Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2025 - BISC 101 D200

General Biology (4)

Class Number: 2606

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Wed, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Surrey

    Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Fri, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Surrey

  • Exam Times + Location:

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

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

  • 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:

Cell biology (weeks 1-6)
• Biological molecules
• Cell structure and function
• Cell cycle and mitosis
• DNA replication, transcription and translation
• Metabolism and enzymes
• Cellular respiration

Plant biology (weeks 8-9)
• Photosynthesis
• Plant form, function, and growth
• Plant nutrition and transport processes
• Plant defense mechanisms

Animal biology (weeks 10-13)
• Animal form and function
• Nutrition and digestion
• Osmoregulation and excretion
• Gas exchange and circulation
• Homeostasis and thermoregulation
• Animal defense mechanisms

Grading

  • Lecture - Weekly online quizzes 10%
  • Lecture - Participation in lectures 8%
  • Lecture - midterm (on material in weeks 1-6) 15%
  • Lecture - final (on material in weeks 8-13) 30%
  • Lab - pre-labs and post-labs 5%
  • Lab - final exam 25%
  • Tutorial participation 5%
  • Self-reflection 2%

NOTES:

Important
1. To pass the course you need at least 50% on the lab part (pre- and post-labs and lab exam) => the grade will be as earned in the course. If you achieve 49% or less on the lab part => you get a D for the course (if the lecture midterm and final exams together are not failing!).
2. You will need online access to Canvas during lectures (e.g., via cell phone, tablet, or laptop).

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Laboratory manual for Surrey Campus, Fall 2025 edition for Surrey Campus. Simon Fraser University

RECOMMENDED READING:

Freeman, S., et.al (2023) Biological Science. 4th Canadian Edition, Pearson, Canada (recommended)
ISBN: 9780135403815

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.