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Action taken by the Senate Committee on Under- 

graduate Studies at its meeting of November 29, 1977 gives 

rise to the following motion: 

MOTION 

That BISC 105-3 (Biology and the Human Species) 

as set forth in S.78- 

8,

be approved, and 

recommended to the Board for approval, as 

there is not (in the judgment of SCUS) un- 

desirable overlap. 

NOTE - ? 

The SCUS meeting at which this matter was con- 

sidered took place some three weeks after referral 

by Senate - referral based on a concern expressed 

by the Chairman of the Archaeology Department 

about substantial overlap between the proposed 

BISC 105-3 (Biology and the Human Species) and the 

existing ARC. 131-3 (Human Origins). In the inter- 

vening period of time each department had given 

some consideration to the question but there had 

been limited discussion between the two departments. 

At the SCUS meeting the Archaeology Department was 

represented by its Chairman, Professor Carlson, 

and the course instructor, Professor Skinner. The 

Biological Sciences Department was represented by 

its Chairman, Professor Mackauer, and the Chairman 

of its Curriculum Committee, Professor Kemp. 

Professor Carlson stated that human biology is 

physical anthropology, that the Archaeology Depart- 

ment already offers a first-year course in physical 

anthropology (i.e., human biology), that the pro- 

posed BISC 105 overlaps up to 80% with that course, 

that the Department of Biological Sciences has 

proposed the course primarily for students from 

the Faculty of Arts and that it should not, there- 

fore, be approved. He requested (and still requests) 

Senate 

?

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December 23, 1977 

?

that the matter be referred to the Departments 

concerned for consultation and resolution. 

The position of the Biological Sciences Department 

is that physical anthropology and human biology 

are not identical, that BISC 105 is not a course 

in human biology anyway, that it is a course in 

general biology designed to teach concepts, 

principals and functions identical with those 

introduced in BISC 101 and 102. It is designed 

not solely for students from the Faculty of Arts 

but rather to relieve pressure on first year 

biology labs and it is utilizing "key problems" 

related to the human species as a pedagogical 

device to assist students in learning the concepts 

of general biology. 

Following protracted discussion SCUS rejected the 

proposal that the matter be referred to the depart- 

ments, determined that (in its judgment) the overlap 

between the courses was not as extensive as suggested 

by the Chairman of the Department of Archaeology, 

that the courses had differing purposes and per- 

spectives, and that the degree of overlap was not 

undesirable. 

Following the SCUS meeting, the secretary received 

a request from the Chairman of the Faculty of Arts 

Curriculum Committee that Senate refer this matter 

to the departments concerned. In order to ascertain 

whether there might be additional information not 

presented to SCUS, the Chairman of SCUS convened 

a meeting (December 22) attended by the Dean of 

Arts, the Dean of Science, the Registrar and 

representatives of the Department of Archaeology 

and the Department of Biological Sciences. At that 

meeting the Department of Biological Sciences 

presented a re-statement of the course outline 

unchanged in comment but revised to eliminate 

ambiguities which might have contributed to a 

judgment of course overlap. Also distributed at 

the meeting was the course outline of ARC. 131-3 

(Spring, 1975) which had been presented to Senate 

at the time the course was originally approved in 

May 1974. It appeared from the documents that there 

...3 

Senate ? -3- ? 

December 23, 1977 

was relatively little overlap (if any) between 

the course description for BISC 105 and the 

original course outline of ARC. 131-3, somewhat 

more potential overlap with the 1977-3 outline 

of ARC. 131 and more again with the 1978-3 

outline for ARC. 131. However, Professor Fisher 

of the Department of Biological Sciences (the 

initiator of BISC 105) reviewed the 1978-3 

outline of ARC. 131 and suggested that, in his 

judgment, there was not more than 20 to 25% 

overlap. Professor Carlson continued to be con- 

cerned that the course should be entitled general 

biology and should not make reference to the 

human species if it was intended to be a general 

biology course. 

