Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2025 - BISC 303 D100

Microbiology (4)

Class Number: 2039

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 12 – Aug 8, 2025: Tue, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

    May 12 – Aug 8, 2025: Thu, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Aug 11, 2025
    Mon, 7:00–10:00 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    BISC 102, MBB 222, and MBB 231, all with a minimum grade of C-.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

A broad introduction to micro-organisms (bacteria, viruses and archaea) with an emphasis on their molecular biology, metabolism, physiology, and interactions with their hosts and environment. Labs introduce students to modern microbial techniques.

COURSE DETAILS:

COURSE DETAILS:

Students will be introduced to the unique biology of microorganisms as well as their importance in the environment and in medicine. Lecture topics complement the lab exercises (see below) and will include: Diversity- Structure, function, and taxonomy; Metabolism -  growth and metabolic diversity; bacterial genetics, viruses, symbiosis, pathogenesis, microbial control and industrial/ environmental applications.

Laboratory Component: The laboratory exercises familiarize students with basic techniques in microbiology. Labs will commence during the second week of classes. The lab requires substantial commitment.

Grading

  • • Lab Assignments 50%
  • • Midterm Exam 15%
  • • Final Exam 35%

REQUIREMENTS:

Laboratory Component: The laboratory exercises familiarize students with basic techniques in microbiology. Labs will commence during the second week of classes. The lab requires substantial commitment. Lab participation is mandatory to get credit for the course for safety reasons. Make-up labs are not possible. Students who miss labs may be asked to drop the course as they present a risk to themselves and others. In addition to the scheduled labs, some exercises require up to approximately one hour of follow-up work per week on Mondays, Wednesdays or Fridays.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Prescott’s Microbiology  12th Edition (2023) by Willey, Sherwood and Wolverton,  McGraw Hill Higher Education ISBN  9781264088393

Connect (w/ Smartbook ebook) and the hard copy print edition are both acceptable.


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.