CEEB | Conservation, Ecology, Evolution & Behaviour

Biology (Sci): An introduction to biology research and communication with a focus on cell and molecular biology. Through conducting a series of project-based experiments and writing a final report, molecular and synthetic biology techniques such as gene cloning, manipulation, protein isolation and characterization and how research is conducted, analyzed and communicated will be addressed. In addition, an introduction to bioinformatics methods and their role in analysis will be provided.

Offered by: Biology

• Fall or Winter
• 1 hour lecture and one 6-hour laboratory
• Prerequisites: BIOL 200, BIOL 201 (or ANAT 212/BIOC 212); or BIOL 219
• Restrictions: Not open to students who have taken or are taking BIOC 300, or BIOC 220 and BIOC 320. Requires departmental approval.
• For approval email maxime.leroux [at] mcgill.ca. Specify your ID number as well as the term and two lab day preferences.

• Terms
  • Fall 2024
  • Winter 2025
• Instructors
  • Maxime Leroux, Arnold L Hayer, Paul M Harrison, Huanquan Zheng
  • Huanquan Zheng, Paul M Harrison, Maxime Leroux, Arnold L Hayer

Biology (Sci): A comprehensive introduction to evolutionary biology. It covers both short-term and long-term evolutionary processes. Topics include the history of life, the origin of species, adaptation, natural selection and sexual selection.

Offered by: Biology

• Fall
• 2 hours lecture 3 hours lab
• Prerequisite: BIOL 205 and BIOL 215 or ENVR 202

• Terms
  • Fall 2024
• Instructors
  • Andrew Hendry, Hans Carl E Larsson

Biology (Sci): Principles of population, community, and ecosystem dynamics: population growth and regulation, species interactions, dynamics of competitive interactions and of predator/prey systems; evolutionary dynamics.

Offered by: Biology

• Fall
• 3 hours lecture, 1 hour computer lab/tutorial
• Prerequisite: BIOL 215 or both ENVR 200 and ENVR 202

• Terms
  • Fall 2024
• Instructors
  • Frederic Guichard

Biology (Sci): Application of finite difference and differential equations to problems in cell and developmental biology, ecology and physiology. Qualitative, quantitative and graphical techniques are used to analyze mathematical models and to compare theoretical predictions with experimental data.

Offered by: Biology

• Fall
• 3 hours lecture
• Prerequisites:BIOL 200, BIOL 201 (or ANAT 212/BIOC 212); or BIOL 219

• Terms
  • Fall 2024
• Instructors
  • Gil Bub, Frederic Guichard

Biology (Sci): Presents evolutionary genetics within an ecological context. Covers theoretical and applied topics together with relevant data from natural populations of plant and animals.

Offered by: Biology

• Fall
• Prerequisite: BIOL 202 or BIOL 302
• Two lectures per week; one required computer lab or conference per week

• Terms
  • This course is not scheduled for the 2024 academic year
• Instructors
  • There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024 academic year

Biology (Sci): Introduction to insect structure, physiology, biochemistry, development, systematics, evolution, ecology and control. Stress on interrelationships and integrated pest control.

Offered by: Biology

• Fall
• 3 hours lecture
• Prerequisite: BIOL 205 or permission of instructor.
• Restriction: Not open to students who have taken or are taking ENTO 330 or ENTO 350.
• Note: This course is also offered as ENTO 350 in the winter term.

• Terms
  • This course is not scheduled for the 2024 academic year
• Instructors
  • There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024 academic year

Biology (Sci): Independent reading project.

Offered by: Biology

• Fall, Winter or Summer
• Prerequisites: BIOL 200 and one of BIOL 201, ANAT/BIOC 212; or BIOL 215; or permission of instructor.
• Restriction: Open to U2 or U3 Biology students only
• Note: Before registration, projects must be arranged individually with a PI in the Biology Department. Prior to registration, students fill out the application form at http://biology.mcgill.ca/undergrad/res_opps.html and email or bring it to nancy.nelson [at] mcgill.ca, or Nancy Nelson, Room N7/9B, Stewart Biology Building.

• Terms
  • Fall 2024
  • Winter 2025
• Instructors
  • There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024 academic year

Biology (Sci): Overview of concepts and current research in quantitative biology; theoretical ecology and evolution, computational biology, and physical biology.

Offered by: Biology

• Fall
• Prerequisites: BIOL 219; or BIOL 200 plus BIOL 201 or ANAT 212 or BIOC 212; CHEM 212; COMP 202 or COMP 204 or COMP 250; MATH 222; or permission of instructor.
• Restriction: Only open to U2 students in the following programs: B.Sc.; Major and Honours in Biology; Quantitative Biology, B.Sc.; Major and Honours Computer Science and Biology, B.Sc.; Major Biology and Mathematics, B.Sc.; Major Physiology and Mathematics, B.Sc.; Major Physiology and Physics, B.Sc.; Major and Honours Chemistry; Biophysical Chemistry, and B.Sc.; Major and Honours Physics; Biological Physics.

• Terms
  • Fall 2024
• Instructors
  • Gregor F Fussmann, Stephanie Weber

Biology (Sci): Independent research project with a final written report.

Offered by: Biology

• Fall, Winter or Summer
• Restrictions: This course cannot be taken under the S/U option. Departmental permission required. Students cannot be supervised by the same instructor for two 396 Science courses. Open to students in programs offered by the Faculty of Science only.
• Note: Enrolment may be limited. Students are advised to start the application process well before the start of the term and to plan for an alternative course in the case that no suitable project is available. Individual projects may be suggested each term which may have project-specific prerequisites. Students may also approach professors to devise their own projects. Some projects may be accessible to students in other disciplines. See https://www.mcgill.ca/science/research/undergraduate-research/science-research-courses for more information about available projects and application forms and procedures. A completed application form should be brought to Nancy Nelson in Room N7/9B, Stewart Biology Building.

