Note: This is the 2023–2024 eCalendar. Update the year in your browser's URL bar for the most recent version of this page, or .
Program Requirements
The Cellular concentration in this domain is open only to students in the B.Sc.(Ag.Env.Sc.) Major Environment or B.Sc. Major Environment program.
This domain considers the interface between the environment and human well-being, with particular focus on the triad that ties human health to the environment through the elements of food and infectious agents. Each of these elements is influenced by planned and unplanned environmental disturbances. For example, agricultural practices shift the balance between beneficial and harmful ingredients of food. Use of insecticides presents dilemmas with regard to the environment, economics, and human health. The distribution of infectious diseases is influenced by the climatic conditions that permit vectors to coexist with humans, by deforestation, by urbanization, and by human interventions ranging from the building of dams to provision of potable water.
In designing interventions that aim to prevent or reduce infectious contaminants in the environment, or to improve food production and nutritional quality, not only is it important to understand methods of intervention, but also to understand social forces that influence how humans respond to such interventions.
Students in the Cellular concentration will explore these interactions in more depth, at a physiological level. Students in the Population concentration will gain a depth of understanding at an ecosystem level that looks at society, land, and population health.
Suggested First Year (U1) Courses
For suggestions on courses to take in your first year (U1), you can consult the "Bieler School of Environment Student Handbook" available on the website (), or contact Kathy Roulet, the Program Adviser (kathy.roulet [at] mcgill.ca).
Program Requirements
Note: You are required to take a maximum of 33 credits at the 200 level and a minimum of 12 credits at the 400 level or higher in this program. This includes core and required courses.
Location Note: When planning your schedule and registering for courses, you should verify where each course is offered because courses for this program are taught at both McGill's Downtown campus and at the Macdonald campus in Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue.
Core: Required Courses (18 credits)
Location Note: Core required courses for this program are taught at both McGill's Downtown campus and at the Macdonald campus in Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue. You should register in Section 001 of an ENVR course that you plan to take on the Downtown campus, and in Section 051 of an ENVR course that you plan to take on the Macdonald campus.
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ENVR 200 The Global Environment (3 credits)
Overview
Environment : A systems approach to study the different components of the environment involved in global climate change: the atmosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and lithosphere. The interactions among these components. Their role in global climate change. The human dimension to global change.
Terms: Fall 2023, Winter 2024
Instructors: Ricciardi, Anthony; Fabry, Frederic (Fall) Lovat, Christie; Bennett, Elena (Winter)
Fall
Section 001: Downtown Campus
Section 051: Macdonald Campus
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ENVR 201 Society, Environment and Sustainability (3 credits)
Overview
Environment : This course deals with how scientific-technological, socio-economic, political-institutional and behavioural factors mediate society-environment interactions. Issues discussed include population and resources; consumption, impacts and institutions; integrating environmental values in societal decision-making; and the challenges associated with, and strategies for, promoting sustainability. Case studies in various sectors and contexts are used.
Terms: Fall 2023
Instructors: Manaugh, Kevin; Barrington-Leigh, Chris (Fall)
Fall
Section 001: Downtown Campus
Section 051: Macdonald Campus
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ENVR 202 The Evolving Earth (3 credits)
Overview
Environment : Formation of the Earth and the evolution of life. How geological and biological change are the consequence of history, chance, and necessity acting over different scales of space and time. General principles governing the formation of modern landscapes and biotas. Effects of human activities on natural systems.
Terms: Winter 2024
Instructors: Leung, Brian; Soper, Fiona; Lovat, Christie (Winter)
Winter
Section 001: Downtown Campus
Section 051: Macdonald Campus
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ENVR 203 Knowledge, Ethics and Environment (3 credits)
Overview
Environment : Introduction to cultural perspectives on the environment: the influence of culture and cognition on perceptions of the natural world; conflicts in orders of knowledge (models, taxonomies, paradigms, theories, cosmologies), ethics (moral values, frameworks, dilemmas), and law (formal and customary, rights and obligations) regarding political dimensions of critical environments, resource use, and technologies.
Terms: Fall 2023, Winter 2024
Instructors: Kosoy, Nicolas; Freeman, Julia (Fall) Hirose, Iwao; Garver, Geoffrey (Winter)
Fall - Macdonald Campus; Winter - Downtown
Section 001: Downtown Campus
Section 051: Macdonald Campus
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ENVR 301 Environmental Research Design (3 credits)
Overview
Environment : Techniques used in design and completion of environmental research projects. Problem definition, data sources and use of appropriate strategies and methodologies. Principles underlying research design are emphasized, including critical thinking, recognizing causal relationships, ideologies and bias in research, and when and where to seek expertise.
Terms: Fall 2023, Winter 2024
Instructors: Sengupta, Raja; Barrington-Leigh, Chris (Fall) Cardille, Jeffrey; Freeman, Julia (Winter)
Fall - Downtown campus; Winter - Macdonald campus
Section 001: Downtown Campus
Section 051: Macdonald Campus
Restrictions: Restricted to U2 or higher
Prerequisite(s): Completion of U1 Required courses in Environment, or permission of instructor.
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ENVR 400 Environmental Thought (3 credits)
Overview
Environment : Students work in interdisciplinary seminar groups on challenging philosophical, ethical, scientific and practical issues. They will explore cutting-edge ideas and grapple with the reconciliation of environmental imperatives and social, political and economic pragmatics. Activities include meeting practitioners, attending guest lectures, following directed readings, and organizing, leading and participating in seminars.
Terms: Fall 2023, Winter 2024
Instructors: Kosoy, Nicolas; Freeman, Julia (Fall) Freeman, Julia; Sieber, Renee; Janzwood, Amy (Winter)
Fall - Macdonald Campus; Winter - Downtown
Section 001: Downtown Campus
Section 051: Macdonald Campus
Prerequisite: ENVR 203
Restriction: Open only to U3 students, or permission of instructor
Core: Complementary Course - Senior Research Project (3 credits)
Only 3 credits will be applied to the program; extra credits will count as electives.
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AEBI 427 Barbados Interdisciplinary Project (6 credits)
Overview
Biology (Agric & Envir Sc) : The planning of projects and research activities related to tropical food, nutrition, or energy at the local, regional, or national scale in Barbados. Projects and activities designed in consultation with university instructors, government, NGO, or private partners, and prepared by teams of 2-3 students working cooperatively with these mentors.
Terms: Summer 2024
Instructors: Begg, Caroline B (Summer)
Restriction(s): Restricted to students that are participating in the Barbados Interdisciplinary Tropical Studies Field Semester
**Since this course is being taught abroad, the Victoria Day statutory holiday will not be taken into consideration. Therefore, students are expected to attend their lecture on Monday, May 18, 2020.
**Due to the intensive nature of this course, the standard add/drop and withdrawal deadlines do not apply. Add/drop is the second lecture day and withdrawal is the fifth lecture day.
Project course AEBI 427 runs concurrently with the other courses (AEBI 421, AEBI 423 & AEBI 425) and the Mondays of each week are dedicated to AEBI 427.
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ENVR 401 Environmental Research (3 credits)
Overview
Environment : Students work in an interdisciplinary team on a real-world research project involving problem definition, methodology development, social, ethical and environmental impact assessment, execution of the study, and dissemination of results to the research community and to the people affected. Teams begin defining their projects during the preceding summer.
Terms: Fall 2023
Instructors: Soper, Fiona; Badami, Madhav Govind; Leung, Brian; Manaugh, Kevin; Gobby, Jen (Fall)
Fall
Prerequisite(s): ENVR 301 and MATH 203 or equivalent, or by permission of the instructor
Restriction: Only open to U3 students in their final year in the following programs: B.A. Faculty Program in Environment, B.A.& Sc. Interfaculty Program in Environment, B.Sc.(Ag.Env.Sc.) and B.Sc. Major in Environment, and Diploma in Environment.
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ENVR 451 Research in Panama (6 credits)
Overview
Environment : Research projects will be developed by instructors in consultation with Panamanian universities, government agencies and non-governmental organizations. Project groups will consist of four to six students working with a Panamanian institution. Topics will be relevant to Panama: e.g., protection of the Canal watershed, economical alternatives to deforestation, etc.
Terms: Winter 2024
Instructors: Studnicki-Gizbert, Daviken; Kosoy, Nicolas; Avila Vitorino, Ana Catarina (Winter)
Winter
Restriction: students in the Panama Field Semester program. Offered in Panama only
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FSCI 444 Barbados Research Project (6 credits)
Overview
Faculty of Science : A research project that is supervised by McGill academic staff and is conducted in collaboration with local partners. The project topic must relate to the field of sustainability relating to the Caribbean or Barbados specifically.
Terms: Fall 2023
Instructors: Millien, Virginie (Fall)
Domain: Required Course (6 credits)
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GEOG 403 Global Health and Environmental Change (3 credits)
Overview
Geography : Major themes and contemporary case studies in global health and environmental change. Focus on understanding global trends in emerging infectious disease from social, biophysical, and geographical perspectives, and critically assessing the health implications of environmental change in different international contexts.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2023-2024 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023-2024 academic year.
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PARA 410 Environment and Infection (3 credits)
Overview
Parasitology : Infectious pathogens of humans and animals and their impact on the global environment are considered. The central tenet is that infectious pathogens are environmental risk factors. The course considers their impact on the human condition and juxtaposes the impact of control and treatment measures and environmental change.
Terms: Winter 2024
Instructors: Agyapong, Jeffrey (Winter)
Domain: Complementary Courses (36 credits)
36 credits of the complementary courses are selected as follows:
18 credits - Fundamentals, 3 credits from each category
12 credits - Human Health, maximum of 3 credits from any one category
6 credits - Natural Environment, maximum of 3 credits from any one category
Fundamentals:
18 credits of Fundamentals, 3 credits from each category.
Health, Society, and Environment
* Note: You may take GEOG 221 or NRSC 221, but not both.
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GEOG 221 Environment and Health (3 credits) *
Overview
Geography : This course introduced physical and social environments as factors in human health, with emphasis on the physical properties of the atmospheric environment as they interact with diverse human populations in urban settings.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2023-2024 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023-2024 academic year.
3 hours
Restriction: Not open to students who have taken or are taking NRSC 221.
In Fall 2019, GEOG 221 will be taught at Macdonald campus. This course is also offered as NRSC 221. Students enrolled in downtown campus programs register in GEOG 221; students enrolled in Macdonald campus programs register in NRSC 221.
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GEOG 303 Health Geography (3 credits)
Overview
Geography : Discussion of the research questions and methods of health geography. Particular emphasis on health inequalities at multiple geographic scales and the theoretical links between characteristics of places and the health of people.
Terms: Winter 2024
Instructors: Riva, Mylene (Winter)
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GEOG 503 Advanced Topics in Health Geography (3 credits)
Overview
Geography : A critical review of current themes and trends in health geography, with emphasis on geographical perspectives in public health research. Topics include the social and environmental determinants of chronic and infectious disease, health and health-related behaviours. Seminars focus on critical appraisal of conceptual and methodological approaches in health geography research.
