Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2023 - EASC 711 G100

Directed Readings (3)

Class Number: 1903

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Location: TBA

  • Prerequisites:

    Permission of the instructor.

Description

COURSE DETAILS:

Forecasting Coastal Change from Cores to Code

General: Directed readings will focus on forecasting coastal change using a combination of field-based evidence and numerical modelling. A major learning outcome of this course will be the development of scientific writing skills.  As such, even weeks will involve a paper discussion focused on data-model integration and odd weeks will involve a mini-writing lecture followed by dedicated writing time in the form of a class ‘writing group’.  Writing assignments will be based on material covered in readings.

Course Organisation: One 2-hr seminar each week.

Course topics:

  1. Coastal reconstructions
  2. Process and inverse models
  3. Bayesian transfer functions
  4. Natural hazards (earthquakes, tsunamis, tropical cyclones, sea level)
  5. Rates and dates (including age-depth models)

    Late policy:  Unless otherwise indicated, all assignments are due at the beginning of lab or lecture as designated in the assignment handout.  A late penalty of 10% per day will be applied to all submissions turned in after the beginning of class.  There is a maximum late penalty of 50% per assignment and no assignments will be accepted for grading after one week or after they have been returned and taken up in class (whichever comes first).

Grading

  • Writing Assignments 70%
  • Discussions and Participation 30%

NOTES:

Student responsibilities:

  1. Students are expected to attend every class and to have read the assigned readings before class.
  2. Late assignments will not be accepted without prior approval from the instructor.
  3. There will be no makeup exams unless an acceptable medical certificate is presented.
  4. Students are responsible for all materials in the assigned readings and lectures.
  5. Academic dishonesty (including cheating and plagiarism) is forbidden. It will result in disciplinary action.

Acceptable medical certificates: Pharmacy prescriptions will NOT be accepted. Medical documentation must be:

  1. submitted on letterhead from a clinic, physician, counsellor, or other certified practitioner with signature and date and
  2. addressed to the course, course dates, and instructor concerned;
  3. and dated corresponding with the times the student was absent.

Students requiring accommodations as a result of a disability must contact the Centre for Students with Disabilities (778-782-3112 or email to csdo@sfu.ca) AND notify me within the first 2 weeks of classes.

*This outline is subject to change*

 

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

  1. Weekly readings (provided by the instructor) will be assigned each week.
  2. Hoffmann, A.H., 2019. Scientific Writing and Communication 4th Oxford Press, 768p. ISBN: 9780190063283

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.

Graduate Studies Notes:

Important dates and deadlines for graduate students are found here: http://www.sfu.ca/dean-gradstudies/current/important_dates/guidelines.html. The deadline to drop a course with a 100% refund is the end of week 2. The deadline to drop with no notation on your transcript is the end of week 3.

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