Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2021 - EASC 101 D100

Dynamic Earth (3)

Class Number: 1293

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Mon, Wed, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Dynamic Earth offers an introduction to minerals, rocks, geologic resources and processes. Plate tectonics is the unifying theory of geology and is the focus as we learn how the Earth changes over geologic time and results in the formation of volcanoes and mountain belts, faults, folds and earthquakes. Breadth-Science.

COURSE DETAILS:

General: REQUIREMENT DESIGNATION: B-Sci

Dynamic Earth offers an introduction to Earth sciences. We will examine Earth materials including minerals, rocks, and geologic resources.  Plate tectonics is the unifying theory of geology and will be a strong focus in the course as we learn how the Earth’s surface slowly but continuously changes over geologic time, and results in the formation of volcanoes, uplift and erosion of mountain belts, deformation of the crust, and earthquakes. There will be plenty of Canadian examples, including a look at our west coast tectonic setting and earthquake history and the overall Geology of Canada.

Course topics may include:

  1.  Minerals
  2. Plate Tectonics
  3. Igneous rocks and volcanoes
  4. Mass wasting, weathering and sedimentary rock
  5. Metamorphism and metamorphic rocks
  6. Geologic resources
  7. Crustal deformation: faults and folds
  8. Geologic time and Earth history
  9. Earthquakes
  10. Earth Systems
  11. Geology

Course Organization: The Fall 2021 offering of EASC 101 is via remote instruction. We will be using the Canvas platform for course instruction

  • Lectures are scheduled as on-line SYNCHRONOUS.
  • Labs are SYNCHRONOUS in-person (Face to Face) at the Burnaby campus. Students must be available during the scheduled time for their lab section in order to take advantage of the open lab times. TAs are not available outside of this time.
Lecture tests are in-person at the Burnaby campus. Tests are scheduled during the 50-minute lecture period. Please refer to the course schedule for dates. Students must be available to complete the tests during the scheduled times.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Students successfully completing this course will be able to:

  • Understand and describe the layered Earth.
  • Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of plate tectonic theory.
  • Understand our local plate tectonic setting, volcanism, and seismic risk and hazard.
  • Identify minerals and rocks in hand specimen based upon their diagnostic properties (minerals), and composition / texture (rocks).
  • Demonstrate an ability to work with geologic cross-sections and maps.
  • Know the geologic time scale.
  • Demonstrate knowledge about geologic resources.

Grading

  • Lab Assignments (submitted online) 10%
  • Quizzes 10%
  • Tests 80%
  • Test format includes multiple-choice and short-answer type questions. Tests are non-cumulative and are scheduled to be written in the 50-minute lecture period. Tests will be invigilated by the TAs and the professor. (grading subject to change)

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Access to high-speed internet

Technology requirements for successfully completing this course include:  Students will require a computer or tablet with stable internet connection, preferably high-speed.  This device must have video and audio capability and be able to access Canvas, Zoom and be equipped with a camera / webcam and microphone.  Students should have software sufficient to work with word files, pdfs, jpg images, and video files.

Students should be aware that some of the assessment methods (quizzes, tests) in this course may be conducted online and may be proctored using electronic invigilation during which students will be required to have their computer camera / webcam turned on

REQUIRED READING:

Course E-Text: (or physical copy)

Introduction to Physical Geology, Canadian Edition; Fletcher, C., Gibson, D., Ansdell, K. 2014; John Wiley & Sons, Inc.; 
ISBN: 9781118718896

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 2021

Teaching at SFU in fall 2021 will involve primarily in-person instruction, with approximately 70 to 80 per cent of classes in person/on campus, with safety plans in place.  Whether your course will be in-person or through remote methods will be clearly identified in the schedule of classes.  You will also know at enrollment whether remote course components will be “live” (synchronous) or at your own pace (asynchronous).

Enrolling in a course acknowledges that you are able to attend in whatever format is required.  You should not enroll in a course that is in-person if you are not able to return to campus, and should be aware 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.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who may need class or exam accommodations, including in the context of remote learning, are advised to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as early as possible in order to prepare for the fall 2021 term.