Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2024 - EVSC 400 D100

Environmental Science Capstone (4)

Class Number: 4743

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Wed, Fri, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    EVSC 300 and EVSC 305.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

In the final year of undergraduate study, students from all Environmental Science concentrations will integrate their disciplinary, science backgrounds to solve environmental problems. Project-based coursework will promote collaborative group work, emphasizing research skills, data analysis, scientific writing and communication, preparing students for employment as Environmental Scientists.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course gives students the opportunity to apply knowledge and skills they have accumulated during their environmental science programs at SFU by tackling a real-world project in collaboration with CityStudio in Vancouver. Learning objectives for this course include the following:

  • By reviewing and discussing timely environmental science topics and case studies, students will learn to critically evaluate environmental reports and scientific datasets and then develop new scientific questions.
  • Students will develop effective project management and teamwork skills amongst group members with diverse perspectives and experitse.
  • Students will improve technical writing skills through instructor and peer feedback (including constructive feedback on proposals, literature review, final reports, and presentation materials).
  • Students will develop effective science communicaiton skills by preparing a professional capstone project report, giving presentations to a scientific audience, and creatively communicating complex concepts and solutions to a general audience.

Grading

  • Class activities, misc. assignments, & paritcipation 15%
  • Project outline/work plan 5%
  • Proposal draft 5%
  • Project proposal (in-person presentation) 5%
  • Literature review draft 10%
  • Final presentation (in-person presentation) 15%
  • Science communication component 10%
  • Final report 35%

NOTES:

* IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER *

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

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

No textbooks are required. News articles, case studies, peer-reviewed articles, etc., assigned for reading and discussion will be shared in PDF or web format via 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.