Biology

This course will introduce students to biological concepts that apply to everyday life. Topics will be chosen to help students understand the molecular interactions that are essential for life, the cellular processes that are required for survival and reproduction, and the importance of these to human health, industry, and the environment. NOTE: This course is not equivalent to BIOL 1001/BIOL 1009 or BIOL 1012/BIOL 1019, and is restricted to students who have not received prior credit for BIOL 1001, BIOL 1009, BIOL 1012, or BIOL 1019. Credit will not be given for both BIOL 1622 and BIOL 1629.

This course is a general study of human anatomy which will include the following systems: integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous (including eye and ear), cardiovascular, lymphatic, urinary, digestive, respiratory, and reproductive. Limited enrolment; priority given to students in Kinesiology, Nursing and Biology-Chemistry (Pre-Health Professions stream). Biology honours, majors and minors cannot count this course as a Biology Credit, only as an elective. 

Basic concepts of classical genetics including Mendelian genetics, gene interactions, sex linkage, linkage mapping and recombination, complementation are introduced. These are integrated with current topics including gene and chromosome structure and function, mutation, gene expression, transposable elements, extra nuclear genetics, quantitative and population genetics. 

Introduces students to the study of the disruption of the normal balance of selected systems of the human body by disease and other perturbations. Limited enrolment. Nursing students and BMLS students have first priority; others need permission of the instructor. Biology honours, majors and minors cannot count this course as a Biology Credit, only as an elective. 

A continuation of BIOL 2501 with emphasis on perturbations to the normal functioning of organ systems.  Limited enrolment. Nursing students and BMLS students have first priority; others need permission of the instructor. Biology majors and minors cannot count this course as a Biology Credit, only as an elective.

This course is a continuation of BIOL 1782/BIOL 1789 with emphasis on metabolism, muscle and bone physiology, immune responses and healing. Limited enrolment; Kinesiology students have first priority. Biology honours, majors and minors cannot count this course as a Biology Credit, only as an elective. 

The goal of this course is to develop knowledge about the concepts and process of genetic analysis and its applications in research, including concepts of experimental design, methodology, and interpretation of results. Using this perspective, we explore the experimental approaches used to identify and characterize the role of genes involved in biological processes and how these approaches are applied to specific examples from the research literature.

An examination of the structure and function of cells, focusing on the molecules and molecular mechanisms mediating the activities of membranes, cellular compartments, protein and vesicular transport and targeting, cytoskeletal construction and dynamics, the cell cycle, regulation of cell size, cell-cell and cell-matrix adhesion, cellular differentiation and the development of multicellular organisms. The course also focuses on how the knowledge in cellular biology was obtained, on the limits to our understanding, and on current advances.

An exploration of gene inheritance, mutation, regulation of gene expression, and genetic interactions. The laboratories involve the use of model eukaryotic organisms to ask questions about physiology and development at the organismal, cellular and molecular levels. Limited enrolment.

The structures and functions of all biological entities are dependent upon regulated gene expression. In this course, we will explore selected topics in gene expression from a molecular genetic and biochemical perspective. Topics may include: genome and gene structure, the processes of transcription and translation in prokaryotes and eukaryotes, the structures and functions of RNA polymerase and the ribosome, the fine scale structures of gene promoters, and a detailed mechanistic examination of how gene expression is regulated in the cell. Note: Students will download and use a free molecular modelling program in this course; a laptop computer is strongly recommended.

During the course of their lives, plants must perform all of the same functions as animals to survive: find a suitable place to live, acquire resources, find a mate, and defend themselves from enemies. However, plants are at an apparent disadvantage in comparison to most animals because they must perform all of these activities without the benefit of mobility. Yet, it is a green world and so this handicap is more apparent than real. This course explores the great diversity of plants, and examines their form in relation to function to understand how plants manage to meet the challenges faced by all organisms. Limited enrolment. 

This lecture and lab-based course explores key ideas about ecological causes of evolutionary change. Topics will include natural and sexual selection, life histories, phenotypic plasticity, mating systems, evolutionary conflict, and co-evolution.

An exploration of animal development from fertilization to death, with emphasis on the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms. Students will gain an understanding of how the knowledge in development biology was obtained, and of gaps in knowledge and current research.

