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Year Course ID Course
2026-2027 BIOL 346

Advanced Human Physiology

Providing a deeper insight into mechanisms underlying a broad range of physiological phenomena, this course emphasizes the integration of the homeostatic mechanisms involving the various organ systems.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 345 or instructor’s consent
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair.
2024-2025 BIOL 360

Invertebrate Zoology

A survey of the invertebrate phyla with particular reference to their phylogenetic relationships. Laboratories and field trips provide hands-on experience studying both terrestrial and marine invertebrates of the Pacific coastal region.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 223 or 281. (3-3)
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair.
2025-2026 BIOL 360

Invertebrate Zoology

A survey of the invertebrate phyla with particular reference to their phylogenetic relationships. Laboratories and field trips provide hands-on experience studying both terrestrial and marine invertebrates of the Pacific coastal region.

Course Credits: 3
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair.
2026-2027 BIOL 360

Invertebrate Zoology

A survey of the invertebrate phyla with particular reference to their phylogenetic relationships. Laboratories and field trips provide hands-on experience studying both terrestrial and marine invertebrates of the Pacific coastal region.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 223 or 281
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair.
2024-2025 BIOL 362

Marine Ecology

A study of the ecological relationships of marine life in several major habitat types. Emphasis is on productivity, food webs, nutrient cycling, and community ecology. Ecosystem parameters are investigated through field and laboratory studies. Part of coursework takes place in the Lower Mainland, Gulf Islands, and/or Vancouver Island.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 223 or 281 or 216 and BIOL 262 or instructor’s consent.
NB: Summer sessions only. Not offered every year See department chair
Cross-listed: GENV 362
2025-2026 BIOL 362

Marine Ecology

A study of the ecological relationships of marine life in several major habitat types. Emphasis is on productivity, food webs, nutrient cycling, and community ecology. Ecosystem parameters are investigated through field and laboratory studies. Part of coursework takes place in the Lower Mainland, Gulf Islands, and/or Vancouver Island.

Course Credits: 3
NB: Summer sessions only. Not offered every year. See department chair.
2026-2027 BIOL 362

Marine Ecology

A study of the ecological relationships of marine life in several major habitat types. Emphasis is on productivity, food webs, nutrient cycling, and community ecology. Ecosystem parameters are investigated through field and laboratory studies. Part of coursework takes place in the Lower Mainland, Gulf Islands, and/or Vancouver Island.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 223 or 281 or 216 and BIOL 262 or instructor’s consent
NB: Summer sessions only. Not offered every year. See department chair.
Cross-listed: GENV 362
2024-2025 BIOL 364

Coral Reef Ecology

A field course focusing on the systematics and ecology of tropical coral reef organisms. Plants, animals, and physical factors of a fringing coral reef are examined through snorkeling excursions and laboratory studies. One species is chosen for a detailed research project. Includes field course work in Hawaii.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 223 or 281 or 216 and BIOL 262 or instructor’s consent. Recommended: BIOL 308 or 360.
NB: Summer sessions only. Not offered every year See department chair
Cross-listed: GENV 364
2025-2026 BIOL 364

Coral Reef Ecology

A field course focusing on the systematics and ecology of tropical coral reef organisms. Plants, animals, and physical factors of a fringing coral reef are examined through snorkeling excursions and laboratory studies. One species is chosen for a detailed research project. Includes field course work in Hawaii.

Course Credits: 3
NB: Summer sessions only. Not offered every year. See department chair.
2026-2027 BIOL 364

Coral Reef Ecology

A field course focusing on the systematics and ecology of tropical coral reef organisms. Plants, animals, and physical factors of a fringing coral reef are examined through snorkeling excursions and laboratory studies. One species is chosen for a detailed research project. Includes field course work in Hawaii.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 223 or 281 or 216 and BIOL 262 or instructor’s consent. Recommended: BIOL 308 or 360
NB: Summer sessions only. Not offered every year. See department chair.
Cross-listed: GENV 364
2026-2027 BIOL 366

Ecology of Haida Gwaii 

Immersive and field-based exploration of the ecology of the rich terrestrial and marine ecosystems of Haida Gwaii. Emphasis is placed on understanding the archipelago’s unique biodiversity, complex food webs, and nutrient cycling (from the alpine zone to the seas below), as well as the integration of Indigenous knowledge and Haida perspectives on stewardship and relational ecology. Fieldwork takes place on Haida Gwaii.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 114, and 281; or instructor’s permission.
2024-2025 BIOL 371

Introduction to Genetics

An introduction to the study of heredity. Emphasizes classic genetics of populations and individuals in viruses, bacteria, plants, and animals.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 223 or 281. (3-4)
2025-2026 BIOL 371

Introduction to Genetics

An introduction to the study of heredity. Emphasizes classic genetics of populations and individuals in viruses, bacteria, plants, and animals.

