BIOL 206 (Fall)
Methods in Biology of Organisms

Lecture: T 10:00 - 11:30

Labs: M or W or F 13:30-17:30
Presentations: Week of Oct 6th 13:30-17:30

**NOTE: The first lecture will be on Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2009. Labs will begin the week of Sept. 14, 2009**

[Course webpage now on Web CT]

Instructors:       
L. Lefebvre (& Staff) W6/10 (514) 398-6457 louis.lefebvre@mcgill.ca
S. Bujold (Technician) W4/3A (514) 398-6408 sonia.bujold@mcgill.ca
       
Workload:      
3 credits (1.5-4-3.5)      
       
Prerequisites:      
BIOL 111 or equivalent.      
       
Content:       

This course is designed to provide experience and training in the use of techniques important in organismal biology, and is normally taken in U1. It is organized in a series of 6 modules.  Each module consists of an introductory lecture and one to three 4hour laboratory sessions.

  • Module 1: Efficient use of library technology: MUSE, PERUSE, BIOSIS etc. Orientation to McGill library system, use of search software.  Oral presentation of biological information.

  • Module 2: Biological variability and the problems of sampling. Techniques include sampling designs, descriptive statistics, collection of data in the field, use of Excel spreadsheets and graphs, interpretation of data. Afternoon field trip to Mount Royal to measure tree diameters.

  • Module 3: Experimental design using the effects of plant hormones on seed germination and seedling growth.  Statistical tests (t and chi-squared). Scientific reporting.

  • Module 4:  Taxonomy & Systematics. Morphological and molecular taxonomy and phylogenetic approaches to biological classification using ants as a model taxa.  Introduction to web-based biodiversity inventories.

  • Module 5: Fish Behaviour experiment and regression analysis.

  • Module 6: Microbiology: Culture and staining techniques for bacteria and yeasts, physiological tests, population counts, water testing.
       
Method & Evaluation:      
Each module will receive a grade based on a written report, oral presentation or test appropriate to the module. In some modules there is also assessment of technical skills learned. The final grade for the course will be based on the accumulated grades for 6 modules. Modules are weighted for grading. There will be no final examination.
       
Readings:      
There is no textbook. The course manual, available at the MBSU office, summarizes both the theoretical base and the technical instructions needed for each module.


McGill University values academic integrity. Therefore all students must understand the meaning and consequences of cheating, plagiarism and other academic offences under the Code of Student Conduct and Disciplinary Procedures (see http://www.mcgill.ca/integrity/ for more information).

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