Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2025 - BISC 360W D100

Techniques in Ecology and Evolution (4)

Class Number: 2697

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

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

  • Prerequisites:

    BISC 202, (BISC 204 or GEOG 215), and STAT 201, all with a minimum grade of C-.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

A practical lab- and field-based introduction to techniques in ecology and evolution. Students use experimental design and statistical methods to collect, analyze, and interpret data. Specific topics may include: sampling and describing communities, evaluating spatial patterns, investigating animal behaviour, population estimation, and estimating competition. Writing.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course provides a practical and hands-on introduction to techniques in ecology and evolution. Students apply experimental design principles and statistical methods to collect, analyze, and interpret data. Students then communicate the results through a combination of worksheets and written reports. The course is built around weekly 4 hour labs (lab-, field-, and computer-based) where students collect and analyze data. Lectures provide conceptual background, and help students develop the thinking and writing skills necessary for the assignments. This course is writing-intensive and some labs include an outdoor component, rain or shine.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Learning Outcomes:

This course aims to foster the following skills and qualities in students:           

At a minimum, students should be able to:

Experimental design
  • design appropriate methods to collect observational or experimental data to address hypothese
  • critique methods in published scientific papers

Interpretation of data
  • perform statistical analyses of observational and experimental studies
  • present results as tables or figures
  • interpret results of experiments

Reading skills
  • read and critically evaluate ecological studies in the primary literature
  • provide a synthesis of the results obtained from a number of separate studies

Writing skills
  • introduce a hypothesis to be tested, citing literature appropriately
  • interpret findings and compare them to existing literature





Grading

  • Worksheets (5 x 7%) 35%
  • Report 1 (Forest Communities, Methods & Results only) 15%
  • Report 2 (Clover Cyanogenesis, Results & Discussion only) 20%
  • Report 3 (either Forest or Clover, Full report) 30%

NOTES:

This course has no midterms or final exams

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Laptop computer with Microsoft Excel and capable of downloading R & R Studio (free).

REQUIRED READING:

No textbook required. Readings from the primary literature will be made available on Canvas, and lab handouts will be provided as part of your course registration fee.

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.