differentiation, growth and regeneration in animals (vertebrates and invertebrates) and plants. Current cellular and molecular biology techniques and the implications of developmental biology in modern biological and health research will be emphasized.
LH: 3
PR: Science 1807 and Science 1808; BIOL 2060 and BIOL 2250 or Human Biosciences 2004 or the former Biochemistry 2100 or 2200
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: Science 1807 and Science 1808; BIOL 2600 and 27 credit hours in Biology
3630 Freshwater Biology is the study of the physical, chemical and biological aspects of the freshwater habitat. Topics will include morphometry, light and temperature, water chemistry in relation to nutrients, physiological requirements, composition and interaction of algal and invertebrate populations. Eutrophication, pollution, and environmental changes will also be covered.
CR: ENVS 3130
LH: 3
PR: Science 1807 and Science 1808; BIOL 2600
3640 Environmental Physiology of Animals (same as Ocean Sciences 3640) covers physiological adaptations of animals facilitating their survival in natural environments with emphasis on physiological and biochemical responses of animals to extreme environments. Starting with the fundamental basis of physiological mechanisms, the course explores various aspects and the integration of major physiological processes (metabolism, respiration, osmoregulation) and how these relate to ecological niche.
CR: the former BIOL 3403 or the former BIOL 4455
EQ: Ocean Sciences 3640
PR: BIOL 2060; HUBI 2003 or the former Biochemistry 3206 or 3106
UL: may not be used to fulfill the physiology course requirement for a Biology major, honours or joint honours program.
3650 Conservation Biology I: Introduction to Conservation (same as Geography 3650) is an introductory course surveying the broad and evolving discipline of Conservation Science. Students examine how basic biological and geographic principles are applied to the conservation of biological diversity in the natural world under conditions of exploitation, habitat loss, and climate change. Topics covered may include biodiversity assessment, endangered species assessment, threats to biodiversity, Indigenous-led conservation, protected areas, systematic conservation planning, and conservation economics, legislation, and policy. Special emphasis is given to relevant provincial examples.
CR: the former GEOG 4650, the former Biology 4650, and Environmental Science 4133
EQ: Geography 3650
OR: 3 hours of seminar/discussion group each week
PR: BIOL 2600 and 2900, or Geography 2102 and 2425, or permission of instructor
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: Science 1807 and Science 1808; BIOL 2600; Statistics 2550 or any of the courses listed in the credit restrictions of Statistics 2550 and permission of the Head of the Department
3710 Laboratory Methods in Biological Oceanography uses a practical laboratory-based approach to investigate interactions between marine life and their ocean environment and is intended for students of biology and ocean science. Both experimental and computer-based modelling labs will cover topics such as historical and modern approaches for investigating planktonic life, life in and near the seafloor, and life in the sea surface microlayer.
EQ: Ocean Sciences 3710
PR: Science 1807 and Science 1808; Ocean Sciences 3710
3711 Principles of Marine Biology is an introductory course in biology of the oceans. Introduces students to marine habitats and the organisms that inhabit them, emphasizing functional morphology, physiology, biodiversity, phylogeny, and ecology. Also includes introduction to marine biogeography, conservation, fisheries and pollution.
EQ: Ocean Seicnes 3711
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: Science 1807 and Science 1808; BIOL 2122, BIOL 2600
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
PR: Science 1807 and Science 1808; Biology 2122 and 2600
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.
EQ: Ocean Sciences 3714
PR: Science 1807 and Science 1808; BIOL 2600
3715 Ecology and Evolution of Fishes (same as the former BIOL 4600) examines the evolutionary history and ecology of the world’s fishes, with particular emphasis on those of ecological, economical and cultural importance to Eastern Canada. Topics will include taxonomy, life histories, behaviour, zoogeography, evolutionary ecology, population biology, contemporary evolution, and conservation biology.
EQ: Ocean Sciences 3715
LH: 3
PR: Science 1807 and Science 1808; BIOL 2600 and 2900
3750 Animal Behaviour (same as Psychology 3750) is an introduction to the mechanisms, development, function and evolution of behaviour in animals. Topics include the history of ethology and comparative psychology, and behavioural ecology; methods of animal behaviour study, behaviour of animals in relation to physiology, learning, communication, mating systems, and other areas in Biology and Psychology.
