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Biological Sciences Honours

Bachelor of Science

This honours program offers independent research and in-depth study. It requires minimum of 132 units as specified below. Entry requires a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 3.0 or higher (B standing), and department permission. Students complete all lower division requirements as shown below, and at least 15 upper division units in biological sciences prior to application for entry. Students should contact an advisor before enrolment.

Program Requirements

Students should complete the lower division core requirements within the first 60 units (four terms).

Students are encouraged to choose their stream upon lower division core completion. Students who have had more than five course repeats are normally not permitted to remain in the program. Direct entry to the BISC major upon acceptance to the University is possible if Faculty of Science criteria is met.

Basic unit requirements include

  • BISC/MBB (lower division) 20 units
  • non BISC/MBB (lower division) 27 units
  • BISC/MBB (upper division) 45 units
  • electives 25 units
  • honours thesis 15 units
  • total (minimum) 132 units

Lower Division Requirements

Students complete all of

BISC 101 - General Biology (4)

An introduction to the biochemical and physiological mechanisms of living organisms. Topics covered include cell structure and function, DNA replication and the flow of genetic information, enzyme function, metabolism and physiology of microorganisms, plants, and animals. Prerequisite: High school biology 12 (or equivalent) with a C grade or better, or BISC 100 with C- or better, or HSCI 100 with C+ or better. Breadth-Science.

BISC 102 - General Biology (4)

Survey of the diversity of life, and its evolutionary history on earth. The student is introduced to the study of genetics, development, and evolution, giving an overview of how these processes interact to produce form and function. Also included are principles of behavior and ecological relationships of organisms to each other and their environment. Prerequisite: High school biology 12 (or equivalent) with a C grade or better, or BISC 100 with C- or better, or HSCI 100 with C+ or better. Breadth-Science.

BISC 202 - Genetics (3)

Principles and concepts of the transmission of genetic information treated comparatively in man, animal, plant and microbe. Prerequisite: BISC 101 and 102 with a grade of C- or better.

BISC 204 - Introduction to Ecology (3)

An introduction to biotic-environmental relationships and dynamics; ecological concepts; population dynamics, variation, adaptation and evolution. Prerequisite: BISC 101 and 102 with a grade of C- or better. Students with credit for GEOG 215 may not take this course for further credit.

CHEM 121 - General Chemistry and Laboratory I (4)

Atomic and molecular structure; chemical bonding; thermochemistry; elements; periodic table; gases liquids, solids, and solutions. This course includes a laboratory component. Prerequisite: BC high school chemistry 12 or CHEM 111. Recommended: MATH 151 (or 154) and PHYS 120 (or 101) as a corequisite. Students may not count both CHEM 120 and 121 for credit. Quantitative/Breadth-Science.

CHEM 122 - General Chemistry II (2)

Chemical equilibria; electrochemistry; chemical thermodynamics; kinetics. Students who intend to take further laboratory courses in chemistry should take CHEM 122 concurrently with CHEM 126. Prerequisite: CHEM 121 or 120. Recommended: MATH 152 (or 155) and PHYS 121 (or 102) as a corequisite. Quantitative.

CHEM 281 - Organic Chemistry I (4)

Structure, bonding, physical and chemical properties of simple organic compounds. Introduction to spectroscopy. Kinetics and mechanisms of organic reactions. This course includes a laboratory component. Prerequisite: CHEM 121. Corequisite: CHEM 122. Quantitative.

MBB 222 - Molecular Biology and Biochemistry (3)

The structure, function and synthesis of proteins, RNA and DNA and their interrelated biological functions within the cell. An introduction to molecular biology techniques and methods of protein purification and analysis. Prerequisite: or Corequisite CHEM 281.

MBB 231 - Cellular Biology and Biochemistry (3)

A study of the molecular processes which underlie cell structure and function, integrating ultrastructural, physiological and biochemical approaches. Modern techniques used in the analysis of organelle and cell function are integral parts of the course. Prerequisite: MBB 222, BISC 101, CHEM 281 with grades of C- or better. Corequisite or Prerequisite: CHEM 282 or CHEM 283.

STAT 201 - Statistics for the Life Sciences (3)

Research methodology and associated statistical analysis techniques for students with training in the life sciences. Intended to be particularly accessible to students who are not specializing in Statistics. Prerequisite: 30 units. Students with credit for STAT 101, 102, 203 (formerly 103), 270 (formerly MATH 272) or 301 may not take STAT 201 for further credit. Quantitative.

and one of

CHEM 282 - Organic Chemistry II (2)

Polyfunctional organic compounds and complex organic reactions. Introduction to natural products. Students with credit for CHEM 283 may not complete this course for further credit. Prerequisite: CHEM 281. Quantitative.

CHEM 283 - Organic Chemistry IIb (3)

An advanced treatment of Organic Chemistry II. Topics include dienes and their reactivity, conjugation and aromaticity, aromatic substitution reactions, carboxylic acids and their derivatives, ketones and aldehydes, biological molecules, radical reactions, organometallic reagents, pericyclic reactions and planning multi-step synthesis. Prerequisite: CHEM 281. Students should not receive credit for both CHEM 282 and 283. Students should not receive credit for both CHEM 282 and 283. Quantitative.

and one of

MATH 150 - Calculus I with Review (4)

Designed for students specializing in mathematics, physics, chemistry, computing science and engineering. Topics as for Math 151 with a more extensive review of functions, their properties and their graphs. Recommended for students with no previous knowledge of Calculus. In addition to regularly scheduled lectures, students enrolled in this course are encouraged to come for assistance to the Calculus Workshop (Burnaby), or Math Open Lab (Surrey). Prerequisite: Pre-Calculus 12 (or equivalent) with a grade of at least B+, or MATH 100 with a grade of at least B-, or achieving a satisfactory grade on the 間眅埶AV Calculus Readiness Test. Students with credit for either MATH 151, 154 or 157 may not take MATH 150 for further credit. Quantitative.

MATH 151 - Calculus I (3)

Designed for students specializing in mathematics, physics, chemistry, computing science and engineering. Logarithmic and exponential functions, trigonometric functions, inverse functions. Limits, continuity, and derivatives. Techniques of differentiation, including logarithmic and implicit differentiation. The Mean Value Theorem. Applications of Differentiation including extrema, curve sketching, related rates, Newton's method. Antiderivatives and applications. Conic sections, polar coordinates, parametric curves. Prerequisite: Pre-Calculus 12 (or equivalent) with a grade of at least A, or MATH 100 with a grade of at least B, or achieving a satisfactory grade on the 間眅埶AV Calculus Readiness Test. Students with credit for either MATH 150, 154 or 157 may not take MATH 151 for further credit. Quantitative.

MATH 154 - Calculus I for the Biological Sciences (3)

Designed for students specializing in the biological and medical sciences. Topics include: limits, growth rate and the derivative; elementary functions, optimization and approximation methods, and their applications; mathematical models of biological processes. Prerequisite: Pre-Calculus 12 (or equivalent) with a grade of at least B, or MATH 100 with a grade of at least C, or achieving a satisfactory grade on the 間眅埶AV Calculus Readiness Test. Students with credit for either MATH 150, 151 or 157 may not take MATH 154 for further credit. Quantitative.

and one of

MATH 152 - Calculus II (3)

Riemann sum, Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, definite, indefinite and improper integrals, approximate integration, integration techniques, applications of integration. First-order separable differential equations. Sequences and series, series tests, power series, convergence and applications of power series. Prerequisite: MATH 150 or 151; or MATH 154 or 157 with a grade of at least B. Students with credit for MATH 155 or 158 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative.

MATH 155 - Calculus II for the Biological Sciences (3)

Designed for students specializing in the biological and medical sciences. Topics include: the integral, partial derivatives, differential equations, linear systems, and their applications; mathematical models of biological processes. Prerequisite: MATH 150, 151 or 154; or MATH 157 with a grade of at least B. Students with credit for MATH 152 or 158 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative.

and one of

MATH 152 - Calculus II (3)

Riemann sum, Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, definite, indefinite and improper integrals, approximate integration, integration techniques, applications of integration. First-order separable differential equations. Sequences and series, series tests, power series, convergence and applications of power series. Prerequisite: MATH 150 or 151; or MATH 154 or 157 with a grade of at least B. Students with credit for MATH 155 or 158 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative.

MATH 155 - Calculus II for the Biological Sciences (3)

Designed for students specializing in the biological and medical sciences. Topics include: the integral, partial derivatives, differential equations, linear systems, and their applications; mathematical models of biological processes. Prerequisite: MATH 150, 151 or 154; or MATH 157 with a grade of at least B. Students with credit for MATH 152 or 158 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative.

and one of

PHYS 101 - Physics for the Life Sciences I (3)

Force and motion, conservation of energy and momentum, fluids, properties of soft matter and thermal physics with applications taken from the life sciences. Prerequisite: BC Principles of Physics 12 or PHYS 100 or equivalent, with a minimum grade of C-. This prerequisite may be waived, at the discretion of the department, as determined by the student's performance on a regularly scheduled PHYS 100 final exam. Please consult the physics advisor for further details. Corequisite: MATH 150 or 151 or 154 or 157; BISC 100 or 101 or 102. Students with credit for PHYS 120, 125 or 140 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative/Breadth-Science.

