BIOL*3400 Evolution

A comprehensive introduction to evolutionary biology, the historical development of the discipline, the extent and nature of genetic diversity, and the mechanisms of evolutionary change. Examination of adaptation and speciation, and the origins and patterns of biotic diversity through evolutionary time. Designed to integrate evolutionary theory with other fields of biology such as development, ecology and systematics.

BIOL*3020 Population Genetics (formerly MBG3000)

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.

ASCI*4030 Topics in Arts and Science Research

This variable-content course provided a senior-level seminar experience in the conduct, presentation, and writing of research relevant to the interdisciplinary core of the Bachelor of Arts and Sciences degree program. 

Winter 2009

Genomics is the study of genes and genomes – how they are structured and how they affect the phenotype from morphology to behaviour.  Practical applications of genomics in areas as diverse as sociology (e.g. nature vs nurture), medicine (e.g. gene therapy), pharmaceuticals, agriculture (e.g. genetically modified crops) have the potential to provide great benefits to society, but there are also risks.  This seminar course will explore the many applications of genomics research as well as the social and ethical issues related to its application.

MCB*4500 and MCB*4501 Research Project in Molecular and Cellular Biology

This course involves independent research of a practical or theoretical nature on a specific topic in molecular and cellular biology. It 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. The signature of the course coordinator will be required to select the course. A departmental registration form must be obtained from, and submitted to, the course coordinator no later than the 2nd class day of the semester in which the student is registered for the course.

I generally supervise one or two undergraduate students in these courses.  They are generally recruited from Population Genetics, which is an elective in the Molecular Biology and Genetics major.

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.