May 20, 2024  
University of Alberta Calendar 2016-2017 
    
Catalog Navigation
  Calendar Home
  Notes re: Archived Calendars
  Message from the President
  Inquiries
  Academic Schedule
  Undergraduate Application Deadlines for Admission and Readmission
  Undergraduate Admission
  University Regulations and Information for Students
  The Faculties
  Undergraduate Programs
  Graduate Programs
  Glossary
  Course Listings
  General Information
  University Staff
  Errata
  PDF version
  Previous Calendars
HELP
University of Alberta Calendar 2016-2017 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Course Listings

 

Details of Courses

Courses taught at the University of Alberta are listed alphabetically. All courses, except those taught by Faculté Saint-Jean, are described in English.

Each course is designated by its computer abbreviation and a number. Students should use this abbreviation and number when completing any form requiring this information.

Courses are numbered according to the following system:

000-099 Pre-University
100-199 Basic Undergraduate. Normally requires no university-level prerequisites. Designed typically for students in the first year of a program.
200-299 Undergraduate. Prerequisites, if any, are normally at the 100-level. Designed typically for students in the second year of a program.
300-399 Undergraduate. Prerequisites, if any, are normally at the 200-level. Designed typically for students in the third year of a program.
400-499 Advanced Undergraduate. Prerequisites, if any, are normally at the 300-level. Designed typically for students in the fourth year of a program.
500-599 Graduate. Designated for graduate students and certain advanced or honors undergraduate students in their final year.
600-799 Graduate Courses
800-899 Special Registrations
900-999 Graduate Thesis and Project Numbers

For the purposes of program descriptions and prerequisite designation, courses numbered 100-199 are designated as Junior Courses and courses numbered 200-499 are designated as Senior Courses.

Note: Some exceptions to the course number system described above have been granted to the Faculty of Law and the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry.

Course Description Symbols and Figures

Several symbols and figures are used to indicate the type, duration, and weight of courses.

  1. ★—Indicates “units of course weight,” and usually follows the course title. The accompanying number indicates the weight of the course as used in computing grade point averages and for meeting degree requirements.
    A course which runs throughout the Fall/Winter (i.e., from September through April) is usually weighted ★6. A course that runs for only one term (i.e., Fall: from September to December, or Winter: from January through April) is usually weighted ★3. Certain courses are offered over Fall/Winter or Spring/Summer, or in one term, with weights of ★1, ★2, and ★4. These are considered as one-sixth, one-third, and two-thirds of a Fall/Winter or Spring/Summer course, respectively. Some honors and graduate courses involving research may vary in weight according to the length and difficulty of the project. Some clinical courses may vary in weight according to the length of clinical experience. Some courses, not included in the computation of grade point averages, are offered for credit only and either carry a weight of ★0, or are marked as “Credit.”
    Undergraduate students who take courses offered by the Faculty of Engineering but are not registered in Engineering will have a course weight assigned for these courses according to the protocol of their home Faculty.
  2. fi—Denotes: “fee index,” the value used to calculate the instructional fees for each course. The fee index is multiplied by the fee index value (given in the appropriate subsection of Fees Payment Guide ) to give the dollar value of instructional fees for the course.
    For normal courses, the fee index is twice the value of the units of course weight; for example, a course with ★3 normally has fi 6. In cases where exceptional fees considerations need to be made, the fee index is set differently by the Board of Governors.
    Note that certain programs (e.g., MD, DDS, etc.) are assessed on a program fee basis for all or certain years. In these cases, the fee index calculation does not apply.
  3. (x term, a-b-c)—These figures in parentheses give information on when the course is offered and the hours of instruction required by the course in a week, or in some cases the total time in a term.
    In the case of a single-term course, the term in which the course is given is mentioned (item x). The designation “either term” means that the course may be offered either in the first term or in the second term or in each term, at the discretion of the department concerned. The designation “variable” means that the course may be taught either as a single-term or as a full-session course.
    Item a indicates lecture hours. Item b indicates seminar hour(s), demonstration hours (d), clinic hours (c), or lecture-laboratory hours (L). Item c indicates laboratory hours. For two-term courses, the hours of instruction are the same in both terms unless otherwise indicated. The expression 3/2 means 3 hours of instruction every second week; 2s/2 means 2 seminar hours every second week.
    Examples:
    (first term, 3-0-3): a course taught in first term with 3 hours lecture, no seminar, and 3 hours lab per week.
    (second term, 0-1s-2): a course taught in second term with no lectures, 1 seminar hour, and 2 hours of lab per week.
    (either term, 3-0-0): a course taught in either first or second term, or each term, with 3 lecture hours per week, no seminar, and no lab.
    (two-term, 3-0-3): a course taught over both first and second term with three lecture hours, no seminar, and three hours lab per week.
    (variable, 3-0-0): a course which may be taught in either first or second term or over two terms with three lecture hours per week, no seminar, and no lab.
  4. Prerequisite—This provides information on courses which must be successfully completed before registering in the more advanced course.
    Corequisite—This provides information on courses which must be taken before or at the same time as the course described in the listing.
    Note: Departments are authorized to cancel the registration of those students registered in a course offered by the department if they do not meet the prerequisite and/or corequisite requirements stated in the course description in this Calendar.
  5. [Department]— This indicates the department responsible for registration for interdepartmental courses. Normally, courses will be credited to the discipline listed in the square brackets.
  6. Open Studies Courses—  indicates a course available to students of Open Studies.  indicates that a course is available to Open Studies students on a delayed registration basis only (see Registration ).
Important: Registration Procedures for Two-Term Courses

