Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2025 - BISC 102 D200

General Biology (4)

Class Number: 2031

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, Fri, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
    Surrey

  • Instructor:

    Ivona Mladenovic
    imladeno@sfu.ca
    1 778 782-7489
    Office: 2920; Lab: 2960

  • 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+).

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Introduction to evolution and ecology, focusing on the processes that shape the diversity of life on earth. Lecture and lab topics include: natural selection and other mechanisms of evolutionary change, phylogeny, genetics, speciation, behaviour, species interactions, population ecology, and ecosystems. BISC 101 and 102 may be taken in either order. Breadth-Science.

COURSE DETAILS:

Topics to be covered


• Scientific method
• Adaptation by natural selection
• Sexual and kin selection
• Phylogeny
• Patterns of evolution
• Ecology
• Meiosis and genetics
• The origin of life and evolution of metabolism
• Diversity of life (protists, plants, fungi, and animals)
• Principles of development
• Human evolution

Grading

  • Weekly online quizzes (WOQ): 10%
  • Participation in lectures: 5%
  • Midterm exam: 10%
  • Course assignment: 10%
  • Final exam: 30%
  • Lab assignments (LA)*: 5%
  • Laboratory exam*: 25%
  • Tutorial participation: 5%

NOTES:

Important notes:

• To pass this course, you must obtain a passing grade on the laboratory portion (*) of the course.
• You will need online access to Canvas during lectures (e.g., via cell phone, tablet, or laptop).

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

BISC 102 Laboratory manual. Simon Fraser University, Surrey Campus edition.

Note: This course is supported with Canvas (canvas.sfu.ca).

RECOMMENDED READING:

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

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.