CR: Psychology 3750
PR: BIOL 1001 and 1002; Statistics 2550 or any of the courses listed in the credit restrictions of Statistics 2550
3811 Paleontology (same as Earth Sciences 3811) is taught and administered by the Department of Earth Sciences. It outlines the major changes in life forms from Archean times through the Phanerozoic to the present day, including details of invertebrate and vertebrate faunas and major floral groups; mechanisms and effects of mega- and micro-evolution in the fossil record; biology and classification of organisms and summaries of their geological significance in biostratigraphy, paleoecology and rock-building; relationships between major cycles of evolution and extinction to global processes.
EQ: Earth Sciences 3811
LH: 3
PR: either Earth Sciences 1002 and BIOL 2120 (or BIOL 1001 and 1002); or BIOL 2122 and 2210
3820 Foundations of Biology will introduce students to the development of biological understanding, from the classical Greeks to the present. The course consists of an online seminar series, which will cover topics such as the influence of Aristotle, Theophrastus, Hippocrates and Galen, the development of the microscope, the discovery of cells, paleontology, classification, Darwin and evolution, genetics, the discovery of DNA, multidisciplinary approaches to biology, and the impact of biology on everyday life.
OR: 10 on-line seminars prior to the beginning of the two week field course in Harlow and a two-week field component at Harlow Campus in the Spring semester
PR: completion of a minimum of 60 credit hours
UL: not acceptable as one of the required courses for the Minor, Major or Honours programs in Biology
3950 Research Methods in Genetic Biotechnology (same as the former BIOL 4900) 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. Theory and methods will be introduced in a research framework.
LH: Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week or a three week on-campus course that embodies equivalent instructor time
PR: Science 1807 and Science 1808; BIOL 2060 and 2250
3951 Introduction to Bioinformatics (same as Computer Science 3550) deals with the development and application of computational methods to address biological problems. The course will focus on the fundamental concepts, ideas and related biological applications of existing bioinformatics tools. This course will provide hands-on experience in applying bioinformatics software tools and online databases to analyze experimental biological data, and it will also introduce scripting language tools typically used to automate some biological data analysis tasks.
EQ: Computer Science 3550
LH: 3
PR: Biology 1001; one of COMP 1001, 1002 or 1510; and 6 credit hours in Computer Science or Biology course at the 2000 level or above, excluding Biology 2040, 2041, 2120; or permission of the course instructor
4005 Biology of Islands will examine the ecology and evolution of island life forms, including processes unique to islands, the history of the biological study of islands, types of islands, major island groups, and conservation biology and management of islands, including island restoration and expected impacts of anthropogenic climate change. The island-related biology of Newfoundland will be discussed in detail.
OR: 3 hours of seminar/discussion group each week
PR: BIOL 2600 and 2900
4010 Virology will examine topics about viruses infecting all forms of life including humans and other animals, plants and bacteria. The scope within the course ranges from the molecular biology of virus replication to virus evolution and ecology. Current issues concerning viruses and society are incorporated into the course including the practical applications of viruses, vaccines, and emerging viruses.
LH: Three hours of laboratory/seminar/discussion per week
PR: Science 1807 and Science 1808; BIOL 3050
4050 Advanced Topics in Microbiology examines the beneficial and harmful properties of microbes including topics on industrial microbiology and the discovery of new antimicrobial agents. The scope within the course ranges from the genetic manipulation of microbes for useful purposes to the isolation of bacteria for applications in various fields. Current issues concerning microbiology and society will also be discussed including the practical applications of microbes and bacterial diseases affecting society.
LH: 3
PR: Science 1807 and Science 1808; BIOL 3050
4052 Fundamentals of Plant Pathology provides an introduction to the basic concepts used in the study of plant diseases. Topics will include the different causes and types of plant diseases, mechanisms of plant disease development, pathogen interactions with their hosts and host resistance to pathogens, plant disease epidemiology, and disease management practices. The history and social impacts of plant diseases, as well as current issues in plant health such as food security, will also be covered.
OR: 3 hour seminar/discussion weekly
PR: Science 1807 and Science 1808; BIOL 3050
4122 Advanced Studies in Marine Animal Diversity (same as Ocean Sciences 4122) provides an in-depth examination of cellular physiological, behavioural and ecological adaptations in marine animals. Lectures will be combined with discussions of relevant papers from the primary literature on topics of current interest, which may relate to morphology, ecology, evolution, natural history, species interactions and practical applications. Students will also gain hands-on experience by designing and conducting research projects involving live or preserved animals.
