Latest Information on Courses Offered

July 2026 update, with information for the 2026-2027 academic year

First, have you ever wondered what you might do with your degree after graduation? Or questions on how or whether you will be able to follow a particular goal (health professions, grad school, government biologist, etc.)? That's what Biol 391 Career Development Junior Seminar in 3rd year and Biol 491 Senior Seminar in 4th year are for! All Biology program students in either Major or Advanced Major programs are encouraged to register for Biol 391 in 3rd year and Biol 491 in 4th year. You'll get plenty of practical advice on pathways after graduation and explore the range of possible futures for students graduating from Biology (Biol 391 and 491 are required for Biol Honours students).

Next, several fourth year courses still have room for additional enrollment, and students are still welcome to register, including by switching from another course.

1. Biol 414: Native Microbiota: Ecosystem Profiling with Environmental DNA

This course gives students a direct taste of hands-on discovery science, with independent projects focusing on microbiological, fungal, algal, and animal diversity in local seawater, freshwater, soil, and any other environment a student has interest in. Contact Dr. McNichol to learn more: @email

2. Biol 452: Bioinformatics

Another course with discovery science as part of the lab, while giving students their first steps into modern data science in biology. Contact Dr. Bishop to learn more and receive permission to register: @email

3. Biol 406: Animal Minds

This course will blend concepts from biology, psychology, and philosophy as students explore animal cognition. Contact Dr. Gregg to learn more and receive permission to register: @email

Last, this is a confirmation that although BIOL 381 Selected Topics: Biology of Cancer is in the timetable, it is NOT going to be offered this year.

Courses not offered in 2026-2027

• BIOL 304          Comparative Physiology
• BIOL 308          Biology of Populations
• BIOL 333          Cognitive Neuroscience
• BIOL 340          Fisheries and Aquaculture
• BIOL 342          Invertebrate Zoology
• BIOL 360          Global Change Biology
• BIOL 381          Selected Topics: Biology of Cancer
• BIOL 481          Selected Topics: Extreme Adaptations

Returning courses (with labs) offered in 2026-2027

• BIOL 335          Developmental Biology

Returning courses (without labs) offered in 2026-2027

• BIOL 452          Bioinformatics

Courses with restricted BIOL enrollment offered in 2026-2027

Biology students unable to register in these cross-listed courses should register in alternate courses that fulfil their program requirements and send a request to the course instructor to be included in a wait list.

• BIOL 374          Human Neuropsychology
• BIOL 454          Advanced Behavioural Neuroscience II: Contemporary Issues

New courses (with labs) offered in 2026-2027

• BIOL 334          Plants and Human Health 
  Note: this was previously offered as HLTH 396
  This course examines the important role of plants in all human societies including those of this continent’s indigenous peoples. Topics include plant structure, identification and basic physiology as well as plants used for fibre, shelter and industry. A particular emphasis will be on the interaction between plants and human health, including food, plant medicines, nature, environmental issues and mental health. Cross-listed as HLTH 334. Pre-requisites: BIOL 111, 112 and any two of BIOL 201, 202, 203, 204, 205, 251 or 252. Three credits and lab.
• BIOL 343          Comparative Anatomy of Vertebrates
  A comparative study of the anatomy and evolution of chordate animals with emphasis on the vertebrates, including humans. In the laboratory, students will study the anatomy of representative vertebrates and will complete a project focusing on local wildlife. Prerequisite: BIOL 201. Three credits and lab.
• BIOL 414          Native Microbiota: Ecosystem Profiling with Environmental DNA
  Environmental DNA profiling is a breakthrough technology with applications in diverse fields such as ecology, forensics, and human health. This hands-on course teaches the fundamentals of eDNA profiling, including collecting field samples from location(s)students choose, amplifying DNA barcodes of animals / plants / microbes found in the samples, using bioinformatics to analyze barcode sequences, and developing a research proposal based on students' own results. Prerequisite: BIOL 315 or instructor permission. Three credits and lab.

New courses (without labs) offered in 2026-2027

• BIOL 305          Evolution
  Note: this course replaces several earlier offerings. Credit will be granted for only one of BIOL 302, 303 or BIOL 381(2024-2026)!
  This course introduces the fundamental theory for all of biology. Students will learn about the history of evolutionary thought and our modern understanding of evolutionary concepts and processes. The course focusses on natural selection, adaptation, and the major transitions in the history of life (e.g., why are cells often grouped into organisms)? Students will get practice in evaluating the scientific literature and presenting their favourite topics to the class. Credit will be granted for only one of BIOL 302, 303 or BIOL 381(2024-2026). Prerequisites: One of BIOL 201, 202, 203, 205. 
• BIOL 381          Selected Topics: Biology of Cancer 
  NOTE: THIS COURSE IS NOT OFFERED THIS YEAR!
  Note: this is a lecture-only version of BIOL 320 (which has a lab)
  An introduction to the problem of cancer, emphasizing the cellular and molecular biology of carcinogenesis in humans. The multi-causal, multi-step nature of the process will be highlighted, including the role of viruses, oncogenes, carcinogens and ionizing radiations. Credit will be granted for only one of BIOL 320 or BIOL 381 (2026-2027). Prerequisites: BIOL 204 or 205; BIOL 201 or BIOL 251/252. Three credits.
• BIOL 406          Animal Minds
  This seminar course provides an introduction to the study of non-human animal cognition and the problem of animal minds. Incorporating perspectives from biology, psychology, and philosophy, this course will outline the methods researchers use to understand how animals think while avoiding the pitfalls of anthropomorphism. Students will review the historical and current research into animal minds, as well as the various arguments for moral status of non-human animals based on their cognitive capacities. Pre-requisites: permission of the instructor. Three credits.
• BIOL 481          Selected Topics: Biotechnology
  Students examine biotechnology’s potential to transform healthcare, agriculture, and environmental sustainability. The course builds a foundation in DNA, RNA, and protein synthesis and regulation, then explores strategies to manipulate gene expression by modifying nucleic acids. Emphasis is placed on DNA, RNA, and protein engineering used to produce pharmaceutical enzymes, hormones, and vaccines. Additional topics include genetically modified organisms and biotechnological applications to fuels and food production through bioactive molecules. Prerequisites: Biol 204 or 205.  Three credits.