Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2021 - EASC 210 D100

Evolving Earth (3)

Class Number: 1644

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 11 – Apr 16, 2021: Mon, Wed, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    EASC 101 with a grade of C- or better.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

The study of the evolution of the Earth, the geological time scale, fossils and evolution, stratigraphic concepts, geological history of western Canada. Breadth-Science.

COURSE DETAILS:

General: REQUIREMENT DESIGNATION: B-Sci

EASC 210 is an introductory Science Breadth (BR) course that deals with the historical development of geological thought and the study of Earth history from the Earth’s formation through to the present day. The course addresses three great themes in Earth history: 1) deep time; 2) plate tectonics through time; 3) biological evolution as determined by fossils.

Pertinent geologic concepts include the growth of the continents, the opening and closing of ocean basins, episodes of large-scale erosion and deposition on the continents, and mountain building episodes.  Life on Earth will be discussed in relation to the major geological time periods, particularly with respect to significant evolutionary developments and mass extinctions.  The interaction of tectonics, climate, and relative sea-level changes upon evolutionary change are examined. 

This course can best be thought of as a continuation of Earth Sciences 101 (Dynamic Earth). Many of the concepts touched upon in the prerequisite course will be examined in more depth, and many new concepts will be presented in this course. These concepts reappear in many second-year and higher-level EASC courses, so it is important that students attain a thorough understanding and continue to be strong in these fundamental concepts.

Course Organization:

Two 1-hour lecture/week (delivered synchronously; pdf copies of slides and pre-recorded lectures on CANVAS).
One 2-hour laboratory period every two weeks (face-to-face delivery dates to be announced).

Grading

  • Quizzes (timed) delivered in lab 2x3% 6%
  • Lab Exercises/Assignments 12x1% 12%
  • Review Assignments 4X1% 4%
  • Online Midterm Theory Exam (timed) 18%
  • In-person Lab Exam 25%
  • Online Final Theory Exam (timed) 35%

NOTES:

The Spring offering of EASC 210 is via remote instruction for lectures and lab demonstrations, and a limited number of face-to-face labs. Students unable or unwilling to participate in face-to-face labs should contact the instructor prior to registering in the course.

Lectures will be pre-recorded and made available through Canvas during the lecture period. Lab demos will also be pre-recorded and will be made available for viewing through Canvas.

The technology requirements for successfully completing this course include: a laptop or computer, webcam, and internet access.  Highspeed internet access is preferred.  Headset with microphone is ideal. Students should have software sufficient to work with excel spreadsheets, power point files, word files, and pdfs and jpg images.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Course E-Text:
Levin, H. L., and King, D. T. The Earth Through Time, 11th edition, Wiley, 600p. (Or any earlier edition.)
ISBN: 9781119117063

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).