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Program Requirements
Revision, August 2011. Start of revision. This domain (63 credits including core) is open only to students in the B.Sc.(Ag.Env.Sc.) Major in Environment or B.Sc. Major in Environment program. This domain links the academic study of biological diversity with the applied field of conservation biology. The study of biological diversity, or "biodiversity", lies at the intersection of evolution with ecology and genetics, combining the subdisciplines of evolutionary ecology, evolutionary genetics, and ecological genetics. It has two main branches: the creation of diversity and the maintenance of diversity. Both processes are governed by a general mechanism of selection acting over different scales of space and time. This gives rise to a distinctive set of principles and generalizations that regulate rates of diversification and levels of diversity, as well as the abundance or rarity of different species. Conservation biology constitutes the application of these principles in the relevant social and economic context to the management of natural systems, with the object of preventing the extinction of rare species and maintaining the diversity of communities. As the impact of industrialization and population growth on natural systems has become more severe, conservation has emerged as an important area of practical endeavour.Suggested First Year (U1) Courses
For suggestions on courses to take in your first year (U1), you can consult the "MSE Student Handbook 2011-2012" available on the MSE website (), or contact Ms. Kathy Roulet, the Program Adviser (kathy.roulet [at] mcgill.ca).
Program Requirements
Note: Students are required to take a maximum of 30 credits at the 200 level and a minimum of 12 credits at the 400 level or higher in this program. This includes core and required courses.
Location Note: When planning their schedule and registering for courses, students should verify where each course is offered because courses for this program are taught at both 91ÉçÇø's Downtown campus and at the Macdonald campus in Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue.
Core: Required Courses (18 credits)
Location Note: Core required courses are taught at both 91ÉçÇø's Downtown campus and at the Macdonald campus in Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue. You should register in Section 001 of an ENVR course that you plan to take on the Downtown campus, and in Section 051 of an ENVR course that you plan to take on the Macdonald campus.
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ENVR 200 The Global Environment (3 credits)
Overview
Environment : A systems approach to study the different components of the environment involved in global climate change: the atmosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and lithosphere. The interactions among these components. Their role in global climate change. The human dimension to global change.
Terms: Fall 2011
Instructors: Rhemtulla, Jeanine; Roulet, Nigel Thomas; Atallah, Eyad Hashem; McCourt, George; Fyles, James W; Fabry, Frederic (Fall)
Fall
Section 001: Downtown Campus
Section 051: Macdonald Campus
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ENVR 201 Society, Environment and Sustainability (3 credits)
Overview
Environment : This course deals with how scientific-technological, socio-economic, political-institutional and behavioural factors mediate society-environment interactions. Issues discussed include population and resources; consumption, impacts and institutions; integrating environmental values in societal decision-making; and the challenges associated with, and strategies for, promoting sustainability. Case studies in various sectors and contexts are used.
Terms: Fall 2011
Instructors: Badami, Madhav Govind; Millard-Ball, Adam; Bennett, Elena; Kosoy, Nicolas (Fall)
Fall
Section 001: Downtown Campus
Section 051: Macdonald Campus
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ENVR 202 The Evolving Earth (3 credits)
Overview
Environment : Formation of the Earth and the evolution of life. How geological and biological change are the consequence of history, chance, and necessity acting over different scales of space and time. General principles governing the formation of modern landscapes and biotas. Effects of human activities on natural systems.
Terms: Winter 2012
Instructors: Leung, Brian; Paquette, Jeanne; Schwartz, Amy Karen; McCourt, George; Wheeler, Terry A (Winter)
Winter
Section 001: Downtown Campus
Section 051: Macdonald Campus
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ENVR 203 Knowledge, Ethics and Environment (3 credits)
Overview
Environment : Introduction to cultural perspectives on the environment: the influence of culture and cognition on perceptions of the natural world; conflicts in orders of knowledge (models, taxonomies, paradigms, theories, cosmologies), ethics (moral values, frameworks, dilemmas), and law (formal and customary, rights and obligations) regarding political dimensions of critical environments, resource use, and technologies.
Terms: Fall 2011, Winter 2012
Instructors: Goodin, David; Brunet, Nicolas; Belanger, Nicolas (Fall) Sieber, Renee; Ellis, Jaye Dana; Hirose, Iwao (Winter)
Fall - Macdonald Campus; Winter - Downtown
Section 001: Downtown Campus
Section 051: Macdonald Campus
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ENVR 301 Environmental Research Design (3 credits)
Overview
Environment : Techniques used in design and completion of environmental research projects. Problem definition, data sources and use of appropriate strategies and methodologies. Principles underlying research design are emphasized, including critical thinking, recognizing causal relationships, ideologies and bias in research, and when and where to seek expertise.
Terms: Fall 2011, Winter 2012
Instructors: Chapman, Colin Austin; Vaccaro, Ismael; Jacob, Aerin (Fall) Vaccaro, Ismael; Chapman, Colin Austin; Barrington-Leigh, Christopher; Parker, Pete; Buddle, Christopher (Winter)
Fall-Downtown Campus: Section 001
Winter-Downtown Campus: Section 001; Macdonald Campus: Section 051
Restrictions: Restricted to U2 or higher
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ENVR 400 Environmental Thought (3 credits)
Overview
Environment : Students work in interdisciplinary seminar groups on challenging philosophical, ethical, scientific and practical issues. They will explore cutting-edge ideas and grapple with the reconciliation of environmental imperatives and social, political and economic pragmatics. Activities include meeting practitioners, attending guest lectures, following directed readings, and organizing, leading and participating in seminars.
Terms: Fall 2011, Winter 2012
Instructors: Brown, Peter Gilbert; Kosoy, Nicolas (Fall) Mikkelson, Gregory Matthew; Studnicki-Gizbert, Daviken; Janda, Richard; Hirose, Iwao; Goodin, David (Winter)
Fall - Macdonald Campus; Winter - Downtown
Section 001: Downtown Campus
Section 051: Macdonald Campus
Prerequisite: ENVR 203
Restriction: Open only to U3 students, or permission of instructor
Core: Complementary Course - Senior Research Project (3 credits)
Only 3 credits will be applied to the program; extra credits will count as electives.
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AGRI 519 Sustainable Development Plans (6 credits)
Overview
Agriculture : Geared for solving real-world environmental problems related to water at the local, regional and international scale in Barbados. Projects to be designed by instructors in consultation with university, government and NGO partners and to be conducted by teams of 2 to 4 students in collaboration with them.
Terms: Fall 2011
Instructors: Alli, Inteaz (Fall)
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ENVR 401 Environmental Research (3 credits)
Overview
Environment : Students work in an interdisciplinary team on a real-world research project involving problem definition, methodology development, social, ethical and environmental impact assessment, execution of the study, and dissemination of results to the research community and to the people affected. Teams begin defining their projects during the preceding spring.
Terms: Fall 2011
Instructors: Fabry, Frederic; McCourt, George; Sieber, Renee (Fall)
Fall
Prerequisite: ENVR 301
Restriction: B.A. Faculty Program in Environment, B.A.&Sc. Faculty Program in Environment , B.Sc.(Ag.Env.Sc.) and B.Sc. Major in Environment, and Diploma in Environment.
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ENVR 451 Research in Panama (6 credits)
Overview
Environment : Research projects will be developed by instructors in consultation with Panamanian universities, government agencies and non-governmental organizations. Project groups will consist of four to six students working with a Panamanian institution. Topics will be relevant to Panama: e.g., protection of the Canal watershed, economical alternatives to deforestation, etc.
Terms: Winter 2012
Instructors: Potvin, Catherine (Winter)
Winter
Restriction: students in the Panama Field Semester program. Offered in Panama only
Domain: Complementary Courses (42 credits)
42 credits of complementary courses are selected as follows:
9 credits - basic courses in the Biological Principles of Diversity, Systematics, and Conservation
3 credits - Ecology
3 credits - Statistics
9 credits - Interface between Science, Policy, and Management
3 credits - Field Courses
6 credits - General Scientific Principles
3 credits - Social Science
6 credits - Organisms and Diversity
Biological Principles of Diversity/Systematics/Conservation:
9 credits are chosen from basic courses in the biological principles of diversity, systematics, and conservation as follows:
One of:
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AEBI 212 Evolution and Phylogeny (3 credits)
Overview
Biology (Agric & Envir Sc) : A phylogenetic-based overview of the tree of life and examination of relationships between major taxa, from bacteria and archaea to eukaryotes. Evolution will be discussed via topics including: evolution by natural selection, neo-Darwinism and alternatives, myths and misconceptions in evolution, species and speciation.
Terms: Winter 2012
Instructors: Wheeler, Terry A (Winter)
Winter
Restriction: Not open to students who have taken WILD 212.
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BIOL 304 Evolution (3 credits)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : This course will show how the theory of evolution by natural selection provides the basis for understanding the whole of biology. The first half of the course describes the process of selection, while the second deals with evolution in the long term.
Terms: Fall 2011
Instructors: Bell, Graham (Fall)
One of:
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AEBI 211 Organisms 2 (3 credits)
Overview
Biology (Agric & Envir Sc) : Introduction to the biology, physiology, structure and function of heterotrophs and their interactions with other organisms. This course will focus on animals in terrestrial, freshwater and marine environments. Topics include bioenergetics and functional metabolism, adaptations to environments, animal-animal, animal-plant, and animal-pathogen interactions.
Terms: Winter 2012
Instructors: Lewis, David James (Winter)
Winter
Restriction: Not open to students who have taken WILD 200
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BIOL 305 Animal Diversity (3 credits)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : The characteristics of the major groups of animals, their ancestry, history and relationship to one another. The processes of speciation, adaptive radiation and extinction responsible for diversity. Methods for constructing of phylogenies, for comparing phenotypes, and for estimating and analyzing diversity.
Terms: Winter 2012
Instructors: Larsson, Hans Carl; Bell, Graham; Ricciardi, Anthony; Green, David M (Winter)
One of:
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BIOL 465 Conservation Biology (3 credits)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : Discussion of relevant theoretical and applied issues in conservation biology. Topics: biodiversity, population viability analysis, community dynamics, biology of rarity, extinction, habitat fragmentation, social issues.
