Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2026 - BISC 101 D100

General Biology (4)

Class Number: 1181

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 11 – Aug 10, 2026: Tue, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

    May 11 – Aug 10, 2026: Thu, 9:30–11:20 a.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:

Three connected units: Macromolecules and cells; animal physiology; plant physiology.

Unit 1: Macromolecules and cells: structure and function (Lipids and membranes; proteins and enzymes; nucleic acids and gene expression, carbohydrates and metabolism/photosynthesis; integrated together in the cell cycle and DNA replication.)

Unit 2: Structure and function of animal cells and systems (digestive, excretory, circulatory, respiratory)

Unit 3: Structure and function of plant cells and systems (nutrition, transport, interactions with environment)

The information on this outline is subject to change.

Grading

  • Lecture tests component - three in-class tests during the semester: Test 1 (10%), Test 2 (15%), Test 3 (25%) 50%
  • Pre-reading quizzes and in-class learning activities 10%
  • Laboratory Component, including a team research project and individual lab exam 40%

NOTES:

All students must pass both of the laboratory component and the lecture test component to receive a passing grade in the course.

Regular attendance is mandatory. Labs and tutorials begin in the first week of the semester (Week of May 11) and continue including the last week of the semester (Week of Aug 3).

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Freeman, Quillin, Allison, Black, Podgorski, Taylor, Carmichael, Harrington & Sharp. Biological Science (4th Canadian Edition, 2023) or (3rd Canadian Edition, 2019) or (2nd Canadian Edition, 2012). Pearson, Toronto.

iClickers polling tool (either the app or hand-held physical remote; details given in the first class)

The lab manual will be provided to you in the first week of lab.

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.