Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - BISC 371 BLS1

Special Topics in Biology for Non-majors (3)

Crucial Discoveries in Biology

Class Number: 2394

Delivery Method: Blended

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Thu, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: TBA, TBA
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 14, 2026
    Tue, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    A minimum of 45 units.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Selected topics in Biology, aimed at students who might not have a background in biology. Science students may take this course as an elective, but may not apply this course toward their upper division program requirements. Breadth-Science.

COURSE DETAILS:

Biology impacts our lives every day. This course will highlight significant discoveries that have fundamentally changed scientific thinking in various biological fields, and you will learn how the scientific method led to acceptance of these ideas. We will discuss basic cell and developmental processes that are responsible for the diversity of unicellular and multicellular organisms. You will learn how key discoveries in genetic inheritance and molecular biology have paved the way for the technological breakthroughs like gene sequencing and editing that are currently used in all aspects of biological science. Technological advances include the use of modeling and statistics that enable studies of relationships in developmental biology, evolution and ecology. We will discuss the discoveries in evolution and adaption that fundamentally changed our understanding of speciation and the creation of biological diversity, as well as key ideas in ecology that influence our efforts on conservation, global warming and pollution. You will also learn how studies in basic biological science have led to medical breakthroughs such as in neurobiology, microbiology and the use of antibiotics, and cancer research.

This course is an online course with synchronous in-person exams.

TOPICS
Microbiology, developmental biology, ecology, evolution, molecular biology

Grading

  • Quizzes 30%
  • Assignments 15%
  • Attendance and participation 5%
  • Midterm exam 20%
  • Final exam 30%

NOTES:

Students must pass the final

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Mode of Teaching:
REMOTE LEARNING with In-Person Exams

NOTE! Midterm and Final are In-Person at the Burnaby location. Quizzes are online. There is one synchronous lecture/discussions per week over zoom. Other lectures are posted on canvas.

RECOMMENDED READING:

Links to recommended readings and videos will be provided in the lecture slides

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.