Biology of Fishes
Fishes are the most diverse group of vertebrates on the planet, encompassing some 30,000+ species. Aimed at 3rd and 4th year students, material delivered in this course will enable participants to learn about the evolution of fishes, basics of fish physiology (including locomotion, reproduction, gas exchange, osmoregulation, buoyancy regulation, sensory systems, and more), principles of fisheries ecology as well as special topics in fisheries conservation.
Watershed Ecology
From soil geology and river flow patterns to macroinvertebrate functional feeding groups and water chemistry, material presented in this 3rd/4th year teaches students about the dynamics of freshwater ecosystems.
Comparative Vertebrate and Environmental Physiology
Fishes, reptiles, amphibians, birds, mammals. This course explores each of these groups in the context of similarities and differences in their physiologies. Units include nervous systems, endocrine and exocrine systems, reproductive systems, metabolism and digestion, osmoregulation, thermoregulation and more.
Science Communication
Whether it’s communicating risk around a global pandemic, educating audiences about the local impacts of climate change, or inspiring the next generation of conservationists to to protect Mother Nature, science communication pervades our daily lives. This course explores why and how science is communicated to a variety of stakeholder groups, but most especially non-experts.
Seminar in Science
Conducting research is a difficult endeavour that involves, among other things, obtaining funding, conducting good science, and presenting that knowledge to a variety of audiences. Students in this 1st-year course will explore these topics and more in a seminar-style setting with ample opportunity for small group discussion and practical skill development.
Seminar in Interdisciplinary Science
The most complex issues facing society today are inherently interdisciplinary in nature, involving a variety of knowledge types, academic disciplines, and stakeholder groups. Students in this introductory course will learn about important principles of interdisciplinary science and develop skills necessary to be successful interdisciplinary thinkers.