Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2022 - GEOG 215 D100

The Biosphere (3)

Class Number: 2883

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 7 – Dec 6, 2022: Tue, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 9, 2022
    Fri, 12:00–2:00 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    GEOG 111.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An introduction to the planetary biosphere, its living organisms, and their interactions with each other and the Earth system.

COURSE DETAILS:

This purpose of this course is to provide students with an introduction to the Biosphere, including the living organisms of the Earth and their interactions with their environments that create the web of life on Earth. The main learning objectives are: to examine the biotic and abiotic factors that control the distribution and development of organisms; to understand the processes that produce these distribution patterns; to understand ecological concepts; to examine the influence of humans and industrial activities on the Biosphere, and how can we apply these concepts to conservation and stewardship of the natural world.

Course organization:

One two-hour lecture and one two-hour laboratory session each week.  There will be no labs held in the first week of classes.

Grading

  • Laboratory exercises 30%
  • Midterm examination 30%
  • Final examination 40%

NOTES:

The final examination will be scheduled in the formally-scheduled university examination period. 

Materials

RECOMMENDED READING:

On 4-hr reserve at Bennett Library:

Freedman, B. et al. 2016. Ecology: A Canadian Context. 2nd Edition. Publisher: Top Hat eText. eText ISBN: 9780176482008, 0176482008. (Available on VitalSource)

 

Any additional readings will be provided on Canvas.


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