Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2024 - BISC 101 D100

General Biology (4)

Class Number: 1536

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Tue, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

    May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Thu, 9:30–11:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • 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+); and Chemistry 12 (or equivalent) with a minimum grade of C (or CHEM 111 with a minimum grade of C-).

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Introduction to the molecular, cellular and physiological mechanisms of living organisms (microorganisms, plants, animals). Lecture and lab topics include cell structure and function, flow of genetic information, enzyme function, metabolism, whole organism form and function (circulation, gas exchange, nutrition, osmoregularion). BISC 101 and 102 can be taken in either order. Breadth-Science.

COURSE DETAILS:

Outline of Topics:

Unit 1: Cell biology 
Cell structure and function, cell cycle, cell replication 
Genomes & cellular information flow: DNA replication; DNA technology; Gene to protein; enzymes.
Metabolism: cellular respiration and photosynthesis

Unit 2: Animal physiology
Structure and function of animal tissues
Systems: Digestion and excretion; circulatory and respiratory.


Unit 3: Plant physiology
Structure and function of plant cells
Plant growth, development, and reproduction 
Nutrition and transport processes;  interactions with environment

The information on this outline is subject to change.

Grading

  • • Lecture Midterm 1 13%
  • • Lecture Midterm 2 17%
  • • Lecture Final Exam 20%
  • • Lecture Participation 10%
  • • Lab Component, including a team project 40%

NOTES:

Mode of teaching:

Lecture:  In person

Laboratory: (2-hour block labelled “LAB” in your schedule)  In person

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

Midterm 1:  In person; date TBA

Midterm 2: In person; date TBA

Lab Final Exam:  In person; date TBA

Final Exam: In person; date TBA

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

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

To participate during lectures, you should have an i>clicker remote (any version, new or used) or a subscription to the iClicker student app. 

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 may be using Google documents for lab notebooks. 

REQUIRED READING:

No required textbook.

RECOMMENDED READING:

Freeman, Quillin, Allison, Black, Podgorski, Taylor, Carmichael, Harrington & Sharp. Biological Science  (4th Canadian Edition, 2023) or (3rd Canadian Edition, 2019). Pearson, Toronto.


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