Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2019 - EASC 106 D100

Earth Through Time (3)

Class Number: 2247

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 3 – Apr 8, 2019: Mon, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Jan 3 – Apr 8, 2019: Wed, Fri, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 11, 2019
    Thu, 12:00–3:00 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Instructor:

    Robbie Donald
    rdunlop@sfu.ca
    1 778 782-4925
    Office: TASC 1 Room 7223

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An introduction to the changes that the Earth has experienced, from its initial formation to the present day, intended for non-majors. Topics include changes in plate tectonic style, mountain building periods, glaciations during Earth history, formation of life, the fossil record and evolution, major extinctions, and the rise of man. Students may not take EASC 106 for credit towards EASC major or minor program requirements. Breadth-Science.

COURSE DETAILS:

General: REQUIREMENT DESIGNATION: B-Sci
EASC 106 is an introduction to the 4.6 billion year history of Earth, from its initial formation to the present day. This fascinating story traces the geological and biological events that make up our planet's past. Topics include the formation of the Earth, plate tectonics and the dynamic crust, mountain building, glaciation, the origin and evolution of life, major extinctions, and the path to our modern world. This course is intended for non-majors.

Course Topics:
1. Geology as a science and its history, minerals and rocks
2. Deep time and geology
3. Formation of the Earth
4. The Earth’s dynamic crust and plate tectonic theory
5. Biological evolution and the nature of the fossil record
6. Precambrian Earth: origin of cratons and the first supercontinents; the early atmosphere; earliest prokaryotes, eukaryotes, and metazoans
7. Paleozoic Earth, its life forms and mass extinctions: assembly of the super continent of Pangea
8. Mesozoic Earth, its life forms (including the origin of dinosaurs and mammals) and mass extinctions: breakup of Pangea, hothouse Earth
9. Cenozoic Earth and the era of the mammals: origin of the present climate and ocean circulation

Course Organization:  Three 50 minute lectures per week.

Grading

  • Assignments 25%
  • Midterm Exam 25%
  • Final Exam 50%

NOTES:

Students are expected to attend all lectures, which will include taking notes, as well as drawing and labeling many diagrams.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

“Visualizing Earth History”; Babcock, L.E., Wiley, 2009,

(Alternatively, students might want to consider ordering an e-textbook (ISBN:  978-0-470-45251-6) directly through the publisher:  http://ca.wiley.com/WileyCDA/WileyTitle/productCd-EHEP000654.html#purchase         
ISBN: 978-0-471-72490-2

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/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