Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2020 - GEOG 412W D100

Glacial Processes and Environments (4)

Class Number: 4104

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 8, 2020: Fri, 1:30–3:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 16, 2020
    Wed, 7:00–10:00 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Instructor:

    Andrew Perkins
    ajp7@sfu.ca
    778.782.2560
    Office: RCB6231

  • Prerequisites:

    60 units, including GEOG 213; GEOG 313 and EASC 201 recommended

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An examination of glacial processes and environments emphasizing landscapes and sediments resulting from the movement of ice, water, and sediment; application of field techniques. Writing.

COURSE DETAILS:

Course Details:

The impacts of a changing climate have their highest visibility at the margins of ice-covered landscapes. In this course an overview of glacier-climate interactions and glacier physics will set the groundwork for investigating modern change in glaciated landscapes. Investigations into the inner workings of glacier mass balance, hydrology, and motion, will be facilitated by unravelling the record of past glacial landforms and sediments and their importance for understanding the landscapes we see today. Assignments and virtual fieldtrips will focus on techniques used for interpreting glacial landforms and sediments in a variety of glaciated landscapes.

This course is a required or elective course in several syllabi for Professional Geoscience (P. Geo.) accreditation by the Engineers and Geoscientists of British Columbia (EGBC) and the Canadian Council of Professional Geoscientists (CCPG).

Asynchronous course components:

  • Weekly lecture modules.
  • Module-based exercises
  • Assignments 1,2 and 3

Synchronous course components:

  • Optional attendance at periodic question and answer periods with TA supervision.
  • Final Examination (students must complete this during the scheduled timeframe)

This is a writing designated course.

* Students can expect lab time may be used for module instruction in the first weeks of the course in order to adequately prepare students for the first course assignments.

Grading

  • • Participation in module-based exercises: 10%
  • • Assignment 1 – Research project grant proposal: 15%
  • • Assignment 2 – Till fabric project writeup: 20%
  • • Assignment 3 – Research project writeup: 25%
  • • Final exam (asynchronous): 30%

NOTES:

Course Grade: All assignments and the final exam must be completed to obtain a passing grade in this course.

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Technical requirements:

  • Internet connected device (computer recommended) for weekly access to CANVAS (SFU’s online learning management system).
  • Periodic access to web-based tools and resources such as Google Earth (https://www.google.com/earth/), and potential for web-based (e.g., Zoom) interaction with the TA during live question and answer periods (recorded for later asynchronous review).
  • Some exercises may require the use of a camera to take pictures and upload results (although alternatives are available if this is not possible).

REQUIRED READING:

All required readings will be accessible online through the SFU library.


RECOMMENDED READING:

Bennett, M.W., and Glasser, N.F. 2009. Glacial geology: ice sheets and landforms. 2nd Edition. ISBN: 978-0470516904.


Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

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

TEACHING AT SFU IN FALL 2020

Teaching at SFU in fall 2020 will be conducted primarily through remote methods. There will be in-person course components in a few exceptional cases where this is fundamental to the educational goals of the course. Such course components will be clearly identified at registration, as will course components that will be “live” (synchronous) vs. at your own pace (asynchronous). Enrollment acknowledges that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes. To ensure you can access all course materials, we recommend you have access to a computer with a microphone and camera, and the internet. In some cases your instructor may use Zoom or other means requiring a camera and microphone to invigilate exams. If proctoring software will be used, this will be confirmed in the first week of class.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112).