BIOL 3101 – Molecular Genetics (3 credits – TG) 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab Prokaryotic and eukaryotic chromosome structure; DNA replication, repair, transcription, RNA translation and processing, and mechanisms of gene regulation will be studied. In the laboratory, students will characterize an unknown gene by practicing techniques such as genomic DNA isolation, plasmid transformation and purification, restriction mapping, Southern blotting, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Prerequisites: Microbiology 2201 and Biology 2202 or equivalents with grades of “C-” or higher.
BIOL 3102 – Intermediate Cell Biology (3 credits) 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab This course explores cell signalling, proliferation, differentiation, and programmed cell death. Readings of primary scientific literature are required as part of the lecture component. In the laboratory, students will characterize an unknown gene product through techniques such as western blotting, cell fractionation, cell culture, vital staining, and methods in fluorescence microscopy. Prerequisites: Microbiology 2201, Biology 2202 and Biochemistry 2201 or equivalents with grades of “C-” or higher.
BIOL 3103 – Introduction to Biophysics (3 credits) 3 hours lecture, 1.5 hour tutorial The aim of this course is to apply concepts and laws of physics to the study and understanding of living systems. As shown in the course outline, the topics that will be covered are: biomechanics of bone and muscle, hemodynamics, diffusion and osmosis, physics of respiration and cough, heat regulation mechanisms, electroreception and conduction of impulses along the nervous system, magnetic sense, and the physics of vision and hearing.
(3 credits) 3 hours lecture This course explores ways in which an understanding of evolutionary mechanisms both aids in the understanding of disease processes and informs the development of effective treatments. Emphasis will be placed on ‘civilized diseases’, which result from mismatch between our evolutionary history and modern lifestyles. In addition to evolution within our species, the course will examine co-evolutionary processes between pathogens/parasites and their human hosts. Prerequisite: Biology 1202 with a grade of “C-“or higher, or equivalent.
BIOL 3108 – Conservation Biology (3 credits) 3 hours lecture This course examines the principles of conservation biology: the scientific study of biological conservation and diversity. Topics will include minimum viable population size and population viability analyses, conservation genetics, biogeography, metapopulation dynamics, and extinction vulnerability. We will focus on the issues of habitat loss and fragmentation, invasive species, and the challenges of conserving populations. Prerequisite: Biology 2213 with a grade of “C-” or higher, or equivalent.
BIOL 3203 – Genomes
Prerequisites: Mathematics 1200, Physics 1202 or 1212 and Biology 1202.
(3 credits) 3 hours lecture, 1 hour computer lab Students will apply what they’ve learned about gene structure and cell biology in preceding courses to study cases of human diseases. The structures of the genomes from human and model systems will be compared. Online bioinformatics and proteomics exercises will allow students to take a handson approach toward investigating disease and evolutionary theories in the context of modern biology.
Note: Credit for both Biology 3103 and Physics 3103 will not be allowed.
Prerequisites: Biology 2202 and Biochemistry 2201 with a grade of “C-” or higher.
BIOL 3104 – Human Physiology I
BIOL 3204 – Histology
(3 credits – TG) 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab This course deals with the normal functions of and interactions between organs and organ systems in the human body. The emphasis will be on how these functions are controlled in the normal state and how they are integrated in the whole organism. The major topics studied in this course include: homeostasis, signal transduction and intercellular communication, properties of excitable cells, the nervous system, the muscular systems, the endocrine system and the reproductive system.
(3 credits) 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab The course provides an introductory survey of the microscopic structure and organization of human cells, tissues and organ systems with an emphasis on the relationships between structure and function. The labs, which involve extensive microscopy, are strongly integrated with the lectures. Appropriate examples of histopathology will be explored.
Prerequisites: Biology 2202 and 2203 and Chemistry 1201 and 1202 with grades of “C-” or higher.
(3 credits – TG) 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab This course is a continuation of Biology 3104 – Human Physiology I. The major topics studied in this course include the immune system, blood, the cardiovascular system, the respiratory system, the urinary system, the digestive system, fluid and acid-base balance, metabolism and thermoregulation, and the body’s response to exercise stress.
BIOL 3105 – Microbiology II (formerly MIBI 3105) (3 credits) 3 hours lecture This course builds on concepts introduced in Microbiology I. Students explore how microbes impact our health and our environment, and how medical and industrial applications of microbiology can improve our lives. A term project provides students with the opportunity to learn and teach about a microbiological topic of personal interest and relevance.
Courses
BIOL 3107 – Evolution in Health and Disease (formerly BIOL 4204)
Prerequisites: Biology 2105, Biochemistry 2201 and Biology 2202, or equivalents, with grades of C- or higher. Recommended Preparation: Mathematics 2233
BIOL 3106 – Evolutionary Biology (3 credits – TG) 3 hours lecture, 3 hour laboratory All biological systems are the product of evolution and thus can only be fully understood from this perspective. This course will introduce the major themes of evolutionary biology through readings, lectures, videos, discussions and laboratory exercises. Topics will include: development of evolutionary theory, insect mimicry, basic population genetics, species concepts, evolution of altruism, sexual selection, human variation and evolution. Prerequisite: Biology 1204 with a grade of “C-” or higher.
148
Prerequisites: Biology 1202 and 2203, each with a grade of “C-” or higher.
BIOL 3205 – Human Physiology II
Prerequisite: Biology 3104 with a grade of “C-” or higher.
BIOL 3216 – Human Adaptation to Environmental Stress (3 credits – TG) 3 hours lecture This course will address human physiological adaptations in response to extreme and diverse environmental conditions. Using applied examples and case studies, the problems of hypoxia (high altitude), high pressure (diving and submarines), high gravitational forces (fighter pilots), microgravity (space flight), radiation, circadian stress as well as excessive heat, cold, humidity and pollution may be examined. Students will play an active role in their understanding of environmental physiology through completion of an independent research paper and presentation of a specific area of interest.
C1 T3
Prerequisite: One of Biology 1212 or 1216 or 1221 or 3205 with a minimum of “C-” or higher, or with the consent of the department.
M O U N T R O YA L U N I V E R S I T Y C A LE N D A R 2016 – 2017