Biological Sciences

This course examines the ecology and conservation of shallow aquatic habitats, with a major emphasis on the ecology of marine coastal systems such as kelp forests, coral reefs or seagrass meadows but also including freshwater ecosystems. There is a very strong emphasis on experimental ecological analysis of benthic communities.

This course examines animal diversity & evolution, from primitive metazoans to vertebrates. It describes the fantastic diversity of animal and life histories in an evolutionary and phylogenetic context. Students will become familiar with body form & function, & life history characteristics of the major groups of animals.

This version of the Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience includes an Independent Study Project (ISP) done under the direction of the instructor. The minimum reading is between 20 and 25 articles from established academic periodicals/magazines. The ISP is 10-12 pages and counts for 1/3 of the overall grade for the course. In this course, students learn to use neuroscience methods to study the cognitive development of infants, children, and adolescents. The course begins with the various methods used in developmental cognitive neuroscience, such as pediatric and infant MRI, EEG, and fNIRS. In this context, students uncover and discuss the benefits and challenges of each approach and the feasibility of studying different age ranges. The course then examines typical brain development as assessed with in vivo MRI (including trajectories of white & gray matter over the life span). Next, are more specific aspects of cognitive development such as the development of visual processes where students learn how learning to read affects the brain and how regions involved in face processing develop throughout childhood to support important social functions such as face recognition. Topics are approached using a mix of formats including active participation, working in subgroups, presentations, short lectures, and videos.

Immunology is a subject that has developed extremely rapidly in recent years. It covers a wide range of fields and is involved in many disciplines: biology, chemistry, medicine, genetics, genetic science, cytology, and molecular biology. This course covers the following topics:

1) The basic principles and phenomena of the immune system.

2) The structure, interaction and functions of antigens and antibodies.

3) Analytical methods, cellular basis, and molecular basis. 

4) Histocompatibility, cellular immunity, T cell regulation, and

5) Intestinal immunity, immune tolerance, immunogenetics, allergy, and immunodeficiency. 

Through lectures, reports and videos, this course hopes to fully introduce the perfect "body defense system" of the human body. 

The course shows how the tools of classical and molecular genetics can be applied to understanding the regulation of gene expression, cell differentiation, and patterning in bacteria and eukaryotes. Concepts covered include gene mapping, forward and reverse genetics; microbial genetics, including regulation of the lac operon; CRISPR/ Cas9 gene editing and DNA repair; alternative splicing and sex-determination; epigenetic mechanisms used in dosage compensation; the genetic analysis of cell cycle regulation; stem cell technology and axis determination in Drosophila. Tests and assignments count 40%; practicals count 10%; one three-hour paper written in November counts 50%. 

This course focuses on couplings between biological, geological, and chemical processes; on the interactions between climate and the environment; and human impacts on these processes. It covers the development of the biosphere on Earth and the major biogeochemical interactions in air, land, and water; the biogeochemical cycles of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, sulphur, and mercury; the major processes governing these cycles and how these cycles are linked; why and how the biogeochemical system is changing; and how climate and biogeochemical processes mutually interact. The course develops skills in calculation of chemical speciation by use of a speciation program, as well as the ability to perform simple mass balance calculations. 

This course provides first-hand laboratory experience of the structure and function of critical endocrine and neuroendocrine systems, including the reproductive system, and how environmental factors can affect an animal’s physiology. 

This course examines plant structure, functioning, reproduction and adaptation to different environments. Lectures and laboratory work emphasize New Zealand examples and the identification of common native plants.

This course is offered through the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program in Science (UROPS). The intent of UROPS is to formally involve undergraduate students in research activities under the supervision of faculty members in their respective fields of study. UROPS aims to enhance undergraduate students’ knowledge of, and acquire the skills required for, the intellectual process of inquiry. 

The course describes marine food chains from primary production to fish and top predators. It places emphasis on how the life history of species is adapted to physical oceanographic conditions and seasonal and geographical production in northern waters. The course also addresses key environmental challenges.