Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2020 - EVSC 400 D100

Environmental Science Capstone (4)

Class Number: 4235

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2020: Thu, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    EVSC 300 and EVSC 305.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

In the final year of undergraduate study, students from all Environmental Science concentrations will integrate their disciplinary, science backgrounds to solve environmental problems. Project-based coursework will promote collaborative group work, emphasizing research skills, data analysis, scientific writing and communication, preparing students for employment as Environmental Scientists.

COURSE DETAILS:

This capstone course for the Environmental Science program provides students with an opportunity to obtain realistic research experience within an interdisciplinary environmental science context involving natural, physical, and social science elements. Students will integrate both knowledge and skills acquired in their undergraduate courses through application to a current local environmental issue. Projects will be completed in teams and will involve defining and solving an environmental problem chosen in consultation with a Vancouver community partner organization. This project work will be undertaken in collaboration with CityStudio, and the team with the best project will be invited to present their work at the Hubbub networking and showcase event in April at Vancouver City Hall. All teams will have the opportunity to present their project to members of the Faculty of the Environment at a public poster presentation. Through the seminar portion of the course, students will learn skills related to proposal writing, project planning and management, literature review, report writing, and poster design and presentation.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Articulate and synthesize the knowledge and skills gained through disciplinary study in EVSC program concentrations.
• Critically evaluate scientific studies, interpret data, and synthesize information from multidisciplinary studies.
• Work collaboratively with fellow students from other EVSC program concentrations to define and solve scientific aspects of environmental challenges.
• Demonstrate effective visual, oral and written communication, including scientific writing for scientific, government, industrial or general audiences

Grading

  • Work Plan 5%%
  • Project Proposal 10%%
  • Annotated Bibliography 10%%
  • Literature Review 15%%
  • Public Presentation (poster) 20%%
  • Final Report to Client 40%%

NOTES:

*IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER*

Course details, goals, and grading are subject to change and will be finalized in January 2020.

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