Please note:

To view the Spring 2025 Academic Calendar, go to www.sfu.ca/students/calendar/2025/spring.

Department of Biological Sciences | Faculty of Science Simon Fraser University Calendar | Summer 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 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
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 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

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 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
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-.

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.

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 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
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 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
Two courses (total six units or more) Humanities: B-Hum
Two courses (total six units or more) Sciences: B-Sci

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.