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Overview

Learning MethodsMajor FocusThe AC DifferenceCareer OutlookFlexible Pre-Major

Learning Methods

Instructors incorporate a variety of activities that engage students in the learning experience, including case studies, student-led projects, and hands-on laboratory experiments.

Major Focus

Biology courses focus on understanding and appreciation of life through studying structure, function, growth, origin, evolution, distribution, and sustainability of living organisms.

The AC Difference

With the unique needs of international students in mind, courses are structured to be learner-centered, encourage independent learning, and advance critical thinking skills.

Career Outlook

The Associate of Science degree serves as the foundation to transfer to a degree granting institution, and further pursue a career in environmental science, medicine, or research.

Flexible Pre-Major

Students planning to transfer to a university to study biology are encouraged to follow the Flexible Pre-Major plan, and consult with the BC Transfer Guide for current information on transferable courses. The Flexible Pre-Major plan gives students useful information about the core courses that are transferable to receiving institutions in British Columbia.

Course Descriptions

Select a course below to see full descriptions. (#) Indicates amount of credits per course

BIOL 100 Introductory Biology (4)

This survey course is designed for non-science students with an interest in the place of humans in nature. The course deals with evolution, genetics, cellular and molecular perspectives on biology, and examines the place of humans in the biosphere (ecology). The course consists of lectures and integrated laboratory exercises.

Prerequisite(s):

ENGL 099

Transfers to:

UBC BIOL 1st (3), Exemption from UBC BIOL 111
SFU BISC 100 (3), B-Sci
UVIC BIOL 1XX (1.5)
UNBC BIOL 1XX (3)
TRU BIOL 1050 (3)

BIOL 101 Introduction to Biology I (4)

This course is designed as one of a pair of introductory courses in biology. It deals with biological structure and function at cellular and organismal levels. The course consists of lectures, tutorials and integrated laboratory exercises.

Prerequisite(s):

Biology 11 or 12 & Chemistry 11 or 12; OR BIOL 100 (B or better) AND ENGL 099 or equivalent.

Transfers to:

UBC BIOL 1st (4), Exempt from UBC BIOL 111, 121, 140
SFU BISC 101 (4), B-Sci
UVIC BIOL 1XX (1.5); ALEX BIOL 101 (4) & ALEX BIOL 102 (4) = UVIC BIOL 184 (1.5) & UVIC BIOL 186 (1.5)
UNBC BIOL 103 (3) & UNBC BIOL 123 (1)
TRU BIOL 1XXX (3); ALEX BIOL 101 (4) & ALEX BIOL 102 (4) = TRU BIOL 1110 (3) & TRU BIOL 1210 (3)

BIOL 102 Introduction to Biology II (4)

This course is designed as one of a pair of introductory courses in biology. It includes the study of evolution and the diversity of life on the planet, genetics, and a study of the interaction of organisms with one another and their physical environment. The course consists of lectures, tutorials and integrated laboratory exercises.

Prerequisite(s):

Biology 11 or 12 & Chemistry 11 or 12; OR BIOL 100 (B or better) AND ENGL 099 or equivalent.

Transfers to:

UBC BIOL 1st (4), Exempt from UBC BIOL 111, 121, 140
SFU BISC 102 (4), B-Sci
UVIC ALEX BIOL 101 (4) & ALEX BIOL 102 (4) = UVIC BIOL 184 (1.5) & UVIC BIOL 186 (1.5)
UNBC BIOL 104 (3) & UNBC BIOL 124 (1)
TRU ALEX BIOL 101 (4) & ALEX BIOL 102 (4) = TRU BIOL 1110 (3) & TRU BIOL 1210 (3)

BIOL 105 Biological Concepts in Sustainability (4)

This course uses a biological perspective to analyze environmental problems and uses the framework of sustainability to address possible remedies and solutions for environmental issues.