Terms: Fall 2011
Instructors: Green, David M; Chapman, Lauren; Gonzalez, Andrew (Fall)
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WILD 421 Wildlife Conservation (3 credits)
Overview
Resource Development : Study of current controversial issues focusing on wildlife conservation. Topics include: animal rights, exotic species, ecotourism, urban wildlife, multi-use of national parks, harvesting of wildlife, biological controls, and endangered species.
Terms: Winter 2012
Instructors: Bird, David M (Winter)
Winter
3 lectures
Restriction: Not open to students who have taken NRSC 421.
Ecology:
One of:
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BIOL 308 Ecological Dynamics (3 credits)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : Principles of population, community, and ecosystem dynamics: population growth and regulation, species interactions, dynamics of competitive interactions and of predator/prey systems; evolutionary dynamics.
Terms: Fall 2011
Instructors: Guichard, Frederic; Fussmann, Gregor (Fall)
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ENVB 305 Population & Community Ecology (3 credits)
Overview
Environmental Biology : Interactions between organisms and their environment; historical and current perspectives in applied and theoretical population and community ecology. Principles of population dynamics, feedback loops, and population regulation. Development and structure of communities; competition, predation and food web dynamics. Biodiversity science in theory and practice.
Terms: Winter 2012, Summer 2012
Instructors: Buddle, Christopher (Winter) Timms, Laura (Summer)
Winter
Restriction: Not open to students who have taken WILD 205
Statistics:
One of:
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AEMA 310 Statistical Methods 1 (3 credits)
Overview
Mathematics (Agric&Envir Sci) : Measures of central tendency and dispersion; binomial and Poisson distributions; normal, chi-square, Student's t and Fisher-Snedecor F distributions; estimation and hypothesis testing; simple linear regression and correlation; analysis of variance for simple experimental designs.
Terms: Fall 2011, Winter 2012
Instructors: Dutilleul, Pierre R L; Bona, Kelly Ann; Manceur, Marc Ameur (Fall) Dutilleul, Pierre R L (Winter)
Two 1.5-hour lectures and one 2-hour lab
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BIOL 373 Biometry (3 credits)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : Elementary statistical methods in biology. Introduction to the analysis of biological data with emphasis on the assumptions behind statistical tests and models. Use of statistical techniques typically available on computer packages.
Terms: Fall 2011
Instructors: Leung, Brian (Fall)
Fall
2 hours lecture and 2 hours laboratory
Prerequisite: MATH 112 or equivalent
You may not be able to receive credit for this course and other statistic courses. Be sure to check the Course Overlap section under Faculty Degree Requirements in the Arts or Science section of the Calendar.
Science, Policy, and Management:
9 credits are chosen from interface between science, policy, and management as follows:
* Note: you may take AGEC 200 or ECON 208, but not both.
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AGEC 200 Principles of Microeconomics (3 credits) *
Overview
Agricultural Economics : The field of economics as it relates to the activities of individual consumers, firms and organizations. Emphasis is on the application of economic principles and concepts to everyday decision making and to the analysis of current economic issues.
Terms: Fall 2011
Instructors: Neubert, Thierry (Fall)
Fall
3 lectures
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AGRI 550 Sustained Tropical Agriculture (3 credits)
Overview
Agriculture : Contrast theory and practice in defining agricultural environmental "challenges" in the Neotropics. Indigenous and appropriate technological means of mitigation. Soil management and erosion, water scarcity, water over-abundance, and water quality. Explore agro-ecosystem protection via field trips and project designs. Institutional context of conservation strategies, NGO links, and public participation.
Terms: Winter 2012
Instructors: Ajjamada, Kushalappa (Winter)
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ANTH 418 Environment and Development (3 credits)
Overview
Anthropology : Advanced study of the environmental crisis in developing and advanced industrial nations, with emphasis on the social and cultural dimensions of natural resource management and environmental change. Each year, the seminar will focus on a particular set of issues, delineated by type of resource, geographic region, or analytical problem.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2011-2012 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2011-2012 academic year.
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ECON 208 Microeconomic Analysis and Applications (3 credits) *
Overview
Economics (Arts) : A university-level introduction to demand and supply, consumer behaviour, production theory, market structures and income distribution theory.
Terms: Fall 2011, Winter 2012, Summer 2012
Instructors: El-Attar Vilalta, Mayssun; Dickinson, Paul (Fall) Dickinson, Paul (Winter) Forte, Sebastien (Summer)
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ECON 225 Economics of the Environment (3 credits)
Overview
Economics (Arts) : A study of the application of economic theory to questions of environmental policy. Particular attention will be given to the measurement and regulation of pollution, congestion and waste and other environmental aspects of specific economies.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2011-2012 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2011-2012 academic year.
- Restriction: Not open to students who have taken 154-325 or 154-425
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GEOG 302 Environmental Management 1 (3 credits)
Overview
Geography : An ecological analysis of the physical and biotic components of natural resource systems. Emphasis on scientific, technological and institutional aspects of environmental management. Study of the use of biological resources and of the impact of individual processes.
Terms: Fall 2011, Summer 2012
Instructors: Meredith, Thomas C (Fall) Akman, Geraldine (Summer)
3 hours
Prerequisite: Any 200-level course in Geography or MSE or BIOL 208 or permission of instructor.