In my judgment, as Chairman of SCUS, referral of 

this matter to the Departments of Archaeology and 

Biological Sciences 

?

is unlikely to change 

positions or to achieve a different resolution. 

DRB/tb ? D. R. Birch 

.

SiMON FRASER UNIVERSITY

&rVS 77-44

MEMORANDUM

T ?

SENATE COMMITTEE ON UNDERGRADUATE 

°....................STUDIES.................................................................................. 

BISC 105-3 - REFERRAL FROM SENATE 

Subiect .......... ...

...

... ........

...... TO .... SCUS ..... ..........................

......

From..... .

H. M. EVANS, SECRETARY OF SENATE, 

SECRETARY OFSCUS 

.

................................ ....................... 

.

977

1

7

1

R

NOVEMBE, 

Date.........................................................................................

BISC 105-3 was approved by SCUS as SCUS 77-26, was 

transmitted to Senate as S.77-130, was considered by Senate at 

its meeting of November 7, and was referred back to SCUS. 

A copy of the paper as transmitted to Senate and an 

extract from the Senate minutes is attached. 

Also attached are papers SCUS 77-62a and SCUS 77-62b. 

ends. 

HME/rn 

.

— 7 — ? 

S.M. 7/11/77 

• .• ? 

e) Paper S.77-128 — Course Ch 

.

ange — G.S. 300-5 

?

Moved by D. Birch, seconded by T. Calvert, 

"That ' 

the course changes for G.S. 300-5 — Introduction 

to Marxism and the Arts, as set forth in S.77-128, be 

approved and recommended to the Board of Governors for 

Approval." 

D. Birch stated that the title change had been encouraged to 

eliminate specific political connotations, a course description had 

been added, and the method of instruction had been altered from 

lecture/tutorial to a lecture discussion. 

Question was called, and a vote taken. 

MOTION CARRIED 

f)

Paper S.77-129 — Proposed Changes in Requirements — 

Kinesiology 

Moved by D. Birch, seconded by T. Calvert, 

"That the proposed changes in requirements — Kinesiology 

— as set forth in S.77-129, be approved and recommended 

to the Board of Governors for approval." 

Question was called, and a vote taken. 

?

.

S.

?

MOTION CARRIED 

g)

Paper S.77-130 — New Course Proposal — BISC 105-3 — Biology 

and the Human Species 

Moved by D. Birch, seconded by K. .Rieckhoff, 

?

.

"That the new course proposal for BISC 105-3 — 

Biology for the Human Species, as set forth in 

S.77-130, be approved and recommended to the 

Board of Governors for approval." 

R. Carlson stated that he was not aware of any consultation with 

the Department of Archaeology relating to possible overlap and would 

move that the course be referred back to SCUS for closer examination. 

The Chairman ruled the motion out of order on the ground that the pro- 

cedures had been followed and the Faculty of Arts curriculum committee 

had confirmed that it saw no substantive overlap with the courses 

offered in that Faculty. Lengthy discussion ensued on the degree. of 

overlap which may exist in elective courses and be offset 

.

. .by thé unique 

presentation of a particular department. 

Moved by J. Hutchinson, seconded by K. Rieckhoff, 

?

.

.

a•-'. 

?

8 - ? 

S.M. 7/11/77 

"That the ruling of the chair be challenged." 

Question was called, and a vote taken. 

CHALLENGE SUPPORTED 

•

Moved by R. Carlson, seconded by J. Hutchinson, 

"That Paper S.77-130 be referred to the Senate 

Committee on Undergraduate Studies for closer 

examination of overlap." 

A number of Senators spoke against referral of a course which had 

been developed over a period of two years in response to student demand 

for'an alternative to BISC 003. 

Question was called, and a vote taken. 

MOTION TO REFER CARRIED 

h) Paper 5.77-131 - Mathematics Requirements 

Moved by D. Birch, seconded by K. Rieckhoff, 

"That the proposed changes to the Mathematics degree 

requirements, as set forth in S.77-131, be approved 

and recommended to the Board of Governors for approval." 

