Fall 2026 - BISC 425 D100
Sensory Biology (3)
Class Number: 2226
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Sep 9 – Dec 6, 2026: Tue, 11:30 a.m.–1:20 p.m.
BurnabySep 9 – Dec 6, 2026: Thu, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
BurnabyLocation: TBA
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Instructor:
Inigo Novales Flamarique
inigo@sfu.ca
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Prerequisites:
(BISC 205 or BPK 205) and MBB 231, both with a minimum grade of C-.
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
An overview of the major sensory mechanisms underlying animal behaviour. This course examines the basic physiological mechanisms underlying various mammalian and non-mammalian senses including vision, audition, olfaction, gustation, polarization sensitivity and mechanoreception. Lectures combine concepts from physics, systems neuroscience, cell and molecular biology, and behaviour.
COURSE DETAILS:
The students will need to research the primary literature and present current knowledge on a sensory system topic assigned by the instructor.
Grading
- Midterms 30%
- Oral (with Power Point) Presentation 40%
- Final Exams 30%
REQUIREMENTS:
Materials
MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:
No textbook is required for this course.
RECOMMENDED READING:
Online supplemental reading will be provided in the syllabus.
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.