BIOL 240Fundamentals of Microbiology
- Units
- 0.50
- Faculty
- Science
- Subject
- Biology
When it runs
- F24
- W25
- S25
- F25
- W26
- S26
- F26
- W27
- S27
Ran in 7 of the last 7 terms. Winter 2027: scheduled, 2 lecture sections. Spring 2027: schedule not out yet.
Introduction to the biology of bacterial and archaeal organisms. Topics include cell structure and function, methods of cultivation, genetics, phylogeny and taxonomy, and metabolic and genetic diversity.
Prerequisites
None listed.
Antirequisites
None listed.
Leads to
Fall 2026 sections
| Section | Class | Enrolled | Meets |
|---|---|---|---|
| LEC 001 | 7326 | 387 / 387 | MWF 10:30–11:20 |
| LEC 002 | 7090 | 384 / 387 | MWF 11:30–12:20 |
Winter 2027 sections
| Section | Class | Enrolled | Meets |
|---|---|---|---|
| LEC 081 | 6919 | 0 / 200 | Online or by arrangement |
| LEC 701 | 2593 | 133 / 9999 | Online or by arrangement |
Reviewed on UW Flow
81% liked it55% easy83% useful
From 366 ratings and 98 comments on UW Flow. The most helpful comments, quoted as written, without names. Read them all on UW Flow.
I took the course online meaning lecture reading was done almost daily and mandatory textbook readings. The quizzes cover everything and always had more than one answer (meaning correct answers subtract wrong answers). There are quizzes weekly (closed book) as well as an in-person exam at the end of the term (MC, mix and match, T/F). Friends who took the in-person class mentioned to me that they had 2 midterms and a final exam. Whether in person or online, the exam is 50% of your grade. My teacher also provided us with very little feedback and resources. Only incorrect answers were given to you after each quiz, not correct ones and no details were given about the exam other than it's a 2…
Apr 2023 · didn’t like it · 3 found this helpfulOn UW FlowRemove this
This course really helped me with my sleep deprivation. Every time I tried to study for it, my brain just couldn't comprehend the boring material and I'd wake up 1 hour later feeling as refreshed as ever from the power nap I don't remember taking. There are some folks out there who are passionate about knowing EVERY DAMN species of bacteria and their preference for oxygen, salt, heat, enzymes made etc... (seriously there is so much to know), but for the most part, I don't see why anyone would want to take this course if they weren't forced to
Nov 2016 · didn’t like it · 2 found this helpfulOn UW FlowRemove this
Never take this course online. I hated every minute of it. The assignments have nothing to do with the course material. There is a group assignment that was also a gigantic waste of my time. The lectures are dull and boring. There could be so much done to improve the way this course was taught in order to garner interest in the material.
Jul 2015 · didn’t like it · 2 found this helpfulOn UW FlowRemove this
this course sucks if u dont like memorization. the course content isnt that bad but its the small details u have to remember (like specific traits for each type of archaea/bacteria). averages were low mid 70s for midtermsimmediately make flashcards and write every single note on the ppt onto the flashcards. also the formative quizzes/iclickers are kinda useful, but imo they are way easier than the midterms/finals. averages were low mid 70s for midterms and i think the final average was like a mid 60 based on the 70 overall class average. 2 x 25% midterms + 49% final + 1% formative quizzes (only for completion) + 5% optional iclicker (do 80% of the clickers, get free 100%). prof is very…
Dec 2023 · didn’t like it · 1 found this helpfulOn UW FlowRemove this
All I have to say is do not take the online version with Kesen Ma
Feb 2023 · didn’t like it · 1 found this helpfulOn UW FlowRemove this
Discussed on r/uwaterloo
290 posts and comments in 216 threads mention BIOL 240, October 2012 to December 2024. Quoted word for word, newest first; each reply sits under the post and the comment that started its branch. Search r/uwaterloo for newer posts.
