This course provides an introduction to biology from an ecological perspective. Students study evolution; the origin of life; cell biology; viruses, bacteria, protists and fungi; local land and aquatic ecosystems, including native species identification. Field trips provide students with opportunities to explore local ecology and analyze and interpret data collected.
Biology 0861 and Biology 0871 can be taken at the same time or in any order.
Both Biology 0861 and Biology 0871 are required for completion of the equivalent of ABE Advanced Level Biology.
Prerequisites
MATH 0751, Foundations of Math & Precalculus 10 or equivalent; English 10 or equivalent.
What you will learn
- Classification Systems and Major Taxonomic Groups
Evolution (Evidence and Mechanisms)
Origins of Life
Cell Biology, including:
- Cell Theory,
- Major Structures/Functions In Prokaryotic And Eukaryotic Cells
- Levels of Biological Organization
- Introduction to Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration
- Cell Division
Viruses & Bacteria (*bacteria and microscopy laboratory)
Protists (*Laboratory - microscopic observation of living and prepared protists)
Fungus
Algae, Bryophytes, Ferns, Gymnosperms, and Angiosperms (self-paced only)
General Ecology (Energy flow, Nutrient cycling, Biosphere, Biomes, Climate, Succession)
Ecosystems and Local Ecology (Forests, Bogs, Freshwater Ecosystems) (*at least two Field trips to
forest, bog and or pond ecosystems including field note taking,experimental methodology, and reporting)
Ecological Issues (the last three Ecology topics are covered in class-based only)
How to register
This course is offered as part of a VCC program only.
Course schedules
Select your program to see the available course schedules.
| CRN# | Duration | Delivery | Location | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 70973 |
September 8, 2026 to December 17, 2026 |
Self Paced | VCC Broadway Building A | See full schedule | Register |
| 71137 |
October 1, 2026 to December 17, 2026 |
Self Paced | In Person/Online option | See full schedule | Register |
| 71238 |
November 2, 2026 to December 17, 2026 |
Self Paced | In Person/Online option | See full schedule | Register |
| 71288 |
December 1, 2026 to December 17, 2026 |
Self Paced | In Person/Online option | See full schedule | Register |
| 71432 |
September 8, 2026 to October 28, 2026 |
Lecture Lab |
VCC Broadway Building A | See full schedule | Register |
Online courses listed without scheduled meeting times can be completed on your own schedule. All self-paced courses have on-campus tests. Off-site certified invigilation centres may be used at the student's expense.
Contact us
If you have any questions, please email at [email protected].
Additional information
This course is tuition free! Some fees apply: *
- College Initiative: $8.85/course
- Campus Resource: $9.95/course
- Student Union: $71/term
- UPass: $188/term (if applicable)
* Note: fees are approximate and subject to change.
Contact the department at [email protected] with any questions.
† This information is intended as a guideline only. Program and course details are subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors.