Science Course Descriptions
See what your Science Peer Mentors are saying about the Science courses and electives that they've taken so far. Note that these are organized based on Peer Mentor, so yes, there are a couple course repeats. On the plus size, you get to see the different opinions on it! :)
Course name
: Biochem
Course prof
:
Course description: It was an interesting course, but very detail oriented. The course had three professors, each with different expectations for the exam. However, if you study, you will do well.
Course name
: Genetics
Course prof
: Dr. Hill
Course description: Great intro course for genetics. Tutorials every week, but this gives you a chance to obtain bonus marks in the course.
Course name
: Cell Biology
Course Prof: Dr. Damjamnovski (sp?)
Course description: A lot of information in this course. Very detail oriented and requires some out of the box thinking. If you study the details however, you will do well.
Course name
: Ecology
Course prof
: Dr. McNeil
Course description: You have to go to the lecture for this class! If he is still teaching, he does not put notes on the slides – mostly pictures and you need to take notes. Also, the textbooks for this class are a must!
Course name
: Evolution
Course prof
: Dr. Macdougal-Shackelton
Course description: Good intro course for evolution. Detail oriented but very easy to do well – just need to memorize the material.
Course name
: Scientific Methods of Biology
Course prof
: Various
Course description: You can take this course the following year, depending on what the pre-requisites are for your courses. It has a lot of small assignments, which may be time consuming and better to take when you don’t have cell bio, genetics and organic chemistry.
Course name
: Organic Chemistry
Course prof
: Dr. Felix Lee
Course description: Good intro course to genetics. Takes a lot of work and practice. Make sure to keep up with the readings/homework questions he provides.
Course name
: Human Physiology
Course prof
: Various
Course description: Good intro course to phys especially if you are planning on a phys degree. Great preparation for the third year phys course.
Course name
: Statistics for sciences
Course prof
: Dr. Khan
Course description: Introductory course but requires a lot of work. You must keep up with the questions and practice for the exam!
Course name: Organic Chemistry 2213A
Course prof: Lee & Usselman
Course description: There are a LOT of reactions to memorize so you definitely can't leave it till the last minute. Keep up with the course work and do all the homework.
Course name: BioStats/Stats 2244A
Course prof: Rubin & White
Course description: Lots of textbook readings which are all testable so keep on top of it all! The textbook questions are a good way to make sure you know how to do the calculations but they aren't very similar to questions on the midterm or final. Work together with people around you in labs - it'll make it a lot easier.
Course Name: Physiology 2130
Course Prof: Corneil, Ciriello, Woods (Course coordinator), Betts, and more
Course description: There are a lot of professors teaching this course (almost one for each section of the body) which is nice because even if you don't like the teaching style of one, it's okay because there are so many others who's teaching style you may like. One cheap, comprehensive "study guide & lecture notes" book which has everything you need for the course. Take notes in it during class & study from it and you're good. The TAs and professors are also really great about answering any question you may have.
Course Name: Cell Bio 2382B
Professor: Damjanovski, Kelly
Course Description: I found this course very interesting. You learn about topics such as different types of microscopes, how the cell functions on a microscopic level, and signaling pathways which affect how our body functions on a daily basis. This is a very detail oriented course that’s requires constant review and keeping up with new information taught each class. Overall this is great survey course to the Cell Biology courses.
Course Name: Genetics 2581B
Professor: Karagiannis, Percival-Smith
Course Description: Genetics 2581 can be described as a survey course to the upper year Genetics courses. This course further looks into genetic variation and the mechanisms of genetics. From the basic knowledge dealing with genetics taught in first year, students are introduced to the more advanced topics conceptually and in calculations. Overall, this is an interesting survey course into the Genetics module.
Elective wise I enjoyed Classics 2300 (Greek Sports) where we learned about Greek Sports and how it is an integral component of their culture. It’s a nice change from learning about science and you get to learn about a past culture. It’s good to diversify your course load and be able to learn things aside from science topics.
Course name: Biochem
Course prof: Mclachlin
Course description:
- very interesting course, learned a lot about the molecular level of biology - macromolecules (proteins), etc.
