Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2025 - BISC 101 D100

General Biology (4)

Class Number: 1960

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 12 – Aug 8, 2025: Tue, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

    May 12 – Aug 8, 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:

Outline of Topics:

Unit 1: Cell biology 
Cell structure and function, cell cycle, cell replication 
Genomes & cellular information flow: DNA replication; DNA technology; Gene to protein; enzymes.
Metabolism: cellular respiration and photosynthesis

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


Unit 3: Plant physiology
Structure and function of plant cells
Plant growth, development, and reproduction 
Nutrition and transport processes;  interactions with environment

The information on this outline is subject to change.

Grading

  • • Lecture Midterm 1 10%
  • • Lecture Midterm 2 15%
  • • Lecture Midterm 3 25%
  • • Lecture Participation and Pre-reading Quizzes 10%
  • • Lab Component, including a team research project 40%

NOTES:

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

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

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

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.