• Terms
  • Fall 2024
  • Winter 2025
• Instructors
  • There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024 academic year

Biology (Sci): Directed reading.

Offered by: Biology

• Fall, Winter or Summer
• Prerequisites: BIOL 200, BIOL 201, BIOL 202, BIOL 205, BIOL 215.
• Note: Before registration, projects must be arranged individually with a PI in the Biology Department. Prior to registration, students fill out the application form at http://biology.mcgill.ca/undergrad/res_opps.html and email or bring it to nancy.nelson [at] mcgill.ca, or Nancy Nelson, Room N7/9B, Stewart Biology Building.

• Terms
  • Fall 2024
  • Winter 2025
• Instructors
  • There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024 academic year

Biology (Sci): Principles of biology as exemplified by amphibians and reptiles. Topics include: adaptation, social behaviour, reproductive strategies, physiology, biomechanics, ecology, biogeography and evolution. Laboratories will emphasize structure, systematics and identification of local and world herpetofauna as well as field methods.

Offered by: Biology

• Fall
• 2 hours lecture; 3 hours laboratory
• Prerequisite: BIOL 205 and BIOL 305 or permission of instructor.
• Restriction: Not open to students who have taken BIOL 327.

• Terms
  • Fall 2024
• Instructors
  • David M Green

Biology (Sci): A study of the physical, chemical and biological properties of lakes and other inland waters, with emphasis on their functioning as systems.

Offered by: Biology

• Fall
• 3 hours lecture
• Prerequisites: BIOL 206 and BIOL 215 or permission of instructor.
• Restrictions: Not open to students who have taken or are taking ENVB 315.
• This course, involving two field weekends, has an additional fee of $353.32, which includes room and board and transportation. The fee is refundable during the period where a student can drop the course with full refund. The Department of Biology subsidizes a portion of the cost for this activity.

• Terms
  • Fall 2024
• Instructors
  • Lars Lonsmann Iversen, Irene Gregory-Eaves

Biology (Sci): Explores the impact that biological evolution and evolutionary thinking have on society. Topics include intelligence, language, race, gender, medicine, genetically modified organisms, politics, and creationism.

Offered by: Biology

• Fall
• Prerequisite: BIOL 304 or permission of the instructor
• Course instructors will introduce each topic and lead discussion, while an invited lecturer will focus on a particular aspect of that topic.
• Enrolment limited to 25 students.

• Terms
  • This course is not scheduled for the 2024 academic year
• Instructors
  • There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024 academic year

Biology (Sci): Discussion of relevant theoretical and applied issues in conservation biology. Topics: biodiversity, population viability analysis, community dynamics, biology of rarity, extinction, habitat fragmentation, social issues.

Offered by: Biology

• Fall
• 3 hours lecture
• Prerequisite: BIOL 215 OR both ENVR 200 and ENVR 202

• Terms
  • Fall 2024
• Instructors
  • Lauren J Chapman, Andrew Gonzalez

Biology (Sci): Independent research project.

Offered by: Biology

• Fall, Winter or Summer
• Prerequisite: BIOL 206 or BIOL 301 or other suitable laboratory course.
• Restrictions: Open only to Biology students. Not open to students who have taken BIOL 477.
• Note: Before registration, projects must be arranged individually with a PI in the Biology Department. Prior to registration, students fill out the application form at http://biology.mcgill.ca/undergrad/res_opps.html and email or bring it to nancy.nelson [at] mcgill.ca, or Nancy Nelson, Room N7/9B, Stewart Biology Building.

• Terms
  • Fall 2024
  • Winter 2025
• Instructors
  • There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024 academic year

Biology (Sci): Independent research project.

Offered by: Biology

• Fall, Winter or Summer
• Prerequisite: BIOL 206 or BIOL 301 or other suitable laboratory course.
• Restrictions: Open only to Biology students. Not open to students who have taken BIOL 478.
• Note: Before registration, projects must be arranged individually with a PI in the Biology Department. Prior to registration, students fill out the application form at http://biology.mcgill.ca/undergrad/res_opps.html and email or bring it to nancy.nelson [at] mcgill.ca, or Nancy Nelson, Room N7/9B, Stewart Biology Building.

• Terms
  • Fall 2024
  • Winter 2025
• Instructors
  • There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024 academic year

Biology (Sci): Independent research project.

Offered by: Biology

• Fall, Winter or Summer
• Prerequisite: BIOL 206 or BIOL 301 or other suitable laboratory course
• Restriction: Open only to Biology students. Not open to students who have taken BIOL 471 or BIOL 471D1/D2.
• Note: Before registration, projects must be arranged individually with a PI in the Biology Department. Prior to registration, students fill out the application form at http://biology.mcgill.ca/undergrad/res_opps.html and email or bring it to nancy.nelson [at] mcgill.ca, or Nancy Nelson, Room N7/9B, Stewart Biology Building.

• Terms
  • Fall 2024
  • Winter 2025
• Instructors
  • There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024 academic year

Biology (Sci): Introduction to communication between animals, including humans. Physical and phylogenetic constraints on the evolution of communication systems will be discussed. The approach to communication will draw from behavioural ecology, psychology, physiology and physics.