- professors (3 of them) are very engaging, keep you interested throughout semester
- not very heavy courseload-wise
Course name: Organic chemistry (1st and 2nd semester)
Course prof: Lee
Course description:
- first semester very mechanistic (learning a lot of reactions), lots of memory work that never had much substance to it
- Lee prepared lessons in a very organized and thorough fashion
- included typical MCAT-style questions at the end of each lecture which is very helpful for students preparing to take the MCAT for the first time following second year
- second semester has less mechanisms, focussed more on theory
Course name: cell biology
Course prof: Kelly, Damjanovski
Course description:
- lots of memory work, looking at a lot of cytoskeletal proteins in extreme detail
- involved understanding lots of signal transduction pathways - this course is for students who thoroughly enjoyed taking first semester biochem
Course name: genetics
Course prof: Karagiannis
Course description:
- lots of problem solving questions (learn concepts and then make applications)
- some math and equations involved in learning
ELECTIVE: Course name: spanish for beginners
Course prof: Vesza Guizina
Course description
- course gets you immersed in the language very early on so that you can learn how to pick up speaking/reading/writing faster
- lots of mini assignments/projects incorporated into syllabus (keeps you consistently on top of your work)
- rewarding to be able to learn basics of a different language within a year (1.0 course)
Course Name= Biology 2581b (genetics)
Professor= DR. J. Karagiannis
Course Notes:
Genetics is your typical science class. Some of the lectures are exceptionally boring whereas others are very very interesting. I found Karagiannis to be a very clear and concise professor and I appreciated his teaching style immensely. This class will also give you a free 5 % to add to your final mark which makes getting that good grade so much easier. If you are a logic type of person, you will love this class!
Course name= Chem 2213+ 2213
Professor= Dr. Lee
Course notes:
Dr. Lee is probably the best professor that I had in second year. He is brilliant, funny and always enthusiastic. This man will take an hour to explain a concept to you after class if you need that! As for the course material, organic chemistry at western is much more tolerable than at other Universities. THe Labs are quite fun and not marked very harshly. In addition, the tests are very fair and all multiple choice! Whatever you need organic for, be it the MCAT, or further bio classes Dr. Lee is your man
Course name=Biochem 2280A
Professor= Dr. Mclaughlin and Dr. Deroo
Course Notes
This course has a bad reputation for being a weeder course. I remember hearing terrifying tales of 30% midterms and the like. However, these are all false rumors! Dr. Mclaughlin is one of the funniest professors you will ever get and he sings a terrific song for you at one point during the year. THe course package that comes from the class is very helpful( I slept through most of Dr. Deroos lectures and still did fine come test time!). Practice makes perfect and I guarantee that you will love biochem
Course name=Bio 2382b (cell bio)
Professor= Dr. Kelly and Dr. Dam
Course notes:
I actually found this to be one of my more interesting classes. The material is just awesome! However, the Dr. kelly likes trick questions on his tests! He will literally write 2 paragraphs for a question that are irrelevant to the answer and then try to confuse you. THere are only a few questions to learn in this class but you need to apply them very well on the exams. Dr. Dam was an awesome prof who was clearly very knowledgable and passionate when it came to the subject. This class is fair and fun
Course name= Microimm 2100a
Professor= Dr. Koval and Co
Course notes: This was by far the hardest class I have taken in university to date. The labs were marked exceptionally hard and I felt at times in an unfair manner. In addition for Kovals section of the course she drew some very technical questions straight from tables in the text book which were never talked about in lecture. THe other two profs were much more reasonable! That being said, of all the classes I have taken in University, this is the one I took the most away from. The labs aim to endow you with some core competencies in micro. I would say take this class only if you are very interested in microbiology and immunology (definitely not an easy class).
Only Non science Course: English 2071 (science fiction_
Professor= Dr. Kelly
Course notes: the books that you read in this class are very interesting and will lead you to question the validity of humanity in an ever changing world. Unfortunately for science students, an 80 % in english is considered very good and an 85 % is quite hard to come by. I would reccomend this class if you have a passion for sci-fi, or for english, but not if you are looking for easy marks. The final is very very challenging and their is an insane amount of reading required.
Course Name: Biochem 2280
Course Prof: Deroo, McLachlin, Brandl
Course Description: Covers protein synthesis and various biochemical pathways, mandatory but good.
Course Name: Organic Chemistry 2213
Course Prof: Felix Lee
Course Description: Covers all the functional groups and the reactions they undergo.
Course Name: Organismal Physiology 2601
Course Prof: Brent Sinclair
Course Description: Covers photosynthesis and cell metabolism and their role in organisms, also how various plant and animals deal with their environments. Not an essay credit but has full lab write-ups (unless they change it to an essay credit like they said they might).
Course Name: Biological Anthropology 2226
Course Prof: Ian Colquoun
Course Description: Covers the basic early hominids and some topics in primatology.
Course Name: Genetics 2581
Course Prof: Percival-Smith, Karagiannis
Course Description: Covers fundamental genetics techniques and the experiments that lead to our current knowledge of genetics. Can be difficult but don't let it deter you from going into genetics as a program because it is really nothing like the upper year courses, they are much less technical and more conceptual.
