Department of Biology
Undergraduate Handbook
2015/16
Office: Life Health Sciences Building (LHSB) D102
Tel: 705-748-1011, extension 7424
Email: biology@trentu.ca
Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00am – 4 pm
Website: www.trentu.ca/biology/
Twitter: @TrentBiology
1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Welcome to the Biology Department: A Message from the Chair
3
Directory of Biology Faculty and Staff ........................................
4
Tips to Help you TO be Successful in your Classes ..................
5
General Information
Honours Thesis .....................................................................
6
Health Sciences Specialization .............................................
6
Conservation Biology Specialization......................................
6
Field Courses……………………………………………………..
6
Single and Joint Major General Program ....................................
7
Single and Joint Major Honours Program ...................................
8
Registration Guidelines ................................................................
9
Course List by Instructor and email ...........................................
10
Scholarships, Prizes and Academic Awards ..............................
12
Frequently Asked Questions ........................................................
13
Plagiarism and Academic Integrity ..............................................
14
Grades and Grading Schemes .....................................................
14
Access to Instruction ....................................................................
14
Biology Undergraduate Activities ................................................
15
Classroom and Laboratory Locations .........................................
16
Schedule of Fall and Winter Courses ..........................................
17
Appendix 1: Important Dates ........................................................
18
Trent Resources and Useful Websites ........................................
19
2
Message from the Chair, Dr. Craig Brunetti
Welcome to the Biology Department at Trent University. Biology is the study of life and
encompasses everything from the very smallest biological molecules to entire ecosystems. The
study of Biology also has practical applications in agriculture, medicine, biotechnology,
environmental protection, and conservation. Research in the Biology Department at Trent
includes conservation biology, ecology, human health and disease, infectious disease, and
human and animal physiology, just to name a few.
Biology is undergoing a transformation. The ability to rapidly and cheaply sequence DNA
along with high throughput approaches to molecular and cellular biology has resulted in new
ways to tackle problems. This is an incredibly exciting time to be a biologist.
We have an excellent reputation as a department for award-winning students, teachers and
researchers. Our department takes an interactive approach to teaching in labs and seminars, and
we pride ourselves in our involvement of undergraduates in high quality research programs.
We also offer a number of experiential learning opportunities through internship placements
and research theses. For those students who want to specialize, we offer two Specialization
programs, the Specialization in Health Sciences and the Specialization in Conservation Biology.
We hope that this handbook will answer many of your questions about the department.
Craig Brunetti
Professor and Chair
This handbook is not intended to replace the Trent University Calendar, but to supplement it. Students are
advised to read carefully the appropriate sections in the Academic Calendar for the most accurate and up-todate information.
3
People in the Biology Department
Chair: Craig Brunetti
Acad Admin Assistant: Sandy Sisson
Department Coordinator: Tracy Ross
Office
D245
D102
D102
Phone
7110
7424
6154
Faculty
Brenner, Ingrid
Burness, Gary
Dorken, Marcel
Emery, Neil
Fox, Michael
Freeland, Joanna
Frost, Paul
Kapron, Carolyn
Kerr, Leslie
Murray, Dennis
Nol, Erica
Schaefer, James
West, Sarah
Wilson, Paul
Xenopoulos, Maggie
Yee, Janet
C155
C252
C250
C257
D236
C251
D232
D241
D242
D243
D235
D206
D231
C 255
D238
CSB E110
7253
7288
7585
7312
7873
7180
7903
6346
7435
7078
7640
7968
6129
7259
7699
7048
Sessional Faculty
Bates, Holly
Beresford, David
Ciotir, Claudia
Dew, William
Fridgen, Tina
Hillsley, Kirk
Hossie, Tom
Kapke, Cynthia
Klutsch, Cornelya
Lacerda, Andressa
Miliotis, Helen
Myklebust, May
Persaud, Anurani
Williamson, Mark
Zigouris, Joanna
D224
D217
TBA
B108.8
TBA
D213
D214
D213
B108.9
B108.9
B108.8
B108.6
TBA
TBA
TBA
6128
7540
Demonstrators
Chow, Susan
Coulson, Smolly
Lietz, Debbie
Pieper, Sarah
D113
D219
D216
D115
7763
7126
7486
7407
6383
7136
6346
7316
6346
6610
6610
6457
6457
There are 206 bones in the adult human body and 300 in children (as they grow, some of the bones
fuse together).
4
Tips to help you to be successful in your courses
A) Attend all lectures and seminars. The main importance of lectures and seminars is not the transfer of information,
which can often be obtained from your textbook or online. Rather, it is to provide you with an understanding of the
basic biological concepts. The instructor has spent years developing his/her ability in these areas, and interaction with
the instructor is a crucial “apprenticeship program” for passing on these skills.