Terms: Fall 2023
Instructors: Riva, Mylene (Fall)
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NRSC 221 Environment and Health (3 credits) *
Overview
Natural Resource Sciences : Introduction to physical and social environments as factors contributing to the production of human health, with emphasis on the physical properties of the atmospheric environment as they interact with diverse human populations in urban settings.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2023-2024 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023-2024 academic year.
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PPHS 529 Global Environmental Health and Burden of Disease (3 credits)
Overview
PPHS : This course presents the grand challenges in global health from environmental and occupational risks along with the multi-disciplinary methods used to identify, control, and prevent them. It will introduce students to knowledge and skills in core disciplines of environmental health and approaches to environmental risk recognition, control and prevention in a global context.
Terms: Fall 2023
Instructors: Weichenthal, Scott Andrew (Fall)
Restriction(s): Not open to students who have taken EPIB 529.
1. Permission of instructor required for undergraduate students.
2.This course is open to graduate students and advanced undergraduates from all departments.
3. Previous coursework in statistics and environmental science is useful, though not required.
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SOCI 234 Population and Society (3 credits)
Overview
Sociology (Arts) : Introduction to the reciprocal linkages in the social world between population size, structure and dynamics on the one hand, social structure, action and change on the other. An examination of population processes and their relation to the social world.
Terms: Winter 2024
Instructors: Brauner-Otto, Sarah (Winter)
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SOCI 309 Health and Illness (3 credits)
Overview
Sociology (Arts) : Health and illness as social rather than purely bio-medical phenomena. Topics include: studies of ill persons, health care occupations and organizations; poverty and health; inequalities in access to and use of health services; recent policies, ideologies, and problems in reform of health services organization.
Terms: Winter 2024
Instructors: Quesnel Vallée, Amélie (Winter)
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SOCI 331 Population and Environment (3 credits)
Overview
Sociology (Arts) : Main topics and controversies linking population processes and the environment. Topics include how population processes influence the environment, population responses to changing environments, policies related to these effects, variation across and within developed and developing countries.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2023-2024 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023-2024 academic year.
Cellular Biology
* Note: You will not receive credit for either LSCI 211 or LSCI 202 if you have already received credit for both BIOL 200 and BIOL 201; you will not receive credit for either BIOL 200 or BIOL 201 if you have already received credit for both LSCI 202 and LSCI 211.
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ANSC 234 Biochemistry 2 (3 credits)
Overview
Animal Science : Metabolism in humans and domestic animals. The chemistry of alimentary digestion, absorption, transport, intermediary metabolism and excretion.
Terms: Winter 2024
Instructors: Martin, Deborah; Giehl Glanzner, Werner (Winter)
Prerequisite: LSCI 211
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BIOL 201 Cell Biology and Metabolism (3 credits)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : This course introduces the student to our modern understanding of cells and how they work. Major topics to be covered include: photosynthesis, energy metabolism and metabolic integration; plasma membrane including secretion, endocytosis and contact mediated interactions between cells; cytoskeleton including cell and organelle movement; the nervous system; hormone signaling; the cell cycle.
Terms: Winter 2024
Instructors: Western, Tamara; Dent, Joseph Alan; Hekimi, Siegfried; Zheng, Huanquan; Champetier, Serge (Winter)
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LSCI 202 Molecular Cell Biology (3 credits)
Overview
Life Sciences : Organization and function of intracellular organelles in eukaryotic cells. Mechanisms of membrane transport. Protein sorting and vesicular transport. Cytoskeleton. DNA and chromosome structure. DNA replication. Mechanisms of Ï㽶ÊÓƵ and protein synthesis. Control of gene expression. Cell cycle and the control of cell division. Mechanisms of cell communication and signal transduction. Apoptosis. Neuronal signaling.
Terms: Winter 2024
Instructors: Liu, Qian (Winter)
Genetics
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BIOL 202 Basic Genetics (3 credits)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : Introduction to basic principles, and to modern advances, problems and applications in the genetics of higher and lower organisms with examples representative of the biological sciences.
Terms: Winter 2024
Instructors: Moon, Nam Sung; Nilson, Laura; Schoen, Daniel J; Hipfner, David; Champetier, Serge (Winter)
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LSCI 204 Genetics (3 credits)
Overview
Life Sciences : The course integrates classical, molecular and population genetics of animals, plants, bacteria and viruses. The aim is to understand the flow of genetic information within a cell, within families and in populations. Emphasis will be placed on problem solving based learning. The laboratory exercises will emphasize the interpretation of genetic experimental data.
Terms: Fall 2023
Instructors: Charron, Jean-Benoit (Fall)
Restriction: Not open to students who have taken BIOL 202.
Molecular Biology
* Note: You will not receive credit for either LSCI 211 or LSCI 202 if you have already received credit for both BIOL 200 and BIOL 201; you will not receive credit for either BIOL 200 or BIOL 201 if you have already received credit for both LSCI 202 and LSCI 211.
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BIOL 200 Molecular Biology (3 credits)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : The physical and chemical properties of the cell and its components in relation to their structure and function. Topics include: protein structure, enzymes and enzyme kinetics; nucleic acid replication, transcription and translation; the genetic code, mutation, recombination, and regulation of gene expression.
Terms: Fall 2023
Instructors: Champetier, Serge; Roy, Richard D W; Hastings, Kenneth E M; Lasko, Paul (Fall)
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LSCI 211 Biochemistry 1 (3 credits)
Overview
Life Sciences : Biochemistry of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids; enzymes and coenzymes. Introduction to intermediary metabolism.