EQ: Ocean Sciences 4122
LC: either three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week or a two-week intensive course that embodies equivalent instructional time
LH: either three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week or a two-week intensive course that embodies equivalent instructional time
PR: Science 1807 and Science 1808; BIOL 2122 and BIOL 2600
4200 Immunology (same as Human Biosciences 3101 and Pharmacy 3006) is an introduction to the cells and organs of the innate and adaptive immune systems. The molecular and cellular basis of allergy, autoimmunity, vaccination and cancer immunology will also be discussed.
CR: the former Biochemistry 4105
EQ: Human Biosciences 3101 and Pharmacy 3006
PR: Human Biosciences 2001 or the former Biochemistry 2101 or 2201
4241 Advanced Genetics has advanced topics in modern genetic analysis, including regulation of gene expression, developmental genetics, molecular basis of inherited disease, genomics, immunogenetics, behavioural genetics, and molecular evolution.
LH: 3
PR: Science 1807 and Science 1808; BIOL 2250 or the former Biochemistry 2100 or 2200
4245 Physical Biology is an introduction to the physics that govern the smallest scales of life and is intended for students interested in interdisciplinary science. Major topics will include 1) diffusion and viscosity-driven effects and how these shape the lives of microorganisms, and 2) entropy and how entropic effects govern the molecular machinery in living cells and tissues.
LH: 3
PR: Science 1807 and Science 1808; Human Biosciences 2001 or the former Biochemistry 2201 or 2101
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
PR: Science 1807 and Science 1808; BIOL 2250 and 2900
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
PR: Science 1807 and Science 1808; BIOL 2060, 2250
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 nine credit hours from a combination of BIOL 2010, 2122, 2210, 2600 and a minimum of six credit hours in Biology at the 3000 level or above.
4306 Applied Ecology uses ecological theory in a problem-solving approach to a diversity of topics including: ecological surveying and monitoring, ecological indicators, ecological impact assessment, remediation ecology, landscape management, management of invasive species, pest management, sustainable agriculture, captive breeding and zoo animal husbandry in the context of reintroduction and rewilding.
PR: BIOL 2600
4307 Global Change Biology examines the evolution of biosphere, global role of photosynthesis in oxygen and carbon dioxide balance, glacial-interglacial oscillations, carbon sources and sinks in modern biosphere, greenhouse gases emissions, population dynamics, origin and global impact of agriculture, global changes in Holocene and Anthropocene.
OR: 3 hours of seminar/discussion group each week
PR: BIOL 2600 and 2900 or permission of the instructor
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: Science 1807 and Science 1808; BIOL 2600 and 2900 and one of BIOL 2010, 2122 or 2210
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
PR: Science 1807 and Science 1808; BIOL 2250 and BIOL 3050
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.
PR: BIOL 2600 and 18 credit hours in Biology
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
erfLH: 3
PR: BIOL 2250, 2600, 2900 and one of BIOL 2010, 2122 or 2210
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
PR: Science 1807 and Science 1808; BIOL 3401; Human Biosciences 2003 or the former Biochemistry 3106 or 3206
4600 Crustacean Biology (same as Ocean Sciences 4600) is designed to give students exposure to all aspects of crustacean biology including, but not limited to classification, anatomy and morphology, physiology, behaviour, fisheries and aquaculture. The lectures are combined with interactive activities where students can look at representative specimens, learn through dissection and simple behavioural experiments.
EQ: Ocean Sciences 4600
LH: 3
PR: Ocean Sciences 2000; BIOL 2122 and 2600
4601 Functional Biology of Fish (same as Ocean Sciences 4601) is an introduction to anatomical, physiological and cellular aspects of selected processes in the life cycle of fishes.
EQ: Ocean Sciences 4601
PR: BIOL 2060, 2210; BIOL 3401 or BIOL 3640 is recommended
4605 Statistics in the Biological and Environmental Sciences 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, randomization tests, and likelihood ratios. Topics include the general linear model (t-tests, ancova etc), correlation, multivariate methods, mixed models, Poisson and logistic regression.
EQ: Ocean Sciences 4605
LH: 3
PR: Statistics 2550 or any of the courses listed in the credit restrictions of Statistics 2550 or permission of the instructor
4606 Bioinformatics: Biological Data Analysis (same as Computer Science 4550) provides students with the basis to analyse a variety of biological data within an integrated programming environment for data manipulation, calculation and graphical display. Students will learn to extract meaningful information from data generated by high-throughput experimentation. The course will introduce one such integrated programming environment and will explore the computational and statistical foundations of the most commonly used biological data analysis procedures.
