Fall 2017 - EASC 210 D100

Historical Geology (3)

Class Number: 2385

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 5 – Dec 4, 2017: Mon, Wed, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 11, 2017
    Mon, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Instructor:

    Cindy Hansen
    cdhansen@sfu.ca
    1 778 782-8518
    Office: TASC 1 Room 7009
  • Prerequisites:

    EASC 101 with a grade of C- or better.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

The study of the evolution of the Earth, the geological time scale, fossils and evolution, stratigraphic concepts, geological history of western Canada. Breadth-Science.

COURSE DETAILS:

General: REQUIREMENT DESIGNATION: B-Sci
EASC 210 is an introductory Science Breadth (BR) course that deals with the historical development of geological thought and the study of Earth history from the Earth’s formation through to the present day. The course addresses three great themes in Earth history: 1) deep time; 2) plate tectonics through time; 3) biological evolution and the preservation of organic materials and biological behavior as fossils.
Pertinent geologic concepts include the growth of the continents, the opening and closing of ocean basins, episodes of large-scale erosion and deposition on the continents, and mountain building episodes.  Life on Earth will be discussed in relation to the major geological time periods, particularly with respect to significant evolutionary developments and mass extinctions.  The interaction of tectonics, climate, and relative sea-level changes upon evolutionary change are examined. 
This course can best be thought of as a continuation of Earth Sciences 101 (Dynamic Earth). Many of the concepts touched upon in the prerequisiste course will be examined in more depth, and many new concepts will be presented in this course. These concepts reappear in many second-year and higher-level EASC courses, so it is important that students attain a thorough understanding and continue to be strong in these fundamental concepts.


Course Organization:
Two 50-minute lectures and one 3-hour laboratory period per week.  We will also have a field trip to Caulfeild Park, West Vancouver. This will either be scheduled for the afternoon on a lab day, or on a weekend. Students will travel to the field destination on the SFU Earth Sciences bus.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Learning Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of this course, students will:
1. Know the geologic time scale and understand the background and history of its formation.
2. Appreciate that the rock record is a broken record; a broken record pieced together to form the geologic time scale.
3. Demonstrate understanding of geologic principles used to analyze Earth history.
4. Summarize how Earth’s continents and oceans evolve over geologic time, and relate this to specific evidence preserved in the rock record.
5. Recognize the relationships between life (first life, evolution of life, extinctions) and plate tectonics.
6. Document the history of the North American continent through geologic time, with focus on orogenic events, epeiric seas, climate, and the rock record.
7. Be able to identify a variety of invertebrate fossils and use the identified fossils to refine interpretations of Earth history.
8. Be able to evaluate and interpret the geologic history of an area based on the background and skills acquired in this course.
9. Gain field experience on the class field trip to Caulfeild Park.
10. Become better learners and feel confident in the learning process.
11. Appreciate how the knowledge and skills gained in this course will be carried forward in your future learning within Earth sciences.

Grading

  • Laboratory/Field Exercises/Assignments 5%
  • Quiz/Quizzes 5%
  • Mid-Term Theory Exam 20%
  • Laboratory Exam 30%
  • Final Theory Exam 40%

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Pencil, eraser, ruler, and coloured pencils.

RECOMMENDED READING:

Levin, H. L., and King, D. T. The Earth Through Time, 11th edition, Wiley, 600p. (Or any earlier edition.)
ISBN: 978-1-119-22834-9

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://students.sfu.ca/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS