Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2021 - BISC 101 D200

General Biology (4)

Class Number: 1947

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Tue, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

    Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Thu, 9:30–11:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 15, 2021
    Wed, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    High school Biology 12 (or equivalent) with a C grade or better, or BISC 100 with C- or better, or BISC 113 with C+ or better, or HSCI 100 with C+ or better; and High school Chemistry 12 (or equivalent) with a C grade or better, or CHEM 111 with a C- or better.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An introduction to the biochemical and physiological mechanisms of living organisms. Topics covered include cell structure and function, DNA replication and the flow of genetic information, enzyme function, metabolism and physiology of microorganisms, plants, and animals. Breadth-Science.

COURSE DETAILS:

Cell biology 
molecules of life

cell structure and function, cell cycle, cell replication
DNA replication, genes to proteins
DNA technology, genomics, biotechnology
metabolism and enzymes; cellular respiration  

Plant biology    
plant cells and photosynthesis
plant form and function; growth and development
plant nutrition and transport processes
plant hormones and interactions with environment  

Animal biology    
form and function; coordination (endocrine/nervous system)
osmoregulation and excretion

nutrition and digestion
gas exchange and circulation

immune function

Grading

  • 1st Lecture Midterm 15%
  • 2nd Lecture Midterm 15%
  • Lecture Final exam 30%
  • Lab 40%

NOTES:

Mode of teaching:

Lecture:  Remote, synchronous (recorded)
Laboratory: (2-hour block labelled “LAB” in your schedule) - Remote, synchronous (not recorded; attendance required)

Tutorial: (1-hour block, also labelled “LAB” in your schedule) In-person, Surrey campus

Midterm:  synchronous, remote; date TBA

Lab Final Exam:  synchronous, remote; date TBA

Final Exam: synchronous, remote or in-person TBD; date TBA


**You must pass the Lab part of the course (20/40) to pass BISC101

 

REQUIREMENTS:

Effective immediately, the Department of Biological Sciences is adopting a mandatory mask policy for all areas under Biology’s control and in spaces elsewhere where Biology faculty teach, applying to everyone regardless of vaccination status.

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Access to reliable high speed internet, and webcam on a computer. Students must enroll in a course schedule/time where they are able to regularly attend all of the synchronous components, particularly the lab time; this is required to pass the course.  We will be using Google documents for lab notebooks.

REQUIRED READING:

No required textbook.

RECOMMENDED READING:

(HIGHLY) RECOMMENDED READING:

Freeman, Quillin, Allison, Black, Podgorski, Taylor, Carmichael, Harrington & Sharp. 2019. Biological Science (3rd Canadian Edition). Pearson, Toronto.


Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

TEACHING AT SFU IN FALL 2021

Teaching at SFU in fall 2021 will involve primarily in-person instruction, with approximately 70 to 80 per cent of classes in person/on campus, with safety plans in place.  Whether your course will be in-person or through remote methods will be clearly identified in the schedule of classes.  You will also know at enrollment whether remote course components will be “live” (synchronous) or at your own pace (asynchronous).

Enrolling in a course acknowledges that you are able to attend in whatever format is required.  You should not enroll in a course that is in-person if you are not able to return to campus, and should be aware that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who may need class or exam accommodations, including in the context of remote learning, are advised to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as early as possible in order to prepare for the fall 2021 term.