Biology Courses
BIOL 1103 Human Anatomy and Physiology I (3 credits)
Human Biology I is an introduction to the study of anatomy and physiology of humans. The levels of organization in the human body are studied as well as the anatomy and physiology of the skeletal, muscular, circulatory, immune, respiratory and digestive systems. Enrolment is usually limited to students in specific Health Science programs.
To find out where this course transfers, check the BC Transfer Guide.
Prerequisite: None
Laboratory: 2; Lecture/Seminar 3
Offered: Winter, Summer and Fall
BIOL 1105 Human Anatomy and Physiology (3 credits)
This course uses a problem-based learning format to study the anatomy and physiology of humans. Students use a problem-based process to examine cellular structure and function, tissue structure, homeostasis, and the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, circulatory, respiratory, and immune systems. Enrolment is usually limited to students in the Therapeutic Recreation program.
To find out where this course transfers, check the BC Transfer Guide.
Prerequisite: Enrolment in the Therapeutic Recreation program offered as a component of THRT 1114 and THRT 1221 Problem Based Learning (3hrs).
Lecture/Laboratory: 4
Usually Offered: Fall
BIOL 1109 Human Anatomy and Physiology I (3 credits)
This course introduces the basic organization of the human body and examines the anatomy and physiology of cells, tissues, integumentary system, skeletal system, articulations, muscular system and nervous system. Enrolment is usually limited to students in the Sports Science Program.
To find out where this course transfers, check the BC Transfer Guide.
Prerequisite: None
Laboratory: 2; Lecture/Seminar: 3
Offered: Fall
BIOL 1110 Principles of Biology: The Biosphere (5 credits)
This course is an introduction to the biosphere, the diversity of life and biotic interactions. The anatomy and physiology of organisms are also studied. With Biology 1210, this course fulfils the requirements of a first-year university biology course.
To find out where this course transfers, check the BC Transfer Guide.
Prerequisite: None
Laboratory: 3; Lecture/Seminar 4
Offered: Fall and Winter
BIOL 1203 Human Anatomy and Physiology II (3 credits)
Human Biology II is a continuation of the study of the anatomy and physiology of humans. The anatomy and physiology of the nervous, excretory, endocrine and reproductive systems are studied. Enrolment is usually limited to students in Health Sciences programs.
To find out where this course transfers, check the BC Transfer Guide.
Prerequisite: BIOL 1103 or permission of instructor
Laboratory: 2; Lecture/Seminar: 3
Offered: Winter, Summer and Fall
BIOL 1205 Human Anatomy and Physiology II (3 credits)
This course is a continuation of the study of human anatomy and physiology. Students use a problem solving process to examine digestion, cellular respiration, fluids and electrolytes, excretion, the nervous system, endocrine system and genetics. Enrolment is usually limited to students in the Therapeutic Recreation program.
To find out where this course transfers, check the BC Transfer Guide.
Prerequisite: BIOL 1105
Lecture/Laboratory: 4
Usually Offered: Winter
BIOL 1209 Human Anatomy and Physiology II (3 credits)
The second half of a two-semester course. It examines nutrition, metabolism and the anatomy and physiology of the digestive, circulatory, respiratory, excretory, endocrine and reproductive systems. Enrolment is usually limited to students in the Sport Science program.
To find out where this course transfers, check the BC Transfer Guide.
Prerequisite: BIOL 1109 with a "C-" or better or permission of instructor
Laboratory: 2; Lecture/Seminar: 3
Offered: Winter
BIOL 1210 Principles of Biology: The Organism (5 credits)
This course deals with the detailed microscopic structure and biochemical functioning of a living organisms. Mechanisms of inheritance and evolution are also studied. With Biology 1110, this course fulfills the requirements of a first-year university biology course.
To find out where this course transfers, check the BC Transfer Guide.
Prerequisite: BIOL 1110 with a "C-" or better or permission of instructor
Laboratory: 3; Lecture/Seminar: 4
Offered: Fall and Winter
BIOL 1310 Introduction to Biology (5 credits)
This course is an introduction to the biosphere, the diversity of life, biochemistry, cell biology and ecological interactions. Mechanisms of genetic inheritance and evolution are also studied.
To find out where this course transfers, check the BC Transfer Guide.
Prerequisite: BIOL 1109 and BIOL 1209 or permission of instructor
Laboratory: 3; Lecture/Seminar: 4
Offered: Fall or Winter
BIOL 2300 Marine Biology (5 credits)
This course examines the history of marine biology, the physical and chemical characteristics of the marine environment, the diversity of marine life, marine ecology and the effects of humans on the marine environment.
To find out where this course transfers, check the BC Transfer Guide.
Prerequisite: BIOL 1210 with a "C-" or better or permission of instructor
Laboratory: 3; Lecture/Seminar: 4
Offered: Winter
BIOL 2301 Environmental Genetics (3 credits)
This course is a study of the influence of the environment on genetic systems and the implications of genetic manipulation for the environment. The course will highlight environmental issues arising from practice and research in agriculture (e.g. monoculture, hybridization, interspecies gene transfer, cloning, gene manipulation), medicine (e.g. carcinogenesis, mutagenesis, antibiotics, disease, immunity) and other human activities.
