Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - BISC 101 D100

General Biology (4)

Class Number: 2301

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Tue, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Thu, 9:30–11:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 24, 2026
    Fri, 3:30–6:30 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Apr 24, 2026
    Fri, 3:30–6:30 p.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, osmoregulation). BISC 101 and 102 can be taken in either order. Breadth-Science.

COURSE DETAILS:

Cell biology (weeks 1-4)
molecules of life
cell structure and function
cell cycle, cell replication
DNA replication, genes to proteins, DNA technology
metabolism and enzymes, cellular respiration

Animal biology (weeks 5-8) 
form and function
homeostasis and thermoregulation
osmoregulation and excretion
nutrition and digestion
gas exchange and circulation

Plant biology (weeks 9-12)
plant cells and photosynthesis
plant form and function; growth and development
plant nutrition and transport processes
plant hormones and interactions with environment

Grading

  • 1st Midterm 20%
  • 2nd Midterm 20%
  • Final Exam 20%
  • Lab + Tutorial Component 40%

REQUIREMENTS:

Mode of teaching:

  • Lecture: In person
  • Laboratory: (2-hour block labelled “LAB” in your schedule) In person
  • Tutorial: (1-hour block, also labelled “LAB” in your schedule) In person
  • Midterm: In person; date TBA
  • Lab Final Exam: In person; date TBA
  • Final Exam: In person; date TBA

**You must pass the “Lab + tutorial” component of the course (20/40) to pass BISC101

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Students must enroll in a course schedule/time where they are able to regularly attend all of the synchronous components, particularly the lab time; this is required to pass the course. We may be using Google documents for lab notebooks.

REQUIRED READING:

In week 1 of the semester, the lab manual will be provided to you in lab.

RECOMMENDED READING:

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

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.