SCI199Y1
First Year Seminar 52S
Undergraduate seminar that focuses on specific ideas, questions, phenomena or controversies, taught by a regular Faculty
member deeply engaged in the discipline. Open only to newly admitted first year students. It may serve as a distribution
requirement course; see page 40.
BIO150Y1
Organisms in their Environment
See Life Sciences: Biology
JMB170Y1
Biology, Models, and Mathematics
See Life Sciences: Biology
ZOO200Y1
Aspects of Human Biology 52L, 26T
Biological issues and concepts. Human interactions with each other, with other species, and with the physical environment.
Human biological and cultural evolution (mechanisms, changes in anatomy, behaviour, conceptualization, resource
consumption, biotechnology); sexuality (development, theories and controversies in current research); population growth and
environmental impact (carrying capacity, water and land use; pollution, resource management); environmental health
(biodiversity, food supply, pesticides, ethics and decision-making).
This course counts as a Science Distribution Requirement for students in all years and disciplines; particularly suitable for
Humanities and Social Science students.
ZOO214Y1
Evolution and Adaptation 52L, 26T
Organic evolution by natural selection, both as formulated by Darwin and Wallace and modified by modern workers: topics vary
but may include speciation; evolution of development; evolution of higher taxa, mutation, natural selection, adaptations and
coevolution. Essays and reading required.
Exclusion: BIO150Y1/BIO323H1/ZOO324Y1
This course counts as a Science Distribution Requirement for students in all years and disciplines; particularly suitable for
Humanities and Social Science students.
ZOO 215H1
Conservation Biology 26L, 13T
Introduction to the scientific discipline that deals with threats, losses
and recovery of endangered wildlife. Topics include
biodiversity, extinction, demography, genetic diversity, nature reserves,
captive breeding; also endangered species laws, moral
philosophies, and political, economic and social justice issues surrounding
biodiversity. Essays and reading required.
Exclusion: BIO365H1
This course counts as a Science Distribution Requirement for students in
all years and disciplines; particularly suitable for
Humanities and Social Science students.
JBS229H1
Statistics for Biologists
See Life Sciences: Biology
ENV234Y1
Environmental Biology
See Division of the Environment
ZOO252Y1
Introductory Animal Physiology 52L, 24P
The main ideas of physiology and the contribution of experimentation to our understanding of life processes. Uses examples
from throughout the animal kingdom, and includes the physiology of nervous, muscular, sensory and endocrine systems,
control mechanisms, salt and water balance, respiration, thermoregulation, reproduction and metabolic processes.
Prerequisite: BIO150Y1
BIO250Y1
Cell and Molecular Biology
See Life Sciences: Biology
BIO260H1
Genetics
See Life Sciences: Biology
ZOO263Y1
Comparative Anatomy 26L, 78P, 26T
The ontogeny and phylogeny of vertebrate structure are considered within the context of evolutionary theory. Functional
aspects of the various organ systems are examined. Representative fish and mammals are dissected in detail and other forms
are dealt with briefly to illustrate selected anatomical features and to provide practical exposure to vertebrate construction.
Prerequisite: BIO150Y1
ZOO265Y1
Animal Diversity 52L, 78P
Diversity of animals in the world. Special attributes, requirements and ecosystems of different groups of organisms and how
they interact with each other and with humans. Laboratories emphasize recognition of major groups, and use living organisms
when possible, but involve no invasive procedures.
Prerequisite: BIO150Y1
ZOO299Y1
Research Opportunity Program
Credit course for supervised participation in faculty research project. See page 43 for details.
BIO302H1
Arctic Ecosystems
See Life Sciences: Biology
BIO303H1
Tropical Ecology and Evolution
See Life Sciences: Biology
ZOO304H1
Field Ornithology TBA
Lectures on the biology of birds, and intensive field work emphasizing field identification, census techniques, and habitat
preferences. Student projects included. Offered for two weeks in the spring or summer at a field station.
