Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - HSCI 333 D100

Red, Hot, and True: A Semester of Blood (3)

Class Number: 2097

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Mon, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    60 units and completion of one of: HSCI 100, BISC 100, BISC 101 or BISC 102, with a minimum grade of C-.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Examines blood via biological, laboratory/clinical, societal, and symbolic contexts and the interplay of those contexts. The dynamic interactions of blood at multiple levels in our bodies and between people reveal that it is not a static or discrete tissue and allows us to appreciate the human body as a whole and health, disease, and identity as a continuum. Students who have completed HSCI 372 in Spring 2013 or Fall 2013 may not take HSCI 333 for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

Examines blood via biological, laboratory/clinical, societal, and symbolic contexts and the interplay of those contexts. The dynamic interactions of blood at multiple levels in our bodies and between people reveal that it is not a static or discrete tissue and allows us to appreciate the human body as a whole and health, disease, and identity as a continuum.  

This course is about how blood works in humans. The main goal is to integrate multiple concepts in science and health and to appreciate the ‘cell to society’ or 'society to cell' theme of the Faculty of Health Sciences.   We will also spend time exploring the non-literal and vivid representations of blood in culture, art, and story, learning why ‘Blut ist ein ganz besondrer saft’ (Blood is quite a special fluid) - Goethe.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Upon completion of the course, students are expected to be able to:
1.      Describe the basic components of blood, its origins and development, and the interactions of blood in the human body
2.      Categorize and differentiate diseases of blood and conditions producing these
3.      Explain the multiple roles of blood as an indicator of disease, health, and identity
4.      Synthesize major concepts and properties of blood in effective visual and written communication formats

Grading

  • First/last week answers 10%
  • eJournal 10%
  • Quizzes 10%
  • Essay 25%
  • Storyboard project 25%
  • Final Exam 20%

NOTES:

These classes are in-person and occasionally will involve 'field trips' to the teaching laboratory in Blusson Hall where we will have a chance to examine blood in this setting.

Materials

RECOMMENDED READING:

‘Blood: The Stuff of Life’ by Lawrence Hill
ISBN: 978-1-77089-322-1

‘Blood: An Epic History of Medicine and Commerce’ by Douglas Starr
ISBN: 978-0-688-17649-5

‘The Gift Relationship: from human blood to social policy’ by Richard Titmuss
ISBN: 978-1565844032

Blood: The science, medicine, and mythology of menstruation by Jen Gunter  
ISBN: 978-0806540689

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.