Spring 2022 - GEOG 215 D100
The Biosphere (3)
Class Number: 4744
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Jan 10 – Apr 11, 2022: Tue, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby -
Exam Times + Location:
Apr 20, 2022
Wed, 3:30–6:30 p.m.
Burnaby
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Instructor:
Margaret Schmidt
margaret_schmidt@sfu.ca
1 778 782-3323
Office: RCB 7133
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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 course provides students with an introduction to the biosphere, including the living organisms of the Earth and the environments with which they interact. 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; and to examine the influence of humans on the biosphere.
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.
Spring 2022 courses will be delivered in person based on information available at the time of publishing the outline; please note the delivery mode is subject to change following Provincial Health Officer (PHO) and/or SFU recommendations and orders.
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.
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.