Fall 2024
BIOL 240 Final 1 point, 0 comments
u/potatoesmixedwithidk: “How did you guys find it?”
Biol 240 online 3 points, 1 comment
u/Imaginary_Record_752: “I'm on co op next term and its one of the few online courses I can take. This is a far reach but I want to know if anyone has it added right now and plans on dropping it. How many people usually drops courses within the first week or two? …”
Biol 240 online 1 point, 0 comments
what to expect on the BIOL 240 final 10 points, 6 comments
u/CommKey: “anyone who has taken biol 240 in the past with josh, how was the final? He is a great prof may god bless his soul so I don't expect him to cruelly try and trick us, but is the final easier or harder than the midterms?”
Fall 2024 Good Prof Appreciation Thread 69 points, 58 comments
u/sok_master: “i’m sure he’s always here but dr. josh neufeld for biol240!!!! he is so silly and you can really tell he cares about his students :,,)”
u/potatoesmixedwithidk: “Josh Neufeld for BIOL 240! Made class so fun, explains so well, cares so so much about his students”
I have too much courses want to take 4 points, 14 comments
u/Eileen1202: “… And I also founded out that honors of applied math need PHYS121 💀 My wishlist is: - science PHYS121 (If I have to take) BIOL 239 BIOL 240 BIOL 341 virology or virus related and some required courses abou applied bio/math in bio stuffs anatomy (if possible) some health courses …”
Plague doctor… 3 points, 15 comments
“iykyk”
u/TheDuckAboveAll: “Stats lecture :0”
u/potatoesmixedwithidk: “no, BIOL 240!”
u/fishnarf: “BIOL 240 prof is so real, last year i remember he dressed up in a hazmat suit as walter from breaking bad :D his lecture notes also had breaking bad easter eggs too”
BIOL 240 Lab Pop Quizzes 1 point, 3 comments
u/Eastern-Glove7598: “When are the pop quizzes and what are they like??? When and how is the best way to prepare?”
Need Help with BIOL 240/240L Lab – First-Year Student Here! 1 point, 1 comment
u/GuiltyDetective6395: “Hi, I'm a first-year student currently taking BIOL 240 and BIOL 240L, and I'm feeling a bit confused about the lab. If anyone is able to help me out, please feel free to reach out. Thanks!”
Spring 2024
Biol 240 5 points, 1 comment
u/goosegoose3000: “I’m terrified to look at my final mark in Biol 240. To anyone who did look, was there a curve? 😭😭”
BIOL 130 VS BIOL 239 VS BIOL 240 VS BIOL 273 1 point, 8 comments
u/ComprehensiveBack767: “… FOR REFERENCE: Biol 130 - Instructor Sarah Ruffell or Vivian Dayeh Biol 239 - Instructor (online) Biol 240 - Instuctor Josh D. …”
u/fishnarf: “absolutely recommend BIOL 240, josh is an amazing prof and truly cares”
I get my course schedule and I'm bit worried about it 10 points, 23 comments
“I have two major concerns. 1. Is it possible to move to STC from M3 in 10 minutes? (I'm kind of slow ppl) 2. …”
u/voxaun: “i'm interested in knowing why you're taking biol 240 as a first-year cs student!! is it for a minor or is it an elective?”
u/M_A__N___I___A: “When I took biol 239 as a bio elective in 4A, many of my classmates were first year bio majors. They said it's because it used to be biol 139 so it's a de facto first year class. This is probably also the case for biol 240.”
u/Local_Bee1856: “Biol 240 is a second year bio course. Go for an easier one like biol 266 computational biology”
Check it elsewhere for Fall 2026
- Undergraduate Calendar, 2026–27The official entry
- Requirements for Fall 2026Waterloo’s requisite checker
- Schedule of Classes, Fall 2026Instructors, rooms, live seats
- Quest Class SearchWhere you enrol
- Course outlinesSyllabi from past terms (UW login)
- UW FlowStudent ratings and reviews
- WClassesPast sections back to 2004, and who taught them