Offered by: Biology

• Fall
• 3 hours lecture
• Corequisites: BIOL 307 or equivalent and one of BIOL 306 or NEUR 310 or NSCI 200 or NSCI 201 or PHGY 311; or permission of instructor. Since all corequisites may not be offered in the same term, students are advised that they may have to plan their schedules so that they may register in these courses in the term prior to BIOL 507.

• Terms
  • This course is not scheduled for the 2024 academic year
• Instructors
  • There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024 academic year

Biology (Sci): The origin, maintenance and roles of biological diversity within ecological communities.

Offered by: Biology

• Fall
• 3 hours lecture/seminar
• Prerequisites: BIOL 308 or GEOG 350 or permission of instructor.

• Terms
  • Fall 2024
• Instructors
  • Andrew Gonzalez

Biology (Sci): 'Post-genomic' bioinformatics. Concepts behind large-scale computational analysis and comparison of genomes/proteomes (and beyond), and the implications for our understanding of the basic processes of molecular and cell biology and the evolution of those processes.

Offered by: Biology

• Fall
• 3 hours lecture
• Prerequisite: BIOL 301 or permission of instructor.
• Restriction: Not open to students who have taken or are taking BINF 511.

• Terms
  • Fall 2024
• Instructors
  • Paul M Harrison

Biology (Sci): Evolutionary ecology is the study of evolutionary change in natural populations. General predictive approaches in evolutionary ecology, including population genetics, quantitative genetics, optimality, and game theory will be examined. Emphasis will be placed on the mathematical underpinnings of each approach, particularly as they relate to classic and contemporary problems.

Offered by: Biology

• Fall
• Prerequisite: BIOL 304 and BIOL 308
• Restriction: U3 or permission.

• Terms
  • This course is not scheduled for the 2024 academic year
• Instructors
  • There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024 academic year

Geography: An ecological analysis of the physical and biotic components of natural resource systems. Emphasis on scientific, technological and institutional aspects of environmental management. Study of the use of biological resources and of the impact of individual processes.

Offered by: Geography

• 3 hours
• Prerequisite: Any 200-level course in Geography or MSE or BIOL 308 or permission of instructor.

• Terms
  • This course is not scheduled for the 2024 academic year
• Instructors
  • There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024 academic year

Geography: Discussion of the major properties of soils; soil formation, classification and mapping; land capability assessment; the role and response of soils in natural and disturbed environments (e.g. global change, ecosystem disturbance).

Offered by: Geography

• Fall
• 3 hours and laboratory
• Prerequisite: GEOG 203 or introductory course in biology or geology

• Terms
  • This course is not scheduled for the 2024 academic year
• Instructors
  • There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024 academic year

Geography: A conceptual view of remote sensing and the underlying physical principles. Covers ground-based, aerial, satellite systems, and the electromagnetic spectrum, from visible to microwave. Emphasis on application of remotely sensed data in geography including land cover change and ecological processes.

Offered by: Geography

• Fall
• 3 hours and laboratory periods
• Corequisite: GEOG 201 or permission of instructor

• Terms
  • Fall 2024
• Instructors
  • Margaret Kalacska

Geography: An examination of the structure, function and utility of wetlands. Topics include the fluxes of energy and water, wetland biogeochemistry, plant ecology in freshwater and coastal wetlands and wetlands use, conservation and restoration. Field trip(s) are envisaged to illustrate issues covered in class.

Offered by: Geography

• Fall
• 3 hours
• Restriction: Permission of instructor.

• Terms
  • This course is not scheduled for the 2024 academic year
• Instructors
  • Gail L Chmura

Plant Science: Principles of classification and identification of flowering plants and ferns, with emphasis on 35 major families of flowering plants and the habitats in which they grow.

Offered by: Plant Science

• A 4-day field week is held the week preceding the start of classes
• Prerequisite: AEBI 210 or ENVR 202 or permission of instructor
• A $92.68 fee is charged to all students registered in this course, which has a fieldwork component prior to the beginning of classes in August. This fee is used to support the cost of excursions, a hand lens, instructional handouts and identification aids. Students who have already received a hand lens may request a reimbursement of a portion of this charge through their department.

• Terms
  • Fall 2024
• Instructors
  • Frieda Beauregard

Resource Development: The diversity and natural history of Canadian vertebrates illustrated with trophic, phylogenetic, and macroecological approaches.

Offered by: Natural Resource Sciences

• This course carries an additional charge of 19.94 to cover the cost of transportation (bus rental) for local field trips. The fee is refundable only during the withdrawal with full refund period.

• Terms
  • Fall 2024
• Instructors
  • Murray Mitchell Humphries

Resource Development: Taxonomic relationships and evolution of birds. Examination of the physiology, migration, identification and ecological processes of North American birds.

Offered by: Natural Resource Sciences

• Prerequisite: WILD 307 or permission of instructor
• This course carries an additional charge of 19.94 to cover the cost of transportation (bus rental) for local field trips. The fee is refundable only during the withdrawal with full refund period.

• Terms
  • Fall 2024
• Instructors
  • Kyle Elliott

Biology (Sci): An introduction to biology research and communication with a focus on cell and molecular biology. Through conducting a series of project-based experiments and writing a final report, molecular and synthetic biology techniques such as gene cloning, manipulation, protein isolation and characterization and how research is conducted, analyzed and communicated will be addressed. In addition, an introduction to bioinformatics methods and their role in analysis will be provided.

Offered by: Biology

• Fall or Winter
• 1 hour lecture and one 6-hour laboratory
• Prerequisites: BIOL 200, BIOL 201 (or ANAT 212/BIOC 212); or BIOL 219
• Restrictions: Not open to students who have taken or are taking BIOC 300, or BIOC 220 and BIOC 320. Requires departmental approval.
• For approval email maxime.leroux [at] mcgill.ca. Specify your ID number as well as the term and two lab day preferences.