PHYS 120 - Mechanics and Modern Physics (3)

A general calculus-based introduction to mechanics. Topics include translational and rotational motion, momentum, energy, gravitation, and selected topics in modern physics. Prerequisite: BC Principles of Physics 12 or PHYS 100 or equivalent, with a minimum grade of C-. This prerequisite may be waived, at the discretion of the department, as determined by the student's performance on a regularly scheduled PHYS 100 final exam. Please consult the physics advisor for further details. Corequisite: MATH 150 or 151 or 154 must precede or be taken concurrently. Students with credit for PHYS 101, 125 or 140 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative/Breadth-Science.

PHYS 125 - Mechanics and Special Relativity (3)

Newtonian mechanics and special relativity for students with good preparation in physics and mathematics. Topics include Newtonian particle mechanics, angular momentum, torque, conservation laws, gravitation, and special relativity. Prerequisite: Greater than 85% in both BC Pre-Calculus 12 & BC Physics 12, or a grade of A in PHYS 100, or equivalent. Co-requisite: MATH 150 or 151 or 154 must precede or be taken concurrently. Students with credit for PHYS 101, 120 or PHYS 140 may not take PHYS 125 for further credit. Quantitative.

PHYS 140 - Studio Physics - Mechanics and Modern Physics (4)

A general calculus-based introduction to mechanics taught in an integrated lecture-laboratory environment. Topics include translational and rotational motion, momentum, energy, gravitation, and selected topics in modern physics. Prerequisite: BC Principles of Physics 12, or equivalent, with a minimum grade of C-. Corequisite: MATH 150 or 151 or 154 must precede or be taken concurrently. Students with credit for PHYS 125 or 120 or 101 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative/Breadth-Science.

and one of

PHYS 101 - Physics for the Life Sciences I (3)

Force and motion, conservation of energy and momentum, fluids, properties of soft matter and thermal physics with applications taken from the life sciences. Prerequisite: BC Principles of Physics 12 or PHYS 100 or equivalent, with a minimum grade of C-. This prerequisite may be waived, at the discretion of the department, as determined by the student's performance on a regularly scheduled PHYS 100 final exam. Please consult the physics advisor for further details. Corequisite: MATH 150 or 151 or 154 or 157; BISC 100 or 101 or 102. Students with credit for PHYS 120, 125 or 140 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative/Breadth-Science.

PHYS 120 - Mechanics and Modern Physics (3)

A general calculus-based introduction to mechanics. Topics include translational and rotational motion, momentum, energy, gravitation, and selected topics in modern physics. Prerequisite: BC Principles of Physics 12 or PHYS 100 or equivalent, with a minimum grade of C-. This prerequisite may be waived, at the discretion of the department, as determined by the student's performance on a regularly scheduled PHYS 100 final exam. Please consult the physics advisor for further details. Corequisite: MATH 150 or 151 or 154 must precede or be taken concurrently. Students with credit for PHYS 101, 125 or 140 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative/Breadth-Science.

PHYS 125 - Mechanics and Special Relativity (3)

Newtonian mechanics and special relativity for students with good preparation in physics and mathematics. Topics include Newtonian particle mechanics, angular momentum, torque, conservation laws, gravitation, and special relativity. Prerequisite: Greater than 85% in both BC Pre-Calculus 12 & BC Physics 12, or a grade of A in PHYS 100, or equivalent. Co-requisite: MATH 150 or 151 or 154 must precede or be taken concurrently. Students with credit for PHYS 101, 120 or PHYS 140 may not take PHYS 125 for further credit. Quantitative.

PHYS 140 - Studio Physics - Mechanics and Modern Physics (4)

A general calculus-based introduction to mechanics taught in an integrated lecture-laboratory environment. Topics include translational and rotational motion, momentum, energy, gravitation, and selected topics in modern physics. Prerequisite: BC Principles of Physics 12, or equivalent, with a minimum grade of C-. Corequisite: MATH 150 or 151 or 154 must precede or be taken concurrently. Students with credit for PHYS 125 or 120 or 101 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative/Breadth-Science.

and one of

PHYS 102 - Physics for the Life Sciences II (3)

Waves and optics; electricity and magnetism; modern physics emphasizing radioactivity, with applications taken from the life sciences. Prerequisite: PHYS 101 or 120 or 125 or 140, with a minimum grade of C-. Recommended corequisite: MATH 152 or 155 or 158. Students are encouraged to take PHYS 130 at the same time as PHYS 102. Students with credit for PHYS 121, 126, or 141 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative/Breadth-Science.

PHYS 121 - Optics, Electricity and Magnetism (3)

A general calculus-based introduction to electricity, magnetism and optics. Topics include electricity, magnetism, simple circuits, optics and topics from applied physics. Prerequisite: PHYS 120 or 125 or 140 (or PHYS 101 with a grade of A or B). Corequisite: MATH 152 or 155 must precede or be taken concurrently. Students with credit for PHYS 102, 126 or 141 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative/Breadth-Science.

PHYS 126 - Electricity, Magnetism and Light (3)

Electricity, magnetism, and the electromagnetic character of light for students with good preparation in physics and mathematics. Topics include waves, simple electrical circuits, electricity, magnetism, the unifications of electromagnetism in relativity, light as an electromagnetic wave, and photons. Prerequisite: PHYS 125 or a grade of A or better in PHYS 120 or 140. Corequisite: MATH 152 or 155 must precede or be taken concurrently. Students with credit in PHYS 102, 121 or 141 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative.

PHYS 141 - Studio Physics - Optics, Electricity and Magnetism (4)

A general calculus-based introduction to electricity, magnetism and optics taught in an integrated lecture-laboratory environment. Topics include electricity, magnetism, simple circuits, optics and topics from applied physics. Prerequisite: PHYS 140, with a minimum grade of C-. Corequisite: MATH 152 or 155 must precede or be taken concurrently. Students with credit for PHYS 126 or 121 or 102 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative/Breadth-Science.

Students are encouraged to complete a full year of organic chemistry. Medical, dental or veterinary school applicants should include all CHEM courses that are listed above.

Upper Division Requirements

Entry into courses numbered 300 and above normally requires completion of the lower division requirements. Prerequisites for any course may be waived with the approval of the department.

Honours students will complete a minimum of 60 upper division units in biological sciences, or related subjects approved by the department, which must include a research-based honours thesis as specified below.

Students complete a minimum of 12 upper division courses by completing all of the following, with a grade of C- or better (this minimum grade requirement also applies to BISC and MBB prerequisites).

BISC 300 - Evolution (3)

The phenomenon of organic evolution, and the major forces leading to changes in allele frequencies over time, i.e. natural selection and genetic drift. Topics include adaptation, speciation, the origin of life, and the major evolutionary trends over geological time. Prerequisite: BISC 202 with a grade of C- or better. Recommended: BISC 204. Students with credit for BISC 400 may not take this course for further credit.

BISC 333 - Developmental Biology (3)

Classical and modern experimental approaches will be described for understanding development of embryos of several species having common and distinctive features. These approaches are at the organismal, cellular, molecular and genetic levels. Prerequisite: BISC 202, MBB 222, MBB 231 with a grade of C- or better.

and one of

BISC 305 - Animal Physiology (3)

A comparative study of basic physiological mechanisms in invertebrates and vertebrates. Prerequisite: MBB 221 or 231 and PHYS 102 (or PHYS 121 or 126 or 141) with a grade of C- or better.

BISC 366 - Plant Physiology (3)

The plant's physical environment and the physiological basis (mechanisms and principles) of the interaction between plants and their environment in relation to their survival and ecological distribution. Prerequisite: MBB 231 with a grade of C- or better.

and at least one of

BISC 303 - Microbiology (4)

The biology of micro-organisms and their significance in the understanding of cellular processes. Students are required to come into the lab on average of two hours per week in addition to the four hour scheduled lab each week for project work. Prerequisite: BISC 102 and MBB 231 with a grade of C- or better.

BISC 306 - Invertebrate Biology (4)

An introduction to selected invertebrate phyla with an emphasis on functional morphology, diversity and ecology. Prerequisite: BISC 101, 102 and 204 with a grade of C- or better.

BISC 316 - Vertebrate Biology (4)

A review of the evolution and the taxonomy of the vertebrate classes. A comparative study of their organ systems and functions with particular reference to reproduction. A comparison of the functional morphology of some species by laboratory dissections. Prerequisite: BISC 101 and 102 with a grade of C- or better.

BISC 317 - Insect Biology (3)

Life histories, bionomics, comparative morphology, and classification of insects and related organisms. A collection may be required, depending on instructor. Prerequisite: BISC 101 and 102 with a grade of C- or better.

BISC 326 - Biology of Algae and Fungi (3)

A survey of form, function and phenetics. Prerequisite: BISC 101 and 102 with a grade of C- or better.

BISC 337 - Plant Biology (4)

An introductory course covering many aspects of plant biology including the origin and evolution of plants, basic anatomy, plant growth and development and the utilization and impact of plants in human society. Prerequisite: BISC 101 and 102 with a grade of C- or better.