Introduces the study of the seashore and coastal waters. Emphasizes nature and ecology of littoral flora and fauna and practical methods of study. Held at the Huntsman Marine Science Centre in St. Andrews, N.B. Twelve days in length, given immediately after spring examinations. A charge for accommodation is required. Enrolment limited, selection based on CGPA. 

The course provides a synthesis of our understanding of evolution at the molecular level. It covers the dynamics of evolutionary change (i.e., rates and patterns), the driving forces behind the evolutionary process, the effects of various molecular mechanisms and processes on the structure and evolution of genes and genomes.

Principles of prokaryotic, cell biology, including cell structures and their function, metabolism and growth, and regulation of cellular processes. Topics include the response of bacteria to environmental factors, bacterial-host interactions, and molecular and genomic tools to study microbiology.

An introduction to the branch of evolutionary biology concerned with the genetic structure of populations and how it changes through space and time. Topics will include the main evolutionary forces and their effects on patterns of phenotypic and molecular variation within and among populations, molecular markers and their applications in evolutionary and conservation biology, and an introduction to unifying concepts such as the genetics of speciation, molecular evolution, and population genomics. Laboratory sessions will emphasize the use of different computer packages for the analysis and interpretation of the data encountered in population genetics.

To understand and link processes acting on individuals, populations and communities in space and time. To predict the response of individuals, populations and communities to disturbance, and to understand the implications of such responses for management of populations, communities and ecosystems. Students cannot receive credit for both BIOL 3441 and FOR 3445 . 

Plants have shaped people by influencing almost every aspect of our lives: how we live, eat, heal, and play. Likewise we continue to shape plants and plant communities through our desire for particular traits, products and environments. In this course we will discuss the biological, sociological and economic impact of our use of plants for food, drugs, shelter, landscaping and more. We will also explore some of New Brunswick’s important plant based economies such as lumber, potatoes and brewing. Course evaluation will focus on student projects/presentations of a chosen relevant topic.

This course considers how oceans, which cover more than 70% of the earth's surface, act as a dominant environmental force. It examines the processes regulating the abundance, diversity, distribution and production of microbes, phytoplankton, zooplankton and high trophic levels. By exploring the influence of physical factors (i.e. tides, waves, upwelling, light), we will see how temporal and spatial scales are critical for understanding the living ocean. 

Stresses interrelationships between structure and function particularly as responses to a variable environment. Considers phylogeny and taxonomy of major groups. Limited enrolment.

This course is a continuation of BIOL 3833 Forensic Biology I. Topics will include forensic pathology, discussion of taphonomic experiments and standardized decomposition data, estimations of post-mortem interval, and the role of stable isotope analysis in forensic biology.

An introduction to the study and evolution of animal behaviour, and the adaptive value of behaviour. The course focuses on ecological and evolutionary aspects, both the ultimate causes and effects of animal behaviour (why these behaviours are adaptive) and the proximate mechanisms by which behaviours are elicited (e.g., neural or hormonal mechanisms and control). Students also examine a behavioural aspect of their choice in small groups, and summarize the current scientific understanding for that specific behaviour using the four levels of analysis of animal behaviour. 

A study of selected physiological concepts via laboratory experimentation, with emphasis on presentation and interpretation of data in relation to the literature. Limited enrolment. 

Recent advances in technology allow biologists to generate huge amounts of data in different fields such as genetics, ecology, and neuroscience. For many problems, manual data analysis is no longer possible, and biology is becoming increasingly quantitative and computationally intensive. In this course, you will learn how to approach biological problems using a basic toolkit including text processing, shell scripting, programming, data management, and data display. Previous programming experience is not required.

This course provides an introduction to methods that Biologists use to address, develop and test hypotheses in biology. We will ask: How do students, researchers, and professionals in biology set up questions for their research and/or assess evidence? How do they design their experiments? What traps and pitfalls do they know to look out for? How do we know if a scientific study is flawed? This course focuses more on ideas about why we do statistics and how to interpret them, rather than the mathematical details of different tests. Examples will range from cell biology to community ecology. Students will be exposed to a range of computer software necessary to explore, interpret and understand data and test hypotheses. This course will be important for students taking upper-year lab or field courses and Honours by thesis.

