Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2022 - EASC 106 D100

Earth Through Time (3)

Class Number: 1326

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 10 – Apr 11, 2022: Mon, Wed, Fri, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Instructor:

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

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An introduction to the changes that the Earth has experienced, from its initial formation to the present day, intended for non-majors. Topics include changes in plate tectonic style, mountain building periods, glaciations during Earth history, formation of life, the fossil record and evolution, major extinctions, and the rise of man. Students may not take EASC 106 for credit towards EASC major or minor program requirements. Breadth-Science.

COURSE DETAILS:

General: REQUIREMENT DESIGNATION: B-Sci

EASC 106 is an introduction to the 4.6 billion year history of Earth, from its initial formation to the present day. This fascinating story traces the geological and biological events that make up our planet's past, and are recorded in the rock record.

Course Topics:
1. Introduction to Earth system history

  1. Minerals, rocks and the rock cycle
  2. Deep time and the Geologic Time Scale
  3. The fossil record and biological classification
  4. Continental Drift and Plate Tectonics
  5. Precambrian Earth
  6. Paleozoic Earth (“Age of Invertebrates”) and the Permian mass extinction event
  7. Mesozoic Earth (“Age of Reptiles”) and the Cretaceous mass extinction event
  8. Cenozoic Earth (“Age of Mammals”)
  9. The Anthropocene – the human impact on Earth

Students successfully completing this course will be able to:

  • Reproduce the geologic time scale
  • Demonstrate an understanding of geologic principles used to analyze Earth history; interpret a sequence of geologic events using relative age-dating concepts, maps, cross sections, and stratigraphic sections.
  • Demonstrate knowledge about the evolution of life on Earth
  • Identify key invertebrate fossil groups, types of fossil preservation, and use fossils to refine interpretations of Earth history.
  • Understand how Earth is a system that is ever changing.

Course Organization: Three 50-minute lectures per week.

Grading

  • Lecture Participation 15%
  • Short Homework Assignments 10%
  • Test 1 25%
  • Test 2 25%
  • Test 3 25%

Materials

RECOMMENDED READING:

Course E-Text: (or physical copy)
“Visualizing Earth History”; Babcock, L.E., Wiley, 2009


ISBN: 978-0-470-45251-6

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.