Terms: Fall 2023, Winter 2024
Instructors: Cestari, Igor; Long, Thavy (Fall) Long, Thavy; Cestari, Igor (Winter)
Statistics
One of the following Statistics courses or equivalent:
Note: Credit given for Statistics courses is subject to certain restrictions. Students in Science should consult the "Course Overlap" information in the "Course Requirements" section for the Faculty of Science.
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AEMA 310 Statistical Methods 1 (3 credits)
Overview
Mathematics (Agric&Envir Sci) : Measures of central tendency and dispersion; binomial and Poisson distributions; normal, chi-square, Student's t and Fisher-Snedecor F distributions; estimation and hypothesis testing; simple linear regression and correlation; analysis of variance for simple experimental designs.
Terms: Fall 2023, Winter 2024
Instructors: Dutilleul, Pierre R L (Fall) Dhiman, Jaskaran (Winter)
Two 1.5-hour lectures and one 2-hour lab
Please note that credit will be given for only one introductory statistics course. Consult your academic advisor.
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MATH 203 Principles of Statistics 1 (3 credits)
Overview
Mathematics & Statistics (Sci) : Examples of statistical data and the use of graphical means to summarize the data. Basic distributions arising in the natural and behavioural sciences. The logical meaning of a test of significance and a confidence interval. Tests of significance and confidence intervals in the one and two sample setting (means, variances and proportions).
Terms: Fall 2023, Winter 2024, Summer 2024
Instructors: Kreitewolf, Jens; Russell, Oliver (Fall) Sajjad, Alia (Winter) Nadarajah, Tharshanna (Summer)
No calculus prerequisites
Restriction: This course is intended for students in all disciplines. For extensive course restrictions covering statistics courses see Section 3.6.1 of the Arts and of the Science sections of the calendar regarding course overlaps.
You may not be able to receive credit for this course and other statistic courses. Be sure to check the Course Overlap section under Faculty Degree Requirements in the Arts or Science section of the Calendar. Students should consult for information regarding transfer credits for this course.
Nutrition
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ANSC 433 Animal Nutrition and Metabolism (3 credits)
Overview
Animal Science : Introduction to fundamental aspects of animal nutrition, including gastrointestinal anatomy and physiology; nutrient digestion, absorption, and metabolism; nutrient functions and requirements of livestock species; evaluation of feedstuffs and their use in ration formulation; and feeding strategies. Laboratory classes will include hands-on experience on feed analyses, gastrointestinal tract dissections, nutritional experiments and demonstrations in livestock species as well as computer-based ration balancing exercises.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2023-2024 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023-2024 academic year.
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NUTR 207 Nutrition and Health (3 credits)
Overview
Nutrition and Dietetics : Provides students who have a basic biology/chemistry background with the fundamental information on how macronutrients, vitamins and minerals are metabolized in the body, followed by application to evaluate current issues of maximizing health and disease prevention at different stages of the lifecycle.
Terms: Fall 2023
Instructors: Wykes, Linda J (Fall)
Fall
3 lectures
Corequisites: FDSC 230 [for students that have not taken the CEGEP equivalent OOXV].
Prerequisites: AEBI 122 or BIOL 112 or CEGEP equivalent OOXU
Restriction: Not open to students who take NUTR 200 or EDKP 292
Restriction: Science students in physical science and psychology programs who wish to take this course should see the Arts and Science Student Affairs Office for permission to register.
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NUTR 307 Metabolism and Human Nutrition (3 credits)
Overview
Nutrition and Dietetics : This course looks at the importance of nutrition from the molecular to the organismal levels in human health and disease. The focus will be on the significance of nutrients in regulating metabolism, and impact of genotype in the metabolism of nutrients.
Terms: Fall 2023
Instructors: Wykes, Linda J; Agellon, Luis; Mailloux, Ryan (Fall)
Human Health:
12 credits chosen from Human Health, maximum of 3 credits from any one category:
Immunology and Pathogenicity
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MICR 341 Mechanisms of Pathogenicity (3 credits)
Overview
Microbiology (Agric&Envir Sc) : A study of the means by which bacteria cause disease in animals and humans. Includes response of host to invading bacteria, bacterial attachment and penetration processes, and modes of actions of exotoxins and endotoxins.
Terms: Fall 2023
Instructors: Faucher, Sebastien (Fall)
Prerequisite: LSCI 230
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MIMM 214 Introductory Immunology: Elements of Immunity (3 credits)
Overview
Microbiology and Immun (Sci) : Basic immunology, organs and cells, elements of innate immunity, phagocytes, complement, elements of adaptive immunity, B-cells, T-cells, antigen presenting cells, MHC genes and molecules, antigen processing and presentation, cytokines and chemokines. Emphasis on anatomy and the molecular and cellular players working together as a physiological system to maintain human health.
Terms: Winter 2024
Instructors: Chahal, Jasmin; Gruenheid, Samantha; Fritz, Jörg (Winter)
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MIMM 314 Intermediate Immunology (3 credits)
Overview
Microbiology and Immun (Sci) : An intermediate-level immunology course covering the cellular and molecular basis of lymphocyte development and activation in immune responses in health and disease.
Terms: Winter 2024
Instructors: Piccirillo, Ciriaco; King, Irah; Melichar, Heather (Winter)
Winter
3 hours of lecture
Prerequisite: MIMM 214
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PARA 438 Immunology (3 credits)
Overview
Parasitology : An in-depth analysis of the principles of cellular and molecular immunology. The emphasis of the course is on host defence against infection and on diseases caused by abnormal immune responses.
