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.
Course code: BIOL 0861
Credits: 4.0
Tuition: $0
Length: 96.0 hours
Course outline:
view
https://www.vcc.ca/vccphp/courseoutline?subject=BIOL&number=0861
Prerequisites
MATH 0751, Foundations of Math & Precalculus 10 or equivalent; English 10 or equivalent.
No schedule is currently available. Please check again later.
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Schedule †
Course dates and times may vary throughout the term. Select the CRN number below to see a full schedule.
| CRN # | Dates |
Day/Time/Location |
| 70630 | September 2, 2025
to December 16, 2025 | See full schedule
Delivery: Flexible (Self-Paced)
Location: VCC Broadway Building A |
| 70721 | October 1, 2025
to December 16, 2025 | See full schedule
Delivery: Flexible (Self-Paced)
Location: In Person/Online Option |
| 70818 | November 3, 2025
to December 16, 2025 | See full schedule
Delivery: Flexible (Self-Paced)
Location: In Person/Online Option |
| 70889 | December 1, 2025
to December 16, 2025 | See full schedule
Delivery: Flexible (Self-Paced)
Location: In Person/Online Option |
Schedule †
Course dates and times may vary throughout the term. Select the CRN number below to see a full schedule.
| CRN # | Dates |
Day/Time/Location |
| 40292 | January 5, 2026
to April 22, 2026 | See full schedule
Delivery: Flexible (Self-Paced)
Location: VCC Broadway Building A |
| 41559 | January 5, 2026
to February 25, 2026 | See full schedule
Delivery: In Person
Location: VCC Broadway Building A |
| 40392 | February 2, 2026
to April 22, 2026 | See full schedule
Delivery: Flexible (Self-Paced)
Location: In Person/Online Option |
| 40492 | March 2, 2026
to April 22, 2026 | See full schedule
Delivery: Flexible (Self-Paced)
Location: In Person/Online Option |
| 42945 | April 1, 2026
to April 22, 2026 | See full schedule
Delivery: Flexible (Self-Paced)
Location: In Person/Online Option |
Additional Information
- 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)
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.
* The amount shown is the approximate cost of tuition (for courses with tuition) or fees (for courses that do not have tuition).
Tuition and Fees are approximate and subject to change. Students are required to pay any applicable fee increases. Fees listed are for domestic students. For international programs, visit VCC International.
† 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.