CR: Computer Science 4550
LH: 3
PR: BIOL 3951 or Computer Science 3550, and Statistics 2550 (or equivalent), or permission of the course instructor
4607 Models in Biology is a study of the design and analysis of statistical and mathematical models for exploring the biology of cells, genes, species, populations, communities and ecosystems. Qualitative, quantitative and graphical techniques are used to analyze models and to compare theoretical predictions with empirical data. Classic models of systems biology, population growth, species competition, predator-prey interactions, ecosystem nutrient cycling, immunology, evolutionary invasion analysis, and species distribution will be covered.
LH: 3
PR: BIOL 2060, 2600 and 2900; Statistics 2550 or any of the courses listed in the credit restrictions of Statistics 2550. It is recommended that students complete BIOL 3295.
4620 Ornithology examines structure, classification, evolution, ecology and behaviour of birds, with particular reference to those of economic importance. Identification of representative Orders, Families and species of birds.
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: Science 1807 and Science 1808; BIOL 2210 and 2600
4630 Mammalogy examines evolution, systematics, life histories and distribution of mammals, with particular emphasis on eastern North American forms.
LH: 3
PR: Science 1807 and Science 1808; BIOL 2210 and 2600
4651 Conservation Biology II: Conservation in Practice teaches non-academic skills beneficial to anyone considering a career in conservation. Topics will be covered through a series of modules, including science communication, Geographic Information Systems, quantitative skills, interactions with government, ENGOs and museum, working with Indigenous partnerships, and the interface between science and society.
EQ: Geography 4651
PR: BIOL 2900, 3295, and one of BIOL or Geography 3650
4701 Behavioural Ecology (same as Psychology 4701) 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.
EQ: Psychology 4701
LH: Three hours of laboratory/seminar/discussion per week
PR: BIOL 2600 & 2900
4710 Experimental Marine Ecology of Newfoundland Waters (same as Ocean Sciences 4500) 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.
EQ: Ocean Sciences 4500
PR: Science 1807 and Science 1808; BIOL 2600 or at least three of Ocean Sciences 2000, 2001, 2100, 2200, 2300
4720 Corals and Coral Reefs is an advanced course in science and management of corals and coral reefs, including cold-water corals. Topics include basic coral biology, coral reef geomorphology, optical and acoustic remote sensing of corals and reefs, reef fish and fisheries, reefs and climate change, pollution effects on corals and coral reefs, reef conservation, social, cultural and economic aspects of reef management.
CR: Geography 4917
PR: two of BIOL 2600, 3650, 3709, 3710, 3711, or 3714, or permission of the instructor
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
4770 Research Experience in Animal Behaviour (same as Psychology 4770) allows students to gain research experience in selected areas of animal behaviour. This course may be offered in a usual 12-week semester or as a two-week field course.
EQ: Psychology 4770
LC: either three hours of lecture per week or a two-week field course that embodies equivalent instructional time
PR: BIOL 3750 or Psychology 3750
4800 Advanced Palaeontology (same as Earth Sciences 4800) 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
LH: 3
PR: Earth Sciences/BIOL 3811, and one of Statistics 2550 or any of the courses listed in the credit restrictions of 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: Science 1807 and Science 1808; 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: Science 1807 and Science 1808; BIOL 2010, 2122, 2210, 2600 and permission of the Head of the Department. It is recommended that students complete BIOL 4605.
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
Special Notes:
AR = Attendance requirement
CH = Credit hours: unless otherwise noted, a course normally has a credit value of 3 credit hours.
CO = Co-requisite(s): course(s) listed must be taken concurrently with or successfully completed prior to the course being described.
CR = Credit restricted: The course being described and the course(s) listed are closely related but not equivalent. Credit is limited to one of these courses. Normally, these courses cannot be substituted, one for the other, to satisfy program requirements.
EQ = Equivalent: the course being described and the course(s) listed are equal for credit determination. Credit is limited to one of these courses. These courses can be substituted, one for the other, to satisfy program requirements.
LC = Lecture hours per week are 3 unless otherwise noted
LH = Laboratory hours per week
OR = Other requirements of the course such as tutorials, practical sessions, or seminars
PR = Prerequisite(s): course(s) listed must be successfully completed prior to commencing the course being described.
UL = Usage limitation(s)