- Description
-
The Biological Sciences major includes two streams of study—molecular/cellular biology and ecology/environmental biology. Our dedicated faculty members, program of study and facilities provide opportunities for students to study life from its smallest to its grandest forms, both inside and outside the classroom. Newly constructed facilities include a microscopy suite, a tissue culture facility, a histology centre and a small aquatics room with freshwater and marine tanks. During spring and summer terms, the five undergraduate teaching laboratories are used by faculty and students for research activities. Experiential learning opportunities include a 300-level Tropical Rainforest Ecology course, which includes an 18-day field trip to Ecuador where students can experience a variety of ecosystems including the Amazonian lowland rainforest, the Andean cloud forest and the Galapagos Islands.
- Number of employees
- 0 - 1 employees
- Categories
- Industries
- Education
Recent projects
Franklin’s ground squirrel research
Franklin’s ground squirrel is a mammal species in Alberta that is likely in decline. The student will complete data analysis on audio recordings from Autonomous Recorder Units in central Alberta to determine if this species can be detected in new regions in the province. The student will also assist with preparations for the upcoming 2024 field season focusing on detecting this species throughout the province.
Genetic Diversity in Franklin’s Ground Squirrels
The project aims to characterize mitochondrial genetic diversity in historical and contemporary individuals of Franklin’s ground squirrels. Currently this species is listed as “data deficient” in the province of Alberta, meaning that there is not enough information to determine if it is declining and in need of protections. Genetic information, coupled with other information from field surveys and community observations, can help to fill this information gap and help guide management decisions.
Franklin's Ground Squirrel DNA project Phase 2
The goal of this project is to develop genetic resources for Franklin’s ground squirrels. Franklin’s ground squirrels are a native species in Alberta. While not currently listed under the Species At Risk Act (SARA) observational evidence from naturalists indicates that this species has experienced recent declines in abundance. Working collaboration with Dr. Jessica Haines who will be leading field work to assess the current distribution of the species in the province, we will be developing a new set of genetic markers that can help estimate current genetic diversity as well as past population sizes.
BIOL 421 course development
We would like to re-design our BIOL 421 course (Techniques in Molecular and Cellular Biology) to improve our students' learning experience by incorporating the use of a positive control into student projects. The ability to observe positive results, even in more challenging projects, will significantly benefit students in the course, but the implementation will require the optimization of time and resources.
Latest feedback
Project feedback
Project feedback
Project feedback