Approved Courses for General Science students with Major/Minors in Biological Sciences
List A: Ecology/Evolution/Diversity – approved courses
BIOIN 301. Bioinformatics I. *3 (fi 6) (first term, 3-0-0).
Introduction to computational tools and databases used in the collection and analysis of sequence data
and other analytical data from high-throughput molecular biology studies. Students will use existing tools,
and learn the underlying algorithms and their limitations. Prerequisite: any 200-level Biological Sciences
course or consent of instructor. Credit cannot be obtained for both BIOIN 301 and BIOL 501.
BIOIN 401. Bioinformatics II. *3 (fi 6) (second term, 3-0-3).
Advanced topics in bioinformatics will be covered. A major part of the course will be devoted to teambased projects involving writing novel bioinformatics tools to deal with current problems in bioinformatics.
Prerequisites: BIOIN 301, a 300-level CMPUT course and a 300-level GENET course. (Offered jointly by
the Departments of Computing Science and Biological Sciences). [Biological Sciences].
BIOL 321 Mechanisms of Evolution. *3 (fi 6) (first term, 3-1s-0).
Discusses the major features of the evolutionary process, including the fossil record, basic population
genetics, variation, natural selection, adaptation, and speciation. Seminars involve critiquing scientific
literature and problem-solving in evolutionary genetics. Prerequisites: BIOL 108 and 207. SCI 100 may be
used in lieu of BIOL 108.
BIOL 322 Diversity and Evolution of Microbial Life. *3 (fi 6) (first term, 3-0-0).
The diversity of microscopic life forms, both prokaryotic (bacteria and archaea) and eukaryotic (protists,
fungi, phytoplankton), will be explored. The evolutionary forces responsible for this diversity will be
described in detail and contrasted to those at work in macroscopic eukaryotes. Students will learn about
the molecular methods used to identify and classify both culturable and non-culturable microbes, and
genetically characterize entire populations. Prerequisites: BIOL 107 and 108 or SCI 100, and a 200-level
Biological Sciences course. MICRB 265 recommended.
BIOL 330 Introduction to Biological Data. *3 (fi 6) (second term, 3-0-3). Expands on prior introductions to
the scientific method and examines the steps involved in the planning, collection, organization, analysis
and presentation of biological data. Classes will explore the types of data used to answer a variety of
biological questions and will review several different sampling designs, assess the benefits and limitations
of various data types for scientific inference, and integrate the statistical methods that are common to
other introductory courses. Labs will teach students how spreadsheets and relational databases can be
used to manipulate, analyze, and present the results of scientific research. Prerequisites: BIOL 208 and
STAT 151.
BIOL 331 Population Ecology. *3 (fi 6) (second term, 3-0-3).
Principles of population ecology as they apply to plants and animals; population consequences of
variation among individuals; habitat structure and population structure; habitat selection and foraging
theory; life tables, demography, and the evolution of life history patterns; population dynamics;
interactions among organisms (predation, competition, mutualism); and population regulation.
Prerequisites: BIOL 208; any one of MATH 113, 115, 120 or SCI 100; STAT 151.
BIOL 332 Community Ecology. *3 (fi 6) (second term, 3-3s-0).
Principles of community ecology, applied to plants and animals. The nature of communities, functional
groups and rarity; niche theory and competition; disturbance and other alternatives to competition; food
webs (predation, herbivory and disease); diversity (determinants, functional consequences and
gradients); island communities. Prerequisites: BIOL 208; STAT 151; and any one of MATH 113, 115, 120
or SCI 100. May not be taken for credit if credit already obtained in ZOOL 332.
BIOL 333 Wetland Ecology and Management. *3 (fi 6) (first term, 3-0-3).
Introduction to the ecology of wetland ecosystems, communities and plants. Major topics include
landscape features, hydrological and chemical cycles of wetlands, wetland communities and major flora
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and fauna. Emphasis will be on wetlands in Western Canada including the bog, fen and marsh systems
in boreal Alberta, prairie and montane wetlands. Loss or alteration of wetlands due to human activity is
documented. A field trip is required. Prerequisite: BIOL 208. Credit may be obtained in only one of BOT
333 and BIOL 333.
