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A summary of each course to help with your selection.
Course ID
Course
BIOL 433
BIOL 433
The Human Microbiome
Course Credits: 3
This course will focus on the human microbiome and the complex symbiotic relationships, exploring the impacts of those host-microbe interactions on physical and mental health. The course will also examine the current research tools and emerging applications within the field.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 333 or 334. (3-0)
BIOL 438
BIOL 438
Virology
Course Credits: 3
This course provides a basic understanding of some of the current topics in modern virology including the structure, classification, and replication of viruses, virus-cell interactions, diagnostic and research applications in virology, and the molecular biology of several important viruses causing disease in humans and animals. Special emphasis is given to viral pathogenesis making this course suitable for those pursuing careers in medicine or related fields.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 333, and BIOL 372 or 386. (3-0)
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair.
BIOL 440
BIOL 440
Developmental Neurobiology
Course Credits: 3
A study of the development of the nervous system in humans and invertebrate and vertebrate model organisms. Topics covered include neurogenesis, the development and cell biology of neurons and glia, developmental genetics, and nervous system defects arising from abnormal development.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 371, and BIOL 372 or 386. (3-3)
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair.
BIOL 470
BIOL 470
Introduction to Bioinformatics
Course Credits: 3
An overview of the interdisciplinary science of genomics, proteomics, and bioinformatics which applies the tools of information technology (computer hardware and software) to analyze biological data such as gene or protein sequences. This course examines the theory of bioinformatics as well as its practical application to biological problems using approaches such as BLAST searches, phylogenetics, and protein structure function analysis.
Cross-listed: BIOT 470 or CMPT 470
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 223; BIOL 372, And either 3 sem. hrs. of CMPT or MATH 102. (3-0)
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair.
BIOL 474
BIOL 474
Genetics and Cell Biology of Neoplasia
Course Credits: 3
A lecture course reviewing a wide range of topics related to cancer including the biology and immunology of tumor cells, chemical and viral carcinogenesis, oncogenes, genetic predisposition to cancer, and treatment strategies.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 372 or 386. (3-0)
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair.
BIOL 475
BIOL 475
Protein Structure and Function
Course Credits: 3
An in-depth study on protein biochemistry, with a focus on the relationship between protein structure and its corresponding function on a molecular and organismal scale. This course will also cover recent developments in protein research, including the use of proteomics in systems biology and medicine, particularly drug development.
Cross-listed: CHEM 475
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 384 or 386. (3-0)
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair.
BIOL 484
BIOL 484
Conservation Biology
Course Credits: 3
An exploration of various practical applications of biology in environmental management, monitoring, and remediation. Topics include many important areas of concern such as wildlife management, fisheries, forestry, agriculture, water and air pollution, and protection of endangered ecosystems. Various biological approaches to these are considered, such as population modelling, ecophysiology, microbiology techniques, biomonitoring, ecosystem health, and biodiversity inventories. The implications of environmental ethics and the role of Christian environmental stewardship are discussed.
Cross-listed: GENV 484
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 281 or 216 and BIOL 262 or instructor’s consent. (3-3)
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair.
BIOL 490
BIOL 490
Advanced Biotechnology
Course Credits: 3
This capstone course in biotechnology considers the theoretical and practical aspects of implementing biotechnology, paying particular attention to current issues including: (1) technology transfer and commercialization; (2) patent protection in biotechnology; (3) Good Laboratory Practices (GLP); (4) Good Manufacturing Practices (Food and Drug Regulations, 2002 edition); (5) Good Clinical Practices (GCP); (6) Research Ethics Board guidelines; (7) validation studies; (8) downstream processing and the recovery of purified products; (9) novel developments in methodology. The course includes a seminar series by industry and regulatory experts and site visits to local biotechnology companies to assess how they have implemented and overcome obstacles to production and quality control.