Life is a chemical phenomenon. Its maintenance requires the input of energy, acquisition of electrons and essential elements from the environment, and metabolic schemes to synthesize the biological molecules required for cellular viability and replication. This course examines the unifying biochemical concepts underlying diverse metabolic strategies utilized by prokaryotes and eukaryotes.

“Nothing makes sense except in the light of evolution” (Dobzhansky, 1964). Evolutionary (or Darwinian) Medicine is a relatively new field at the intersection of evolution and medicine that uses evolutionary theory and approaches to (i) address questions related to the molecular and physiological mechanisms that underlie health and disease, (ii) understand why we are susceptible to disease, and (iii) explore ways to prevent and treat disease. This course provides (i) an overview of evolutionary theory and principles as they apply to the evolution of multicellularity, development and defense mechanisms, and (ii) a framework to appreciate the role of evolution in health and disease (including cancer, aging, and infectious diseases).

This course provides students with opportunities to directly observe and independently investigate aspects of embryonic development, primarily using zebrafish embryos. The development of other species is discussed, and occasionally investigated in the lab, to provide evolutionary and theoretical context. The embryonic origins of specific organ systems and structures, developmental mechanisms underlying the processes of pattern formation, and the molecular basis of some major tissue remodeling events are studied. As well, students gain experience with advanced microscopic techniques. The course culminates with a substantive independent research project. Limited enrolment. 

This course will survey the diversity of marine plants (seaweed and phytoplankton) relative to one another and the other key lineages of life; exploring their diverse anatomical, cytological, life history and ecological attributes. In the laboratory students will use microscopy to explore vegetative and reproductive features of the various marine plants in our area. A significant component of the laboratory portion of the course will derive from work in the field collecting specimens for personal herbaria and completing biodiversity assessments (a cost may be associated with this trip). 

The ability to effectively communicate scientific principles to a general audience is an important skill with applications in business, education, government, and all science and healthcare-based professions. The course will focus on a variety of science communication formats to help students plan and execute approaches for communicating recent advancements in biology from the academic literature. Students will practice their communication skills through writing a science blog or a related medium. Our central focus will be popular science, but students will also work on communication using illustrations, presentations, and other creative works. Classes will involve discussion, writing exercises, and group work to practice clear and effective communication. The course is aimed at students in their last year of a Biology program, or an interdepartmental programs that includes: Biology. May only be taken by students who have completed the second-year core courses through their program.

This course allows students an on-site exposure and understanding of ecological interactions of soil, climate, plants and animals in a region outside of the Maritimes. A 10-14 day field trip to the region is required. Weekly seminars will be held in the period before the field trip. Students will be charged for travel and costs associated with the course. Limited enrolment. Open to biology and forestry students, with permission of the instructor.

A workshop and project-oriented course in scientific writing. The primary focus is on writing the journal paper. Enrolling students must have a research project (Honours thesis or other) advanced enough to be written up as part of the course activity, and must be able to share drafts with classmates. Limited enrolment.

Explores computational methods used in sequence analysis of genomes, genes, RNAs, and proteins. Topics include sequence alignment, genome database searching, gene prediction, RNA and protein structure, DNA and protein sequence comparison, and phylogenetic analysis. These topics will be integrated into the context of research in genetics and molecular biology. Limited enrolment.

Overview of the field of mathematical biology. Development, simulation and analysis of simple mathematical models describing biological systems. Equal emphasis is placed on developing simple models and case studies of successful models. The principal mathematical tools are differential and difference equations, finite mathematics, probability and statistics. This course is intended for students in their third or fourth year having an interest in biological research. 

Protists (microbial eukaryotes and related groups) constitute the vast majority of the known eukaryote diversity. This course examines the origin, evolution and diversification of the major protist groups. Lecture topics include recent classification and taxonomic schemes, ecology of important lineages, and relevance to humans. Practical components of the course include the use of microscopy for identification and documentation, sampling techniques, establishment of cell cultures, high-throughput DNA sequencing and genome-scale analyses. At the end of the course the students will have a broad and integrative view of the microbial eukaryote diversity.

This course examines the ecology of shorelines, with a focus on the Atlantic coast. Topics include the setting (continental drift, sea level, species origins, water movement), primary and secondary production, reproduction and recruitment, patterns (zonation) and processes (competition, mutualism, predation, disturbance), and main habitats (rocky shores, mudflats, salt marshes) There may be an additional charge for one-day field trips. Limited enrolment.

