Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2021 - EASC 400 D100

Selected Topics in Earth Sciences (3)

Introduction to Research

Class Number: 7927

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 11 – Apr 16, 2021: Wed, 4:30–7:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    To be determined by instructor.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An advanced, in-depth treatment of a specialized area of earth sciences.

COURSE DETAILS:

General:
An introduction to research and some of the skills required in the transition from student to independent researcher, targeted toward graduate students but also appropriate for senior undergraduates currently engaged in research.

Course Topics (Provisional):

  1. Introduction to the research world
  2. Health and wellness inside/outside the workplace
  3. Time management
  4. The advisor-student relationship, roles in a research group
  5. Scientific literature: classification, metrics, search strategies, staying current, reference management
  6. Scientific literature: writing well
  7. Scientific literature: contributions, authorship, choosing a journal, how to review a paper and respond to reviews
  8. Data/code management, archival
  9. The conference experience: abstracts, preparation, expectations
  10. The conference experience: oral/poster presentation skills
  11. Research funding, writing proposals
  12. Research careers
  13. Research ethics and integrity
  14. Scientific outreach
Course Organization:
Seminar-style meetings totalling 3 hours per week for presentation / discussion of course materials and in-class exercises. There will occasionally be an outside speaker. 

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Grading:

Participation (presence, preparation): 5-10%

Discussion: 10-15%

Weekly assignments: 55-85%

Final project: 0-20%

Grading

NOTES:

The spring 2021 offering of this course is via remote instruction.

The technology requirements for successfully completing this course include: a computer or tablet, internet access and a microphone (built-in fine). A camera is highly recommended. We may use both canvas and zoom for course delivery. Remote electronic access to SFU Library is also required. Course meetings with be synchronous.    

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).