Prerequisite: BIO150Y1 and permission of instructor
BIO305H1
Experimental Ecology in Southern
Ontario
See Life Sciences: Biology
BIO306H1
Inter-University Field Courses
See Life Sciences: Biology
BIO307H1
Alpine Ecosystems
See Life Sciences: Biology
BIO308H1
Biodiversity and Ecology in Indochina
See Life Sciences: Biology
ZOO309Y1
Tropical Marine Invertebrates TBA
A field and lecture course introducing students to the diversity of marine invertebrates. Focuses on taxonomy, structure and
ecology of the varied invertebrate fauna of Bermuda's coral reefs and nearshore habitats. Field and laboratory work is
extensive. Individual student projects are required. Offered in Bermuda; duration 4 weeks in summer. Must snorkel or scuba
dive.
Prerequisite: BIO150Y1 and permission of instructor
BIO319H1
Population Ecology
See Life Sciences: Biology
BIO321H1
Community Ecology
See Life Sciences: Biology
ZOO322H1
Behaviour and Behavioural Ecology 26L, 39P
A broad introduction to animal behaviour emphasizing concepts from ethology and behavioural ecology. Field and laboratory
studies are undertaken.
Prerequisite: BIO150Y1
BIO323H1
Evolution
See Life Sciences: Biology
BIO324H1
Evolutionary Ecology
See Life Sciences: Biology
ZOO325H1
Endocrine Physiology 26L
The regulation of physiological processes by hormones and other signalling molecules in chordates. An integrated genes-to-
environment approach is used to examine aspects of hormonal evolution, physiological information flow, behaviour and
neuroendocrinology, and xenobiotic endocrine disruptors.
Prerequisite: ZOO252Y1/PSL302Y1
Recommended preparation: ZOO265Y1
JZP326H1
Biological Rhythms 26L, 13T
Daily, monthly, annual and other rhythms and methods of measuring them. Behavioural and physiological aspects of biological
clocks. The importance of rhythms in experimental design, in research on brain function, in affective disorders, and the
adaptive value of rhythms to animals. (Given by the Departments of Psychology and Zoology)
Prerequisite: BIO150Y1/PSY100Y1; one full or two 200-series half-courses in the Sciences
ZOO327H1
Extracellular Matrix Macromolecules 39L
Examines expression, structure and function of the four major classes of ECM macromolecules: collagen, proteoglycans, non-
collagenous structural proteins and glycoproteins. In addition to forming elaborate networks that give tissues and organs their
unique architectural design and biophysical properties, ECM molecules act as potent regulators of all cellular activities.
Emphasis is placed on the morphoregulatory contribution(s) of ECM molecules to normal and pathological development.
Prerequisite: BIO250Y1
BIO328H1
Physiological Ecology
See Life Sciences: Biology
ZOO328H1
Developmental Biology I 26L, 26T
Basic concepts in developmental biology. Early development of invertebrates and vertebrates will be discussed with emphasis
on experimental and molecular analysis of developmental mechanisms. Tutorials demonstrate examples of descriptive and
experimental embryology and discuss primary literature of selected topics in developmental biology.
Prerequisite: BIO250Y1, BIO260H1/HMB265H1
ZOO329H1
Evolution of Development 26L, 26T
This course begins with a comparison of embryonic development in the major animal taxa. The evolution of developmental
mechanisms is then considered with emphasis on the molecular and genetic basis of these mechanisms. Subsequent
discussion examines the impact of developmental processes on the evolution of animal diversity. Tutorials feature the study of
embryos representing diverse animal taxa.
Prerequisite: BIO250Y1, BIO260H1/HMB265H1
Recommended preparation: ZOO328H1
ZOO 330H1
Techniques in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology 13L, 39S
A laboratory based course in current research techniques, employing animal
model organisms (fruit fly, zebrafish, frog) and
experimental methods including basic molecular and cell biology techniques.
Exclusion: MGY432H1
Prerequisite: BIO250Y1, BIO260H1/HMB265H1
Recommended preparation: ZOO328H1
ZOO 331H1
Cell Adhesion and Migration in Development 39L
The development of multicellular organisms is dependent on a broad variety
of different cell-cell and cell-matrix adhesive
mechanisms. The course examines the molecules and mechanisms involved
and how they act in concert to regulate distinct
developmental and physiological events. Emphasis is placed on the experimental
approaches and technology used to study
the molecular interactions and dynamics and alter structure-function relationships
in cells and organisms.
Exclusion: BCH304H1
Prerequisite: BIO250Y1
ZOO332H1
Neurobiology of the Synapse 26L, 13T
Examination of all aspects of the synapse in both the peripheral and central nervous systems of invertebrates and vertebrates.
Topics include: synapse formation, synaptic transmission, synaptic plasticity, learning and memory, and neurological
disorders.
Prerequisite: PSL201Y1/PSL302Y1/ZOO252Y1
ZOO344H1
Comparative Endocrinology of Invertebrates 26L
The importance of neurohormones and hormones in the regulation of reproduction, growth, metamorphosis and metabolism in
arthropods, especially insects and crustaceans, molluscs, and other invertebrates.
Prerequisite: ZOO252Y1
ZOO 345H1
Biology of Sleep 26L, 10T
Covers theories on the biological function of sleep-wake states - why and
how animals sleep. Integrates all levels of
organization, including molecular biology, homeostasis, bioenergetics, neurophysiology,
endocrinology, behaviour and
evolution, with comparisons across phyla.
Prerequisite: PSL302Y1/ZOO252Y1
ZOO346H1
Comparative Respiratory Physiology 26L, 13T
Integrated control of cardio-respiratory physiology and metabolism in vertebrates. Topics include exercise, diving, sleep and
hibernation.
Prerequisite: ZOO252Y1/ PSL302Y1
ZOO347H1
Comparative Cellular Physiology 26L
In-depth survey of unique cellular adaptations of different tissues and organisms to overcome environmental stresses such as
hypoxia. Emphasis is placed on cellular strategies, particularly second messenger responses, although systematic and whole
organism responses will be investigated. Broad-ranging common strategies among diverse organisms are examined.
Prerequisite: ZOO252Y1/PSL302Y1
BIO349H1
Eukaryotic Molecular Biology
See Life Sciences: Biology
BIO351Y1
Introductory Virology
See Life Sciences: Biology
ZOO354Y1
History of Biology 52L, 26T
The historical evolution of modern biological science, focussing on the development of its methodology and its unifying
theories, from Aristotle to DNA.
Exclusion: HPS323H1, HPS333H1
Prerequisite: BIO150Y1, a course in BIO/BOT/HPS/MPL/ZOO
ZOO356H1
Insect Biology 26L, 20T
Lectures provide an introduction to the morphology, physiology, development, behaviour, evolutionary history and biological
significance of insects. Tutorials will include demonstrations and multimedia to complement lectures and student presentations.
An activity fee may be collected. (Offered in alternate years)
Exclusion: ZOO360H1
Prerequisite: BIO150Y1
ZOO357H1
Biology of Vector-Borne Parasitic Diseases 26L, 24P,
10T
The biology of malaria and other medically important vector-borne parasitic diseases. Topics include history of medical
parasitology, parasite development in human and invertebrate hosts, epidemiology, adaptations to intra- and extracellular life
and switching between hosts, effects on host physiology, immunity and behaviour, implications for vaccine and vector control
and lessons regarding zoonoses and emergent infectious diseases. Laboratories and discussions complement formal lectures.
Exclusion: JZM 357H1, 358H1
Prerequisite: BIO250Y1
ZOO360H1
Entomology 26L, 39P
Introduction to the morphology, physiology, development, behaviour, ecology, evolutionary history, and biological significance
of insects. Labs include making an insect collection. Mandatory one week of fieldwork in Algonquin Park at end of summer
preceding Fall session. ZOO360H1 can be used to fulfil a program's field course requirement. (Offered in alternate years)
Exclusion: ZOO356H1
Prerequisite: BIO150Y1
ZOO361H1
Field Entomology TBA
A field and laboratory course to provide practical experience in techniques for collecting and studying insects. Students will
each prepare an insect collection and/or conduct a small-scale research project. Includes intensive field work.
Prerequisite: ZOO356H1/ZOO360H1, and permission of instructor.
ZOO362H1
Introduction to Macroevolution 26L, 26T
Explores patterns of large-scale evolutionary change, played out over large geographic expanses and extended periods of
time. Integrates patterns with field and experimental studies to clarify evolutionary processes. Topics include origins of species
and their adaptations, historical biogeography, coevolution, community evolution, and the role of evolutionary information in
conservation and biodiversity initiatives. Tutorials emphasize methods used to reconstruct phylogenetic relationships.