Course Credits: 3
2026-2027 BIOL 371

Introduction to Genetics

An introduction to the study of heredity. Emphasizes classic genetics of populations and individuals in viruses, bacteria, plants, and animals.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 223 or 281
2024-2025 BIOL 372

Molecular Genetics

This course considers modern developments and techniques in genetics, especially the basic and applied aspects of recombinant DNA technology.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 223. (3-3)
Cross-listed: CHEM 372
2025-2026 BIOL 372

Molecular Genetics

This course considers modern developments and techniques in genetics, especially the basic and applied aspects of recombinant DNA technology.

Course Credits: 3
2026-2027 BIOL 372

Molecular Genetics

This course considers modern developments and techniques in genetics, especially the basic and applied aspects of recombinant DNA technology.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 223, and third-year standing.
Cross-listed: CHEM 372
2026-2027 BIOL 375

Marine Mammals 

A comprehensive introduction to marine mammals (cetaceans, pinnipeds, sirenians and additional members of carnivora), with emphasis on species living locally in the Salish Sea. This includes an overview of taxonomy, communication, life history, ecology, behaviour, conservation, and stewardship, particularly as they relate to the local marine mammal populations. The cultural importance of marine mammals will be considered from both Indigenous and Western perspectives. Students will gain hands-on experience with a number of commonly-used research methods in the form of workshops.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 113, 114, and 281, or instructor permission.
2024-2025 BIOL 384

Principles of Biochemistry

This course studies chemical structure, function, and metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. This class is continued as BIOL 386.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 221 and 222. Recommended: BIOL 223. (3-3)
Cross-listed: CHEM 384
2025-2026 BIOL 384

Principles of Biochemistry

This course studies chemical structure, function, and metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. This class is continued as BIOL 386.

Course Credits: 3
2026-2027 BIOL 384

Principles of Biochemistry

This course studies chemical structure, function, and metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. This class is continued as BIOL 386.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 221 and 222. Recommended: BIOL 223
Cross-listed: CHEM 384
2024-2025 BIOL 386

Biosynthesis

This course explores the modern understanding of the biochemical transfer of genetic information: DNA structure and synthesis, transcription and translation. This course also examines the regulatory mechanisms of gene control in prokaryotes and eukaryotes, as well as protein structure and function. The central theme of the course is to illustrate the significance of nucleic acid and protein biochemistry in modern biology.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 221, 222. Recommended: BIOL 223 and 384. (3-0)
Cross-listed: CHEM 386.
2025-2026 BIOL 386

Biosynthesis

This course explores the modern understanding of the biochemical transfer of genetic information: DNA structure and synthesis, transcription and translation. This course also examines the regulatory mechanisms of gene control in prokaryotes and eukaryotes, as well as protein structure and function. The central theme of the course is to illustrate the significance of nucleic acid and protein biochemistry in modern biology.

Course Credits: 3
2026-2027 BIOL 386

Biosynthesis

This course explores the modern understanding of the biochemical transfer of genetic information: DNA structure and synthesis, transcription and translation. This course also examines the regulatory mechanisms of gene control in prokaryotes and eukaryotes, as well as protein structure and function. The central theme of the course is to illustrate the significance of nucleic acid and protein biochemistry in modern biology.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 221, 222. Recommended: BIOL 223 and 384
Cross-listed: CHEM 386
2024-2025 BIOL 390

Biology & Christian Theology

This course is designed to untangle some of the actual or perceived dissonance between issues of biological science and Christian theology. Six major topics are addressed: (1) models, analogies, and metaphors in science and Christian theology; (2) scientific and religious investigations of the biosphere; (3) defining human nature; (4) defining non-human nature; (5) caring for the earth; and (6) the biomedical revolution. The common threads among these topics are the tension between Christian faith and the findings of basic and applied biology (biotechnology), and the call to action required in a faith-based view of creation. As well as speaking from their own disciplines and background, the course instructors take part in panel discussions at the end of each of the six units to foster discussion and dialogue on the issues. Student participation is encouraged by group projects that develop and present a position paper on an area that engenders dissonance between scientific and religious worldview perspectives.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 223 or 281, and advanced standing in biology. (3-0)
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair.
Cross-listed: BIOT 390
2025-2026 BIOL 390

Biology & Christian Theology

This course is designed to untangle some of the actual or perceived dissonance between issues of biological science and Christian theology. Six major topics are addressed: (1) models, analogies, and metaphors in science and Christian theology; (2) scientific and religious investigations of the biosphere; (3) defining human nature; (4) defining non-human nature; (5) caring for the earth; and (6) the biomedical revolution. The common threads among these topics are the tension between Christian faith and the findings of basic and applied biology (biotechnology), and the call to action required in a faith-based view of creation. As well as speaking from their own disciplines and background, the course instructors take part in panel discussions at the end of each of the six units to foster discussion and dialogue on the issues. Student participation is encouraged by group projects that develop and present a position paper on an area that engenders dissonance between scientific and religious worldview perspectives.