BISC 318 - Parasitology (3)

Ecology and phylogeny of animal parasites (from protozoa to helminthes), including those of humans, domestic animals and wildlife. Parasite success, host-parasite interactions, general epidemiological principles of parasitic infections, and reproductive strategies used by parasites to increase the likelihood of transmission as well as host responses and medical options for past and current parasite problems. Prerequisite: BISC 101 and 102, and 204 or HSCI 212 with a grade of C- or better and completion of 60 units. Recommended: BISC 300 and 306. Students who have taken BISC 418 Parasitology may not take this course for further credit.

Stream Requirement

In addition to the above requirements, students choose remaining requirements in an area of specialization by completing one of three streams: cells, molecules and physiology; ecology, evolution and conservation; and an open stream. The open stream provides broad biological training, or may be used to specialize in an area not offered by the main streams (consult the undergraduate program advisor, individual faculty, or department website for advice on other areas of specialization).

Cells, Molecules and Physiology Stream

Students who choose this stream will complete two of

BISC 302W - Genetic Analysis (3)

Discussion and manipulations of some of the organisms and techniques applicable to genetic analysis. Students are required to come into the lab on average of two hours per week in addition to the four hour scheduled lab each week for project work. Prerequisite: BISC 202 with a grade of C- or better. Students with credit for BISC 302 may not take this course for further credit. Writing.

BISC 307W - Animal Physiology Laboratory (3)

A laboratory course using contemporary techniques of animal physiological research. Prerequisite: MBB 231 and one of PHYS 102, 121, 126 or 141 each with a grade of C- or better. Corequisite: BISC 305. Equivalent Courses: BISC 307. Writing.

BISC 357 - Gene Cloning (3)

Introduction to various techniques in gene cloning and the applications of gene cloning. Laboratory exercises follow a sequence of events commonly practiced in many molecular genetics laboratories and include novel technologies such as cloning by site-directed recombination. Lecture content spans basic cloning in plasmids to novel large-scale genomics technologies. Prerequisite: BISC 202, MBB 222, 231 with a grade of C- or better. Recommended: MBB 331. Students with credit for MBB 308, or a Special Topics course under this topic, may not take this course for further credit.

BISC 367W - Plant Physiology Laboratory (3)

A laboratory course using contemporary techniques of plant physiological research. Prerequisite: BISC 366: Plant Physiology with a grade of C- or better. Students with credit for BISC 367 may not take this course for further credit. Writing.

and three of

BISC 303 - Microbiology (4)

The biology of micro-organisms and their significance in the understanding of cellular processes. Students are required to come into the lab on average of two hours per week in addition to the four hour scheduled lab each week for project work. Prerequisite: BISC 102 and MBB 231 with a grade of C- or better.

BISC 313 - Environmental Toxicology (3)

This course introduces students to basic principles of toxicology and several classes of widely encountered environmental pollutants. Emphasis is on toxicology as an interdisciplinary science. This course is a prereq for all advanced toxicology courses. Prerequisite: MBB 231 with a grade of C- or better.

BISC 403 - Current Topics in Cell Biology (3)

The lectures will explore two or three major themes in current cell biology, such as cell motility, the cell cycle, and cellular signalling. A critical component of the course is to develop an understanding of the experimental basis of our knowledge about cells. Prerequisite: MBB 222, 231 with C- or better, and completion of 75 units, or completion of BISC 305 or 366 with a C- or better. Students with credit for BISC 372 under this topic may not take this course for further credit.

BISC 405 - Neurobiology (3)

Physiology of neuroscience, focusing on cellular and molecular mechanisms. Topics include: cellular and subcellular organization of the nervous system, electrical properties of neurons, ion channels, synaptic transmission, sensory systems, learning and memory, neurodegenerative diseases. Prerequisite: BISC 305 or BPK 305 or BPK 306 with a grade of C- or better. Students who have completed BISC 472 under the title 'Neurobiology' may not complete BISC 405 for further credit.

BISC 430 - Microbe-Plant Interactions (3)

Interactions between major groups of microbes (including fungi, bacteria, viruses, phytoplasmas and viroids) with higher plants, including the chemical signals which trigger the onset of recognition events that result in a parasitic or mutualistic relationship, and the mechanisms of plant defense. Prerequisite: MBB 231 and at least one of BISC 303, 326, 337 with a grade of C- or better. Students who have completed BISC 475 under the title 'Microbe-Plant Interactions' may not complete BISC 430 for further credit.

BISC 432 - Chemical Pesticides and the Environment (3)

The physical, chemical and biological properties of chemical pesticides; risks and benefits associated with their use in pest management. Prerequisite: BISC 305 or 366 with a grade of C- or better. Recommended: For those who wish entry to the Master of Pest Management program.

BISC 439 - Industrial Microbiology (4)

This course introduces students to the use of microorganisms in biotechnology, e.g. in the environmental, pharmaceutical and chemical industries. The lectures will cover the unique physiology/biochemistry of industrial microorganisms and their use in processes such as fermentation, bioremediation, chemical synthesis and protein production. The laboratory component is designed as a series of exercises that form a complete research project. Prerequisite: BISC 303 with a grade of C- or better, or equivalent.

BISC 445 - Environmental Physiology of Animals (3)

A discussion of the physiological mechanisms and adaptations which permit animals to live in diverse environments. The course will adopt a comparative approach to physiology. Prerequisite: BISC 305 with a grade of C- or better.

BISC 449 - Histological Techniques in Biology (4)

Principles of microscopy and histological techniques for sample preparation: fixation, dehydration, embedding, and sectioning. Use of lipid and nucleic acid stains and antibodies for labeling. Prerequisite: BISC 329 with a grade of C- or better.

BISC 455 - Endocrinology (3)

A study of endocrine organs and their role in integrating physiological functions in animals. Prerequisite: BISC 305 and one of BISC 306 or 316 with a grade of C- or better.

BISC 457 - Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (3)

An introduction to plant molecular biology and the techniques, applications and issues of plant genetic engineering. Prerequisite: MBB 222, MBB 231 with a grade of C- or better.

BISC 471 - Special Topics in Cells, Molecules and Physiology (3)

Special Topics in Cells, Molecules and Physiology not currently offered in the Department of Biological Science. Prerequisite: To be announced.

BISC 472 - Special Topics in Cells, Molecules and Physiology (3)

Selected topics in areas not currently offered within the undergraduate course offerings in the Department of Biological Sciences. Prerequisite: To be announced.

BISC 475 - Special Topics in Biology (3)

Selected topics not currently offered in the Department of Biological Sciences. Prerequisite: To be announced.

BISC 497W - Undergraduate Research: Writing Intensive (3)

Directed study and research in an area of biological science. A student may enrol in this course only with prior written agreement of a faculty member to act as a research supervisor, who will also provide instruction and feedback on the writing and presentation of results from the research. A maximum of three upper division research courses can be applied towards the major requirements. Prerequisite: Completion of lower division course requirements. Writing.

BISC 498 - Undergraduate Research I (3)

Directed study and research in an area of biological science. A student may enrol in this course only with prior written agreement of a faculty member to act as a research supervisor. A maximum of three upper division research courses can be applied towards the major prerequisites. Prerequisite: Completion of lower division course requirements.

BISC 499 - Undergraduate Research II (3)

Directed study and research in an area of biological science. A student may enrol in this course only with prior written agreement of a faculty member to act as a research supervisor. A maximum of three upper division research courses can be applied towards the major requirements. Prerequisite: Completion of lower division course requirements.

and three elective courses (nine units) from any upper division undergraduate BISC courses, or from other units at 間眅埶AV such as the Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Department of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology, Department of Physics, and the Faculty of Health Sciences, which may count as options toward this stream, subject to the approval by the department. Normally no more than two courses from other units and no more than three research intensive courses (BISC 490, 491, 492, 497W, 498, or 499) may be used to satisfy stream requirements and additional upper division biology course requirements. Students complete a total of five lab courses (which may include BISC 491 and  one of BISC 497W, 498, 499) among their upper division courses.

Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Stream

Students who choose this stream will complete

STAT 302 - Analysis of Experimental and Observational Data (3)

The standard techniques of multiple regression analysis, analysis of variance, and analysis of covariance, and their role in experimental research. Prerequisite: Any STAT course (except STAT 100), or BUEC 232, or ARCH 376. Statistics major and honors students may not use this course to satisfy the required number of elective units of upper division statistics. However, they may include the course to satisfy the total number of required units of upper division credit. Students cannot obtain credit for STAT 302 if they already have credit for STAT 305 and/or 350. Quantitative.

and at least one of

BISC 304 - Animal Ecology (3)

A study of the interrelationships of animals and their physical and biotic environment. Prerequisite: BISC 101, 102 and 204 with a grade of C- or better. Students with credit for BISC 304W may not repeat this course for further credit.

BISC 404 - Plant Ecology (3)

The study of the distribution and abundance of plants, including how individuals, populations, and communities are affected by abiotic (climate, soil) and biotic (competition, herbivory) factors. A major focus will be life history evolution (pollination, defence, disperal). Experimental and observational laboratory exercises are primarily conducted outdoors. Prerequisite: BISC 101, 102, and 204 with a grade of C- or better. Students with credit for BISC 404W may not repeat this course for further credit.

and four of

BISC 309 - Conservation Biology (3)

An examination of the primary threats to biodiversity, how biological processes contribute to the persistence of populations and structure of communities, and species and landscape approaches to conservation in the real world. Prerequisite: BISC 204 with a grade of C- or better. Students who have taken BISC 474 in Spring 2006 or BISC 475 in Spring 2008 as special topics courses titled 'Conservation Ecology' cannot take this course for further credit.