• Terms
  • Fall 2024
  • Winter 2025
• Instructors
  • Maxime Leroux, Arnold L Hayer, Paul M Harrison, Huanquan Zheng
  • Huanquan Zheng, Paul M Harrison, Maxime Leroux, Arnold L Hayer

Biology (Sci): The characteristics of the major groups of animals, their ancestry, history and relationship to one another. The processes of speciation, adaptive radiation and extinction responsible for diversity. Methods for constructing of phylogenies, for comparing phenotypes, and for estimating and analyzing diversity.

Offered by: Biology

• Winter
• 2 hours lecture and 1 three-hour laboratory
• Prerequisite: BIOL 215 or both ENVR 200 and ENVR 202

• Terms
  • Winter 2025
• Instructors
  • Rowan Barrett, Hans Carl E Larsson, Graham Bell, Shaun Turney, Gregor F Fussmann

Biology (Sci): How an organism’s behaviour relates to its physical, biological, and social environment, using evolutionary and ecological perspectives. Emphasis is on general principles, covering topics such feeding, predator avoidance, aggression, reproduction, social behaviour, communication and cognition.

Offered by: Biology

• Winter
• In some weeks, lecture will be replaced by interactive discussion periods, practical exercises, or student presentations
• Prerequisites: BIOL 215 and BIOL 216 (or equivalents), or permission of the instructor

• Terms
  • Winter 2025
• Instructors
  • Mélanie Guigueno, Jon Sakata, Simon M Reader

Biology (Sci): Ecological bases of the natural causes and consequences of current global environmental changes, including how biodiversity and ecosystem processes are defined and measured, how they vary in space and time, how they are affected by physical and biological factors, and how they affect each other and human societies.

Offered by: Biology

• Winter
• 3 hours lecture
• one-day field trip to Mont St-Hilaire
• Prerequisite: BIOL 215; or ENVR 200 and ENVR 202; MATH 112 or equivalent; or permission of the instructor

• Terms
  • Winter 2025
• Instructors
  • Laura J Pollock, Lars Lonsmann Iversen

Biology (Sci): Application of methods and techniques used by organismal biologists, paired with the design of sampling programs to test hypotheses using observational or experimental data, and the analysis of data. Topics include DNA barcoding/metabarcoding and experimental evolution.

Offered by: Biology

• Prerequisites: BIOL 200 or BIOL 219; BIOL 206, COMP 204, and BIOL 202 or BIOL 302.
• Restrictions: Not open to students who have taken BIOL 206 prior to Fall 2020

• Terms
  • Winter 2025
• Instructors
  • Shaun Turney, Daniel J Schoen, Elena M Cristescu, Andrew Gonzalez

Biology (Sci): Emerging physical approaches and quantitative measurement techniques are providing new insights into longstanding biological questions. This course will present underlying physical theory, quantitative measurement techniques, and significant findings in molecular and cellular biophysics. Principles covered include Brownian motion, low Reynolds-number environments, forces relevant to cells and molecules, chemical potentials, and free energies. These principles are applied to enzymes as molecular machines, membranes, DNA, and RNA.

Offered by: Biology

• Winter. Students with training in physics and biology will be well-suited to the course. .
• Prerequisites: BIOL 200 or BIOL 219; MATH 222; PHYS 230 and (PHYS 232 or PHYS 253), or permission of the instructor.
• Restriction: Not open to students who have taken or are taking PHYS 319

• Terms
  • Winter 2025
• Instructors
  • Walter Reisner

Biology (Sci): Functional and comparative approach to neuroanatomy, examining how species changes in brain organization contribute to evolutionary changes in behaviour.

Offered by: Biology

• Winter
• 2 hours of lecture and 1 hour of conference (mandatory)
• Prerequisite: NSCI 201 or BIOL 306

• Terms
  • Winter 2025
• Instructors
  • Sarah Woolley, Jon Sakata

Biology (Sci): An introduction to freshwater and marine biology. Topics include the structure and functioning of the major aquatic ecosystems and how these aspects are affected by global change drivers.

Offered by: Biology

• Winter
• Prerequisite(s): BIOL 205, and BIOL 215 or both ENVR 200 and ENVR 202

• Terms
  • Winter 2025
• Instructors
  • Neil Price, Irene Gregory-Eaves

Biology (Sci): Using dinosaurs as exemplars, this course teaches aspects of comparative, functional, and developmental morphology, macroevolution, macroecology, and phylogenetic systematics. Lab dissections will explore vertebrate anatomy.

Offered by: Biology

• Winter
• 2 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory
• Prerequisites: BIOL 215 or ENVR 202 or EPSC 233 or permission of instructor.

• Terms
  • Winter 2025
• Instructors
  • Hans Carl E Larsson

Biology (Sci): The origin, diversity and evolutionary history of mammals, systematic review of fossil and living orders of mammals, aspects of mammalian paleoecology, functional morphology and adaptation.

Offered by: Biology

• Fall
• Prerequisite(s): BIOL 215, or ENVR 202, or permission of the instructor
• Restriction: Not open to students who have taken BIOL 463.
• 2 hours lecture; 3 hours laboratory
• The course will use the extensive collections and exhibits of the Redpath Museum as a resource for weekly laboratories.

• Terms
  • This course is not scheduled for the 2024 academic year
• Instructors
  • There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024 academic year

Biology (Sci): Independent reading project.

