Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2025 - BISC 204 D100

Ecology (3)

Class Number: 2665

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Tue, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

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

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 12, 2025
    Fri, 12:00–3:00 p.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:

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

Grading

  • Exams x3 55%
  • Special Assignments (in-class and otherwise) 30%
  • Paper Review 5%
  • Attendance and Participation in Tutorial Sessions 10%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

None.

RECOMMENDED READING:

Ecology: The Economy of Nature by Rick Relyea, W. H. Freeman (8th or 9th edition).

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.