A study of the life history and distribution of marine organisms in several major habitat types, including soft sediment and rocky substrate communities. Emphasis is on field and laboratory work in a survey of common local marine plants and animals and their relationships. Includes field work in the Lower Mainland, Gulf Islands, and/or Vancouver Island.

A study of the structure and dynamics of ecosystems. Consideration of plant and animal populations in relation to physical, chemical, and biological factors affecting their interaction and productivity. Considerable laboratory time is devoted to the study of local ecosystems, field sampling techniques, and field trips to ecological research areas.

This course reviews the role of modern biotechnology in plant, animal, and marine biology, microbiology, agriculture, the pharmaceutical industry, and medicine. The course focuses on underlying technologies in biotechnology, how these technologies are implemented, together with public concerns and government guidelines and legislation.

Biotechnology Practica provides general and advanced intern experiences in industrial settings. BIOL 300 (3 sem. hrs.) is additional intern experience providing exposure to advanced techniques and applications in biotechnology. The skills taught in each practicum vary depending on the industrial setting, but should include some of the following techniques: mammalian tissue culture; monoclonal antibody production including cell fusion; hybridoma screening by ELISA and immunoblotting; fermentation microbiology and the operation of large-scale fermentation systems; insect cell culture and use of Baculovirus expression vectors to produce recombinant proteins; downstream processing and the recovery and purification of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids; freezing, freeze-drying and preservation of microorganisms, animal viruses, cell lines and hybridomas; high throughput screening strategies, diagnostic testing; methods in bioinformatics; and quality control procedures.

A comparative study of the vertebrate classes with special emphasis on the anatomy and physiology of representative forms. The significance of advances in the complexity of chordates is considered, as well as the impact of human activities on vertebrate population dynamics.

An exploration of the role of plants as the basis for most ecosystems, and as valuable resources for agriculture, horticulture, forestry, biotechnology, and other areas of human concern. The study of vascular plants includes classification, development, physiology, ecology, and economic uses, with comparison of form, function, and significance. The course involves local field trips and laboratory studies. Recent discoveries in plant biology are highlighted through the completion of a literature review.

An exploration of non-vascular plants and the important niches they occupy, particularly in aquatic or moist environments and in relation to human health. The course covers algae, fungi, lichens, and bryophytes including classification, development, physiology, and ecology. Applied aspects include productivity of freshwater and marine systems, commercial uses, mushroom culture, plant pathology and environmental and human health. Firsthand experience of the organisms includes local field trips and laboratory studies. Recent discoveries in plant biology are highlighted through the completion of a literature review.

An inventory of basic plant mechanisms and plant development. Mechanisms include assimilation, transport, and utilization of water and mineral nutrients and the utilization and distribution of photoassimilates. Plant development includes cell division, tissue culture, meristems, and the role of hormones in plant morphogenesis. Experimental approaches and biotechnology applications of plant molecular biology are stressed.

The crucial role of plant ecology in shaping major habitats, including those in British Columbia, will be examined. A trip to Salt Spring Island will highlight the threatened Garry oak ecosystem and other features of interest. Field trips throughout the course will highlight the population dynamics and interrelationships of plant communities in natural habitats, agricultural crops and managed forests. Critical assessment of planetary stewardship will form a common theme across various issues in plant ecology.