Course Name: Cell Biology 2382
Course Prof: Timoshenko, Damjanovski
Course Description: Covers basic things in cells such as transport around and within cells as well as cytoskeleton makeup.
Course Name: Anthropology of Human Aging 2236
Course Prof: Eldon Molto
Course Description: Covers the aging process from both a biological/physiological perspective as well as from a more holistic anthropology perspective regarding what the impact of an aging population will be on society. Takes a very scientific approach to the issue but is basic enough that non-science students are comfortable with it so very good intermediate course between the faculties.
Course Name: Topics in Human Evolution 3336
Course Prof: Ian Colquoun
Course Description: Covers the hominid fossil record as we know it, beginning with an overview of the evidence and then moving to the different controversies within the field that debate the interpretation of this evidence. Will not be offered next year as it alternates with a Primate Evolution course but will be offered the following year (2012-2013)
Prof: Professor Sica
This course covers basic physics behind sports including cycling and swimming. Class is one two hour a week session with two in-class midterms and a final. Professor Sica is great at explaining concepts concisely and clearly, plus the material is quite intriguing. The professor is an avid triathlete and as such he bases the course around forces involved with such activities. Newtons laws, gravitational forces on incline planes, wind drag and the best choice of equipment for cycling are just a few of the topics covered by this course. I would highly recommend this course for anyone wanting a fun elective.
Course: Physics 2070 - Understanding Earth's Atmosphere
Prof: Professor Sica
This course covers basic physics underlying the weather and composition of Earth and the other planets of our solar system. The primary focus is Earth and how certain phenomenon can effect our weather and overall climate. Professor Sica is a wonderful teacher, he clearly enjoys the subject matter and it shows with his teaching style. Class is one two hour a week session with two in-class midterms and a final. The Coriolis effect, our magnetic field, and habitability of other planets in our solar system is just a fraction of what is taught in this course. I recommend this course to students interested in astronomy or weather in general.
Course: Classics 2903 – Greek and Roman Medicine
Professor: Beate Gundert
I found this course to be interesting as it really showed the development of medicine through the ages. It was cool to see the parallels between what was done in ancient times and what we do now; there are surprisingly a lot of similarities. Several ancient techniques are currently still used and its fascinating to get an understanding of how clinicians through the ages understood the body and pathologies. Unfortunately, the professor does not post lecture notes so you have to ensure to make detailed notes throughout class and develop your own organizational system. But her lecturing is thorough and she provides handouts regarding important terms.
Course name: Human Physiology 2130
Course prof: Different physiology professors including Tom Stavraky, Dr. Ciriello, Dr. Corneil, Dr. Woods, Dr. Wagner etc.
Course description: Basic human physiology. If you are considering continuing your BMSc degree specializing in physiology, pharmacology, medical sciences, pathology, you may want to consider this course. This is a very basic human physiology course that touches base in areas such as physiology of the senses, neurophysiology, motor physiology, cardiovascular system, renal physiology, basic endocrinology, basic gastrointestinal physiology, and a bit of respiratory physiology. It gives students a sense of what each area offers. The course is very well structured and well-taught, and it is a very, very useful course as you progress though your senior years. I find that a lot of the information overlap with third year physiology and even fourth year physiology courses. Also, this course will DEFINITELY provide more than enough information for all those who are thinking of writing the MCAT or DAT. Lastly, this is a really interesting and fun course!
Course name: Organic Chemistry 2213A and 2223B
Course prof. Dr Felix Lee
Course description: Basic organic chemistry and organic chemistry of biological molecules. A lot of people have said many daunting things about these two courses and how they are probably the two hardest courses in second year. I definitely don't agree with that, as a matter of fact, I actually thought they were two of my most favourite courses in my undergrad. This course has no tricks to it, if you study and do all the assign homework and attend labs, you will do fine. The key is to keep up with the work, and to ask questions when you don't understand, and obviously, PRACTICE. There are very few concepts, and once you get a hang of those, you will be able to get through the rest of the material with a bit more applications. Dr. Lee is also an amazing professor who makes chemistry so much more tolerable, even FUN! =) TAKE IT. Two thumbs up.
