Biology Option 

Department of Biology

• Lower Level (Year I and Year II) Requirements 
• Upper Level (Year III and Year IV) Requirements 
• Co-operative Work Experience in Biology 
• Concentrations 

Faculty

• Addison, Jason A., BSc, PhD (Dal.), Assoc Prof - 2008
• Bailey, Robert C., BSc, MSc, PhD (UWO), Adjunct Prof - 2010
• Baird, Donald J., BSc, PhD (Glas), Visiting Res Prof - 2003
• Barbeau, Myriam A., BSc (McG.), PhD (Dal.), Prof - 1999
• Barclay, Katherine, BSc (UNB), MSc (Wat.), PhD (Guelph), Sr Teaching Assoc (Joint Kinesiology and Nursing) - 2001
• Benfey, Tillmann, BSc (McG.), MSc (Nfld.), PhD (Br.Col.), Prof - 1989
• Campbell, Douglas A., BSc (Acad), PhD (UWO), Adjunct Prof -2001
• Chambers, Patricia, BSc Honours (Trent), PhD (Scotland), Adjunct Prof - 2006
• Clark, Denise V., BSc (Br.Col.), PhD (S. Fraser), Prof - 1994
• Cone, David, BSc (Guelph) MSc (Guelph) PhD (UNB), Adjunct Prof - 2003
• Courtenay, Simon, BSc, MSc (Western), PhD (Br.Col.) Visiting Res Prof - 2005
• Crawford, Bryan D., BSc (Alta), MSc (Vic.(BC)), PhD (S. Fraser) - Assoc Prof 2006
• Culp, Joseph, BSc (Oklahoma Univ), MSc, PhD (Calg.), Visiting Res Prof (Cross Appt) - 2002
• Cunjak, Richard, BSc (Guelph), MSc (Nfld.), PhD (Wat.), - Prof and Canada Research Chair in River Ecosystem Science (Joint Forestry) - 1997
• Curry, Allen, BES (Wat.), MSc (Trent), PhD (Guelph), Prof, Recreational Fisheries (Joint Forestry) - 1997
• Cwynar, Les C., BSc, MSc, PhD (Tor.), Prof - 1988
• Diamond, Antony W., BA (Cantab.), MSc, PhD (Aberd.), Prof and Chair of Atlantic Coop Wildlife Ecology Res Network (Joint Forestry) - 1994
• Didyk, Andy, BA PhD (UNB), Sr Teaching Assoc, Moncton/Bathurst Campuses (Joint Nursing) - 1999
• Duffy, Michael, BSc (Hons), PhD (UNB), Sr Teaching Assoc and Adjunct Prof - 2005
• Durnford, Dion, BSc (Dal), PhD (Br.Col), Prof - 1997
• Forbes, Graham, BA (York), MA, PhD (Wat.), Prof (Joint Forestry) - 1997
• Heard, Stephen, BSc (Wat.), PhD (Pennyslvania), Prof and Chair - 2002
• Jesson, Linley, BSc (Auckland), MSc (Hons) (Canterbury), PhD (Tor), Assoc Prof - 2006
• Keppie, Daniel M., BS (Wis.), MS (Ore.), PhD (Alta.), Prof (Joint Forestry) - 1974
• Kubien, David, BScFor (Br.Col), MSc (Car.), PhD (Tor.), Assoc Prof - 2005
• Lawrence, Janice, BSC, PhD (Dal.), Assoc Prof - 2003
• MacLellan, Shawn, BSc (Guelph), MSc (Guelph), PhD (McMaster), Asst Prof - 2010
• Mayes, Charlene, BSc, MS (S.Fraser), BCIDP (Vancouver Community College), Sr Teaching Assoc - 1997
• Miles, Kelly, BSc (Dal.), MSc (Dal.), Instructor - 2012
• Nedelcu, Aurora, BSc (Romania), PhD (Dal.), Prof - 2002
• Patten, Cheryl, BSc, PhD (Wat.), Assoc Prof 2004
• Peake, Stephan, BSc General, BSc Honors (Guelph), MSc (Wat.), PhD (S.Fraser), Assoc Prof - 2002
• Pelletier, Yvan, BSc, MSc (Laval), PhD (Penn State), Adjunct Prof - 2000
• Pureswaran, Deepa, BSc, MSc, PhD (S.Fraser), Adjunct Prof - 2010
• Reyes Prieto, Adrien, BSc, PhD (Mexico), Asst Prof - 2010
• Saunders, Gary W., BSc, MSc (Acad.), PhD (S. Fraser), Prof and Canada Research Chair in Molecular Systematics & Biodiversity - 1995
• Sharp, Lisa, BSc (Br.Col), MSc (Vic. BC), BCIDP (Vancouver Community College), Sr Teaching Assoc - 2001
• Stephenson, Robert L., BSc, PhD (Canterbury), Visiting Res Prof and Adjunct Prof - 2010
• Wells, Peter, BSc , MSc (Tor), PhD (Guelph), Adjunct Prof - 2007
• Whoriskey, Fred, BSc (Ariz.), PhD (Laval), Adjunct Prof - 1998

General Information

Biology Goal

The educational goal of the Department of Biology at UNB is to foster a fascination with and an ability to learn about progress in the biological sciences, and their roles in society. This is achieved through teaching within the department that emphasises the questions of contemporary biology, and how they are asked.  Our graduates understand that the sub-disciplines of 21st century biology are interrelated, ask questions at a range of spatial and temporal scales, with a broad taxonomic scope, and that these dynamic disciplines have a strong quantitative foundation.

Our aim is to provide students with a foundation upon which they can build in future professional or postgraduate training, and as scientifically literate citizens of our society.

Programs in Biology

The Department of Biology offers the following programs: Honours (by Thesis or by Course), Major and Minor.

Either of the Honours programs provides students with the preparation required for graduate work in Biology, while pre-professional students will usually find that they can adapt the Honours by Course Program to meet the prerequisites for admission to professional schools.*

The Major program is designed to provide concentration in Biology while maximizing a student's access to the offerings of other Departments and Faculties. It will therefore be of use to students with interdisciplinary educational and career objectives. With care, pre-professional students should be able to use this to satisfy prerequisites to many professional schools.*

These programs have common lower level (Year I and Year II) requirements totalling 74 ch.

The Minor program is structured to meet the individual needs of the student and will complement his/her major program.

Admission to these programs is by application to the Chair of Biology or Director of Undergraduate Studies. Minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) requirements and prerequisites may be required for admission.

An advisor, assigned to each successful applicant, must approve course selections according to the guidelines given below.

Students are reminded that courses offered by other Departments form an important complementary part of the overall program of studies. A minimum of 12 ch of electives selected from the course offerings of the Faculty of Arts are required in the Honours and Major programs.

Note:* In addition to their Biology advisor, pre-professional students must consult the Assistant Dean of Science for information about prerequisites and advice on program planning.

Lower Level (Year I and Year II) Requirements 

Year I (38 ch minimum)

1. BIOL 1001, 1006, 1012, 1017; CHEM 1001, 1006, 1012, 1017; MATH 1003 or 1053 and one of MATH 1013, 1063 or STAT 2264 .
2. 2 more term courses of first year science lectures (Physics or Geology).
3. 6 ch electives

Year II

1. CHEM 2401 (3 ch) and STAT 2264 (3 ch)* (see Note 4).
2. (10 ch) Cellular Core Module: BIOL 2025, 2033, 2053. *(see Note 6)
3. (10 ch) Organismal Core Module: two of BIOL 2073, 2083, or 2093
4. (10 ch) Ecology/Evolution Core Module: BIOL 2105, 2113, 2143 .

Notes: (*)

1. A C grade or better is required in all courses for Biology degree programs. Students in all Biology programs will not be allowed to take any third or fourth year Biology courses, until they have passed (C minimum) all first year requirements for Biology programs.
   
   
2. Students should plan ahead and anticipate upper level course prerequisites when choosing courses to satisfy the lower level requirements.
   
   
3. While the Department of Biology will attempt to maximize and optimize course offerings, circumstances are such that the Department cannot guarantee to offer all courses in any particular year. Students should therefore try to take important or essential courses at the first practical opportunity.
   
   
4. If STAT 2264 is counted as a first year requirement, then an extra 3 ch of Upper Level courses (or BIOL 2043 or a third course from the Organismal Core Module) must be taken.
   
   
5. Students are urged to register early (by the end of classes, Winter term) for courses they plan to take in the next academic year that are required for their program and that have limited enrollment.
   
   
6. Students who plan to concentrate in the fields of Cell and Molecular Biology are advised to take all three courses, BIOL 2033 , 2043 and 2053 , in their second year to satisfy prerequisites for courses in Years III and IV.

Upper Level (Year III and Year IV) Requirements

The Honours and Major Programs differ in their admission requirements, upper level biology course content, and total credit hours expected.

1. Major Program:
   To receive a Major in Biology, each student must complete a total of 132 ch, including the Year I and II requirements (74) plus completion of at least 28 additional ch of Biology courses beyond the Level I and II requirements. Acceptable courses include Level III and IV courses as outlined in this Calendar*. Other acceptable upper level biology courses include a third course from the Organismal Core Module, BIOL 2043 , ENR 3111 , ENR 4111 . Electives must include a minimum of 12 ch of Arts electives.
   
   Note: As part of the 28 additional ch of Biology courses, students must take at least one of the following lecture and lab combinations: BIOL 3521 (lecture & lab); 3801 (lecture) and 3908 (lab); 3261 (lecture) and 3206 (lab); 3031 or 4082 (lectures) and 3058 or 3181 (labs).
   
   
2. Honours Program:
   To receive Honours in Biology, a student must complete a total of 150 ch, including the requirements for the Major Program, plus an additional 18 ch of acceptable Biology courses, as described for the Major Program. There are two honours programs: Honours by Course and Honours by Thesis. Students must have (and maintain) a minimum CGPA of 3.0 to be accepted in and remain in either program. Application to the Honours by Thesis program is initiated by writing a letter of intent to the Chair of Biology before preregistration at the end of Year III. Students must make arrangements to complete their dissertation research with a Faculty member in the Department of Biology before applying to the Program. BIOL 4090 (Honours Thesis Project) is required and the course description should be consulted for further information and specific procedures.
   
   The Honours student (by course or by thesis) must achieve a minimum final CGPA of 3.7 to obtain First Class Honours standing upon graduation. A student completing all course requirements for Honours but with a CGPA below 3.0 will be given a Majors degree.
   
   
3. Minor Program:
   The Minor in Biology is designed for students in other Departments of the Faculty of Science, and outside the Science Faculty, who are interested in a coherent package of Biology courses. The Minor follows section V in the “University Wide Academic Regulations” of the Undergraduate Academic Calendar and consists of BIOL courses, totalling at least 24 credit hours with a grade of C or better, approved by the Biology Director of Undergraduate Studies. The Year II Core Modules and the Concentrations can be used as guidelines. Students requiring BIOL 1001, BIOL 1006, BIOL 1012 and BIOL 1017 for their Major are not eligible to also count these courses towards a Biology Minor. Students not requiring Biology courses for their Major must take, and can count, BIOL 1001 , BIOL 1006 , BIOL 1012 and BIOL 1017 as part of their Biology Minor. Human Anatomy, Human Physiology, and Pathophysiology courses do not count toward a Biology Minor.
   
   *Notes:
   1. Some upper level courses (3000 and 4000 level) have limited enrolment. Students should register in the Winter term for these courses, since assignments will be made in May following pre-registration. Priority for admission is as follows: Year IV Honours, Year IV Majors, Year III Honours, Year III Majors. Within each category, students will be selected based on CGPA (and at the discretion of the instructor). If space permits, students in a Minor program may also enroll in these courses.
   
   2. Some Biology courses are designed for non-Science students. Students enrolled in Biology programs may take these courses, but they can only be considered as electives for the purposes of the Biology Programs. Permission of the instructor may be required. Such courses include: BIOL 1846 ,  BIOL 2251 , and the Human Anatomy, Human Physiology, and Pathophysiology courses. For courses offered see “Description of Courses, Biology”. 

Co-operative Work Experience in Biology

1. Admission to the Program is selective and will be approved by the Departmental Co-operative Program committee. Students must have (and maintain) a CGPA of 3.0 to be admitted and retained in the Program. Refer to the description in the Biology Option for degree requirements of a major or honours program.
   
   
2. Students must successfully complete Year II in Science to be accepted into either the Co-op Biology Major or Honours Programs.
   
