Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2021 - EVSC 201W D100

Environmental Science in Practice (4)

Class Number: 4813

Delivery Method: Remote

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Tue, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    EVSC 100.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

A survey of environmental science practice that exposes students to what environmental scientists do, with guest lectures from environmental scientists and practitioners across contributing disciplines and workplaces. Coursework emphasizes literature research, analysis and synthesis along with scientific writing and communication skills. Writing.

COURSE DETAILS:

An introduction to what environmental scientists do in applied contexts, how environmental science concepts relate to applied skills, and how to communicate what environmental science is. The course will emphasize collaboration and communication skills through regular writing assignments and feedback, in which each student will develop and grapple with their own environmental science Question. Students will engage with guest speakers through the Environmental Science in Practice Online Speakers Series, in which environmental scientists working in diverse professional fields will be interviewed.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

  • Iteratively monitor and improve your own process of learning
  • Find information regarding environmental science topics from a variety of media types
  • Evaluate whether or not information is relevant and useful, and any potential biases
  • Read scientific papers for key concepts, and identify the basis for the authors’ conclusions in the data and analysis
  • Synthesize environmental science information from a variety of sources and viewpoints
  • Formulate and ask relevant questions
  • Communicate a coherent synthesis of a topic in environmental science, both orally and in writing, demonstrating awareness of audience
  • Collaborate effectively and efficiently with peers

Grading

  • Environmental Science Journal 15%
  • Peer Collaboration & Feedback 10%
  • Engagement with guest speakers 5%
  • Question Proposal 10%
  • Annotated Bibliography 15%
  • Literature Review Draft 10%
  • Literature Review Final 25%
  • Presentation 10%

NOTES:

Will there be tutorials/labs in the first week of class?

Yes

Which components (lec/lab/tut) are synchronous vs asynchronous?

LEC (Remote/Asynchronous): Tuesday 9:30 - 10:20 AM

TUT (In-Person/Synchronous): Thursday 8:30 AM - 10:20 AM

Are there any technical requirements students should be aware of?

-Microsoft Office software (can be downloaded for free from SFU)

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.