Fall 2025 - GEOG 215 D100
The Biosphere (3)
Class Number: 1100
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Tue, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby -
Exam Times + Location:
Dec 15, 2025
Mon, 12:00–3:00 p.m.
Burnaby
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Instructor:
Margaret Schmidt
margaret_schmidt@sfu.ca
1 778 782-3323
Office Hours: Tues. 4:30-5:20
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Prerequisites:
GEOG 111.
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
An introduction to the planetary biosphere, its living organisms, and their interactions with each other and the Earth system.
COURSE DETAILS:
This course provides students with an introduction to the biosphere, including the living organisms of the Earth and the environments with which they interact. The main learning objectives are: to examine the biotic and abiotic factors that control the distribution and development of organisms; to understand the processes that produce these distribution patterns; to understand ecological concepts; and to examine the influence of humans on the biosphere.
Course organization:
One two-hour lecture and one two-hour laboratory session each week. There will be no labs held in the first week of classes.
Grading
- Laboratory exercises 30%
- Midterm examination 30%
- Final examination 40%
NOTES:
The final examination will be scheduled in the formally-scheduled university examination period.
Materials
RECOMMENDED READING:
Recommended reading, on 4-hr reserve at Bennett Library:
Freedman, B. et al. 2016. Ecology: A Canadian Context. 2nd Edition. Publisher: Top Hat eText. eText ISBN: 9780176482008, 0176482008.
Any additional readings will be provided 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
At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.
To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit:
- SFU’s Academic Integrity Policy: S10-01 Policy
- SFU’s Academic Integrity website, which includes helpful videos and tips in plain language: Academic Integrity at SFU
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.