Department of Biology
207 Nesbitt Building
613-520-2600 ext. 8814
http://carleton.ca/biology
This section presents the requirements for programs in:
- M.Sc. Biology
- M.Sc. Biology with Collaborative Specialization in Biochemistry
- M.Sc. Biology with Specialization in Bioinformatics
- M.Sc. Biology with Specialization in Chemical and Environmental Toxicology
- M.Sc. Biology with Specialization in Data Science
- Ph.D. Biology
- Ph.D. Biology with Collaborative Specialization in Biochemistry
- Ph.D. Biology with Specialization in Chemical and Environmental Toxicology
Program Requirements
M.Sc. Biology (5.0 credits)
Requirements: | ||
1. 1.0 credit in approved coursework | 1.0 | |
2. 4.0 credits in: | ||
BIOL 5909 [4.0] | M.Sc. Thesis (including successful oral defence) | 4.0 |
Total Credits | 5.0 |
M.Sc. Biology
with Collaborative Specialization in Biochemistry (5.0 credits)
Requirements: | ||
1. 1.0 credits in: | 1.0 | |
BIOL 5002 [0.5] | Seminar in Biochemistry I | |
BIOL 5004 [0.5] | Advances in Applied Biochemistry | |
4. 4.0 credits in: | 4.0 | |
BIOL 5909 [4.0] | M.Sc. Thesis (in the specialization) | |
Total Credits | 5.0 |
M.Sc. Biology
with Specialization in Bioinformatics (5.0 credits)
Requirements: | ||
1. 1.0 credit in: | 1.0 | |
BIOL 5515 [0.5] | Bioinformatics | |
BIOL 5517 [0.5] | Bioinformatics Seminar | |
2. 4.0 credits in: | 4.0 | |
BIOL 5909 [4.0] | M.Sc. Thesis | |
Total Credits | 5.0 |
Bioinformatics-Related Courses
Biology
BIOL 5105 (BIO 5302) | Methods in Molecular Genetics | |
BIOL 5201 (BIO 8301) | Evolutionary Bioinformatics | |
BIOL 5409 (BIO 5306) | Modelling for Biologists | |
BIOL 5501 (BIO 8100) | Directed Studies in Biology | |
BIOL 5502 (BIO 8102) | Selected Topics in Biology | |
BIOL 5516 (BNF 5107) | Applied Bioinformatics |
Biomedical Engineering
BIOM 5400 (BMG 5317) | Medical Computing | |
BIOM 5405 (BMG 5305) | Pattern Classification and Experiment Design |
Computer Science
COMP 5306 (CSI 5100) | Data Integration | |
COMP 5307 (CSI 5101) | Knowledge Representation | |
COMP 5704 (CSI 5131) | Parallel Algorithms and Applications in Data Science | |
COMP 5703 (CSI 5163) | Algorithm Analysis and Design | |
COMP 5108 (CSI 5126) | Algorithms in Bioinformatics |
Mathematics and Statistics
STAT 5708 (MAT 5170) | Probability Theory I | |
STAT 5709 (MAT 5171) | Probability Theory II | |
STAT 5703 (MAT 5181) | Data Mining | |
STAT 5702 (MAT 5182) | Modern Applied and Computational Statistics | |
STAT 5600 (MAT 5190) | Mathematical Statistics I | |
STAT 5501 (MAT 5191) | Mathematical Statistics II | |
MATH 6507 (MAT 5319) | Topics in Probability |
Systems and Computer Engineering
SYSC 5104 (ELG 6114) | Methodologies For Discrete-Event Modeling And Simulation | |
SYSC 5703 (ELG 6173) | Integrated Database Systems |
M.Sc. Biology
with Specialization in Chemical and Environmental Toxicology (5.0 credits)
Requirements: | ||
1. 1.5 credits in: | 1.5 | |
Seminar in Toxicology | ||
Principles of Toxicology | ||
Ecotoxicology | ||
and 0.5 credit in additional approved coursework | ||
2. 3.5 credits in: | 3.5 | |
BIOL 5909 [4.0] | M.Sc. Thesis (including successful oral defence) | |
Total Credits | 5.0 |
M.Sc. Biology
with Specialization in Data Science (5.0 credits)
Requirements: | ||
1. 0.5 credit in approved coursework | 0.5 | |
2. 0.5 credit in: | 0.5 | |
DATA 5000 [0.5] | Data Science Seminar | |
3. 4.0 credits in: | 4.0 | |
BIOL 5909 [4.0] | M.Sc. Thesis | |
Total Credits | 5.0 |
Note:
- Completion of the graduate courses specified by the student's advisory committee and the director or associate director of the OCIB is required. These are normally two one-term courses, but additional courses may be required, depending on the background and research program of the student.
- The passing grade for all required courses is 70% or the equivalent, and the student is not allowed a supplemental examination.
- 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 is required.
- Completion of a thesis incorporating the results of original research carried out under the direct supervision of an approved faculty member is required.
- Successful oral defence of the thesis before an examination board of at least four faculty members, normally drawn from both universities, is required.
Ph.D. Biology (10.0 credits)
Requirements: | ||
1. 1.0 credit in approved coursework | 1.0 | |
2. 9.0 credits in: | 9.0 | |
BIOL 6909 [9.0] | Ph.D. Thesis | |
Total Credits | 10.0 |
Ph.D. Biology
with Collaborative Specialization in Biochemistry (10.0 credits)
Requirements: | ||
1. 1.0 credit in: | 1.0 | |
BIOL 6102 [0.5] | Seminar in Biochemistry II | |
BIOL 5004 [0.5] | Advances in Applied Biochemistry | |
3. 9.0 credits in: | 9.0 | |
BIOL 6909 [9.0] | Ph.D. Thesis (in the specialization) | |
Total Credits | 10.0 |
Ph.D. Biology
with Specialization in Chemical and Environmental Toxicology (10.0 credits)
Requirements: | ||
1. 1.5 credits in: | 1.5 | |
Seminar in Toxicology | ||
Principles of Toxicology | ||
or BIOL 6403 [0.5] | Ecotoxicology | |
or CHEM 5705 [0.5] | Ecotoxicology | |
and 0.5 credit in additional coursework | ||
2. 8.5 credits in: | 8.5 | |
BIOL 6909 [9.0] | Ph.D. Thesis | |
Total Credits | 10.0 |
Note:
- Completion of the graduate courses specified by the student's advisory committee and the director or associate director of the OCIB is required. These will normally be two one-term courses (four one-term courses if transferred to the Ph.D. program without completing the M.Sc.).
- 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.
- 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.
- Scheduling of an oral Qualifying Examination within approximately 12 months of entry into the program and completion normally within 18 months is required; this examination will cover the candidate's area of research, and related topics. The format of the examination will be established by the departmental graduate committee. The examination committee generally will be composed of faculty members of both universities.
- Presentation of at least one public seminar on the candidate's thesis research is required.
- A thesis incorporating the results of original research carried out under the direct supervision of an approved faculty member is required.
- Completion of at least four terms as a full-time student resident at one of the two universities (or six terms if transferred from an M.Sc.) is required. Under exceptional conditions programs may be arranged for part-time students.
- Successful oral defence of the thesis is required before an examination board of at least five faculty members is required, with representation from both universities, and including an external examiner from outside the two universities who is an authority on the thesis research area.
Biology (BIOL) Courses
Topics in Biotechnology
A course concerned with the use 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(s): a course in cell physiology or biochemistry, or permission of the instructor and permission of the director or associate director of OCIB.
Seminar in Biochemistry I
A graduate seminar on current topics in the field of Biochemistry. This course introduces the seminar format and involves student, faculty and invited seminar speakers. The student will present a seminar and submit a report on a current topic in Biochemistry.
Advanced Biochemistry
Advanced topics in biochemistry: the chemical structure and function of biological macromolecules, biochemical thermodynamics, metabolism, photosynthesis, lipids and membranes.
Advances in Applied Biochemistry
A practical hands-on course in the field of Biochemistry. This course is run in a laboratory and will train students in highly specialized technique(s) in Biochemistry. The students will run experiments, gather data, assess and analyze the results and present the findings as a seminar.
Methods in Molecular Genetics
Theory and associated applications of emerging methods in molecular genetics, including information gathered from large-scale genome-wide analysis and protein-protein interaction data, and how this information can advance understanding of cell biology.
Laboratory Techniques in Molecular Genetics
Laboratory course designed to give students practical experience in recent important techniques in molecular genetics.
Prerequisite(s): permission of the director or associate director of OCIB.
Biophysical Techniques
Theory and application of current biochemical/biophysical instrumentation and techniques including X-ray crystallography, nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry, infrared, circular dichroism and fluorescence spectroscopy, and isothermal titration and differential scanning calorimetry.
Advances in Protein Engineering
An advanced lecture, discussion and seminar course covering the theory, development and current techniques of protein and enzyme engineering. Topics to be discussed may also include applications in biotechnology, nanotechnology and new frontiers in basic and applied research.
Evolutionary Bioinformatics
Basic concepts in molecular evolution and hands-on experience with the computer analysis of DNA sequences. Topics may include molecular sequence databases, multiple alignments and phylogenetic trees.
Prerequisite(s): permission of the director or associate director of OCIB.
Topics in Evolutionary Genetics
A lecture/seminar course on the genetic mechanisms and forces responsible for variation and evolutionary change in natural populations.Topics to include protein and genome evolution, molecular phylogenies, DNA sequences in population biology, and the evolution of multigene families.
Advanced Microscopy
Development of the practical skills of microscopy through original research and supporting theory lectures.
Prerequisite(s): permission of the director or associate director of OCIB.
Fundamentals in Neuroscience
A comprehensive neuroscience course from cellular levels to neural systems and behaviour. Topics covered include aspects of neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, neuropharmacology and behavioural and cognitive neuroscience.
Advanced Insect Biology
Overview of the biological processes that allow insects to function in their environments and to overcome the constraints and limitations that the environment places on them.
Advanced Endocrinology
Major topics in comparative endocrinology: understanding the structure, function and evolution of vertebrate endocrine systems, including endocrine disruption.
Prerequisite(s): permission of the director or associate director of OCIB.
Biostatistics I
Application of statistical analyses to biological data. Topics include ANOVA, regression, GLMs, and may include loglinear models, logistic regression, general additive models, mixed models, bootstrap and permutation tests.
Modelling for Biologists
Use and limitations of mathematical and simulation modelling approaches for the study of biological phenomena.
Directed Studies in Biology
One-to-one instruction in selected aspects of specialized biological subjects not covered by other graduate courses. Students may not take this course from their thesis supervisor(s), and are limited to one directed studies course per program.
Prerequisite(s): permission of the director or associate director of OCIB.
Selected Topics in Biology
Lecture and seminar courses in selected aspects of specialized biological subjects not covered by other graduate courses.
Biological Science in Practice
Introduction to cross-cutting skills and issues in common to all biological disciplines. Key perspectives on philosophy of science, practical approaches to scientific publication and peer-review, data analysis and presentation, scientific inference, and technical writing will be provided through discipline-specific examples and associated practical work.
Principles and Methods of Biological Systematics
Biological systematics with reference to morphological and molecular character evolution and phylogeny reconstruction.
Advanced Topics in Ecology
Recent developments in population, community and/or ecosystem ecology.
Advanced Evolutionary Biology
Advances in micro- and macroevolution including the mechanisms both driving and constraining evolutionary change, phylogenetic relationships, patterns of evolutionary change at the molecular or phenotypic level, and evolutionary theory and techniques as applied to these areas.
Advanced Evolutionary Ecology
The ecological causes and consequences of evolutionary change, focussing on how the ecological interactions among organisms and their biotic and abiotic environments shape the evolution of phenotypic and species diversity.
Prerequisite(s): permission of the director or associate director of OCIB.
Advances in Applied Ecology
The application of ecological and evolutionary principles in addressing resource management challenges and environmental problems.
Prerequisite(s): permission of the director or associate director of OCIB.
Advances in Aquatic Sciences
Advanced theoretical and applied aquatic sciences including current topics in limnology and oceanography (e.g. impacts of climate change, invasive species, atmospheric pollution) with implications for lake, river, coastal and wetland management.
Bioinformatics
Major concepts and methods of bioinformatics. Topics may include genetics, statistics and probability theory, alignments, phylogenetics, genomics, data mining, protein structure, cell simulation and computing.
Applied Bioinformatics
Introduction to programming for students in the life sciences. Through lectures, assignments, and independent projects, students will learn about basic concepts and techniques in programming, including variables, control structures, subroutines, and input/output. No previous knowledge of bioinformatics or programming is required.
Prerequisite(s): permission of the director or associate director of Ottawa-Carleton Institute for Biology.
Bioinformatics Seminar
Current topics in bioinformatics. Students must successfully complete a presentation and written report.
Biostatistics II
Application of multivariate methods to biological data, including methods such as discriminant functions analysis, cluster analysis, MANOVA, principle components analysis.
Prerequisite(s): permission of the director or associate director of OCIB.
Advances in Conservation Biology
Interdisciplinary exploration of the science of scarcity and diversity in a human dominated world.
Prerequisite(s): permission of the director or associate director of OCIB.
Evolutionary Genetics
Genetic mechanisms and processes responsible for variation and evolutionary change in natural populations. Topics may include population and quantitative genetics as applied to protein and genome evolution, molecular phylogenies, DNA sequences in population biology, and the evolution of multigene families.
Analysis of Next-generation Sequence Data
Assembly and analysis of next-generation sequence (NGS) data. Through hands-on exercises and independent projects, students will learn to use tools for quality control, assembly, mutation calling, and other NGS applications. No previous knowledge of bioinformatics or programming is required.
Prerequisite(s): permission of the Director or Associate Director of OCIB.
Advanced Field Ecology
Field experience in a new environment (e.g., local, national, international) to learn about ecological processes (note - extra fees associated with course).
Prerequisite(s): permission of the director or associate director of OCIB.
Chemical Toxicology
An introduction to modeling chemical hazards and exposures at the cellular level. The properties of toxic substances are compared to the responses of enzymatic systems. These interactions are defined as Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationships and used to interpret hazardous materials under regulations such as WHMIS.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 6402/CHEM 5708 (BIO 9101/CHM 8156), and permission of the director or associate director of OCIB.
Advanced Neuroethology
A comparative and evolutionary approach to studying neural mechanisms underlying animal behaviour, including genetic, neural and hormonal influences on behaviour.
Prerequisite(s): permission of the director or associate director of OCIB.
Advanced Behavioural Ecology
Recent advances in behavioural ecology including topics such as the evolution of tactics and strategies of group living, foraging, anti-predation, resource use and defence, cooperation, reproduction, and parental care.
M.Sc. Thesis
Advanced Molecular Biology
In-depth coverage of the structure, function, and synthesis of DNA, RNA, and proteins.
Advances in Plant Molecular Biology
Use of molecular genetics in general plant biology and the contribution of plant genomics to our understanding of plant metabolism, plant development, and plant interactions with the environment at the molecular, genome, and cellular levels.
Seminar in Biochemistry II
A graduate seminar on current topics in the field of Biochemistry. This course introduces the seminar format and involves student, faculty and invited seminar speakers. The student will present a seminar and submit a report on a current topic in Biochemistry.
Advanced Cell Biology
Recent advances in cell biology, including such topics as membranes, signalling, the cytoskeleton and control of the cell cycle.
Advanced Cell Biology II
Topics for discussion may include: the structure, composition and three-dimensional organization of the nucleus, mechanisms and regulation of genome replication, structure organization of transcription. Nuclear reorganization during gamete development, fertilization, viral infection and the mitotic cell cycle. Normally offered in alternate years.
Special Topics in Neuroscience
In-depth study of current topics in neuroscience. Course content varies yearly and has recently included cognitive neuroscience, neuropharmacology, neurodegeneration, and behavioural medicine.
Techniques in Neuroscience
Completion of a research project carried out under the supervision of a neuroscience faculty member, normally not the current supervisor. The student will learn a new neuroscience technique and apply it to a research objective. Students must obtain prior approval from the graduate committee.
Advanced Plant Biology
Recent developments in plant biology. Topics may include plant anatomy, systematics, evolution, genetics, ecology, ethnobotany, cell biology, and/or biotechnology.
Advanced Animal Physiology
Recent advances in animal physiology, emphasizing comparative, evolutionary and environmental approaches.
Prerequisite(s): permission of the director or associate director of OCIB.
Advanced Seminar in Neuroscience
A comprehensive pro-seminar series, covering issues ranging from cellular and molecular processes through to neural systems and behaviours as well as psychopathology. Students will also be required to attend the neuroscience colloquia series as part of this course.
Precludes additional credit for PSYC 6200, PSYC 6202, PSYC 6203, BIOL 6303.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 5304 or equivalent.
Adv Seminar in Neuroscience II
A comprehensive pro-seminar series, covering issues ranging from cellular and molecular processes through to neural systems and behaviours as well as psychopathology.
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.
Ecotoxicology
Advances in ecotoxicology. Biological effects of contaminants. Potential for biotic perturbance from chronic and acute exposure of ecosystems to selected toxicants. Pesticide, herbicide and pollutant residue analysis and the concept of bound residues.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 6402/CHEM 5708 (BIO 9101/CHM 8156), permission of the director or associate director of OCIB.
Plant: Animal Interactions
The biology of co-evolutionary relationships between plants and phytophagous animals.
Seminar in Toxicology
A seminar course highlighting current topics in toxicology. The student will present a seminar and submit a report on the seminar topic. Student, faculty and invited seminar speakers.
Also listed as CHEM 5805.
Prerequisite(s): permission of the director or associate director of OCIB.
Genetic Toxicology
Topics in mutagenesis and DNA repair, including spontaneous and induced mutagenesis, genetic toxicology testing, the genetics and biochemistry of replication, DNA repair and recombination, and the role of mutagens in the development of genetic disease and cancer.
Prerequisite(s): permission of the director or associate director of OCIB.
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.
Ph.D. Thesis
Summer session: some of the courses listed in this Calendar are offered during the summer. Hours and scheduling for summer session courses will differ significantly from those reported in the fall/winter Calendar. To determine the scheduling and hours for summer session classes, consult the class schedule at central.carleton.ca
Not all courses listed are offered in a given year. For an up-to-date statement of course offerings for the current session and to determine the term of offering, consult the class schedule at central.carleton.ca
Regulations
See the General Regulations section of this Calendar.
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 the General Regulations, Section 13 of this Calendar.
Full-time candidates in the master's program are expected to complete their degree requirements within six terms of first registration for full-time study.
Part-time candidates in the master's program are expected to complete their degree requirements within four calendar years or twelve terms from the initial registration in the master's program.
Regulations
See the General Regulations section of this Calendar.
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 of this Calendar.
Full-time candidates in the doctoral program are expected to schedule their oral Qualifying Examination within approximately 12 months of entry into the program, and to complete it within 18 months of entry into the program.
Part-time candidates in the doctoral program are expected to schedule their oral Qualifying Examination within approximately 18 months after entry into the program.
Full-time candidates are expected to complete their degree requirements within four (4) calendar years or 12 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 (4) calendar years or 12 terms of registered full-time study from initial registration in the master's program.
Part-time candidates in the doctoral program are expected to complete their degree requirements within six (6) calendar years or 18 terms after the date of initial registration.
Admission
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).
Admission
An M.Sc. from a recognized university is required for entry 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 Qualifying Examination required of Ph.D. candidates.
All applicants must demonstrate a fluent knowledge of English (Carleton), or either English or French (Ottawa).