Graduate Calendar Archives: 1998 / 1999

Ottawa-Carleton Institute of Biology

Tory Building 587
Telephone: 520-3888
Fax: 520-4497

The Institute

Director of the Institute, F.R. Pick

Associate Director, N. Chaly

Students pursuing studies in biological sciences at the M.Sc. and Ph.D. levels in the Ottawa area do so in a co-operative program that combines the resources of the Departments of Biology of Carleton University and the University of Ottawa. The two universities have a joint committee supervising the programs, regulations, and student admissions.

Students are admitted for graduate work under the general regulations of the Institute. Additional criteria for admission include academic performance, research experience, and referees’ appraisals. The student must also be accepted by a faculty member who will supervise the research project, and the choice of supervisor will determine the primary campus location of the student. The student’s advisory committee will normally include faculty members from both universities.

Requests for information, and completed applications should be sent to the director of the Institute, or to the supervisor of graduate studies at either institution.

Members of the Institute

• J.B. Armstrong, Developmental Biology
• J.T. Arnason, Biochemical Ecology
• B.F. Benkel, Animal Molecular Biology
• Linda Bonen, Molecular Biology
• Stephen J. Brooks, Animal Biochemistry
• D.L. Brown, Cell Biology
• M.J. Canny, Whole Plant Physiology
• G.R. Carmody, Population Genetics
• P.M. Catling, Plant Biosystematics
• Nathalie Chaly, Cell Biology
• François Chapleau, Fish Evolution
• Christiane Charest, Plant Physiology
• Robert Charlebois, Microbiology
• J.J. Cheetham
• D.J. Currie, Community Ecology, Biogeography
• Hans Damman, Insect Behavioural Ecology
• J.R. Dillon, Molecular Genetics
• Guy Drouin, Molecular Genetics
• Lenore Fahrig, Population Ecology and Ecological Modelling
• J.M. Farber, Food Microbiology
• J.C. Fenwick, Comparative Endocrinology
• C.S. Findlay, Evolution
• Mark Forbes, Evolutionary Ecology
• Kathryn Freemark, Ecology, Behaviour and Systematics
• David R. Gardner, Neuroscience
• A.J. Gaston, Conservation Biology
• W.D. Gould, Biotechnology
• D.A. Hickey, Population Genetics
• J.G. Houseman, Insect Physiology
• Byron Johnson, Cell Biochemistry
• D.A. Johnson, Molecular Biology
• P.A. Keddy, Plant Ecology
• Sean W. Kennedy, Environmental Toxicology
• Iain Lambert, Molecular Biology and Genetic Toxicology
• L.R. Lefkovitch, Mathematical Biology
• M.E. McCully, Plant Ultrastructure and Development
• H.G. Merriam, Woodland Ecosystems
• Pierre Mineau, Ecology, Behaviour and Systematics
• R.E.J. Mitchel, Radiobiology
• T.W. Moon, Comparative Physiology
• Antoine Morin, Freshwater Ecology
• Catherine Morris, Physiology of Excitable Cells
• Micheline Paulin-Levasseur, Cell Biology
• S.B. Peck, Arthropod and Beetle Evolution Systematics
• S.F. Perry, Comparative Respiratory Physiology
• Bernard Philogène, Ecophysiology of Insects
• Frances Pick, Microbial Physiology and Ecology
• Jaroslav Picman, Behavioural Ecology
• V.L. Seligy, Molecular Genetics
• John Sinclair, Biophysics of Cells
• Myron Smith, Fungal Molecular Genetics
• K.B. Storey, Biochemical Adaptations
• Vance Trudeau, Comparative Endocrinology
• J.P. Vierula, Molecular Biology
• P.J. Weatherhead, Behavioural Ecology
• Jean-Michel Weber, Metabolic Physiology
• D.M. Wood, Insect Systematics
• R.C. Wyndham, Microbial Genetics and Ecology
• Hiroshi Yamazaki, Bacterial Metabolism, Biotechnology

Ottawa-Carleton Specialization in Neuroscience

The Departments of Biology and Psychology at Carleton University, and the Departments of Anatomy, Physiology, and Psychology at the University of Ottawa provide a graduate specialization in neuroscience at the M.Sc. and Ph.D. level. For further details see p. 265.