B) Hand everything in, and on time. The importance of this cannot be overstated. This is not high school; marks are
deducted for late assignments. Even if you have not completed an assignment, hand it in. Some marks are better than
no marks, and making an assignment late by one day to improve the grade by 10% makes no sense if you lose 20% for
lateness. Most importantly, you must do all the assigned work to master the course material.
C) Attend all labs and submit all reports. Labs have four main purposes: to help relate the theoretical concepts to
biological reality, to provide experience in using laboratory equipment and collecting experimental data in an orderly
way, to develop the skills to work as part of a team, and to provide training in written and oral communication which is a
crucial part of most scientific jobs.
D) Always find out where you went wrong in an assignment, and learn how to avoid the mistake in future. The main
purpose of tests and of assignments is to show you what you do not understand. If you do not use your graded
assignments to fix any misunderstanding, you are throwing away marks on the tests and final exam.
E) Do not be afraid to say that you do not understand. This is exactly the time when you are closest to taking control of
the material, since you have identified where difficulty lies. Persevere. Have someone explain it to you one more time
from a different perspective. And remember, if you are having trouble with something, your classmates probably are
too.
F) Be aware of what each component of the course is worth, and budget your time accordingly. Note that these are
time-management skills required for any job. For example, once you have done what you can reasonably do on a lab
report, it is not good use of time to spend another 5 hours to improve it by a few percentage points. Your time is
probably better spent doing extra problems, since your skill here is typically worth a greater fraction of the course
marks.
G) Studying for tests and the final exam. The best way to study is to start by making sure that you can do all the
questions assigned throughout the course. Work through previous tests and exams. If you can do all problems on the
last few exams, in the allotted time, you are virtually guaranteed of a good grade on your final exam.
H) If you are sick or have a serious family situation. If you miss an assignment, test or the final exam because of
sickness or a similar good reason, you must obtain a dated note, preferably on letterhead, from some reliable source
(e.g. doctor) stating that you were unable to attend, otherwise you will lose the marks for that course component.
(Being sick on the day an assignment is due is not a reasonable excuse; being sick for the whole week before is.) The
person writing the note does not have to divulge confidential information on the note. If you miss a lab for a good
reason, see the lab instructor to arrange a time to do the lab. If you know of an imminent issue, see the instructor
beforehand.
I) Take some responsibility for the teaching of the course. If you have an idea that could improve the course, pass it on
to the instructors, and write it down on the Course Evaluation at the end of the course. Everyone wants each course to
be as good as possible.
The human eye blinks an average of 4,200,000 times a year.
5
General Information
A. B.Sc. Honours Degree Program: Single and Joint Majors
In the Honours Degree program (normally four years), the twenty required course credits must include a minimum
of 10.5 Biology courses for the single major in Biology, or a minimum of seven Biology courses for Biology as a joint
major. To remain in the Honours Program, the student must meet certain grade criteria, as specified in the
University Calendar.
B. B.Sc. General Degree Program: Single and Joint Majors
In the General degree program, the fifteen course credits required for graduation must include a minimum of 7
courses for the single major in Biology, or a minimum of 5 Biology courses for Biology as a joint major. Students
should bear in mind that University regulations allow only one D credit in a major subject to count for credit towards
a degree. To ensure coherence and breadth in both the Honours and General programs, certain core courses in
other subjects are designated as required courses; see page 7, “Course Checklist for Biology Degree”.
C. 4th Year Thesis
Are you planning to do a 4th year thesis? You will need to start thinking about this early in your 3rd year. Think about
the courses you have taken that you have enjoyed, look at the research interests and papers published by your
professors, talk to current Honours students; basically, get as much information as you can. You should talk to the
professor that you hope to work with by November or early December if possible. There are a limited number of
places with each professor and they fill up quickly. If the professor agrees to be your supervisor, ask for suggestions
for background reading material to start to familiarize yourself with the material. You may even want to ask if you
can volunteer in the lab, or inquire if there might be a summer position that you would be eligible for.
D. Specialization in Health Sciences
This Specialization is open to students in the single- or joint-major Honours programs in Biology or in Biochemistry &
Molecular Biology who are interested in a career related to health care or research. The students gain practical and
theoretical training in many aspects of health and medical fields. If the student completes the required courses, as
well as a placement or internship, the Specialization will be noted on their transcript and graduation diploma. See
the academic calendar for a list of required courses. Follow the link at
http://www.trentu.ca/biology/internhealth.php for more information.
E. Internship in Conservation Biology
This specialization will provide students with theoretical and practical training in the conservation of living
organisms. Through collaboration with regional, provincial, and national agencies such as the Ministry of Natural
Resources, the Toronto Metro Zoo, and regional Conservation Authorities, students will have the opportunity to
participate in valuable learning experiences. See the Academic Calendar for a complete list of required courses.
Follow the link http://www.trentu.ca/biology/studies_fourth.php#internconservation for more information.
F. Field Courses
Field courses allow you to gain hands-on experience. Students are able to see relationships that demonstrate or
validate theory, and to learn critical evaluation skills through observation and evaluation. Most field courses are two
weeks long throughout the year. There are opportunities to study at nearby field stations in Kingston or Algonquin
Park, at a coastal field station in Virginia, to international destinations such as Taiwan. Courses take place all year
long, but most are in the spring and summer. For a complete listing, see the Ontario Universities Program in Field
Biology website at http://www.oupfb.ca/. Bursaries are available to help with the cost of field courses. Follow the
link https://www.trentu.ca/financialaid/bursaries_incourse.php for more information regarding the Dr. Edward Nol
Bursary for Field Biology.
6
Course Checklist for Biology Degree:
Single Major General
Biology Courses
Grade
Other Courses
1020H (60% or higher)
CHEM 1000H
1030H (60% or higher)
1060H
2000H
2050H
2070H
2260H
2600H
1.BIOL H
2.BIOL H
3.BIOL H
4.BIOL H
5.BIOL H
CHEM 1010H
MATH (1.0 credit)
Science credit (H)
Science credit (H)
Science credit (H)
Science credit (H)
Science credit (H)
Arts or Science (H)
Arts or Science (H)
Arts or Science (H)
Arts or Science (H)
Arts or Science (H)
Arts or Science (H)
Arts or Science (H)
Arts or Science (H)
Total of 15 credits
11 science credits
Single Major Honours
Biology Courses
Grade
Other Courses
Same as above, PLUS additional
Arts or Science (H)
6.BIOL H
7. BIOL H
8 BIOL H
9. BIOL H
10. BIOL H
11. BIOL H
12. BIOL H
13. BIOL H
Arts or Science (H)
Arts or Science (H)
Arts or Science (H)
Grade
Grade
Total of 20 credits
14 science credits
** Please note: Students are ultimately responsible for completing all requirements for their degree.
Please check the following general requirements for a degree:








Credits at 300/400 level (7.0 Honour, 4.0 General)
At least 3.0 credits leading to majors in different disciplines
No more than 7.0 1000-level credits
Maximum 1.0 credit with D grades (50-59) in Biology courses
Maximum 3.0 credits with D grades (50-59) in total
Minimum 65% cumulative average for Honours, 60% for General
Maximum 6.0 unsuccessfully attempted credits for Honours
14.0 science credits for an Honours BSc degree, 11.0 for a General BSc
7
Course Checklist for Biology Degree:
Joint Major General Program
Biology Courses
Grade
Other Courses
1020H (60% or higher)
CHEM 1000H
1030H (60% or higher)
1060H
2000H
2050H
2070H
2260H
2600H
1.BIOL H
2.BIOL H
3.BIOL H
4.BIOL H
5.BIOL H
CHEM 1010H
MATH (1.0 credit)
Science credit (H)
Science credit (H)
Science credit (H)
Science credit (H)
Science credit (H)
Arts or Science (H)
Arts or Science (H)
Arts or Science (H)
Arts or Science (H)
Arts or Science (H)
Arts or Science (H)
Arts or Science (H)
Arts or Science (H)
Total of 15 credits
11 science credits
Joint Major Honours Program
Biology Courses
Grade
Other Courses
Same as above, PLUS additional
Arts or Science (H)
6.BIOL H
7. BIOL H
8 BIOL H
9. BIOL H
10. BIOL H
11. BIOL H
12. BIOL H
13. BIOL H
Arts or Science (H)
Arts or Science (H)
Arts or Science (H)
Grade
Grade
Total of 20 credits
14 science credits
You may only take a course 3 times. If you are unable to pass and it is a required credit, you will have to
withdraw from the Biology Program.
As an adult, you have more than 20 square feet of skin on your body--about
the same square area as a blanket for a queen-sized bed.
8
Some registration guidelines for students registering in Biology courses:
A) Prerequisites.
Unless extenuating circumstances exist, students will not normally be able to register in courses
for which they do not have the prerequisites (specific courses and/or minimum number of credits). This also
means that prerequisites cannot normally be taken concurrently with the course in question. If you believe that
you have extenuating circumstances, please discuss this with the instructor of the relevant course. Requests that
students without prerequisites be allowed to register in a biology course will be processed by the department
only if they come directly from the relevant course instructor. The Biology Office can provide the necessary
contact information.
B) Conflicting schedules.
Normally students will be discouraged from taking two or more courses with
conflicting schedules. If you believe that you have a good reason to take two courses with conflicting schedules,
please discuss with both the instructors of the relevant courses. Requests that students with conflicting
schedules be allowed to register in a biology course will be processed by the department only if they come
directly from the relevant course instructor. The Biology Office can provide the necessary contact information.
C) Lab conflicts.
If you are unable to register in a course because none of the lab times fit in with your schedule,
please contact the demonstrator for that course; if there is no demonstrator for the course, contact the course
instructor. The Biology Office can provide the necessary contact information.
D) Extenuating circumstances.
As always, we will take into account extenuating circumstances.
Examples of extenuating circumstances may include, but are not limited to, students who need to take a
particular course at a particular time in order to graduate; students who are awaiting transfer credit assessments;
and students who need a particular course in order to apply to an academic program at another institution. In
general, simply wanting to take a particular course does not count as an extenuating circumstance, and in many
of these cases students will be asked to look for an alternative course for which they have the necessary
prerequisites, and for which they have no timetable conflicts.
E) Instructor “TBD”. If the instructor for a particular course has yet to be determined, you will have to wait.
No
one else can give you approval for entry into a particular course. It is highly recommended that you register in
another course as a back-up plan. After the instructor has been named and if you receive permission to register
for that particular class, you can drop the other class.
Please note that any requests must be sent by e-mail only, from your Trent e-mail account
and you must include your student number. Include the lab and/or seminar section that you
wish to take.
A new born blue whale measures 20-26 feet (6.0 - 7.9 meters) long and weighs
up to 6,614 pounds (3003 kg).
9
Course list by instructor and email:
1020H-W
Foundations of Biodiversity
1030H-A
Foundations of Cell &
MolBiology
1050H-A
1050H-W
1051H-A
Human Anatomy
Human Anatomy
Human Physiology
1051H-W
2000H-A
2050H-A
2050H-W
2070H-A
2100H-A
2110H-A
2260H-A
2290H-A
2600H-A
3040H-A
3050H-A
3051H-A
3080H-A
3090H-A
3140H-A
3170H-A
3180H-A
3210H-A
3250H-A
3340H-A
3360H-A
3500H-A
3620H-FA-W
3620H-A
3640H-A
3830H-A
3840H-A
4010Y-A
4020Y-A
4030H-A
4080H-A
4110H-A
4140H-A
Human Physiology
Methods of Biological Inquiry
Introduction to Genetics
Introduction to Genetics
Cell Biology
Biology of Invertebrates
Vertebrate Zoology
Introductory Ecology
Plants in Society
Evolution
Histology
Limnology
River & Stream Biology
Molecular Biology
Biology of Insects
Fish Ecology
Plant Evolution & Diversity
Plants in Action
Prin. of the Nervous System
Microbiology
Herpetology
Behavioural Ecology
Biogeography
Population Genetics
Population Genetics
Epidemiology
Animal Physiology 1
Animal Physiology 11
Thesis Course
Thesis Course
Research Design
Developmental Biology
Infectious Disease Biology
Ornithology
Dorken, Marcel
Nol, Erica
marceldorken@trentu.ca
Brunetti, Craig
craigbrunetti@trentu.ca
Wilson, Paul
Bill Dew
TBD
West, Sarah
Kerr, Leslie
Sarah West
Frost, Paul
Yee, Janet
Bill Dew
Kapron, Carolyn
Mark Williamson
Cynthia Kapke
Xenopoulos, Maggie
Claudia Ciotir
Burness, Gary
Kapron, Carolyn
Frost, Paul
Xenopoulos, Maggie
Yee, Janet
Beresford, David
Fox, Michael
Dorken, Marcel
May Myklebust
Kerr, Leslie
Hillsey, Kirk
Tina Fridgen
Murray, Dennis
TBD
Freeland, Joanna
Connie Klutsch
Hillsey, Kirk
Burness, Gary
Burness, Gary
Frost, Paul
Frost, Paul
Schaefer, James
Kapron, Carolyn
Andressa Lacerda
TBD
pawilson@trentu.ca
enol@trentu.ca
williamdew@trentu.ca
sarahwest@trentu.ca
lkerr@trentu.ca
sarahwest@trentu.ca
paulfrost@trentu.ca
jyee@trentu.ca
williamdew@trentu.ca
ckapron@trentu.ca
markwilliamson@trentu.ca
ckapke@trentu.ca
