Biology Department

An introduction to cells, their structure and function, and the techniques used to study them. Provides a basic introduction to cells as the building blocks of all life. Required for all students continuing in biology. Three credits and lab.

This course emphasizes the interrelationships of living systems and their roles in the global ecosystem. Students explore evolution and the origins of life, organismic diversity, adaptations, and ecology. Human interactions with the diversity of life are considered throughout the course. Basic skills that underpin success as an undergraduate student are also emphasized. Required for all students continuing in biology. Three credits and lab.

An introduction to microorganisms from a human perspective for students in the nursing program. Topics include bacterial structure and function, bacterial genetics and antibiotic resistance, and viral structure and infection. Credit will be granted for only one of BIOL 115 or BIOL 215. Restricted to nursing students. Cannot be used as science A for biology students. Three credits and tutorial.

An introduction to microorganisms from a human perspective for students in the nursing program. Topics include bacterial structure and function, bacterial genetics and antibiotic resistance, viral structure and infection, and eukaryotic pathogens. Specific microbial diseases and their clinical manifestation will also be covered. Cannot be used as science A for biology students. Credit will be granted for only one of BIOL 116, BIOL 115 or BIOL 215. Restricted to nursing students. Three credits.

An introduction to major groups of animals, emphasizing the structure, physiology and way of life of certain species. Prerequisites: an average of 55 in BIOL 111, 112 for biology major or honours students. Three credits and lab.

An introduction to the diversity, form and function of plants emphasizing the biology of land plants. Organisms are treated from the perspectives of evolution, reproduction, physiology, and ecology. Prerequisites: an average of 55 in BIOL 111, 112 for biology major or honours students. Three credits and lab.

An introduction to the fundamental concepts of ecology, exploring how organisms interact with their environment and with each other, at the levels of populations, communities and entire ecosystems. Interactions from competition to food chains are considered from an evolutionary perspective recognizing the role of the physical environment and humanity. Open to aquatic resources, climate and environment, Earth and environmental sciences students upon completion of BIOL 112. Prerequisites: an average of 55 in BIOL 111, 112 for biology major or honours students. Three credits and lab.

This course examines the structure and function of cells with a focus on eukaryotic cells. Cell function and form will be discussed as the co-ordinated interaction of molecules. Evolution of cells will be discussed in context. Both the theory and practice of experimental techniques used to study cell function are emphasized. Prerequisites: an average of 55 in BIOL 111, 112 for biology major or honours students. Only one of BIOL 204 or 205 may be used to fulfil the 4-course requirement for biology programs. Three credits and lab.

An introduction to microorganisms from a human health perspective, that focuses on immunological concepts, viruses, bacteria and fungi. Laboratories cover basic microbiological techniques and tutorials cover microorganisms from the food perspective. Credit will be granted for only one of BIOL 215 or BIOL 115. Restricted to human nutrition students and human kinetics students with nutrition minor. Cannot be used as science A for biology students. Prerequisites: BIOL 111. Three credits and lab/tutorial.

This course is restricted to students in particular degree programs, as outlined below. This course concerns how scientific principles are established. Topics include evolution and diversity, ecology and food, human evolution and population, diabetes, homeostasis, HIV and vaccines, antibiotic resistance, and cancer. Acceptable for credit only in the Faculties of Arts and Business; in the BASc programs; in the HKIN programs; and as an open elective in the BSc in Nursing and the BSc in Human Nutrition. Direct all inquiries and override requests to Online Learning and Professional Studies. Online format delivery. Six credits.

This course introduces the basic science necessary to understand current resource issues such as wildlife, forestry and aquatic systems management with the goal of understanding resource decision making, and how human activities can alter terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Cross-listed as AQUA 221. Prerequisite: AQUA 101 and 102 or BIOL 112 or upper-year status in non-science programs. Cannot be used as science A for biology students. Three credits.

An integrated approach to the study of the anatomy and physiology of the following: the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous and endocrine systems. The course provides students with a comprehensive working knowledge of the anatomic and physiologic aspects of these systems. Credit will be granted for only one of BIOL 251, BIOL 151, HKIN 152, HKIN 161 or HKIN 162. Restricted to BSc and BASc Health students. Prerequisite: BIOL 111. Three credits and lab.

An integrated approach to the study of the anatomy and physiology of the following: cardiovascular, respiratory, immune, digestive, urinary and reproductive systems. The course provides students with a comprehensive working knowledge of the anatomic and physiologic aspects of these systems. Credit will be granted for only one of BIOL 252, BIOL 152, HKIN 152, HKIN 161 or HKIN 162. Restricted to BSc and BASc Health students. Prerequisite: BIOL 251. Three credits and lab.

The topic for 2025-2026 is Human Genetics. An introduction to the mechanisms of inheritance, genome structure, and genetic analysis, with a focus on humans. Concepts include: DNA structure and function; gene regulation, mutation, repair, linkage; gene manipulation. Cannot be used as Science A for Biology students. Credit will be granted for only one of BIOL 297 or 204. Prerequisite: BIOL 111. Three credits.

This course uses an integrative approach to study the function of organ systems, including, cardiovascular, muscular, respiratory, and renal. Examples of how animals respond to different demands imposed by their environment and activities will be discussed. Prerequisite: BIOL 201 or BIOL 251/252. Three credits and lab.

This course covers the principles of plant and animal population dynamics. The great diversity in growth, survival, reproduction, and dispersal patterns in aquatic and terrestrial populations is examined. Contents include theory, evidence from experimental studies and the interaction between the environment and populations. Prerequisite: BIOL 203 or permission of the instructor. Three credits.

An introduction to coastal marine habitats and the factors that influence the population and community structure of primary producers and consumers. The course includes an overview of marine ecological theory, fieldwork, and laboratory observations, focusing on Nova Scotia shores. Prerequisite: BIOL 203. Three credits, lab and research project.

Provides a broad perspective on the microbial world and its role in the biosphere. The diversity, morphology and physiology of prokaryotic microorganisms will be discussed. Laboratories stress basic microbiological techniques including microscopic examination, isolation from natural environments, enumeration and examination of physiology. Prerequisites: BIOL 201, 204; and six credits of second year organic chemistry or biochemistry: CHEM 221, 222 or CHEM 225 and 255 or (beginning in 2023-24) CHEM 221 and 255. Open to human kinetics and health students upon completion of BIOL 204 and six credits of chemistry as previously described. Three credits and lab.

An investigation of statistics and experimental design in the context of biological and health science issues. Topics include analysis of variance, categorical data; distribution-free tests; linear and multiple regression. Students will learn to analyze data and interpret conclusions using a statistical software package. Recommended strongly for all major, and honours students. Credit will be granted for only one of STAT 331, PSYC 394, or PSYC 390. Cross-listed as STAT 331. Prerequisite: STAT 101 or 224 or 231. Three credits and one-hour lab.

This course discusses fisheries and aquaculture in global, Canadian, and Atlantic Canadian contexts. We will examine what makes a ‘good’ commercial species, an overview of world fisheries (marine, freshwater, and aquaculture), population dynamics, stock assessment, socioeconomic considerations, how management makes decisions and the relevant laws in Canada, and what the environmental and ecological impacts of fisheries are (e.g. bycatch, overfishing, habitat damage). Cross-listed as AQUA 340. Prerequisite: AQUA 101 and 102, or BIOL 203, or permission of the instructor. Three credits, lab and field trips. Offered 2025-2026 and in alternative years.

A comparative study of invertebrate animals and their adaptations, including their morphology, behaviour, physiology, ecology and evolution. Students will learn the remarkable diversity of both form and function in these animals. At the same time, students will refine their powers of observation, improve their ability to ask and answer critical questions about organisms, and design experiments that will lead to further insight into invertebrate zoology. Prerequisite: BIOL 201. Three credits and lab.

This course analyzes major anthropogenic phenomena that are currently affecting natural systems at a global scale. Topics include global warming, ocean acidification, species invasions, habitat fragmentation, and overfishing, focusing on the effects of such processes on aquatic and terrestrial organisms. Successful mitigation and conservation strategies are evaluated. Prerequisites: One of BIOL 201, 202 or 203. Three credits.

Neuropsychology is the study of how damage to the brain causes changes in thoughts and behaviours. Cognitive changes associated with specific diseases/conditions will be the focus of the course (e.g., Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, etc.). Examples of cognitive and behavioural symptoms will be presented via videos, audio recordings, and performance on neuropsychological tests. The assessment of cognitive processes will be introduced, and relevant structural and functional neuroanatomy will be reviewed. Cross-listed as PSYC 373. Prerequisites: 6 credits PSYC at the 200 level. Three credits.

