Biological Sciences

This course is an introduction to the principles and mechanisms of epigenetics, exploring how heritable changes in gene expression occur without changes to the underlying DNA sequence. Topics include DNA methylation, histone modifications, chromatin remodeling, and non-coding RNAs. The course will also cover the role of epigenetics in development, disease, and evolution. 

This course examines the diverse and often elegant ways that the bounty of algae, fungi, and bryophytes grow and reproduce right here on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Musqueam people. 

This is a special studies course involving an internship with a corporate, public, governmental, or private organization, arranged with the Study Center Director or Liaison Officer. Specific internships vary each term and are described on a special study project form for each student. A substantial paper or series of reports is required. Units vary depending on the contact hours and method of assessment. The internship may be taken during one or more terms but the units cannot exceed a total of 12.0 for the year.

This course examines fundamental genetic principles, as well as many applications of these fundamentals. Topics include: genotype and phenotype, mechanisms of inheritance, and genetic analysis.

This animal biology course centers on animal behavior, delving into the underlying biological mechanisms such as the nervous system, sensation, perception, learning and memory, and conditioning and development. Additionally, the course takes a broader perspective in examining animal social behavior and evolutionary aspects. Through a combination of lectures, discussions, and hands-on activities, the course explores how animals perceive their environment, interact with one another, and adapt over time.
 

This course examines the field of marine biology, including the fascinating diversity of marine life, their function, ecology and inter-relationships. The topics cover: a) The physical and chemical environments (e.g., light, current, atmospheric -ocean interactions, salinity, temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, nutrients) and how these may affect the marine biota; b) Important groups of marine organisms (e.g., phytoplankton, zooplankton, benthos, nekton, marine mammals) and marine food web; c) Major marine habitats and ecosystems (e.g., intertidal, benthic, pelagic, deep sea, coral reefs, mangroves); d) Exploitation of marine biological resources (e.g., fisheries and bioactive compounds); and e) Contemporary issues (e.g. climate change, marine pollution, sustainable use of marine living resources, invasive species). 

This course involves the study of the physiology and development of the different organs and reproductive systems of plants, as well as how researchers study these processes. It includes lectures, lab work, and section work. The course examines the life cycle of plants, the use of arabidopsis thaliana as a model organism, and the methods of studying development such as transgenic plants, mutants, and reverse genetics. It also studies the organization of the shoot apical meristem (SAM) and the effects of mutations on its function, as well as how the SAM becomes the floral meristem and the development of the reproductive organs of flowers. The course finishes with a look at the root apical meristem.

This course covers the human microbiome and the interactions these microorganisms have with the human body and with disease. Students explore the pathological mechanism of disease by learning about the morphological and functional changes in each organ tissue due to the cause, developmental mechanism, and progression of diseases occurring in the human body.  Topics include the microbe-human ecosystem, microbial interactions, host-microbe interactions, normal microbiota, the formation of the human microbiome, maternal microbes, gut microbes, digestive infection systems, pro- and prebiotics, etc. 

This course seeks to immerse students in a professional work environment. Students have the opportunity to observe and interact with co-workers, and learn how to recognize and respond to cultural differences. Students compare concepts of teamwork and interpersonal interactions in different cultures as experienced on the job. Seminar work helps students apply academic knowledge in a business setting and identify opportunities to create value within the company. Students research a specific topic related to their work placement and present their findings in a final research report.