Course Descriptions

This course provides a perspective on the biology of the human animal. It explores humans from the level of our chemical components to the cooperation of organ systems which sustain life. The basic concepts of biochemistry, cell structure and function, digestion and nutrition, reproduction, genetics, and evolution are covered. This is a laboratory science course designed primarily for non-biology majors. Laboratory exercises include microscopy, dissections, genetic analysis and experimentation.

This course, designed primarily as a laboratory science elective for non-science students, examines a wide range of environmental issues from a biological perspective. Basic principles of ecology are developed and the impact of modern society on the environment is assessed. The overall focus is global, however, basic ecological principles are developed using British Columbian and other Canadian examples. Major environmental issues relevant to Canada are also stressed. Major topics include ecological concepts, conservation and endangered species, air pollution and global warming, water resources, and water pollution.

This course is intended for students planning to continue in biology or related disciplines. Topics are the same as in BIOL 110, with additional coverage of basic chemistry and cell biology.

This course is intended for students planning to continue in biology or related disciplines. Topics are the same as in BIOL 110, with additional coverage of basic chemistry and cell biology.

This course is intended for students planning to continue in biology or related disciplines, but who do not have appropriate chemistry pre-requisites for BIOL 110. This course also provides additional in-class assignments and exercises to support students with limited experience in the biological sciences, or those seeking additional learning support. Topics are the same as in BIOL 110, with additional coverage of basic chemistry, cell biology and the scientific method. Students should note that BIOL 109 laboratory classes will be identical and shared with BIOL 110 laboratory courses.

This course provides a foundation in the basic concepts of Biology and is the standard course for students who plan to take further courses in Biology. Major topics include experimental methods and hypothesis testing in the biological sciences and the value of science, the chemistry of life, cell structure, function and metabolism, cellular reproduction, and the chromosomal and molecular basis of inheritance.

The objective of this course is to complete the survey of biological concepts begun in BIOL 109 and BIOL 110. Biodiversity of living forms and their evolutionary relationships, classification schemes, an introduction to the structure, function and evolution of representative systems in plants and animals, evolution of populations, speciation and extinction, ecology and biogeography are the subject areas emphasized. These topics, along with those previously covered in the prerequisite courses, will provide the background needed for students who plan to major in Biology or related disciplines.

This course provides a foundation in the study of human anatomy and physiology. It introduces the fundamental concepts of biochemistry, cell biology, human heredity and molecular biology. The anatomy and physiology of the endocrine, digestive and reproductive systems is covered as well as the study of fertilization, embryonic and fetal development. Laboratory exercises include microscopy, dissections, genetic analysis and experimentation.

This course is a continuation of Biology 112. The anatomy and physiology of the integumentary, muscular-skeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory, nervous, urinary and lymphatic systems is examined. Emphasis is also given to the maintenance of overall health as well as the study of select diseases pertaining to the systems examined. Laboratory sessions provide practical study of the selected systems and introduce techniques used to make physiological evaluations. The course along with Biology 112 satisfies the human anatomy and physiology requirements for some Human Kinetics programs, most nursing programs and other health science programs in BC.

This course is an introduction to the principles and mechanisms of heredity. Emphasis will be placed on an analytical approach to transmission genetics, genetics of humans, introductory molecular genetics, quantitative genetics, and population genetics.

This is an introductory course in human nutrition. The course includes the study of the anatomy and physiology of the gastrointestinal tract and the chemistry, metabolism and biological roles of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins. Nutritional requirements for human growth, development, energy and longevity are covered as well as both the environmental and genetic basis of nutritional disorders and nutritional individuality.

This course will introduce students to basic principles of microbiology with applications to human health. The main focus of the course is on the biology of bacteria. Major topics include cell structure and function, metabolism, genetics, and involvement in human pathogenesis. Some aspects of virology and the human immune response will also be covered. Laboratory exercises will introduce students to standard microbiological lab techniques.

This course is a comprehensive introduction to modern ecology. Interactions between organisms and the environment will be studied at the individual, population, community, ecosystem, and global levels. Laboratory exercises will introduce students to aspects of experimental design and data analysis, and will include several field trips to explore a variety of local ecosystems.

