Ecology & Evolutionary BiologyOn this page: Introduction | Programs | See also: Faculty Members | Course Descriptions | Course Winter Timetable | Introduction |
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Ecologists and evolutionary biologists recognize that all life has evolved and that an understanding of the central question of the origin and maintenance of diversity - from genomes to ecosystems - underlies all life sciences and is critical to our stewardship of life. Society needs to make informed decisions about sustainable development, global temperature change, control of invasive species, the preservation of genetic diversity and ecosystem integrity, and the control of emerging infectious diseases such as SARS and drug-resistant malaria. These are fundamentally evolutionary and ecological problems. Research and teaching in the Department covers all life forms (microbes, fungi, plants, animals) and is aimed at an understanding of the diversity of life and all aspects of organismal biology in the natural world. Research faculty use a broad array of approaches in their studies including molecular studies, laboratory experiments, computer and mathematical modeling, and field studies in many different areas of the world. Instruction provides opportunities for research projects conducted in the laboratory and the field. We offer a very wide range of courses that deal with molecular evolution, population and quantitative genetics, genomics, animal behaviour, population, community, and landscape ecology, evolutionary and ecological theory, biodiversity, conservation biology, and systematics. Students exposed to these subjects come to realize that the ecological and evolutionary underpinnings of life present a host of scientific problems that are both intellectually challenging and critical to our future. The Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology offers six programs: Specialist programs in Behaviour, Ecology, and Evolutionary Biology; a Major program in Ecology & Evolutionary Biology; and two Minor programs in Environmental Biology. The Department also jointly offers, with the Department of Cell & Systems Biology, Specialist, Major, and Minor programs in Biology, Botany, and Zoology. The Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology (EEB) arose, along with its sister department, the Department of Cell & Systems Biology (CSB), from a reorganization in 2006 of the previous departments of Botany and Zoology. Students entering their first year in the life sciences take BIO150Y1. BIO150Y1 is taken by students who have successfully completed grade 12 Biology (or an equivalent course) and is a prerequisite for almost all further courses in the life sciences. Students requiring more information about BIO150Y1 please contact the BIO150Y1 Office, Earth Sciences Centre (25 Willcocks St.), ROOM 3045A, BIO150@utoronto.ca Students requiring more information about Ecology & Evolutionary Biology programs and courses please visit the departmental website or contact the Undergraduate Office, Earth Sciences Centre (25 Willcocks St.), ROOM 3055B, undergrad.eeb@utoronto.ca. Website: www.eeb.utoronto.ca/undergraduate Ecology & Evolutionary Biology ProgramsAfter completing 4.0 FCEs (four full courses or their equivalent), it is recommended students in these programs discuss their course selections with the Department. Contact: undergrad.eeb@utoronto.ca Enrolment in the programs listed below requires completion of 4.0 FCEs; no minimum GPA is required. Behaviour (Science program) Specialist program: (13 full courses or their equivalent, including at least 1.0 400-series FCE) First Year: BIO150Y1; (CHM138H1, CHM139H1)/CHM151Y1; JMB170Y1/MAT135Y1/MAT136Y1/MAT137Y1/MAT157Y1 Higher Years: Biology: see Biology Botany: see Biology Ecology (Science program) Specialist program: (13 full courses or their equivalent, including at least 1.0 400-series FCE) First Year: BIO150Y1; (CHM138H1, CHM139H1)/CHM151Y1; JMB170Y1/MAT135Y1/MAT136Y1/MAT137Y1/MAT157Y1 Higher Years: Ecology & Evolutionary Biology (Science program) Major program: (8 full courses or their equivalent) First Year: BIO150Y1; (CHM138H1, CHM139H1)/CHM151Y1 Higher Years: Environmental Biology (Science program) Minor program: (4 full courses or their equivalent) 1. BIO150Y1; ENV234Y1 Environmental Biology (offered jointly with the National University of Singapore) (Science program) This Type 3 minor program represents a unique opportunity to study environmental biology in a different cultural environment. For more information, contact the International Student Exchange Office (ISXO, www.utoronto.ca/student.exchange). Minor program: (4 full courses or their equivalent) 1. 2.0 FCEs (at U of T): BIO150Y1, ENV234Y1 NUS341H0 Scientific study of marine life and
the marine environment. Physical
characteristics of
oceans, marine habitats
and ecosystems, diversity
of marine life and
their adaptations to marine environments,
impact of human activities and management
systems. (Co-listed as LSM 4261 at
National
University of Singapore) NUS342H0 The impact of habitat loss on biodiversity, conservation management
strategies, ecological theory of conservation, socio-economic issues, and
conservation
options and challenges, especially in SE Asia. (Co-listed as LSM 4262
at National University of Singapore) NUS343H0
Introduction to field biology, including sampling design and execution,
data management and analysis. Includes a 7-day field experience (currently
on Pulau Tioman, Malaysia) with trips to coastal, mangrove and freshwater
habitats, and primary and secondary forests. Students will work in small
groups to conduct mini-projects. (Co-listed as LSM 4263 at National University
of Singapore) NUS344H0
The relationships that organisms have with each other and with the
environment. Key concepts and ultimate and proximate explanations of animal
interactions
and other life history characteristics, with examples from diverse
animals and ecological systems. Students also evaluate contemporary literature
on relevant current issues. (Co-listed as LSM 4253 at National University
of Singapore) NUS345H0 Fundamental principles of forest ecology, primarily focusing on tropical
regions. Diversity and distributions of forests, soils and nutrient cycling,
animal-plant
interactions, disturbance ecology and succession, energy flow and food webs,
population biology. Emphasis on how humans are affecting these processes. (Co-listed
as LSM 3271 at National University of Singapore) NUS346H0
Aspects of current environmental change and its effects on biological
systems, including rising carbon-dioxide concentrations, climate change,
loss of biodiversity,
and eutrophication. Global warming, land-use changes, invasive species,
fire, carbon sequestration, carbon mitigation, and global (macro) ecology.
Classroom
projects, discussions, and debates. (Co-listed as LSM 3272 at National
University of Singapore) Specialist program: (13 full courses or their equivalent, including at least 1.0 400-series FCE) First Year: BIO150Y1; (CHM138H1, CHM139H1)/CHM151Y1; JMB170Y1/MAT135Y1/MAT136Y1/MAT137Y1/MAT157Y1 Higher Years: NOTE: EEB321H1, EEB365H1, EEB370H1, EEB459H1, EEB460H1, EEB461H1, EEB462H1 are recommended for this program. Zoology: see Biology |