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GEOG 370 Protected Areas (3 credits)
Overview
Geography : Discussion of the goals of protected areas, focusing on the potential conflict between biodiversity conservation and use for recreation, education and sustainable extraction of resources. Principles and current issues in protected area design and management are reviewed. Examples are taken from developed and developing countries.
Terms: Fall 2011
Instructors: Arroyo Mora, Juan Pablo (Fall)
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GEOG 408 Geography of Development (3 credits)
Overview
Geography : Examines the geographical dimensions of development policy, specifically the relationships between the process of development and human-induced environmental change. Focuses on environmental sustainability, struggles over resource control, population and poverty, and levels of governance (the role of the state, non-governmental organizations, and local communities).
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2011-2012 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2011-2012 academic year.
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GEOG 410 Geography of Underdevelopment: Current Problems (3 credits)
Overview
Geography : An examination of the cultural, political, and economic mechanisms and manifestations of contemporary underdevelopment and the response to it from different regional and national peripheral societies within the dominant world economic system.
Terms: Winter 2012
Instructors: Akman, Geraldine (Winter)
Winter
3 hours
Prerequisite: GEOG 216 or permission of instructor
Field Courses
One of:
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AGRI 452 Water Resources in Barbados (3 credits)
Overview
Agriculture : Physical environment challenges, centered on water, being faced by an island nation. Guest speakers, field study tours and laboratory tests. Private, government and NGO institutional context of conservation strategies, and water quantity and quality analyses for water management specific to Barbados.
Terms: Fall 2011
Instructors: Gehr, Ronald; Keane, Angela (Fall)
Restrictions: Enrolment in full "Barbados Field Study Semester". Not open to students who have taken CIVE 452.
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BIOL 331 Ecology/Behaviour Field Course (3 credits)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : Methods of sampling natural populations. Testing hypotheses in nature.
Terms: Fall 2011
Instructors: Chapman, Lauren; Reader, Simon; Schoen, Daniel J (Fall)
Fall
Note: Preregistration in March and April. See Course web page: . Meets 12-days just before the fall term, with a project report early in the fall term.
The field portion of this course is given at the University's Gault Nature Reserve in Mont St. Hilaire over a two-week period in August. In the fall, students prepare a report based on projects carried out during this field portion. This course has an additional fee of $532 which includes room and board and handouts. The Department of Biology subsidizes a portion of the cost for this activity
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BIOL 334 Applied Tropical Ecology (3 credits)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : Relevant to agriculture, forestry, fisheries and conservation of natural resources. Field component taught at the University's Bellairs Research Institute in Barbados, for two weeks in early May. The course is organized in a series of small-group field projects of 2-3 days each. Interested students should contact the Undergraduate Office and fill out an application form.
Terms: Winter 2012, Summer 2012
Instructors: Bureau, Thomas E; Price, Neil; Guichard, Frederic (Winter) Guichard, Frederic; Bureau, Thomas E; Price, Neil (Summer)
Summer
Prerequisites: BIOL 206; and BIOL 215 or both ENVR 200 and ENVR 202; and permission of the instructor.
This course, given in Barbados, has an additional fee of $1450 to cover the costs of room and board at Bellairs Research Institute, the course pack and all other expenses during the course. It does not cover tuition, airfare, flight insurance, airport taxes, meals in transit, or the cost of supplementary health insurance. The fee is refundable during the period where a student can drop the course with full refund. The Department of Biology subsidizes a portion of the cost for this activity.
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BIOL 553 Neotropical Environments (3 credits)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : Ecology revisited in view of tropical conditions. Exploring species richness. Sampling and measuring biodiversity. Conservation status of ecosystems, communities and species. Indigenous knowledge.
Terms: Winter 2012
Instructors: Potvin, Catherine (Winter)
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GEOG 495 Field Studies - Physical Geography (3 credits)
Overview
Geography : Field research projects in physical geography. Held locally in Monteregian or Eastern Township regions. The course is organised around field projects designed to formulate and test scientific hypotheses in a physical geography discipline. May Summer session. Preregistration in Department required by March 15.
Terms: Summer 2012
Instructors: Pollard, Wayne H (Summer)
2-week field school
Prerequisites: 6 credits from the following list of Systematic Physical Geography courses: GEOG 305, GEOG 321, GEOG 322, GEOG 350, GEOG 372
Since this is a field course, the Victoria Day statutory holiday will not be taken into consideration. Therefore, students are expected to attend their lecture on Monday, May 21, 2012.
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GEOG 497 Ecology of Coastal Waters (3 credits)
Overview
Geography : Study of ecology of coastal habitats such as salt marshes, rocky coasts, mud-flats, and shallow water environment of Eastern Canada. Emphasis on processes and factors critical to sustaining resources harvested from coastal ecosystems.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2011-2012 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2011-2012 academic year.
- GEOG 499 Subarctic Field Studies (3 credits)
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WILD 475 Desert Ecology (3 credits)
Overview
Resource Development : This course deals with adaptations to heat and drought. Representative areas of Coastal Bend, Chihuahuan and Sonoran deserts are visited over a two-week period. In the third week, emphasis is on the high desert and historical and cultural aspects of desert life observed in at the Mesa Verde cliff dwellings. A pre-trip analysis of an area to be visited and field notes are the principal bases of evaluation. Students must bear transportation costs.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2011-2012 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2011-2012 academic year.
