Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2025 - EVSC 100 B100

Introduction to Environmental Science (3)

Class Number: 4556

Delivery Method: Blended

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: TBA, TBA
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Feb 26, 2025
    Wed, 6:30–8:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Apr 24, 2025
    Thu, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Introduces students to the study of environmental science. Lecture material spans contributing disciplines, emphasizing integration of diverse concepts to understand environmental problems. Tutorials develop core academic skills in environmental science context. Students who have completed EVSC 200 may not complete this course for further credit. Breadth-Science.

COURSE DETAILS:

EVSC100 introduces students to environmental science: a highly interdisciplinary, collaborative field of research that integrates understanding of physical and biological processes to study both natural and human-influenced environments. This course is organized according to the framework of Planetary Boundaries, which suggests that there are nine human-influenced processes that regulate the stability and resilience of the earth system. Students are first introduced to the earth system and the scientific method. Each lecture of the course subsequently addresses one of the planetary boundaries, highlighting environmental problems and solutions relevant to each boundary.

This offering of EVSC100 is a blended format course. Each week there will be 2-hours of asynchronous lecture material (involving engagement through mixed media that will include videos, short readings, and online activities) plus a 1-hour in-person tutorial each week. You are expected to attend tutorial sessions.

Grading

  • Engagement activities 5%
  • Tutorial assignments 40%
  • Midterm exam 25%
  • Final exam 30%

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Required Resources:

- A laptop or tablet for accessing online content and use in Tutorials

- Microsoft Office (free download available from SFU)

- No textbook, instructor will provide readings

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.