Three credits.

Modular course helping students prepare for careers and programs that follow graduation. Various optional activities help in choosing a career, gaining admission to graduate or professional programs, getting involved in research, and developing transferable professional skills. Honours students are guided in choosing a supervisor and preparing for thesis work. Required for all biology honours students in their third year. Recommended but not required for major students in their third year. No credit.

An introduction to the eukaryotic cell that will emphasize cellular responses to a changing environment, including relationships between biochemical mechanisms and organelle functions, and techniques used to study cell function. Prerequisites: BIOL 201, 204; CHEM 221, 222 or 255. Three credits and lab.

An introduction to the fundamentals of biological research and ways of knowing about life, including two-eyed seeing. Students participate in interactive lectures and experiential learning activities in the laboratory and by field trips, conduct a semester-long group research project, and present their findings in written and oral forms. Credit will be granted for only one of BIOL 399 or BIOL 381 (2022-2024). Prerequisites: average of 70% across BIOL 111, 112, or permission of the instructor. Students should be in the third year of study or above. May not be taken concurrently with BIOL 475 and BIOL 493. Three credits and lab.

This course provides an introduction to the major endocrine and neuroendocrine systems and their involvement in the control of physiological function in vertebrates. An emphasis will be on mammalian systems, however, examples from other vertebrate taxa will also be discussed. Areas of exploration will include the regulation of feeding and metabolism, ion homeostasis, stress, and reproduction. Prerequisites: BIOL 251 and 252 or BIOL 304. Three credits and lab.

Contemporary issues in the field of behavioural neuroscience will be considered in this seminar course. The precise topics covered will change from year to year. Cross-listed as PSYC 432. Prerequisites: Honours standing or a minimum average of 70 and one of PSYC 230, 231, or 232. If you would like to take this course, but do not have the prerequisites, please consult with the instructor and/or department chair. Three credits.

Provides credit for background research and preparation of the Introduction to the Honours Thesis. Required for and restricted to honours students only, who must register in both BIOL 475 and 493. Three credits.

Why do humans grow old, get sick, and die? This course applies principles of evolutionary biology to answer this question. Core concepts include human adaptation to past environments, population genetic consequences of early human dispersal, trade-offs between reproduction and lifespan, human-pathogen coevolution, and cancer as an evolutionary process. Case studies explore how evolutionary medicine can improve patient treatment and public health. Credit will be granted for only one of BIOL 480 and BIOL 382 (2022-2024). Prerequisites: BIOL 204 and one of BIOL 201, or BIOL 251/252. Three credits and lab.

The topic for 2025-2026 is Extreme Adaptations. Biological life persists in many extreme environments, like those with limited water, limited oxygen, and extreme temperatures and/or pressures. This course will examine the adaptations that diverse organisms (animals, plants, microbes) use to survive and thrive in these stressful conditions. Prerequisites: BIOL 201, 202 and two of BIOL 203, 204, 205, or 315. Three credits.

An introduction to the principles of behavioural ecology drawing on examples from diverse animal phyla. Students learn both the physiological and evolutionary bases of behaviour. Topics l span simple reflexes through to complex social behaviours, including survival, habitat selection, communication, mating, reproduction and parental care. Prerequisite: BIOL 201 or PSYC 231/232 (230). Three credits and lab.

Seminars on topics of major biological interest are presented by faculty members, staff, and visiting scientists. Provides an opportunity for deeper engagement with contemporary ideas from across all areas of biology. Required for all biology honours students in their final year of study. Recommended but not required for major students in their final year of study. No credit.

This course exposes undergraduates to original research, including the design of an investigation, data collection and analysis, and presentation of the findings. The course also provides in-depth training in critical thinking and communication skills that are broadly applicable following graduation. Preparation for the honours program begins in BIOL 391. For details, see the department website or contact the departmental coordinator of students. Three credits.

Directed Studies Students with an average of at least 75 may, on a tutorial basis under the guidance of a professor, pursue an area of interest involving experimental research not normally offered by the department. Three or six credits and lab.