BIOL 335 Principles of Systematics. *3 (fi 6) (second term, 3-0-0).
An introduction to the principles, methods, and applications of biological systematics, including
reconstruction of phylogenies, creation of synthetic and cladistic classifications, historical interpretation of
geographic distributions, and applications in evolutionary biology. Each student will analyze phylogenetic
data and write a description of a species and its relationships. Prerequisites: BIOL 108 or SCI 100 and a
200-level Biological Sciences course; BIOL 321 strongly recommended.
BIOL 340 Global Biogeochemistry. *3 (fi 6) (second term, 3-0-0). An introduction to biogeochemical
cycles in the environment. Discusses processes and reactions governing cycles in the atmosphere,
lithosphere, terrestrial ecosystems, freshwater wetlands and lakes, river estuaries, and the oceans.
Outlines the global cycles of water, carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur. Group discussions will
incorporate current topics in anthropogenic alterations of natural cycles that lead to ecos ystem
degradation. Prerequisites: CHEM 101 or SCI 100 and BIOL 208; MICRB 265 strongly recommended.
BIOL 341 Ecotoxicology. *3 (fi 6) (either term, 3-0-0).
An overview of the adverse effects of chemicals or physical agents on biological systems in an ecological
context. This course takes a multidisciplinary approach to understanding biological effects and their
assessment. Prerequisites: BIOL 208, ZOOL 241, and CHEM 164 or 261, or instructor consent.
BIOL 361 Marine Science. *3 (fi 6) (second term, 3-0-0).
An introduction to marine science and marine biology including history of marine exploration, essential
features of the physical marine environment, a survey of major marine communities and adaptations of
the organisms that live in each, overviews of selected groups of marine organisms (e.g., marine
mammals), and human impact on the oceans. Recommended as preparation for courses offered through
the Bamfield Marine Station (see courses listed under MA SC). Prerequisite: ZOOL 250 or BIOL 208.
BIOL 364 Freshwater Ecology. *3 (fi 6) (first term, 3-1s-0). An introduction to the ecology of freshwater
ecosystems. Lectures will examine the roles of biota in ecological patterns and processes in lakes, ponds,
rivers, and streams, emphasizing north-temperate and boreal regions. Seminars will focus on recent
papers from the primary literature. Designed to stand-alone or to provide a biological complement to BIOL
464. Prerequisite: BIOL 208.
BIOL 365 Methods in Freshwater Ecology. *3 (fi 6) (first term, 1-0-3).
A practical course introducing students to techniques used in the field and lab to biomonitor lakes and
streams. Topics covered will include plankton production and composition, fish and benthos community
structure, herbivory and predation, and paleolimnology. The laboratory component includes field trips and
independent research projects. Pre or corequisite: BIOL 364 or permission of instructor.
BIOL 366 Northern Ecology. *3 (fi 6) (second term, 3-0-0).
Examines the ecology of boreal, arctic, and alpine ecosystems, including postglacial history, climate,
geology, nutrient cycling and energy flow in forests, wetlands, lakes and marine systems, animal and
plant adaptations to cold and current human impacts. Prerequisite: BIOL 208.
BIOL 367 Conservation Biology. *3 (fi 6) (first term, 3-0-0).
This course introduces the principles of conservation biology with an emphasis on ecological processes
operating at population, community and ecosystem levels of organization. Threats to biological diversity,
ranging from species introductions to habitat destruction will be discussed along with conservation
solutions ranging from the design of protected areas through conservation legislation. Prerequisite: BIOL
208. Credit cannot be obtained in both BIOL 367 and ENCS 364.
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BIOL 380 Genetic Analysis of Populations. *3 (fi 6) (second term, 3-1s-0).
Application of molecular biology to the study of systematics, structure of natural populations, mating
systems, and forensics. Among the topics discussed are molecular techniques used to detect genetic
variation in natural populations, methods to construct phylogenies using molecular data, mathematical
models of population structure, paternity analysis, and DNA fingerprinting. Prerequisite: BIOL 207. BIOL
321 recommended.
