Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2025 - BISC 316 D100

Vertebrate Biology (4)

Class Number: 2040

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

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

  • Prerequisites:

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

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An overview of the evolution and diversity of vertebrates, with an emphasis on the evolutionary innovations and characteristics that led to this diversity. Labs explore comparative anatomy through dissections, bones, and other specimens.

COURSE DETAILS:

The biology, taxonomy, and evolution of vertebrates are reviewed. Organ systems and functions of principal adaptations are studied through comparative anatomy. Characteristics of fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals are examined to understand how vertebrates cope in different environments. Representative species are dissected and the anatomy and function of organ systems are examined in laboratory sessions.

Grading

  • Midterm Exam 20% 20%
  • Final Exam 30%
  • Written Assignment 10%
  • Lab Midterm 15%
  • Lab Final 25%

NOTES:

Lectures begin May 12, 2025.

Laboratory sessions begin the first week of classes, May 13-15, 2025.

 

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

LECTURE TEXTBOOK:

F.H. Pough, W.E. Bemis, B. McGuire and C.M. Janis 2023. Vertebrate Life.

Prentice Hall, New Jersey. 11th Edition.

LABORATORY TEXTBOOK:

De Iuliis, G. and D. Pulerà. The Dissection of Vertebrates: A Laboratory Manual. Any edition is fine. (Required. Note: a digital copy of the 1st edition is available through SFU Library for free.)


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.