Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2020 - GEOG 315 D100

World Ecosystems (4)

Class Number: 3176

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2020: Wed, Fri, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 14, 2020
    Tue, 12:00–3:00 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Instructor:

    Lance Lesack
    llesack@sfu.ca
    1 778 782-3326
    Office: RCB 7225

  • Prerequisites:

    GEOG 215 or BISC 204.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Distribution, structure, function, and dynamics of the world's major biomes. Attention to comparative aspects among terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems and to environmental problems associated with the biomes.

COURSE DETAILS:

Description:  This course examines the distribution, structure, function, and dynamics of the major biomes/ecosystems of the planet.  The comparative aspects among terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems are emphasized, and current environmental problems associated with each of the biomes are examined.

Organization:  Two one-hour lectures and one two-hour tutorial session per week.  The final exam will be scheduled during the regular examination period.  There will be no tutorial session in the first week of classes.

Course Topics: Ecosystem structure, function, & dynamics

Terrestrial Biomes
Temperate forests                                                            
Temperate grasslands                                                            
Boreal forests                                                            
Arctic and alpine tundra                                                            
Tropical forests                                                            
Savannas                                                            
Deserts

Aquatic Biomes
Lakes                                                            
Rivers                                                            
Ocean pelagic                                                            
Ocean deep-water zones                                                            
Coastal and reef ecosystems

Grading

  • Tutorial Participation 10%
  • Short Paper 10%
  • Term Paper 30%
  • Term Paper Presentation 10%
  • Final Examination 40%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Custom Courseware Package. 2020.  Readings in World Ecosystems.  SFU Bookstore.

Additional readings (no required text) - will be assigned through the term from the following:

Archibold, O.W. 1995.  Ecology of World Vegetation.  Chapman and Hall, 510pp.

Barnes, R.S.K., and K.H. Mann (Eds.). 1991.  Fundamentals of Aquatic Ecology.  Blackwell Scientific, 270pp.

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