Note: This is the 2010–2011 edition of the eCalendar. Update the year in your browser's URL bar for the most recent version of this page, or click here to jump to the newest eCalendar.
Program Requirements
This program is built on a selection of mathematics and biology courses that recognizes mathematical biology as a field of research, with 3 streams within biology: Ecology and Evolutionary Ecology, Molecular Evolution, and Neurosciences.
Program Prerequisites:
Before selecting this program, students should have completed the following 28 - 32 credits of science courses or their equivalents.
* PHYS 102 is required only for students following the Molecular Evolution Stream or Neurosciences Stream of this program. It need not necessarily be taken in U0.
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BIOL 111 Principles: Organismal Biology (3 credits)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : An introduction to the phylogeny, structure, function and adaptation of unicellular organisms, plants and animals in the biosphere.
Terms: Fall 2010
Instructors: Gregory-Eaves, Irene; Dhindsa, Rajinder S; Seizilles de Mazancourt, Claire (Fall)
- Fall
- 2 hours lecture and 3 hours laboratory
- Restriction: Not open to students who have taken CEGEP objective 00UK or equivalent; or BIOL 115.
- This course serves as an alternative to CEGEP objective code 00UK
- May require departmental approval.
- Open to all students wishing introductory biology.
- Attendance at first lab is mandatory to confirm registration in the course.
- This class will use a Student Response System (clicker) which can be obtained from the Bookstore.
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BIOL 112 Cell and Molecular Biology (3 credits)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : The cell: ultrastructure, division, chemical constituents and reactions. Bioenergetics: photosynthesis and respiration. Principles of genetics, the molecular basis of inheritance and biotechnology.
Terms: Winter 2011
Instructors: Dent, Joseph Alan; Vogel, Jacalyn (Winter)
- Winter
- 2 hours lecture and 3.5 hours laboratory/seminar
- Restriction: Not open to students who have taken or are taking CEGEP objective 00XU or equivalent; or BIOL 115; or AEBI 122
- Attendance at first lab is mandatory to confirm registration in the course.
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CHEM 110 General Chemistry 1 (4 credits)
Overview
Chemistry : A study of the fundamental principles of atomic structure, radiation and nuclear chemistry, valence theory, coordination chemistry, and the periodic table.
Terms: Fall 2010
Instructors: Butler, Ian Sydney; Fenster, Ariel; Kakkar, Ashok K; Gauthier, Jean-Marc (Fall)
- Fall
- Prerequisites/corequisites: College level mathematics and physics or permission of instructor; CHEM 120 is not a prerequisite
- Each lab section is limited enrolment
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CHEM 120 General Chemistry 2 (4 credits)
Overview
Chemistry : A study of the fundamental principles of physical chemistry.
Terms: Winter 2011
Instructors: Gauthier, Jean-Marc; Fenster, Ariel; Mittermaier, Anthony; Siwick, Bradley (Winter)
- Winter
- Prerequisites/corequisites: College level mathematics and physics, or permission of instructor: CHEM 110 is not a prerequisite
- Each lab section is limited enrolment
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MATH 133 Linear Algebra and Geometry (3 credits)
Overview
Mathematics & Statistics (Sci) : Systems of linear equations, matrices, inverses, determinants; geometric vectors in three dimensions, dot product, cross product, lines and planes; introduction to vector spaces, linear dependence and independence, bases; quadratic loci in two and three dimensions.
Terms: Fall 2010, Winter 2011, Summer 2011
Instructors: Kelome, Djivede; Anderson, William J; Loveys, James G; Shahabi, Shahab; Clay, Adam (Fall) Kelome, Djivede; Anderson, William J (Winter) Palka, Karol (Summer)
- Prerequisite: a course in functions
- Restriction: Not open to students who have taken MATH 221 or CEGEP objective 00UQ or equivalent.
- Restriction Note B: Not open to students who have taken or are taking MATH 123, MATH 130 or MATH 131, except by permission of the Department of Mathematics and Statistics.
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MATH 140 Calculus 1 (3 credits)
Overview
Mathematics & Statistics (Sci) : Review of functions and graphs. Limits, continuity, derivative. Differentiation of elementary functions. Antidifferentiation. Applications.
Terms: Fall 2010, Winter 2011, Summer 2011
Instructors: Drury, Stephen W; Trudeau, Sidney; Shahabi, Shahab (Fall) Hundemer, Axel W (Winter)
- 3 hours lecture, 1 hour tutorial
- Prerequisite: High School Calculus
- Restriction: Not open to students who have taken MATH 120, MATH 139 or CEGEP objective 00UN or equivalent
- Restriction: Not open to students who have taken or are taking MATH 122 or MATH 130 or MATH 131, except by permission of the Department of Mathematics and Statistics
- Each Tutorial section is enrolment limited
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MATH 141 Calculus 2 (4 credits)
Overview
Mathematics & Statistics (Sci) : The definite integral. Techniques of integration. Applications. Introduction to sequences and series.
Terms: Fall 2010, Winter 2011, Summer 2011
Instructors: Trudeau, Sidney (Fall) Sancho, Neville G F; Drury, Stephen W; Trudeau, Sidney (Winter)
- Prerequisites: MATH 139 or MATH 140 or MATH 150.
- Restriction: Not open to students who have taken MATH 121 or CEGEP objective 00UP or equivalent
- Restriction Note B: Not open to students who have taken or are taking MATH 122 or MATH 130 or MATH 131, except by permission of the Department of Mathematics and Statistics.
- Each Tutorial section is enrolment limited
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PHYS 101 Introductory Physics - Mechanics (4 credits)
Overview
Physics : An introductory course in physics without calculus, covering mechanics (kinematics, dynamics, energy, and rotational motion), oscillations and waves, sound, light, and geometrical optics.
Terms: Fall 2010
Instructors: Ragan, Kenneth J (Fall)
- Fall
- 3 hours lectures; 2 hours laboratory; tutorial sessions
- Restriction: Not open to students taking or having taken PHYS 131, CEGEP objective 00UR or equivalent
- Laboratory sections have limited enrolment
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PHYS 102 Introductory Physics - Electromagnetism (4 credits) *
Overview
Physics : Electric field and potential. D.C. circuits and measurements. Capacitance. Magnetic field and induction. A.C. circuits Semiconductor devices and their application. Electromagnetic waves.
Terms: Winter 2011
Instructors: Altounian, Zaven (Winter)
- Winter
- 3 hours lectures; 2 hours laboratory; tutorial sessions
- Prerequisite: PHYS 101.
- Corequisite: MATH 139 or higher level calculus course.
- Restriction: Not open to students taking or having taken PHYS 142, CEGEP objective 00UR or equivalent
- Laboratory sections have limited enrolment
Required Courses (34 credits)
* If a student has already taken CHEM 212 or its equivalent, the credits can be made up with a complementary course in consultation with the program Adviser.
** Students who have sufficient knowledge in a programming language should take COMP 250 (3) Introduction to Computer Science rather than COMP 202.
*** Students may take either MATH 223 or MATH 247.
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BIOL 200 Molecular Biology (3 credits)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : The physical and chemical properties of the cell and its components in relation to their structure and function. Topics include: protein structure, enzymes and enzyme kinetics; nucleic acid replication, transcription and translation; the genetic code, mutation, recombination, and regulation of gene expression.
Terms: Fall 2010
Instructors: Roy, Richard D W; Brown, Gregory G; Fagotto, Francesco; Zetka, Monique (Fall)
- Fall
- 3 hours lecture, 1 hour optional tutorial
- Prerequisite: BIOL 112 or equivalent
- Corequisite: CHEM 212 or equivalent
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BIOL 201 Cell Biology and Metabolism (3 credits)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : This course introduces the student to our modern understanding of cells and how they work. Major topics to be covered include: photosynthesis, energy metabolism and metabolic integration; plasma membrane including secretion, endocytosis and contact mediated interactions between cells; cytoskeleton including cell and organelle movement; the nervous system; hormone signaling; the cell cycle.
Terms: Winter 2011
Instructors: Levine, Robert; Hewitt, Kathryn; Brouhard, Gary (Winter)
- Winter
- 3 hours lecture, 1 hour optional tutorial
- Prerequisite: BIOL 200.
- Restriction: Not open to students who have taken or are taking ANAT 212 or BIOC 212
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BIOL 215 Introduction to Ecology and Evolution (3 credits)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : An introduction to the fundamental processes of ecology and evolution that bear on the nature and diversity of organisms and the processes that govern their assembly into ecological communities and their roles in ecosystem function.
Terms: Fall 2010
Instructors: Price, Neil; Larsson, Hans Carl; Potvin, Catherine (Fall)
- Fall
- 3 hours lecture
- Prerequisite: BIOL 111
- Restriction: Not open to students who have taken ENVR 202
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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 2010
Instructors: Guichard, Frederic (Fall)
- Fall
- 3 hours lecture, 1 hour computer lab/tutorial
- Prerequisite: BIOL 215 or both ENVR 200 and ENVR 202
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CHEM 212 Introductory Organic Chemistry 1 (4 credits) *
Overview
Chemistry : A survey of reactions of aliphatic and aromatic compounds including modern concepts of bonding, mechanisms, conformational analysis, and stereochemistry.
Terms: Fall 2010, Winter 2011, Summer 2011
Instructors: Daoust, Michel; Tsantrizos, Youla S; Moitessier, Nicolas (Fall) Daoust, Michel; Fenster, Ariel; Schirrmacher, Ralf (Winter) Daoust, Michel; Fenster, Ariel (Summer)
- Fall, Winter, Summer
- Prerequisite: CHEM 110 or equivalent.
- Corequisite: CHEM 120 or equivalent.
