Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2023 - GEOG 111 D100

Earth Systems (3)

Class Number: 3612

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 6 – Oct 6, 2023: Tue, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Oct 11 – Dec 5, 2023: Tue, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An introduction to landforms, climates, soils and vegetation; their origins, distributions, interrelationships and roles in the ecosystem. Laboratory work and field trips are included. Breadth-Science.

COURSE DETAILS:

An introduction to physical geography. This course covers principles and processes governing climate, landforms, and vegetation systems and interrelationships. Natural and human-induced changes to earth systems are discussed. There will be one 2-hour class per week plus a 2-hour laboratory in most weeks. Laboratories address techniques of measurement, representation and analysis of earth systems through maps, remotely-sensed images, and laboratory and field observations. Classes will be a mixture of lecture and group activities. Course content is divided into five case studies, such that students are introduced to a question in physical geography, then will learn global scale processes and apply them to local examples:

  1. What factors govern the weather and climate of BC?
  2. Climate change: What are the actual and potential impacts in BC?
  3. The Cascadia subduction zone: Will BC experience the Big One earthquake?
  4. What processes have shaped the Fraser River Basin?
  5. How has glaciation shaped Canadian landscapes, and what is the status of contemporary glaciers in Canada?

No labs in the first week of classes.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

  • Develop a general understanding of the Earth system as studied in physical geography, including the processes, flows of energy, and inter-relationships between the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere and biosphere.
  • Apply knowledge about how the above large-scale processes, energy flows, and inter-relationships to a local case example.
  • Explore and apply course concepts through Laboratory Exercises.
  • Critically and collaboratively synthesize core course material.

Grading

  • Class Engagement Activities 5%
  • Earth Systems Data Collection Project 10%
  • Case Study Quizzes (x5) 35%
  • Lab Exercises 27%
  • Lab Exam 23%

NOTES:

Grade structure subject to change

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Required e-Text Book (free): Perkins, A. Investigating Earth’s Systems. (available online).

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.