Spring 2026 - BISC 300 D100
Evolution (3)
Class Number: 2361
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Mon, Wed, Fri, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
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Instructor:
Hayley Reekie
hreekie@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:
1. Introduction to the mechanisms of evolutionary change
Darwin’s postulates
Natural selection
Mutation & Migration
Genetic drift
Neutral theory Phylogenetics
2. Selection and Adaptation
Sex and recombination
Quantitative genetics
Sexual selection
Kin selection
Life history theory
3. History of life
The origin and early diversification of life
Genome evolution
Speciation
Human evolution
MODE OF TEACHING
All synchronous (lectures, tutorials, midterms), no recording
Grading
NOTES:
Grading scheme details TBD:
- Weekly quizzes and activities
- Tutorials
- Midterms
- 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, the tutorials are about putting your new knowledge to work, and the final exam will help you integrate everything you’ve learned.
Materials
REQUIRED READING:
Evolution: Making Sense of Life. Third Edition. 2020. DJ Emlen & C Zimmer.
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.