Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2023 - EVSC 201W B100

Environmental Science in Practice (3)

Class Number: 5280

Delivery Method: Blended

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Location: TBA

  • Prerequisites:

    EVSC 100.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

A survey of environmental science practice that exposes students to what environmental scientists do, with guest lectures from environmental scientists and practitioners across contributing disciplines and workplaces. Coursework emphasizes literature research, analysis and synthesis along with scientific writing and communication skills. Writing.

COURSE DETAILS:

An introduction to what environmental scientists do in applied contexts, how environmental science concepts relate to applied skills, and how to communicate what environmental science is. The course will emphasize collaboration and communication skills through regular writing assignments and feedback, in which each student will develop and grapple with their own environmental science Question. Students will engage with guest speakers through the Environmental Science in Practice Online Speakers Series, in which environmental scientists working in diverse professional fields will be interviewed.  

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

  • Iteratively monitor and improve your own process of learning
  • Find information regarding environmental science topics from a variety of media types
  • Evaluate whether or not information is relevant and useful, and any potential biases
  • Read scientific papers for key concepts, and identify the basis for the authors’ conclusions in the data and analysis
  • Synthesize environmental science information from a variety of sources and viewpoints
  • Formulate and ask relevant questions
  • Communicate a coherent synthesis of a topic in environmental science, both orally and in writing, demonstrating awareness of audience
  • Collaborate effectively and efficiently with peers

Grading

  • Environmental Science Journal 15%
  • Peer Collaboration & Feedback 10%
  • Engagement with Guest Speakers 5%
  • Environmental Science Question Project 70%

NOTES:

Grading Scale (subject to change)

Environmental Science Journal                         15%

Peer Collaboration & Feedback                          10%

Engagement with guest speakers                      5%

Environmental Science Question Project:

                        Question Proposal                    10%

                        Annotated Bibliography             15%

                        Literature Review Draft             10%

                        Literature Review Final              25%

                        Presentation                             10%

 

Will there be tutorials/labs in the first week of class?

Yes

 

Which components (lec/lab/tut) are synchronous vs asynchronous?

The lecture is asynchronous/online

The tutorial is synchronous and in person, Tues 12:30-2:20

 

Are there any technical requirements the students should be aware of?

n/a

REQUIREMENTS:

N/A

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

N/A

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website 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

RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the semester are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.