BIOL*3040 Methods in Evolutionary Biology

This course will provide students with an understanding of the major analytical approaches used in modern evolutionary biology and an appreciation of the relevance of these methods to other branches of the life sciences. This includes the analysis of molecular data, phylogenetics and “tree thinking”, population genetics, genomics, phenotypic selection, experimental evolution, and hypothesis generation and testing in historical sciences. Laboratory sessions will be devoted to practical training in analytical tools using specialized computer software and real datasets. Students will also undertake an independent project in order to put these approaches into action.

BIOL*2400 Evolution

This course provides a broad overview of evolutionary biology. It examines the concepts and mechanisms that explain evolutionary change and the evolution of biological diversity at different levels of biological organization (gene to ecosystem) and across space and time. It also introduces historical forms of scientific inquiry, unique to biology. The course is designed to be of interest to students with general interests in science and in research in all areas of biology. (formerly BIOL*3400)

BIOL*3020 Population Genetics

This course is designed to explore the concepts of random mating, inbreeding, random drift, assortative mating and selection as they relate to natural populations. The dynamic genetic structure of populations and its relationship to the process of speciation is examined. The role and significance of molecular genetics as it relates to population genetics, evolution, systematics and phylogeny is also considered. Department of Integrative Biology.

ZOOL*3700 Integrative Biology of Invertebrates

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, students will study the diverse functions including: circulation and gas exchange; feeding and digestion; osmoregulation and excretion, nervous system and sensory structures and locomotion, that allow invertebrates to live in very different environments.  

I generally supervise one or two undergraduate students per year in 4th-year undergraduate research project courses.

IBIO*4521 and IBIO*4522 Undergraduate Thesis in Integrative Biology

This two-semester course series involves independent research of a practical or theoretical nature on a specific topic in biology. Research is carried out under the supervision of an individual faculty member. Students must write and defend a thesis based on the results of their work at the end of semester 2.  Arrangements must be made with both a faculty supervisor and the course coordinator at least one semester in advance of taking the course.  

IBIO*4500 and IBIO*4510 Research Project in Integrative Biology

These one-semester courses involve independent research of a practical or theoretical nature on a specific topic in biology. Research is carried out under the supervision of an individual faculty member. Students should make arrangements with both a faculty supervisor and the course coordinator at least one semester in advance of taking the course.

MCB*4500 and MCB*4510 Research Project in Molecular and Cellular Biology

This two-semester course series involves independent research of a practical or theoretical nature on a specific topic in molecular and cellular biology. Research is carried out under the supervision of an individual faculty member. Arrangements should be made with both a faculty supervisor and the course coordinator at least one semester in advance of taking the course.

IBIO*6020 Advances in Evolutionary Biology

This modular graduate course reviews books and/or other publications in the field of evolutionary biology, providing knowledge of progress in this area of biology. Topics may include epigenetics, phylogenetics, developmental basis of evolutionary change, and molecular evolution. The course includes lectures and seminars in which the students participate.

Winter 2010

The course was based on the 2^nd edition of Graham Bell’s book

Selection: the mechanism of evolution 2nd Edition.