Prerequisite: BIO150Y1
BIO365H1 Biodiversity and Conservation Biology
See Life Sciences: Biology
ZOO373H1
Animal Distribution 13L, 39P/T
Principles of zoogeography and those aspects of ecology which bear on the distribution of animals.
Prerequisite: BIO302H1/BIO319H1/BIO321H1/BIO323H1/BIO324H1/ENV234Y1/GGR305H1
ZOO375H1
Environmental Factors 39L
A lecture and seminar course dealing with the effects of physical and chemical environments on animals.
Prerequisite: BIO150Y1
Recommended preparation: ZOO252Y1, BIO319H1/BIO321H1/ENV234Y1
ZOO382H1
Biology of Fishes 26L, 26P
Systematics, morphology, ecology, behaviour, biogeography and conservation (extinction past and present) of "fishes" from the
jawless craniates (hagfish and lampreys) to the percomorphs. Laboratory examines representative specimens from the groups
discussed in lecture. Students are expected to identify specimens for the lab quizzes. (Offered in alternate years)
Prerequisite: ZOO265Y1
Recommended preparation: ZOO362H1
ZOO384H1
Biology of Amphibians 13L, 39P
Introduction to the natural history, evolution, and diversity of amphibians. (Offered in alternate years)
Prerequisite: ZOO263Y1
Recommended preparation: BIO323H1/ZOO362H1
ZOO386H1
Avian Biology 13L, 39P
Avian diversity and evolution; adaptations for flight; physiology; migration and navigation; reproduction and social behaviour;
species; speciation, and hybridization; population trends and conservation. Local field trips. An activity fee may be collected.
Prerequisite: BIO150Y1
Recommended preparation: An additional course in evolution, ecology or behaviour
ZOO388H1
Biology of Mammals 13L, 39P
Natural history of mammals emphasizing ecology, community structure, behaviour, reproduction, and life history strategies;
form and function related to different modes of life and physical environments. Laboratory includes a survey of Ontario
mammals. (Offered in alternate years)
Prerequisite: BIO323H1/ZOO252Y1/ZOO322H1
ZOO389H1
Mammalian Diversity 13L, 39P
The origin, evolution, zoogeography, phylogenetic relationships and diversity of mammals; speciation, extinction and current
issues in conservation biology. Laboratory surveys mammalian orders, their characteristics, identification, and systematic
relationships. (Offered in alternate years)
Prerequisite: BIO323H1/ZOO362H1
ZOO398H0/399Y0
Independent Experiential Study Project
An instructor-supervised group project in an off-campus setting. See page 43 for details.
400-Series Courses
Note
BIO and ZOO 400-series courses are of three types. Those numbered up to 479
are advanced courses in a particular area of
specialization that usually require relevant 300-series courses as Prerequisites.
Courses numbered 480-496 are equally
advanced in level but are broader in scope, emphasizing the integration of
related sub-disciplines, critical thinking and the
synthesis of ideas often crossing disciplinary boundaries. These courses,
generally taken in fourth year, demand active student
participation, and typically involve several faculty. Students can enrol
in only one of these. However, students wishing to take
an additional course should contact the Zoology Undergraduate Office. ZOO498Y1 and ZOO499Y1 are
Project courses to be
arranged with individual faculty.
ZOO 425H1
Endocrinology of Transformation 26L, 13T
The student will investigate the endocrine and paracrine signalling mechanisms
that act to coordinate the reorganization of
tissues in animals in special situations. The topics covered will include
metamorphosis in agnathans and amphibians, sex
change in teleost fishes, limb and regeneration in reptiles and amphibians,
and neural regeneration in birds and mammals.
Prerequisite: ZOO325H1/PSL 424H1;
CGPA 2.7
BIO428H1
Global Change Ecology
See Life Sciences: Biology
JZP428H1
Advanced Topics in Biological Rhythms 26S
Circadian rhythms with emphasis on non-photic entrainment and phase shifting of rhythms by behaviour (e.g., social
interactions, or becoming active). Properties and physiological mechanisms for non-photic effects and comparisons with those
for photic effects. Seminars and readings of original papers. Emphasis on basic principles, but possible applications are also
discussed. (Given by the Departments of Psychology and Zoology)
Prerequisite: JZP326H1
ZOO 429H1
Germ Cell Biology 13L, 13S
This course will discuss the genetic and cell biological aspects of the development
of gametes, gonads, and sex related traits
in animals, including invertebrates and vertebrates. In the accompanying
seminar, primary literature is used to discuss
selected topics in germ cell biology.
