New Student Registration: Biology

The Department of Biology offers four 3-credit courses at the 100-level, and one 3-credit course at the 200-level that is required for some first-year students (see course descriptions below):

• BIOL 111 – Introductory Cell Biology
• BIOL 112 – Diversity of Life
• BIOL 115 – Microbes in Human Biology
• BIOL 116 – Microbiology for Nursing
• BIOL 215 – Microbiology for Human Nutrition

BIOL 111 and 112

Together, BIOL 111 and 112 provide the 6 credits of foundational course material for further study in biology.

BIOL 111 and 112 are required courses for the Bachelor of Arts and Science in Health.

BIOL 111 is a required course for the Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition.

BIOL 112 is a required course in all programs (both Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science) in Interdisciplinary Studies in Aquatic Resources.

Students should note that BIOL 111 is not a prerequisite for 112, so those looking for a 3-credit elective course in second term could register for BIOL 112 (availability permitting) without having completed 111 in first term.

BIOL 111 and 112 are minimum prerequisites for all upper-year courses in the department, other than 215, 220, 221, 251, and 252. (BIOL 220 requires only second-year status; BIOL 221 requires only BIOL 112, or AQUA 101 and 102, or second-year status; BIOL 215, and BIOL 251 and 252, require only BIOL 111.)

BIOL 115 and 116

BIOL 115 is an online course required by the post-RN distance nursing program, and the bridging program for the LPN to BSCN pathway.

BIOL 116 is a required first-year course for the 4-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and is closed to students in all other programs.

BIOL 215

BIOL 215 is a required first-year course for the Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition, and is closed to students in all other programs.

Course Descriptions

BIOL 111   Introductory Cell Biology
An introduction to cells, their structure and function, and the techniques used to study them. Provides a basic introduction to cells as the building blocks of all life. Basic skills that underpin success as an undergraduate student are also emphasized. Required for all students continuing in biology. Three credits and lab.

BIOL 112   Diversity of Life
This course emphasizes the interrelationships of living systems and their roles in the global ecosystem. Students explore evolution and the origins of life, organismic diversity, adaptations, and ecology. Human interactions with the diversity of life are considered throughout the course. Basic skills that underpin success as an undergraduate student are also emphasized.  Required for all students continuing in biology. Three credits and lab.

BIOL 115   Microbes in Human Biology
An introduction to microorganisms from a human perspective for students in the nursing program. Topics include bacterial structure and function, bacterial genetic and antibiotic resistance, and viral structure and infection. Credit will be granted for only one of BIOL 115, 116 or 215. Restricted to nursing students. Three credits and tutorial.

BIOL 116   Microbiology for Nursing
An introduction to microorganisms from a human perspective for students in the nursing program. Topics include bacterial structure and function, bacterial genetics and antibiotic resistance, and viral structure and infection, and eukaryotic pathogens. Specific microbial diseases and their clinical manifestation will also be covered.  Restricted to nursing students. Credit will be granted for only one of BIOL 116, BIOL 115, or BIOL 215.  Cannot be used as science A for biology students. Three credits.

BIOL 215   Microbiology for Human Nutrition
An introduction to microorganisms from a human health perspective, that focuses on immunological concepts, viruses, bacteria and fungi. Laboratories cover basic microbiological techniques and tutorials cover microorganisms from the food perspective. Restricted to human nutrition students, and human kinetics students with nutrition minor. Credit will be granted for only one of BIOL 215, BIOL 115, or BIOL 116. Cannot be used as science A for biology students. Prerequisite: BIOL 111.  Three credits and lab/tutorial.

Please refer to Section 9.5 Biology in the Academic Calendar.

Click here to go to the Biology department webpage.