University of Guelph 1998-99 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(3-2) [0.50]

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

15-103 Biology I F, W(3-3) [0.50]

A lecture and laboratory course which introduces the concepts and controversies in contemporary biology and their implications. Using an integrative approach, the course examines some of the basics of biology and two of the common challenges of life, acquisition and processing of nutrients and information flow. How these challenges are faced by animals, microbes and plants and the diversity of structures and processes that have evolved in response to them will be discussed. This is the first course in a two course biology series. When you select it, you are strongly advised to take the second course, 15-104, immediately thereafter. Material from 15-103 will be referred to in 15-104 to emphasize the integrated nature of biology. Students lacking OAC Biology should consult with their program counsellor prior to taking 15-103.

Exclusions: 17-115, 65-100, 92-102.
Course Profile

15-104 Biology II S, W(3-3) [0.50]

A continuation of 15-103. A lecture and laboratory course which continues with additional challenges of life faced by animals, microbes and plants and the diversity of structures and processes that have evolved in response to them. To indicate the value of biology to society, some topical issues in biology will be addressed. This is the second course in a two course biology series and should be taken immediately after successfully completing 15-103. Materials introduced in 15-103 will be built on and referred to in 15-104.

Prerequisites: 15-103.
Exclusions: 17-115, 65-100, 92-102.
Course Profile

15-201 Ecology F,W(3-0) [0.50]

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 or equivalent, 1 of which may be taken concurrently.
Course Profile

15-221 Introductory Cell Biology S,F,W(3-0) [0.50]

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: 1 of 15-103, 17-115, 65-100, 92-102.
Exclusions: 15-220.
Course Profile

15-311 Population Ecology F,W(3-1) [0.50]

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) [0.50]

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) [0.50]

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) [0.50]

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(3-3) [0.75]

An advanced course designed to present theoretical and practical aspects of research methods in ecology. Emphasis will be placed on experimental design, sampling, population estimation, statistical inference, and community characteristics of producers and consumers. Students will participate in research projects of their own design, and will gain experience in preparing research proposals, research papers and posters, and making oral presentations. Departments of Botany and Zoology.

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

15-412 Evolutionary Ecology W(3-1) [0.50]

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

15-415 Wildlife Conservation and Management W(3-2) [0.50]

This course builds on previous courses in population and community ecology to evaluate the long-term dynamics of threatened populations in the context of human intervention. The course will also provide a "hands-on" introduction to computer modelling, with application to contemporary issues in population ecology and resource mangaement. Lectures will be drawn from the following topics: growth and regulation of single populations, long-term persistence of ecological communities, harvesting, bio-economics, and habit modification.

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


1998-99 Undergraduate Calendar
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For general calendar inquiries contact: sdorr@registrar.uoguelph.ca

For Admission inquiries contact: jphippen@registrar.uoguelph.ca
Last revised: March 16 1998.