mxenopoulos@trentu.ca
garyburness@trentu.ca
ckapron@trentu.ca
paulfrost@trentu.ca
mxenopoulos@trentu.ca
jyee@trentu.ca
davidberesford@trentu.ca
mfox@trentu.ca
marceldorken@trentu.ca
maymyklebust@trentu.ca
lkerr@trentu.ca
kirkhillsley@trentu.ca
cfridgen@trentu.ca
dennismurray@trentu.ca
joannafreeland@trentu.ca
cornelyaklutsch@trentu.ca
kirkhillsley@trentu.ca
garyburness@trentu.ca
garyburness@trentu.ca
paulfrost@trentu.ca
paulfrost@trentu.ca
jschaefer@trentu.ca
ckapron@trentu.ca
andressalacerda@trentu.ca
10
4160H-A
4180H-A
4190H-A
4260H-A
4320H-A
4340H-A
4350H-A
4360H-A
4370H-A
4380H-A
4390H-A
4400Y-A
4450Y-A
4460H-A
4510H-A
4520H-A
4610H-A
4620H-A
4630H-A
4840H-A
Immunology
Mammalogy
Bio Physical Activity
Virology
Pharmacology
Biological Stoichiometry
Pathophysiology
Pathophysiology 11
Advanced Microbiology
Advanced Molecular Biology
Conservation Biology
Internship Conservation
Placement Health Sciences
Internship Medical Science
Species at Risk
Biology of Invasions
Evolutionary Ecology
Biotechnology
Epigenetics
Neuroendocrinology
Bates, Holly
Joanna Zigouris
Brenner, Ingrid
Brunetti, Craig
Bates, Holly
Frost, Paul
Bates, Holly
Bates, Holly
Hillsey, Kirk
Yee, Janet
Schaefer, James
Wilson, Paul
Kerr, Leslie
Kerr, Leslie
Wilson, Paul
Dave Berseford
Dorken, Marcel
Bill Dew
Hillsey, Kirk
Kerr, Leslie
hollybates@trentu.ca
joannazigouris@trentu.ca
ibrenner@trentu.ca
craigbrunetti@trentu.ca
hollybates@trentu.ca
paulfrost@trentu.ca
hollybates@trentu.ca
hollybates@trentu.ca
kirkhillsley@trentu.ca
jyee@trentu.ca
jschaefer@trentu.ca
pawilson@trentu.ca
lkerr@trentu.ca
lkerr@trentu.ca
pawilson@trentu.ca
davidberesford@trentu.ca
marceldorken@trentu.ca
williamdew@trentu.ca
kirkhillsley@trentu.ca
lkerr@trentu.ca
A photon checks into a hotel. The bellhop asks, “Can I help you with your luggage?” The photon
replies “I don’t have any. I’m travelling light.”
11
Annual Biology Department Scholarships, Prizes, and Awards
Scholarships are awarded in November, Prizes and Awards in April.
McKerracher Scholarship ($1500): Awarded to one or two outstanding student(s) in the 4th year of the Honours
program in Biology or Biochemistry with the aim of encouraging promise and interest in a career in health
services. No application is required.
Charles Omole Medical Scholarship ($1000): Established by Dr. Charles Omole, an alumnus of the original
class of 1964 upon his death in 2012. Charles never forgot how important Trent was on his path to becoming a
general surgeon in Wingham, Ontario. To be awarded to one or two full-time upper-year undergraduate
students pursuing Trent Internship or Placement courses with the intention to become a doctor or to a student
enrolled in current or future Trent University medically related courses or programs. This scholarship requires
an application in October that includes a resume, transcript, and a letter outlining your future plans.
Roy L. Edwards Scholarship ($1000): Established in honour of Roy L. Edwards, one of the founding faculty
members of Trent University and the first Chair of the Biology Department. Awarded to an outstanding student
entering the fourth year of the Honours program in Biology, with the aim of encouraging promise and interest
in the study of freshwater ecology. No application is required.
Biology Department Scholarship ($1000): Awarded to a student of high academic achievement and promise
entering the third or fourth year of the Biology Program. No application is required.
Powles Prize ($100): This award is given in honour of Percival M Powles, long time member of the Biology
Department. Awarded to a student who has demonstrated excellence in the area of fisheries and aquatic
sciences. No application is required.
Botany Prize ($100): This is awarded annually to a student who shows excellence and promise in plant
biology. No application is required.
Joseph Ernest Goodhead Prize ($100): This prize is the gift of an anonymous donor and is awarded for
excellence in the study of Biology. No application is required.
Biology Department Book Prizes ($100): Awarded for excellence in the study of Biology. There are 8-10
awarded per year. No application is required.
