Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2025 - BISC 171 D100

Biological Sciences Undergraduate Seminar (1)

Class Number: 2641

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Fri, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Corequisites:

    BISC 101 or 102; and completion of fewer than 60 units.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Students are introduced to current topics, research, and undergraduate opportunities in the Department of Biological Sciences. Graded on a Pass/Fail basis.

COURSE DETAILS:

Course description
So, you want to be a biologist? Biology is an exciting field with a wide range of research and work opportunities. This course is designed for new Biology majors to introduce you to Biology and the Department of Biological Sciences. There will be an introductory and capstone “fun questions” in Biology exercise, presentations by different faculty – exploring the range of research in our (your!) Department – and an introduction to the many research/experiential opportunities for Biology students, e.g., Directed Research courses, the Co-op program, Bamfield Marine Science Center, and the Registered Professional Biologists program (RPBio, College of Applied Biology).

Course outline

Week 1 - Gentle introduction: Why be a biologist?

Week 2-3 – Big questions in Biology: “Why sex”?

Weeks 4-11 - Presentations by Biology research and teaching faculty: what do we do in Biology? Other research/experiential opportunities for Biology students

Week 12-13 –Different perspectives in Biology: Traditional Ecological Knowledge and Western Science

Grading

  • • Assignment 1 (1-page summary of ONE research lecture) 50%
  • • Class participation 50% 50%

NOTES:

No Exam.  Grade will be Pass/Fail.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

No Textbook is required for this course.

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.