Terms: Fall 2023
Instructors: Sonzogni-Desautels, Karine (Fall)
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PATH 300 Human Disease (3 credits)
Overview
Pathology : Provides a fundamental understanding of the diseases prevalent in North America, for upper level students in the biological sciences. Includes: general responses of cells and organ systems to injury; assessment of individual diseases by relating the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and prevention to the primary biological abnormalities in each disorder.
Terms: Winter 2024
Instructors: Zorychta, Edith (Winter)
Infectious Disease
* Note: You can take MIMM 413 or PARA 424, but not both.
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ANSC 400 Eukaryotic Cells and Viruses (3 credits)
Overview
Animal Science : The basic principles of molecular biology and the underlying molecular basis for various methodologies in molecular biology are covered. The molecular genetic basis for viral infections and tumorigenesis will be covered as examples of the use of molecular genetic approaches to address biological problems.
Terms: Winter 2024
Instructors: Madogwe, Ejimedo (Winter)
Prerequisite: LSCI 204
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MIMM 324 Fundamental Virology (3 credits)
Overview
Microbiology and Immun (Sci) : A study of the fundamental properties of viruses and their interactions with host cells. Bacteriophages, DNA- and Ï㽶ÊÓƵ-containing animal viruses, and retroviruses are covered. Emphasis will be on phenomena occurring at the molecular level and on the regulated control of gene expression in virus-infected cells.
Terms: Fall 2023
Instructors: Teodoro, Jose Guerreiro; Liang, Chen; Kukolj, George; Briedis, Dalius J; Mouland, Andrew J; Archambault, Jacques (Fall)
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MIMM 413 Parasitology (3 credits) *
Overview
Microbiology and Immun (Sci) : A study of the biology, immunological aspects of host-parasite interactions, pathogenicity, epidemiology and molecular biological aspects of selected parasites of medical importance. Laboratory will consist of a lecture on techniques, demonstrations and practical work.
Terms: Winter 2024
Instructors: Matlashewski, Greg J; Ndao, Momar (Winter)
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PARA 424 Fundamental Parasitology (3 credits) *
Overview
Parasitology : Systematics, morphology, biology and ecology of parasitic protozoa, flatworms, roundworms and arthropods with emphasis on economically and medically important species.
Terms: Winter 2024
Instructors: Opadokun, Tosin (Winter)
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PPHS 501 Population Health and Epidemiology (3 credits)
Overview
PPHS : This course presents concepts and methods of epidemiology at the introductory level. The use of epidemiologic methods for population and public health research and practice will be illustrated. A review of selected population health questions such as the HIV/AIDS epidemic, the cardiovascular disease epidemic, cigarette smoking, or screening for disease will be presented.
Terms: Fall 2023
Instructors: Banerjee, Ananya (Fall)
Restriction(s): Not open to students who have taken EPIB 501.
Course not open to students enrolled in Epidemiology or Public Health programs.
Toxicology
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ANSC 312 Animal Health and Disease (3 credits)
Overview
Animal Science : An introduction to the pathogenesis and control of diseases in farm animals. Immune response and other protective mechanisms. Implications of animal diseases and drug therapy for product safety and public health.
Terms: Winter 2024
Instructors: Dicks, Naomi (Winter)
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ENVB 500 Advanced Topics in Ecotoxicology (3 credits)
Overview
Environmental Biology : Exploring the impact of environmental chemicals on biological organisms in an ecological context. Basic topics in ecotoxicology, such as source and fate, routes of exposure, bioavailability, dose-response, biomarkers, and risk assessment will be covered from both theoretical and applied perspectives. The processes by which pollutants are tested, regulated, and monitored will be critically examined.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2023-2024 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023-2024 academic year.
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NUTR 512 Herbs, Foods and Phytochemicals (3 credits)
Overview
Nutrition and Dietetics : An overview of the use of herbal medicines and food phytochemicals and the benefits and risks of their consumption. The physiological basis for activity and the assessment of toxicity will be presented. Current practices relating to the regulation, commercialization and promotion of herbs and phytochemicals will be considered.
Terms: Fall 2023
Instructors: Owen, Patrick (Fall)
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PHAR 300 Drug Action (3 credits)
Overview
Pharmacology and Therapeutics : Principles of pharmacology and toxicology. Frequently encountered drugs will be used as a focus to illustrate sites and mechanisms of action, distribution, metabolism, elimination and adverse side effects.
Terms: Fall 2023
Instructors: Zorychta, Edith; Hales, Barbara F; Thanabalasuriar, Ajitha (Fall)
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PHAR 303 Principles of Toxicology (3 credits)
Overview
Pharmacology and Therapeutics : Fundamental mechanisms by which toxic compounds damage a biological system (organelle, cell, organ, organism, ecosystem). Detection and quantification of toxicity and risk/benefit analysis are considered. Selected agents of current risk to human health or the environment are evaluated in depth.
Terms: Winter 2024
Instructors: McKeague, Maureen; Hales, Barbara F; Zorychta, Edith; Robaire, Bernard; Baglole, Carolyn (Winter)
Hormones
* Note: You will not receive credit for ANSC 424 if you have already received credit for both PHGY 209 and PHGY 210; you will not receive credit for PHGY 210 if you have already received credit for both ANSC 323 and ANSC 424.
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ANSC 424 Metabolic Endocrinology (3 credits) *
Overview
Animal Science : A detailed study of the endocrine system and its role in the maintenance of homeostasis in higher vertebrates, including the endocrine regulation of energy balance.
Terms: Winter 2024
Instructors: Duggavathi, Raj (Winter)
Winter
3 lectures and one 3-hour lab
Prerequisite: ANSC 323
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PHGY 210 Mammalian Physiology 2 (3 credits) *
Overview
Physiology : Physiology of cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, endocrine and renal systems.