Offered by: Biology

• Fall, Winter or Summer
• Prerequisites: BIOL 200 and one of BIOL 201, ANAT/BIOC 212; or BIOL 215; or permission of instructor.
• Restriction: Open to U2 or U3 Biology students only
• Note: Before registration, projects must be arranged individually with a PI in the Biology Department. Prior to registration, students fill out the application form at http://biology.mcgill.ca/undergrad/res_opps.html and email or bring it to nancy.nelson [at] mcgill.ca, or Nancy Nelson, Room N7/9B, Stewart Biology Building.

• Terms
  • Fall 2024
  • Winter 2025
• Instructors
  • There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024 academic year

Biology (Sci): Methods of neurobiological research, including extracellular and intracellular recordings, electrical stimulation, and the study of neuro-behavioural problems.

Offered by: Biology

• Winter
• 1 hour lecture; 5 hours laboratory
• Prerequisites: BIOL 306 or NSCI 200 or PHGY 311 or NEUR 310 or permission

• Terms
  • Winter 2025
• Instructors
  • Joseph Alan Dent, Alanna J Watt, Michael Hendricks, Tomoko Oyama

Biology (Sci): Independent research project with a final written report.

Offered by: Biology

• Fall, Winter or Summer
• Restrictions: This course cannot be taken under the S/U option. Departmental permission required. Students cannot be supervised by the same instructor for two 396 Science courses. Open to students in programs offered by the Faculty of Science only.
• Note: Enrolment may be limited. Students are advised to start the application process well before the start of the term and to plan for an alternative course in the case that no suitable project is available. Individual projects may be suggested each term which may have project-specific prerequisites. Students may also approach professors to devise their own projects. Some projects may be accessible to students in other disciplines. See https://www.mcgill.ca/science/research/undergraduate-research/science-research-courses for more information about available projects and application forms and procedures. A completed application form should be brought to Nancy Nelson in Room N7/9B, Stewart Biology Building.

• Terms
  • Fall 2024
  • Winter 2025
• Instructors
  • There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024 academic year

Biology (Sci): Directed reading.

Offered by: Biology

• Fall, Winter or Summer
• Prerequisites: BIOL 200, BIOL 201, BIOL 202, BIOL 205, BIOL 215.
• Note: Before registration, projects must be arranged individually with a PI in the Biology Department. Prior to registration, students fill out the application form at http://biology.mcgill.ca/undergrad/res_opps.html and email or bring it to nancy.nelson [at] mcgill.ca, or Nancy Nelson, Room N7/9B, Stewart Biology Building.

• Terms
  • Fall 2024
  • Winter 2025
• Instructors
  • There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024 academic year

Biology (Sci): The life history and ecology of freshwater invertebrates in lakes, rivers and wetlands; habitat requirements, functional ecology and food web interactions; the role of invertebrates in the functioning of aquatic ecosystems; threats to freshwater diversity.

Offered by: Biology

• Fall
• 2 hours lecture and 3 hours lab
• Prerequisites: BIOL 215 (or ENVR 200 and ENVR 202) and BIOL 205 or permission of the instructor
• enrolment limited to 25 students

• Terms
  • Winter 2025
• Instructors
  • Anthony Ricciardi

Biology (Sci): Biological diversity as exemplified by a particular taxonomic group chosen by the instructor, using field setting in East Africa to impart training in species identification, field research, and principles embodied in the phylogeny, systematics, biogeography, ecology, physiology and/or behaviour of the organisms concerned.

Offered by: Biology

• Winter
• Student must be enrolled in the Africa Field Study Seminar
• Prerequisite: BIOL 305 or equivalent or permission of instructor.
• Corequisite(s): NRSC/BIOL 451 and ANTH/GEOG 451

• Terms
  • Winter 2025
• Instructors
  • There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024 academic year

Biology (Sci): Field settings (Uganda, Kenya, and/or Tanzania) are used to impart training in ecological principles critical to tropical conservation with an emphasis on research design and field research exercises.

Offered by: Biology

• Winter
• The course is to be taught in Africa as a component of the Africa Field Study Semester. Students must register for the Africa Field Study Semester.
• Prerequisite: BIOL 215 or equivalent.
• Corequisite: NRSC/BIOL 451 and ANTH/GEOG 451
• Restriction(s): Not open to students who have taken BIOL 329.

• Terms
  • Winter 2025
• Instructors
  • Lauren J Chapman

Biology (Sci): An introduction to how the ocean functions biologically: biology and ecology of marine plankton; regulation, extent and fate of production in the sea.

Offered by: Biology

• Winter
• 2 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory/conference
• Prerequisites: BIOL 206; and BIOL 215 or both ENVR 200 and ENVR 202.

• Terms
  • Winter 2025
• Instructors
  • Neil Price

Biology (Sci): Development of observation and independent inquiry skills through: 1) participation in short-term project modules in collaboration with existing researchers; 2) participation in interdisciplinary team research on topics selected to allow comparative analysis of field sites; 3) active and systematic observation, documentation, and integration of field experience in ecology and development issues.

Offered by: Biology

• Winter
• Open only to U2 or later students in the AFSS.
• Corequisite(s): ANTH 451 or GEOG 451
• Restriction(s): Not open to students who have taken or are taking NRSC 451.

• Terms
  • Winter 2025
• Instructors
  • There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024 academic year

Biology (Sci): Independent research project.