Students are strongly advised to refer to the Registration and Courses menu at www.registrarsoffice.ualberta.ca for details. Two-term courses are normally offered over two terms (either Fall/Winter or Spring/Summer). In a few instances, two-term courses are offered within a single term. In all cases these are identifiable in the Class Schedule because they consist of part A and part B (e.g., English 111A and 111B).

To successfully register in a two-term course, students, must do the following:

  • Register in both the part A and part B for all types of sections offered (Lectures, Labs, Seminars, etc.);
  • Register in the same section numbers for part A and part B of a course (e.g., Lecture A1 for both part A and part B, and Lab E3 for both part A and part B);
  • Register in all the appropriate sections on the same day.

All of the above must be done or the course registration is invalid and will be deleted. Invalid registrations will be deleted nightly. It is the student’s responsibility to attempt the course registration again, subject to availability.

Example: A student wishes to register in ABCD 101, a two-term course. It has a lecture and a lab section. Based on the student’s timetable planning, decides to take Lecture C3 and Lab C8. The student must add

In Fall Term ABCD 101A Lec C3 and ABCD 101A Lab C8,
and  
In Winter Term ABCD 101B Lec C3 and ABCD 101B Lab C8.

All these sections must be added on the same day to successfully register. Otherwise the registration in ABCD 101 will be deleted overnight and the student’s place in the course will be lost.

Course Renumbering

Over the years many courses have been renumbered. Old numbers can be found within individual course listings of previous Calendar editions.

Courses on Reserve

Courses not offered in the past four years are removed from this Calendar and placed on Reserve. These courses may be taught again in the future, in which case they would be brought back into the active Course Listings and placed in the Calendar. Information about Reserve Courses is available through the Registrar’s Office, the University Secretariat, and Faculty Offices.

Faculty Specific Regulations Regarding Courses

For specific Faculty regulations relating to courses and for a complete list of subjects taught by a Faculty, please consult the Undergraduate Programs section of the Calendar at the end of each Faculty section.

Physical Requirements for University Courses

The University has a commitment to the education of all academically qualified students and special services are frequently provided on campus to assist disabled students.

Nevertheless, some courses make certain unavoidable demands on students with respect to the possession of a certain level of physical skill or ability if the academic objectives of the course are to be realized. In case of doubt, students are advised to contact the Department concerned and Student Accessibility Disability Services (SAS), Office of the Dean of Students.

Because support services cannot be guaranteed for all off-campus courses, instructors may be obliged to refuse registration in such courses.

Course Availability

The following is a comprehensive course listing of all the approved courses that the University of Alberta may offer. The appearance of a course in this list does not guarantee that the course will actually be offered. The most current information on courses is available on Bear Tracks at https://www.beartracks.ualberta.ca

Course Listings
 

Biology (Biological Sciences): Undergraduate

Department of Biological Sciences
Faculty of Science

Notes

  1. See the following sections for listings of other Biological Sciences courses: Bioinformatics (BIOIN); Botany (BOT); Entomology (ENT); Genetics (GENET); Microbiology (MICRB); Zoology (ZOOL).
  2. See the following sections for listings of other relevant courses: Interdisciplinary Studies (INT D); Immunology and Infection (IMIN); Marine Science (MA SC); Paleontology (PALEO).
  