Terms: Winter 2024
Instructors: Aguer, Céline; Vollrath, Melissa; Takano, Tomoko; Lauzon, Anne-Marie; White, John H; Bub, Gil (Winter)
Winter
3 hours lectures weekly
Prerequisites: BIOL 112, CHEM 110, CHEM 120, PHYS 101 or PHYS 131, and PHYS 102 or PHYS 142. Pre-/co-requisite: BIOL 200, BIOL 201, BIOC 212, CHEM 212 or equivalent.
Restriction: For students in the Faculty of Science, and other students by permission of the instructor
Although PHGY 210 may be taken without the prior passing of PHGY 209, students should note that they may have some initial difficulties because of lack of familiarity with some basic concepts introduced in PHGY 209
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PSYC 342 Hormones and Behaviour (3 credits)
Overview
Psychology : The role of hormones in organization of CNS function, as effectors of behaviour, in expression of behaviours and in mental illness.
Terms: Winter 2024
Instructors: de Mendonça Filho, Euclides José (Winter)
Physiology
* Note: You will not receive credit ANSC 323 if you have already received credit for both PHGY 209 and PHGY 210; you will not receive credit for PHGY 209 if you have already received credit for both ANSC 323 and ANSC 424.
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ANSC 323 Mammalian Physiology (3 credits) *
Overview
Animal Science : A study of the organization, functions and regulation of various organ systems in mammals. The nervous, endocrine, muscular, cardiovascular, respiratory, urinary, digestive and reproductive systems are discussed.
Terms: Fall 2023
Instructors: Zhao, Xin; Laurin, Denyse (Fall)
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PHGY 209 Mammalian Physiology 1 (3 credits) *
Overview
Physiology : Physiology of body fluids, blood, body defense mechanisms, muscle, peripheral, central, and autonomic nervous systems.
Terms: Fall 2023
Instructors: Aguer, Céline; Vollrath, Melissa; Ragsdale, David S; Shrier, Alvin; Cook, Erik (Fall)
Fall
3 hours lectures weekly
Prerequisites: BIOL 112, CHEM 110, CHEM 120, PHYS 101 or PHYS 131, and PHYS 102 or PHYS 142. Pre-/co-requisites: BIOL 200, CHEM 212 or equivalent.
Restriction: Not open to students who have taken PHGY 211 or students who are taking and who have taken NSCI 200.
Restriction: For students in the Faculty of Science, and other students by permission of the instructor
Natural Environment:
6 credits chosen from the Natural Environment, maximum of 3 credits from any one category:
Hydrology and Climate
* Note: You may take BREE 217 or GEOG 322, but not both.
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ATOC 341 Caribbean Climate and Weather (3 credits)
Overview
Atmospheric & Oceanic Sciences : The climate system and ongoing global change, ocean and atmosphere circulation and future trends in the tropics; local climate variability and dynamics, extreme weather events in the Caribbean
Terms: Fall 2023
Instructors: Romanic, Djordje; Millien, Virginie (Fall)
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BREE 217 Hydrology and Water Resources (3 credits) *
Overview
Bioresource Engineering : Introduction to water resources and hydrologic cycle. Precipitation and hydrologic frequency analysis. Soil water processes, infiltration theory and modeling. Evapotranspiration estimation methods and crop water requirements. Surface runoff estimation as a function of land use modifications. Estimation of peak runoff rates. Unit hydrograph. Design of open channels and vegetated waterways.
Terms: Winter 2024
Instructors: Madramootoo, Chandra A; Qi, Zhiming (Winter)
Three lectures, one 2-hour lab per week.
This course carries an additional course charge for field trips.
This course carries an additional course charge of $19.43 to cover transportation costs for two field trips, which may include a visit to a national weather station and a trip to gain hands-on experience on monitoring water flow in streams.
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GEOG 321 Climatic Environments (3 credits)
Overview
Geography : The earth-atmosphere system, radiation and energy balances. Surface-atmosphere exchange of energy, mass and momentum and related atmospheric processes on a local and regional scale. Introduction to measurement theory and practice in micrometeorology.
Terms: Winter 2024
Instructors: Knox, Sara (Winter)
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GEOG 322 Environmental Hydrology (3 credits) *
Overview
Geography : Quantitative, experimental study of the principles governing the movement of water at or near the Earth's surface and how the research relates to the chemistry and biology of ecosystems.
Terms: Fall 2023
Instructors: Lehner, Bernhard; Ali, Genevieve (Fall)
Winter
3 hours
Prerequisite: GEOG 203 or equivalent
Techniques and Management
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AEBI 423 Sustainable Land Use (3 credits)
Overview
Biology (Agric & Envir Sc) : Management, preservation, and utilization of forage crops in sustainable tropical environments; examination of their value as livestock feed in terms of nutritional composition and impact on animal performance; land use issues as it pertains to forage and animal production in insular environments.
Terms: Summer 2024
Instructors: Seguin, Philippe; Vasseur, Elsa (Summer)
Restriction: Restricted to students that are participating in the Barbados Interdisciplinary Tropical Studies Field Semester
**Since this course is being taught abroad, la Fête Nationale du Québec (June 24th) and Canada Day (July 1st) statutory holidays will not be taken into consideration. Therefore, students are expected to attend their lectures on both Wednesday, June 24 and Wednesday, July 1, 2020.
**Due to the intensive nature of this course, the standard add/drop and withdrawal deadlines do not apply. Add/drop is the third lecture day and withdrawal is the sixth lecture day.
Project course AEBI 427 runs concurrently with the other courses (AEBI 421, AEBI 423 & AEBI 425) and the Mondays of each week are dedicated to AEBI 427.
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ENVB 437 Assessing Environmental Impact (3 credits)
Overview
Environmental Biology : Principles and practice of Environmental Assessment (EA) in Canada and internationally. Exploration of issues surrounding impact assessment for sustainable development in different sectors, including their limitations.
Terms: Winter 2024
Instructors: Hickey, Gordon (Winter)
Open to U2 students and above.
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ENVR 422 Montreal Urban Sustainability Analysis (3 credits)
Overview
Environment : Applied and experience-based learning opportunities are employed to critically assess Montreal as a sustainable city through research, discussion, and field trips. The urban environment is considered through various specific dimensions, ranging from: waste, energy, urban agriculture, green spaces and design, or transportation.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2023-2024 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023-2024 academic year.
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GEOG 302 Environmental Management 1 (3 credits)
Overview
Geography : An ecological analysis of the physical and biotic components of natural resource systems. Emphasis on scientific, technological and institutional aspects of environmental management. Study of the use of biological resources and of the impact of individual processes.
Terms: Fall 2023
Instructors: Meredith, Thomas C (Fall)
3 hours
Prerequisite: Any 200-level course in Geography or MSE or BIOL 308 or permission of instructor.
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GEOG 340 Sustainability in the Caribbean (3 credits)
Overview
Geography : The local environmental, social, historical, political and economic context of Barbados and the Caribbean. The small island developing States (SIDS), and why those nations are more vulnerable to global environmental challenges. The 17 Sustainability Development Goals of the United Nations, with a focus on the leadership role played by Barbados for the entire Caribbean region.
Terms: Fall 2023
Instructors: Millien, Virginie (Fall)
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NUTR 450 Research Methods: Human Nutrition (3 credits)
Overview
Nutrition and Dietetics : Introduction to how diverse approaches to nutrition research including international, community, laboratory, clinical, molecular, meta-analyses are necessary to advance the field of nutrition. Emphasis on ethics, scientific method, research process and analysis of results.
Terms: Fall 2023
Instructors: Basu, Niladri (Fall)
or, advanced quantitative methods course (with approval of Adviser).
Pest Management
* Note: You may take BIOL 350 or ENTO 350, but not both.
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BIOL 350 Insect Biology and Control (3 credits) *
Overview
Biology (Sci) : Introduction to insect structure, physiology, biochemistry, development, systematics, evolution, ecology and control. Stress on interrelationships and integrated pest control.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2023-2024 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023-2024 academic year.
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ENTO 350 Insect Biology and Control (3 credits) *
Overview
Entomology : Introduction to insect structure, physiology, biochemistry, development, systematics, evolution, ecology and control. Stress on interrelationships and integrated pest control.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2023-2024 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023-2024 academic year.
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ENTO 352 Biocontrol of Pest Insects (3 credits)
Overview
Entomology : Modern concepts of integrated control techniques and principles of insect pest management, with emphasis on biological control (use of predators, parasites and pathogens against pest insects), population monitoring, and manipulation of environmental, behavioral and physiological factors in the pest's way of life. Physical, cultural, and genetic controls and an introduction to the use of non-toxic biochemical controls (attractants, repellents, pheromones, antimetabolites).
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2023-2024 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023-2024 academic year.
Winter
Restriction: Not open to students who have previously taken ENTO 452
3 lectures
Pollution Control and Management
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BREE 322 Organic Waste Management (3 credits)
Overview
Bioresource Engineering : An introduction to engineering aspects of handling, storage and treatment of all biological and food industry wastes. Design criteria will be elaborated and related to characteristics of wastes. Physical, chemical and biological treatment systems.
Terms: Fall 2023
Instructors: Clark, Grant (Fall)
2 lectures and one 2-hour lab
Restriction: Not open to students who have taken ABEN 322.
A fee of $24.34 is charged to support a field trip to local waste management facilities for guided tour and information-gathering for a course assignment as well as some laboratory supplies for hands-on composting and/or anaerobic digestion lab.
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BREE 518 Ecological Engineering (3 credits)
Overview
Bioresource Engineering : Concepts and practice of ecological engineering: the planned creation or management of a community of organisms, their nonliving surroundings, and technological components to provide services. Survey of applications such as constructed wetlands, aquatic production systems, green infrastructure for urban storm water management, environmental restoration. Taught cooperatively with a parallel course at University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Online collaboration with an interdisciplinary, international team is an important component of the course.
Terms: Winter 2024
Instructors: Clark, Grant (Winter)
One 3-hour lecture per week.
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NRSC 333 Pollution and Bioremediation (3 credits)
Overview
Natural Resource Sciences : The environmental contaminants which cause pollution; sources, amounts and transport of pollutants in water, air and soil; waste management.
Terms: Fall 2023
Instructors: Whyte, Lyle; Head, Jessica (Fall)
Fall
3 lectures
Restriction: Not open to students who have taken WILD 333
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PARA 515 Water, Health and Sanitation (3 credits)
Overview
Parasitology : The origin and types of water contaminants including live organisms, infectious agents and chemicals of agricultural and industrial origins. Conventional and new technological developments to eliminate water pollutants. Comparisons of water, health and sanitation between industrialized and developing countries.
Terms: Winter 2024
Instructors: Basu, Niladri (Winter)
Ecology
* Note: You may take ENVR 540 or BIOL 540, but not both; you many take BIOL 451 or NRSC 451, but not both.
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AEBI 421 Tropical Horticultural Ecology (3 credits)
Overview
Biology (Agric & Envir Sc) : A comprehensive survey of the major fruit, vegetable, turf, and ornamental crops grown in Barbados. Effect of cultural practices, environment, pests and pathogens, social and touristic activities, and importation of horticultural produce on local horticulture.
Terms: Summer 2024
Instructors: Gravel, Valérie (Summer)
Restriction: Restricted to students that are participating in the Barbados Interdisciplinary Tropical Studies Field Semester
**Due to the intensive nature of this course, the standard add/drop and withdrawal deadlines do not apply. Add/drop is the second lecture day and withdrawal is the fifth lecture day.
Project course AEBI 427 runs concurrently with the other courses (AEBI 421, AEBI 423 & AEBI 425) and the Mondays of each week are dedicated to AEBI 427.
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BIOL 343 Biodiversity in the Caribean (3 credits)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : Biodiversity loss and the measure of ecological integrity of ecosystems, patterns of diversification and evolution of terrestrial and oceanic biotas in the Caribbean.
Terms: Fall 2023
Instructors: Millien, Virginie; Leung, Brian (Fall)
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BIOL 432 Limnology (3 credits)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : A study of the physical, chemical and biological properties of lakes and other inland waters, with emphasis on their functioning as systems.
Terms: Fall 2023
Instructors: Iversen, Lars Lonsmann; Gregory-Eaves, Irene (Fall)
Fall
3 hours lecture
Prerequisites: BIOL 206 and BIOL 215 or permission of instructor.
Restrictions: Not open to students who have taken or are taking ENVB 315.
This course, involving two field weekends, has an additional fee of $353.32, which includes room and board and transportation. The fee is refundable during the period where a student can drop the course with full refund. The Department of Biology subsidizes a portion of the cost for this activity.
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BIOL 451 Research in Ecology and Development in Africa (3 credits) *
Overview
Biology (Sci) : Development of observation and independent inquiry skills through: 1) participation in short-term project modules in collaboration with existing researchers; 2) participation in interdisciplinary team research on topics selected to allow comparative analysis of field sites; 3) active and systematic observation, documentation, and integration of field experience in ecology and development issues.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2023-2024 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023-2024 academic year.
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BIOL 465 Conservation Biology (3 credits)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : Discussion of relevant theoretical and applied issues in conservation biology. Topics: biodiversity, population viability analysis, community dynamics, biology of rarity, extinction, habitat fragmentation, social issues.
Terms: Fall 2023
Instructors: Chapman, Lauren (Fall)
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BIOL 540 Ecology of Species Invasions (3 credits) *
Overview
Biology (Sci) : Causes and consequences of biological invasion, as well as risk assessment methods and management strategies for dealing with invasive species.
Terms: Winter 2024
Instructors: Ricciardi, Anthony (Winter)
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BIOL 553 Neotropical Environments (3 credits)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : Ecology revisited in view of tropical conditions. Exploring species richness. Sampling and measuring biodiversity. Conservation status of ecosystems, communities and species. Indigenous knowledge.
Terms: Winter 2024
Instructors: Potvin, Catherine; Hargreaves, Anna (Winter)
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ENVB 410 Ecosystem Ecology (3 credits)
Overview
Environmental Biology : Biotic and abiotic processes that control the flows of energy, nutrients and water through ecosystems; emergent system properties; approaches to analyzing complex systems. Labs include collection and multivariate analysis of field data.
Terms: Fall 2023
Instructors: Favret, Karen (Fall)
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ENVR 540 Ecology of Species Invasions (3 credits) *
Overview
Environment : Causes and consequences of biological invasion, as well as risk assessment methods and management strategies for dealing with invasive species.
Terms: Winter 2024
Instructors: Ricciardi, Anthony (Winter)
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MICR 331 Microbial Ecology (3 credits)
Overview
Microbiology (Agric&Envir Sc) : The ecology of microorganisms, primarily bacteria and archaea, and their roles in biogeochemical cycles. Microbial interactions with the environment, plants, animals and other microbes emphasizing the underlying genetics and physiology. Diversity, evolution (microbial phylogenetics) and the application of molecular biology in microbial ecology.
Terms: Winter 2024
Instructors: Driscoll, Brian T (Winter)
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NRSC 451 Research in Ecology and Development in Africa (3 credits) *
Overview
Natural Resource Sciences : Development of observation and independent inquiry skills through: 1) participation in short-term project modules in collaboration with existing researchers; 2) participation in interdisciplinary team research on topics selected to allow comparative analysis of field sites; 3) active and systematic observation, documentation, and integration of field experience in ecology and development issues.
Terms: Winter 2024
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023-2024 academic year.
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PLNT 304 Biology of Fungi (3 credits)
Overview
Plant Science : This course describes the various groups of fungi and explores in depth their biology and physiology, their ecological niches and the role in various ecosystems and their benefits and uses in industry and biotechnology.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2023-2024 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023-2024 academic year.
3 lectures and one 3-hour lab
Restriction: U2 or above, or permission of instructor.
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PLNT 460 Plant Ecology (3 credits)
Overview
Plant Science : Theory and practice of plant ecology with an emphasis on the interaction between patterns and ecological processes and the dynamics, conservation and management of plant populations and communities over a range of temporal and spatial scales.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2023-2024 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023-2024 academic year.
3 lectures and one 3-hour lab
Prerequisite: AEMA 310 or permission of instructor.
This course carries an additional charge of $170.00 to cover the cost of transportation (bus rental) for local field trips. The fee is refundable only during the withdrawal with full refund period.
Bieler School of Environment—2023-2024 (last updated Sep. 12, 2023) (disclaimer)
