Fall 2026 - BISC 316 D100
Vertebrate Biology (4)
Class Number: 2196
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Mon, Wed, Fri, 8:30–9:20 a.m.
Burnaby
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Instructor:
Erin Barley
ebarley@sfu.ca
1 778 782-4972
Office: SCB8228
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Instructor:
Tegan Williams
twa176@sfu.ca
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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 lecture portion of the course introduces students to important groups of both living and extinct vertebrates. We’ll focus on their defining characteristics and interesting adaptations. Additionally, we examine the novel features (e.g., jaws) and transitions (e.g., tetrapod transition from ocean to land) that have contributed to the diversification of vertebrates.
In labs, students focus on the comparative anatomy of vertebrate groups. We dissect select groups and examine museum specimens to see how similarities and differences reflect the shared evolutionary history and unique environments of vertebrate groups.
Grading
- Assignments 15%
- Lab Midterm 15%
- Lab Final Exam 20%
- Lecture Midterm 20%
- Lecture Final Exam 30%
NOTES:
Materials
MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:
Please note: This course has a mandatory supplementary fee which is non-refundable after week 1 (refer to the SFU Dates & Deadlines for the last day to drop with 100% refund). See the SFU calendar for the current supplementary fee rate.
Lab coat and safety glasses/goggles (required). Students are welcome to bring their own, or use the lab coats and safety glasses/goggles available in lab.
RECOMMENDED READING:
Lecture Textbook (recommended): Pough and Janis (2023) Vertebrate Life (11th edition), Pearson Publishing. Notes: You can probably get by with an earlier edition, but the 11th and 10th editions are much better than older editions.
Dissection Guide (recommended): De Iuliis and Pulera (2019). The Dissection of Vertebrates: A Laboratory Manual (3rd edition), Academic Press. Notes: We’ll use this (especially the very good figures) for lab. The library provides unlimited access to the 1st edition, which is very similar to the 3rd edition and is OK to use instead of the 3rd edition.
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:
- SFU’s Academic Integrity Policy: S10-01 Policy
- SFU’s Academic Integrity website, which includes helpful videos and tips in plain language: Academic Integrity at SFU
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.