Instructors: 

A. Gonzalez (Coordinator)
& Staff                    

N3/2

(514) 398-6444

andrew.gonzalez@mcgill.ca

S. Bujold (Technician)

W4/3A

(514) 398-6408

sonia.bujold@mcgill.ca

3 credits (1.5-4-3.5)

BIOL 111 or equivalent.

Content: 

• Module 1: 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 2: Experimental design using the effects of plant hormones on seed germination and seedling growth. Statistical tests (t and chi-squared). Scientific reporting.
  
  
• Module 3: Efficient use of library technology: MUSE, PERUSE, BIOSIS etc. Orientation to McGill library system, use of search software. Oral presentation.
  
  
• Module 4:  Animal behaviour experiment and regression analysis.
  
  
• Module 5: Taxonomy and Systematics. Morphological and molecular taxonomy and phylogenetic approaches to biological classification using ants as a model taxon. Introduction to web-based biodiversity inventories.
  
  
• Module 6: Experimental evolution: can evolution rescue declining populations?

Method & Evaluation:

Each module will be graded 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.

There is no textbook. The course manual, available online, summarizes both the theoretical base and the technical instructions needed for each module.