Job Description

The Department of Biology at the University of Prince Edward Island has openings for Sessional Instructors during the forthcoming 2024-25 academic year, subject to final budgetary approval. Individuals qualified to teach the following courses are encouraged to apply.Please note: the course offered below will be taught in person, unless otherwise specified as an online course.FALL 2024BIO 1030 - Animal Health (Online)An introductory course dealing with current issues related to animal health and disease in a global context. Course topics will introduce causes of disease in animals and the principles of maintaining healthy animals, as well as an interdisciplinary overview of the role and importance of animal health in modern society. Three hours lecture
Classes: M/W 5:00 - 6:15 p.m.BIO 3310 - Research Methods and Communications in BiologyThis course is an introduction to research methods and the basic principles of scientific communication, as expressed in the Biological Sciences. Lectures, exercises and assignments focus on science writing, critical reading, the principles of study design, and the analysis, interpretation, and presentation of biological data. Three hours lecture, One hour Tutorial per week
NOTE: Although this course includes a weekly tutorial, the sessional instructor will be responsible for teaching the lectures only.
Classes: M/W/F 11:30 a.m. - 12:20 a.m.BIO 3820 - Evolutionary BiologyThis course is designed to provide students with a better understanding of evolution and how it applies to other biology courses and to their lives in general. We first trace the rise of evolutionary thought, examining the evidence for different evolutionary processes. We then more closely examine the mechanisms that result in evolutionary change. Subsequently, we look at the history of life and examine topics such as speciation, great moments in evolution, human evolution and extinction. Lastly, we deal with the diverse areas of study that benefit from an understanding of evolution. Three hours lecture, three hours laboratory a week.
Note: The Instructor will be responsible for teaching both the lecture and lab components of this class.
Classes: M/W/F 12:30 - 1:30
Labs: W/TH 1:30 - 4:20BIO 4620 - Watershed EcologyThe focus of this course is the study of watersheds, with emphasis on those found on Prince Edward Island. Lectures focus on the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of streams and their surrounding riparian zones, and labs will include practical application of stream sampling methods. Three hours lecture, three hours laboratory a week.
Note: The Instructor will be responsible for teaching both the lecture and lab components of this class.
Classes: T/Th 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Labs: Mon 11:30 a.m.-2:20 p.m.WINTER 2025BIO 2210 - Cell and Molecular BiologyThis course examines the structure and function of living cells. Topics include macromolecules, organelles, membranes, cellular energetics, cell signalling, gene expression, cell division, cell death and special topics in biomedical cell biology. Three hours lecture, one hour tutorial a week.
Note: The Instructor will be responsible for teaching both the lecture and tutorial sections of this class.
Classes: M/W/F 9:30 - 10:20 a.m.
3 Tutorial sections: Mon 1:30, Mon 2:30, Mon 3:30BIO 2230 - Genetics I / BIO 2240 - Human Genetics (Cross-listed)The goal of this course is to learn how genetic logic helps us understand biology. We will think about organisms as the result of information passed each generation from parent to offspring. We will apply genetic principles to all of biology-from interactions between molecules and cells, to organismal traits, to evolutionary change in populations. We will also explore the many uses of genetic information. We will learn how genetic patterns in the real world can help us conserve species or trace how diseases spread. We will also see how manipulating genetic information can help us reveal gene function and engineer useful traits into organisms. Genetics has a strong emphasis on problem solving, probability, and statistics.Although this course includes a weekly one-hour tutorial, the sessional instructor will be responsible for teaching the lectures only.
Classes: MWF 11:30 a.m. - 12:20 p.m.BIO 3230 - Genetics IIThe principles of genetics at a more advanced level are considered in the context of practical laboratory investigation, on-line genetic data resources, and examination of current scholarly literature. Three hours lecture, three hours laboratory a week.
NOTE: The Instructor will be responsible for teaching both the lecture and lab components of this class.
