Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - BISC 333 D100

Developmental Biology (3)

Class Number: 2390

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Tue, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Thu, 11:30 a.m.–1:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    BISC 202, MBB 222, and MBB 231, all with a minimum grade of C-.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Embryonic and post-embryonic development of vertebrates, invertebrates, and plants, with a focus on both classical and modern experimental approaches. Common and distinct features of the genes and signalling pathways that control development will be compared at the organismal, cellular, molecular and genetic levels.

COURSE DETAILS:

This is an introductory course in Developmental Biology. It focuses on a number of model organisms (plants, invertebrates and vertebrates) and addresses key questions such as: How do cells adopt characteristics that make them different from one another in developing embryos? How do these cells organize themselves to form an intact animal or plant? The course will cover processes such as pattern formation, cell fate specification, cell migration and morphogenetic events, cell differentiation, and organogenesis with the goal of illustrating general principles and molecular mechanisms of development. The course is aimed at a general audience of biology students. The course is introductory but requires a basic understanding of genetics and cell and molecular biology.

Course Website: https://canvas.sfu.ca/

Grading

  • Tutorials 10%
  • Midterm 1 30%
  • Midterm 2 30%
  • Final Exam 30%

NOTES:

This is a tentative outline and may be subject to change.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

None.

RECOMMENDED READING:

Principles of Development. Wolpert and Tickle, 7th edition (Oxford University Press, 2025)
Digital ISBN: 9780192649836
Physical ISBN: 9780192896612

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.