Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2021 - BISC 474 D100

Special Topics in Ecology, Evolution and Conservation (3)

Current Issues in Ecotoxicology

Class Number: 4754

Delivery Method: Remote

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 11 – Apr 16, 2021: Mon, 4:30–6:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Jan 11 – Apr 16, 2021: Thu, 5:30–6:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    To be announced.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Selected topics in Ecology, Evolution and Conservation not currently offered in the Department of Biological Science.

COURSE DETAILS:

Course title: Current Issues in Ecotoxicology

Note: This course may be applied toward the Applied Ecology section in the Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Concentration

Ecotoxicology aims to quantify the effects of stressors on natural populations, communities, and ecosystems. Ecotoxicology is a broadly defined discipline and includes (but not limited to) the study of the movement of contaminants through ecosystems, anthropogenic disruption of nutrient cycles, oceanic acidification as a consequence of climate change and the consequences of a changing community structure on geochemical processes.

We will first refresh our familiarity with ecosystem structure and function. Using case studies from previous research (e.g., acid rain, tar sands, aquaculture), the ways in which anthropogenic activities can alter ecosystem structure and function will then be examined. Student presentations will serve to provide detailed information on a particular anthropogenic stressor and also provide the student the opportunity to challenge the problem solving skills of their peers.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Week 1: Introduction. Course objectives, learning outcomes. Organization of presentations. Explanation of marking scheme.

Week 2: Structure and Function

Week 3: A few case studies

Week 4: A few case studies continued

Week 5-10: Student presentations on Ecotoxicological topic of choice.

Grading

  • Class Presentation 40%
  • Class Participation 30%
  • In Class Quizzes 30%

REQUIREMENTS:

Mode of teaching: 
Lecture: synchronous (recorded)

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 SPRING 2021

Teaching at SFU in spring 2021 will be conducted primarily through remote methods. There will be in-person course components in a few exceptional cases where this is fundamental to the educational goals of the course. Such course components will be clearly identified at registration, as will course components that will be “live” (synchronous) vs. at your own pace (asynchronous). Enrollment acknowledges 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. To ensure you can access all course materials, we recommend you have access to a computer with a microphone and camera, and the internet. In some cases your instructor may use Zoom or other means requiring a camera and microphone to invigilate exams. If proctoring software will be used, this will be confirmed in the first week of class.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112).