University of Guelph 1997-98 Undergraduate Calendar

XII--Course Descriptions


Biology

Department of Botany

Department of Microbiology

Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics

Department of Zoology

15-102 Introduction to Biology F,W(3-2)

This course will introduce important concepts concerning the organization of life on our planet. Biological concepts will be examined within a framework of ecosystems, providing an appreciation of the dynamic and interactive nature of living systems.

Exclusions: 15-106.
Course Profile

15-201 Ecology F,W(3-2)

An introduction to the study of interrelationships among plants, animals and their respective environments through lectures and field and laboratory exercises. Humans' impact on ecosystems will be discussed. Department of Botany.

Prerequisites: 2 of 17-115, 65-100, 92-102, 1 of which may be taken concurrently.
Course Profile

15-221 Introductory Cell Biology S,F,W(3-0)

The structure and function of eukaryotic cells with emphasis on multicellular organisms. Role of subcellular structures and organelles in cellular processes of bioenergetics, division, differentiation, motility, secretion, nutrition, and communication.

Prerequisites: one 100 level biology course credit.
Exclusions: 15-220.
Course Profile

15-311 Population Ecology F,W(3-1)

An exploration of the structure and dynamics of animal and plant populations. The first part of the course will focus on demographic characteristics of populations and simple models of population growth and natural regulation. The second part of the course will concentrate on a variety of population processes, including predator-prey interactions, spatial dynamics, and disease-host interactions, and consider how these processes affect population dynamics. A quantitative approach emphasizing the use of mathematical models, graphical analysis, and statistics will provide the basic conceptual framework, which will be illustrated by selected case studies. Department of Zoology.

Prerequisites: (63-108 or 63-120), 89-204.
Course Profile

15-312 Community Ecology F,W(3-1)

A course on the structure and dynamics of communities, dealing with both theoretical and applied aspects of community ecology. Emphasis is on the modern quantitative view of community ecology, and on the development of problem-solving skills. Department of Zoology.

Prerequisites: 15-311.
Course Profile

15-313 Conservation Biology I F,W(3-0)

An introduction to the biological basis for the management of wild, living resources, including freshwater and marine fish and wild life. Topics will include an overview of processes related to resource population abundance and dynamics, theory and practice of sustained-yield harvesting, and conservation and restoration of endangered species and/or ecosystems. Both theoretical and applied aspects of resource management will be emphasized. Department of Zoology.

Prerequisites: 15-311.
Corequisites: 15-312.
Concurrent: 40-200.
Course Profile

15-345 Introduction to Aquatic Environments F,W(3-3)

An introduction to the structure and components of aquatic ecosystems, how they are regulated by physical, chemical and biological factors, and the impact of humans on these environments and their biota. Laboratory periods will centre around computer-based exercises and simulation of aquatic systems. Department of Zoology.

Prerequisites: (19-105 or 19-131), 92-102. 92-207 is strongly recommended.
Exclusions: 15-300, 92-312.
Course Profile

15-411 Ecological Methods F(2-2)

Introduction to the theory and practical application of analytical methods to common problems in population and community ecology. Particular emphasis will be placed on the theoretical basis for the following: experimental design, sampling, population estimation, statistical inference, demographic parameter estimation, and assessment of community attributes. Departments of Botany and Zoology.

Prerequisites: 15-312, 89-204, 89-205.
Course Profile

15-412 Evolutionary Ecology W(3-1)

An examination of common ecological circumstances faced by plants and animals and the morphological, behavioral and life history characteristics that have evolved in response. Particular emphasis will be placed on evolutionary processes and on adaptive aspects of thermoregulation, foraging strategies, spatial distribution, social and reproductive strategies. The course will emphasize both the theoretical basis and the empirical evidence for ecological adaptation. There is a 1-hour seminar each week for class discussion of selected lecture topics. Departments of Botany and Zoology.

Prerequisites: 15-312, 40-200, (40-300 or 92-440).
Course Profile

15-413 Topics in Theoretical Ecology W(3-0)

An introduction to mathematical modelling ecology, with an emphasis on the deduction of general principles from biological hypotheses. Selected topics will be treated in considerable depth. Topics might include population dynamics, chaos, consumer-resource interactions, competition, perturbation experiments, food webs, and life histories. Department of Zoology.

Prerequisites: 15-312, 63-108.
Course Profile

15-414 Applied Population Analysis F(2-2)

An introduction to computer simulation modelling, with application to the population ecology and management of natural resources. Topics will include the following: growth and regulation of a single population, population interactions (including predator/prey and disease/host systems), habitat modification, harvesting, bioeconomic models. Considerable emphasis will be placed on the development and analysis of simple computer models by class members. Department of Zoology.

Prerequisites: 15-312, 63-108, 89-204.
Course Profile

15-415 Conservation Biology II W(3-2)

A lecture and tutorial course dealing with topical issues that highlight the roles of ecology, economics, history, sociology, philosophy and politics in the conservation and management of wild living "resources". Department of Zoology.

Prerequisites: 15-313 and 1 of 15-201, 15-311, 15-411, 15-412, 15-413, 15-414 or 17-205.
Exclusions: 92-411.
Course Profile


1998-99 Undergraduate Calendar
XII--Course Descriptions

[Previous] [Parent] [Next]

[Table of Contents] [Index] [Glossary]
[Courses by Subject] [Courses by Name] [Awards by Category] [Awards by Name] [Calendar Search]

For general calendar inquiries contact: sdorr@registrar.uoguelph.ca
Last revised: November 4, 1997.