Students will analyse the dimensions and ramifications of sustainable strategies to overcome current global issues through the study of relevant biological science topics. This course provides students with a foundation for future study by exploring both quantitative and qualitative methods used to investigate biological sustainability as well as theoretical perspectives.

By focusing on current issues and case studies from around the world this course will help prepare global citizens to engage in policy debates on environmental issues.

Prerequisite(s):

ENGL 098

Transfers to:

UBC GEOG 1st (3)
SFU EVSC 100 (3)
UVIC BIOL 1XX (1.5)
UNBC NREM 101 (3)
TRU BIOL 1XXX (3)

BIOL 106 Introduction to Environmental Science (4)

This will introduce students to the study of environmental science – an investigation of ecological issues and how these problems impact ecosystems.

It will also explore the importance of assessing impacts of human activities on ecosystem and potential solutions.

The focus will be on understanding marine, freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems, and their dynamic biological, physical and chemical interactions. Strategies for developing and promoting a more sustainable environment will also be discussed.

Prerequisite(s):

ENGL 099

Transfers to:

SFU EVSC 100 (3) & SFU EVSC 1XX (1), B-Sci for both
UVIC ES 1XX (1.5)
UNBC BIOL 1XX (4), Can substitute for UNBC BIOL 110-3 + BIOL 111-1 as a breadth requirement
TRU BIOL 1040 (3)

BIOL 110 Anatomy and Physiology I (4)

Human anatomy is the science of the structure of the human body and its parts; human physiology the science of the functions of the living human body. This course concentrates on the structure and function of the muscular, skeletal, and neural systems of the human body.

Prerequisite(s):

ENGL 098

Transfers to:

UBC ELEV 1st (3), Precludes UBC KIN 190 & UBC KIN 191; ALEX BIOL 110 (4) & ALEX BIOL 120 (4) = UBC BIOL 153 (7); ALEX BIOL 110 (4) & ALEX BIOL 120 (4) = UBC KIN 190 (3) & UBC KIN 191 (3)
SFU BPK 105 (3); ALEX BIOL 110 (4) & ALEX BIOL 120 (4) = SFU BPK 105 (3) & SFU BPK 325 (3)
UNBC ALEX BIOL 110 (4) & ALEX BIOL 120 (4) = UNBC HHSC 111 (4) & UNBC HHSC 112 (4)
TRU BIOL 1592 (3)

BIOL 120 Anatomy and Physiology II (4)

Gross human anatomy is the science of the structure of the human body and its parts that can be observed with the unaided eye. Human physiology is the science of the functions of the living human body. This course, which is the second half of a comprehensive study of human anatomy and physiology, will concentrate on the structure and function of the endocrine, digestive, urinary, integumentary, reproductive, and developmental systems of the body.

Prerequisite(s):

ENGL 098

Transfers to:

UBC ALEX BIOL 110 (4) & ALEX BIOL 120 (4) = UBC BIOL 153 (7) or ALEX BIOL 110 (4) & ALEX
BIOL 120 (4) = UBC KIN 190 (3) & UBC KIN 191 (3)
SFU ALEX BIOL 110 (4) & ALEX BIOL 120 (4) = SFU BPK 105 (3) & SFU BPK 325 (3)
UVIC EPHE 141 (1.5)
UNBC ALEX BIOL 110 (4) & ALEX BIOL 120 (4) = UNBC HHSC 111 (4) & UNBC HHSC 112 (4)

BIOL 201 Cell Biology (4)

This course investigates the structure and function of plant and animal cells; membrane models, cytoplasmic organelles, biological information from gene to protein, the endomembrane system, secretion, intracellular digestion, endocytosis, transport processes, cytoskeleton and cell motility. Modern techniques used in the analysis of organelle and cell function are integral parts of the course.

Prerequisite(s):

ENGL 099, BIOL 101 & BIOL 102 or BIOL 101 (B or higher), CHEM 102

Transfers to:

UBC BIOL 200 (3)
SFU MBB 201 (3)
UVIC BIOL 225 (1.5)
UNBC BIOL 2XX (3)
TRU BIOL 2130 (3)

BIOL 203 Genetics (3)

This course is an introduction to genetics as it is practiced in today’s research labs. Emphasis will be on how discoveries are made in genetics, generally through the use of mutational analysis to dissect biological functions. Hence there is an emphasis on experimental approaches involving the analysis of crosses, and manipulating DNA, RNA and protein at the single gene and genomic levels. Principles applying to single genes will be extended to multiple gene systems and to populations. Applications of genetics to human society will be an additional focus, as well as the ethical issues arising.

Prerequisite(s):

ENGL 098, BIOL 102

Transfers to:

UBC BIOL 234 (3)
SFU BISC 202 (3)
UVIC BIOL 230 (1.5)
UNBC BIOL 210 (3)
TRU BIOL 2XXX (3), Exemption for TRU BIOL 2340; TRU BIOL 2341 (3), OL

BIOL 204 Introductory Ecology (4)

This course introduces the basic principles of ecological theory relating to the structure and function of ecosystems. An overnight field trip is a required component of this course.

Prerequisite(s):

ENGL 099, BIOL 102

Transfers to:

UBC BIOL 230 (3)
SFU BISC 204 (3)
UVIC BIOL 215 (1.5)
UNBC BIOL 204 (3)
TRU BIOL 2170 (3)

Faculty

Jasmine Hue (PhD, Graduate Certificate in Higher Education)

Instructor

Jasmine Hue (PhD, Graduate Certificate in Higher Education)

Instructor

Dr Jasmine Hue is a passionate educator with experience in teaching undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Biotechnology, Molecular Biology and Genetics. Her research interest is in using innovative methods in teaching focusing primarily on gamification and holds 2 Intellectual Property (IP) for education games used in classroom. She received teaching awards from her previous university; Vice Chancellor Education Award 2018 and Pro-Vice Chancellor Award for Excellence in Education 2017 (Early Career Category) for her teaching excellence. Her goal is to make learning science fun again!

Mitra Panahi (PhD, MSc, BSc)

Instructor

Mitra Panahi (PhD, MSc, BSc)

Instructor

Dr. Panahi obtained her Ph.D. degree in Biochemistry from the University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. She was a recipient of Ph.D. award from the Genentech Pharmaceutical Company, California, USA. She was also awarded a Postdoctoral Fellowship from the Canadian Blood Services to perform research on blood coagulation proteins at the Centre for Blood Research of the University of British Columbia.

She has worked as a research associate at the University of Ottawa, University of British Columbia and Health Canada. She has many years of teaching experience teaching many biology courses in various colleges and universities in Ottawa and in Vancouver.

Dr. Panahi believes in involving students in “active learning”. That means that students will learn best if they are given the opportunity to express the concepts and ideas through discussion and experimentation.

To accomplish this goal, Dr. Panahi actively engages them in class participation and discussion in order for them to express their ideas to their peers in a professional and respectful way.

Michael Chua (PhD, BSc)

Instructor

Michael Chua (PhD, BSc)

Instructor

Dr. Chua received his BSc (Hons) in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry from Simon Fraser University. Afterwards, he pursued his PhD in Biological Sciences from Simon Fraser University. His research focused on cellular microbiology and he published several papers on how specific bacteria like E. coli, Listeria, Salmonella and Klebsiella, change the shape of our cells when these bacteria infect our bodies. He also mentored several undergraduate students in doing research and several of them either published their work or presented their work at international conferences.

He then pursued teaching at various institutions in Vancouver and Burnaby where he created and taught a variety of courses from first year biology to third year microbiology. He focuses on giving students hands-on experience in the lab and is passionate about getting students curious about living organisms both in our environments and in the human body.