Prerequisite: BIO349H1/BOT340H1/ MGY312H1/ZOO328H1/ZOO329H1
ZOO 430H1
Developmental Neurobiology 26L, 13T
An examination of the molecular genetic basis of nervous system formation.
Experimental evidence from recent studies in
selected invertebrate and vertebrate species will be discussed. Topics
include the evolution of neural development, neural cell
fate determination, stem cell function, axon guidance and synaptogenesis,
and adult neurogenesis.
Exclusion: ZOO329H1
Prerequisite: ZOO328H1
ZOO433H1
Communication and Sensory Ecology 26L, 39P
(formerly ZOO333H1)
Study of the origins and structure of animal communication systems, and their biological functions. A diversity of sensory
channels (e.g., visual, acoustic, chemical, tactile, electric) are considered. Individual research projects are undertaken.
Prerequisite: Any half-or full course in animal behaviour
BIO458H1
Epigenetics
See Life Sciences: Biology
BIO459H1
Population Genetics
See Life Sciences: Biology
BIO460H1
Molecular Evolution
See Life Sciences: Biology
BIO461H1
Chromosome Biology
(formerly BIO359H1)
See Life Sciences: Biology
ZOO462H1
Advanced Applications of Phylogenetic Systematics 13L, 39P
Computer-assisted methods for constructing and testing phylogenetic hypotheses are introduced through lectures and
laboratories. Molecular, biochemical, and morphological data are compared and contrasted as indicators of relationships.
Character coding, parsimony, compatibility, and congruence are discussed. Students prepare a comprehensive term paper
based on analysis of individual data sets. (Offered in alternate years)
Prerequisite: ZOO362H1
Recommended preparation: Basic PC literacy
BIO465H1
Topics in Conservation Biology
(formerly BIO395H1)
See Life Sciences: Biology
BIO 468H1
Lectures in Limnology
See Life Sciences: Biology
BIO469H1
Limnology
See Life Sciences: Biology
BIO470H1
Theoretical Ecology and Evolution
See Life Sciences: Biology
BIO471H1
Quantitative Ecology
See Life Sciences: Biology
BIO472H1
Bioinformatics
See Life Sciences: Biology
BIO473H1
Chemical Biology
See Life Sciences: Biology
BIO482Y1
Topics in Developmental Biology
(formerly ZOO 482Y1)
See Life Sciences: Biology
ZOO485Y1
Research in Physiology 26T, 78P
The experimental basis of modern animal physiology: techniques and instrumentation and their importance to current
physiological concepts, using examples from the literature and the research programs of members of the Department.
Prerequisites: PSL302Y1/ZOO252Y1;
one course from ZOO325H1/ZOO332H1/ZOO344H1/ZOO346H1/ZOO347H1/ZOO375H1,
300-level laboratory
courses(s) with 78P
BIO494Y1
Seminar in Evolutionary Biology
See Life Sciences: Biology
BIO495Y1
Seminar in Ecology
See Life Sciences: Biology
BIO496Y1
Seminar in Behaviour and Behavioural
Ecology
See Life Sciences: Biology
ZOO498Y1
Project in Zoology I TBA
An original research project (a literature review alone is not sufficient) requiring the prior consent of a member of the
Department to supervise the project. The topic is to be one mutually agreed on by the student and supervisor. They must
arrange the time, place, and provision of any materials and submit to the Undergraduate Office a signed form of agreement
outlining details prior to being enrolled. This course is normally open only to Fourth Year students with adequate background in
Zoology. All students are required to make written and, perhaps, oral presentations of the results of their projects and
participate in a poster session. A copy of a written report must be submitted to the Undergraduate Office.
ZOO499Y1
Project in Zoology II TBA
Allows students to do a second independent project, supervision of which must be different from ZOO498Y1. Operates in the
same manner as ZOO498Y1.
Prerequisites: ZOO498Y1
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