Please note:

To view the Fall 2024 Academic Calendar, go to www.sfu.ca/students/calendar/2024/fall.html.

Department of Biological Sciences | Faculty of Science Simon Fraser University Calendar | Spring 2025

Biological Sciences Minor

Program Requirements

Students complete all of

BISC 101 - General Biology (4)

Introduction to the molecular, cellular and physiological mechanisms of living organisms (microorganisms, plants, animals). Lecture and lab topics include cell structure and function, flow of genetic information, enzyme function, metabolism, whole organism form and function (circulation, gas exchange, nutrition, osmoregularion). BISC 101 and 102 can be taken in either order. Prerequisite: 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+); and Chemistry 12 (or equivalent) with a minimum grade of C (or CHEM 111 with a minimum grade of C-). Breadth-Science.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Zamir Punja
Peter Hollmann
Onkar Bains
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 9:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby
Burnaby
D101 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 11:30 a.m.–1:20 p.m.
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
Burnaby
D102 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 11:30 a.m.–1:20 p.m.
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
Burnaby
D103 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 11:30 a.m.–1:20 p.m.
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
Burnaby
D104 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
Burnaby
D105 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
Burnaby
D106 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
Burnaby
D113 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 11:30 a.m.–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
Burnaby
D114 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 11:30 a.m.–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
Burnaby
D115 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 11:30 a.m.–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
Burnaby
D116 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
Burnaby
D117 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
Burnaby
D118 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
Burnaby
BISC 102 - General Biology (4)

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. Prerequisite: 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+). Breadth-Science.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 John Reynolds
Erin Barley
Tammy McMullan
Liz Steves
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, Thu, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D101 Erin Barley
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
Burnaby
D102 Erin Barley
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby
Burnaby
D103 Elizabeth Steves
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 1:30–4:20 p.m.
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
Burnaby
D104 Elizabeth Steves
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 1:30–4:20 p.m.
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
Burnaby
D105 Tammy Mcmullan
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 11:30 a.m.–2:20 p.m.
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
Burnaby
D106 Tammy Mcmullan
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 11:30 a.m.–2:20 p.m.
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
Burnaby
D107 Tammy Mcmullan
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
Burnaby
D108 Tammy Mcmullan
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
Burnaby
D109 Tammy Mcmullan
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
Burnaby
D110 Tammy Mcmullan
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
Burnaby
D111 Tammy Mcmullan
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 1:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
Burnaby
D112 Tammy Mcmullan
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 1:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
Burnaby
D113 Tammy Mcmullan
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 11:30 a.m.–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
Burnaby
D114 Tammy Mcmullan
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 11:30 a.m.–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
Burnaby
D115 Elizabeth Steves
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
Burnaby
D116 Elizabeth Steves
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
Burnaby
D200 Ivona Mladenovic
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, Fri, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Surrey
D201 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Surrey
D202 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Surrey
D203 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Surrey
D205 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Surrey
LAS1 Ivona Mladenovic
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Surrey
LAS2 Ivona Mladenovic
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 12:30–3:20 p.m.
Surrey

and at least two of

BISC 202 - Genetics (3)

Principles and concepts of transmission of genetic information. Topics include: molecular basis of inheritance, interpretation of pedigrees, chromosomal mapping, linkage, crosses, epigenetics, and the regulation and flow of genetic information from DNA to proteins. Focus on problem-solving. Prerequisite: BISC 101 and 102, both with a minimum grade of C-.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Onkar Bains
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
Burnaby
D101 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D102 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 5:30–6:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D103 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D104 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D105 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D106 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D107 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D108 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D109 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D110 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
BISC 204 - Ecology (3)

Introduces the different approaches used to study the natural world and explores ecological concepts and theory relating to animal behaviour, population dynamics, the distribution of species, structure of communities and the function of ecosystems. Prerequisite: BISC 101 and 102, both with a minimum grade of C-.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 David Green
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 8:30–10:20 a.m.
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 8:30–9:20 a.m.
Burnaby
Burnaby
D101 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D102 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D103 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D104 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 1:20–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
BISC 205 - Principles of Physiology (3)

An integrated exploration of animal and plant physiology, using principles from biology, physics, and chemistry to describe the underlying mechanisms and adaptations that support life. Systems include transport, metabolism, electrical and chemical signalling, sensing and responding. Prerequisite: BISC 101, BISC 102, and PHYS 101, all with a minimum grade of C-. Students who have taken BISC 305 or BISC 366 first may not then take this course for further credit.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Gordon Rintoul
Jim Mattsson
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, Wed, Fri, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D101 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D102 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D104 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D105 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
MBB 222 - Molecular Biology and Biochemistry (3)

The structure, function and synthesis of proteins, RNA and DNA and their interrelated biological functions within the cell. An introduction to molecular biology techniques and methods of protein purification and analysis. Prerequisite: or Corequisite CHEM 281.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Dustin King
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, Wed, Fri, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D101 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D102 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D103 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D104 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D105 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D106 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D107 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 8:30–9:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D108 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D109 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D110 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D111 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
MBB 231 - Cellular Biology and Biochemistry (3)

A study of the molecular processes which underlie cell structure and function, integrating ultrastructural, physiological and biochemical approaches. Modern techniques used in the analysis of organelle and cell function are integral parts of the course. Prerequisite: MBB 222, BISC 101, CHEM 281 with grades of C- or better. Corequisite or Prerequisite: CHEM 282 or CHEM 283.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Ingrid Northwood
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, Wed, Fri, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D101 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D102 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D103 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D104 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D105 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D106 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D107 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D108 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D109 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D110 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby

and a minimum of 15 units, consisting of five upper division BISC courses (including MASC courses), as approved by the department. Normally no more than two research intensive courses (such as BISC 497W, 498, or 499) may be used to satisfy minor requirements.

Residency Requirements and Transfer Credits

Students who transfer into the Biological Sciences Program from other institutions may count a maximum of 1 transfer course toward their upper division program requirements. Transfer students are encouraged to meet with the Undergraduate Advisor for further details.