- Restriction: Not open to students who are taking or have taken CHEM 211 or equivalent
- Each lab section is limited enrolment
- Note: Some CEGEP programs provide equivalency for this course. For more information, please see the Department of Chemistry’s Web page ().
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COMP 202 Introduction to Computing 1 (3 credits) **
Overview
Computer Science (Sci) : Overview of components of microcomputers, the internet design and implementation of programs using a modern high-level language, an introduction to modular software design and debugging. Programming concepts are illustrated using a variety of application areas.
Terms: Fall 2010, Winter 2011, Summer 2011
Instructors: Petitpas, Mathieu; Frydrychowicz, Maja (Fall) Frydrychowicz, Maja; Pomerantz, Daniel (Winter) Pomerantz, Daniel (Summer)
- 3 hours
- Prerequisite: a CEGEP level mathematics course
- Restrictions: COMP 202 and COMP 208 cannot both be taken for credit. COMP 202 is intended as a general introductory course, while COMP 208 is intended for students interested in scientific computation. COMP 202 cannot be taken for credit with or after COMP 250
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MATH 222 Calculus 3 (3 credits)
Overview
Mathematics & Statistics (Sci) : Taylor series, Taylor's theorem in one and several variables. Review of vector geometry. Partial differentiation, directional derivative. Extreme of functions of 2 or 3 variables. Parametric curves and arc length. Polar and spherical coordinates. Multiple integrals.
Terms: Fall 2010, Winter 2011, Summer 2011
Instructors: Jonsson, Wilbur; Sancho, Neville G F (Fall) Jonsson, Wilbur (Winter)
- Prerequisite: MATH 141. Familiarity with vector geometry or Corequisite: MATH 133
- Restriction: Not open to students who have taken CEGEP course 201-303 or MATH 150, MATH 151 or MATH 227
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MATH 223 Linear Algebra (3 credits) ***
Overview
Mathematics & Statistics (Sci) : Review of matrix algebra, determinants and systems of linear equations. Vector spaces, linear operators and their matrix representations, orthogonality. Eigenvalues and eigenvectors, diagonalization of Hermitian matrices. Applications.
Terms: Fall 2010, Winter 2011
Instructors: Loveys, James G; Huang, Hongnian (Fall) Loveys, James G (Winter)
- Fall and Winter
- Prerequisite: MATH 133 or equivalent
- Restriction: Not open to students in Mathematics programs nor to students who have taken or are taking MATH 236, MATH 247 or MATH 251. It is open to students in Faculty Programs
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MATH 242 Analysis 1 (3 credits)
Overview
Mathematics & Statistics (Sci) : A rigorous presentation of sequences and of real numbers and basic properties of continuous and differentiable functions on the real line.
Terms: Fall 2010
Instructors: Yassawi, Reem Adel (Fall)
- Fall
- Prerequisite: MATH 141
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MATH 243 Analysis 2 (3 credits)
Overview
Mathematics & Statistics (Sci) : Infinite series; series of functions; power series. The Riemann integral in one variable. A rigorous development of the elementary functions.
Terms: Winter 2011
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2010-2011 academic year.
- Winter
- Prerequisite: MATH 242
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MATH 247 Honours Applied Linear Algebra (3 credits) ***
Overview
Mathematics & Statistics (Sci) : Matrix algebra, determinants, systems of linear equations. Abstract vector spaces, inner product spaces, Fourier series. Linear transformations and their matrix representations. Eigenvalues and eigenvectors, diagonalizable and defective matrices, positive definite and semidefinite matrices. Quadratic and Hermitian forms, generalized eigenvalue problems, simultaneous reduction of quadratic forms. Applications.
Terms: Winter 2011
Instructors: Hundemer, Axel W (Winter)
- Winter
- Prerequisite: MATH 133 or equivalent.
- Restriction: Intended for Honours Physics and Engineering students
- Restriction: Not open to students who have taken or are taking MATH 236, MATH 223 or MATH 251
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MATH 315 Ordinary Differential Equations (3 credits)
Overview
Mathematics & Statistics (Sci) : First order ordinary differential equations including elementary numerical methods. Linear differential equations. Laplace transforms. Series solutions.
Terms: Fall 2010, Winter 2011, Summer 2011
Instructors: Sancho, Neville G F (Fall) Xu, Jian-Jun (Winter)
- Prerequisite: MATH 222.
- Corequisite: MATH 133.
- Restriction: Not open to students who have taken or are taking MATH 325.
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MATH 323 Probability (3 credits)
Overview
Mathematics & Statistics (Sci) : Sample space, events, conditional probability, independence of events, Bayes' Theorem. Basic combinatorial probability, random variables, discrete and continuous univariate and multivariate distributions. Independence of random variables. Inequalities, weak law of large numbers, central limit theorem.
Terms: Fall 2010, Winter 2011, Summer 2011
Instructors: Anderson, William J (Fall) Partovi Nia, Vahid (Winter)
- Prerequisites: MATH 141 or equivalent.
