Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2025 - EVSC 100 B100

Introduction to Environmental Science (3)

Class Number: 2249

Delivery Method: Blended

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 12 – Jun 20, 2025: TBA, TBA
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Jun 4, 2025
    Wed, 6:30–8:50 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Jun 25, 2025
    Wed, 6:30–9:00 p.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:

EVSC 100 introduces students to environmental science, a highly interdisciplinary, collaborative field of research that integrates the 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 course lecture subsequently addresses one of the planetary boundaries, highlighting environmental problems and solutions relevant to each boundary.

This course is offered in a Blended format, with asynchronous Lectures (remote, recorded lessons and resources that are uploaded to Canvas weekly and viewed on your own time) and Tutorials in person with your TA. I will host an optional, drop-in Q & A session about Lecture material every week on Zoom. Tutorials will start directly in the first week.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

By the end of this course students should be able to:

  • Describe key Earth system cycles, properties and processes, in the context of the planetary boundaries framework
  • Examine the fundamental processes affecting the cycling of water through Earth's systems.
  • Examine the ways natural and human-induced environmental processes influence terrestrial and aquatic ecosystem dynamics.
  • Examine how interacting earth systems, such as the atmosphere and biosphere, affect natural and human-modified environments.
  • Critically explore solutions to the environmental problems raised by the Planetary Boundary framework.
  • Demonstrate enhanced skills in communication, research, and critical thinking.
  • Demonstrate improved data, scientific, and environmental literacy

Grading

  • Short module quizes 5%
  • Class engagement activites 5%
  • Tutorial worksheets 30%
  • Midterm exam 30%
  • Final exam 30%

NOTES:

If this outline changes, the Instructor will provide students with a statement setting out those changes within the first week of classes.

REQUIREMENTS:

Required Resources:

  • A laptop or tablet for use in Tutorial
  • Microsoft Office software (Word and Excel). Available for free download from SFU; see link on Canvas.
  • All readings materials will be provided by your instructor

Materials

RECOMMENDED READING:

Open Sourced Textbook for Background Reading:

Environmental Science: a Canadian perspective by Bill Freeman (2018). https://dalspace.library.dal.ca/handle/10222/74278


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: 


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.