Current Courses
BIOL 3660 Ecology (Fall) (course release until 2025)
This course is an introduction to general ecology, including current theories and practices. Fundamentally, ecology is the study of the distribution of organisms and their interactions with the environment. These interactions occur at the level of individuals, populations, communities and ecosystems. As such, the design of the course topic areas will follow this hierarchical structure. 3 cr, 3 lec. Prerequisites: BIOL 2010U, BIOL 2030U.
BIOL 3620U Conservation Biology (Winter) (not teaching in 2024)
Conservation Biology is a relatively young discipline in biology, which integrates the principles and knowledge of other disciplines such as ecology, genetics and public policy. When combined, this integrated information is used to formulate new knowledge and solutions to issues related to biodiversity. This course will address the important roles of ecology, genetics and public policy in informing conservation biologists, and explore how conservation biology is positioned to address a range of environmental issues around the world, including habitat destruction and species loss. 3 cr, 1.5 lec, 1.5 web. (This course is offered in hybrid format, involving 1.5 lec, 1.5 online lectures and self-learning material.) Prerequisite: BIOL 2020U.
BIOL 4010U Introduction to Environmental Research Methods (Fall)
As a 4th year course, Introduction to Environmental Research Methods aims to build upon the comprehensive scientific knowledge that students have acquired during their undergraduate program. This includes a basic understanding of ecological/environmental concepts and principals, as well statistical theory and applications. Ultimately, this course will show you what scientific research tools are available, and how to apply them to research questions in environmental science. This course will be a mix of content-based lectures, and in-class/online exercises to demonstrate both concepts and analytical tools used in environmental research. 3 cr, 3 lec. Prerequisite: STAT 3010U.
BIOL 4660U Aquatic Ecology: Concepts and Environmental Applications (Winter)
This course covers the fundamental concepts and theories in freshwater ecology, including topics in limnology and aquatic ecosystem science. The structure of biological communities and food webs in rivers and lakes will be described within the context of their physical and chemical environments. Environmental problems such as pollution and global warming will be addressed with a particular focus on Canadian aquatic ecosystems. 3 cr, 3 lec. Prerequisite: BIOL 3660U.
BIOL 4410U/BIOL4420U Biology Thesis Project I/II (Fall & Winter)
Students wishing to pursue their undergraduate thesis project in the Kirkwood Lab should ensure they have taken BIOL 3660U Ecology and at least one of: BIOL 3620 Conservation Biology; BIOL 3032 Advanced Microbiology. It is expected that thesis students will take BIOL 4010 Introduction to Environmental Research Methods and BIOL 4660 Aquatic Ecology in their fourth year.
BIOL 3660 Ecology (Fall) (course release until 2025)
This course is an introduction to general ecology, including current theories and practices. Fundamentally, ecology is the study of the distribution of organisms and their interactions with the environment. These interactions occur at the level of individuals, populations, communities and ecosystems. As such, the design of the course topic areas will follow this hierarchical structure. 3 cr, 3 lec. Prerequisites: BIOL 2010U, BIOL 2030U.
BIOL 3620U Conservation Biology (Winter) (not teaching in 2024)
Conservation Biology is a relatively young discipline in biology, which integrates the principles and knowledge of other disciplines such as ecology, genetics and public policy. When combined, this integrated information is used to formulate new knowledge and solutions to issues related to biodiversity. This course will address the important roles of ecology, genetics and public policy in informing conservation biologists, and explore how conservation biology is positioned to address a range of environmental issues around the world, including habitat destruction and species loss. 3 cr, 1.5 lec, 1.5 web. (This course is offered in hybrid format, involving 1.5 lec, 1.5 online lectures and self-learning material.) Prerequisite: BIOL 2020U.
BIOL 4010U Introduction to Environmental Research Methods (Fall)
As a 4th year course, Introduction to Environmental Research Methods aims to build upon the comprehensive scientific knowledge that students have acquired during their undergraduate program. This includes a basic understanding of ecological/environmental concepts and principals, as well statistical theory and applications. Ultimately, this course will show you what scientific research tools are available, and how to apply them to research questions in environmental science. This course will be a mix of content-based lectures, and in-class/online exercises to demonstrate both concepts and analytical tools used in environmental research. 3 cr, 3 lec. Prerequisite: STAT 3010U.
BIOL 4660U Aquatic Ecology: Concepts and Environmental Applications (Winter)
This course covers the fundamental concepts and theories in freshwater ecology, including topics in limnology and aquatic ecosystem science. The structure of biological communities and food webs in rivers and lakes will be described within the context of their physical and chemical environments. Environmental problems such as pollution and global warming will be addressed with a particular focus on Canadian aquatic ecosystems. 3 cr, 3 lec. Prerequisite: BIOL 3660U.
BIOL 4410U/BIOL4420U Biology Thesis Project I/II (Fall & Winter)
Students wishing to pursue their undergraduate thesis project in the Kirkwood Lab should ensure they have taken BIOL 3660U Ecology and at least one of: BIOL 3620 Conservation Biology; BIOL 3032 Advanced Microbiology. It is expected that thesis students will take BIOL 4010 Introduction to Environmental Research Methods and BIOL 4660 Aquatic Ecology in their fourth year.
Past Courses
BIOL 2090U Research in Biological Science I, BIOL 3090U Research in Biological Science II, & BIOL3091U Research in Biological Science III (Supervisor & Course Coordinator)
These courses serve as an introduction to research in a biology laboratory under the supervision of a faculty member. Once a student secures a faculty supervisor, they will get a hands-on opportunity to develop laboratory skills and gain exposure to a particular biological discipline. The student will be guided by their faculty supervisor in the formulation of research objectives and experimental design. If you are interested in enrolling in any of these research experience courses, please follow the instructions in the Academic Calendar or contact Science Advising ([email protected])
BIOL 1020 Biology II: Diversity of Life and Principles of Ecology (Winter)
This course explores the diversity of protists, fungi, plants and animals. It addresses the evolutionary relationships of these organisms and how each is uniquely adapted to survive and reproduce. The second half of the course introduces the main concepts and principles of ecology and gives a basic understanding of populations and communities and ecosystems. 3 cr, 3 lec. 3 lab. (biweekly) Prerequisites: BIOL 1010U
BIOL 2090U Research in Biological Science I, BIOL 3090U Research in Biological Science II, & BIOL3091U Research in Biological Science III (Supervisor & Course Coordinator)
These courses serve as an introduction to research in a biology laboratory under the supervision of a faculty member. Once a student secures a faculty supervisor, they will get a hands-on opportunity to develop laboratory skills and gain exposure to a particular biological discipline. The student will be guided by their faculty supervisor in the formulation of research objectives and experimental design. If you are interested in enrolling in any of these research experience courses, please follow the instructions in the Academic Calendar or contact Science Advising ([email protected])
BIOL 1020 Biology II: Diversity of Life and Principles of Ecology (Winter)
This course explores the diversity of protists, fungi, plants and animals. It addresses the evolutionary relationships of these organisms and how each is uniquely adapted to survive and reproduce. The second half of the course introduces the main concepts and principles of ecology and gives a basic understanding of populations and communities and ecosystems. 3 cr, 3 lec. 3 lab. (biweekly) Prerequisites: BIOL 1010U
Harassment Policy
Classes and research labs are "harassment free" zones. Students of any gender identity, racialized group, or sexual orientation can feel free and safe to come to Dr. Kirkwood in confidence regarding any type of personal harassment.
You are not alone.
Classes and research labs are "harassment free" zones. Students of any gender identity, racialized group, or sexual orientation can feel free and safe to come to Dr. Kirkwood in confidence regarding any type of personal harassment.
You are not alone.