Offered by: Biology

• Fall, Winter or Summer
• Prerequisite: BIOL 206 or BIOL 301 or other suitable laboratory course.
• Restrictions: Open only to Biology students. Not open to students who have taken BIOL 477.
• Note: Before registration, projects must be arranged individually with a PI in the Biology Department. Prior to registration, students fill out the application form at http://biology.mcgill.ca/undergrad/res_opps.html and email or bring it to nancy.nelson [at] mcgill.ca, or Nancy Nelson, Room N7/9B, Stewart Biology Building.

• Terms
  • Fall 2024
  • Winter 2025
• Instructors
  • There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024 academic year

Biology (Sci): Independent research project.

Offered by: Biology

• Fall, Winter or Summer
• Prerequisite: BIOL 206 or BIOL 301 or other suitable laboratory course.
• Restrictions: Open only to Biology students. Not open to students who have taken BIOL 478.
• Note: Before registration, projects must be arranged individually with a PI in the Biology Department. Prior to registration, students fill out the application form at http://biology.mcgill.ca/undergrad/res_opps.html and email or bring it to nancy.nelson [at] mcgill.ca, or Nancy Nelson, Room N7/9B, Stewart Biology Building.

• Terms
  • Fall 2024
  • Winter 2025
• Instructors
  • There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024 academic year

Biology (Sci): Independent research project.

Offered by: Biology

• Fall, Winter or Summer
• Prerequisite: BIOL 206 or BIOL 301 or other suitable laboratory course
• Restriction: Open only to Biology students. Not open to students who have taken BIOL 471 or BIOL 471D1/D2.
• Note: Before registration, projects must be arranged individually with a PI in the Biology Department. Prior to registration, students fill out the application form at http://biology.mcgill.ca/undergrad/res_opps.html and email or bring it to nancy.nelson [at] mcgill.ca, or Nancy Nelson, Room N7/9B, Stewart Biology Building.

• Terms
  • Fall 2024
  • Winter 2025
• Instructors
  • There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024 academic year

Biology (Sci): An overview of the molecular genetic tools used to investigate ecological and evolutionary processes in natural populations. The use of molecular tools in studies of population structure, parentage, kinship, species boundaries, phylogenetics. Special topics include conservation genetics, population genetics, and ecological genomics.

Offered by: Biology

• Restriction (s): BIOL 301, BIOL 304 and BIOL 308 or permission of instructor.
• Intended for both upper level undergraduates with knowledge of ecology, evolution, and genetics.
• Intended for graduate students interested in applying molecular tools in ecology, evolution, and environmental sciences.

• Terms
  • This course is not scheduled for the 2024 academic year
• Instructors
  • There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024 academic year

Biology (Sci): Aquatic ecology and the major issues challenging the field.

Offered by: Biology

• Winter
• 3 hours seminar
• Prerequisite(s): BIOL 432 or BIOL 441 or permission of the instructor

• Terms
  • This course is not scheduled for the 2024 academic year
• Instructors
  • There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024 academic year

Biology (Sci): Cognition refers to the processes of acquiring, retaining, and using information. In the wild, an organism relies on a wide variety of information to interact with its environment and these interactions affect its survival and reproduction. Focus on the ecology and evolution of cognition and its underlying neural mechanisms. Examines links between cognition, behaviour in the wild, and the brain. Builds upon the principles of behavioural ecology and behavioural neuroscience.

Offered by: Biology

• Prerequisite(s): BIOL 307 or equivalent or permission of the instructor

• Terms
  • Winter 2025
• Instructors
  • Mélanie Guigueno

Biology (Sci): Causes and consequences of biological invasion, as well as risk assessment methods and management strategies for dealing with invasive species.

Offered by: Biology

• Winter
• 3 hours lecture
• Prerequisite(s): BIOL 215 (or ENVR 200 plus ENVR 202), and at least one 300- or 400-level course in ecology, evolution, or conservation biology.
• Restriction: Not open to U1 or U2 students
• Restriction: Not open to students who are taking or have taken ENVR 540.

• Terms
  • Winter 2025
• Instructors
  • Anthony Ricciardi

Biology (Sci): Ecology revisited in view of tropical conditions. Exploring species richness. Sampling and measuring biodiversity. Conservation status of ecosystems, communities and species. Indigenous knowledge.

Offered by: Biology

• Winter
• 24 hours lecture and 36 hours field work over a 4-week period
• Prerequisites: HISP 218, MATH 203, and BIOL 215
• Corequisites: ENVR 451; GEOG 404 and HIST 510 alternating with GEOG 498 and AGRI 550
• Restriction: location in Panama. Students must register for a full semester of studies in Panama

• Terms
  • Winter 2025
• Instructors
  • There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024 academic year

Biology (Sci): The influence of developmental mechanisms on evolution. This course draws on recent examples from plants and invertebrate and vertebrate animals. Topics include homology, modularity, dissociation, co-option, evolutionary novelty, evolution of cis-regulation and gene regulatory networks, developmental constraint and evolvability, heterochrony, phenotypic plasticity, and canalization.

Offered by: Biology

• Winter
• 3 hours lecture
• Prerequisites: BIOL 303 and BIOL 304; or permission of instructor.

• Terms
  • This course is not scheduled for the 2024 academic year
• Instructors
  • There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024 academic year

Biology (Sci): This course will address issues related to experimental design and multivariate statistical analysis. The first third of the course will focus on experimental design, and the remainder of the course will focus on multivariate approaches to data analysis. The course is designed to inform students on best practices to analytically address their experimental questions.

Offered by: Biology

• Prerequisite(s): BIOL 373 and permission of Instructor.
• Restriction(s): Not open to students who have taken or are taking BIOL 596 and/or BIOL 597.
• This course is equivalent to taking BIOL 596 and BIOL 597.