- Winter
- Field course
- Prerequisites: PLNT 460, WILD 307 (formerly ZOOL 307), WILD 420
- Enrolment limited to 20
- A $1,000.00 fee is charged to all students registered in WILD 475 Desert Ecology, a course that is based on site visits in the southwestern US, that include representative areas of the Chihuahuan (Texas), Sonoran (Arizona) and Mojave (California) Deserts. This fee is used to support the cost of transportation once in the USA, entrance fees and the operation of the support vehicle and crew. Students will be responsible for their own airfare and food expenses.
General Scientific Principles
6 credits of general scientific principles selected from the following:
* Note: you may take ENVB 430 or GEOG 306, but not both.
(A second field course from the domain curriculum may also be taken.)
** Note: you may take BIOL 432 or ENVB 315, but not both.
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BIOL 324 Ecological Genetics (3 credits)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : This course presents evolutionary genetics within an ecological context. The course covers theoretical topics together with relevant data from natural populations of plants and animals.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2011-2012 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2011-2012 academic year.
- Fall
- 2 hours lecture, 1 hour seminar
- Prerequisite: BIOL 202
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BIOL 341 History of Life (3 credits)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : The origin, history, and nature of life from 3.5 billion years ago to the present, within the context of physical and biological changes in the Earth's environment. Topics: origin of life, radiation of multicellular organisms; invasion of land by plants and animals; rise and extinction of dinosaurs; origin of modern biota.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2011-2012 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2011-2012 academic year.
- Winter
- 3 hours lecture
- Prerequisite: BIOL 304 or permission
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BIOL 342 Marine Biology (3 credits)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : An introduction to marine benthic communities. Topics include structure and dynamics of hard and soft bottom communities; bioturbation, feeding strategies and trophodynamics; ecology of seagrass, mangrove and coral reef ecosystems; marine pollution.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2011-2012 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2011-2012 academic year.
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BIOL 432 Limnology (3 credits) **
Overview
Biology (Sci) : A study of the physical, chemical and biological properties of lakes and other inland waters, with emphasis on their functioning as systems.
Terms: Fall 2011
Instructors: Fussmann, Gregor; Gregory-Eaves, Irene (Fall)
Fall
2 hours lecture; 2 weekends at field station equivalent to 3 hours laboratory per week
Prerequisites: BIOL 206 and BIOL 215 or permission of instructor.
This course, involving two field weekends, has an additional fee of $225, which includes room and board and transportation. The fee is refundable during the period where a student can drop the course with full refund. The Department of Biology subsidizes a portion of the cost for this activity.
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BIOL 441 Biological Oceanography (3 credits)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : An introduction to how the ocean functions biologically: biology and ecology of marine plankton; regulation, extent and fate of production in the sea.
Terms: Winter 2012
Instructors: Price, Neil (Winter)
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BIOL 505 Diversity and Systematics Seminar (3 credits)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : A course dealing in depth with a particular aspect of biological diversity and/or systematics. Topics may include the systematics of a particular taxon, issues in biodiversity, systematics theory and practice, etc. The class will discuss aspects of the chosen topic and prepare individual seminar reports.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2011-2012 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2011-2012 academic year.
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ENVB 313 Phylogeny and Biogeography (3 credits)
Overview
Environmental Biology : Phylogeny reconstruction; principles of systematics; predictive power of phylogenetic trees; theory and principles of biogeography; historical biogeography of plants and animals; role of abiotic and biotic factors in shaping distributions.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2011-2012 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2011-2012 academic year.
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ENVB 315 Science of Inland Waters (3 credits) **
Overview
Environmental Biology : Nature and history of limnology; divisions of inland waters; properties of fresh water; habitats; zones; nutrient cycles; biota; adaptations; seasonal variation; distributions; pollution; succession and evolution of fresh water environments. Includes field excursions.
Terms: Fall 2011
Instructors: Lewis, David James (Fall)
Fall
Restriction: Not open to students who have taken NRSC 315.
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ENVB 410 Ecosystem Ecology (3 credits)
Overview
Environmental Biology : Biotic and abiotic processes that control the flows of energy, nutrients and water through ecosystems; emergent system properties; approaches to analyzing complex systems. Labs include collection and multivariate analysis of field data.
Terms: Fall 2011
Instructors: Fyles, James W (Fall)
Fall
Prerequisites: ENVB 222, AEMA 310 or permission of instructor
Restriction: Not open to students who have taken WOOD 410
This course has an additional charge of $15 to cover the cost of transportation (bus rental) for local field trips. The fee is refundable only during the withdrawal with full refund period.
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ENVB 430 GIS for Natural Resource Management (3 credits) *
Overview
Environmental Biology : Applications of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and spatial analysis techniques to the presentation and analysis of ecological information, including sources and capture of spatial data; characterizing, transforming, displaying spatial data; and spatial analysis to solve resource management problems.
Terms: Fall 2011
Instructors: Bennett, Elena (Fall)
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ENVB 437 Assessing Environmental Impact (3 credits)
Overview
Environmental Biology : Theories and procedures of assessing environmental impact. An examination of the environmental impact of existing programs and projects to examine their accuracy in predicting consequences and attenuating undesirable effects.
Terms: Winter 2012
Instructors: Hickey, Gordon (Winter)
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GEOG 272 Earth's Changing Surface (3 credits)
Overview
Geography : Introduction to the study of landforms as products of geomorphic and geologic systems acting at and near the Earth's surface. The process geomorphology approach will be used to demonstrate how landforms of different geomorphic settings represent a dynamic balance between forces acting in the environment and the physical properties of materials present.
Terms: Fall 2011
Instructors: Pollard, Wayne H (Fall)
Fall
3 hours
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GEOG 306 Raster Geo-Information Science (3 credits) *
Overview
Geography : Formal introduction to a computer-based Geographical Information System (GIS). Topics will focus on map analysis and on transforming and displaying spatial data. GIS will be used by students to solve problems in both physical and human geography.
Terms: Winter 2012
Instructors: Lehner, Bernhard (Winter)
Winter
2 hours and laboratory
Prerequisite: GEOG 201
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GEOG 321 Climatic Environments (3 credits)
Overview
Geography : Scope of climatology, physical, dynamic and applied. The Earth/atmosphere system, radiation and energy balances, governing meteorological processes. Movement and circulation of the atmosphere on a local and global scale. Resulting weather systems.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2011-2012 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2011-2012 academic year.
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GEOG 322 Environmental Hydrology (3 credits)
Overview
Geography : Quantitative, experimental study of the principles governing the movement of water at or near the Earth's surface and how the research relates to the chemistry and biology of ecosystems.
Terms: Winter 2012
Instructors: Lehner, Bernhard; Mehdi, Bano B (Winter)
Winter
3 hours
Prerequisite: GEOG 203 or equivalent
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GEOG 350 Ecological Biogeography (3 credits)
Overview
Geography : The study of the patterns of distribution of organisms in space and time with emphasis on plant communities. Ecological, geographical, historical and anthropological factors affecting these distribution patterns will be discussed. Particular consideration is given to methods for description and classification of plant communities.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2011-2012 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2011-2012 academic year.
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MICR 331 Microbial Ecology (3 credits)
Overview
Microbiology (Agric&Envir Sc) : The ecology of microorganisms, primarily bacteria and archaea, and their roles in biogeochemical cycles will be discussed. Microbial interactions with the environment, plants, animals and other microbes emphasizing the underlying genetics and physiology. Diversity, evolution (microbial phylogenetics) and the application of molecular biology in microbial ecology.
Terms: Winter 2012
Instructors: Driscoll, Brian T (Winter)
Winter
Restriction: Not open to students who have successfully completed NRSC 331
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PLNT 460 Plant Ecology (3 credits)
Overview
Plant Science : Theory and practice of plant ecology with an emphasis on the interaction between patterns and ecological processes and the dynamics, conservation and management of plant populations and communities over a range of temporal and spatial scales.
Terms: Fall 2011
Instructors: de Blois, Sylvie (Fall)
3 lectures and one 3-hour lab
Prerequisite: AEMA 310 or permission of instructor.
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WILD 311 Ethology (3 credits)
Overview
Resource Development : Invertebrate and vertebrate behaviour; innate behaviour, learning, motivation, agonistic behaviour, rhythms, social organization, mating systems and communication.
Terms: Winter 2012
Instructors: Bird, David M (Winter)
Winter
2 lectures, one 3-hour lab
Restriction: Not open to students who have taken ZOOL 311
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WOOD 420 Environmental Issues: Forestry (3 credits)
Overview
Woodland Resources : The science behind current environmental issues relating to forests including the effects of management on productivity and biodiversity, conservation of old-growth forests and endangered species, pesticide use, and industrial pollution. The role of scientific knowledge, relative to social and economic forces, in forest resource decision-making is discussed.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2011-2012 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2011-2012 academic year.
Social Science:
One of:
* Note: If WILD 415 is taken, 1 additional credit of complementary courses must be taken.
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AGEC 333 Resource Economics (3 credits)
Overview
Agricultural Economics : The role of resources in the environment, use of resources, and management of economic resources within the firm or organization. Problem-solving, case studies involving private and public decision-making in organizations are utilized.
Terms: Fall 2011
Instructors: Thomassin, Paul (Fall)
Fall
Prerequisites: AGEC 200 or equivalent
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ANTH 339 Ecological Anthropology (3 credits)
Overview
Anthropology : Intensive study of theories and cases in ecological anthropology. Theories are examined and tested through comparative case-study analysis. Cultural constructions of "nature" and "environment" are compared and analyzed. Systems of resource management and conflicts over the use of resources are studied in depth.
Terms: Winter 2012
Instructors: Scott, Colin H (Winter)
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ANTH 416 Environment/Development: Africa (3 credits)
Overview
Anthropology : Study of environmental effects of development in East Africa, especially due to changes in traditional land tenure and resource use across diverse ecosystems. Models, policies and cases of pastoralist, agricultural, fishing, wildlife and tourist development will be examined, across savanna, desert, forest, highland and coastal environments.