- Restriction: Intended for students in Science, Engineering and related disciplines, who have had differential and integral calculus
- Restriction: Not open to students who have taken or are taking MATH 356
Complementary Courses (39 credits)
For the 39 credits, students complete 21 credits of BINF, BIOL, NEUR, PHGY, PSYC courses including one of three Streams (Ecology and Evolutionary Ecology, Molecular Evolution, Neurosciences) and 18 credits of MATH courses.
Math or Biology Research Course
Note: Students selecting a BIOL course count this toward their 21 credits of BINF, BIOL, NEUR, PHGY, PSYC courses while students selecting a MATH course count this toward their 18 credits of MATH courses.
3 credits from the following Math or Biology Research courses:
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BIOL 466 Independent Research Project 1 (3 credits)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : Independent research project.
Terms: Fall 2010, Winter 2011, Summer 2011
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2010-2011 academic year.
- Fall, Winter or Summer
- Prerequisite: BIOL 206 or BIOL 301 or other suitable laboratory course.
- Restrictions: Open only to Biology students. Not open to students who have taken BIOL 477.
- Projects must be arranged individually with a staff member of the Biology Department and a form from Nancy Nelson, Room W4/13, Stewart Building, must be completed prior to registration.
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BIOL 467 Independent Research Project 2 (3 credits)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : Independent research project.
Terms: Fall 2010, Winter 2011
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2010-2011 academic year.
- Fall, Winter or Summer
- Prerequisite: BIOL 206 or BIOL 301 or other suitable laboratory course.
- Restrictions: Open only to Biology students. Not open to students who have taken BIOL 478.
- Projects must be arranged individually with a staff member of the Biology Department and a form from Nancy Nelson, Room W4/13, Stewart Building, must be completed prior to registration.
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MATH 410 Majors Project (3 credits)
Overview
Mathematics & Statistics (Sci) : A supervised project.
Terms: Fall 2010, Winter 2011
Instructors: Hundemer, Axel W; Kelome, Djivede (Fall) Kelome, Djivede (Winter)
- Prerequisite: Students must have 21 completed credits of the required mathematics courses in their program, including all required 200 level mathematics courses.
- Requires departmental approval.
Math Courses
15 - 18 credits of MATH courses chosen from Sequence 1 or 2 and from "Remaining Math Courses" as follows:
Sequence 1
12 credits from the following courses:
* Students may take either MATH 317 or MATH 327
** Students may take either MATH 326 or MATH 437
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MATH 314 Advanced Calculus (3 credits)
Overview
Mathematics & Statistics (Sci) : Derivative as a matrix. Chain rule. Implicit functions. Constrained maxima and minima. Jacobians. Multiple integration. Line and surface integrals. Theorems of Green, Stokes and Gauss.
Terms: Fall 2010, Winter 2011, Summer 2011
Instructors: Jonsson, Wilbur (Fall) Jonsson, Wilbur (Winter) Roth, Charles (Summer)
- Prerequisites: MATH 133, MATH 222
- Restriction: Not open to students who have taken or are taking MATH 248
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MATH 317 Numerical Analysis (3 credits) *
Overview
Mathematics & Statistics (Sci) : Error analysis. Numerical solutions of equations by iteration. Interpolation. Numerical differentiation and integration. Introduction to numerical solutions of differential equations.
Terms: Fall 2010
Instructors: Bartello, Peter (Fall)
- Fall
- Prerequisites: MATH 315 or MATH 325 or MATH 263, and COMP 202 or permission of instructor.
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MATH 319 Introduction to Partial Differential Equations (3 credits)
Overview
Mathematics & Statistics (Sci) : First order equations, geometric theory; second order equations, classification; Laplace, wave and heat equations, Sturm-Liouville theory, Fourier series, boundary and initial value problems.
Terms: Winter 2011
Instructors: Tsogtgerel, Gantumur (Winter)
- Winter
- Prerequisites: MATH 223 or MATH 236, MATH 314, MATH 315
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MATH 326 Nonlinear Dynamics and Chaos (3 credits) **
Overview
Mathematics & Statistics (Sci) : Linear systems of differential equations, linear stability theory. Nonlinear systems: existence and uniqueness, numerical methods, one and two dimensional flows, phase space, limit cycles, Poincare-Bendixson theorem, bifurcations, Hopf bifurcation, the Lorenz equations and chaos.
Terms: Fall 2010
Instructors: Humphries, Antony Raymond (Fall)
- Fall
- Prerequisites: MATH 222, MATH 223
- Restriction: Not open to students who have taken or are taking MATH 376
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MATH 327 Matrix Numerical Analysis (3 credits) *
Overview
Mathematics & Statistics (Sci) : An overview of numerical methods for linear algebra applications and their analysis. Problem classes include linear systems, least squares problems and eigenvalue problems.
Terms: Winter 2011
Instructors: Humphries, Antony Raymond (Winter)
- Winter
- Prerequisites: MATH 223 or MATH 236 or MATH 247 or MATH 251, COMP 202 or consent of instructor.