Bursaries
Many bursaries are available from financial aid. Many are specific to Biology students (ie, David & Sharon
Lasenby Ecology Bursary, Dr. Edward Nol Bursary for Field Biology, Michael Berrill Bursary in Conservation
Biology) and are simply not claimed every year. Please go to
https://www.trentu.ca/financialaid/bursaries_incourse.php#otss for a complete listing.
The ears of a cricket are located on the front legs, just below the knee.
12
FAQs
Q. Where will I find my classroom or laboratory location?
Room locations are found on the Academic timetable. Room numbers may change after the
syllabus has been posted if enrolment changes significantly.
Q. Who should I talk to if I am having problems in the class?
First, you should discuss the issue with your professor, demonstrator, or teaching assistant.
Q. How can I find a volunteer lab opportunity?
Talk to your profs!
Q. How can I find out about year-abroad programs?
Go to the Trent International Program (TIP) at Champlain College.
Q. How can I find out about field courses?
See Susan Chow (D113) schow@trentu.ca or Marcel Dorken (C250) marceldorken@trentu.ca.
Q. Who should I talk to for academic advising regarding Biology?
Tracy Ross, D102, or email tracyross@trentu.ca
Q.
How do I go about doing a reading course?
You must have at least 10 credits and a 75% average. Once you and a professor have agreed
on the course, you will need to identify a second reader. You will find the course application in
the Biology Office or on line at http://trentu.ca/biology/forms.php
Q. How do I apply for fourth year Specialization courses?
The forms are available on the Biology website - ie.
http://trentu.ca/biology/studies_fourth.php#internconservation
A photon checks into a hotel. The bellhop asks, “Can I help you with your luggage?” The photon replies. “I don’t have
any. I’m travelling light.”
13
Plagiarism and Academic Integrity
Academic Integrity:
Academic dishonesty, which includes plagiarism and cheating, is an extremely serious academic offence and
carries penalties varying from a 0 grade on an assignment to expulsion from the University. Definitions,
penalties, and procedures for dealing with plagiarism and cheating are set out in Trent University’s Academic
Integrity Policy. You have a responsibility to educate yourself – unfamiliarity with the policy is not an
excuse. You are strongly encouraged to visit Trent’s Academic Integrity website to learn more:
www.trentu.ca/academicintegrity.
Grades and Grading Schemes
Courses are graded on a percentage scale, except for courses taken under a pass/fail option. Averages are
calculated using the percentage grade assigned to the student for each course.
Grading Criteria
The final grade in a course is based on at least some of the following criteria:
• in-term oral and written work
• in-term or mid-year tests or examinations
• final examinations
• practicums and community-based projects.
Normally at least 25% of the grade in an undergraduate half-year course offered in the regular academic
session must be determined and made available by the deadline for withdrawal without academic penalty. For
full-year undergraduate courses, at least 25% of the grade must normally be determined and made available
before the mid-year review in January.
No final examination is worth more than 50% of the final grade. Instructors are encouraged not to base final
grades entirely on tests and examinations.
Numerical Equivalents of Letter Grades
A+ 90 – 100% B+ 77 – 79%
C+ 67 – 69%
A 85 – 89%
B 73 – 76%
C 63 – 66%
A- 80 – 84%
B- 70 – 72%
C- 60 – 62%
D+ 57 – 59%
D 53 – 56%
D- 50 – 52%
F 0 – 49%
Access to Instruction
It is Trent University's intent to create an inclusive learning environment. If a student has a disability and/or
health consideration and feels that he/she may need accommodations to succeed in this course, the student
should contact the Student Accessibility Services Office (SAS), (BH Suite 132, 705-748-1281 or email
accessibilityservices@trentu.ca). For Trent University - Oshawa Student Accessibility Services Office contact
905-435-5102 ext. 5024 or email nancyhempel@trentu.ca . Complete text can be found under Access to
Instruction in the Academic Calendar.
A British biologist walks into a pub in London and asks for a pint of adenosine
triphosphate. The bartemder replies “that’ll be 80p”.
14
Biology Undergraduate Activities
Biology Undergraduate Society (BUGS)
BUGS is organized by student representatives. The Club organizes a variety of social and educational
activities for all undergraduate students in Biology. There will be postings of events on bulletin boards in the
department.
Departmental Seminars
The Department of Biology offers weekly lectures from invited guests on all topics of biology. These lectures
are open to the public and are held on Wednesdays at 12:00 p.m. in OCA 208. Occasionally, Honour Thesis
presentations and organizational meetings occur during this time in lieu of guest speakers. The series
schedule can be found on the Biology website at Life Sciences Seminar Series Schedule
https://www.trentu.ca/biology/biologyseminars.php
The Department of Biology and OMNR, jointly run the Life Sciences seminar series held on Friday afternoon
from 2:00-4:00, in DNA B110. All are welcome to attend.
