Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2025 - EVSC 460 D100

Ecogeomorphology (4)

Class Number: 4562

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, Fri, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 16, 2025
    Wed, 11:59–11:59 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    GEOG 111 or EASC 101; BISC 204 or GEOG 215; and a minimum of 60 units. GEOG 213 is recommended.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Ecogeomorphology is the interdisciplinary study of watersheds that integrates geomorphology, hydrology and ecology to facilitate new understandings of landscapes and ecosystems by bridging dominant paradigms from the individual disciplines. This course explores the bidirectional influences of biota and landscapes, including how physical habitat condition can influence the dynamics and resilience of biological populations. Students who have taken EVSC 495 under the title "Ecogeomorphology" in Fall 2020 may not take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course is offered in person, with a 2-hour lecture and 2-hour tutorial every week. In lecture, we will explore topics at the nexus of geomorphology, hydrology, and ecology through in-depth discussions of scientific literature. You will be expected to read multiple peer-reviewed scientific articles each week and come prepared to discuss them in lecture. Tutorials each week will focus on developing coding skills, with students working towards writing and modifying systems models to understand the quantitative dynamics of physical and ecological systems. Coding activities will use MATLAB, and no previous coding knowledge is necessary.

This course is recommended for students in Environmental Science, Resource Management, Biology, Physical Geography, or Earth Science.

Grading

  • Engagement 10%
  • Literature Discussions 10%
  • Assignments 60%
  • Final Presentation & Paper 20%

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Required Resources:

- Laptop (Mac or Windows) with at least 15 GB of available memory

- MATLAB (free download available from SFU)

- Microsoft Office (free download available from SFU)

- Adobe Reader (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.