Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2021 - GEOG 111 D100

Earth Systems (3)

Class Number: 4286

Delivery Method: Remote

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Tue, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 10, 2021
    Fri, 3:30–5:30 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Instructor:

    Andrew Perkins
    ajp7@sfu.ca
    778.782.2560
    Office: RCB6231
    Office Hours: TBA

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An introduction to landforms, climates, soils and vegetation; their origins, distributions, interrelationships and roles in the ecosystem. Laboratory work and field trips are included. Breadth-Science.

COURSE DETAILS:

Atmospheric rivers, mountain building, and fast flowing glaciers are active physical processes that are connected to human activity and influence our world. Learn how these and other global processes are linked through an overview of major Earth Systems. We answer questions about how mountains are built, how clouds are formed, how hurricanes rotate, and how glaciers retreat. You will interact with the dynamic relationship between the lithosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere and biosphere that forms the critical zone near Earth’s surface. At global to local scales we will explore how geoscience contributes to our understanding of these systems. Broadly, students will gain insight into how humans engage their physical environment in areas such as hazards, climate change, and ecosystem management while developing finely tuned applied skills in understanding geographic communication, working with spatial data and predicting rates of geographic change.

Asynchronous course components:

  • Weekly lecture modules.
  • Weekly module-based quizzes.
  • Weekly lab assignments
  • Earth Systems data collection project

Synchronous course components:

  • Optional attendance at live weekly lab question and answer periods with TA supervision.
  • Course exams (students must complete these during the scheduled timeframe)

This course may be applied to the Certificate of Liberal Arts.

There are no lab exercises scheduled during the first week of classes.

Grading

  • • Weekly participation and lab completion 20%
  • • Earth Systems data collection project 10%
  • • Lab Exams 35%
  • • Final Exam (Synchronous) 35%

REQUIREMENTS:

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 lab sessions.
  • Some lab exercises may require the use of a camera to take pictures and upload results (although alternatives are available if this is not possible).

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Lab Resources:

  • Lab resources will be provided through CANVAS (SFU’s online learning management system).

REQUIRED READING:

Access to online etextbook resources (free and open-source access through your web browser).

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.