Course: BIOCHEM 2280A - Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Professors: Ball, MacLachlin, Brandl
Description: protein structure, purification, and function (Ball)
biochemical bases of glucose metabolism, cellular signalling, etc. (MacLachlin)
genetic techniques (i.e. sequencing, polymerase chain reaction [PCR], etc.) (Brandl)
Professors: Ball, MacLachlin, Brandl
Description: protein structure, purification, and function (Ball)
biochemical bases of glucose metabolism, cellular signalling, etc. (MacLachlin)
genetic techniques (i.e. sequencing, polymerase chain reaction [PCR], etc.) (Brandl)
****be prepared for more information about techniques than you'll probably want to know. By far the easiest to study for is MacLachlin, although you still need to prepare pretty rigorously. MacLachlin is also one of the most enthusiastic, creative, and funny professors I've ever had****
Course: BIOLOGY 2382B - Cell Biology
Professors: Kelly, Damjanovski
Description: experimental techniques, some examination of researched problems (Kelly)
chemical pathways, cytoskeleton, cell signalling (Damjanovski)
****really pay attention to and study the techniques that Kelly goes over. For the most part, you'll already have some exposure to the material at a basic level, but much more understanding will be demanded of you in this course****
Course: CHEM 2213A - Organic Chemistry
Professor: Usselman
Description: you'll look at many common chemical reactions, looking at them in great detail, studying the molecular mechanisms, stereochemistry of the reactions. Then on the exam you'll be asked questions that present with a novel situation or molecule and ask you to apply knowledge you've gained from lecture; this can be tough, but focusing on understanding principles, not memorizing facts, will come in handy here.
****memorization is only useful in this course insofar as you memorize and can recall the rules that govern chemical reactions. For the exam, the professors can create an infinite number of molecules to use as questions, so don't try and memorize questions from past exams, because they just will not appear on your exam. Take advantage of Felix Lee's extra help sessions as well. Finally, make sure you know your laboratory material for the exam, because they can be easy marks.****
Course: CHEM 2223B - Organic Chemistry of Biological Molecules
Professor: Wisner
Description: the material is more interesting, as you will look at molecules that are relevant to biological systems such as cell membrane, energy storage, immune responses, and so on. I found Dr. Wisner to be a competent lecturer, but certainly not as enthusiastic as Dr. Lee who also teaches this course. The same kinds of things will be expected of you on the exam, but the professors will assume that you are familiar with most (if not all) of the mechanisms taught in first term, so at the very least, keep your notes from Orgo I around for consultation!
****I HIGHLY recommend this course for anyone who plans to take the MCAT in the future. A lot of what you study in this course transfers really well to the organic chemistry that is tested on the MCAT. If you want a headstart on that section, sign up for this course****
Course: BIOLOGY 2581B - Genetics
Professors: Karagiannis, Percival-Smith
Description: developmental genetics, some experimental models (Percival-Smith)
operons, Mendelian genetics, linkage, and some specific genetic pathways (Karagiannis)
****overall, I found Karagiannis' material easier and his lectures easier to follow, but professor Percival-Smith is by no means a bad lecturer. I took this course in 3rd year, and don't have the same perspective as someone who took it in second year, so take what I say with a grain of salt, but I found this course to be one of the easier 2000-level science courses I took. Pay attention to the examples that the professors bring up in class, and don't be afraid to ask questions. Also, pay attention in tutorial, and don't take them for granted, because they can earn you up to 4% bonus on to your final mark****
Favourite Elective
Course: CLASSICS 2200 - Classical Mythology
Professor: Suksi
Description: you hit a lot of the big names that you probably already know from everyday experience: Heracles/Hercules, Oedipus, Homer's Iliad and Odyssey, Prometheus, and most of the major Olympian gods.
Course: BIOLOGY 2382B - Cell Biology
Professors: Kelly, Damjanovski
Description: experimental techniques, some examination of researched problems (Kelly)
chemical pathways, cytoskeleton, cell signalling (Damjanovski)
****really pay attention to and study the techniques that Kelly goes over. For the most part, you'll already have some exposure to the material at a basic level, but much more understanding will be demanded of you in this course****
Course: CHEM 2213A - Organic Chemistry
Professor: Usselman
Description: you'll look at many common chemical reactions, looking at them in great detail, studying the molecular mechanisms, stereochemistry of the reactions. Then on the exam you'll be asked questions that present with a novel situation or molecule and ask you to apply knowledge you've gained from lecture; this can be tough, but focusing on understanding principles, not memorizing facts, will come in handy here.
****memorization is only useful in this course insofar as you memorize and can recall the rules that govern chemical reactions. For the exam, the professors can create an infinite number of molecules to use as questions, so don't try and memorize questions from past exams, because they just will not appear on your exam. Take advantage of Felix Lee's extra help sessions as well. Finally, make sure you know your laboratory material for the exam, because they can be easy marks.****
Course: CHEM 2223B - Organic Chemistry of Biological Molecules
Professor: Wisner
Description: the material is more interesting, as you will look at molecules that are relevant to biological systems such as cell membrane, energy storage, immune responses, and so on. I found Dr. Wisner to be a competent lecturer, but certainly not as enthusiastic as Dr. Lee who also teaches this course. The same kinds of things will be expected of you on the exam, but the professors will assume that you are familiar with most (if not all) of the mechanisms taught in first term, so at the very least, keep your notes from Orgo I around for consultation!
