Fall 2025 - BISC 300 D100
Evolution (3)
Class Number: 2666
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Mon, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
BurnabySep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Wed, Fri, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby -
Exam Times + Location:
Dec 15, 2025
Mon, 3:30–5:30 p.m.
Burnaby
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Instructor:
Leithen M'Gonigle
lmgonigl@sfu.ca
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Prerequisites:
BISC 202 with a minimum grade of C-. Recommended: BISC 204.
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
The phenomenon of organic evolution, and the major processes leading to changes in allele frequencies over time, namely mutation, migration, genetic drift and natural selection. Topics include evolutionary genetics, adaptation, sexual selection, the origin of life, speciation, and the major evolutionary trends over geological time.
COURSE DETAILS:
- Introduction to the mechanisms of evolutionary change
Phylogenetics
- Selection and Adaptation
- History of life
Grading
- Quizzes x 4
- Exams x 3
- Weekly activities
- Tutorial participation
- Podcast and textbook assignments
NOTES:
No Final Exam
The quizzes are meant for you to keep up with the course and to review your lecture notes.
The midterms are designed to help you digest the textbook, while the podcast and textbook assignments are exercises in science translation of that primary literature. (You don't really understand something until you have to explain it!)
MODE OF TEACHING
All synchronous (lectures, tutorials, midterms), no recording
Materials
REQUIRED READING:
Evolutionary Analysis (Freeman and Herron), 2014, 5th Ed.
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:
- SFU’s Academic Integrity Policy: S10-01 Policy
- SFU’s Academic Integrity website, which includes helpful videos and tips in plain language: Academic Integrity at SFU
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.