To find out where this course transfers, check the BC Transfer Guide.
Prerequisite: BIOL 1110 and BIOL 1210
Lecture/Seminar: 4
Offered: Winter
BIOL 2302 Urban Landscapes & Biodiversity (5 credits)
This course examines cities and people’s lifestyles from an ecosystem perspective. The properties of the city as a natural environment are described. The impact of cities on surrounding natural environments and more remote ecosystems which serve as supply networks are explored. Global examples of urbanization are discussed in general and local examples are considered in detail. The theme of sustainability will be used to analyze options for change to protect and restore natural ecosystems.
Prerequisite: BIOL 1210 or permission of instructor
Laboratory: 3; Lecture: 4
Offered: Winter
BIOL 2321 Cell Biology (5 credits)
A survey of cell ultrastructure and cellular function. Topics discussed include nuclear, organelle, membrane and cytoskeletal structures and associated functions including DNA replication, transcription, translation, cell signalling, photosynthesis and respiration.
To find out where this course transfers, check the BC Transfer Guide.
Prerequisites: BIOL 1210 with a "C-" or better, CHEM 1110 or permission of instructor; CHEM 1210 recommended
Laboratory: 3; Lecture/Seminar: 4
Offered: Winter & Fall
BIOL 2400 General Microbiology (4 credits)
A survey of the biology of microorganisms with an emphasis on bacteria. Topics include prokaryotic diversity, bacterial cell structure and metabolism, microbial growth and reproduction, microbial genetics and ecology, introductory virology and immunology, epidemiology and public health and selected topics in applied microbiology. Laboratory activities introduce a wide variety of techniques in microbiology and immunology.
To find out where this course transfers, check the BC Transfer Guide.
Prerequisites: BIOL 1210 & CHEM 1110 (BIOL 2321 recommended)
Lecture: 4; Laboratory: 3
Offered: Winter
BIOL 2401 Introductory Microbiology for Health Sciences (3 credits)
A survey of the biology of microorganisms with an emphasis on bacteria. Topics include prokaryotic diversity, bacterial cell structure and metabolism, and microbial reproduction. Introductory virology and immunology, epidemiology and public health and selected topics in medical microbiology. Laboratory activities introduce a wide variety of techniques in microbiology and immunology.
To find out where this course transfers, check the BC Transfer Guide.
Prerequisites: BIOL 1103 & BIOL 1203
Lecture: 3; Laboratory: 2
Offered: Winter & Fall
BIOL 2421 Cell Biochemistry (3 credits)
An introduction to the biochemistry of a cell, including the structural and functional aspects of the micro and macro molecules. Protein structure, enzyme kinetics and energy pathways will be considered. Some metabolic sequences in the cell will be examined in relation to control mechanisms.
To find out where this course transfers, check the BC Transfer Guide.
Prerequisites: BIOL 2321 or CHEM 2321 or permission of instructor
Lecture: 4
Offered: Winter
BIOL 3205 Genetics (5 credits)
This course is a study of the principles of genetics. Topics covered include the physical and the chemical basis of heredity, genetics analysis in eukaryotes, prekaryotes and viruses, mutation, population genetics and evolution.
To find out where this course transfers, check the BC Transfer Guide.
Prerequisites: BIOL 1210 with "C-" or better grade or permission of instructor
Laboratory: 3; Lecture/Seminar: 4
Offered: Winter
BIOL 3305 Ecology (5 credits)
A study of the interaction of living organisms with their environment. Population and community dynamics are examined, ending with a consideration of how human activities have an impact on natural systems.
To find out where this course transfers, check the BC Transfer Guide.
Prerequisites: BIOL 1210 with a "C-" or better grade
Laboratory: 4; Lecture/Seminar: 4
Offered: Fall
BIOL 3500 Plants and Society (5 credits)
This course will examine the relationship between plants and people. Topics include plant ecosystem interactions, plant evolution, classification and the significance of different structural, physiological and biochemical attributes of plants. The course will explore the importance of plants to society, from the origins of agriculture to plant biotechnology and ethnobotany.
To find out where this course transfers, check the BC Transfer Guide.
Prerequisites: BIOL 1210 or BIOL 1310 with a “C-“or better grade
Laboratory: 3; Lecture/Seminar: 4
Offered: Fall
BIOL 3600 Comparative Zoology (5 credits)
The course will examine the comparative anatomy, physiology and behaviour of a wide range of animal groups as evolutionary solutions to common functional problems. Topics will include locomotion, respiration, circulation, digestion, excretion and reproduction.
To find out where this course transfers, check the BC Transfer Guide.
Prerequisites: BIOL 1210 or BIOL 1310 with a “C-“or better grade
Laboratory: 3; Lecture/Seminar: 4
Offered: Winter
BIOL 3700 Evolution (3 credits)
This course investigates the processes and mechanisms of biological evolution and their influence on the patterns of biological diversity that have arisen during the history of life on Earth. Evolutionary analysis is applied to topics such as adaptation, speciation, the origins of life, reproduction, parasitism, mutualism, human medicine and environmental issues.
To find out where this course transfers, check the BC Transfer Guide.
Prerequisites: BIOL 1210 or BIOL 1310 with a “C-“or better grade
Lecture: 4
Offered: Fall