****I HIGHLY recommend this course for anyone who plans to take the MCAT in the future. A lot of what you study in this course transfers really well to the organic chemistry that is tested on the MCAT. If you want a headstart on that section, sign up for this course****
Course: BIOLOGY 2581B - Genetics
Professors: Karagiannis, Percival-Smith
Description: developmental genetics, some experimental models (Percival-Smith)
operons, Mendelian genetics, linkage, and some specific genetic pathways (Karagiannis)
****overall, I found Karagiannis' material easier and his lectures easier to follow, but professor Percival-Smith is by no means a bad lecturer. I took this course in 3rd year, and don't have the same perspective as someone who took it in second year, so take what I say with a grain of salt, but I found this course to be one of the easier 2000-level science courses I took. Pay attention to the examples that the professors bring up in class, and don't be afraid to ask questions. Also, pay attention in tutorial, and don't take them for granted, because they can earn you up to 4% bonus on to your final mark****
Favourite Elective
Course: CLASSICS 2200 - Classical Mythology
Professor: Suksi
Description: you hit a lot of the big names that you probably already know from everyday experience: Heracles/Hercules, Oedipus, Homer's Iliad and Odyssey, Prometheus, and most of the major Olympian gods.
Be prepared for quite a bit of reading, and a different approach to course material than in science courses; much more emphasis is placed on the role each text plays in the context of the course as a whole, and comparisons between texts and the characters within them. That being said, Dr. Suksi was an amazing professor that made every class interesting, and this course is a relatively painless way to fulfill that Arts requirement for graduation.
Science Clubs and Councils
The Science Student Council (http://www.uwoscience.ca/) has plenty of opportunities for you to get involved! Check out their committee page and see if there's something for you. Everything from student events, academic to finance is there!
And it looks like your SSC has launched an interactive forum on their site where you can chat with fellow faculty friends about all things science; CHECK IT OUT.
Biology Undergraduate Society (BUGS)
B.U.G.S .is a student-run organization backed by the UWO biology
department. It serves as an asset to those enrolled in the biology
department and the medical sciences. They offer information
sessions (i.e. NSERC and scholarships), tours within the biology
facilities, MCAT help ($200 off Prep 101's Comprehensive MCAT
prep course) and leadership opportunities. A great opportunity
offered by B.U.G.S. is the “prof meet and greet.” It is a great way
to get to know your professors and feel comfortable asking them
questions.
1.If you want to join, please e-mail bugs@uwo.ca ($5.00/member).
2.First year positions are available. First year representatives are
assigned to a Vice President (events, promotion, fundraising, etc.)
and as a representative the role will be to do tasks related to that
category. Also by being a first year representative, you would be
part of a focus group that provides feedback on events and ¸
brainstorming on future events. This is a great way to get involved
if you are interested in VP positions for second year.
Chemistry Club
This club is a student chapter of the Canadian Society for Chemistry
and the Chemical Institute of Canada. It is one of the few clubs at
Western that is not associated with the USC and is run by the Chemistry
department. This club serves to allow networking and exchange of
information between students and professors. They offer many interactive
opportunities amongst chemistry undergraduates of all years as well as with
others. These opportunities include intramural sports teams and the promotion
of studying Chemistry at malls to families and children during the
National Chemistry Week. They also host help sessions prior to the chemistry
exams with the aid of chemistry professors. This past year these sessions were
held as joint events with the Western LAMP program.
1. If you want to join or have further questions, please email Thomas Sutherland, the Chemistry
Club president at tsuther4@uwo.ca (~$10.00/member).
2. First year positions are available. First year representatives are appointed for each first year
chemistry class.
Pre-Med Society
This is the largest club run by the USC. It is geared towards students who
are interested in going to medical school. This club offers many resources
such as having current medical school students talk about their undergrad
years as well as MCAT and the whole selection process. They are there able
to answer any of your questions with regards to medical school pertaining to
their own. It is a way for students and professors to pass on medically-related
knowledge to Western students. They also offer discounts for the Princeton
MCAT review course if you become a member.
WISDOM (Western Mentorship and Outreach)
This is a club intended to foster interest, learning, involvement and success
at all the stages of science education. It is directed towards elementary,
high school, and first year science students. Please email
wisdomwestern@gmail.com for more information.