BISC 406 - Marine Biology and Oceanography (3)

An introduction to the marine environment, marine organisms and the ecological and oceanographic processes affecting them. Prerequisite: 306 or 316 with a grade of C- or better.

BISC 407 - Population Dynamics (3)

An evaluation of factors influencing the natural fluctuation and regulation of plant and animal population numbers. Prerequisite: BISC 304 or 404 with a grade of C- or better.

BISC 410 - Behavioral Ecology (3)

An introduction to the evolution of behavior and its adaptiveness in a natural context. Corequisite: BISC 304 or permission of the department.

BISC 413 - Fisheries Ecology (3)

Fisheries from an ecological point of view, whereby the principles of population dynamics, behaviour, competition and predator-prey relationships are applied to conservation and management of the world's fisheries. Prerequisite: BISC 204 with a grade of C- or better. Students who have taken BISC 472 with the title "Fisheries Ecology" may not take this course for further credit.

BISC 414 - Limnology (3)

An integrated examination of biological, chemical and physical processes in lakes and running water ecosystems. Interactions among biological, chemical and physical controls on the structure, function and dynamics of aquatic ecosystems are emphasized. Environmental problems resulting from human disturbances to aquatic ecosystems are examined. Prerequisite: 75 units of credit in a science program, including BISC 204 with a grade of C- or better or GEOG 215, or permission of the instructor.

BISC 419 - Wildlife Biology (3)

Theoretical and applied aspects of ecology and behavior in relation to wildlife populations and their habitats, with emphasis on important mammals and birds in British Columbia. Prerequisite: BISC 304 with a grade of C- or better. Recommended: BISC 316 and STAT 201.

BISC 422 - Population Genetics (3)

Theoretical and experimental aspects of inheritance at the population level. Topics include Hardy-Weinberg, one- and two-locus selection theory, introduction to quantitative genetics, and Fisher's fundamental theorem of natural selection. Prerequisite: BISC 202 with a grade of C- or better and STAT 201.

BISC 434 - Paleoecology and Palynology (3)

The principles of paleoenvironmental reconstruction, emphasizing the study of pollen grains, spores, and other microfossils in solving problems of paleobiology and earth history. Prerequisite: Minimum 60 units including BISC 204 with a grade of C- or better or GEOG 215. Some background in Botany, Biogeography or Earth Sciences is desirable.

BISC 435 - Introduction to Pest Management (3)

Survey of the natures, causes and consequences of pest problems and of the natural and applied factors and processes that determine their occurrence and intensity. Prerequisite: BISC 317 with a grade of C- or better, or 75 units.

BISC 440W - Biodiversity (3)

The production and organization of biodiversity (investigations of species, and an in-depth look at taxonomy, systematics and phylogenetics). Evolutionary and ecological theories behind the patterns of biodiversity (the current and future geographic distribution of species, and how biodiversity is related to ecosystem function). The values society gives biodiversity (how our values are reflected in law and regulation). Prerequisite: BISC 300, STAT 201 or equivalent, both with C or better, plus 75 units. Students with credit for BISC 440 may not repeat this course for further credit. Writing.

BISC 441 - Evolution of Health and Disease (3)

Application of the principles and theories of evolution and ecology to the study of health and disease, with a particular but not exclusive emphasis on humans. Topics to be covered include the evolutionary ecology of infectious disease, the immune system, cancer, senescence, fetal programming, and the genetic/environmental bases of disease. The course will involve a combination of lectures by the primary faculty member teaching the course, discussions, student research projects (papers, written and revised, and presentations to the class), and specialist guest lectures. Prerequisite: BISC 202 or 204 with a grade of C- or better. Recommended: BISC 300.

BISC 445 - Environmental Physiology of Animals (3)

A discussion of the physiological mechanisms and adaptations which permit animals to live in diverse environments. The course will adopt a comparative approach to physiology. Prerequisite: BISC 305 with a grade of C- or better.

BISC 497W - Undergraduate Research: Writing Intensive (3)

Directed study and research in an area of biological science. A student may enrol in this course only with prior written agreement of a faculty member to act as a research supervisor, who will also provide instruction and feedback on the writing and presentation of results from the research. A maximum of three upper division research courses can be applied towards the major requirements. Prerequisite: Completion of lower division course requirements. Writing.