BIOL 381 People, Pollution, and the Environment. *3 (fi 6) (first term, 3-0-0).
The impacts of anthropogenic pollutants on ecosystems. This course first examines human population
growth and non-sustainable resource extraction and then discusses the movement of pollutants through
the atmosphere and biosphere, methods of detecting pollutants, and their ecological impacts. Information
from lectures on specific pollutants (including carbon dioxide, nutrients, acid emissions, pesticides,
endocrine disruptors, mercury and other metals, oil spills, radiation) will be used to discuss how humans
value ecosystems, environmental law and policy, and specific environmental regulations in Alberta and
the rest of Canada. Prerequisite: Biology 208.
BIOL 392 Laboratory Techniques in Molecular Ecology and Systematics. *3 (fi 6) (second term, 0-1s-6).
A laboratory course introducing students to current molecular biology techniques and associated
analyses used to study population genetics, systematics, and evolutionary biology in natural populations.
Students will develop microsatellite marker systems and use them to examine the genetic structure of a
natural population. A comparative bioinformatic approach will be used to generate sequence data to
investigate the use of single nucleotide polymorphisms in candidate gene analysis and in phylogenetic
inference. Prerequisite: BIOL 207, 208 and consent of instructor, corequisite: BIOL 380. Note: BIOL 392
and 592 cannot both be taken for credit.
BIOL 421 Molecular Evolution and Systematics. *3 (fi 6) (first term, 3-0-3).
Methods for inferring evolutionary trees and their applications to the fields of comparative biology,
molecular evolution, and systematics. Topics to be covered include phylogenetic inference, molecular
evolution integrated at the organismal and population level, and evolutionary developmental genetics.
Labs emphasize practical experience in data analysis. Prerequisite: BIOL 335 or consent of instructor.
BIOL 380 or 392 recommended. Credit cannot be obtained for both BIOL 421 and BIOL 521. Offered in
alternate years.
BIOL 430 Experimental Biology. *3 (fi 6) (either term, 3-0-3).
Emphasis is on the design of experiments and analysis of data collected from field and laboratory studies
in Biology. Prerequisites: STAT 141 or 151 and a 300-level Biological Sciences course. Credit cannot be
obtained for both BIOL 430 and REN R 480.
BIOL 432 Field Methods in Ecology. *3 (fi 6) (first term, 0-0-6).
Design, execution, analysis, and presentation of problems in behavioral, population, and community
ecology in a field environment. Field exercises, demonstration of techniques, and data collection for
independent projects will take place during the two weeks preceding the Fall term at a field station off the
main campus. Final reports are due in the last week of September. Prerequisites: BIOL 331 or 332 or
ZOOL 371 or BOT 332; a statistics course such as STAT 151, BIOL 330 or 430. This course requires
payment of additional miscellaneous fees. See §22.2.3 for details.
BIOL 433 Plant-Animal Interactions. *3 (fi 6) (second term, 3-0-0).
Plants and animals have a long co-evolutionary history, and this course explores many of the ways in
which plants and animals use and abuse each other. Specific topics include pollination biology, herbivory,
and dispersal. Emphasis is on both the evolutionary ecology and ecological implications of these
interactions. Prerequisite: BIOL 331 or 332 or BOT 332 or ZOOL 371. Offered in alternate years.
BIOL 434 Chemical Ecology. *3 (fi 6) (either term, 0-3s-0).
An introduction to the broad field of Chemical Ecology through survey, discussion and analysis of current
and historical literature. Topics include a wide array of chemically-mediated ecological interactions in a
variety of taxa. Studies that analyze the importance of the use of chemical signals for habitat selection,
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resource acquisition, reproduction, defense and social interactions are discussed. Students research
topics in Chemical Ecology and present their findings in oral and written formats. Prerequisite: BIOL 208.
CHEM 164 or 261 recommended. Credit cannot be obtained for both BIOL 434 and 534. Offered in
alternate years.
