Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2025 - BISC 205 D100

Principles of Physiology (3)

Class Number: 2963

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Mon, Wed, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

    Sep 3 – Oct 11, 2025: Fri, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

    Oct 12 – Oct 22, 2025: Fri, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

    Oct 23 – Dec 2, 2025: Fri, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 6, 2025
    Sat, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    BISC 101, BISC 102, and PHYS 101, all with a minimum grade of C-.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An integrated exploration of animal and plant physiology, using principles from biology, physics, and chemistry to describe the underlying mechanisms and adaptations that support life. Systems include transport, metabolism, electrical and chemical signalling, sensing and responding. Students who have taken BISC 305 or BISC 366 first may not then take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

COURSE SECTIONS AND TOPICS:

Plant Physiology

  • Plant form and function relationships – from cells to trees
  • Water and sugar transport in plants – how it works without pumps
  • Plant nutrition – finding out what feed plants, so they can feed us
  • How plants deal with photorespiration and why that’s important for feeding the world
  • How plants perceive and adjust to their environments
  • Chemical defenses in plants and their uses by humans

 

Animal Physiology Section

  • Water and Electrolyte Balance in Animals
  • Gas Exchange and Circulation
  • Animal Nervous Systems
  • Animal Sensory Systems
  • Animal Movement 

 

Grading

  • Midterm 1 25%
  • Midterm 2 25%
  • Final Exam 30%
  • Tutorials 20%

NOTES:

Grading Subject to Change.

Materials

RECOMMENDED READING:

Freeman, S., et.al (2024) Biological Science.Canadian Edition, 4th edition. Pearson Canada Publishing

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.