The information on this site is an archived previous calendar for the 2023-2024 academic year.
The current University Calendar is available at https://www.mun.ca/university-calendar/
13.2 Biology
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.
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.
BIOL 1002 Principles of Biology
is an introduction to the science of Biology, including a discussion of the unity, diversity and evolution of living organisms.
BIOL 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.
BIOL 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.
not acceptable as one of the required courses for the Minor, Major or Honours programs in Biology
BIOL 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.
not acceptable as one of the required courses for the Minor, Major or Honours programs in Biology
BIOL 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.
3
BIOL 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.
BIOL 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.
BIOL 2210 Biology of Vertebrates
is a study of the vertebrates, with emphasis on structure and function, adaptations and life histories.
BIOL 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.
the former Biochemistry 2100 or 2200
3 hour labs alternating weekly with tutorials
BIOL 2600 Principles of Ecology
is a conceptual course introducing the principles of ecology, including theoretical, functional and empirical approaches.
3
BIOL 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.
BIOL 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.
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
BIOL 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.
3
BIOL 3052 Food Microbiology
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.
Human Biosciences 3052, the former Biochemistry 3052
3
BIOL 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.
BIOL 3202 Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy
examines the phylogenetic development and comparative anatomy of the vertebrates.
BIOL 3295 Population and Evolutionary Ecology
is an introduction to the theory and principles of evolutionary ecology and population dynamics.
BIOL 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.
3
BIOL 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.
Human Biosciences 2003 or the former Biochemistry 3106 or 3206
3
BIOL 3402 Principles of Plant Physiology
is a consideration of the principles of plant physiology, including water relations, nutrition, metabolism, growth and development.
Human Biosciences 2003 or the former Biochemistry 3106 or 3206
3
BIOL 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.
BIOL 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.
3
BIOL 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.
BIOL 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.
BIOL 3640 Environmental Physiology of Animals
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.
the former BIOL 3403 or the former BIOL 4455
Ocean Sciences 3640
may not be used to fulfill the physiology course requirement for a Biology major, honours or joint honours program.
BIOL 3650 Conservation Biology I: Introduction to Conservation
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.
BIOL 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 3711 or 4810.
BIOL 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.
BIOL 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.
Ocean Sciences 3711
either three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week or a two-week field course that embodies equivalent instructional time
either three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week or a two-week field course that embodies equivalent instructional time
BIOL 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.
BIOL 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.
BIOL 3715 Ecology and Evolution of Fishes
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.
BIOL 3750 Animal Behaviour
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.
Psychology 3750
BIOL 3811 Paleontology
is taught and administered by the Department of Earth Sciences.
Earth Sciences 3811
3
BIOL 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.
BIOL 3950 Research Methods in Genetic Biotechnology
covers 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.
Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week or a three week on-campus course that embodies equivalent instructor time
BIOL 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.
BIOL 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.
BIOL 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.
BIOL 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.
BIOL 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.
BIOL 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.
BIOL 4200 Immunology
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.
the former Biochemistry 4105
Human Biosciences 2001 or the former Biochemistry 2101 or 2201
BIOL 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.
3 hours of seminar/discussion group each week
BIOL 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.
3
BIOL 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.
BIOL 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.
BIOL 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.
BIOL 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.
BIOL 2600
BIOL 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.
3 hours of seminar/discussion group each week
BIOL 4360 Community and Ecosystem Ecology
is a study of the basic principles, patterns and processes of ecological communities and ecosystems.
BIOL 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.
BIOL 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.
BIOL 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.
BIOL 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.
3
BIOL 4600 Crustacean Biology
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.
BIOL 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.
BIOL 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.
Ocean Sciences 4605
3
BIOL 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.
BIOL 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.
BIOL 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.
BIOL 4630 Mammalogy
examines evolution, systematics, life histories and distribution of mammals, with particular emphasis on eastern North American forms.
BIOL 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.
BIOL 4701 Behavioural Ecology
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.
Psychology 4701
Three hours of laboratory/seminar/discussion per week
BIOL 4710 Experimental Marine Ecology
(same as Ocean Sciences 4500) is a two-week intensive course that examines the ecology of cold oceans, focussing on energy flux through Newfoundland waters, and how the dynamics of this environment influence linkages among organisms in different habitats. The course is field and lab intensive, with lectures and a strong hands-on component. Students will collect field samples, identify local organisms from the plankton or the benthos, plan and conduct an experiment, and learn to interpret and present the gathered results. This course is offered during two weeks of the Spring or Fall semesters.
BIOL 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.
Geography 4917
BIOL 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.
BIOL 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.
BIOL 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.
BIOL 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.
BIOL 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.
BIOL 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.
BIOL 499A and 499B Honours Dissertation
is available only to students in the Honours Program. Requirements for the Dissertation are outlined under Honours Degrees.
admission to the Honours Program
13.2.1 Work Term Descriptions
The following Work Terms are a requirement of the Biology (Co-operative) Program (BCOP) only.
BIOL 199W Work Term I
follows the successful completion of Semester 4. Students are expected to learn, develop and practice the high standards of behaviour and performance normally expected in the work environment. Students will observe, apply, analyse and/or evaluate concepts from biology courses in the work place and further their understanding of the principles of biology and how they are applied in a professional setting.
BIOL 299W Work Term II
follows the successful completion of Semester 6. Students are expected to further develop and expand their knowledge and work-related skills and should be able to accept increased responsibility and challenge. In addition, students are expected to demonstrate an ability to deal with increasingly complex work-related concepts and problems. Students will continue to observe, apply, analyse and/or evaluate concepts from biology courses in the workplace and continue to further their understanding of the principles of biology and how they are applied in a professional setting. Students are required to complete one or more assignments, as outlined in the syllabus.
BIOL 399W Work Term III
follows the successful completion of semester 7 or Work Term II. Students will have sufficient academic grounding and work experience to contribute in a positive manner to the problem-solving and management processes needed and practiced in the work environment. Students should become better acquainted with their discipline of study, should observe and appreciate the attitudes, responsibilities, and ethics normally expected of professionals and should exercise greater independence and responsibility in their assigned work functions.
AR = Attendance requirement as noted. 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: lecture hours are 3 per week 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) as noted. |
The information on this site is an archived previous calendar for the 2023-2024 academic year.
The current University Calendar is available at https://www.mun.ca/university-calendar/
Copyright © 2023 Memorial University of Newfoundland.
Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
calendar.editor@mun.ca