Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2022 - EASC 101 D200

Dynamic Earth (3)

Class Number: 4454

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 10 – Apr 11, 2022: Tue, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Surrey

  • Instructor:

    Cindy Hansen
    cdhansen@sfu.ca
    1 778 782-8518
    Office: TASC 1 Room 7009

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Dynamic Earth offers an introduction to minerals, rocks, geologic resources and processes. Plate tectonics is the unifying theory of geology and is the focus as we learn how the Earth changes over geologic time and results in the formation of volcanoes and mountain belts, faults, folds and earthquakes. Breadth-Science.

COURSE DETAILS:

General: DESIGNATION: B-Sci

This course provides an introduction to planet Earth - how it formed, how it evolved, how it works, and how we can help to preserve it. EASC 101 is an introductory course to the Earth Sciences designed both as a foundation course for Earth Science majors and as a terminal course for those in other disciplines. Lectures investigate geologic theory, while laboratory sessions focus on "hands on" exercises emphasizing minerals and rocks, Earth structure and processes.

Course Topics:

  1. The Layered Earth and Plate Tectonic Theory
  2. Earth Materials (Minerals, Rocks, Sediments) and the relationship between Earth Materials and Plate Tectonics (Volcanoes, Rock Cycle)
  3. Earth's Interior and Geologic Processes (Mountain Building, Earthquakes)
  4. Geologic Time and Earth History
  5. Resources and Surface Processes (Groundwater, Geologic Resources, Mass Wasting)
  6. Local, Canadian and Marine Geology

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Students successfully completing this course will be able to:

  • Understand and describe the layered Earth.
  • Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of plate tectonic theory.
  • Understand our local plate tectonic setting, volcanism and seismic risk /hazard.
  • Identify minerals and rocks in hand specimen based upon their diagnostic properties (minerals), and composition / texture (rocks).
  • Demonstrate an ability to work with geologic cross-sections and maps.
  • Know the geologic time scale.
  • Demonstrate knowledge about geologic resources.

Course Organization: One 2-hour lecture and one 2-hour lab per week. Lab attendance is mandatory. 

Grading

  • Participation in end-of-lecture group activities 5%
  • Pre-Lab Assignments 10%
  • Mid-Term Exam 20%
  • Lab Exam 1 20%
  • Lab Exam 2 20%
  • Final Exam 25%

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

A pencil, eraser, and ruler are required for the lab. Other supplies are supplied but students are welcome to bring their own pencil crayons and protractors for labs in the second half of the term.

REQUIRED READING:

EASC 101 Dynamic Earth Laboratory Manual:
Students record their observations and complete exercises directly in the lab manual. The lab manual is also required for the pre-lab assignments


ISBN: 9780135891278

RECOMMENDED READING:

Course E-Text: (or physical copy)
“Introduction to Physical Geology, Canadian Edition”; Fletcher, C., Gibson, D., Ansdell, K. 2013; John Wiley & Sons, Inc.


ISBN: 978-1-118-71889-6

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 SPRING 2022

Teaching at SFU in spring 2022 will involve primarily in-person instruction, with safety plans in place.  Some courses will still be offered through remote methods, and if so, this will be clearly identified in the schedule of classes.  You will also know at enrollment whether remote course components will be “live” (synchronous) or at your own pace (asynchronous).

Enrolling in a course acknowledges that you are able to attend in whatever format is required.  You should not enroll in a course that is in-person if you are not able to return to campus, and should be aware 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.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who may need class or exam accommodations, including in the context of remote learning, are advised to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as early as possible in order to prepare for the spring 2022 term.