Ottawa-Carleton Collaborative Program in Chemical and Environmental Toxicology

The Departments of Biology and Chemistry at Carleton University and at the University of Ottawa, and the Department of Psychology at Carleton University provide a collaborative program in chemical and environmental toxicology at the M.Sc. level. For further details see p. 115.

Each campus is well equipped for a wide range of biological research; some major equipment and facilities include confocal laser scanning microscope, digital light microscope, transmission and scanning electron microscopes, spectrophotometer, high performance liquid and gas chromatographs, amino acid analyzer, preparative and analytical ultracentrifuges, electrophysiology equipment, animal and plant growth facilities, controlled environment cabinets, and on-line computer access. Students also benefit from the resources of nearby government laboratories and libraries, for example, Agriculture Canada, Environment Canada, Health and Welfare Canada, and the National Research Council.

Master of Science

Admission Requirements

An Honours B.Sc. or equivalent degree at a standard acceptable to the two universities is required for admission to the M.Sc. program. Applicants with acceptable standing in a non-honours degree may be admitted to a qualifying-year program which will be determined in each case by the admissions committee.

Applicants must demonstrate a fluent knowledge of English (Carleton), or either English or French (Ottawa).

Program Requirements

The M.Sc. degree will be conferred upon a candidate who has fulfilled the following requirements:

• Completion of the advanced courses specified by the admissions committee and the student’s advisory committee; these will range from one to three full (two-term) courses, depending on the background and research program of the student. At least one course at the graduate level must be included, and not more than one course at the Fourth-year honours level (completed while registered as a graduate student) may form part of the candidate’s course requirements. The passing grade for all required courses is 70% or the equivalent, and the student is not allowed a supplemental examination. Directed studies or reading courses may not make up more than half of the required number of courses. The admissions committee or the student’s advisory committee may also direct the student to take or to audit additional courses. Knowledge of a second language may be specified as a requirement.
• Completion of at least two terms as a full-time student resident at one of the two universities is normally required. Programs for part-time students may be arranged.
• Presentation of one public seminar on the candidate’s thesis research
• Completion of a thesis incorporating the results or original research carried out under the direct supervision of an approved faculty member
• Successful oral defence of the thesis before an examination board of at least three faculty members, normally drawn from both universities

Guidelines for Completion of Master’s Degree

The maximum time limits for the completion of the requirements of the master’s program are listed in this Calendar in the General Regulations, Section 13 (see p. 66.) Full-time candidates in the master’s program are expected to complete their degree requirements within six terms of registered full-time study. Part-time candidates in the master’s program, and candidates who elect to complete their program by a combination of full-time and part-time study, are expected to complete their degree requirements within four calendar years or twelve terms from the initial registration in the master’s program.

Doctor of Philosophy

Admission Requirements

An M.Sc. from a recognized university is usually required for entry to the Ph.D. program; however, an applicant with a first class B.Sc. and excellent references may be admitted directly to the Ph.D. program. A student already registered for the M.Sc. may be permitted to transfer to the Ph.D. program following a recommendation by the departmental graduate committee and successful completion of the comprehensive examination required of Ph.D. candidates.

All applicants must demonstrate a fluent knowledge of English (Carleton), or either English or French (Ottawa).

Program Requirements

The Ph.D. degree will be conferred upon a candidate who has fulfilled the following requirements:

• Completion of the courses at the graduate level specified by the admissions and advisory committees; these will range from one to four full courses (two to six courses if admitted without an M.Sc.), depending on the background and research program of the student. Only graduate courses may form part of the candidate’s course requirements. The passing grade for all required courses is 70%, and the student is not allowed a supplemental examination. Directed studies or reading courses may not make up more than half of the required number of courses. The admissions committee or the student’s advisory committee may also direct the student to take or to audit additional courses. Knowledge of a second language may be specified as a requirement.
• Completion of an oral comprehensive examination within approximately twelve months of entry into the program; this examination will cover the candidate’s area of research, and general biology. The format of the examination will be established by the departmental graduate committee and approved by the admissions committee. The examination committee will generally be composed of faculty members of both universities.
• Presentation of at least one public seminar on the candidate’s thesis research
• A thesis incorporating the results of original research carried out under the direct supervision of an approved faculty member
• Completion of at least four terms as a full-time student resident at one of the two universities (or six terms if admitted without an M.Sc.) is normally required. Under exceptional conditions programs may be arranged for part-time students.
• Successful oral defence of the thesis before an examination board of at least five faculty members, with representation from both universities, and including an external examiner from outside the two universities who is an authority on the thesis research area

Guidelines for Completion of the Doctoral Degree

The maximum time limits for the completion of the program requirements of the doctoral program are listed in the General Regulations, Section 13. Full-time candidates in the doctoral program are expected to complete their oral comprehensive examination within approximately twelve months of entry into the program. Part-time candidates in the doctoral program are expected to complete their oral comprehensive examination within approximately eighteen months of entry into the program. Full-time candidates are expected to complete their degree requirements within four calendar years or twelve terms of registered full-time study. Doctoral candidates who have transferred from the master’s to the doctoral program without completing the master’s program are expected to complete their degree requirements within four calendar years or twelve terms of registered full-time study from initial registration in the master’s program. Part-time candidates in the doctoral program, and candidates who elect to complete their program by a combination of full- and part-time study, are expected to complete their degree requirements within six calendar years or eighteen terms after the date of initial registration.

Graduate Courses

Not all of the following courses are offered in a given year. For an up-to-date statement of course offerings for 1998-99, please consult the Registration Instructions and Class Schedule booklet published in the summer.

F,W,S indicates term of offering. Courses offered in the fall and winter are followed by T. The number following the letter indicates the credit weight of the course: 1 denotes 0.5 credit, 2 denotes 1.0 credit, etc.

Biology 61.501F1 (BIO5101)
Topics in Biotechnology

A course concerned with the utilization of biological substances and activities of cells, genes, and enzymes in manufacturing, agricultural, and service industries. A different topic will be selected each year.
Prerequisite: A course in cell physiology or biochemistry, or permission of instructor.

Biology 61.503F1 (BIO5103)
Comparative Biochemistry

Advanced topics emphasizing biochemical structures, functions, and methodologies in the context of animal (invertebrates and vertebrates) adaptations to environmental stress. The course will be offered in alternate years.
Prerequisite: An undergraduate biochemistry course.

Biology 61.509F1, W1 (BIO8124)
Ontario Vegetation: Patterns, Processes and Protection

Patterns of vegetation and plant species distributions in Ontario will be investigated with respect to their origin and maintaining processes. Current methods of protection of significant and representative vegetation using zonal concepts will be considered.

Biology 61.510W1 (BIO5301)
Plant Development

An advanced course dealing with selected topics in the experimental study of plant development.

Biology 61.515F1 (BIO5302)
Methods in Molecular Genetics

The purpose of this course is to review the fundamental theory and techniques in genetic manipulation of prokaryotes and eukaryotes and to examine some of the innovative new strategies being applied to a variety of problems in molecular biology.
Precludes additional credit for Biology 61.416« or 61.517.
Prerequisite: Graduate standing and permission of the Department.

Biology 61.516W1 (BIO5308)
Laboratory Techniques in Molecular Genetics

This laboratory course, which is complementary to Biology 61.517, is designed to give students practical experience in many of the important techniques in molecular genetics.
Precludes additional credit for Biology 61.419« or 61.517.
Prerequisite: Graduate standing and permission of the Department.

Biology 61.521F1 (BIO8301)
Evolutionary Genetics

A lecture/seminar course on the genetic mechanisms and forces responsible for variation and evolutionary change in natural populations. The course considers both ecological and molecular questions from an evolutionary perspective. Topics include protein and genome evolution, molecular phylogenies, DNA sequences in population biology, and the evolution of multigene families.
Precludes additional credit for Biology 61.519 (BIO8219) (if taken before 1997-98).
Prerequisites: Graduate standing plus basic courses in genetics and evolution, and permission of the Department.
(Offered in alternate years; one three-hour lecture per week).

Biology 61.522W1 (BIO8302)
Topics in Evolutionary Genetics

A lecture/seminar course on further issues of the genetic mechanisms and forces responsible for genetic variation and evolutionary change. Topics include the evolutionary significance of regulatory, structural and developmental gene variation, concepts of individual, deme and group selection, relationships of micro-evolution to macro-evolutionary trends, the evolution of sex, selfish DNA.
Precludes additional credit for Biology 61.519 (BIO8219) (if taken before 1997-98).
Prerequisite: Biology 61.521F1 (BIO8301).
(Offered in alternate years; one three-hour lecture per week).

Biology 61.523F1 (BIO8303)
Techniques of Light Microscopy

An advanced laboratory and lecture course on the principles and techniques of light microscopy.
Precludes additional credit for Biology 61.520 (BIO8238) (if taken before 1997-98).
Prerequisite: Open to Fourth-year and graduate students with consent of the instructor.

Biology 61.524W1 (BIO8304)
Techniques of Electron Microscopy

An advanced laboratory and lecture course on the principles and techniques of electron microscopy.
Precludes additional credit for Biology 61.520 (BIO8238) (if taken before 1997-98).
Prerequisite: Open to Fourth-year and graduate students with consent of the instructor.

Biology 61.525T2 (BIO5204)
Plant Physiology and Metabolism

An advanced course dealing with selected topics in plant physiology and plant metabolism.
Prerequisite: Graduate standing or permission of the Department.

Biology 61.534T2 (PSY6201)
Basics of Neuroscience

A comprehensive neuroscience course from the membrane and the cellular levels through to the behavioural aspects of invertebrates and vertebrates. Lectures and tutorials cover such aspects of neuroscience as neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, behavioural neuroscience and neuropharmacology.
(Also listed as Psychology 49.520)

Biology 61.536F1, W1 (BIO9201)
Photobiology

A course dealing with the interaction between light and living organisms, including an introduction to photochemistry, and a detailed study of photosynthesis, vision, photosensitivity, and photoperiodism.
Prerequisite: An advanced course in animal or plant physiology or biochemistry, or permission of the Department.

Biology 61.537F1 (BIO8122)
Advanced Insect Physiology

Physiological characteristics of insects.

Biology 61.542T2 (BIO8162)
Developmental Endocrinology/Topics in Comparative Endocrinology

A lecture and reading course concerned with classical as well as current topics in the field of comparative endocrinology. Special emphasis is placed on the vertebrates. Offered in alternate years.
Prerequisite: An undergraduate course in endocrinology.

Biology 61.545T2 (BIO9202)
Project in Applied Ecology

A course in the form of a special research project in which the student identifies an environmental problem and the corporate or governmental body that has the power to rectify the problem. (Enrolment is limited).

Biology 61.546F1 (BIO9303)
Advanced Plant Ecology

Plant population biology, and its usefulness in explaining attributes of plant communities is discussed. During the labs, projects will be carried out to clarify topics such as vegetation classification and competition.

Biology 61.547W1 (BIO5305)
Quantitative Ecology

A course on analysis of the distribution and abundance of organisms, and of related environmental phenomena.
Prerequisites: Graduate standing, courses in elementary ecology, elementary statistics and biostatistics, and permission of the Department.

Biology 61.549F1,W1 (BIO5306)
Mathematical Modelling for Biologists

This course is designed to develop mathematical tools for the modelling of biological processes. The student is taught the necessary mathematics and a computer language, and guidance is given in the choice of simulation of a biological process.

Biology 61.550T2 (BIO5207)
Selected Topics

Courses in selected aspects of specialized biological subjects not covered by other graduate courses; course details will be available at registration.

Biology 61.551F1 (BIO8104)
Selected Topics in Biology I

Courses in selected aspects of specialized biological subjects not covered by other graduate courses; course details will be available at registration.

Biology 61.552W1, S1 (BIO8102)
Selected Topics in Biology II

Courses in selected aspects of specialized biological subjects not covered by other graduate courses; course details will be available at registration.

Biology 61.553T1 (BIO5901)
Recent Advances in Biology

A course intended for all first-year graduate students to bring them up to date in the various major areas of biology. The course consists of selected readings, lectures, and invited speakers. The course is graded Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory.

Biology 61.556F1,W1(BIO5213)
Advanced Insect/Animal Systematics

A lecture and seminar course concerning methods, roles and advances in systematics of insects and other animals. One research project required.
Prerequisite: A 400-level course in identification or classification of insects or other animals.

Biology 61.558F1 (BIO8306)
Advanced Topics in Ecology I

Lectures, seminars and discussions on current literature on experimental approaches, concepts, and findings in population and community ecology, ecosystem and landscape ecology, and biostatistics. The content complements 61.559(BIO8307).
Precludes additional credit for Biology 61.548 (BIO9200) (if taken before 1997-98).

Biology 61.559W1 (BIO8307)
Advanced Topics in Ecology II

Lectures, seminars and discussions on current literature on experimental approaches, concepts and findings in population and community ecology, ecosystem and landscape ecology and biostatistics. The content complements 61.558(BIO8306).
Precludes additional credit for Biology 61.548 (BIO9200) (if taken before 1997-98).

Biology 61.560T2 (BIO5160)
Advanced Topics in Insect Evolution

An exploration of major concepts and questions in insect evolution in the areas of systematics, morphology, the fossil record, biology, and behaviour.

Biology 61.565F1, W1, S1 (BIO5102)
Field Course

Credit for this 0.5 credit course is based on a total of three weeks of field-course modules, involving one or two weeks of intensive and continuous field work with attendant assignments. For details, see coordinator.

Biology 61.581F1 (BIO5105)
Animal Behaviour

A 0.5 credit course in animal behaviour from an ecological and evolutionary point of view, with additional independent assignments.
Prerequisites: Biology 61.335« and 61.361« or equivalents and registration in a graduate program, or written permission of the Department.

Biology 61.582F1 or W1 (BIO8365)
Advanced Behavioural Ecology I

Recent ideas and research on advanced topics dealing with the evolution of foraging, temporal, spatial, and reproductive strategies are discussed and critically examined.
Offered in alternate years.

Biology 61.599F, W, S
M.Sc. Thesis

Biology 61.601F1 (BIO8109)
Advanced Molecular Biology I

Recent advances in molecular biology. Topics for discussion may include the following: DNA structure and function, the organization of the genome; DNA, RNA and protein synthesis; the regulation of gene expression in eucaryotes and procaryotes. Topics reflect the interests of the teaching staff. Biology 61.602(BIO8116) and this course are normally not offered together in the same year but only in alternate years. Not all topics will be covered each year.

Biology 61.602W1 (BIO8116)
Advanced Molecular Biology II

Recent advances in molecular biology. Topics for discussion may include the following: metagenesis and DNA repair mechanism; molecular aspects of gene transfer recombination and gene arrangement; gene transfer mechanisms, the molecular biology of yeasts and fungi, especially with regard to industrial applications; the modern techniques of genetic engineering as applied to industrial and medical problems. Topics reflect the interests of the teaching staff. Biology 61.601(BIO8109) and this course are normally not offered together in the same year but only in alternate years. Not all topics will be covered each year.

Biology 61.621F1 (BIO8117)
Advanced Cell Biology I

Recent advances in cell biology. Topics for discussion may include the following: the composition, biosynthesis and three-dimensional organization of the cytoskeleton, factors regulating its deployment and the role of cytoskeletal elements in mitosis, cell-substrate attachment, cell motility, transport of organelles and axoplasmic transport, cell surface and extracelluar matrix. Topics reflect the interests of the teaching staff. Biology 61.622(BIO8118) and this course normally will not be offered together in the same year but only in alternate years. Not all topics will be covered each year.

Biology 61.622W1 (BIO8118)
Advanced Cell Biology II

Topics for discussion may include the following: the structure, composition and three-dimensional organization of the nucleus, mechanisms and regulation of genome replication, structure organization of transcription. Role of the nucleus in virus replication and hormone response, structural and functional reorganization of nuclear components during gamete development, fertilization and the mitotic cell cycle. Topics reflect the interests of the teaching staff. Biology 61.621(BIO8117) and this course are normally not offered together in the same year but only in alternate years. Not all topics will be covered each year.

Biology 61.623F1(ANA7400)
Neuroscience Techniques I

Completion of a research project carried out under the supervision of a neuroscience faculty member. Students may carry out their project in any department participating in the neuroscience specialization provided they have approval from the administrative head of their particular program.For example, students in the neuroscience specialization must obtain approval from the neuroscience committee. Students in the biopsychology concentration must obtain approval from the Department of Psychology. Credit is granted for learning new research techniques.
(Also listed as Psychology 49.624)

Biology 61.624W1(ANA7400)
Neuroscience Techniques II

Completion of a research project carried out under the supervision of a neuroscience faculty member. Students may carry out their project in any department participating in the neuroscience specialization provided they have approval from the administrative head of their particular program. For example, students in the neuroscience specialization must obtain approval from the neuroscience committee. Students in the biopsychology concentration must obtain approval from the Department of Psychology. Credit is granted for learning new research techniques.
(Also listed as Psychology 49.625)

Biology 61.625F1 or W1 (BIO8319)
Advanced Plant Physiology

A lecture and seminar course dealing with selected topics in advanced plant physiology, available only to graduate students.
Prerequisite: Biology 61.429« or equivalent, or permission of the Department.

Biology 61.627F1 (BIO8164)
Ion Channels

A lecture and seminar course on the physiological and biophysical characteristics of ion channels. Topics are selected from such areas as: determinants of channel selectivity, conformation changes, chemically-induced and voltage-induced gating, models of excitability, methods of studying channels (single channel studies, gating currents, pharmacological tools), and cellular distribution, modulation and development of channels. Offered in alternate years.

Biology 61.630F1 or W1 (BIO8320)
Advanced Plant Biochemistry

A lecture and seminar course, available only to graduate students, dealing with selected topics in advanced plant biochemistry.
Prerequisites: Biology 61.425« and Biology 61.426«/427«, or permission of the Department.

Biology 61.633T2
Advanced Seminar in Neuroscience

A comprehensive proseminar covering specialized topics in neuroscience and biopsychology. The presentations focus on the active research areas and interests of faculty members and will provide an in-depth coverage of research strategies, methods and results. Graduate student presentations of current research projects are an integral part of the course. (Also listed as Psychology 49.620).
Prerequisite: Psychology 49.520.

Biology 61.634F1 (BIO8361)
Advanced Topics in Animal Physiology

In-depth study of areas in animal physiology of current research interest.

Biology 61.641F1 (BIO8935)
Recent Advances in Plant Biology

Special topics of current interest.

Biology 61.642F1 (BIO9101)
Principles of Toxicology

The basic theorems of toxicology with examples of current research problems. The concepts of exposure, hazard and risk assessment will be defined and illustrated with experimental material from some of the more dynamic areas of modern research.
(Also listed as Chemistry 65.578 and Psychology 49.525)

Biology 61.643F1 (BIO9104)
Ecotoxicology

Selected topics and advances in ecotoxicology with emphasis on the biological effects of contaminants. The potential for biotic perturbance resulting from chronic and acute exposure of ecosystems to selected toxicants will be covered, along with methods of pesticide, herbicide and pollutant residue analysis and the concept of bound residues.
Prerequisite: Biology 61.642 (BIO9101).

Biology 61.644F1 (BIO8436)
Plant: Animal Interactions

Secondary metabolites of plants and their role as attractants or antifeedants to animals and as allelopathic or antifungal agents. Emphasis is placed on co-evolution of plants and phytophagous organisms such as insects and mammals, and the ecological and physiological dimensions of this relationship. Offered in alternate years.

Biology 61.645W1 (BIO9105)
Seminar in Toxicology

A course in seminar format, highlighting current topics in toxicology. The course will feature student, faculty and invited seminar speakers.
(Also listed as Chemistry 65.585 and Psychology 49.526)

Biology 61.655W1 (BIO8108)
Advanced Topics in Development

Recent advances in developmental biology. Topics may include embryonic induction, regulation of morphogenesis and differentiation, mechanisms of regional specification and pattern formation, and developmental genetics. Offered in alternate years.

Biology 61.680F1 or W1 (BIO8103)
Advanced Behavioural Ecology II

A seminar and laboratory course dealing with current topics in the study of animal behaviour.
Prerequisites: Biology 61.581 or equivalent, or permission of the Department.

Biology 61.699F, W, S
Ph.D. Thesis