  • BIOL 107 - Introduction to Cell Biology

    ★ 3 (fi 6) (either term, 3-1s-3) An introduction to cell structure and function. Major topics include the molecules and structures that comprise prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, the mechanisms by which energy is harvested and used by cells, how cells reproduce, and how information is stored and used within a cell via the processes of DNA replication, transcription, and translation. Prerequisites: Biology 30 and Chemistry 30. Note: BIOL 107 is not a prerequisite for BIOL 108. BIOL 107 and 108 can be taken in either term.
  

  • BIOL 108 - Introduction to Biological Diversity

    ★ 3 (fi 6) (either term, 3-1s-3) Examines the major lineages of life on Earth. Overview of evolutionary principles and classification, the history of life, and the key adaptations of prokaryotes, protists, fungi, plants, and animals. Laboratories survey the diversity of biological form and function, and introduce students to data collection and scientific writing. Prerequisite: Biology 30. Note: BIOL 107 is not a prerequisite for BIOL 108. BIOL 107 and 108 can be taken in either term.
  

  • BIOL 201 - Eukaryotic Cellular Biology

    ★ 3 (fi 6) (either term, 3-0-0) A structural and functional dissection of a eukaryotic cell. Detection of specific molecules at the ultrastructural level; plasma membrane structure and function; cytoskeleton involvement in intracellular transport, mitosis, and cytokinesis; the endomembrane system, protein targeting, exocytosis and endocytosis; nuclear structure and function; cell cycle control and cancer. Prerequisite: BIOL 107 and a 100-level Chemistry course, or SCI 100. Note: Not to be taken by students with credit in CELL 201, in addition, not available to students currently enrolled in CELL 201.
  

  • BIOL 207 - Molecular Genetics and Heredity

    ★ 3 (fi 6) (either term, 3-1s-3) The chromosomal and molecular basis for the transmission and function of genes. The construction of genetic and physical maps of genes and genomes. Strategies for the isolation of specific genes. Examples of regulatory mechanisms for the expression of the genetic material in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Prerequisite: BIOL 107 or SCI 100.
  

  • BIOL 208 - Principles of Ecology

    ★ 3 (fi 6) (either term, 3-0-3) Ecology is the scientific study of interactions between organisms and their environment in a hierarchy of levels of organization: individuals, populations, communities, and ecosystems. Provides a comprehensive survey of general concepts that can stand alone or serve as preparation for advanced courses in ecology. Labs emphasize collection, analysis, and interpretation of data from ecological experiments and field studies to illustrate and complement lecture material. Examples are drawn from a broad range of organisms and systems. Prerequisite: BIOL 108 or SCI 100. Open to students in the BSc Forestry and BSc Forest Business Management program once they have completed REN R 120 and REN R 205.
  

  • BIOL 221 - Mechanisms of Evolution

    ★ 3 (fi 6) (second term, 3-0-0) Discusses the major features of the evolutionary process, including the fossil record, basic population genetics, variation, natural selection, adaptation, and speciation. Prerequisites: BIOL 107, 108 or SCI 100. Credit cannot be obtained for both BIOL 221 and 321.
  

  • BIOL 298 - Understanding Biological Research

    ★ 3 (fi 6) (either term, 3-0-3) An introduction to the process of scientific research including the different approaches to research within biology, formulating research questions, hands-on skill development, experimental design, data collection and analysis, critical thinking, communication of findings, ethics, and career opportunities. Students will attend lectures and selected seminars, and participate in biological research under the supervision of an academic staff member in the Department of Biological Sciences. Open to undergraduate students in the Faculty of Science with preference given to students in Honors and Specialization Programs in the Department of Biological Sciences, and BSc General students (Biological Sciences major). Consent of Department of Biological Sciences required. All students must apply for admission. Prerequisite: BIOL 107 or 108 or SCI 100. See the Biological Sciences website for more details at www.biology.ualberta.ca/courses.
  

  • BIOL 299 - Research Opportunity Program

    ★ 1.5 (fi 3) (either term, 0-0-3) A credit/no-credit course under the supervision of an academic member of the Department of Biological Sciences. Normally taken in the second year. Recommended that students have a minimum of *30 but not more than *60 in a program in the Faculty of Science. Prerequisite: GPA of 2.5 or higher, credit in BIOL 107 or 108 or SCI 100 and/or consent of Department. Normally taken in addition to a full course load. Project and course information available at ROP website or Department of Biological Sciences. Note: Application does not guarantee an ROP position. Credit may be obtained twice.
  