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MATH 437 Mathematical Methods in Biology (3 credits) **
Overview
Mathematics & Statistics (Sci) : The formulation and treatment of realistic mathematical models describing biological phenomena through such qualitative and quantitative mathematical techniques as local and global stability theory, bifurcation analysis and phase plane analysis. Numerical simulation. Concrete and detailed examples will be drawn from molecular, cellular and population biology and mammalian physiology.
Terms: Fall 2010
Instructors: Mackey, Michael C (Fall)
- Fall
- Prerequisites: MATH 315 or MATH 325, and MATH 323 or MATH 356, a CEGEP or higher level computer programming course
Sequence 2
9 credits from the following:
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MATH 324 Statistics (3 credits)
Overview
Mathematics & Statistics (Sci) : Sampling distributions, point and interval estimation, hypothesis testing, analysis of variance, contingency tables, nonparametric inference, regression, Bayesian inference.
Terms: Fall 2010, Winter 2011
Instructors: Asgharian-Dastenaei, Masoud (Fall) Anderson, William J (Winter)
- Fall and Winter
- Prerequisite: MATH 323 or equivalent
- Restriction: Not open to students who have taken or are taking MATH 357
- 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.
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MATH 423 Regression and Analysis of Variance (3 credits)
Overview
Mathematics & Statistics (Sci) : Least-squares estimators and their properties. Analysis of variance. Linear models with general covariance. Multivariate normal and chi-squared distributions; quadratic forms. General linear hypothesis: F-test and t-test. Prediction and confidence intervals. Transformations and residual plot. Balanced designs.
Terms: Fall 2010
Instructors: Khalili Mahmoudabadi, Abbas (Fall)
- Fall
- Prerequisites: MATH 324, and MATH 223 or MATH 236
- Restriction: Not open to students who have taken or are taking MATH 533.
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MATH 447 Introduction to Stochastic Processes (3 credits)
Overview
Mathematics & Statistics (Sci) : Conditional probability and conditional expectation, generating functions. Branching processes and random walk. Markov chains, transition matrices, classification of states, ergodic theorem, examples. Birth and death processes, queueing theory.
Terms: Winter 2011
Instructors: Addario-Berry, Dana Louis (Winter)
- Winter
- Prerequisite: MATH 323
- Restriction: Not open to students who have taken or are taking MATH 547.
Remaining Math Courses
Remaining 3-9 credits of MATH courses may be chosen from any of the two preceding sequences and/or from the following list:
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MATH 204 Principles of Statistics 2 (3 credits)
Overview
Mathematics & Statistics (Sci) : The concept of degrees of freedom and the analysis of variability. Planning of experiments. Experimental designs. Polynomial and multiple regressions. Statistical computer packages (no previous computing experience is needed). General statistical procedures requiring few assumptions about the probability model.
Terms: Winter 2011
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2010-2011 academic year.
- Winter
- Prerequisite: MATH 203 or equivalent. No calculus prerequisites
- Restriction: This course is intended for students in all disciplines. For extensive course restrictions covering statistics courses see Section 3.6.1 of the Arts and of the Science sections of the calendar regarding course overlaps.
- 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.
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MATH 340 Discrete Structures 2 (3 credits)
Overview
Mathematics & Statistics (Sci) : Review of mathematical writing, proof techniques, graph theory and counting. Mathematical logic. Graph connectivity, planar graphs and colouring. Probability and graphs. Introductory group theory, isomorphisms and automorphisms of graphs. Enumeration and listing.
Terms: Winter 2011
Instructors: Vetta, Adrian Roshan (Winter)
- Winter
- Prerequisites: MATH 235 or MATH 240 or MATH 242.
- Corequisites: MATH 223 or MATH 236.
- Restriction: Not open to students who have taken or are taking MATH 343 or MATH 350.
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MATH 523 Generalized Linear Models (4 credits)
Overview
Mathematics & Statistics (Sci) : Modern discrete data analysis. Exponential families, orthogonality, link functions. Inference and model selection using analysis of deviance. Shrinkage (Bayesian, frequentist viewpoints). Smoothing. Residuals. Quasi-likelihood. Sliced inverse regression. Contingency tables: logistic regression, log-linear models. Censored data. Applications to current problems in medicine, biological and physical sciences. GLIM, S, software.
Terms: Winter 2011
Instructors: Stephens, David (Winter)
- Winter
- Prerequisite: MATH 423 or EPIB 697
- Restriction: Not open to students who have taken MATH 426
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MATH 524 Nonparametric Statistics (4 credits)
Overview
Mathematics & Statistics (Sci) : Distribution free procedures for 2-sample problem: Wilcoxon rank sum, Siegel-Tukey, Smirnov tests. Shift model: power and estimation. Single sample procedures: Sign, Wilcoxon signed rank tests. Nonparametric ANOVA: Kruskal-Wallis, Friedman tests. Association: Spearman's rank correlation, Kendall's tau. Goodness of fit: Pearson's chi-square, likelihood ratio, Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests. Statistical software packages used.