B. Palmer expressed objection to a Committee amending a paper 

without recording in its minutes the exact nature of the amendments. 

D. Birch gave assurance that acquiescence of the members of SCUS and 

the chairman of the curriculum committee had been sought to adjust 

the wording of the proposed calendar statement to clarify the intent. 

Question was called, and a vote taken. 

MOTION CARRIED 

.r

6.

REPORTS FROM FACULTIES 

1) Faculty of Arts 

a) Paper S.77-132 - For Information - Course Name Changes - 

?

Department of Languages, Literatures and Linguistics 

It was noted that Paper S.77-132 had been distributed for Information 

regarding the name change of the Department of Modern Languages, effective 

January 1, 1978. 

7.

OTHER BUSINESS 

There was no other business. 

SIMON FRASER UNIVERSITY

SC V-5 7,V

MEMORANDUM

As amended by SCUS 

Sept.27, 1977 

H. M. Evans 

.0.................................................................................................. 

Registrar 

Subject . ?

New Course Proposal - BISC 105-3 

"Biology and the Human Species" 

Attached please find a new course proposal form and supporting 

documentation for BISC 105-3, "Biology and the Human Species". This 

course was approved by the Faculty of Science at its meeting of 

July 28, 1977, and is herewith forwarded to the Senate Committee on 

Undergraduate Studies for further consideration. 

/pe 1 

End. 

SENATE COMMITTEE ON UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES 

NEW COURSE PROPOSAL FORM 

1.

Calendar Information 

?

Department: BioSciences 

Abbreviation Code: BISC 

?

Course Number: 105 

?

Credit Hours: 

3

Vector: 3-2-0 

Title of Course: Biology and The Human Species 

Calendar Description of Course: 

Principles and processes of general biology with emphasis on 

implications for the human species of: evolutionary processes; reproduction 

and inheritance; physiological and behavioural integration and control systems; 

ecology. 

Nature of Course: Three lectures and two-hour tutorial demonstration (no labora- 

tori?s). 

Prerequisites (or special instructions): Open to all students. 

What course (courses), if any, is being dropped from the calendar if this course is 

approved: None. 'The frequency of offering of BISC 003-3 will be reduced. 

2.

Scheduling 

How frequently will the course be offered? 1 time/year. 

Semester in which the course will first be offered? Spring 1978 

Which of your present faculty would be available to make the proposed offering 

possible? F.J.F. Fisher 

3.

Objectives of the Course 

The new course will deliberately focus upon human biology at every point. The 

course will therefore meet currently unsatisfied needs in the Biology 

curriculum. The course may be of particular value to non-Biology majors, 

who are interested in important biological principles but who lack a formal 

background in plant or animal science. 

4.

Budgetary and Space Requirements (for information only) 

What additional resources will 

.

be required in the following areas: 

Faculty: None 

Staff: Occasional use of technical staff to set up demonstrations. 

Library: Present holdings sufficient. 

Audio Visual: Normal course requirements. 

Space University facilities adequate. 

Equipment: Current departmental resources sufficient. 

5.

Approval 

Date: 

__________hairman 

SCUS 73-14b:- (When com 

pletin q 

form, for instructions seemorandum 

SCUS 73-34a. 

NEW COURSE PROPOSAL 

Dept. of Biological Sciences 

?

F.J.F. Fisher 

Biology and the Human Species 

Biological Sciences 105 

Description 

A comprehensive overview of basic principles and processes of 

biology using the human species wherever possible as the starting point for 

each focus of interest:- Evolutionary Processes -origins to present day; 

Chemistry & Physiology - mechanisms underlying development, structure, 

metabolism, and behavior in animals and plants; Inheritance and Reproduction 

- cellular basis of variation and development; Systems and Control - integrating 

mechanisms of physiology and behavior; Ecology - habitats, communities and 

population interactions with special reference to human resources, pollution 

and values. 

?

Text: 

Robert A. Wallace 

Biology: The World of Life 

Goodyear Publishing Co., California 

1975. 

