Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - BISC 102 D100

General Biology (4)

Class Number: 2302

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Tue, Thu, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Instructor:

    Elizabeth Elle
    eelle@sfu.ca
    778-782-4592

  • Instructor:

    Erin Barley
    ebarley@sfu.ca
    778-782-4972

  • Instructor:

    TBA Sessional

  • Prerequisites:

    Biology 12 (or equivalent) with a minimum grade of C (or BISC 100 with a minimum grade of C-, or BISC 113 with a minimum grade of C+, or BPK 105 with a minimum grade of C+, or HSCI 100 with a minimum grade of C+).

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Introduction to evolution and ecology, focusing on the processes that shape the diversity of life on earth. Lecture and lab topics include: natural selection and other mechanisms of evolutionary change, phylogeny, genetics, speciation, behaviour, species interactions, population ecology, and ecosystems. BISC 101 and 102 may be taken in either order. Breadth-Science.

Grading

  • Tutorial Participation 5%
  • Lab Assignments 15%
  • Lab exam 25%
  • Lecture Midterm exam 20%
  • Lecture Final exam 35%

NOTES:

To pass this course you must obtain an overall passing grade (i.e. at least 50%) on the laboratory portion of the course. This includes the lab assignments and the lab exam.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

TEXTBOOK: Biological Science, by Freeman, Harrington and Sharp. 3rd or 4th Canadian Editions, Pearson. Highly recommended.

LAB MANUAL: you will receive a copy of your lab manual during your first lab. The printing cost is included in your course fees.

Note 1: The ‘Mastering’ version of the textbook is NOT required.
Note 2: Students can use the 3rd edition text for reading if needed, which is similar in organization, but you will need to figure out the differences in page and figure numbers yourself.

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.