Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2024 - EVSC 300 E100

Seminar in Environmental Science (3)

Class Number: 3593

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Mon, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Oct 15, 2024: Tue, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    EVSC 201W.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Provides Environmental Science students the opportunity to investigate an environmental science topic in depth, through lecture and bi-weekly guest speakers from diverse sectors (academia, government, industry and NGOs). Students with credit for EVSC 399 or EVSC 499 may not take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

A seminar course that explores the current topic of plastic pollution in the ocean in the global and regional context, including impacts on natural and human systems, and adaptation strategies in different sectors. Meetings will alternate among instructor-led seminars, student-led discussions, and guest talks.

* The course is structured around team-based learning.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

  • Improve their understanding of plastic pollution in the ocean
  • Articulate scientific, political, social, and economic contexts regarding
    • Sources of and reasons for continued plastic pollution
    • Impacts of plastic pollution on the biosphere and atmosphere
    • Pros and cons of possible solutions to decrease plastic pollution
  • Critically read academic articles
  • Synthesize information from multiple sources
  • Effectively communicate in both written and oral form
  • Enhance their skills in professional collaboration

Grading

  • Leading a Seminar 20%
  • Draft term-paper 15%
  • Final term paper 35%
  • Participation (individual) 20%
  • Shorter homework assignments (individual) 10%

NOTES:

* IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER *

Course details, goals, and grading are subject to change and will be finalized in September 2024.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

None.

Weekly readings will be assigned and made available on Canvas.

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 term 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.