Biology Department

An introduction to cells, their structure and function, and some of 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.

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.

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, 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, 115 or 215. Cannot be used as science A for biology students. Three credits.

An introduction to major groups of animals, emphasizing the structure, physiology and way of life of certain species. Prerequisites: BIOL 111, 112. Three credits and lab.

An introduction to the diversity, form, and function of plants, with a focus on the biology of land plants. This course emphasizes plant appreciation, the amazing adaptations of plants, and plant groups that are relevant to human society (e.g., in agriculture and plant breeding). Students will learn fundamental writing skills in lab reports and self-directed essay assignments. Prerequisites: BIOL 111, 112. Three credits and lab.

An introduction to the fundamental concepts of ecology, exploring how organisms interact with their environment and with each other, at the levels of populations, communities and entire ecosystems. Interactions from competition to food chains are considered from an evolutionary perspective recognizing the role of the physical environment and humanity. Open to aquatic resources, climate and environment, Earth and environmental sciences students upon completion of BIOL 112. Prerequisites: BIOL 111, 112. Three credits and lab.

This course examines the structure and function of cells with a focus on eukaryotic cells. Cell function and form will be discussed as the co-ordinated interaction of molecules. Evolution of cells will be discussed in context. Both the theory and practice of experimental techniques used to study cell and molecular structure and function are emphasized. Prerequisites: BIOL 111, 112. Three credits and lab.

An introduction to the mechanisms of inheritance, genome structure, and genetic analysis, with a focus on humans. Concepts include: DNA structure and function; gene regulation, mutation, repair, linkage; gene manipulation. Cannot be used as Science A for Biology students. Credit will be granted for only one of BIOL 214 or BIOL 204 or BIOL 297 (2025-2026). Prerequisites: BIOL 111, 112. Three credits.

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, 115 or 116. Cannot be used as science A for biology students. Prerequisites: BIOL 111. Three credits and lab/tutorial.

This course is restricted to students in particular degree programs, as outlined below. This course concerns how scientific principles are established. Topics include evolution and diversity, ecology and food, human evolution and population, diabetes, homeostasis, HIV and vaccines, antibiotic resistance, and cancer. Acceptable for credit only in the Faculties of Arts and Business; in the BASc programs; in the HKIN programs; and as an open elective in the BSc in Nursing and the BSc in Human Nutrition. Direct all inquiries and override requests to Online Learning and Professional Studies. Online format delivery. Six credits.

This course introduces the basic science necessary to understand current resource issues such as wildlife, forestry and aquatic systems management with the goal of understanding resource decision making, and how human activities can alter terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Cross-listed as AQUA 221. Prerequisite: AQUA 101 and 102 or BIOL 112 or upper-year status in non-science programs. Cannot be used as science A for biology students. Three credits.

An integrated approach to the study of the anatomy and physiology of the following: the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous and endocrine systems. The course provides students with a comprehensive working knowledge of the anatomic and physiologic aspects of these systems. Credit will be granted for only one of BIOL 251, BIOL 151, HKIN 152, HKIN 161 or HKIN 162. Restricted to BSc and BASc Health students. Prerequisite: BIOL 111. Three credits and lab.

An integrated approach to the study of the anatomy and physiology of the following: cardiovascular, respiratory, immune, digestive, urinary and reproductive systems. The course provides students with a comprehensive working knowledge of the anatomic and physiologic aspects of these systems. Credit will be granted for only one of BIOL 252, BIOL 152, HKIN 152, HKIN 161 or HKIN 162. Restricted to BSc and BASc Health students. Prerequisite: BIOL 251. Three credits and lab.

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 305, 302 or BIOL 381(2024-2025, 2025-2026). Prerequisites: One of BIOL 201, 202, 203, 205. Three credits.

An introduction to coastal marine habitats and the factors that influence the population and community structure of primary producers and consumers. The course includes an overview of marine ecological theory, fieldwork, and laboratory observations, focusing on Nova Scotia shores. Prerequisite: BIOL 203. Three credits, lab and research project.

Provides a broad perspective on the microbial world and its role in the biosphere. The diversity, morphology and physiology of prokaryotic microorganisms will be discussed. Laboratories stress basic microbiological techniques including microscopic examination, isolation from natural environments, enumeration and examination of physiology. Prerequisites: BIOL 204 or 205; and six credits of second year organic chemistry or biochemistry: CHEM 221 and 222 or 255. Three credits and lab.

An investigation of statistics and experimental design in the context of biological and health science issues. Topics include analysis of variance, categorical data; distribution-free tests; linear and multiple regression. Students will learn to analyze data and interpret conclusions using a statistical software package. Recommended strongly for all major, and honours students. Credit will be granted for only one of STAT 331, PSYC 394, or PSYC 390. Cross-listed as STAT 331. Prerequisite: STAT 101 or 224 or 231. Three credits and one-hour lab.