BIOL 440 Watershed Ecohydrology. *3 (fi 6) (second term, 0-3s-0). The course will introduce students to
theory and techniques employed in the analysis of physical, hydrological, chemical, and ecological
properties of ecosystems using a watershed (catchment) approach. Focus will be on landscape
interactions or linkages between upland, wetland/riparian, and surface-water in the study of the natural
ecohydrologic function and response to disturbance of watershed ecosystems. Emphasis will be placed
on Boreal Alberta. Topics are covered through reading the literature and group discussions. Prerequisite:
BIOL 333 or 340 or 364 or EAS 223 or REN R 350, or consent of instructor. Credit cannot be obtained
for both BIOL 440 and 540.
BIOL 468 Problems in Conservation Biology. *3 (fi 6) (second term, 0-3s-0).
Seminar and reading course dealing with current problems in conservation biology. Prerequisites: BIOL
367 or ZOOL 465 or ENCS 364 and consent of instructor. Credit cannot be obtained for both BIOL 468
and ZOOL 468.
BIOL 471 Landscape Ecology. *3 (fi 6) (second term, 3-0-3).
Landscapes are holistic entities whose patterns influence ecological processes. Topics highlighted in this
course include landscape components, morphology and dynamics; detecting spatial/temporal change in
landscapes; issues of scales; movements of organisms, disturbances, and nutrients across landscape
mosaics; and restoration, planning and management in a landscape context. Labs emphasize GIS
applications to characterizing landscape patterns and heterogeneity in space and time, distributing and
moving organisms across landscapes, and restoring or planning landscapes for conservation objectives.
Prerequisites: MATH 115 or SCI 100; STAT 151; one of BIOL 331, 332 or BOT 332. Previous GIS course
is useful. Credit cannot be obtained for both BIOL 471 and 571.
BOT 205 Fundamentals of Plant Biology. *3 (fi 6) (first term, 3-0-3).
An overview of the diversity and biology of organisms traditionally included in the Plant Kingdom (algae,
fungi, lichens, mosses, ferns, gymnosperms and flowering plants). Emphasis throughout the course is on
the relationship between structural and functional innovations in plants and how these have influenced
their reproduction and evolution in various ecosystems. Symbioses and co-evolutionary relationships
between or among different kinds of plants, and with other groups of organisms, are also considered.
Prerequisite: BIOL 108 or SCI 100. Credit cannot be obtained for both BOT 205 and PL SC 221.
BOT 314 Biology of Bryophytes. *3 (fi 6) (first term, 3-0-3).
Bryophytes (hornworts, liverworts and mosses) form a unique group of basal land plants that are pivotal
for understanding evolution of life in terrestrial environments. This course covers the evolution,
systematics and ecological diversity of bryophytes of the world, using morphological, molecular and
developmental data. Prerequisite: BIOL 108 or SCI 100 and a 200-level Biology course (BOT 205 or 210
recommended) or consent of instructor.
BOT 321 Flowering Plants. *3 (fi 6) (second term, 3-0-3).
Modern approaches to the classification and evolution of the flowering plants. The diversity and
relationships of the angiosperms are examined from a phylogenetic perspective. Topics include practical
and theoretical aspects of species description, nomenclature and phylogeny interpretation, with a focus
on the characteristics and significance of the major families of flowering plants in Alberta and from around
the world. Prerequisite: BIOL 108 or SCI 100. BOT 205 recommended. May not be taken for credit if
credit already obtained in BOT 220 or 320.
BOT 322 Field Botany. *3 (fi 6) (first term, 3-0-3).
Lectures, laboratory, and field exercises provide an introduction to description and identification of plants
and their local habitats. Factors affecting variation in natural vegetation and methods used to describe it
are discussed. Field exercises and projects take place during the two weeks preceding the fall term and
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some may take place off campus. Presentations take place during the first four weeks of class time in
September. Prerequisites: BIOL 108 or SCI 100 and any 200-level Biology course. (BOT 321 is strongly
recommended). May not be taken for credit if credit already obtained in BOT 304.
BOT 330 Biodiversity and Ecosystem Function of Algae. *3 (fi 6) (first term, 3-0-3).
The remarkable biodiversity of algae provides the foundation for most aquatic ecosystems around the
world. This course emphasizes the evolution, taxonomy, and ecology of major groups of algae to illustrate
relationships between their form and function in pristine and polluted environments. Laboratories will
focus on the taxonomic diversity of algae through the use of field surveys of local streams and lakes, and
experiments using our extensive algal culture collection. Prerequisite: 200-level Biology course. Both BOT
205 and BIOL 208 recommended.
BOT 332 Plant Ecology. *3 (fi 6) (first term, 3-0-3).
Study of the local factors, which limit plant growth, reproduction, and diversity. Particular emphasis on the
mechanisms by which plants interact with their local environment and the effects of these interactions on
diversity and community functioning. Specific topics include plant foraging, germination ecology,
mechanisms of competition and facilitation, patterns of diversity, and community stability. Prerequisites:
BIOL 208 and STAT 151. BOT 205 recommended.
BOT 384 Global Change and Ecosystems. *3 (fi 6) (second term, 3-0-0).
Ecological impacts of climate change and largescale human activities on terrestrial and aquatic
ecosystems. The focus of this course is to learn to write brief technical summaries of current environment
issues, in a fashion that can be understood by an educated citizen. Topics such as climate change, water
management projects, invasion of exotic species and national parks management are presented as the
forum to evaluate options, trade-offs and solutions to environmental social issues. Prerequisites: BIOL
208 or consent of Instructor. BOT 205 recommended.
ENT 207 Agricultural Entomology. *3 (fi 6) (second term, 3-0-3).
Introduction to insects and related arthropods emphasizing those aspects of their structure and life history
responsible for some of them becoming pests and indicating those aspects towards which control
measures can be directed. Principles of integrated control. Prerequisite: One of BIOL 107 or 108 or SCI
100.
ENT 220 Insect Biology. *3 (fi 6) (first term, 3-0-3).
An introduction to the evolution, diversity, phylogeny, life styles, distribution, and classification of
hexapods and practical experience in their identification. Prerequisite: BIOL 108 or SCI 100.
ENT 378 Insect Pathology. *3 (fi 6) (first term, 3-0-0).
An introduction to the diseases of insects and related arthropods. The use of insect pathogens to reduce
pest damage in forestry and agriculture. Roles of diseases in insect population dynamics, Biotechnology
and insect pathogens. Prerequisite: *3 in Entomology or Microbiology. Not open to first-year students.
ENT 380 Forest Entomology. *3 (fi 6) (second term, 3-0-3).
Characteristics of major North American forest insects. Roles of insects in forest ecosystems. Roles of
insects in forest ecosystems. Insects destructive to wood and wood products. Principles of control.
Prerequisite: BIOL 208. Course jointly offered by the Departments of Biological Sciences and Renewable
Resources. Note: Credit may not be obtained for both ENT 280 and 380.
ENT 401 Current Topics in Arthropod Biology. *3 (fi 6) (either term, 0-3s-0).
Survey, discussion and analysis of current literature in selected areas of arthropod biology of interest to
advanced undergraduates. Prerequisite: ZOOL 250 or an ENT course or consent of instructor. Credit may
be obtained more than once. Offered in alternate years.
ENT 427 Terrestrial Arthropod Diversity. *3 (fi 6) (first term, 3-0-3).
Evolution, distribution, and classification of terrestrial arthropods, with emphasis on hexapods. Students
practice identification using museum collections, build keys and databases, and make a substantive
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collection of regional insects. Prerequisite: Any one of ENT 207, 220, 380, or ZOOL 351; BIOL 335
recommended. Credit cannot be obtained for both ENT 427 and 527.
IMIN 401 Comparative Immunology. *3 (fi 6) (second term, 3-0-0).
The phylogeny and evolution of immune systems. Examines the various strategies for disease resistance
used by all organisms from plants to humans. The use and evolution of specific components of innate and
adaptive immunity will be considered within the context of the biology of the organisms. This course
involves both lectures and graded discussions. Prerequisites: IMIN 371 and permission of instructor.
Credit cannot be obtained for both IMIN 401 and IMIN 501. (Offered jointly by the Departments of
Biological Sciences and Medical Microbiology and Immunology). [Biological Sciences].
IMIN 410 Bioinformatics for Molecular Biologists. *3 (fi 6) (second term, 3-0-1).
