Genomics, proteomics and bioinformatics are the cornerstones of the so-called Omics technologies that are routinely applied in medical research and throughout the drug-development process. In recent years genomic and proteomic technologies, combined with bioinformatics, and rapid progress in high throughput technologies, have made it possible to study gene regulation and protein function in high throughput. In contrast to studies of single genes or single proteins, genomic and proteomic methods simultaneously investigate large numbers of genes or proteins in one single experiment. This course will introduce students to genomics and bioinformatics concepts and practice. A variety of contemporary topics will be explored including: biological databases, sequence alignment, gene and protein structure prediction, molecular phylogenetic, genomics and proteomics. Students will gain practical experience with bioinformatics tools and develop basic skills in the collection and presentation of bioinformatics data.
This course will focus on form and function, behaviour, ecology and conservation of selected regional and local examples of jaw-less, cartilaginous and – the evolutionary more recent - bony fishes. This course offers a foundation for students seeking careers as fish biologists, fisheries managers, conservation biologists, secondary level educators, etc. Laboratory- and field-based exercises will enable students to receive training in fish identification, anatomy and relevant technical approaches to the study of fish. Persons with formal advanced training in ichthyology may work for universities, museums, private companies or government agencies. In addition, ichthyologists may participate in public education about fish species and conservation awareness.
This course is designed to present an introduction to marine biology, with emphasis on the physiology, morphology, taxonomy, ecology, evolution and natural history of marine organisms. The conservation of the marine environment will also be covered. Topics of current interest (global warming, coastal development, and fisheries) presented throughout the course. Appropriate for non-science and science majors.
Molecular Biology is the study of cellular functioning inherent in the interactions between individual biological molecules. The discipline focuses on the formation, structure and function of macro-molecules (such as nucleic acids and proteins) and the processing of genetic information using bio-technological tools. In this advanced Level IV course, students will use basic molecular biological and biotechnological approaches to study the interactions between DNA, RNA and proteins within cells as they relate to humans and microorganisms. They will further develop their investigative skills with hands-on laboratory-based experiences; practical exercises are designed to illustrate basic analytical techniques used in molecular biology and biotechnology. Finally, students will discuss the role of molecular and biotechnological research in providing improved understandings of selected human diseases. This course represents a solid preparation for graduate-level programmes in biochemistry, medicine, pharmacy, biotechnology, or biology-related graduate programmes.
Entomology is the study of insects. This course introduces students to the most important aspects of entomology particularly the taxonomy and diversity of insects, their functional roles in ecosystems, their importance as beneficial agents, crop pests and disease vectors. The emphasis of the course is on tropical entomology and, whenever possible, in-formation, relevant to Guyanese insects will be highlighted. This course prepares students for professional opportunities in areas such as: climate change biology, environmental biology, climate change analyst, ecosystems manager, natural resources manager, research assistant, etc.
This course allows students to develop knowledge and skills in field biology at the basic level for marine biologists. It offers students a basic training in field research, record keeping and data analysis. Marine biologists working in the field use nature as a laboratory and combine the principles of biology, the physical sciences and mathematics to study the diversity and interactions of biotic and abiotic components of the marine environment in situ. This course begins to form the student into marine biologist with field competencies, while also preparing them for safe work in the laboratory.
The relationship between man and the marine environment is a significantly complex one and the problems therein are inherently wicked. Human ecology is an interdisciplinary field of study that allows the biologist to see old problems in new ways and devise new, potentially more suitable solutions. This course allows students to examine the human-ocean relationship through the lens of human ecology to redefine problems and devise possible solutions. It exposes students to the concepts and approaches in human ecology and applies these to the marine environment specifically.
Metabolism refers to the sum of all chemical reactions that occur in living organisms including digestion and the elimination of nitrogenous wastes, but also the transport of substances into and between cells. It is the latter set of reactions, within the cells, that is referred to as intermediary metabolism. Hence, intermediary metabolism may be defined as the intracellular processes by which nutritive material is converted into cellular components - either energy for vital processes or the production of other substances necessary for life. Intermediary metabolism is a vast subject within biochemistry hence; there is only enough time in this course to present a few fundamental pathways whereby students may gain a preliminary understanding of intermediary biochemistry. This course emphasizes how the pathways are regulated by specific molecules and hormones in living systems. Further, students will consider how several human diseases arise from defects in metabolic pathways, and will review papers in the current scientific literature on new techniques by which metabolites are characterized in the laboratory. This course offers a foundation for students seeking careers as biochemists, pharmacologists, secondary level educators, etc.