Course Credits: 3
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair.
2026-2027 BIOL 390

Biology & Christian Theology

This course is designed to untangle some of the actual or perceived dissonance between issues of biological science and Christian theology. Six major topics are addressed: (1) models, analogies, and metaphors in science and Christian theology; (2) scientific and religious investigations of the biosphere; (3) defining human nature; (4) defining non-human nature; (5) caring for the earth; and (6) the biomedical revolution. The common threads among these topics are the tension between Christian faith and the findings of basic and applied biology (biotechnology), and the call to action required in a faith-based view of creation. As well as speaking from their own disciplines and background, the course instructors take part in panel discussions at the end of each of the six units to foster discussion and dialogue on the issues. Student participation is encouraged by group projects that develop and present a position paper on an area that engenders dissonance between scientific and religious worldview perspectives.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 223 or 281 and advanced standing in Biology
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair.
Cross-listed: BIOT 390
2024-2025 BIOL 400

Directed Studies in Biology

Students are required to produce an outline of the topic to be studied in consultation with the instructor. A course of reading and/ or experimentation is pursued according to the approved outline. Assessment may be via examination and/or a final written report.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 223 or 281 and advanced standing in biology or instructor’s consent.
NB: This course, with the appropriate choice of topics, can be used as a preparation for the senior thesis (BIOL 410).
2025-2026 BIOL 400

Directed Studies in Biology

Students are required to produce an outline of the topic to be studied in consultation with the instructor. A course of reading and/ or experimentation is pursued according to the approved outline. Assessment may be via examination and/or a final written report.

Course Credits: 3
NB: This course, with the appropriate choice of topics, can be used as a preparation for the senior thesis (BIOL 410).
2026-2027 BIOL 400

Directed Studies in Biology

Students are required to produce an outline of the topic to be studied in consultation with the instructor. A course of reading and/ or experimentation is pursued according to the approved outline. Assessment may be via examination and/or a final written report.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 223 or 281 and advanced standing in Biology or instructor’s consent
NB: This course, with the appropriate choice of topics, can be used as a preparation for the senior thesis (BIOL 410).
2024-2025 BIOL 409

Thesis Preparation

Students will be required to choose a topic for their senior thesis (BIOL 409-410/GENV 409- 410) in consultation with an instructor. Selected readings and references pertinent to the topic will be assigned. A final written report will be presented consisting of a detailed thesis proposal and a review of the literature.

Course Credits: 1
Prerequisite(s): Advanced standing in biology or instructor's consent. (1-1; 0-0)
Cross-listed: BIOT 409
2025-2026 BIOL 409

Thesis Preparation

Students will be required to choose a topic for their senior thesis (BIOL 409-410/GENV 409- 410) in consultation with an instructor. Selected readings and references pertinent to the topic will be assigned. A final written report will be presented consisting of a detailed thesis proposal and a review of the literature.

Course Credits: 1
2026-2027 BIOL 409

Thesis Preparation

Students will be required to choose a topic for their senior thesis (BIOL 409-410/GENV 409- 410) in consultation with an instructor. Selected readings and references pertinent to the topic will be assigned. A final written report will be presented consisting of a detailed thesis proposal and a review of the literature.

Course Credits: 1
Prerequisite(s): Advanced standing in Biology or instructor's consent
Cross-listed: BIOT 409
2024-2025 BIOL 410

Senior Thesis

Research in a chosen area of biology or environmental studies with a final written report. Presentation of research findings will also be made by the student in a poster session.

Course Credits: 2
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 409. A related directed study in preparation, or instructor's consent. (0-0; 1-2)
Cross-listed: BIOT 410
2025-2026 BIOL 410

Senior Thesis

Research in a chosen area of biology or environmental studies with a final written report. Presentation of research findings will also be made by the student in a poster session.

Course Credits: 2
2026-2027 BIOL 410

Senior Thesis

Research in a chosen area of biology or environmental studies with a final written report. Presentation of research findings will also be made by the student in a poster session.

Course Credits: 2
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 409, a related directed study in preparation, or instructor’s consent
Cross-listed: BIOT 410
2024-2025 BIOL 411

Senior Thesis

In this course, students research a chosen area of biology and provide a final written report. Students present research findings in a seminar. This course option allows students with larger projects to gain extra credit.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 409, a related directed study in preparation, or instructor's consent. (0-0; 1-3)
2025-2026 BIOL 411

Senior Thesis

In this course, students research a chosen area of biology and provide a final written report. Students present research findings in a seminar. This course option allows students with larger projects to gain extra credit.