This course will introduce the student to common and advanced methods in bioinformatics. In a mix of
lectures and hands-on computer sessions, the student will solve realistic biological questions in the areas
of sequence analysis, distant homology detection, phylogeny, correlating sequence to structure, protein
structure analysis, and genomics. The student will obtain a thorough understanding of bioinformatics
methods, but the focus is on application of methods in the context of molecular biology research rather
than studying details of the algorithms or computer programming. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.
BIOCH 320 or 330 highly recommended. Priority given to senior students in the IMIN program. (Offered
jointly by the Departments of Biological Sciences and Medical Microbiology and Immunology). [Biological
Sciences].
MA SC 410 Marine Invertebrate Zoology. *6 (fi 12) (two term, 0-0-6).
A survey of the marine phyla, with emphasis on the benthic fauna in the vicinity of the Bamfield Marine
Sciences Centre. The course includes lectures, laboratory exercises, field collection, identification, and
observation. Emphasis is placed on the study of living specimens in the laboratory and in the field.
MA SC 412 Biology of Fishes. *6 (fi 12) (two term, 0-0-6).
Classification, physiology, ecology, behavior and zoogeography of fishes with particular emphasis on
those in the marine environment of the British Columbia coast. Course will involve some field projects.
MA SC 415 Structure and Function in Animals. *3 (fi 6) (first term, 4 weeks).
This course examines the form and function of invertebrates and vertebrates using a comparative
approach. The subject areas include morphology and evolution, systems physiology, biomechanics, and
development. The local marine and coastal fauna are used to illustrate the principles. The course
includes fieldwork and a series of laboratory exercises and experiments.
MA SC 420 Biodiversity of Marine Algae. *6 (fi 12) (two term, 0-0-6).
A survey of the marine algae, with emphasis on the benthic forms in the vicinity of the Bamfield Marine
Sciences Centre. The course includes lectures, laboratory exercises, field collection, identification, and
observation. Emphasis is placed on the study of living specimens in the laboratory and in the field.
MA SC 425 Ecological Adaptations of Seaweeds. *3 (fi 6) (first term, 4 weeks).
The course explores morphological, physiological, genetic and reproductive adaptations of seaweeds to
their natural and human altered environments.
MA SC 430 Marine Ecology. *6 (fi 12) (two term, 0-0-6).
An analytical approach to biotic associations in the marine environment. Opportunities will be provided for
study of the intertidal realm in exposed and protected areas and of beaches and estuaries in the vicinity
of the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre.
MA SC 437 Marine Population Ecology and Dynamics. *3 (fi 6) (first term, 4 weeks).
An analytical approach to the study of marine ecology and marine populations. Intertidal and subtidal
communities will be examined, with emphasis on the biota of the Barkley Sound region. O
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MA SC 440 Biology of Marine Birds. *6 (fi 12) (two term, 0-0-6).
A study of the interrelationship of birds and the marine environment. Lectures will emphasize the
systematics and ecological relationships, behavior, life histories, movements and conservations of marine
birds. Census techniques and methods of studying marine birds in the field will be treated as we observe
seabirds and marine associated birds in the Barkley Sound region. Seabird identification, classification,
morphology, plumages and moult will be examined in the laboratory.
MA SC 445 Biology of Marine Mammals. *6 (fi 12) (two term, 0-0-6).
A survey course covering systematics and distribution of marine mammals, their sensory capabilities and
physiology, with special emphasis on the Cetacea. The course includes lectures, laboratory exercises,
field trips and an independent field study.
MICRB 320 Microbial Ecology. *3 (fi 6) (second term, 3-0-0).
A broad range of topics in microbial ecology are covered including aquatic and terrestrial habitats, the
influence of health and disease on the human microbiome, symbiosis and pathogenesis in environmental
systems, and the application of ecological theory to microbial populations and communities. Prerequisite:
MICRB 265. Pre- or corequisite: BIOL 208, or consent of instructor.
MICRB 423 Extreme Microbiology. *3 (fi 6) (second term, 3-0-0).
