Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - BISC 102 D200

General Biology (4)

Class Number: 2332

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Wed, Fri, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
    Surrey

  • 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+).

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Introduction to evolution and ecology, focusing on the processes that shape the diversity of life on earth. Lecture and lab topics include: natural selection and other mechanisms of evolutionary change, phylogeny, genetics, speciation, behaviour, species interactions, population ecology, and ecosystems. BISC 101 and 102 may be taken in either order. Breadth-Science.

COURSE DETAILS:

Topics covered:

  • Scientific method
  • Adaptation by natural selection
  • Sexual and kin selection
  • Phylogeny
  • Patterns of evolution
  • Ecology
  • Meiosis and genetics
  • The origin of life and evolution of metabolism
  • Diversity of life (protists, plants, fungi, and animals)
  • Principles of development
  • Human evolution

Grading

  • Weekly online quizzes (WOQ) 10%
  • Participation in lectures 5%
  • Midterm exam 10%
  • Course assignment 10%
  • Final exam 30%
  • Lab assignments (LA) 5%
  • Laboratory exam 25%
  • Tutorial participation 5%

NOTES:

You are encouraged to pass both the lab and lecture portions of the course to gain an overall passing grade. Failing either will result in a ‘D’, which means you will not be able to use BISC 102 as a pre-requisite for other courses. Failing both will result in an ‘F’.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

- BISC 102 Laboratory manual. Simon Fraser University, Surrey Campus edition, 2026
- Access to Canvas (https://canvas.sfu.ca) during lectures (e.g., via cell phone, tablet, or laptop)

RECOMMENDED READING:

Freeman, S., et.al (2023) Biological Science. 4th Canadian Edition, Pearson, Canada. 
ISBN: 9780135403815

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.