Please note:
To view the Fall 2024 Academic Calendar, go to www.sfu.ca/students/calendar/2024/fall.html.
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 |
Zamir Punja Peter Hollmann |
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 |
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 S Sessional Erin Barley Tammy McMullan |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, Thu, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
D101 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
|
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
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 |
Sessional |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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.