Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2025 - BISC 101 D100

General Biology (4)

Class Number: 2605

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Tue, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

    Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Thu, 9:30–11:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 10, 2025
    Wed, 12:00–3:00 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Dec 10, 2025
    Wed, 12:00–3:00 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Dec 10, 2025
    Wed, 12:00–3:00 p.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, osmoregulation). BISC 101 and 102 can be taken in either order. Breadth-Science.

COURSE DETAILS:

Unit 1: Cell biology
Structure and function of macromolecules in the cell: Lipids and membranes; Nucleic acids and gene expression; Proteins and enzymes; Carbohydrates, metabolism, and photosynthesis. Cell cycle and DNA replication.

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

Unit 3: Plant physiology
Structure and function of vascular plants. Plant growth, nutrition and transport processes; exchange with environment.

The information on this outline is subject to change.

Grading

  • Three lecture tests 50%
  • Quizzes and Learning Activities 10%
  • Lab Component, including a team research project 40%

NOTES:

All students must pass both of the laboratory component and the lecture test component to receive a passing grade in the course.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Freeman, S. et al, Biological Science. Canadian Edition, Pearson Canada Publishing.  **Any one** of the 4th, 3rd, or 2nd Canadian editions. 

Additional course fee (for the lab materials): $28.02

BISC 101 required course materials include in-class polling access. Details will be provided in the first week of class.

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

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


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.