Terms: Winter 2012
Instructors: Galaty, John (Winter)
Winter
Restriction: Open only to students in the Study in Africa program, a full-term field study program in East Africa
Prerequisite: One prior course in Anthropology, Geography or Environmental Studies
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ECON 326 Ecological Economics (3 credits)
Overview
Economics (Arts) : Macroeconomic and structural aspects of the ecological crisis. A course in which subjects discussed include the conflict between economic growth and the laws of thermodynamics; the search for alternative economic indicators; the fossil fuels crisis; and "green'' fiscal policy.
Terms: Fall 2011
Instructors: Naylor, Robin Thomas (Fall)
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GEOG 404 Environmental Management 2 (3 credits)
Overview
Geography : Practical application of environmental planning, analysis and management techniques with reference to the needs and problems of developing areas. Special challenges posed by cultural differences and traditional resource systems are discussed. This course involves practical field work in a developing area (Kenya or Panama).
Terms: Winter 2012
Instructors: Meredith, Thomas C (Winter)
Winter
3 hours
Prerequisite: GEOG 302 or permission of instructor
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GEOG 498 Humans in Tropical Environments (3 credits)
Overview
Geography : Focus on understanding of inter-relations between humans and neotropical environments represented in Panama. Study of contemporary rural landscapes, their origins, development and change. Impacts of economic growth and inequality, social organization, and politics on natural resource use and environmental degradation. Site visits and field exercises in peasant/colonist, Amerindian, and plantation communities.
Terms: Winter 2012
Instructors: Coomes, Oliver T (Winter)
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GEOG 510 Humid Tropical Environments (3 credits)
Overview
Geography : Focus on the environmental and human spatial relationships in tropical rain forest and savanna landscapes. Human adaptation to variations within these landscapes through time and space. Biophysical constraints upon "development" in the modern era.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2011-2012 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2011-2012 academic year.
- Fall
- 3 hours
- Prerequisite: GEOG 203 or equivalent and written permission of the instructor
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URBP 520 Globalization: Planning and Change (3 credits)
Overview
Urban Planning : Economic and social issues related to planning for sustainable development, with a focus on water. Political and environmental determinants of resource use. Impact of global, regional and local institutions, programs and plans in Barbados and in the field locale in general.
Terms: Fall 2011
Instructors: Phillip, Leroy E; Alli, Inteaz (Fall)
(3-3-3)
Restriction: Must be enrolled in the Barbados Field Study Semester.
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WILD 415 Conservation Law (2 credits) *
Overview
Resource Development : A study of the various federal, provincial and municipal laws affecting wildlife habitat. Topics include: laws to protect wild birds and animals; the regulation of hunting; legal protection of trees and flowers, sanctuaries, reserves, parks; techniques of acquiring and financing desirable land, property owner rights.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2011-2012 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2011-2012 academic year.
- Fall
- 2 lectures
Organisms and Diversity:
6 credits of organisms and diversity selected as follows:
* Note: you may take BIOL 350 or ENTO 350, but not both; you may take BIOL 540 or ENVR 540, but not both.
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AGRI 340 Principles of Ecological Agriculture (3 credits)
Overview
Agriculture : Focus on low-input, sustainable, and organic agriculture: the farm as an ecosystem; complex system theory; practical examples of soil management, pest control, integrated crop and livestock production, and marketing systems.
Terms: Winter 2012
Instructors: Begg, Caroline B (Winter)
3 lectures and one 2-hour seminar
Restriction: Not open to students who have taken AGRI 250
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ANTH 311 Primate Behaviour and Ecology (3 credits)
Overview
Anthropology : Critical evaluation of theories concerning primate behaviour with emphasis on the importance of ecological factors in framing behaviour, including mating behaviour, parent care, social structures, communication, as well as various forms of social interaction such as dominance, territoriality and aggressive expression.
Terms: Fall 2011
Instructors: Chapman, Colin Austin (Fall)
Fall
Prerequisite: Any 200 level course in a social or biological science.
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BIOL 335 Marine Mammals (3 credits)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : Biology of marine mammals with special emphasis on seals and whales of the Bay of Fundy. Taught at the Huntsman Marine Science Centre, St. Andrews, N.B., for two weeks in August. The course combines lectures, laboratory exercises, field trips, and individual projects. Apply first to Huntsman, then contact susan.gabe@mcgill.ca.
Terms: Summer 2012
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2011-2012 academic year.
- Prerequisite: BIOL 205
- This course is offered in the summer.
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BIOL 350 Insect Biology and Control (3 credits) *
Overview
Biology (Sci) : Introduction to insect structure, physiology, biochemistry, development, systematics, evolution, ecology and control. Stress on interrelationships and integrated pest control.
Terms: Fall 2011
Instructors: Dunphy, Gary Brian (Fall)
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BIOL 355 Trees: Ecology & Evolution (3 credits)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : Functional ecology and evolution of trees: patterns in the diversity of tree form and function, the nature of tree adaptation to environment from the scale of habitat to global biogeography.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2011-2012 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2011-2012 academic year.
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BIOL 427 Herpetology (3 credits)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : Principles of biology as exemplified by amphibians and reptiles. Topics include: adaptation, social behaviour, reproductive strategies, physiology, biomechanics, ecology, biogeography and evolution. Laboratories will emphasize structure, systematics and identification of local and world herpetofauna as well as field methods.