Animal Biology is the study of the enormous variety of animal life on earth. This course introduces the diversity of animals, their form and function, evolutionary origins, adaptations to the environment and how they interact with each other. Guyana’s rich ecosystem allows for economically important niche markets in ecotourism including insects, fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals hence, this course aims to equip the student to apply animal biology knowledge and training to the rapidly expanding animal industry. Students reading this course may be interested in careers as biologists, ecologists, wildlife conservationists, tour guides, wildlife rangers /wardens, wildlife journalists, or laboratory technicians.
Animal physiology is the study of the internal physical and chemical functions of animals. This Level III course provides students with an understanding of how vertebrate and invertebrate animals adapt physiologically to changes in their environment, and focuses on the basic physical and chemical principles that govern their physiological processes. Topics include membrane transport, osmoregulation and excretion, nervous and muscle systems, respiration, hormonal control, and cardiovascular physiology. Theoretical considerations are complemented mainly through provision of hands-on experience in observation, computer simulations, instrumentation, measurement, and data collection and analysis in a laboratory environment. Problem-solving and critical thinking skills are enhanced in small group sessions (tutorials). This course offers a foundation for students seeking careers as veterinarians, fisheries biologists, environmental scientists, pharmacologists, secondary level educators, wildlife technicians, etc.
Genomics, proteomics and bioinformatics are the cornerstones of the so-called Omics technologies that are routinely applied in medical research and throughout the drug-development process. In recent years genomic and proteomic technologies, combined with bioinformatics, and rapid progress in high throughput technologies, have made it possible to study gene regulation and protein function in high throughput. In contrast to studies of single genes or single proteins, genomic and proteomic methods simultaneously investigate large numbers of genes or proteins in one single experiment. This course will introduce students to genomics and bioinformatics concepts and practice. A variety of contemporary topics will be explored including: biological databases, sequence alignment, gene and protein structure prediction, molecular phylogenetic, genomics and proteomics. Students will gain practical experience with bioinformatics tools and develop basic skills in the collection and presentation of bioinformatics data.
This course is akin to BIO 2200 offered in the biology Department and differs from it only in the focus on the Marine Environment. The course seeks to build intermediate level practical knowledge and skills for marine biologists to operate in the laboratory and field. It focuses on topics related to biochemistry, zoology and ecology and environmental biology taught in the same semester. Students will develop skills in basic techniques used in biochemical investigations, study of animal diversity and anatomy, and laboratory and field methods in ecology and environmental biology.
Marine microorganisms play a wide range of roles in their ecosystems and can be a valuable resource for humans. This course explores the diversity, ecology, and physiology of microorganisms in marine environments. Students will learn of the critical roles these microorganisms play in biogeochemical cycles, and their interactions with other marine organisms and humans. Microorganisms as resources in biotechnology are also explored. The course combines theoretical concepts with practical techniques used in marine microbiology research.
Final year Biology students are required to design and execute an independent research project to complete a B.Sc. in Biological sciences. A faculty member will supervise the student as the project develops over the course of the final year. The faculty member is responsible for reviewing ideas and guiding the student on the project. The students, however, set the pace of the project. The students must propose an idea, propose a hypothesis regarding the idea, design an experiment or series of experiments to test the hypothesis and finally write the final report. At the end of the year all students are required to present their work in an oral presentation.
Final year marine biology students are required to design and execute an independent research project to complete a B.Sc. in Marine Biology. A faculty member will supervise the student as the project develops over the course of the final year. The faculty member will be responsible for reviewing ideas and guiding the student on the project. The student, however, sets the pace of the project. The student must propose an idea, propose a hypothesis regarding the idea, design an experiment or series of experiments to test the hypothesis and finally write the final report. At the end of the year all students are required to present their work at an oral presentation.
The internship aims to offer students the opportunity to apply their knowledge gained in the field of marine biology in a real-life environment through an industry placement for a period lasting at least twelve weeks on a part-time basis at an average of 10 hrs per week. The goal is to give interns a well-rounded experience in a variety of areas while providing expert training and experience in marine science research. The program is therefore designed to provide research and learning experiences in a real-world setting to early career scientists in the fields of marine biology. Participation in this internship will help to strengthen general cognitive skills, scientific knowledge and insight, scientific research method, acquiring scientific information, practical realisation of the research and presentation of the research related to marine biology. Students after completion of the internship should be able to perform better within work settings after graduation. The internship greatly increases the chances for students to obtain employment in the field of marine biology and marine science after graduation, while satisfying national, regional and international needs.