Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2025 - BISC 101 D100

General Biology (4)

Class Number: 2066

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

    Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: 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:

Cell biology (weeks 1-4) 
molecules of life
cell structure and function
cell cycle, cell replication
DNA replication, genes to proteins, DNA technology
metabolism and enzymes, cellular respiration  

Plant biology (weeks 5-8)   
plant cells and photosynthesis
plant form and function; growth and development
plant nutrition and transport processes
plant hormones and interactions with environment  

Animal biology (weeks 9-12)    
form and function
homeostasis and thermoregulation
osmoregulation and excretion
nutrition and digestion
gas exchange and circulation

Grading

  • Lecture Midterm = 20% value (weeks 1-4) 20%
  • Lecture Final Exam = 40% value (weeks 5-12) 40%
  • Lab = 40% value = (weeks 1-12) 40%

REQUIREMENTS:

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:  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:

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:

In week 1 of the semester, you will purchase the BISC 101 lab manual/digital materials for BISC 101 directly from LabFlow via online link. Details and the link will be provided in the first week of class.


RECOMMENDED READING:

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


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.