This advanced microbiology course will cover selected topics of life in extreme environments, with
particular emphasis on diversity, evolutionary and physiological adaptations, methodology for studying
extreme environments, the effective limits of life, implications for biogeochemical cycling, and
astrobiology. Examples of adaptation to specific environments will be the focus of student projects. Oral
presentations required. Prerequisites: Any 300 level MICRB course or consent of instructor. Note: MICRB
423 and 523 cannot both be taken for credit.
MICRB 491 Environmental Microbiology. *3 (fi 6) (first term, 3-0-0).
Interactions between microorganisms and the environment. Topics include methods of sampling various
environments, methods for monitoring microbial activities, petroleum microbiology, bioremediation,
survival of airborne microorganisms, microbial metabolism of selected pollutants. Prerequisite: MICRB
265, corequisite: a 300-level Biological Sciences course or consent of Instructor. Note: Credit can be
received in only one of MICRB 391, 491 and 591.
MICRB 492 Environmental Microbiology Laboratory. *3 (fi 6) (first term, 0-0-4).
Laboratory experiments use culture, molecular, chemical and microscopy-based methods for identifying,
enumerating and characterizing the activity of microbes from aquatic and terrestrial environments.
Bacterial communities involved in petroleum biodegradation, activity assays for industrially and
environmentally important microbial products, and ecological processes such as biogeography are also
studied. Presence in the laboratory may occasionally be required outside of the regularly scheduled lab
section. Prerequisite: MICRB 265. MICRB 392 and 492 cannot both be taken for credit.
PALEO 201 – PALEO 201 Dinosaurs in the Fossil Record. *3 (fi 6) (either term, 3-0-0).
For students who want a deeper understanding of the fossil record, this course will augment the topics of
PALEO 200 (fossilization, fossil collection/curation, morphological analysis, organismal evolution,
paleoecology, protection of fossils, speciation, stratigraphy, and taphonomy) with field trips to regional
museums and dig sites. Students will also learn how paleontological research determines the ages,
behaviour, breeding, life cycles, physiology, sexes and other aspects of the biology of dinosaurs and
other extinct animals. A portion of this course will be delivered on-line. Prerequisites: Biology 30 or
equivalent, or any 100-level course in the Faculty of Science. Note: Students who have obtained credit for
PALEO 200 cannot take PALEO 201 for credit.
PALEO 400 Paleontology Field School. *3 (fi 6) (first term, 0-1s-6).
Students will learn the techniques of collection, curation and analysis of fossils at major dinosaur sites in
Western Canada. The field component of the course will take place during the summer at a field station
off campus. Each student will complete assignments in the field and will prepare a written report for
completion by the end of October based on data acquired and methods learned during the field
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component. Prerequisite: Consent of Department. Requires payment of additional student instructional
support fees. Refer to the Fees Payment Guide in the University Regulations and Information for
Students section of the Calendar. [Faculty of Science]
PALEO 412 Selected T
PALEO 418 Paleobiology of the Lower Vertebrates. *3 (fi 6) (first term, 3-0-3).
Paleontology, evolution and paleoecology of early vertebrates, fishes, and amphibians, with emphasis on
osteology, systematics, major adaptive shifts and subsequent radiations. Prerequisites: ZOOL 325 and
any 300 level EAS or Biological Sciences course. Not available to students with credit in PALEO 318.
[Faculty of Science]
PALEO 419 Paleobiology of the Higher Vertebrates *3 (fi 6) (second term, 3-0-3).
Paleontology, evolution and paleoecology of Synapsida (e.g. therapsids and mammals) and Reptilia (e.g.
snakes, lizards, dinosaurs, and birds) with emphasis on osteology, systematics, major adaptive shifts and
subsequent radiations. Prerequisites: ZOOL 325 and any 300 level EAS or Biological Sciences course.
Not available to students with credit in PALEO 319. [Faculty of Science]
ZOOL 224 Vertebrate Diversity. *3 (fi 6) (first term, 3-0-3).
A comparative survey of vertebrates, focusing on their morphology, classification, and phylogeny.
Prerequisite: BIOL 108 or SCI 100.
ZOOL 250 Survey of the Invertebrates. *3 (fi 6) (second term, 3-0-3).
The functional anatomy and life cycles of the major invertebrate taxa are emphasized. Prerequisite: BIOL
108 or SCI 100
ZOOL 325 Comparative Anatomy of the Vertebrates. *3 (fi 6) (second term, 3-0-3).
A comparative survey of form and function in vertebrate animals. Lectures focus on patterns of evolution
and adaptation. Laboratories offer detailed examinations of major organ systems in representative
species. Prerequisite: a 200-level ZOOL course; ZOOL 224 strongly recommended. May not be taken for
credit if credit already obtained in ZOOL 225.
ZOOL 340 Comparative Environmental Physiology. *3 (fi 6) (second term, 3-0-0).
A comparative examination of the integrated responses of animals to environmental changes. This course
focuses on both the acute physiological and long-term adaptations to dealing with environmental
challenges. Focus is on biochemical and physiological responses
ZOOL 351 Freshwater Invertebrate Diversity. *3 (fi 6) (first term, 3-0-3).
Emphasis is on an identified collection of invertebrates found in Alberta’s lakes and streams. Lecture
material pertains mainly to ecological features of the various fresh water groups. Prerequisite: ZOOL 250.
Offered in alternate years,
ZOOL 352 Principles of Parasitism. *3 (fi 6) (first term, 3-3s-0). An introduction to protozoan, helminth
and arthropod parasites of animals; principles of host and parasite adaptations, host defense, pathology,
epidemiology, and ecology, and control of parasitic infections. World wide web-based laboratory tutorials
emphasize morphology, life cycles, behavior, systematics and life history of parasites. Prerequisite: a
200-level Biological Sciences course (ZOOL 250 and IMIN 200 recommended).
ZOOL 370 Ethological Mechanisms. *3 (fi 6) (second term, 3-0-3).
Animal behavior from an ethological perspective, with emphasis on the mechanisms underlying a variety
of behaviors. The material is intended to complement that of ZOOL 371. Prerequisite or corequisite:
ZOOL 241 or 242.
ZOOL 371 Behavioral Ecology. *3 (fi 6) (first term, 3-0-3).
Animal behavior from an ecological and evolutionary perspective, with emphasis on social behavior. The
material is intended to complement that of ZOOL 370. Prerequisite: BIOL 208.
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ZOOL 405 Biology of Fishes. *3 (fi 6) (first term, 3-0-3).
A survey of fish diversity focussing on the morphology, systematics, behavior, and ecology of the major
groups. Laboratories feature extensive use of departmental collections, with an emphasis on Alberta
species. Prerequisites: ZOOL 325 or both ZOOL 224 and a 300-level Biological Sciences course. Offered
in alternate years.
ZOOL 406 Biology of Amphibians and Reptiles. *3 (fi 6) (first term, 3-0-3).
A survey of amphibian and reptile diversity focusing on morphology, systematics, behaviour, and ecology
of major groups, within a phylogenetic and evolutionary framework. Laboratories feature extensive use of
departmental collections, and include Albertan species. This course will normally include traditional
lectures and student seminars. Prerequisite: ZOOL 325 or both ZOOL 224 and a 300-level Biological
Sciences course. Offered in alternate years.
ZOOL 407 Biology of Birds. *3 (fi 6) (either term, 3-0-3).
A survey of bird diversity focussing on the morphology, systematics, behaviour, and ecology of the major
groups. Laboratories feature extensive use of departmental collections, with an emphasis on Alberta
species. Prerequisites: ZOOL 325 or both ZOOL 224 and a 300-level Biological Sciences course.
ZOOL 408 Biology of Mammals. *3 (fi 6) (second term, 3-0-3).
A survey of mammal diversity focussing on the morphology, systematics, behavior, and ecology of the
major groups. Laboratories feature extensive use of departmental collections, with an emphasis on
Alberta species. Prerequisites: ZOOL 325 or both ZOOL 224 and a 300-level Biological Sciences course.
ZOOL 472 Current Problems in Behavioral Ecology. *3 (fi 6) (either term, 0-3s-0).
Discussion of behavioral problems with ecological implications. Prerequisites: ZOOL 370 or 371 or
consent of instructor. Offered in alternate years.
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