Objectives
Concordia University's Department of Biology offers an excellent introduction to the full range of biological sciences while also allowing students to specialize in areas of particular interest to them. Our core curriculum introduces students to modern studies in molecular, cell, organismal, population and environmental biology. More advanced courses allow students to specialize in either Cell and Molecular Biology or Ecology, or to retain a broad perspective by remaining in our general Biology program. These options provide our students with a maximum level of flexibility, enabling them to tailor their programs to suit their interests and career aspirations. Ecology, in its broadest sense, is the study or organisms and their interaction with the biotic and abiotic environment. The study of these interactions can be at the organismal (individual plants/animals), population, community, or whole ecosystem levels. We offer theoretical and laboratory courses focusing on all levels of ecological study. Concordia’s Organismal and Ecology faculty have particular interests in the use of modern molecular techniques to address evolutionary and ecological questions. We study physiological regulation of individual growth and behaviour, behavioural and chemical ecology of individuals and the effects that these individual interactions have at the population level. We also study community and conservation ecology in plants, fungi, and animals. We use an interdisciplinary approach, stressing the importance of all levels of ecological study.
Course description
Honours in Ecology — 72 credits
* 39 credits in Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry, Genetics, Cell Biology, Biostatistics, Molecular Biology, Biology of Organisms, Physiology and Independent Study in Biology
* 12 elective credits in Biology
* 21 elective credits chosen from: Evolution, Ecology of Individuals, Basic Population Ecology, Communities and Ecosystems, Behavioural Ecology, Plant Field Ecology, Applied Ecology and Conservation Biology, Microbial Ecology, and Plant, Cell or Animal Physiology
* 18 elective credits in any department except Biology
Specialization in Ecology — 60 credits
The Specialization is generally similar to Honours, but no special performance level is required and it does not require Independent Study.
* 30 credits in courses as listed in Honours
* 9 elective credits in Biology
* 21 elective credits in courses listed in Honours
* 30 elective credits of which 18 credits must be in any department except Biology (These could take form as a Minor.)