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. Credit will be granted for only one of BIOL 334, BIOL 382(2021-2022) or HLTH 396(2023-2026). 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.

The course provides an introduction to the means by which animals replicate themselves. Students will be introduced to experimental methods, intercellular communication, the diversity of different ways that animals develop and the role of gene regulation therein. Laboratories will highlight topics covered in lecture and introduce students to some experimental techniques. Prerequisites: BIOL 201, 204 or 205. Three credits and lab.

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.

Neuropsychology is the study of how damage to the brain causes changes in thoughts and behaviours. Cognitive changes associated with specific diseases/conditions will be the focus of the course (e.g., Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, etc.). Examples of cognitive and behavioural symptoms will be presented via videos, audio recordings, and performance on neuropsychological tests. The assessment of cognitive processes will be introduced, and relevant structural and functional neuroanatomy will be reviewed. Cross-listed as PSYC 373. Prerequisites: 6 credits PSYC at the 200 level. Three credits.

The topic for 2026-2027 is Cancer Biology. 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.

Modular course helping students prepare for careers and programs that follow graduation. Various optional activities help in choosing a career, gaining admission to graduate or professional programs, getting involved in research, and developing transferable professional skills. Honours students are guided in choosing a supervisor and preparing for thesis work. Required for all biology honours students in their third year. Recommended but not required for major students in their third year. No credit.

An introduction to the eukaryotic cell that will emphasize cellular responses to changing environments, including relationships between biochemical mechanisms and organelle functions, and techniques used to study cell function. Prerequisites: BIOL 204 or 205; and six credits of second year organic chemistry or biochemistry: CHEM 221 and 222 or 255. Three credits and lab.

An introduction to the fundamentals of biological research and ways of knowing about life, including two-eyed seeing. Students participate in interactive lectures and experiential learning activities in the laboratory and by field trips, conduct a semester-long group research project, and present their findings in written and oral forms. Credit will be granted for only one of BIOL 399 or BIOL 381 (2022-2024). Prerequisites: average of 70% across BIOL 111, 112, or permission of the instructor. Students should be in the third year of study or above. May not be taken concurrently with BIOL 475 and BIOL 493. Three credits and lab.

This course provides an introduction to the major endocrine and neuroendocrine systems and their involvement in the control of physiological function in vertebrates. An emphasis will be on mammalian systems, however, examples from other vertebrate taxa will also be discussed. Areas of exploration will include the regulation of feeding and metabolism, ion homeostasis, stress, and reproduction. Prerequisites: BIOL 251 and 252 or BIOL 304. Three credits and lab.

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.

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.

DNA and protein sequences continue to accumulate in public databases at an exponential rate. Bioinformatics uses computers to archive, organize, retrieve and analyse biological information. This course will focus on how data are generated, accessed and managed, how to retrieve some kinds of data and perform analysis. A capstone course project examines the oral microbiome of students. No computing background required. Prerequisite: BIOL 205 or permission of the instructor. Three credits.

Contemporary issues in the field of behavioural neuroscience will be considered in this seminar course. The precise topics covered will change from year to year. Cross-listed as PSYC 432. Prerequisites: Honours standing or a minimum average of 70 and one of PSYC 230, 231, or 232. If you would like to take this course, but do not have the prerequisites, please consult with the instructor and/or department chair. Three credits.

Provides credit for background research and preparation of the Introduction to the Honours Thesis. Required for and restricted to honours students only, who must register in both BIOL 475 and 493. Three credits over the full academic year.

Why do humans grow old, get sick, and die? This course applies principles of evolutionary biology to answer this question. Core concepts include human adaptation to past environments, population genetic consequences of early human dispersal, trade-offs between reproduction and lifespan, human-pathogen coevolution, and cancer as an evolutionary process. Case studies explore how evolutionary medicine can improve patient treatment and public health. Credit will be granted for only one of BIOL 480 and BIOL 382 (2022-2024). Prerequisites: BIOL 204 or 205 and one of BIOL 201, or BIOL 251, 252. Three credits and lab.

The topic for 2026-2027 is 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.

An introduction to the principles of behavioural ecology drawing on examples from diverse animal phyla. Students learn both the immediate and the adaptive, evolutionary bases of behaviour. Topics include survival, habitat selection, communication, mating, reproduction and parental care. Prerequisite: BIOL 201 or PSYC 231, 232 (230). Three credits and lab.

Seminars on topics of major biological interest are presented by faculty members, staff, and visiting scientists. Provides an opportunity for deeper engagement with contemporary ideas from across all areas of biology. Required for all biology honours students in their final year of study. Recommended but not required for major students in their final year of study. No credit.

This course exposes undergraduates to original research, including the design of an investigation, data collection and analysis, and presentation of the findings. The course also provides in-depth training in critical thinking and communication skills that are broadly applicable following graduation. Preparation for the honours program begins in BIOL 391. For details, see the department website or contact the departmental coordinator of students. To be taken concurrently with BIOL 475. Three credits over the full academic year.