XII. Course Descriptions

Integrative Biology

IBIO*2300 Invertebrate Morphology and Evolution W (3-3) [0.50]
This course examines the vast diversity of invertebrate taxa and the tools and concepts used to classify them and understand their origins. Principles of zoogeography, phylogeny, natural selection and comparative analyses will form the conceptual backbone of the course. In lectures and labs, students will 'climb' the tree of life, from the most ancient pre-invertebrates to more derived forms, and explore their anatomical and morphological diversity.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL*1040
Restriction(s): ZOO*2070, ZOO*2080
IBIO*3300 Integrative Biology of Invertebrates F (3-3) [0.50]
This course explores variation in physiology, reproduction and life history among invertebrates, and the role of invertebrates in marine, freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems. Through field experiences, lab study and a class experiment, we will examine the diverse solutions that invertebrates have evolved to live in very different environments, including: circulation and gas exchange; feeding and digestion; osmoregulation and excretion, nervous system and sensory structures; locomotion and biomechanics, and invertebrate communities. (First offering - Fall 2009.)
Prerequisite(s): IBIO*2300
Restriction(s): ZOO*2080
IBIO*4010 Adaptational Physiology W (3-0) [0.50]
This course examines adaptations of organisms to various aquatic and terrestrial environments. A mechanistic approach will be used to establish the strategies (anatomical, physiological, biochemical) of environmental adaptation. Examples will include adaptations of deep-sea and polar organisms, adaptations to salinity and desiccation challenges, oxygen availability, sensory adaptations and symbiotic adaptations.
Prerequisite(s): ZOO*3210
Restriction(s): ZOO*4390, ZOO*4560
IBIO*4200 Integrative Vertebrate Biology F (3-0) [0.50]
This course examines the proximate and historical causes of diversity in morphology, physiology and behaviour among major groups of vertebrates (fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals). First, topics such as vertebrate origins, zoogeography, taxonomy and comparative methods will be developed as a foundation for inquiry. The remainder of the course will be organized around specific contemporary problems in vertebrate biology such as the evolution of endothermy; feeding strategies and metabolism; locomotion and migration; trends in vertebrate reproduction; evolution of brain size and complexity in relation to cognition and communication. Each problem will be explored through analyses of taxonomic diversity, historical and phylogenetic constraints, physiological and developmental causes, and functional effects.
Prerequisite(s): ZOO*2100, ZOO*2090
Co-requisite(s): ZOO*3200, ZOO*3300
IBIO*4210 Lab Studies in Ornithology F (0-3) [0.25]
This course provides a practical experience in the study of Ornithology. Using University collections of prepared and preserved specimens and field observations where possible, students will develop and apply skills in identification and sampling, explore relations between species diversity and habitat, and investigate, through guided study, the extent of anatomical, skeletal, reproductive and morphological variation and its functional and evolutionary causes.
Prerequisite(s): ZOO*2100, ZOO*2090
Co-requisite(s): IBIO*4200, ZOO*3200, ZOO*3300
Restriction(s): ZOO*4090
IBIO*4220 Lab Studies in Ichthyology F (0-3) [0.25]
This course provides a practical experience in the study of fishes. Using University collections of prepared and preserved specimens and field observations where possible, students will develop and apply skills in identification and sampling, explore relations between species diversity and habitat, and investigate through guided study, the extent of anatomical, skeletal, reproductive and morphological variation and its functional and evolutionary causes.
Prerequisite(s): ZOO*2100, ZOO*2090
Co-requisite(s): IBIO*4200, ZOO*3200, ZOO*3300
Restriction(s): ZOO*4020
IBIO*4230 Lab Studies in Herpetology W (0-3) [0.25]
This course provides a practical experience in the study of Herpetology. Using University collections of prepared and preserved specimens and field observations where possible, students will develop and apply skills in identification and sampling, explore relations between species diversity and habitat, and investigate through guided study, the extent of anatomical, skeletal, reproductive and morphological variation and its functional and evolutionary causes.
Prerequisite(s): ZOO*2100, ZOO*2090
Co-requisite(s): IBIO*4200, ZOO*3200, ZOO*3300
Restriction(s): ZOO*4430
IBIO*4240 Lab Studies in Mammalogy W (0-3) [0.25]