Designed as a follow-up to a general lecture-based course in Parasitology, and to be offered during intersession or summer session. This course emphasizes the hands-on study of animal parasites and will incorporate both field investigations and laboratory work. Students will receive training in postmortem examination, microscopy, histology, diagnostics (morphological, molecular, and immunological), experimental design, scientific writing and data presentation. There may be an additional charge for field trips (e.g. to aquaculture sites, domestic livestock farms). Limited enrolment. 

Nearly every life form is host to a parasite. This course emphasizes the hands-on study of parasites of invertebrate animals and marine fishes and incorporates field investigations and laboratory work. This course serves to integrate parasite diversity and life history, aspects of the ecology of parasitism, mechanisms of infection, epidemiology, host responses to infection, and pathology. Students will receive training in post-mortem examination, microscopy, parasite identification and diagnosis (morphological and molecular). Experience with experimental design, scientific writing, and data presentation will be acquired in association with independent student research projects. There may be an additional charge for field trips. Limited enrolment.

Studies birds; natural selection, morphological adaptations, migration, behaviour, and reproduction, in an ecological way.

A comprehensive study of fishes from the Agnatha to specialized teleosts. Topics covered include phylogeny, ecology, reproduction, behaviour, physiology, functional morphology, and conservation biology.

This course examines practical aspects of ichthyology covered in BIOL 4741. Field trips to freshwater sites focus on assessing population size, habitat preference, and species diversity. Laboratory exercises will include dissections, fish husbandry techniques, fish ageing, and techniques to assess fish behaviour and physiological status. Limited enrolment.

This course will examine the morphology, physiology and (where applicable) behaviour of organisms that thrive in environments that most living organisms could not survive. Collectively referred to as "extremophiles", these organisms will be studied in relation to (1) the type of extreme environment they exist in, (2) why the particular conditions are so difficult for other life forms, and (3) how the particular extremophiles has evolved and/or adapted to allow it to exist under the conditions described.

This course treats seabirds as important components of marine food-webs. Fundamental adaptations (structure, function, physiology, life-history) of seabirds will be linked to the ecological processes driving them. The influence of major oceanographic patterns (bathymetry, currents, upwellings) on seabird distribution and numbers will be explored. Through exploration of the role of seabirds as predators of other marine biota, and in nutrient transfer between marine and terrestrial systems, students will gain a thorough understanding of the roles played by seabirds in marine and coastal systems. Course includes an overnight field trip to Grand Manan Island, for which there may be an extra cost. Examples will be drawn from current seabird research especially in Atlantic Canada. Limited enrolment. 

Examines the effects of human activity upon the environment, both locally and globally. There may be an additional charge for field trips. Limited enrolment. 

This course will take an in-depth look at peer-reviewed journal articles published in a wide variety of sub-disciplines under the broader topic of forensic biology. The aim of this course is to look at the existing literature in relevant areas of research with an eye to critiquing methodology, analysis, and conclusions of a variety of experiments that have potential implications in forensic science.

An intensive course that combines lecture material on select taxonomic, organismal and process-oriented aspects of fish biology with laboratory and field investigations of applied fisheries science.  Field trips to freshwater and marine sites will focus on sampling methods, assessing population size, species diversity, ecology and environmental impacts. Laboratory exercises will include ageing, fish taxonomy, development and comparative functional morphology. Work will incorporate both group study and individual projects with an emphasis on scientific analysis and interpretation of data, including a formal seminar presentation. There may be an additional charge for field trips. Limited enrolment. 

Aquaculture is the aquatic equivalent to terrestrial agriculture. We are in the midst of a global transition from hunting and gathering wild aquatic organisms to farming them. This course examines the biological principles and constraints of commercial and pilot-scale aquaculture in Canada, with emphasis on the Atlantic region. Although the focus of the course is on fish culture, consideration is also given to bivalve and seaweed culture. Topics covered include controlled reproduction, genetics and biotechnology, nutrition and feeding, stress and disease, and sustainability. Includes an overnight field trip to the Bay of Fundy to visit commercial and research facilities (a cost may be associated with this trip). Limited enrolment. 

Examines the principles of gene expression and cellular regulation. The perception of extra- and intracellular signals, intracellular signal transduction pathways and the control of cell function will be examined while emphasizing experimental approaches.