Courses
4 year Biology Program Requirements
Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy, BIOL 2706 (Fall 2011)
This course provides an overview of chordate and vertebrate origins and diversity. The focus of the course is a comparative study of vertebrate functional anatomy across the major taxonomic groups. Prerequisite: BIOL 1506/1507. Visit the course blog. View a sample lecture.
Genetics, BIOL 3017 (Fall 2011)
This course provides an introduction to the science of genetics. The following topics will be considered: Mendelian inheritance; the nature and behaviour of chromosomes; the chemical basis of heredity; linkage, crossing over, and the mapping of chromosomes; variations in chromosome structure and number; mutation; the structure and function of genes; and the use of statistics in the genetic analysis of quantitative characters. View the course blog. View a sample lecture.
Biology II, BIOL 1507 (Winter 2011)
A study will be made of higher plants and animals with special emphasis on structure and function. Botanical topics include plant anatomy, reproduction, water relations, mineral nutrition, and control of growth and development. The zoological component includes the anatomy and physiology of animal tissues, organs and systems, and their functional integration. View the course blog. View a sample lecture.
Evolutionary Biology, BIOL 3006 (Winter 2011)
An understanding of evolution is fundamental to all aspects of biology. This course will introduce the theory and concepts of evolutionary biology, emphasizing both micro and macro-evolution. Topics will include the history of evolutionary thought, species concepts and speciation, adaptation and the roles of natural selection, mutation and genetic drift in evolutionary change. Evolutionary concepts will also apply to behavioural ecology, sexual selection and life-history theory. Prerequisites: BIOL 1506/1507 (BIOL 3017 Genetics recommended). View the course blog. View a sample lecture.
Structure of Algoma University 4-year Biology Program
YEAR 1
* BIOL 1506 Biology I
* BIOL 1507 Biology II
* MATH 1036 Calculus I
* MATH 1037 Calculus II or MATH 1057 Linear Algebra
* CHMI 1006 Chemistry I
* CHMI 1007 Chemistry II
* 6 credits from:
1. GEOL 1021 Understanding the Earth I
2. GEOL 1022 Understanding the Earth II
3. PHYS 1006 Introduction to Physics I
4. PHYS 1007 Introduction to Physics II
* 6 credits from Group I (Humanities) and/or Group II (Social Sciences)
YEAR 2
* STAT 2126 Introduction to Statistics
* BIOL 2026 Microbiology
* BIOL 2056 Principles of Scientific Inquiry
* BIOL 2126 Cell Biology
* Two of the following three:
1. BIOL 2706 Vertebrate Form and Function
2. BIOL 2716 Invertebrate Form and Function
3. BIOL 2127 Plant Form and Function
* CHMI 2426 Organic Chemistry
* 3 credits BIOL 2000 series
* 6 credits from Group I (Humanities) and/or Group II (Social Sciences)
YEAR 3
* BIOL 3006 Evolutionary Biology
* BIOL 3017 Genetics
* BIOL 3356 Population Ecology
* BIOL 3357 Community Ecology
* CHMI 2227 Biochemistry I
* BIOL 2996 Scientific Method and Analysis
* 6 credits from BIOL 3000 or 4000 series
* 6 non-biology credits
YEAR 4
* BIOL 4105 Honours Thesis
* 18 credits from BIOL 3000 or 4000 series, with at least 9 credits BIOL 4000 series
* 6 non-biology credits
* Students can complete a maximum of 42 credits at the first year level
* Minimum specialization average 60%
* Specialization average for ‘honours’ designation 70%
Students must complete a minimum 12 credits from Group I (Humanities) and/or Group II (Social Sciences)