Job Opportunities
General information about part-time, full-time, and summer employment is available at Trent throught he
Career Centre, room 204, Champlain College (see http:www.trentu.ca/careers/students/degree.php).
Job and volunteer opportunities for students majoring in Biology are received by the Department throughout
the year. These notices are usually emailed to students, posted on Twitter (@Trentbiology) or posted on a
bulletin board outside D102. You should consider approaching your professors to see if they have any
volunteer opportunities in their labs. This is a great way to get experience and will make you a stronger
candidate for a summer job or an Honours project.
15
Classroom and Laboratory Locations
ATHLETIC COMPLEX AC - Athletic Complex Gym
BATA LIBRARY
BL 102 - Language Lab
BL 103 - Film Theatre
BL 107.1 - Seminar Room
BL 107.2 - Smith Conf Room
BL 201 - Computer Lab
BL 210 - Computer Lab
BL 314 - Seminar Room
BL 401 - Seminar Room
BL 402 - Seminar Room
CHAMPLAIN COLLEGE
CC A1 - Seminar Room
CC A2 - Seminar Room
CC C3 - Seminar Room
CC M2 - Council Chamber
CC G4 - Seminar Room
CC K1 - Seminar Room
CC I1 - Seminar Room
CC I2 - Seminar Room
CC 307 - Lecture Hall
DNA LHS BUILDING
ENVIRONMENTAL SCI CENTRE
DNA B110.1 – Classroom
ESC A202 - ERS Lab
DNA B110.2 – Classroom
ESC A210 - ERS Lab
DNA B104 - Lecture Hall
ESC A205 – Education Lab
DNA B105 - Seminar Room ESC A209 – Education Lab
DNA B106 - Seminar Room ESC B203 - Workshop
DNA B112 – Forensics Lab ESC B319 -Workshop
DNA B113 – Forensics Lab ESC C111.3 - Geomorph Lab
LHSB C141 – Nursing Lab
ESC C202 - Geography Lab
LHSB C142 – Nursing Lab
ESC C205 - Geography Lab
LHSB C215 - Anthro Lab
LHSB C231 - Anthro/FRSC Lab
LHSB C233 – Anthro Lab
EATON COLLEGE
LHSB D103 - Biology Lab
ECC 201 - Lecture Hall
LHSB D105 - Biology Lab
ECC 101.6 - History Seminar
LHSB D106 - Biology Lab
ECC S118.1 –Meeting Room
LHSB D108 – Biology Lab
ECC 207 - Seminar Room
LHSB D202 – Biology Lab
ECC 208 - Seminar Room
LHSB D208 – Biology Lab
ECC 212 - Seminar Room
SCIENCE COMPLEX
SC 103 - Classroom
SC 115 - Classroom
SC 128 - Physics Lab
SC 137 - Lecture Hall
SC 203 – Classroom
SC 208 - Seminar Room
SC 215 – Classroom
SC 305 - Physics Lab
SC 317 - Physics Lab
OTONABEE COLLEGE
OCA 104 – Education Room
OCA 106 – Education Room
OCA 107 – Education Room
OCA 109 – Education Room
OCA 111 – Education Room
OCA 126 – Education Room
OCA 128 – Education Room
OCA 134 - Education Room
OCA 143 - Education Room
OCA 171 - Sociology Resource Room
OCA 203 - Lecture Hall
OCA 204 - Seminar Room
OCA 205 - Workshop
OCA 206 - Seminar Room
OCA 207 - Seminar Room
CHEMICAL SCIENCE BUILDING
CSB D101 - Chemistry Lab
CSB D109 - Chemistry Lab
CSB D113 - Chemistry Lab
CSB D116 - Chemistry Lab
CSB E101 - Chemistry Lab
CSB E103 - Chemistry Lab
GZOWSKI COLLEGE -SYMONS CAMPUS
GCS 103 - Classroom
GCS 105 - Classroom
GCS 106 - Classroom
GCS 108 - Classroom
GCS 110 - Classroom
GCS 111 - Classroom
GCS 112 - Classroom
GCS 114 - Lecture Hall
GCS 115 - Case Study Room
GCS 345 - Seminar Room
FIRST PEOPLES HOUSE OF LEARNING
FPHL 101 - Performance Space
FPHL 117 - Lecture Hall
TRAILL COLLEGE
SC W1 - Seminar Room
SC W2 - Seminar Room
SC W3 - Seminar Room
SC W4 - Seminar Room
WENJACK WING
SH 105 - Multipurpose Room - Scott House
SH 210 – Classroom – Scott House
BG 101 – Bagnani Hall
WH 102 - Seminar Room - Wallis Hall
WH 128 - Seminar Room - Wallis Hall
OTONABEE COLLEGE CONT’D
OCA 208 - Workshop
OCA 219 - Computer Classroom
OCA W101.2 Wenjack Theatre
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Fall and Winter Courses 2015/2016 (*** NOTE *** the schedule may change from year to year)
Fall Courses
1020H-W
1050H-A
1050H-W
2000H-A
2050H-A
2260H-A
3040H-A
3050H-A
3080H-A
3090H-A
3140H-A
3170H-A
3210H-A
3250H-A
3340H-A
3640H-A
3830H-A
4030H-A