Rationale 

During the past ten years there has been a dramatic increase in 

public awareness and concern for many questions of a directly biological 

nature that have become manifestly significant for human welfare. Potentially 

threatening changes in the physical environment due to industry, new doubts 

about food quality, burgeoning problems of human demography, and even outbreaks 

of new diseases have produced an array of anxieties concerning life phenomena, 

confusing even to the otherwise fairly well informed. 

Although many of these problems have been approached in various 

courses in the Bioscience curriculum it has generally been one at a time and 

with little coordination. In the present proposal, an attempt has been made 

deliberately to draw together the biological insights which bear upon these 

problems in the form of a General Introductory Course in Biology centered 

particularly upon the Human Species. 

2/

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Aims 

While this course is intended to provide the same level of 

knowledge with regard to principles and processes as our present introductory. 

courses, it will nevertheless differ very strongly in its greatly enhanced 

human perspective and in the kinds of examples and data used to illustrate 

principles. For this reason it may be taken very profitably by biology 

majors without excessive redundancy or overlap. The emphasis will be more 

upon the principles covered in BISC 102 than those in BISC 101. Current lack 

of laboratory space demands extended uè Of dCmOnstration-experiments rather 

than conventional lab-instruction. 

This course is expected to be of value 

to

students of all faculties 

because of its deliberate focus upon human concerns at every point but it will 

also stand on its own right as a long-needed component of the bioscience 

program. It will thUs provide necessary biological insight's for beginning 

biology majors as well as appropriate knowledge for many non-science students 

who have sought such opportUnities in thepast (e.g. from Anthropology, 

Archeology, Communications, Economics, Geography, Kinesiology, Psychology etc.). 

It should therefore be of particular value as an elective for the new Arts 

Faculty science requirements. 

Outline of Weekly Topics 

Nature and origin of life on earth, prokaryotes and eukáryotes. 

(Seminar: Extraterrestrial Life) 

Cell structure and function, mitosis and physiology. 

(Seminar: Cancer and Immunity) 

Metabolism, energy transfer, photosynthesis, and growth. 

(Seminar: Growth and No-Growth) 

Differentiation, Morphogenesis, and development. 

(Seminar: Thalidomide and Measles) 

.../3. 

-3-

Endocrinology, neurophysiology and other integrative processes. 

(Seminar: Coordination and Drugs) 

Heredity, reproduction and variety. 

?

(Seminar: Why Sexuality?) 

Evolution of the primates, early and modern man. 

(Seminar: Intelligent Apes?) 

Biological diversity: selected groups of plants and animals. 

(Seminar: Creation or Natural Selection?) 

Ecological interactions and stability principles. 

(Seminar: Ecocatastrophe) 

Biological universals underlying competition, territoriality, 

and reproductive behaviour. 

(Seminar: Human Aggression) 

Sociobiological mechanisms of group survival. 

(Seminar: Language and Communication) 

World population, resources, environmental quality and prerequisites 

for long-range human survival. 

(Seminar: 1984 and 2001) 

In preparation for forum discussion with a guest speaker each 

week a comprehensive reserve reprint list will be provided in advance. 

SIMON FRASER UNIVERSITY

? -

MEMORANDUM

To ...........

Dr. L. ?

Kemp, ...airman ?

...........From.Sheila..ROber.tS ........ Secretary ..........................

Curriculum Committee

Faculty of

..ience ?

................................Faculty .f.Ar.ts....Curr.ic.ul.um

Date.JU.fle

15 ...... 197.7.....................................................................

its

meeting of May 12, 1977 the Faculty of Arts Curriculum

Committee considered BISC

105,

which had been received for

overlap consideration. The Committee saw no substantive overlap

with the courses offered in the Faculty of Arts, and after

some discussion passed the following motion:

"That the Faculty of Arts Curriculum Committee 

express its appreciation to the Biology Department 

for offering an additional course 

to

facilitate 

Arts students." 

S.. Roberts

cc. Mr. H.M. Evans