BISC 498 - Undergraduate Research I (3)

Directed study and research in an area of biological science. A student may enrol in this course only with prior written agreement of a faculty member to act as a research supervisor. A maximum of three upper division research courses can be applied towards the major prerequisites. Prerequisite: Completion of lower division course requirements.

BISC 499 - Undergraduate Research II (3)

Directed study and research in an area of biological science. A student may enrol in this course only with prior written agreement of a faculty member to act as a research supervisor. A maximum of three upper division research courses can be applied towards the major requirements. Prerequisite: Completion of lower division course requirements.

and two elective courses (six units) chosen from any upper division undergraduate BISC courses. Courses from other units at 間眅埶AV such as the Faculty of Environment and MASC courses may count as options toward this stream, subject to approval by the department. Normally no more than two courses from other units and no more than three research intensive courses (BISC 490, 491, 492, 497W, 498, or 499) may be used to satisfy stream requirements and additional upper division biology course requirements. Students complete a total of five lab courses (which may include BISC 491 and one of BISC 497W, 498, 499) among their upper division courses.

Open Stream

Students who choose this stream will complete an additional 8 courses (totaling a minimum of 24 units) chosen from any upper division undergraduate BISC courses.

Courses from other units at 間眅埶AV may count as options toward this stream, subject to approval by the department.

Normally no more than two courses from other units and no more than three research intensive courses (BISC 490, 491, 492, 497W, 498, or 499) may be used to satisfy upper division biology course requirements.

Students complete a total of five lab courses (which may include BISC 491 and one of BISC 497W, 498, 499) among their upper division courses.

Thesis

In addition to the above requirements, honours students will complete a research-based thesis by completing

BISC 490 - Research Design (5)

At the time of application, students will normally have a CGPA of 3.00 (B standing). BISC 490 may be taken in the term prior to BISC 491/492 by students intending to complete the three course ISS. Prerequisite: Completion of all lower division biological sciences courses, plus upper division BISC courses appropriate to the subject of the intended research as determined by the departmental undergraduate curriculum committee; completion of all physics, chemistry and mathematics requirements for the major or honors program.

BISC 491 - Research Technique (5)

Prerequisite: Completion of all lower division biological sciences courses, plus upper division BISC courses appropriate to the subject of the intended research as determined by the departmental undergraduate curriculum committee; completion of all physics, chemistry and mathematics requirements for the major or honors program; at the time of application, students will normally have a CGPA of 3.00 (B standing). Corequisite: BISC 490 and 492.

BISC 492W - Research Reporting (5)

Prerequisite: Completion of all lower division biological sciences courses, plus upper division BISC courses appropriate to the subject of the intended research as determined by the departmental undergraduate curriculum committee; completion of all physics, chemistry and mathematics requirements for the major or honors program; at the time of application, students will normally have a CGPA of 3.00 (B standing). Corequisite: BISC 490 and BISC 491. Writing.

Minimum Grade Requirement

A grade of C- or better is required on all prerequisite BISC and MBB courses, and all required upper division courses to graduate.

Faculty of Science Major Requirements

In addition to the above requirements, students must also satisfy Faculty of Science major program requirements to complete a total of 120 units including

  • additional upper division units to total a minimum of 44 upper division units (excluding EDUC 401 to 406)
  • students who were enrolled at 間眅埶AV between fall 1991 and summer 2006 are required to complete a minimum of 12 units in subjects outside the Faculty of Science (excluding EDUC 401 to 406) including six units minimum to be completed in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences

Writing, Quantitative, and Breadth Requirements

Students admitted to 間眅埶AV beginning in the fall 2006 term must meet writing, quantitative and breadth requirements as part of any degree program they may undertake. See for university-wide information.

WQB Graduation Requirements

A grade of C- or better is required to earn W, Q or B credit

Requirement

Units

Notes
W - Writing

6

Must include at least one upper division course, taken at 間眅埶AV within the student’s major subject
Q - Quantitative

6

Q courses may be lower or upper division
B - Breadth

18

Designated Breadth Must be outside the student’s major subject, and may be lower or upper division
6 units Social Sciences: B-Soc
6 units Humanities: B-Hum
6 units Sciences: B-Sci

6

Additional Breadth 6 units outside the student’s major subject (may or may not be B-designated courses, and will likely help fulfil individual degree program requirements)

Students choosing to complete a joint major, joint honours, double major, two extended minors, an extended minor and a minor, or two minors may satisfy the breadth requirements (designated or not designated) with courses completed in either one or both program areas.

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Residency Requirements and Transfer Credit

The University’s residency requirement stipulates that, in most cases, total transfer and course challenge credit may not exceed 60 units, and may not include more than 15 as upper division work.

Elective Courses

In addition to the courses listed above, students should consult an academic advisor to plan the remaining required elective courses.