Terms: Fall 2011
Instructors: Green, David M (Fall)
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BIOL 540 Ecology of Species Invasions (3 credits) *
Overview
Biology (Sci) : Causes and consequences of biological invasion, as well as risk assessment methods and management strategies for dealing with invasive species.
Terms: Winter 2012
Instructors: Ricciardi, Anthony (Winter)
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ENTO 350 Insect Biology and Control (3 credits) *
Overview
Entomology : Introduction to insect structure, physiology, biochemistry, development, systematics, evolution, ecology and control. Stress on interrelationships and integrated pest control.
Terms: Winter 2012
Instructors: Dunphy, Gary Brian (Winter)
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ENTO 352 Biocontrol of Pest Insects (3 credits)
Overview
Entomology : Modern concepts of integrated control techniques and principles of insect pest management, with emphasis on biological control (use of predators, parasites and pathogens against pest insects), population monitoring, and manipulation of environmental, behavioral and physiological factors in the pest's way of life. Physical, cultural, and genetic controls and an introduction to the use of non-toxic biochemical controls (attractants, repellents, pheromones, antimetabolites).
Terms: Winter 2012
Instructors: Dunphy, Gary Brian; Boisclair, Josee Ethel (Winter)
Winter
Restriction: Not open to students who have previously taken ENTO 452
3 lectures
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ENTO 440 Insect Diversity (3 credits)
Overview
Entomology : Ecology, evolution and systematics of insects and their relatives. Classification and phylogeny of selected insect families; use of diagnostic characters and taxonomic keys. Ecological interactions at an individual, population and community level with emphasis on diversity patterns in space and time.
Terms: Fall 2011
Instructors: Wheeler, Terry A; Buddle, Christopher (Fall)
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ENVR 540 Ecology of Species Invasions (3 credits) *
Overview
Environment : Causes and consequences of biological invasion, as well as risk assessment methods and management strategies for dealing with invasive species.
Terms: Winter 2012
Instructors: Ricciardi, Anthony (Winter)
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PLNT 304 Biology of Fungi (3 credits)
Overview
Plant Science : This course describes the various groups of fungi and explores in depth their biology and physiology, their ecological niches and the role in various ecosystems and their benefits and uses in industry and biotechnology.
Terms: Winter 2012
Instructors: Jabaji, Suha (Winter)
3 lectures and one 3-hour lab
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PLNT 358 Flowering Plant Diversity (3 credits)
Overview
Plant Science : Principles of classification and identification of flowering plants and ferns, with emphasis on 35 major families of flowering plants and the habitats in which they grow.
Terms: Fall 2011
Instructors: Stromvik, Martina; Eades, Tracy Lee (Fall)
2 lectures, one 3-hour lab, plus a 4-day field week held the week preceding the start of classes
Prerequisite: PLNT 201 or AEBI 210 or ENVR 202 or permission of instructor
A $50 fee is charged to all students registered in this course, which has a fieldwork component prior to the beginning of classes in August. This fee is used to support the cost of excursions, a hand lens, instructional handouts and identification aids. Students who have already received a hand lens may request a reimbursement of a portion of this charge through their department.
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WILD 307 Natural History of Vertebrates (3 credits)
Overview
Resource Development : Review of higher taxonomic groups of vertebrates and prochordates, emphasizing diagnostic characters evolution and distribution.
Terms: Fall 2011
Instructors: Frei, Barbara (Fall)
Fall
Lectures and modules
Restriction: Not open to students who have taken ZOOL 307
This course carries an additional charge of $15 to cover the cost of transportation (bus rental) for local field trips. The fee is refundable only during the withdrawal with full refund period.
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WILD 350 Mammalogy (3 credits)
Overview
Resource Development : This course focuses on the evolution, classification, ecology and behaviour of mammals and relations between humans and mammals. Also structure, systematics and identification of local and world mammals, as well as field methods will be emphasized.
Terms: Winter 2012
Instructors: Humphries, Murray Mitchell (Winter)
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WILD 420 Ornithology (3 credits)
Overview
Resource Development : Taxonomic relationships and evolution of birds are outlined. Reproduction, migration and population processes of North American birds are examined.
Terms: Fall 2011
Instructors: Bird, David M (Fall)
Fall and Winter
3 lectures and occasional field trips
Prerequisite: WILD 307 (formerly ZOOL 307) or permission of instructor
This course is scheduled for video-conferencing.
This course carries an additional charge of $15 to cover the cost of transportation (bus rental) for local field trips. The fee is refundable only during the withdrawal with full refund period.
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WILD 424 Parasitology (3 credits)
Overview
Resource Development : Systematics, morphology, biology and ecology of parasitic protozoa, flatworms, roundworms and arthropods with emphasis on economically and medically important species.
Terms: Winter 2012
Instructors: Rohrbach, Petra (Winter)
Winter
2 lectures and one 3-hour lab
Restriction: Not open to students who have taken WILD 424 (formerly ZOOL 424).
Revision, August 2011. End of revision.
Faculty of Science—2011-2012 (last updated Jan. 26, 2012) (disclaimer)