Classes: M/W 8:30 - 9:45
Labs: W 4:00-6:50 p.m./TH 1:00 -3:50BIO 3520 - Molecular Biology Research TechniquesThis course introduces students to basic techniques in molecular biology and genomic science. Lectures will cover theoretical aspects of research in the biologic sciences, such as cloning, PCR, DNA sequence analysis, genomics, and proteomics. In laboratories, students will work on projects to learn current methodologies in molecular biology such as keeping laboratory notebooks, basic cloning, PCR, gel electrophoresis, use of sequence databases, and analysis of transcriptomics/proteomics datasets. Two hours lecture, four hours lab per week.
NOTE: Although this course includes a weekly 3-hour laboratory, the sessional instructor will be responsible for teaching the lectures only.
Classes: T/TH 8:30 - 9:45
Labs: M/TU 1:30 - 4:20BIO 3720 - VirologyThis course introduces fundamental concepts in molecular virology, focusing on virus-host interactions. Principles in cell & molecular biology, genetics, and biochemistry are used to explain details of the viral life cycle. Topics include viral attachment and entry, gene expression, replication, packaging/transmission, antiviral immunity & immune evasion, and special topics in biomedical virology. Three hours lecture.
Classes: MWF 8:30 - 9:20BIO 4030 - Developmental & Stem Cell BiologyThis course provides a comprehensive overview of the role of stem cells in mammalian development. The primary focus of the course is the shared genetic and epigenetic events that underlie embryonic and postnatal development. Mouse models and human systems are studied to highlight general principles of ontogeny. The course involves reading research articles, writing assignments, student presentations, and discussions. Three hours lecture.
Classes: M/W/F 2:30 - 3:20 p.m.BIO 4130 - Conservation GeneticsAn introduction to the guiding principles of conservation biology and genetics, and their application to the preservation of biodiversity. Students will explore current research topics, such as ecological and landscape genetics, invasion biology, and genomics for endangered species through lectures, extensive discussion and a major paper. Laboratories may involve field trips and molecular techniques. Three hours lecture, three hours laboratory a week.
NOTE: The Instructor will be responsible for teaching both the lecture and lab components of this class.
Classes: M/W 4:00 - 5:15 p.m.
Labs: TUE 4:00 - 6:50 p.m.BIO 4850 - Environmental ToxicologyThis course introduces the basic toxicological principles with respect to environmental toxicology, including a survey of major environmental pollutants and the statutes governing chemical release. Environmental effects on biota and methods of detection of environmental pollutants will be examined using endpoints at multiple levels of biological organization from biochemical to community. Three hours lecture, three hours laboratory a week.
NOTE: The Instructor will be responsible for teaching both the lecture and lab components of this class.
Classes: M/W 1:00 - 2:15 p.m.
Labs: TH/F 1:30 - 4:20 p.m.Qualifications:Applicants must hold an M.Sc. or Ph.D. in a field of science/biology related to the respective course content. Documented experience teaching these courses would be a definite asset.Preference will be given to the qualified candidates with seniority on the UPEI Sessional Roster, full-time and term contract Faculty Members of the Academic unit and to those with experience in teaching university level coursesSalary: As per Sessional Instructor Stipends outlined in the Collective Agreement of the UPEI Faculty Association, Bargaining Unit #1Application Instructions:A cover letter, a Curriculum vitae, and the names of two individuals who can provide letters of reference should be emailed to:,
Dr. Christian Lacroix, Chair
Department of Biology
University of Prince Edward Island
Charlottetown, PEI C1A 4P3For more information, please email: Dr. Christian Lacroix ( );UPEI is committed to equity, diversity, inclusion, and reconciliation and believes in providing a positive learning and working environment where every person feels empowered to contribute. UPEI is committed to the principle of equity in employment and encourages applications from underrepresented groups including women, Indigenous peoples, visible minorities, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity, and others with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities.Closing date for applications is June 3, 2024.

University of Prince Edward Island