Does Simon Fraser University accept Biology HL?

💡Expert's Take

“A MASSIVE 8-UNIT WIN – BUT MIND THE 'LAB GAP'

The Good News: SFU is incredibly generous. A score of 4+ (Diploma) or 5+ (Certificate) grants you 8 units of credit (BISC 101 + 102).

• The Value: This covers the core introductory biology sequence required for many Life Science and Science majors. • The Savings: Because SFU charges per unit, skipping 8 units reduces your tuition fees by approx. $1,728 (Domestic) or $9,700+ (International), provided you don't replace them with extra electives.

The Reality Check:

• The Next Step (BISC 202): Your next core course is typically BISC 202 (Genetics). The SFU Calendar explicitly states this course has a "Focus on problem-solving." Expect to apply concepts (pedigrees, mapping, linkage) rather than just memorizing facts. • The "Lab Gap": BISC 101 and 102 are 4-unit courses where the lab component counts for 40% of the grade. By using transfer credit, you bypass this rigorous university-level lab training. ◦ Risk: You may find yourself playing catch-up on lab report formatting and experimental design in upper-year courses compared to peers who completed the first-year labs.

Verdict: TAKE THE CREDIT. 8 units is nearly 30% of a full academic year workload. It is too valuable to pass up—just be prepared to self-study any lab skills you might be missing.”