• Terms
  • This course is not scheduled for the 2024 academic year
• Instructors
  • There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024 academic year

Geography: Quantitative, experimental study of the principles governing the movement of water at or near the Earth's surface and how the research relates to the chemistry and biology of ecosystems.

Offered by: Geography

• Winter
• 3 hours
• Prerequisite: GEOG 203 or equivalent

• Terms
  • Fall 2024
• Instructors
  • Bernhard L Lehner, Genevieve Ali

Parasitology: Systematics, morphology, biology and ecology of parasitic protozoa, flatworms, roundworms and arthropods with emphasis on economically and medically important species.

Offered by: Parasitology

• Prerequisite(s): AEBI 211 or LSCI 230 or permission of instructor
• Restriction: Not open to students who have taken WILD 424.

• Terms
  • Winter 2025
• Instructors
  • There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024 academic year

Redpath Museum: Natural history museums and their collections, how collections are created and maintained and how collections are used in scientific research. Context of natural history museums, collections-based research and curatorial methods.

Offered by: Redpath Museum

• Winter: Course consists of lectures, practical labs, field trips and individual term-projects.
• Prerequisites: A 200- or 300-level course that deals with diversity of specimens or objects relevant to Museum-based research and collections. e.g. BIOL 215, BIOL 305, EPSC 210, EPSC 233, ANTH 208, ANTH 310, PLNT 358, WILD 212, WILD 313, or permission of instructor.

• Terms
  • Winter 2025
• Instructors
  • David M Green, Rowan Barrett, Virginie Millien

Resource Development: This course focuses on the evolution, classification, ecology and behaviour of mammals and relations between humans and mammals. Also structure, systematics and identification of local and world mammals, as well as field methods will be emphasized.

Offered by: Natural Resource Sciences

• Prerequisites: AEBI 211 and WILD 307
• An additional fee of 19.07 is charged to all students registered in WILD 350, Mammalogy, a course that has a required field trip.

• Terms
  • Winter 2025
• Instructors
  • Murray Mitchell Humphries

Resource Development: Study of current controversial issues focusing on wildlife conservation. Topics include: animal rights, exotic species, ecotourism, urban wildlife, multi-use of national parks, harvesting of wildlife, biological controls, and endangered species.

Offered by: Natural Resource Sciences

• Winter
• 3 lectures
• Restriction: Not open to students who have taken NRSC 421.

• Terms
  • Winter 2025
• Instructors
  • Kyle Elliott

Biology (Sci): Field studies of ferns, fern allies, conifers and flowering plants; the use of keys for plant identification.

Offered by: Biology

• Prerequisite: BIOL 111 or permission
• Restriction: Not open to students who have taken PLNT 358
• Note: Taught at the Gault Nature Reserve. Contact instructor for specific dates, logistics: (virginie.millien [at] mcgill.ca).
• This course is offered in the summer.
• This course, given at the University’s Gault Nature Reserve in Mont St. Hilaire, has an additional fee of $485.56 which includes a hand lens, a textbook, handouts, lodging and supper each day.

• Terms
  • This course is not scheduled for the 2024 academic year
• Instructors
  • There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024 academic year

Biology (Sci): Methods of sampling natural populations. Testing hypotheses in nature.

Offered by: Biology

• Prerequisites: BIOL 206 and BIOL 215, or equivalents, or permission of the instructor.
• Note: This course has an additional fee. The Department of Biology subsidizes a portion of the cost for this activity.
• The field portion of this course is given at the University’s Gault Nature Reserve in Mont St. Hilare over a two-week period in the summer term. In the summer, students prepare a report based on projects carried out during this field portion. There is an additional fee of $688.37 that covers room and board and handouts. This fee could be refundable if the department approves it.
• **Due to the intensive nature of this course, the standard add/drop and withdrawal deadlines do not apply. Add/drop is the third lecture day and withdrawal is the sixth lecture day.

• Terms
  • This course is not scheduled for the 2024 academic year
• Instructors
  • There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024 academic year

Biology (Sci): Relevant to agriculture, forestry, fisheries and conservation of natural resources. Field component taught at the University's Bellairs Research Institute in Barbados, for two weeks in early May. The course is organized in a series of small-group field projects of 2-3 days each. Interested students should check the course website, attend the full information session and fill out an application form.

Offered by: Biology

• Winter, Summer
• Prerequisites: BIOL 206; and BIOL 215 or both ENVR 200 and ENVR 202; and permission of the instructor.
• Students must register for both BIOL 334D1 and BIOL 334D2.
• No credit will be given for this course unless both BIOL 334D1 and BIOL 334D2 are successfully completed in consecutive terms
• BIOL 334D1 and BIOL 334D2 together are equivalent to BIOL 334

• Terms
  • Winter 2025
• Instructors
  • Frederic Guichard, Laura Nilson

Biology (Sci): See BIOL 334D1 for course description.

Offered by: Biology

• Winter, Summer
• Prerequisites: BIOL 206; and BIOL 215 or both ENVR 200 and ENVR 202; and permission of the instructor.
• Students must register for both BIOL 334D1 and BIOL 334D2.
• No credit will be given for this course unless both BIOL 334D1 and BIOL 334D2 are successfully completed in consecutive terms
• This course, given in Barbados, has an additional fee of $1,847.31 to cover the costs of room and board at Bellairs Research Institute, the course pack and all other expenses during the course. It does not cover tuition, airfare, flight insurance, airport taxes, meals in transit, or the cost of supplementary health insurance. The fee is only refundable prior to the deadline to withdraw with full refund

• Terms
  • This course is not scheduled for the 2024 academic year
• Instructors
  • There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024 academic year

Biology (Sci): Biology of marine mammals with special emphasis on seals and whales of the Bay of Fundy. Taught at the Huntsman Marine Science Centre, St. Andrews, N.B., for two weeks in August. The course combines lectures, laboratory exercises, field trips, and individual projects.

Offered by: Biology

• Prerequisite: BIOL 205
• This course is offered in the summer.
• Apply first to Huntsman, then contact susan.gabe [at] mcgill.ca.
• The fee for this field course is $1858.12 to cover fees related to the use of facilities for teaching and lab spaces in the Huntsman Marine Center (lodging, meals, facility rental spaces, transportation and tour fees).

• Terms
  • This course is not scheduled for the 2024 academic year
• Instructors
  • There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024 academic year

Biology (Sci): Independent reading project.

Offered by: Biology

• Fall, Winter or Summer
• Prerequisites: BIOL 200 and one of BIOL 201, ANAT/BIOC 212; or BIOL 215; or permission of instructor.
• Restriction: Open to U2 or U3 Biology students only
• Note: Before registration, projects must be arranged individually with a PI in the Biology Department. Prior to registration, students fill out the application form at http://biology.mcgill.ca/undergrad/res_opps.html and email or bring it to nancy.nelson [at] mcgill.ca, or Nancy Nelson, Room N7/9B, Stewart Biology Building.

• Terms
  • Fall 2024
  • Winter 2025
• Instructors
  • There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024 academic year

Biology (Sci): Directed reading.

Offered by: Biology

• Fall, Winter or Summer
• Prerequisites: BIOL 200, BIOL 201, BIOL 202, BIOL 205, BIOL 215.
• Note: Before registration, projects must be arranged individually with a PI in the Biology Department. Prior to registration, students fill out the application form at http://biology.mcgill.ca/undergrad/res_opps.html and email or bring it to nancy.nelson [at] mcgill.ca, or Nancy Nelson, Room N7/9B, Stewart Biology Building.

• Terms
  • Fall 2024
  • Winter 2025
• Instructors
  • There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024 academic year

Biology (Sci): Independent research project.

Offered by: Biology

• Fall, Winter or Summer
• Prerequisite: BIOL 206 or BIOL 301 or other suitable laboratory course.
• Restrictions: Open only to Biology students. Not open to students who have taken BIOL 477.
• Note: Before registration, projects must be arranged individually with a PI in the Biology Department. Prior to registration, students fill out the application form at http://biology.mcgill.ca/undergrad/res_opps.html and email or bring it to nancy.nelson [at] mcgill.ca, or Nancy Nelson, Room N7/9B, Stewart Biology Building.

• Terms
  • Fall 2024
  • Winter 2025
• Instructors
  • There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024 academic year

Biology (Sci): Independent research project.

Offered by: Biology

• Fall, Winter or Summer
• Prerequisite: BIOL 206 or BIOL 301 or other suitable laboratory course.
• Restrictions: Open only to Biology students. Not open to students who have taken BIOL 478.
• Note: Before registration, projects must be arranged individually with a PI in the Biology Department. Prior to registration, students fill out the application form at http://biology.mcgill.ca/undergrad/res_opps.html and email or bring it to nancy.nelson [at] mcgill.ca, or Nancy Nelson, Room N7/9B, Stewart Biology Building.

• Terms
  • Fall 2024
  • Winter 2025
• Instructors
  • There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024 academic year

Biology (Sci): Independent research project.

Offered by: Biology

• Fall, Winter or Summer
• Prerequisite: BIOL 206 or BIOL 301 or other suitable laboratory course
• Restriction: Open only to Biology students. Not open to students who have taken BIOL 471 or BIOL 471D1/D2.
• Note: Before registration, projects must be arranged individually with a PI in the Biology Department. Prior to registration, students fill out the application form at http://biology.mcgill.ca/undergrad/res_opps.html and email or bring it to nancy.nelson [at] mcgill.ca, or Nancy Nelson, Room N7/9B, Stewart Biology Building.

• Terms
  • Fall 2024
  • Winter 2025
• Instructors
  • There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024 academic year

Biology (Sci): Independent research project.

Offered by: Biology

• Prerequisites: BIOL 206 or BIOL 301 or other suitable 300-level biology course.
• Note: Before registration, projects must be arranged individually with a PI in the Biology Department. Prior to registration, students fill out the application form at http://biology.mcgill.ca/undergrad/res_opps.html and email or bring it to nancy.nelson [at] mcgill.ca, or Nancy Nelson, Room N7/9B, Stewart Biology Building.

• Terms
  • Fall 2024
  • Winter 2025
• Instructors
  • There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024 academic year

Biology (Sci): Terrestrial vertebrate fossils (i.e. dinosaurs, crocodiles and other reptiles) and palaeocommunity analysis, including practical training with fossil identification, mapping, collecting, and stratigraphic interpretation.

Offered by: Biology

• Summer
• Prerequisites: BIOL 304 and BIOL 352 or permission of instructor.
• Notes: Spring field course with completed project and presentation by the end of the Summer. Given in a selected Late Cretaceous Alberta and/or Saskatchewan site. Enrolment limited to 15 students.
• This course, given at selected localities in Alberta and/or Saskatchewan in May, has an additional fee of $1,500.00 which includes room and board, museum entrance fees, and transportation during the course, but not tuition or transportation to western Canada.
• This course is offered in the summer.

• Terms
  • This course is not scheduled for the 2024 academic year
• Instructors
  • There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024 academic year