This course introduces students to the study plants and animals by examining their structures, functions, evolution and environments. 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
Levels of Biological Organization
Features of Animal Evolution, Variety of Reproductive Strategies
Marine & Intertidal Zone Ecology (Aquarium Fieldtrip, Low-Tide Field Trip, & Lab Examination of Living
Organisms - class-based only)
Identify structures, distinguishing characteristics & life processes for the following:
- Porifera, Cnidaria,
- Nematoda, Platyhelminthes, Annelida (worm labs - examine internal/external structures in various
phyla)
- Molluscs, Arthropods, Echinoderms (labs include behavioural & structural examination of variety of
mollusc, arthropod, and/or echinoderm specimens)
- Chordates, Including Origin of the Vertebrates, Fish, Amphibians, Reptiles, Birds (field trip - observe
birds in natural setting), & Mammals (lab – comparison of vertebrate skeletons), Origins of Humans
Evolution of Plants. Algae (lab - microscopic and other examination of algae),
Bryophytes (lab – dissection and examination of moss - class-based only), Ferns (lab – dissection and
examination of ferns - class-based only), Gymnosperms, and Angiosperms (cone, fruit and flower lab -
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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 70974 |
September 8, 2026 to December 17, 2026 |
Self Paced | VCC Broadway Building A | See full schedule | Register |
| 71132 |
October 1, 2026 to December 17, 2026 |
Self Paced | In Person/Online option | See full schedule | Register |
| 71239 |
November 2, 2026 to December 17, 2026 |
Self Paced | In Person/Online option | See full schedule | Register |
| 71289 |
December 1, 2026 to December 17, 2026 |
Self Paced | In Person/Online option | See full schedule | Register |
| 71373 |
November 2, 2026 to December 17, 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.