This course provides a practical experience in the study of Mammalogy. Using University collections of prepared and preserved specimens and field observations where possible, students will develop and apply skills in identification and sampling, explore relations between species diversity and habitat, and investigate through guided study, the extent of anatomical, skeletal, reproductive and morphological variation and its functional and evolutionary causes.
Prerequisite(s): ZOO*2100, ZOO*2090
Co-requisite(s): IBIO*4200, ZOO*3200, ZOO*3300
Restriction(s): ZOO*4280
IBIO*4500 Research in Integrative Biology I F,W (1-5) [0.75]
The student will undertake an independent research project of a practical or theoretical nature that relates either to organismal biology or the teaching of organismal biology and is conducted under the supervision of a faculty member. Students must make arrangements with both a faculty supervisor and the course coordinator at least one semester in advance. A departmental registration form must be obtained from the course coordinator and submitted no later than the second class day of the semester in which the project is to be completed.
Equate(s): ZOO*4490, ZOO*4500, BOT*4820
Restriction(s): Normally a minimum cumulative average of 70% in the biology courses during the first 6 semesters of a major in the College of Biological Science. Instructor consent required.
IBIO*4510 Research in Integrative Biology II F,W (1-5) [0.75]
The student will undertake an independent research project of a practical or theoretical nature that relates either to organismal biology or the teaching of organismal biology and is conducted under the supervision of a faculty member. Students must make arrangements with both a faculty supervisor and the course coordinator at least one semester in advance. A departmental registration form must be obtained from the course coordinator and submitted no later than the second class day of the semester in which the project is to be completed.
Prerequisite(s): IBIO*4500
Equate(s): ZOO*4510, BOT*4830
Restriction(s): Normally a minimum cumulative average of 70% in the biology courses during the first 6 semesters of a major in the College of Biological Science. Instructor consent required.
IBIO*4521 Thesis in Integrative Biology F (0-12) [1.00]
This course is the first part of the two semester course IBIO*4521/2. Refer to IBIO*4521/2 for course description. This is a two semester course offered over consecutive semesters F-W. When you select this course, you must select IBIO*4521 in the Fall semester and IBIO*4522 in the Winter semester. A grade will not be assigned to IBIO*4521 until IBIO*4522 has been completed.
Prerequisite(s): 12.00 credits
Restriction(s): Normally a minimum cumulative average of 75% in the biology courses over the first 6 semesters of a major in the College of Biological Science and permission of course coordinator.
IBIO*4521/2 Thesis in Integrative Biology F-W (0-12) [2.00]
This course is a two semester (F,W) undergraduate Thesis project in which students conduct a comprehensive, independent research project in organismal biology under the supervision of a faculty member. Projects must be planned in advance and involve a thorough literature review, a research proposal, original research of publication quality and a written Thesis, which is assessed through an oral presentation and defence. Students must make arrangements with both a faculty supervisor and the course coordinator at least one semester in advance. A departmental registration form must be obtained from the course coordinator and submitted no later than the second class day of the semester in which the project is to be initiated. This is a two semester course offered over consecutive semesters F-W. When you select this course, you must select IBIO*4521 in the Fall semester and IBIO*4522 in the Winter semester. A grade will not be assigned to IBIO*4521 until IBIO*4522 has been completed.
Prerequisite(s): 12.00 credits
Restriction(s): Normally a minimum cumulative average of 75% in the biology courses over the first 6 semesters of a major in the College of Biological Science and permission of course coordinator.
IBIO*4522 Thesis in Integrative Biology W (0-12) [1.00]
This course is the second part of the two semester course IBIO*4521/2. Refer to IBIO*4521/2 for course description. This is a two semester course offered over consecutive semesters F-W. When you select this course, you must select IBIO*4521 in the Fall semester and IBIO*4522 in the Winter semester. A grade will not be assigned to IBIO*4521 until IBIO*4522 has been completed.
Prerequisite(s): IBIO*4521
University of Guelph
50 Stone Road East
Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1

Canada
519-824-4120