Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2021 - EVSC 100 D100

Introduction to Environmental Science (3)

Class Number: 4847

Delivery Method: Remote

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Thu, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Aug 12, 2021
    Thu, 12:00–2:00 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Introduces students to the study of environmental science. Lecture material spans contributing disciplines, emphasizing integration of diverse concepts to understand environmental problems. Tutorials develop core academic skills in environmental science context. Students who have completed EVSC 200 may not complete this course for further credit. Breadth-Science.

COURSE DETAILS:

EVSC100 introduces students to environmental science: a highly interdisciplinary, collaborative field of research that integrates understanding of physical andbiological processes to study both natural and human-influenced environments.This course is organized according to the framework of Planetary Boundaries, which suggests thatthere are nine human-influenced processes thatregulate the stability and resilience of the earth system. Students are first introduced the earth system and the scientific method. Each week of the course subsequently addresses one ofthe planetary boundaries, highlighting environmental problems and solutions relevant to each boundary.

This course is offered in aremote format this semester. Class material will be delivered via narrated slides and will be posted on Canvas each week, along with pre-class readings, videos,andother resources. Tutorials are linked to weekly lecture topics and focus on the development of key skills. During the second hour of lecture time (3:30-4:20 on thursday), I will host a Q & A/ Discussion about lecture content through Zoom. Similarly, during your scheduled tutorial time, your TA will be available in Zoom for consultation.

Required Resources
•Access to a computer with internet
•Microsoft Office software (Word and Excel). Available for free download from SFU; see link on Canvas.

If there are any changes in this outline, the Instructor will provide students with a statement setting out those changes within the first week of classes.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

By the end of this course studentsshould be able to:

•Describe key Earth system cycles,properties and processesand, in the context of the planetary boundaries framework:•Examinethe fundamental processes affecting the cycling of water through Earth's systems.
•Examinethe ways natural and human-induced environmental processes influence terrestrial and aquatic ecosystemdynamics.
•Examine how interacting earth systems such as the atmosphere and biosphere affect natural and human-modified environments.
•Critically explore solutions to the environmental problemsraised by the Planetary Boundary framework.
•Demonstrate enhanced skills in communication, research,and critical thinking.
•Demonstrate improved data, scientific, and environmental literacy.

Grading

  • Class engagement activities 7%
  • Learning Portfolio 8%
  • Tutorial worksheets 35%
  • Midterm exam 25%
  • Final exam 25%

Materials

RECOMMENDED READING:

Environmental Science for a Changing World (Canadian Edition)
Branfireun, Marnie; Karr, Susan; InterlandI, Jeneen; Houtman, Anne


ISBN: 9781464154201

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 SUMMER 2021

Teaching at SFU in summer 2021 will be conducted primarily through remote methods, but we will continue to have in-person experiential activities for a selection of courses.  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).