   
3. Students must be fully registered at the University of New Brunswick (Fredericton) during each work-term so that they can be considered as full-time students while working.
   
   
4. A fee will be charged for each registered 4-month work-term to cover placement and administrative costs.
   
   
5. Students must undertake a minimum of 4 work-terms during the course of their program. The work-terms may alternate with study-terms, or the terms may run consecutively over two terms. Students must complete at least one study-term after their last work-term.
   
   
6. Each 4-month work term will be monitored directly by the employer and Departmental Co-operative Program Director through oral and written communications with the employer and student. The student is required to complete a report after each 4-month work-term. Work-term evaluations by the employer and work-term reports must be satisfactory to remain in the program and for the Co-op designation to appear on University transcripts. Details of each successful work-term will appear on the student’s transcript.
   
   
7. “Co-operative Education in Biology” will follow the degree designation on the student’s final transcript.

Concentrations

Upper level Honours and Major students in Biology can choose from many Biology courses (see requirements for Year III and IV, above). Concentrations are designed to guide students who want more concentrated education in a specific area. Each of the concentrations has recommended courses and other relevant courses, from which students can select to best suit to their future goals.

Aquatic Biology Concentration
Recommended Courses: BIOL 3173, 3383, 3883, 4741, 4746, 4773, 4863, 4991, 6183; ENR 3111, 4111 .
Other relevant courses: BIOL 3602, 3801, 3908, 3943, 4443, 5473; ENR 2114, 2531, 3112, 3532; also see Marine Biology Concentration

Biological Diversity Concentration
Recommended Courses: BIOL 1846, 3261, 3301, 3383, 3493, 3521, 3602, 3673, 3703, 3801, 3883, 4221, 4233, 4352, 4443, 4688, 4723, 4732, 4741, 4746 .
Other Relevant Courses: BIOL 3181, 3541, 4162, 4413, 4533, 4631.

Cell and Molecular Biology Concentration
Suggested for second year: BIOL 2025, 2033, 2043, 2053, 2073, 2143; CHEM 2401 or 2421, 2422.
Recommended Courses: BIOL 3031, 3058, 3073, 3206, 3261, 4082, 4533.
Other relevant courses: BIOL 3102, 3133, 3153, 3163, 3181, 3242, 3311, 3493, 3521, 3673, 4123, 4162, 4272.

Evolutionary Biology Concentration
Recommended courses: BIOL 3113, 3242, 3293, 3943, 4123, 4533, 4563, 4899, 5473.
Other relevant courses: BIOL 3301, 3423, 3602, 3703, 3873, 3883, 4221, 4723, 4732, 4741 .

General Zoology Concentration
Recommended Courses: BIOL 3602, 3703, 3801, 3908.
Suggested field courses: BIOL 3173, 3383.
Other relevant courses: BIOL 3181, 3593, 3673, 3873, 3883, 4162, 4723, 4732, 4741.

Marine Biology Concentration
Students should complete the 2nd Year Core prior to entering this concentration. The Marine Block Semester offers four of the recommended courses in the Fall term in a block format, where the courses are offered consecutively over the term. 
Recommended courses: BIOL 3173, 3633.
Marine Block courses (recommended; taken together in the Fall term): BIOL 4221, 4641, 4851, 4991.
Other relevant advanced courses BIOL 3602, 3943, 4233, 4741, 4746, 4773, 4863, 4899, 5473, ENR 3111.

Parasitology Concentration
Recommended courses: BIOL 3593, 3602, 3673, 3703, 3801, 4688 .
Other relevant courses: BIOL 3031 , 3133 , 3153 , 3163 , 3311 , 3873 , 4191 , 4863 , 4991 ; BIOL 6671/6672 .

Physiology Concentration
Recommended courses: BIOL 3181, 3206, 3261, 3521, 3593, 3801, 3908, 4162, 4413, 4823. 
Other relevant courses: BIOL 3031, 3133, 3153, 3163, 3311, 3673,  3873, 4688.

Wildlife, Ecology and Conservation Concentration
Recommended courses: BIOL 3113, 3293, 3441, 3541, 3703, 3873, 4191, 4233, 4352, 4423, 4723, 4732, 4741, 4851, 4863, 4899
Relevant field courses: BIOL 3173, 3383, 4443, 4641, BIOL 6183