Course Descriptions
BIOL 1010 Principles of Biology Part I
CREDIT HOURS: 3
This course, which prepares students for more advanced courses in biology and allied subjects, surveys the fundamental principles of biology with an emphasis on those features common to all organisms. Topics covered include cell and molecular biology, genetics, and evolution. Knowledge of high school mathematics, chemistry and biology is recommended.
NOTES: Students wishing to continue as biology or marine biology majors should complete
BIOL 1010 (or
BIOL 1020) and
BIOL 1011 (or
BIOL 1021) in the first year of study. Students planning to take further courses in Biology or Marine Biology should read the Program Requirements for these degrees.
FORMAT:
LECTURE HOURS PER WEEK: 3
LAB HOURS PER WEEK: 2
EXCLUSIONS:
BIOL 1020.03, SCIE (15XX),
BIOA 1002.03
BIOL 1011 Principles of Biology Part II
CREDIT HOURS: 3
Biology 1011 broadens the background laid down in
BIOL 1010 to include plant and fungi form and function, animal form and function, and ecology. Knowledge of high school mathematics, chemistry and biology is recommended
NOTES: Students wishing to continue as biology or marine biology majors should complete
BIOL 1010 (
BIOL 1020) and
BIOL 1011 (
BIOL 1021) in the first year of study. Students planning to take further courses in Biology or Marine Biology should read the Program Requirements
FORMAT:
LECTURE HOURS PER WEEK: 3
LAB HOURS PER WEEK: 2
EXCLUSIONS:
BIOL 1021.03, SCIE 15XX,
BIOA 1003.03
BIOL 1020 Introductory Biology I: Cells, Genetics & Evolution
CREDIT HOURS: 3
Biology 1020.03 is the equivalent of
BIOL 1010.03, and is offered primarily online. Topics include cell and molecular biology, genetics, and evolution. High school mathematics, chemistry, and biology is recommended. Learning activities include readings, quizzes, interactive multimedia, online labs, home labs, recorded lectures, and synchronous help sessions.
NOTES: Students planning to take further courses in Biology or Marine Biology should read the Program Requirements for these degrees. Exams must be written on a Dalhousie campus.
FORMAT: Online Delivery
FORMAT COMMENTS: Please see timetable notes for more details about taking this course, including the technology and software requirements.
EXCLUSIONS:
BIOL 1010.03, SCIE 15XX,
BIOA 1002.03
BIOL 1021 Introductory Biology II: Organismal Biology & Ecology
CREDIT HOURS: 3
Biology 1021.03 is the equivalent of
BIOL 1011.03, and is offered primarily online. Topics include diversity of eukaryotic life, ecology, and plant and animal biology. High school mathematics, chemistry, and biology are recommended. Learning activities include readings, quizzes, interactive multimedia, online labs, home labs, recorded lectures, and synchronous help sessions.
NOTES: Students planning to take further courses in Biology or Marine Biology should read the Program Requirements for these degrees. Exams must be written on a Dalhousie campus.
FORMAT: Online Delivery
FORMAT COMMENTS: Please see timetable notes for more details about taking this course, including the exam, technology, and software requirements.
EXCLUSIONS:
BIOL 1011.03, SCIE 15XX,
BIOA 1003.03
BIOL 1050 Biology and Society
CREDIT HOURS: 3
Health, climate change, genetically modified organisms, species and the evolution of disease. Designed for non-majors this course introduces the basics of cell biology, genetics and evolution and how they affect our society. Students acquire a foundation for life-long learning and critical thinking in biology through lectures, independent study and lab activities.
NOTE: This course is for students in an Arts program or program other than Biology.
FORMAT:
PREREQUISITES: None
EXCLUSIONS:
BIOL 1010.03,
BIOL 1020.03, SCIE 15XX
BIOL 2003 Animal Diversity
CREDIT HOURS: 3
Surveys the diversity of forms and functions of
invertebrate and vertebrate animals. The course
takes a phylogenetic approach, exploring the
evolutionary relationships and key transitions
between metazoan taxa. Examples of the
different life forms are introduced.
FORMAT:
LECTURE HOURS PER WEEK: 3
LAB HOURS PER WEEK: 3
PREREQUISITES: A grade of C or higher in
BIOL 1011.03 or (BIOL
1021.03, BIOL 1031.03,
BIOA 1003.03, SCIE
1506.09).
BIOL 2004 Diversity of Plants and Microorganisms
CREDIT HOURS: 3
Introduces the main domains of plant, fungal and microbial life, based on modern phylogenetic taxonomy. Examines the diversity, structure, physiology and ecology of non – animal life forms. Reviews the origins of the main lineages of living things - Archaea, Eubacteria and Eukaryota, as well as the main groups of eukaryotes.
FORMAT:
LECTURE HOURS PER WEEK: 3
LAB HOURS PER WEEK: 3
PREREQUISITES: A grade of C or higher in
BIOL 1010.03 or (
BIOL 1020.03, BIOL 1030.03,
BIOA 1002.03,
SCIE 1507.09) and
BIOL 1011.03 or (
BIOL 1021.03, BIOL 1031.03,
BIOA 1003.03,
SCIE 1506.09).
BIOL 2020 Cell Biology
CREDIT HOURS: 3
An introduction to the eukaryotic cell. Major cell components and activities are described at ultrastructural and molecular levels with emphasis on mammalian systems. The concept of the cell as an integrated structural, functional unit is developed.
FORMAT:
LECTURE HOURS PER WEEK: 3
LAB HOURS PER WEEK: 3
PREREQUISITES: A grade of C or higher in
BIOL 1010.03 or (
BIOL 1020.03, BIOL 1030.03,
BIOA 1002.03,
SCIE 1507.09). RECOMMENDED:
CHEM 1011.03 and
CHEM 1012.03
EXCLUSIONS: BIOA 2001.03
BIOL 2030 Genetics and Molecular Biology
CREDIT HOURS: 3
The power and prominence of modern genetics are emphasized through a blend of classical and molecular approaches. Topics: Mendelian, population and quantitative genetics; chromosome structure and variation; structure and function of nucleic acids; DNA replication, transcription and translation; gene expression; gene mutations; and genetic engineering. Course-based authentic research in lab.
FORMAT:
FORMAT COMMENTS: lab/tutorial 3 hours
LECTURE HOURS PER WEEK: 3
PREREQUISITES: A grade of C or higher in
BIOL 1010.03 or (
BIOL 1020.03, BIOL 1030.03,
BIOA 1002.03,
SCIE 1507.09). RECOMMENDED:
CHEM 1011.03 and
CHEM 1012.03
EXCLUSIONS:
GENE 2000.03
BIOL 2040 Evolution
CREDIT HOURS: 3
A thorough overview of the process of evolution. Genetic variation and changes in genetic composition of populations, the relationship between genetic and phenotypic change. Adaptation at various levels of organization (DNA to species), speciation, phylogeny, and macroevolutionary patterns. Introduces the full breadth of evolutionary concepts, preparatory to more advanced courses.
NOTES: Recommended:
SCIE 1111.03 Writing for the Sciences.
FORMAT:
LECTURE HOURS PER WEEK: 3
LAB HOURS PER WEEK: 2
PREREQUISITES: A grade of C or higher in
BIOL 1010.03 or
BIOL 1020.03 or BIOL 1031.03 or
BIOA 1002.03 and
BIOA 1003.03, or
SCIE 1506.09 and
SCIE 1507.09 or equivalent.
EXCLUSIONS: none
BIOL 2060 Introductory Ecology
CREDIT HOURS: 3
Ecology examines interactions of plants and animals, including humans, with each other and with their non-living world. Topics include population growth, competition, predation, food webs, metapopulation dynamics, biodiversity and ecosystem function. The course has a quantitative approach providing a foundation for further work in ecology, marine biology and environmental science.
FORMAT:
LECTURE HOURS PER WEEK: 3
LAB HOURS PER WEEK: 3
PREREQUISITES: A grade of C or higher in
BIOL 1011.03 or (BIOL
1021.03, BIOL 1031.03,
BIOA 1003.03, ENVS
1100.03, ENVS 1000.06,
SCIE 1506.09); and a
grade of D or higher in
MATH 1060.03 or (STAT
1060.03,
MATH 2080.03,
STAT 2080.03).
EXCLUSIONS:
BIOA 3001.03
BIOL 2111 Dalhousie Science Scholars and Leaders: Becoming a Scientist I
CREDIT HOURS: 0
This course examines the structure of science and situates science majors in the context of the scientific process. The course de-mystifies the language and culture of science. Students will develop skills to help them progress towards a science career. The course also explores the translation of science to society.
NOTES:
BIOL 2111.00 and
BIOL 2112.03 must be taken in consecutive fall/winter terms.
FORMAT:
- Lecture
- Experiential Learning
- Other (explain in comments)
FORMAT COMMENTS: Group discussion, guided peer tutoring
LECTURE HOURS PER WEEK: 1.5
CROSS-LISTING: SCIE 2111
RESTRICTIONS: E1. The course requires permission of instructor. Preference will be given to students in the Dalhousie Science Scholars & Leaders Program.
BIOL 2111 will be open to Biology majors. SCIE 2111 will be open to students from other units within the Faculty of Science.
BIOL 2112 Dalhousie Science Scholars and Leaders: Becoming a Scientist II
CREDIT HOURS: 3
This course examines the structure of science and situates science majors in the context of the scientific process. The course de-mystifies the language and culture of science. Students will develop skills to help them progress towards a science career. The course also explores the translation of science to society.
NOTES:
BIOL 2111.00 and
BIOL 2112.03 must be taken in consecutive fall/winter terms.
FORMAT:
- Lecture
- Experiential Learning
- Other (explain in comments)
FORMAT COMMENTS: Group discussion, guided peer tutoring.
LECTURE HOURS PER WEEK: 1.5
PREREQUISITES: Pass grade in
BIOL 2111 (or SCIE 2111)
CROSS-LISTING: SCIE 2112
RESTRICTIONS: E1. The course requires permission of instructor. Students must have been enrolled in BIOL/SCIE2111 in the Fall term.
BIOL 2112.03 will be open to Biology majors. SCIE 2112.03 will be open to students from other units within the Faculty of Science.
BIOL 2601 The Flora of Nova Scotia
CREDIT HOURS: 3
Introduction to the biodiversity of flowering plants (Angiosperms) found in Nova Scotia. A wide range of plant communities are visited on several day-long field trips. A focus on plant identification is supplemented with lessons in plant ecology, floral biology, pollination mechanisms, natural history, and human uses (e.g., edible, poisonous, medicinal).
NOTES: Offered in summer through
SEASIDE. An auxiliary fee is charged to cover field expenses. For dates, times and special registration procedures, see seaside.science.dal.ca.
FORMAT:
FORMAT COMMENTS: Field
PREREQUISITES: One year of university courses
EXCLUSIONS:
BIOL 3219.03
BIOL 2605 Introduction to Marine Life of Nova Scotia
CREDIT HOURS: 3
Introduction to the variety of marine life found in Nova Scotia. The diversity and zonation of invertebrates and macroalgae is explored on field trips to different shore environments, including a salt marsh, rocky shore and sandy beach. Lectures and laboratory-based investigations on live marine organisms complement the field trips.
NOTES: Offered in summer through
SEASIDE. An auxiliary fee is charged to cover field expenses. For dates, times and special registration procedures, see seaside.science.dal.ca. Marine Biology students may NOT use this course as part of their major degree requirements. This course is aimed at non-majors who have completed at least one year of university.
FORMAT:
FORMAT COMMENTS: field
PREREQUISITES: One year of university courses
BIOL 3003 Introduction to Field Oceanography
CREDIT HOURS: 3
See course description for
OCEA 3003.03 in the Oceanography section of the calendar.
BIOL 3024 Microscopy
CREDIT HOURS: 3
See course description for
MICI 3024.03 in the Microbiology and Immunology section of the calendar.
BIOL 3037 Life Rewritten: Applications and Implications of Gene Editing and Synthetic Biology
CREDIT HOURS: 3
This course introduces students to gene editing and synthetic biology tools (eg.CRISPR) as well as both current and future applications of those tools for conservation, medicine, and food production. This course empowers students to develop informed opinions about the ethics of using such tools in science and society.
FORMAT:
- Lecture
- Discussion
- Other (explain in comments)
FORMAT COMMENTS: Lecture, Small Group Discussion, Debate. This course will cover extremely current material, in some cases discussion topics from the news. The proposed format will be flexible enough to accommodate quick changes to the content.
LECTURE HOURS PER WEEK: 3
PREREQUISITES: A mark of B- or better in both
BIOL 2020 (Cell Biology) and
BIOL 2030 (Genetics and Molecular Biology) or instructor's consent.
RESTRICTIONS: E1 and E2. Reservation for Biology majors to register first.
BIOL 3042 Molecular Ecology
CREDIT HOURS: 3
We survey techniques of molecular genetic analysis and consider how they can be used to identify species, populations, sexes, individuals and family relationships, and study population attributes such as historical dispersal, contemporary connectivity, mating behaviour and effective population size. Evaluation is based on assignments, a test and a final exam.
FORMAT: Lecture
LECTURE HOURS PER WEEK: 3
PREREQUISITES: A grade of B- or better in each of
BIOL 2030.03 (or
GENE 2000.03),
BIOL 2040.03, and
BIOL 2060.03.
CROSS-LISTING:
MARI 3042.03
EXCLUSIONS: BIOL 4042.03
BIOL 3044 Ecological Genetics
CREDIT HOURS: 3
An advanced examination of genetic variation in ecologically important (especially quantitative) traits. Topics will include determining whether a trait is inherited; natural selection in the wild; specialist vs. generalist strategies; how variation is maintained in the face of selection; trade-offs between competing selective pressures and selection for diversification.
FORMAT: Lecture
LECTURE HOURS PER WEEK: 3
PREREQUISITES:
BIOL 2040.03 or BIOL 3041.03
EXCLUSIONS: BIOL 4044.03