Terms: Fall 2010
Instructors: Genest, Christian (Fall)
- Fall
- Prerequisite: MATH 324 or equivalent
- Restriction: Not open to students who have taken MATH 424
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MATH 525 Sampling Theory and Applications (4 credits)
Overview
Mathematics & Statistics (Sci) : Simple random sampling, domains, ratio and regression estimators, superpopulation models, stratified sampling, optimal stratification, cluster sampling, sampling with unequal probabilities, multistage sampling, complex surveys, nonresponse.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2010-2011 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2010-2011 academic year.
- Prerequisite: MATH 324 or equivalent
- Restriction: Not open to students who have taken MATH 425
BIOL, NEUR, PHGY, PHYS, PSYC courses
18 to 21 credits of BIOL, NEUR, PHGY, PHYS, PSYC courses including one of three Streams.
Note: Some courses in the Streams may have prerequisites.
Ecology and Evolutionary Ecology Stream
At least 15 credits selected as follows:
Stream Required Course
3 credits of:
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BIOL 206 Methods in Biology of Organisms (3 credits)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : Introduction to modern methods used in organismal biology, including ecological sampling, experimental methods and statistics, taxonomic and phylogenetic analysis of biodiversity, experimental behavioural ecology, microbiological methods, and library search procedures.
Terms: Fall 2010
Instructors: Gonzalez, Andrew; MacLean, Eleanor; Schoen, Daniel J (Fall)
- Fall
- 1.5 hours lecture, 4 hours laboratory and local field trip in week 2.
- Prerequisite: BIOL 111 or equivalent
Stream Complementary Courses
3 credits from the following field courses or any other field course with permission:
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BIOL 240 Monteregian Flora (3 credits)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : Field studies of ferns, fern allies, conifers and flowering plants; the use of keys for species identification.
Terms: Summer 2011
Instructors: Lechowicz, Martin J; Aubin, Isabelle (Summer)
- Summer
- Prerequisite: BIOL 111 or permission
- Restriction: Not open to students who have taken PLNT 358
- Note: Taught at the Gault Nature Reserve. Contact instructor for specific dates, logistics: (martin.lechowicz [at] mcgill.ca).
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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 2010
Instructors: Lechowicz, Martin J; Leighton, Patrick; Davies, Thomas (Fall)
- Fall
- Prerequisites: BIOL 206 and BIOL 215
- 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 334D1 Applied Tropical Ecology (1.5 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 check the course website, attend the full information session and fill out an application form.
Terms: Winter 2011
Instructors: Guichard, Frederic; Price, Neil (Winter)
- Winter, Summer
- Prerequisites: BIOL 206; and BIOL 215 or both ENVR 200 and ENVR 202; and permission of the instructor.
- Students must register for both BIOL 334D1 and BIOL 334D2.
- No credit will be given for this course unless both BIOL 334D1 and BIOL 334D2 are successfully completed in consecutive terms
- BIOL 334D1 and BIOL 334D2 together are equivalent to BIOL 334
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BIOL 334D2 Applied Tropical Ecology (1.5 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 check the course website, attend the full information session and fill out an application form.
Terms: Summer 2011
Instructors: Guichard, Frederic; Price, Neil (Summer)
- Winter, Summer
- Prerequisites: BIOL 206; and BIOL 215 or both ENVR 200 and ENVR 202; and permission of the instructor.
- Students must register for both BIOL 334D1 and BIOL 334D2.
- No credit will be given for this course unless both BIOL 334D1 and BIOL 334D2 are successfully completed in consecutive terms
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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 2010
Instructors: 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.
At least 9 credits chosen from the following list, of which 6 credits must be at the 400-level or above:
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BIOL 202 Basic Genetics (3 credits)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : Introduction to basic principles, and to modern advances, problems and applications in the genetics of higher and lower organisms with examples representative of the biological sciences.
Terms: Winter 2011, Summer 2011
Instructors: Schoen, Daniel J; Chevrette, Mario; Western, Tamara (Winter) Dankort, David; Western, Tamara (Summer)
- Winter, Summer
- 3 hours lecture, 1 hour optional tutorial
- Prerequisite: BIOL 200.
- Restriction: Not open to students who have taken or are taking CELL 204.
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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 2010
Instructors: Bell, Graham (Fall)
- Fall
- 3 hours lecture
- Prerequisite: BIOL 205 and BIOL 215 or ENVR 202
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BIOL 310 Biodiversity and Ecosystems (3 credits)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : Ecological bases of the natural causes and consequences of current global environmental changes, including how biodiversity and ecosystem processes are defined and measured, how they vary in space and time, how they are affected by physical and biological factors, and how they affect each other and human societies.
Terms: Winter 2011
Instructors: Loreau, Michel; Seizilles de Mazancourt, Claire; Davies, Thomas (Winter)
- Winter
- 3 hours lecture
- one-day field trip to Mont St-Hilaire
- Prerequisite: BIOL 215; or ENVR 200 and ENVR 202; MATH 112 or equivalent; or permission of the instructor
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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 2010-2011 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2010-2011 academic year.
