The topics covered in these courses vary based on the research interests and expertise of the faculty teaching them, providing students with the opportunity to engage with advanced concepts and emerging research that align with the faculty’s specialized knowledge.
Special topics courses are updated prior to the start of each academic year and will be posted when the Academic Calendar for the year is available.
Current Special Topics in Biology
BIOL_O 430W (3-9) Special Topics in Biology, Lecture Format
Animal Microbiomes, Dr. Laura Grieneisen, 2024W T2
Introduction to host-associated microbial communities, focusing on the host and environmental pressures that select for the resident microbial community in different body sites. The material is primarily in animals (mammals, birds, fish, amphibians, arthropods, coral) but includes some human-specific comparisons. Specific topics will include microbial assembly, heritability, transmission, captivity, pathogens, and the gut-brain axis.
Prerequisite: BIOL 228, BIOL 202 Corequisite: none
With permission of the department head, this course may be taken more than once with a different topic. Credit will be granted for only one of BIOL 430, 431, 432, 433, 530, 531, 532, 533 when the subject matter is of the same nature.
BIOL_O 430C (3-9) Special Topics in Biology, Lecture Format
Animal Biomechanics, Dr. Ken Savage, 2024W T2
Prerequisite: BIOL 125 Corequisite: none
With permission of the department head, this course may be taken more than once with a different topic. Credit will be granted for only one of BIOL 430, 431, 432, 433, 530, 531, 532, 533 when the subject matter is of the same nature.
BIOL _O 430N (3-9) Special Topics in Biology, Lecture Format
Communicating Science Through Digital Media, Dr. Robin Young, 2024W T2
Prerequisite: BIOL 200 and one of BIOL 301, BIOL 311 or BIOC 304 Corequisite: none
With permission of the department head, this course may be taken more than once with a different topic. Credit will be granted for only one of BIOL 430, 431, 432, 433, 530, 531, 532, 533 when the subject matter is of the same nature.
For special topic course inquiries please contact: ugbiology.okanagan@ubc.ca
Please refer to the Academic Calendar for information regarding degree and course requirements.