Sandra Pena-Diaz (PhD, BSc)

Instructor

Sandra Pena-Diaz (PhD, BSc)

Instructor

Dr. Sandra Pena-Diaz obtained her PhD in Microbiology and Immunology from the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, BC. During her PhD studies she discovered her passion for teaching and learned the importance of research-based teaching techniques, which she currently applies in her courses to guide students in their learning. Sandra joined Alexander College in September of 2022, where she is committed to help students succeed in their courses. One of her main objectives as an instructor is to always try to explain complex biological concepts in a way that everyone can understand. Prior to joining Alexander College, she taught Anatomy and Physiology at Vancouver Community College and Gene Regulation at the University of British Columbia.

Abigail Feresten (PhD, MSc, BA)

Instructor

Abigail Feresten (PhD, MSc, BA)

Instructor

Dr. Feresten received an MSc in pharmacology from UBC and a PhD in neurodevelopment from SFU. Their PhD focused on the effects of specific genetic mutations on early brain development in C. Elegans, a microscopic roundworm, and the effect of these mutations on simple forms of learning.

Dr. Feresten has been a teacher’s assistant in a variety of neuroscience, genetics and biology courses at SFU since 2014, and joined Alexander College as a sessional instructor in winter of 2023. They teach Biol100. They love their new job.

“Each person has a unique framework connecting everything they know into an integrative understanding of reality; this is one’s worldview. When new knowledge is integrated, it can be applied in unanticipated contexts. Learning is not just the absorption of facts into your brain, but the integration of those facts into your worldview. The deepest challenge of learning lies in understanding how to fit that new knowledge into the larger framework of what you already know. My job, as a teacher, is to help students develop this critical skill, thus giving them agency over their own learning process. I do this by leaning into the inherent diversity of the classroom and developing an environment of creativity and bravery. At the heart of my teaching is my own deep-seated craving to integrate as much understanding of the world as I can. To model integrative learning, I myself must constantly be integrating the learning structures of every student I work with. This is the most important part of teaching: to learn together and, by doing so, to build something new.”

Resources

General Biology

Biodiversity Species App

Have you ever gone on an exploratory walk around the picturesque Greater Vancouver area, and discovered a distinctive flower or an exquisite insect, and wondered ‘what exactly is this specimen’? Brian Starzomski, of SFU, has created a free Biodiversity Species App and Website that could help you answer such curiosity-driven questions: www.greatbearrainforest.gov.bc.ca

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Khan Academy

A valuabe resource for helping student further their understanding of the principles of general biology: www.khanacademy.org

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iBiology

A fascinating source for biology videos from the world’s leading scientists. Talks include a variety of research and educational materials: www.ibiology.org

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OTF Resources

A resource for studying environmental and sustainability sciences: www.otffeo.on.ca

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Human Anatomy and Physiology

Armando Hasudungan

An outstanding resource for studying the fascinating and intricate world of human anatomy and physiology: Armando Hasudungan’s Biology and Medicine YouTube site: Armando Hasudungan Youtube Channel

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10 Terrific Online Resources For Studying Anatomy And Physiology

An excellent source website with several additional anatomy and physiology sites embedded:www.dummies.com

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Genes to Cognition (G2C) Online

This interactive website resource focuses on the functional anatomy and physiology of the human, while highlighting the genetic control of human cognitive function: www.g2conline.org

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University of Minnesota – Web Anatomy

The University of Minnesota hosts a series of human anatomy and physiology review questions on this site: www.otffeo.on.ca

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SUNY Downstate Medical Center

An outstanding interactive website that features dissections of human tissues and organs: www.act.downstate.edu

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Additional Aspects Of Biology

UBC First Year Biology

A source for gaining exposure to different styles of questions in biology and guide for best practices on how to answer these questions from UBC Biology: blogs.ubc.ca

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Writing and Presentation Tips

Two very helpful resources for improving writing skills and mastering oral presentations
www.ljlseminars.com
Academic Writing “How-to’s”

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