Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2022 - EASC 210 D100

Evolving Earth (3)

Class Number: 1910

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 7 – Dec 6, 2022: Mon, Wed, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 10, 2022
    Sat, 7:00–10:00 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Instructor:

    Eileen van der Flier-Keller
    evanderf@sfu.ca
    778-782-3789
    Office: TASC 1 Room 7411

  • Prerequisites:

    EASC 101 with a grade of C- or better.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

The Earth has evolved dramatically over its 4.6 billion-year history. We explore the evolution of Earth's tectonic plates, oceans and atmosphere through time. We also review the appearance of life, its evolution and diversification, biological-geological interactions, and the occurrence and impact of mass extinction events. Breadth-Science.

COURSE DETAILS:


EASC 210 is an introductory Science Breadth (BR) course that deals with the Earth’s past. The planet’s future in light of climate change can be better understood by looking at Earth’s past. Rocks and fossils provide the only evidence for this. The course looks at how geological understanding and our ability to decipher Earth history have developed, and we ‘time travel’ through Earth history from formation 4.6 billion years ago to the present day. The course includes three great themes in Earth history: 1) deep time; 2) plate tectonics through time; 3) biological evolution as determined by fossils.

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. 

 

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of this course, students will:

  1. Know the geologic time scale and understand the background and history of its formation.
  2. Appreciate that the rock record is an incomplete record.
  3. Demonstrate understanding of geologic principles used to analyze Earth history.
  4. Interpret a sequence of geological events using relative age dating concepts, maps, cross sections and stratigraphic sections.
  5. Understand how Earth’s continents, oceans and climate have evolved over geologic time, with emphasis on North America.
    5. Demonstrate knowledge of the evolution of life on Earth.
  6. Identify key invertebrate fossil groups, types of fossil preservation, and use fossils to interpret aspects of Earth history.

 Course Organization:

Two 50-minute lectures and one 3-hour laboratory periods per week

Grading

  • Laboratory Assignments 10%
  • Quizzes 5%
  • Mid-Term Exam 20%
  • Laboratory Exam 25%
  • Final Exam 40%

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Computer or tablet, writing and drawing materials.

REQUIRED READING:

Levin, H. L., and King, D. T. The Earth Through Time, 11th edition, Wiley, 600p. (Or any earlier edition.)
ISBN: 978-1-119-22834-9

RECOMMENDED READING:

Will be shared in class

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website 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