Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2018 - GEOG 215 D100

Biogeography (3)

Class Number: 3575

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Mon, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 14, 2018
    Sat, 12:00–3:00 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    GEOG 111.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An examination of the abiotic and biotic factors that control the distribution and development of plant communities, including climatic and geological change. Students with credit for BISC 204 may not take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

Biogeography is the study of spatial patterns of biological diversity, including the underlying causes, in both in the past and in the present. Biogeographers integrate information from a broad range of fields including ecology, evolution, geology, paleontology, physiology, and climatology to understand where we see different species and why. This course will provide students with a foundation needed to ask critical questions about why we see species where we do: the biotic and abiotic factors that control the distribution and development of organisms; to understand the processes that produce these distribution patterns; and to explore the relevance of biogeography during a time of increasing human impact and climate change.    

Course organization:  One two-hour lecture and one two-hour laboratory session each week.
Note: There will be no labs held in the first week of classes; all labs will start the week of Jan 8th.

Grading

  • Lab exercises 25%
  • Lab report 20%
  • Midterm exam 15%
  • Take home quiz 5%
  • Term project 15%
  • Final exam 20%

Materials

RECOMMENDED READING:

Reference texts, on 4-hr reserve at Bennett Library:
Freedman, B. et al. 2016. Ecology: A Canadian Context. 2nd Edition. Nelson Education
MacDonald, G.M. 2003. Biogeography: Space, Time and Life. John Wiley & Sons.

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