This course provides a comparative approach to animal and plant physiology. Students will be introduced to the basic physiological principles and integrate biology, physics and chemistry to describe adaptations and physiological mechanisms underlying life. Systems covered will include nervous, endocrine, digestive and communication systems in both animals and plants.

This course is a comparative study of the vascular plant groups, the pteridophytes, gymnosperms and angiosperms. It emphasises the evolution, morphology, ecology and function of each of the groups and includes discussions of problems in plant morphology.

This course is a comparative survey of the major phyla and classes of invertebrates with emphasis on phylogeny, adaptive biology and ecology of each group. The course is designed around the major unifying concept of evolution. It introduces issues of contemporary interest in the field of invertebrate zoology. The laboratory complements the lecture components.

This course is a comparative survey of the major classes of vertebrates, emphasizing phylogenetic relationships of chordates and craniates, and evolutionary trends and functional anatomy of organ systems. The laboratory and field trip components of the course complement the lecture material and allow observations of representative vertebrates as well as the study of their natural history.

This course is an integrated study of the structure and function of cells and their components. Ultrastructure of cell organelles as determined by electron microscopy will be related to the molecular functions of cells. Emphasis will also be placed on the techniques used to study cells, the evolutionary origin of cells and their components, and on comparisons between specialized cell structure and function. The laboratory exercises will use modern methods of microscopy and separation techniques in a detailed study of cell structures and their functions.

This course examines the fundamental principles and basic facts of biochemistry starting with protein structure and enzyme functions. Cell energetics, biosyntheses and mechanisms which control cell metabolism will also be considered. The laboratory will use the current techniques of biochemistry to conduct experimental analyses of the molecular functions of cells and tissues.

This course is a comprehensive introduction to microbiology. The main focus is on the basic biology of prokaryotic microorganisms, including their cell structure, metabolism, genetics, and ecology. Other topics include viruses, eukaryotic microbes, microbial diseases and the immune response. The lab provides practical experience in standard microbiological techniques.

This course provides an introduction to algae, nonvascular and vascular plants. The focus is on the key evolutionary and phylogenetic relations between the major taxonomic groups, highlighting the interrelationships between form and function. The course will develop topics in plant physiology, ecology and the importance of plants and algae to society, including Indigenous societies, with an emphasis on local species. Study of subject material will be enhanced by case studies, literature reviews, herbarium studies, field trips and lab observations and experimentation.

This course introduces students to key concepts of pathophysiology and disease. Students who have successfully completed this course will have gained a sound understanding of how the human body operates in healthy and chronically perturbed states (disease).

This course introduces students to key concepts of pathophysiology and disease. It introduces the fundamental concepts of cellular pathology, immunopathology, cardiovascular pathology and respiratory pathology. Students who have successfully completed this course will have gained a sound understanding of how the human body operates in healthy and chronically perturbed states (disease).

This course is a continuation of BIOL 241. The pathologies of the endocrine, digestive, musculoskeletal, renal and neural systems will be examined, as well as metabolic syndrome and disease. Students who have successfully completed this course will have gained a sound understanding of how the human body operates in healthy and chronically perturbed states (disease).

This course features a detailed examination of the structure, mutability, and expression of the genetic material. Major topics include DNA replication, recombination, repair, and organization. Prokaryotic, eukaryotic, and viral gene expression as well as recombinant DNA methods will also be covered. Students will be introduced to searching and evaluating primary literature and will practice oral and written presentation skills. Laboratory exercises will focus on standard techniques for isolating and characterizing DNA sequences.

This course will focus on the ecological principles that are needed to support critical thinking about sustainability. Students will learn about the dynamics of ecological systems and how they respond to natural and human disturbance. This knowledge will be applied to understand how ecological systems may be managed in ways that enhance rather than compromise their natural resilience.

In this course students will examine the theory, practice, and tools of conserving biodiversity. Students will explore the genetic, organismal, and ecological diversity of life on Earth and how it has changed through time. They will evaluate the main causes of biodiversity loss, and the tools used to prevent it. Students will complete a problem-based learning project with an emphasis on local, regional or national conservation efforts.

This course is a detailed examination of specific organ systems in the human body, including the digestive, nervous, and endocrine systems. The course focuses on integration of physiological mechanisms at the cellular and whole human level, how the systems integrate together to maintain homeostasis, and how the breakdown of these mechanisms leads to pathologies and diseases.

This course is a detailed examination of specific organ systems in the human body, including the lymphatic, cardiovascular, respiratory, and renal systems. The course focuses on integration of physiological mechanisms at the molecular and cellular level, how the systems integrate together to maintain homeostasis, and how the breakdown of these mechanisms leads to pathologies and diseases.

This course is an integrated study of the biochemical and molecular aspects of cell function and communication, with an emphasis on signal transduction pathways integrating cellular physiological processes such as the cell cycle, cancer, immune function and neuronal communication.

Students will be introduced to the natural history of BC's animal and plant species as well as the link between geological and biological history which is responsible for the geographic distribution of living things. BC's fascinating geological and climatic history has played an important role in determining the province's present assemblage of flora and fauna and its high level of biodiversity compared to the rest of Canada.

Students will be introduced to the relationship between earth's geological and biological history and the evolutionary processes which combine to determine the global distribution of plants, animals and ecosystems. Major biomes, such as the tundra, boreal forests, tropical rainforests, grasslands and deserts and their characteristic vegetation and faunal groups will be included in the studies.

This course will introduce students to Evolutionary Biology. It will focus on the process of evolutionary change and the resulting patterns of biological diversity. Recent advances and applications of evolutionary thought to human evolution, medicine, agriculture and conservation will be discussed.

This course addresses brain anatomy and physiology and the pathophysiological basis of selected neurodegenerative diseases. Major topics include the brain's role as a controller of vital biological processes and factors influencing brain homeostasis and health. Effective strategies for the prevention of brain disease and restorative care will be examined.

This course will provide an overview of the molecular pathology of selected chronic diseases. Topics covered include the physiological function of cardiovascular, pulmonary, metabolic, neuromuscular and immunological systems and the pathology underlying selected chronic diseases of these systems. The response of such systems to acute and chronic exercise as well as the link between physical inactivity and disease development and prevention will be examined.

In this course students will learn fundamental principles of population ecology and apply them to a variety of issues of global and regional concern. Traditional ecological knowledge systems will be introduced in context to their application to population ecology. Lectures will focus on the dynamics of single and interacting populations, using both theoretical and empirical approaches. Lab exercises will focus on habitat assessment and population monitoring for local species in our region.

In this course students will learn fundamental principles of ecosystem ecology and apply them to a variety of issues of global and regional concern. Traditional ecological knowledge systems will be introduced in context to their application to ecosystem ecology. Comparative analysis of terrestrial, freshwater, and marine ecosystems will highlight common themes, as well as ways in which different abiotic environments constrain or shape ecosystem structure and function. Lab exercises will focus on ecosystem characterization and classification in our region.

This course is an advanced study of medical microbiology and immunology. It focuses on molecular mechanisms of microbial pathogenesis, and the human immune response.

In this course students will explore the science and practice of restoring the structure and function of degraded ecosystems. Lectures will focus on applications of fundamental ecological principles in the context of restoration, coupled with case studies. In the lab component students will design and implement a campus or community-based restoration project.

Global Change Biology considers interactions between humans and living systems, and the consequences for environmental change, past, present, and future. Major issues are addressed including habitat loss, globalization of biodiversity, ecosystem collapse, agricultural degradation of soil and water, marine resource depletion and climate change. Students practice environmental monitoring skills, consider case studies on global change manifest at the local level and develop strategies for adaptation and mitigation to address future global conditions. Traditional ecological knowledge systems will be introduced in context to their enhancement of western conservation and sustainability initiatives.

Neurological disorders arising from damage, disease and degeneration, are a major and growing global health concern. In this seminar course, students will explore principles and patterns of nerve cell, tissue and organ damage associated with stress, disease, drugs, medications, ageing and head injury. Further, students will appraise risk factors, aetiologies, therapies and future trends with respect to neurological disorders, and how to recognize and explain the mechanisms of pathologic changes specific to the central and peripheral nervous systems.