More course information is available from the U of R online course catalog. To find a course, select any term, then select the subject Biology.
BIOL 402 - Evolution
| Description |
This course explores the evidence supporting evolution as a scientific theory, its role as the main unifying theory of biology, and how biologists use evolution to guide research. Topics covered include molecular evolution, phylogeny, the history of life, natural selection and adaptation, the evolution of life histories, speciation, and macroevolution. |
| Prerequisite |
BIOL 205 |
| Note |
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| Syllabus |
Winter 2022 |
| Usually offered |
Winter |
BIOL 405 - Molecular Genetics
| Description |
Anatomy of the genome in prokaryotes and eukaryotes, evolution of genomes, molecular phylogenies, gene expression and its regulation in pro- and eukaryotes, recombination, and modern molecular methods. |
| Prerequisite |
BIOL 305 |
| Note |
|
| Syllabus |
Winter 2020 |
| Usually offered |
Winter |
BIOL 406 - Genomics and Bioinformatics
| Description |
This course covers the fundamental theories and bioinformatic methodologies underlying comparative evolutionary and functional genomics with examples from bacteria, plants, animals and humans. |
| Prerequisite |
CS110, BIOL305 |
| Note |
Credit cannot be held from both Biol 406 and Biol 490BG |
| Syllabus |
Winter 2022 |
| Usually offered |
|
BIOL 407 - Neurophysiology
| Description |
The focus of this course is the electrical and chemical properties of the nervous system (neural networks and neural development). We also cover the physiology and functional anatomy of sensory systems, memory, and movement. |
| Prerequisite |
BIOL 288 or both PSYC 102 and 255 |
| Note |
|
| Syllabus |
Fall 2021
|
| Usually offered |
Fall |
BIOL 410 - Microbial Genetics and Infection
| Description |
This course will examine bacterial and viral genetic systems to understand host-pathogen interactions, with a focus on:gene regulation, gene transfer, mutation, evolution of host-pathogen interactions, and epidemiology.
|
| Prerequisite |
BIOL 305 |
| Note |
|
| Syllabus |
Winter 2021 |
| Usually offered |
Semi-regularly |
BIOL 425 - Ecological Methodology
| Description |
A framework for research investigating ecological patterns and processes in natural populations and communities. Observational and experimental methodologies will be covered to enable the students to develop and test hypotheses. |
| Prerequisite |
BIOL 275 and one of STAT 200, STAT 201 or higher or BIOL 341 |
| Note |
|
| Syllabus |
Winter 2011 |
| Usually offered |
Irregularly |
BIOL 435 - Advanced Aquatic Ecology
| Description |
Regulation of plankton communities in freshwater and saline lakes. Experimental evidence for population control by predation, competition, and the physical environment. Experimental design. There will be individual field research projects. |
| Prerequisite |
BIOL 335 |
| Note |
|
| Syllabus |
|
| Usually offered |
Irregularly |
BIOL 440 - Modelling Biological Data
| Description |
A guide to contemporary methods for fitting quantitative models to biological data. Emphasizes practical skills in using software for implementing models, testing hypotheses, and making predictions about biological and ecological systems. |
| Prerequisite |
BIOL 100 and BIOL 101, STAT 100 and 200 |
| Note |
|
| Syllabus |
Winter 2022 |
| Usually offered |
|
BIOL 456 - Global Biogeochemistry
| Description |
The course will present an in-depth examination of elemental cycles within the context of global change. Topics will include the biogeochemical properties of water, carbon, nitrogen, sulphur, phosphorus, and some contaminants and the ways in which anthropogenic activities have altered the behaviour and movement of these elements. |
| Prerequisite |
CHEM 104 and BIOL 275 |
| Note |
|
| Syllabus |
Fall 2021 |
| Usually offered |
Winter |
BIOL 457 - Environmental Microbiology
| Description |
Course focuses on understanding the interactions of microorganisms with their environment. Topics include ecology, diversity, and biotechnological applications of microbial communities, including those from extreme and unusual environments. The use of molecular approaches to identify and characterize microbial communities will be emphasized. |
| Prerequisite |
BIOL 275 and BIOL 288 |
| Note |
|
| Syllabus |
Winter 2019 |
| Usually offered |
Winter |
BIOL 463 - Stable Isotope Ecology - Methods and Applications
| Description |
This course focuses on basic methodology and applications of stable isotope analysis in ecology. Discussing the classical and current literature in the field will enable students to critically evaluate published studies and help design their own research projects. |
| Prerequisite |
BIOL 275 |
| Note |
|
| Syllabus |
Fall 2019 |
| Usually offered |
Every 2nd Fall (course is on hiatus) |
BIOL 488 - Seminars in Biology
| Description |
All majors and honours students in their fourth year must attend the departmental seminar series. |
| Prerequisite |
|
| Note |
|
| Syllabus |
Winter 2021 |
| Usually offered |
Fall & Winter |
BIOL 490 - Selected Topics/Reading Courses
| Description |
Courses used to offer topical material. |
| Prerequisite |
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| Note |
Independent study |
| Syllabus |
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| Usually offered |
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BIOL 490BG - Genomics
| Description |
This course is now BIOL 406 |
| Prerequisite |
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| Note |
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| Syllabus |
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| Usually offered |
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BIOL 490BH - Conservation Biology
| Description |
This course is now BIOL 316 |
| Prerequisite |
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| Note |
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| Syllabus |
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| Usually offered |
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BIOL 490BW - Modelling Biological Data
| Description |
This course is now BIOL 440 |
| Prerequisite |
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| Note |
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| Syllabus |
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| Usually offered |
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BIOL 498 - Thesis Research I
| Description |
Individual student research conducted under the direction of a Biology faculty member. Students enrolling in BIOL 498 must also complete BIOL 499 which entails a continuation of the independent research, and the preparation and defence of a written thesis. |
| Prerequisite |
Approval by Department Head. |
| Note |
Thesis Research Guidelines |
| Syllabus |
|
| Usually offered |
All terms. |
BIOL 499 - Thesis Research II
| Description |
Preparation and defence of a written thesis. The defence will consist of a student seminar and oral examination of the thesis by a faculty committee. |
| Prerequisite |
Approval by Department Head. |
| Note |
Thesis Research Guidelines |
| Syllabus |
|
| Usually offered |
All terms. |
