College of Biological Science Dean's Office Undergraduate Courses
The College of Biological Science Dean's Office supports a number of college wide undergraduate courses. These courses are unique courses that have a rotating topic or have been specifically designed for students within the biological science major. More details regarding each of these courses can be found below.
The current courses include:
- Applications in Biology, BIOL*3650 - restricted to specific majors within CBS and varies from year-to-year
- Internship in BIological Science, BIOL*3660 - open to all majors within CBS
- Integrative Problems in Biology, BIOL*4020 - restricted to Biological Science majors
Applications in Biology BIOL*3650
Applications in Biology was created in 2015 with the goal to enrich our undergraduate programs by welcoming and supporting a practicing biologist from the public or private sectors to spend time on campus interacting with students. This is seen as an opportunity to develop a ‘biologist-in-residence’ within the college, who would interact, inspire and teach students from the perspective of applications of biology and alternate career paths. This course was thus developed to be flexible in topics from year to year and is only offered when an external ‘resident’ is available.
Winter 2022 Offering
Section 01 - Chris DeZorzi - Athletic Therapist, University of Guelph Department of Athletics
This specific course section introduces students to the scientific and professional field of Athletic Therapy (AT), including the scope of practice of an Athletic Therapist in Sport and the community. Students will learn basic anatomy and the common musculoskeletal injuries that can occur at the major joints, and apply this knowledge to perform common taping techniques and sideline assessment of injuries during sport. Students will learn about the Athletic Therapist’s on field kit, what it contains, and what each product is used for, as well as SCAT 5 (Sport Concussion Assessment Tool), its purpose and importance within the Concussion Protocol as mandated by the Department of Athletics Sport Physicians.
Section 02 - Jennifer Bock and Kyle Horner - Communicating Science to the Public
In this age of climate change denial, antivaccination movements, growing mistrust of science, and rampant “fake news”, effective and engaging science communication has never been more important. People who study the sciences are often taught how to share research with others in their field, but historically less emphasis is placed on communicating science to non-expert audiences. In this course we will focus on developing the skills and techniques needed to perform effective science outreach through public speaking, writing, signage, and less-traditional media. Using practical activities and the study of effective communicators you will learn to tell stories, connect with an audience, convey messages, and affect change in the fight for science love and literacy.
Please continue to watch the CBS course outline page for a detailed course outline to follow.
Past offerings and 'biologist-in-residence' for this course have included:
Jim Dougan and Associates - Director and Senior Ecologist of Dougan and Associates which is an incorporated ecological consulting & design firm
Joe Grabowski - Founder of Exploring by the Seat of Your Pants, Science and Math Teacher, 2017 National Geographic Emerging Explorer, Royal Canadian Geographical Society Fellow
Course Topic: Applications in Biology: Communicating Science for Public Education
Janet MacKinnon - MSc (PT), MSc (Bio Med), BSc Hon, Registered Physiotherapist, Clinical Director of GWHA
Course Topic: Applications in Biology: Fundamentals of Physiotherapy
Dr. Sherri Cox - Executive Director, Research Innovation & Knowledge Mobilization and Veterinarian
Course Topic - Wildlife Rehabilitation
Valerie Blackmore, founder and CEO of Wyndham Forensic Group
Course Topic - Applications in Biology - Forensic Science
Integrative Problems in Biology BIOL*4020
Based on a number of factors including the recommendations from the B.Sc. Quality Assurance review, results from our curriculum mapping exercise, and the highly variable student population within the Biological Science majors, the College of Biological Science has created a fourth year course specifically geared towards Biological Science majors. The goal of creating this course is to create a culminating, independent, and integrative learning experience that contributes to the identity of the biological science major and ensures students can reflect on and demonstrate achievement of the major’s learning outcomes.
In this 1.0 credit capstone course, students work in teams to explore and address an authentic biological problem using an integrative and interdisciplinary approach. Topics are proposed by an external client or source and will focus on a problem-related to societal needs (e.g, food, health, environment), advanced technologies (e.g., genetic modification), or aspirations (e.g., sustainability). Students will develop skills in problem identification and research, stakeholder analysis, ideation of solutions, and communication to address the client’s needs. This course is restricted to students in the Biological Science (BIOS) major who have completed a minimum of 14 credits.
The College of Biological Science will be offering this course on a trial basis for the winter 2019 semester. Please continue to watch the College's course outline webpage for a draft course outline to be posted in the near future.