Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2022 - EVSC 100 B100

Introduction to Environmental Science (3)

Class Number: 3904

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Location: TBA

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 17, 2022
    Sat, 3:30–5:30 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 and biological processes to study both natural and human-influenced environments. This course is organized according to the framework of Planetary Boundaries, which suggests that there are nine human-influenced processes that regulate the stability and resilience of the earth system. Students are first introduced the earth system and the scientific method. Each lecture of the course subsequently addresses one of the planetary boundaries, highlighting environmental problems and solutions relevant to each boundary.

This course is offered in a Blended format, with asynchronous Lectures (remote, recorded lessons and resources that are uploaded to Canvas weekly and viewed on your own time) and Tutorials in person with your TA. The professor will also host an optional, in-person drop-in Q & A session about Lecture material every week. 

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

By the end of this course students should be able to:

•Describe key Earth system cycles, properties and processes and, in the context of the planetary boundaries framework
•Examine the fundamental processes affecting the cycling of water through Earth's systems.
•Examine the ways natural and human-induced environmental processes influence terrestrial and aquatic ecosystem dynamics.
•Examine how interacting earth systems such as the atmosphere and biosphere affect natural and human-modified environments.
•Critically explore solutions to the environmental problems raised 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 10%
  • Tutorial worksheets 40%
  • Midterm exam 25%
  • Final exam 25%

REQUIREMENTS:

Required Resources:

•A laptop or tablet for use in Tutorial
•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.

Materials

RECOMMENDED READING:

Environmental Science: a Canadian perspective by Bill Freeman (2018).  https://dalspace.library.dal.ca/handle/10222/74278

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