Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - BISC 204 D100

Ecology (3)

Class Number: 2333

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Tue, 8:30–10:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Thu, 8:30–9:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 21, 2026
    Tue, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

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

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Introduces the different approaches used to study the natural world and explores ecological concepts and theory relating to animal behaviour, population dynamics, the distribution of species, structure of communities and the function of ecosystems.

COURSE DETAILS:

BISC 204 (Introduction to Ecology) emphasizes understanding species interactions in biological communities and the relationships between communities and the environment. This course serves as a prerequisite to many 400-level BISC courses in ecology, evolution and conservation biology. Grades for this course will be based on student performance on a variety of activities/homework assignments, exams and participation in tutorial sessions.

Grading

  • Tutorial Presentation 5%
  • Tutorial Participation 5%
  • Paper Reviews (Draft/Final) 10%
  • Case Studies/Problem Sets 30%
  • Midterm 15%
  • Final Exam 35%

NOTES:

Mode of teaching:

  • Lecture:  Tues - in person (recorded)
                        Thursday – in person (recorded)
  • Tutorial: in person (mandatory)
  • Midterm: in person (TBD)
  • Final: in person (TBD)

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

  • Students will be required to sign up for three SimBio online education modules as part of this course, approximate cost $20.
  • Simbio modules require access to high-speed internet and a Computer/notebook/table

REQUIRED READING:

No textbook is required but having access to an undergraduate textbook in ecology is desirable
Students will be required to sign up for two SimBio online education modules as part of this course, approximate cost $20

RECOMMENDED READING:

Ecology: The Economy of Nature by Robert E. Ricklefs, Rick Relyea, Christoph Richter. (Canadian Edition). 7th Edition. This text is available digitally via VitalSource: https://sfu-store.vitalsource.com/products/ecology-the-economy-of-nature-canadian-edition-ricklefs-robert-e-v9781319028725 
or
Ecology: The Economy of Nature by Rick Relyea. 9th Edition. This text is available digitally via VitalSource: 
https://sfu-store.vitalsource.com/products/ecology-the-economy-of-nature-rick-relyea-v9781319369323

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.