Please note:
To view the Spring 2025 Academic Calendar, go to www.sfu.ca/students/calendar/2025/spring.
Biological Sciences Minor
Program Requirements
Students complete all of
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 |
Megan Barker |
May 12 – Aug 8, 2025: Tue, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
May 12 – Aug 8, 2025: Thu, 9:30–11:20 a.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
D101 |
May 12 – Aug 8, 2025: Tue, 11:30 a.m.–1:20 p.m.
May 12 – Aug 8, 2025: Thu, 1:30–2:20 p.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
|
D102 |
May 12 – Aug 8, 2025: Tue, 11:30 a.m.–1:20 p.m.
May 12 – Aug 8, 2025: Thu, 2:30–3:20 p.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
|
D103 |
May 12 – Aug 8, 2025: Tue, 11:30 a.m.–1:20 p.m.
May 12 – Aug 8, 2025: Thu, 3:30–4:20 p.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
|
D107 |
May 12 – Aug 8, 2025: Thu, 11:30 a.m.–1:20 p.m.
May 12 – Aug 8, 2025: Thu, 1:30–2:20 p.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
|
D108 |
May 12 – Aug 8, 2025: Thu, 11:30 a.m.–1:20 p.m.
May 12 – Aug 8, 2025: Thu, 2:30–3:20 p.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
|
D109 |
May 12 – Aug 8, 2025: Tue, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
May 12 – Aug 8, 2025: Thu, 11:30 a.m.–1:20 p.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
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 |
Miranda Meents |
May 12 – Aug 8, 2025: Tue, Thu, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
D101 |
May 12 – Aug 8, 2025: Tue, 1:30–4:20 p.m.
May 12 – Aug 8, 2025: Thu, 2:30–3:20 p.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
|
D102 |
May 12 – Aug 8, 2025: Tue, 1:30–4:20 p.m.
May 12 – Aug 8, 2025: Thu, 3:30–4:20 p.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
|
D103 |
May 12 – Aug 8, 2025: Wed, 1:30–4:20 p.m.
May 12 – Aug 8, 2025: Thu, 9:30–10:20 a.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
|
D104 |
May 12 – Aug 8, 2025: Wed, 1:30–4:20 p.m.
May 12 – Aug 8, 2025: Thu, 10:30–11:20 a.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
|
D105 |
May 12 – Aug 8, 2025: Tue, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
May 12 – Aug 8, 2025: Thu, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
|
D106 |
May 12 – Aug 8, 2025: Tue, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
May 12 – Aug 8, 2025: Thu, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
|
D107 |
May 12 – Aug 8, 2025: Tue, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
May 12 – Aug 8, 2025: Thu, 1:30–4:20 p.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
|
D108 |
May 12 – Aug 8, 2025: Tue, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
May 12 – Aug 8, 2025: Thu, 1:30–4:20 p.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
and at least two of
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 |
Ivona Mladenovic |
May 12 – Aug 8, 2025: Tue, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
May 12 – Aug 8, 2025: Thu, 2:30–3:20 p.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
D101 |
May 12 – Aug 8, 2025: Thu, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D102 |
May 12 – Aug 8, 2025: Thu, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D103 |
May 12 – Aug 8, 2025: Thu, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D104 |
May 12 – Aug 8, 2025: Thu, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D105 |
May 12 – Aug 8, 2025: Thu, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
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-.
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.
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 |
Edgar Young |
May 12 – Aug 8, 2025: Mon, Wed, Fri, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
D101 |
May 12 – Aug 8, 2025: Mon, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D102 |
May 12 – Aug 8, 2025: Mon, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D103 |
May 12 – Aug 8, 2025: Mon, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D104 |
May 12 – Aug 8, 2025: Wed, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D105 |
May 12 – Aug 8, 2025: Wed, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D106 |
May 12 – Aug 8, 2025: Wed, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
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 |
Nancy Hawkins |
May 12 – Aug 8, 2025: Mon, Wed, Fri, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
D101 |
May 12 – Aug 8, 2025: Tue, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D102 |
May 12 – Aug 8, 2025: Tue, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D103 |
May 12 – Aug 8, 2025: Tue, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D104 |
May 12 – Aug 8, 2025: Mon, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D105 |
May 12 – Aug 8, 2025: Mon, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D106 |
May 12 – Aug 8, 2025: Wed, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D107 |
May 12 – Aug 8, 2025: Wed, 3:30–4:20 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.
Writing, Quantitative, and Breadth Requirements
Students admitted to Simon Fraser University beginning in the fall 2006 term must meet writing, quantitative and breadth requirements as part of any degree program they may undertake. See Writing, Quantitative, and Breadth Requirements for university-wide information.
WQB Graduation Requirements
A grade of C- or better is required to earn W, Q or B credit
Requirement |
Units |
Notes | |
W - Writing |
6 |
Must include at least one upper division course, taken at Simon Fraser University within the student's major subject; two courses (minimum three units each) |
|
Q - Quantitative |
6 |
Q courses may be lower or upper division; two courses (total six units or more) | |
B - Breadth |
18 |
Designated Breadth |
Must be outside the student's major subject, and may be lower or upper division: Two courses (total six units or more) Social Sciences: B-Soc |
6 |
Additional Breadth |
Two courses (total six units or more) outside the student's major subject (may or may not be B-designated courses, and will likely help fulfil individual degree program requirements). Students choosing to complete a joint major, joint honours, double major, two extended minors, an extended minor and a minor, or two minors may satisfy the breadth requirements (designated or not designated) with courses completed in either one or both program areas. |
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.