Overview

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

A twelve-day field camp with a focus on various measuring, surveying, recording and mapping skills in branches of physical geography. A selected project will be completed either by a team or by an individual. Field camp locations will vary from year to year. The camp will be held immediately following the end of final examinations in April.

COURSE DETAILS:

The Physical Geography Field Course offers students an immersive 12 day field experience focused on providing opportunities for direct observation, measurement and rapid interpretation in several branches of physical geography (geomorphology, hydrology, climatology, biogeography). The course is broadly split into two segments. The first part of the course will focus on instructor-led activities and the second part will be student-driven as groups of students implement the techniques they have learned in order to research a local geographic topic. There will be several class meetings during the Spring Semester, including one during the first week of classes, to orient students towards the field experience. Two full days of on-campus class meetings will occur immediately following the end of final examinations in April and the camp will be held after these two days.

Your mandatory course fee covers accommodation and transportation costs. Students should expect to pay $340 to the Department to cover additional food costs. Be aware that during the field trips there may be periods of strenuous hiking, hiking close to cliffs and crossing roads with busy traffic. Appropriate clothing and footwear must be worn. Further details regarding safety, meals, accommodation and field supplies will be discussed prior to the field trip. Students must at all times remain compliant with all student responsibilities, regulations, and policies as outlined in the current Academic Calendar, as well as relevant regulations and policies as outlined in the SFU Policy Gazette. This includes, but is not limited to, expected student conduct and the maintenance of appropriate medical insurance coverage.

Grading

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Students are responsible for ensuring they have light hiking boots, waterproof outerwear, a sleeping bag and sleeping pad. Other field gear requirements may be identified at the start of the course at the beginning of the semester.

REQUIRED READING: