Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2022 - EVSC 100 D300

Introduction to Environmental Science (3)

Class Number: 5358

Delivery Method: Remote

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 10 – Apr 11, 2022: Tue, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 25, 2022
    Mon, 8:30–11:30 a.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 week 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 remote format this semester. Class material will be delivered via narrated slides and will be posted on Canvas each week, along with pre-class readings, videos, and other resources. Tutorials are linked to weekly lecture topics and focus on the development of key skills. During the second hour of lecture time (3:30-4:20 on Tuesday), I will host a Q & A/ Discussion about lecture content through Zoom. Similarly, during your scheduled tutorial time, your TA will be available in Zoom for consultation.

Required Resources
•Access to a computer with internet
•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.

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 7%
  • Learning Portfolio 8%
  • Tutorial worksheets 35%
  • Midterm exam 25%
  • Final exam 25%

Materials

RECOMMENDED READING:

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

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.