  • BIOL 315 - Biology: An Historical Perspective

    ★ 3 (fi 6) (second term, 3-0-0) An outline of the scientific foundations of biological discovery to the mid-20th century. Students must have a sophisticated understanding of modern concepts in biology, be prepared to write a major essay on a focused topic, deliver an oral presentation and participate actively in class discussion. Prerequisite: a third-year course in the biological sciences or consent of instructor.
  

  • 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 or SCI 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, 125 or SCI 100; STAT 151 or SCI 151.
  

  • BIOL 332 - Community Ecology

    ★ 3 (fi 6) (either 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 or SCI 151; and any one of MATH 113, 115, 120, 125 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 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.
  

  • BIOL 335 - Principles of Systematics

    ★ 3 (fi 6) (second term, 3-1s-0) An introduction to the principles, methods, and applications of biological systematics, including reconstruction of phylogenies, creation of classifications, historical biogeography, and applications in evolutionary biology. Each student will analyze phylogenetic data and write a description of a species and its relationships. Prerequisite: 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 ecosystem 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 and arctic 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. Credit cannot be obtained for BIOL 366 and any of the following courses: REN R 365, 463, 466.
  

  • 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 REN R 364.
  

  • 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 - A Planet in Crisis

    ★ 3 (fi 6) (first term, 3-0-0) This course examines how humankind’s collective activities, including altering the climate, have significantly affected the natural planetary balance. We will discuss human population growth and unsustainable resource use; the movement of pollutants through the atmosphere, hydrosphere and biosphere; the impacts these stressors have on ecosystem services and human health; and how certain impacts have been and can be mitigated by environmental policies and laws. Groups of students will produce a short video documentary on a topic related to how humans impact their environment. Prerequisite: BIOL 208.
  

  • BIOL 384 - Global Change and Ecosystems

    ★ 3 (fi 6) (second term, 3-0-0) Ecological impacts of climate change and large-scale 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.
  

  • BIOL 391 - Techniques in Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics

    ★ 3 (fi 6) (either term, 0-1s-6) A laboratory course introducing students to techniques in gene manipulation, protein expression and bioinformatics by following a gene through a thematic series of molecular manipulations. Restricted to Honors and Specialization students in Biological Sciences and consent of instructor. Prerequisites: BIOL 207 and BIOCH 200. Not to be taken by students currently enrolled in GENET 420 or with credit in GENET 420. Credit can be obtained for only one of BIOL 391, IMIN 391 or MMI 391.
  

  • 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 398 - Research Project

    ★ 3 (fi 6) (either term, 0-0-6) Directed research done under the supervision of an academic member of the Department of Biological Sciences. Normally for students in their third year of study. Successful completion of this course requires a written report on the research project. Prerequisites: A 200-level Biological Sciences course and consent of the Associate Chair, Undergraduate Studies. Credit for this course may be obtained only once.
  

  • BIOL 399 - Research Project

    ★ 6 (fi 12) (two term, 0-0-6) Directed research done under the supervision of an academic member of the Department of Biological Sciences. Normally for students in their third year of study. Successful completion of this course requires a written report on the research project. Prerequisites: A 200-level Biological Sciences course and consent of the Associate Chair, Undergraduate Studies. Credit for this course may be obtained only once.
  

  • BIOL 400 - Science Internship Practicum

    ★ 3 (fi 6) (either term, 0-3s-0) Required by all students who have just completed the on-site portion of the Science Internship Program. Must be completed during the first academic term following return to full-time studies. Note: A grade of F to A+ will be determined by the student’s job performance as evaluated by the employer, by the student’s performance in the completion of an internship practicum report, and by the student’s ability to learn from the experiences of the Internship as demonstrated in an oral presentation. Prerequisites: WKEXP 955 and 956.
  

  • BIOL 409 - Zoonoses

    ★ 3 (fi 6) (first term, 3-0-0) This course will examine the biology of zoonotic agents and the implication of host-pathogen interactions to disease susceptibility and resistance. Students will apply these basic concepts towards the understanding of issues governing pathogenesis, pathology, epidemiology, control and surveillance of zoonotic diseases. Focus will be placed on zoonotic agents currently having a significant impact on animal and public health. Lectures will be followed by active discussion of selected readings. Prerequisites: one of IMIN 200, ZOOL 352, ZOOL 354, ENT 392 or consent of instructor. Credit cannot be obtained for both BIOL 409 and BIOL 509.
  