4080H-A
4110H-A
4140H-A
4180H-A
4260H-A
4320H-A
4350H-A
4620H-A
Winter Courses
Foundations of Biodiversity
Human Anatomy
Human Anatomy
Methods of Biological Inquiry
Introduction to Genetics
Introductory Ecology
Histology
Limnology
Molecular Biology
Biology of Insects
Fish Ecology
Plant Evolution & Diversity
Principles of the Nervous System
Microbiology
Herpetology
Epidemiology
Animal Physiology 1
Research Design
Developmental Biology
Infectious Disease Biology
Ornithology
Mammalogy
Virology
Pharmacology
Pathophysiology
Biotechnology
1030H-A
1051H-A
1051H-W
2050H-W
2070H-A
2100H-A
2110H-A
2290H-A
2600H-A
3051H-A
3180H-A
3360H-A
3380H-A
3500H-A
3620H-A
3840H-A
4160H-A
4190H-A
4340H-A
4360H-A
4370H-A
4380H-A
4390H-A
4510H-A
4520H-A
4610H-A
4630H-A
4840H-A
Foundations of Cell & Molecular Biology
Human Physiology
Human Physiology
Introduction to Genetics
Cell Biology
Biology of Invertebrates
Vertebrate Zoology
Plants in Society
Evolution
River & Stream Biology
Plants in Action
Behavioural Ecology
Advanced Ecology
Biogeography
Population Genetics
Animal Physiology 11
Immunology
Bio Physical Activity
Biological Stoichiometry
Pathophysiology 11
Advanced Microbiology
Advanced Molecular Biology
Conservation Biology
Species at Risk
Biology of Invasions
Evolutionary Ecology
Epigenetics
Neuroendocrinology
Fall/Winter
3890/1
Community Project
4010Y-A Thesis Course
4020Y-A Thesis Course
4400Y-A Internship Conservation
4450Y-A Placement Health Sciences
4460H-A Internship Medical Science
Summer/Fall/Winter
Reading Courses
Field Courses
Summer Courses
Selection of web and face-to-face courses
Biology is the only science in which multiplication is the same thing as division.
17
APPENDIX 2: IMPORTANT DATES
FALL/WINTER SESSION 2015-16
Fall Term 2015
September 7
September 10
September 24
September 25
October 13
October 24
November 2
November 10
November 13
December 9
December 10
December 22
December 23
Statutory holiday: University closed
Classes begin
Final date to change or add Fall-term and Fall/Winter courses on myTrent
Final date to submit grades for incomplete courses from Summer session
Final date for student to notify the Office of the Registrar of their wish to observe their
cultural or religious holidays during scheduled examination periods
Final date to change or add Fall/Winter courses with permission
Residential Reading and Laboratory Week begins
Classes resume
Final date for withdrawal from Fall-term courses.
Final date to request Letters of Permission for courses beginning January 2016
Last day of classes
Final date to submit application to Graduate for January graduation
Mid-term test and Fall-term half-course final evaluation period begins
Mid-term test and Fall-term half-course final evaluation period ends
College residences close (Ptbo)
Winter vacation and reading period begins
Winter term 2016
January 3
January 6
January 20
February 3
February 15
February 22
March 3
March 7
March 25
April 5
April 8
April 22
April 23
College residences re-open (Ptbo)
Classes resume
Final date to change or add Winter-term courses on myTrent
Final date for withdrawal from full-year Fall-winter session courses
Reading Week begins
Classes resume
Final date to withdraw from Winter-term courses
Final date to appeal final grades for Fall-term courses
Statutory holiday: Good Friday, University closed
Classes end
Final date to submit application to graduate for spring convocation
Exam period begins for Winter courses and Fall-Winter courses (Ptbo)
Exam period ends for Winter courses and Fall-Winter courses (Ptbo)
Final date to submit grades for incomplete courses and Letter of Permission courses for
those planning to graduate
College residences close
Every time you lick a stamp, you're consuming 1/10 of a calorie.
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