Courses

An introduction to the basic concepts of evolution as an organizing theory in biology. Topics covered include: comparative genomics, sources or variation, natural selection, genetic drift, adaptation, sexual selection, kin selection, speciation and phylogenetics.

A study of pathogenic microorganisms and the control of infectious diseases. Topics include (i) the biology of bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, and helminths; (ii) immunity, immunology, and immunization; (iii) sterilization, disinfection, chemotherapeutic agents; and (iv) epidemiology and public health microbiology. This course is only open to nursing students.

An introductory course in human anatomy and physiology focusing on the structure and function of the cellular, histological, integumentary, skeleton, muscular, cardiovascular, respiratory and metabolic systems. Special attention will be given to the interaction of these systems in maintenance of homeostasis and adaptations during performance and disease conditions.

An introductory course in human anatomy and physiology focusing on the structure and function of the nervous, digestive, renal, endocrine, and reproductive systems in addition to immunity and acid-base balance. Special attention will be given to the interaction of these systems in maintenance of homeostasis and adaptations.

A study of the life history and distribution of marine organisms in several major habitat types, including soft sediment and rocky substrate communities. Emphasis is on field and laboratory work in a survey of common local marine plants and animals and their relationships. Includes field work in the Lower Mainland, Gulf Islands, and/or Vancouver Island.

A study of the structure and dynamics of ecosystems. Consideration of plant and animal populations in relation to physical, chemical, and biological factors affecting their interaction and productivity. Considerable laboratory time is devoted to the study of local ecosystems, field sampling techniques, and field trips to ecological research areas.

This course reviews the role of modern biotechnology in plant, animal, and marine biology, microbiology, agriculture, the pharmaceutical industry, and medicine. The course focuses on underlying technologies in biotechnology, how these technologies are implemented, together with public concerns and government guidelines and legislation.

Biotechnology Practica II and III provide general and advanced intern experiences in industrial settings. BIOL 200 (2 sem. hrs.) is a requirement for entry to co-op placements and graduation. BIOL 300 (3 sem. hrs.) is additional intern experience providing exposure to advanced techniques and applications in biotechnology. The skills taught in each practicum vary depending on the industrial setting, but should include some of the following techniques: mammalian tissue culture; monoclonal antibody production including cell fusion; hybridoma screening by ELISA and immunoblotting; fermentation microbiology and the operation of large-scale fermentation systems; insect cell culture and use of Baculovirus expression vectors to produce recombinant proteins; downstream processing and the recovery and purification of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids; freezing, freeze-drying and preservation of microorganisms, animal viruses, cell lines and hybridomas; high throughput screening strategies, diagnostic testing; methods in bioinformatics; and quality control procedures.

A comparative study of the vertebrate classes with special emphasis on the anatomy and physiology of representative forms. The significance of advances in the complexity of chordates is considered, as well as the impact of human activities on vertebrate population dynamics.