- Fall
- 2 hours lecture, 1 hour seminar
- Prerequisite: BIOL 202
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BIOL 434 Theoretical Ecology (3 credits)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : Study of theoretical ecology and of mathematical tools available to explore the dynamical behaviour of model populations, communities and ecosystems. Models addressing major ecological theories including population stability, community dynamics and ecosystem functioning, epidemic and disturbance dynamics, spatial models, game theory.
Terms: Winter 2011
Instructors: Guichard, Frederic; Seizilles de Mazancourt, Claire (Winter)
- Winter
- 3 hours lecture
- Prerequisites: BIOL 308 or BIOL 309 or permission of instructor.
- Restriction: Not open to students who have taken BIOL 534.
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BIOL 585 Game Theory and Evolutionary Dynamics (3 credits)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : Mathematical models of game theory and evolutionary dynamics; classical models and current research.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2010-2011 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2010-2011 academic year.
- (Winter) (2 hours lecture; 1 hour laboratory)
- Prerequisites: BIOL 308 and BIOL 434 or permission of instructor.
- Note: Course given in alternating years.
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BIOL 590 Linking Community and Ecosystem Ecology (3 credits)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : Theoretical foundations for a new ecological synthesis that merges the perspectives of population, community, evolutionary and ecosystem ecology. Focus on theory in interaction with experimental and empirical work, and covers current topics at the interface between community and ecosystem ecology.
Terms: Winter 2011
Instructors: Loreau, Michel (Winter)
- Winter
- 1.5 hours lecture, 1.5 hours seminar
- Prerequisite: BIOL 434 or permission of instructor.
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BIOL 594 Advanced Evolutionary Ecology (3 credits)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : Evolutionary ecology is the study of evolutionary change in natural populations. General predictive approaches in evolutionary ecology, including population genetics, quantitative genetics, optimality, and game theory will be examined. Emphasis will be placed on the mathematical underpinnings of each approach, particularly as they relate to classic and contemporary problems.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2010-2011 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2010-2011 academic year.
- Fall
- Prerequisite: BIOL 304 and BIOL 308
- Restriction: U3 or permission.
Molecular Evolution Stream
At least 16 credits selected as follows:
Stream Required Courses
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BIOL 202 Basic Genetics (3 credits)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : Introduction to basic principles, and to modern advances, problems and applications in the genetics of higher and lower organisms with examples representative of the biological sciences.
Terms: Winter 2011, Summer 2011
Instructors: Schoen, Daniel J; Chevrette, Mario; Western, Tamara (Winter) Dankort, David; Western, Tamara (Summer)
- Winter, Summer
- 3 hours lecture, 1 hour optional tutorial
- Prerequisite: BIOL 200.
- Restriction: Not open to students who have taken or are taking CELL 204.
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BIOL 301 Cell and Molecular Laboratory (4 credits)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : An introduction to laboratory techniques with a focus on methods used to investigate fundamental questions in modern cell and molecular biology. Techniques including gene cloning, DNA and protein isolation and manipulation are covered, along with functional analysis of genes and proteins, basic bioinformatics, and computer-based experimental design and data analysis.
Terms: Fall 2010, Winter 2011
Instructors: Moon, Nam Sung; Harrison, Paul; Zheng, Huanquan (Fall) Moon, Nam Sung; Harrison, Paul; Zheng, Huanquan (Winter)
- Fall or Winter
- 1 hour lecture and one 6-hour laboratory
- Prerequisites: PHYS 102 or PHYS 142, BIOL 200, BIOL 201 or ANAT/BIOC 212, and BIOL 202. BIOL 206 recommended.
- Restrictions: Not open to students who have taken or are taking BIOC 300. Requires departmental approval.
- For approval email anne-marie.sdicu [at] mcgill.ca. Specify your ID number as well as the term and lab day.
Stream Complementary Courses
At least 9 credits selected from:
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BINF 511 Bioinformatics for Genomics (3 credits)
Overview
Bioinformatics : Bioinformatics methods and reasoning in relation to genomics, proteomics and metabolomics strategies with an emphasis on functional genomics data. The course will cover introduction to UNIX, Perl programming, data processing and integration, file parsing, relational database design and implementation, angled towards solutions relevant for genomics.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2010-2011 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2010-2011 academic year.
- Prerequisite: Understanding of cell and molecular biology (equivalent to a cell or molecular biology course) or permission from instructor.
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BIOL 518 Advanced Topics in Cell Biology (3 credits)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : Conserved processes in Eukaryotic organisms, including the cytoskeleton, the cell cycle, complex traits/disease, global analysis/bioinformatics, and innovative studies/techniques in cell biology.
Terms: Winter 2011
Instructors: Brouhard, Gary; Vogel, Jacalyn (Winter)
- Winter
- 2 hours seminar
- Prerequisite: BIOL 313 and permission
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BIOL 569 Developmental Evolution (3 credits)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : The influence of developmental mechanisms on evolution. This course draws on recent examples from plants and invertebrate and vertebrate animals. Topics include homology, modularity, dissociation, co-option, evolutionary novelty, evolution of cis-regulation and gene regulatory networks, developmental constraint and evolvability, heterochrony, phenotypic plasticity, and canalization.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2010-2011 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2010-2011 academic year.
- Winter
- 3 hours lecture
- Prerequisites: BIOL 303 and BIOL 304; or permission of instructor.
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BIOL 572 Molecular Evolution (3 credits)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : Evolutionary change in DNA and proteins and its implications for cellular, organismal, and population/species evolution.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2010-2011 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2010-2011 academic year.
- Fall
- 3 hours lecture/seminar
- Prerequisite: BIOL 300
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BIOL 592 Integrated Bioinformatics (3 credits)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : 'Post-genomic' bioinformatics. Concepts behind large-scale computational analysis and comparison of genomes/proteomes (and beyond), and the implications for our understanding of the basic processes of molecular and cell biology and the evolution of those processes.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2010-2011 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2010-2011 academic year.
- Fall
- 3 hours lecture
- Prerequisite: BIOL 301 or permission of instructor.
- Restriction: Not open to students who have taken or are taking BINF 511.
Neurosciences Stream
At least 15 credits selected as follows:
Stream Required Course
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BIOL 306 Neural Basis of Behaviour (3 credits)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : Neural mechanisms of animal behaviour; neuroethology; cellular neurophysiology, integrative networks within nervous systems; neural control of movement; processing of sensory information.
Terms: Fall 2010
Instructors: Pollack, Gerald; Dent, Joseph Alan (Fall)
- Fall
- 3 hours lecture
- Prerequisite: ANAT 212/BIOC 212 or BIOL 201 and PHYS 102 or PHYS 142 or CEGEP Physics.
- Restriction: Not open to students who have taken PSYC 308.
Stream Complementary Courses
At least 12 credits selected from:
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BIOL 389 Laboratory in Neurobiology (3 credits)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : Methods of neurobiological research, including extracellular and intracellular recordings, electrical stimulation, and the study of neuro-behavioural problems.
Terms: Winter 2011
Instructors: Pollack, Gerald; St-Amant, Louis; Dent, Joseph Alan (Winter)
- Winter
- 1 hour lecture; 5 hours laboratory
- Prerequisites: BIOL 306 or NSCI 200 or PHGY 311 or NEUR 310 or permission
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BIOL 530 Advances in Neuroethology (3 credits)
Overview
Biology (Sci) : Neural mechanisms underlying behaviour in vertebrate and invertebrate organisms.
Terms: Winter 2011
Instructors: Pollack, Gerald (Winter)
- Winter
- 3 hours seminar
- Prerequisite: BIOL 306 or NSCI 200 or NSCI 201 or PHGY 311 or permission of instructor.
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PHGY 314 Integrative Neuroscience (3 credits)
Overview
Physiology : In depth presentation of experimental results and hypotheses underlying our current understanding of how single neurons and ensembles of neurons encode sensory information, generate movement, and control cognitive functions such as emotion, learning, and memory, during voluntary behaviours.
Terms: Fall 2010
Instructors: Watt, Douglas; Martinez Trujillo, Julio; Vollrath, Melissa (Fall)
- Fall
- 3 hours of lectures per week
- Prerequisites: PHGY 209
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PHGY 425 Analyzing Physiological Systems (3 credits)
Overview
Physiology : An introduction to quantitative analysis of physiological data, both to the mode of thinking and to a set of tools that allows accurate predictions of biological systems. Examples will range from oscillating genetic networks to understanding higher brain function. Modelling and data analysis through examples and exercises will be emphasized.
Terms: Fall 2010
Instructors: Cook, Erik; Glavinovic, Mladen I; Chacron, Maurice (Fall)
- Prerequisite: PHGY 311, PHGY 314, BIOL 200 or permission from instructor.
- Note: Enrolment limited to 20 students.
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PSYC 427 Sensorimotor Behaviour (3 credits)
Overview
Psychology : A systematic examination of the sensorimotor system, drawing on models and data from both behavioural and physiological studies. Topics include: cortical motor areas, cerebellum, basal ganglia, spinal mechanisms, motor unit properties and force production, prioception, muscle properties.
Terms: Winter 2011
Instructors: Ostry, David J (Winter)
- Winter
- 2 lectures
- Prerequisite: PSYC 308 or permission of instructor
Remaining BINF, BIOL, NEUR, PHGY, PSYC
For the remaining BINF, BIOL, NEUR, PHGY, PSYC complementary course credits, if any, students top up their credits to the necessary 21 with any course listed in the above streams in Biology or any other course in Biology with the approval of the program coordinator.
Faculty of Science—2010-2011 (last updated Jan. 19, 2011) (disclaimer)