Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2022 - BISC 371 D100

Special Topics in Biology for Non-majors (3)

Crucial Discoveries in Biology

Class Number: 5415

Delivery Method: Remote

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 10 – Apr 11, 2022: Thu, 5:30–6:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Mar 10, 2022
    Thu, 5:30–6:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Apr 26, 2022
    Tue, 7:00–10:00 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    A minimum of 45 units.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Selected topics in Biology, aimed at students who might not have a background in biology. Science students may take this course as an elective, but may not apply this course toward their upper division program requirements. Breadth-Science.

COURSE DETAILS:

Course Title:  BIOLOGY FOR NON-MAJORS

Course Details:

Biology impacts our lives every day. This course will highlight significant discoveries that have fundamentally changed scientific thinking in various biological fields, and you will learn how the scientific method led to acceptance of these ideas. We will discuss basic cell and developmental processes that are responsible for the diversity of unicellular and multicellular organisms. You will learn how key discoveries in genetic inheritance and molecular biology have paved the way for the technological breakthroughs like gene sequencing and editing that are currently used in all aspects of biological science. Technological advances include the use of modeling and statistics that enable studies of relationships in developmental biology, evolution and ecology. We will discuss the discoveries in evolution and adaption that fundamentally changed our understanding of speciation and the creation of biological diversity, as well as key ideas in ecology that influence our efforts on conservation, global warming and pollution. You will also learn how studies in basic biological science have led to medical breakthroughs such as in neurobiology, microbiology and the use of antibiotics, and cancer research.

This course is an online course with synchronous exams

TOPICS
Microbiology, developmental biology, ecology, evolution, molecular biology,
  

This course is an online course with synchronous exams.

Grading

  • . Quizzes 30%
  • . Assignment 15%
  • . Attendance and participation 5%
  • . Midterm 20%
  • . Final 30%

NOTES:

There is one synchronous lecture/discussions per week over zoom. Other lectures are posted on canvas.

Midterm and Final are in person at Burnaby location. Quizzes are online.

Materials

RECOMMENDED READING:

Links to recommended readings and videos will be provided in the lecture slides


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 SPRING 2022

Teaching at SFU in spring 2022 will involve primarily in-person instruction, with safety plans in place.  Some courses will still be offered through remote methods, and if so, this 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 spring 2022 term.