Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2022 - EASC 210 D100

Evolving Earth (3)

Class Number: 1306

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 10 – Apr 11, 2022: Mon, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Jan 10 – Apr 11, 2022: Wed, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 19, 2022
    Tue, 12:00–3:00 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Instructor:

    Robbie Donald
    rdunlop@sfu.ca
    1 778 782-4925
    Office: TASC 1 Room 7223

  • 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:

General: DESIGNATION: B-Sci
Evolving Earth expands on the fundamental concepts learned in EASC 101 Dynamic Earth.  The course addresses three great themes in Earth history: (1) deep time; (2) plate tectonics; and (3) biological evolution as demonstrated by the fossil record.  Earth’s geologic and evolutionary histories are examined through geologic time.  Pertinent geologic concepts include the growth of the continents, the opening and closing of ocean basins, episodes of large-scale erosion and deposition on the continents and mountain building episodes.  Earth as a system is examined through the interaction of tectonics, climate, and relative sea-level changes and their effects on evolutionary change.  Life on Earth will be discussed in relation to the major geological time periods, particularly with respect to significant evolutionary developments and mass extinctions.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:
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
  • Understand how Earth’s continents, oceans and climates evolved over geologic time, with an emphasis on North America
  • Identify key invertebrate fossil groups and types of fossil preservation
  • Use fossils to refine interpretations of Earth history


Course Organization:
Two 50-minute lectures/week
One 3-hour laboratory period/week

Grading

  • Laboratory Assignments 20%
  • Quizzes 5%
  • Laboratory Exam 25%
  • Lecture Midterm Exam 15%
  • Lecture Final Exam 35%

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Pencil, eraser, ruler, coloured pencils, and a scientific calculator

REQUIRED READING:

Levin, H. L., and King, D. T. The Earth Through Time, 11th edition, Wiley, 600p.
ISBN: 9781119117063

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.