  • 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 or SCI 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 or SCI 151, BIOL 330 or 430. This course requires payment of additional miscellaneous fees. Refer to the Fees Payment Guide in the University Regulations and Information for Students section of the Calendar.
  

  • BIOL 433 - Plant-Animal Interactions

    ★ 3 (fi 6) (either 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.
  

  • 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, 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 445 - Current Topics in Animal and Cell Physiology

    ★ 3 (fi 6) (first term, 0-3s-0) Survey, discussion and evaluation of literature dealing with current advances and selected topics in animal and cell physiology. Prerequisite: ZOOL 340 or 342 or 343, or PHYSL 372. Credit may be obtained more than once. Offered in alternate years.
  

  • 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 REN R 364 and consent of instructor.
  

  • 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 or SCI 151; one of BIOL 331, 332 or BOT 332. Previous GIS course is useful. Credit cannot be obtained for both BIOL 471 and 571.
  

  • BIOL 490 - Individual Study

    ★ 3 (fi 6) (either term, 0-0-6) Registration will be contingent on the student’s having made prior arrangements with a faculty member willing to supervise the program. Credit may be obtained more than once. Prerequisites: A 300-level Biological Sciences course and consent of the Associate Chair, Undergraduate Studies.
  

  • BIOL 495 - Special Topics in Biology

    ★ 3 (fi 6) (either term, 0-3s-0) Covers specialized topics of current interest to advanced undergraduates in Biological Sciences. Consult the Department for details about current offerings. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. Credit for this course may be obtained more than once.
  

  • BIOL 498 - Research Project

    ★ 3 (fi 6) (either term, 0-0-6) Directed research done under the supervision of an academic member of the Department of Biological Sciences. Normally for students in their fourth year of study. Successful completion of this course requires a written report on the research project. Credit may be obtained more than once. Prerequisites: A 300-level Biological Sciences course and consent of the Associate Chair, Undergraduate Studies.
  

  • BIOL 499 - Research Project

    ★ 6 (fi 12) (two term, 0-0-6) Directed research done under the supervision of an academic member of the Department of Biological Sciences. Normally for students in their fourth year of study. Successful completion of this course requires an oral presentation and a written report on the research project. Prerequisites: A 300-level Biological Sciences course and the consent of the Associate Chair, Undergraduate Studies. Note: Students in Honors in Biological Sciences are required to successfully complete BIOL 499.

Biology (Biological Sciences): Graduate

Notes

  1. All 300- and 400-level courses in the Department of Biological Sciences may be taken for credit (except for BIOL 490 , BIOL 498  and BIOL 499 ) by graduate students with approval of the student’s supervisory committee.
  2. The following courses may be taken as an option in graduate programs in the Department of Biological Sciences with approval of the student’s supervisor or supervisory committee: BIOCH 510 , BIOCH 520 , BIOCH 530 , BIOCH 541 , BIOCH 550 , BIOCH 555 , 560; CHEM 361 , CHEM 363 , CHEM 461 ; CELL 300 , CELL 301 ; REN R 511 ; IMIN 371 , IMIN 372 , IMIN 452 , IMIN 501 ; MA SC 400 , MA SC 401 , 402, MA SC 410  MA SC 412  MA SC 420 MA SC 425 , MA SC 430 , MA SC 437 , MA SC 440, MA SC 445, MA SC 470, MA SC 480 ; MMI 405 , MMI 415 ; NEURO 472 ; NU FS 363 ; PALEO 418 , PALEO 419 ; PHARM 601 .
  

  • BIOL 501 - Applied Bioinformatics

    ★ 3 (fi 6) (first term, 3-1s-0) Discussion of computational tools and databases used in the analysis of data from high-throughput molecular biology studies. Students will use existing tools, learn the underlying algorithms and their limitations, and will be required to complete an individual research project. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. Credit cannot be obtained for both BIOIN 301 and BIOL 501.
  

  • BIOL 506 - Systematics and Evolution Forum

    ★ 2 (fi 4) (either term, 1-1s-0) Lectures and discussions on a variety of subjects in systematics and evolutionary biology by graduate students, staff, and visiting speakers. Credit may be obtained more than once. Prerequisite: consent of instructors for students not registered in the systematics and evolution graduate program.
  

  • BIOL 509 - Advanced Topics in Zoonoses

    ★ 3 (fi 6) (first term, 3-0-0) This course will examine the biology of zoonotic agents and the implication of host-pathogen interactions to disease susceptibility and resistance. Students will apply these basic concepts towards the understanding of issues governing pathogenesis, pathology, epidemiology, control and surveillance of zoonotic diseases. Focus will be placed on zoonotic agents currently having a significant impact on animal and public health. Lectures will be followed by active discussion of selected readings. Scheduled classes are the same as for BIOL 409, but with additional assignments and evaluation appropriate to graduate studies. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. Credit cannot be obtained for both BIOL 409 and BIOL 509.
  

  • BIOL 521 - Advanced 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. Lectures and labs are the same as BIOL 421, but with additional assignments and evaluation appropriate to graduate studies. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Credit cannot be obtained for both BIOL 421 and BIOL 521. Offered in alternate years.
  

  • BIOL 534 - Advanced 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, resource acquisition, reproduction, defense and social interactions are discussed. Students research topics in Chemical Ecology and present their findings in oral and written formats. Graduate students complete an additional assignment and evaluation appropriate to graduate studies. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. Credit cannot be obtained for both BIOL 434 and 534. Offered in alternate years.
  

  • BIOL 540 - Advanced 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 approaches relating 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. Seminars are the same as for BIOL 440, but with additional assignments and evaluation appropriate to graduate studies. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. Credit cannot be obtained for both BIOL 440 and 540.
  

  • BIOL 545 - Advanced Topics in Animal and Cell Physiology

    ★ 3 (fi 6) (first term, 0-3s-0) Survey, discussion and evaluation of literature dealing with current advances and selected topics in animal and cell physiology. Credit may be obtained more than once. Discussions are the same as for BIOL 445, but with additional assignments and evaluation appropriate to graduate studies. Enrolment of students by consent of instructor. Offered in alternate years.
  

  • BIOL 560 - Current Problems in Ecology

    ★ 3 (fi 6) (either term, 0-3s-0) Seminar and reading on current problems concerning selected aspects of ecology. More than one section may be available and topics change from year to year. Please consult the Department for current information. Credit for this course may be obtained more than once. Prerequisite: at least one 400-level ecology course.
  

  • BIOL 570 - Models in Ecology

    ★ 3 (fi 6) (second term, 0-3s-1) Formulation, analysis, parameterization, and validation of quantitative models for ecological processes. Applications include population dynamics, species interactions, movement, and spatial processes. Approaches include classical hypothesis testing, computer simulation, differential equations, individual-based models, least squares, likelihood, matrix equations, Markov processes, multiple working hypotheses, and stochastic processes. The lab covers computer simulation methods. Prerequisite: consent of Instructor. Offered in alternate years.
  

  • BIOL 571 - Landscape Ecology and Applications

    ★ 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. Lectures and labs are the same as for BIOL 471, but with an additional research project and evaluation appropriate to graduate studies. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. Credit cannot be obtained for both BIOL 471 and 571.
  

  • BIOL 592 - 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. Labs are the same as BIOL 392, but with additional assignments and evaluation appropriate to graduate studies. Prerequisite: consent of instructor, corequisite: BIOL 380. Credit cannot be obtained for both BIOL 392 and 592.
  

  • BIOL 595 - Special Topics in Biology

    ★ 3 (fi 6) (either term, 0-3s-0) Covers specialized topics of current interest to graduate students in Biological Sciences. Consult the Department for details about current offerings. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. Credit for this course may be obtained more than once.
  

  • BIOL 603 - Advanced Ecology

    ★ 3 (fi 6) (either term, 0-3s-0) Designed for new graduate students in environmental biology to foster critical thinking and discussion and to introduce them to issues of experimental design and analysis and different approaches to ecology. The course involves student discussion of papers, lectures by faculty members on their research, seminars by students and a written assignment. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. Preference will be given to students in Biological Sciences.
  

  • BIOL 631 - Seminar in Ecology and Evolution

    ★ 1 (fi 2) (either term, 0-1s-0) Credit may be obtained more than once.
  

  • BIOL 633 - Advanced Techniques in Biology

    ★ 1 (fi 2) (either term, 0-2s-0) This course will cover specialized topics of current interest to graduate students in Biological Sciences with an emphasis on learning new research skills. Prerequisite: consent of Instructor. Credit for this course may be obtained more than once.
  

  • BIOL 642 - Seminars in Physiology, Cell and Developmental Biology

    ★ 1 (fi 2) (either term, 0-2s-0) Credit may be obtained more than once.