Course Credits: 3
2026-2027 BIOL 411

Senior Thesis

In this course, students research a chosen area of biology and provide a final written report. Students present research findings in a seminar. This course option allows students with larger projects to gain extra credit.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 409, a related directed study in preparation, or instructor’s consent
2025-2026 BIOL 423

Advanced Cell & Molecular Biology

A laboratory course emphasizing advanced techniques in cell biology, molecular biology, and developmental genetics. Topics include functional genomics, mobile genetic elements, somatic clonal analysis, molecular cloning, and epifluorescence/ confocal microscopy. This course is designed for students who are interested in a career in the life sciences and who wish to familiarize themselves with a number of applied laboratory techniques.

Course Credits: 3
NB: BIOL 423 is an appropriate addition to or substitution for BIOL 409, 410.
2026-2027 BIOL 423

Advanced Cell & Molecular Biology

A laboratory course emphasizing advanced techniques in cell biology, molecular biology, and developmental genetics. Topics include functional genomics, mobile genetic elements, somatic clonal analysis, molecular cloning, and epifluorescence/ confocal microscopy. This course is designed for students who are interested in a career in the life sciences and who wish to familiarize themselves with a number of applied laboratory techniques.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 372 or 384
NB: BIOL 423 is an appropriate addition to or substitution for BIOL 409, 410.
2024-2025 BIOL 423

Advanced Cell and Molecular Biology

A laboratory course emphasizing advanced techniques in cell biology, molecular biology, and developmental genetics. Topics include functional genomics, mobile genetic elements, somatic clonal analysis, molecular cloning, and epifluorescence/ confocal microscopy. This course is designed for students who are interested in a career in the life sciences and who wish to familiarize themselves with a number of applied laboratory techniques.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 372 or 384. (0-4)
NB: BIOL 423 is an appropriate addition to or substitution for BIOL 409, 410.
2024-2025 BIOL 433

The Human Microbiome

This course will focus on the human microbiome and the complex symbiotic relationships, exploring the impacts of those host-microbe interactions on physical and mental health. The course will also examine the current research tools and emerging applications within the field.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 333 or 334. (3-0)
2025-2026 BIOL 433

The Human Microbiome

This course will focus on the human microbiome and the complex symbiotic relationships, exploring the impacts of those host-microbe interactions on physical and mental health. The course will also examine the current research tools and emerging applications within the field.

Course Credits: 3
2026-2027 BIOL 433

The Human Microbiome

This course will focus on the human microbiome and the complex symbiotic relationships, exploring the impacts of those host-microbe interactions on physical and mental health. The course will also examine the current research tools and emerging applications within the field.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 333 or 334
2024-2025 BIOL 438

Virology

This course provides a basic understanding of some of the current topics in modern virology including the structure, classification, and replication of viruses, virus-cell interactions, diagnostic and research applications in virology, and the molecular biology of several important viruses causing disease in humans and animals. Special emphasis is given to viral pathogenesis making this course suitable for those pursuing careers in medicine or related fields.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 333, and BIOL 372 or 386. (3-0)
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair.
2025-2026 BIOL 438

Virology

This course provides a basic understanding of some of the current topics in modern virology including the structure, classification, and replication of viruses, virus-cell interactions, diagnostic and research applications in virology, and the molecular biology of several important viruses causing disease in humans and animals. Special emphasis is given to viral pathogenesis making this course suitable for those pursuing careers in medicine or related fields.

Course Credits: 3
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair.
2026-2027 BIOL 438

Virology

This course provides a basic understanding of some of the current topics in modern virology including the structure, classification, and replication of viruses, virus-cell interactions, diagnostic and research applications in virology, and the molecular biology of several important viruses causing disease in humans and animals. Special emphasis is given to viral pathogenesis making this course suitable for those pursuing careers in medicine or related fields.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 333, and BIOL 372 or 386
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair.
2024-2025 BIOL 440

Developmental Neurobiology

A study of the development of the nervous system in humans and invertebrate and vertebrate model organisms. Topics covered include neurogenesis, the development and cell biology of neurons and glia, developmental genetics, and nervous system defects arising from abnormal development.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 371, and BIOL 372 or 386. (3-3)
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair.
2025-2026 BIOL 440

Developmental Neurobiology

A study of the development of the nervous system in humans and invertebrate and vertebrate model organisms. Topics covered include neurogenesis, the development and cell biology of neurons and glia, developmental genetics, and nervous system defects arising from abnormal development.

Course Credits: 3
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair.