Overview

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

A twelve-day field camp with a focus on various measuring, surveying, recording and mapping skills in branches of physical geography. A selected project will be completed either by a team or by an individual. Field camp locations will vary from year to year. The camp will be held immediately following the end of final examinations in April.

COURSE DETAILS:

The Physical Geography Field Course offers students an opportunity for experience in field-based research projects. Projects will focus on direct observation, implementation of tools and techniques, measurement and rapid interpretation in several branches of physical geography (geomorphology, hydrology, climatology, biogeography). Students will engage in both instructor-led and self-directed field exercises as both individuals and in small groups of the same three individuals throughout the semester. Significant pre-fieldwork instruction will occur online through CANVAS. For small-group work, students will attend six in-person field experiences throughout the semester, scheduled during four-hour lab sessions on alternating Wednesdays. All fieldwork will occur in areas accessible by walking from the Burnaby SFU campus and will begin and end with check-in at the NW corner of the Academic Quadrangle. Students are expected to provide their own transportation to and from campus for attendance at fieldwork sessions. Provisions will be made for physical distancing, sanitizing of equipment, and all student face-to-face interaction will occur outside.

Be aware that during the field trips there may be periods of strenuous hiking, hiking close to cliffs and crossing roads with busy traffic. Appropriate clothing and footwear must be worn. Further details regarding safety, fieldwork protocols and field supplies will be discussed prior to the fieldwork. Students must at all times remain compliant with all student responsibilities, regulations, and policies as outlined in the current Academic Calendar, as well as relevant regulations and policies as outlined in the SFU Policy Gazette. This includes, but is not limited to, expected student conduct and the maintenance of appropriate medical insurance coverage.

This course has university approval to run with significant in person synchronous components. In the event that the province moves towards a more restrictive phase of operation the course may be shifted entirely into the online environment.

Asynchronous course components:

• Weekly lecture modules and assignments

Synchronous course components:

• Attendance at class zoom meetings
• Face to Face lab sessions held on-campus. Students will attend in small groups in alternating weeks throughout the semester.

Grading

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Students are responsible for ensuring they have waterproof footwear and waterproof outerwear. Other field gear requirements may be identified at the start of the course at the beginning of the semester.

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 web-based (e.g., Zoom) interaction with the TA and instructor during live lab sessions.

REQUIRED READING: