Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2024 - BISC 102 D100

General Biology (4)

Class Number: 2650

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 8 – Apr 12, 2024: Tue, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Jan 8 – Apr 12, 2024: Thu, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 16, 2024
    Tue, 12:00–3:00 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Apr 16, 2024
    Tue, 12:00–3:00 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Instructor:

    Rolf Mathewes (Lectures)
    mathewes@sfu.ca
    1 778 782-4472
    Office: B8236

  • Instructor:

    Erin Barley (Lab Instructor)
    ebarley@sfu.ca
    Office: B9234

  • Instructor:

    Sessional (Lab Instructor)

  • Instructor:

    Pauline Deschodt
    pdeschod@sfu.ca

  • Prerequisites:

    Biology 12 (or equivalent) with a minimum grade of C (or BISC 100 with a minimum grade of C-, or BISC 113 with a minimum grade of C+, or BPK 105 with a minimum grade of C+, or HSCI 100 with a minimum grade of C+).

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Introduction to evolution and ecology, focusing on the processes that shape the diversity of life on earth. Lecture and lab topics include: natural selection and other mechanisms of evolutionary change, phylogeny, genetics, speciation, behaviour, species interactions, population ecology, and ecosystems. BISC 101 and 102 may be taken in either order. Breadth-Science.

COURSE DETAILS:

PLANNED SEQUENCE OF LECTURE TOPICS

Note: Suggested readings from the textbook to supplement lectures will be provided as needed

Course Introduction

Evolutionary history and concepts

Natural and sexual selection

Phylogeny and Speciation

The fossil record of change

MIDTERM EXAMINATION (Thursday February 15)

READING BREAK (Feb 20-23) No lectures or labs

Nature of Inheritance

Behaviour

Biodiversity: Animals, including humans

Biodiversity: Plants and Fungi

Ecology: Populations

Ecology: Communities and Ecosystems

Catch-up and summary (1 lecture)

 

Grading

  • • Lab assignments 5%
  • • Tutorial participation 5%
  • • Inquiry Figure Assignment 15%
  • • Midterm exam 20%
  • • Lab exam 25%
  • • Final exam 30%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED READING:

Freeman et al, Biological Sciences (4th Canadian edition), Pearson publishing. This textbook is available as a soft cover paper edition, or as an e-book available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Note:  Students can use the 3rd edition text for reading if needed, which is similar in organization but with different pagination than the updated 4th edition.


REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website 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

RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.