Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - EVSC 100 D100

Introduction to Environmental Science (3)

Class Number: 3469

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Tue, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 20, 2026
    Mon, 12:00–3:00 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:

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 course is offered in person, with a 2-hour lecture and 1-hour Tutorial every week. You are expected to attend each lecture and tutorial session.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:


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

· Describe key Earth system cycles, properties and processes and, 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

  • Weekly Engagement Quizzes 10%
  • Weekly Tutorials 40%
  • Midterm Exam 25%
  • Final Exam 25%

NOTES:

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

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

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.

· Instructor provided readings may supplement the lecture content.

 

Optional Resources: Textbook

· Freedman, B. (2018). Environmental Science: A Canadian perspective. (Background reading only – you will not be assigned chapters to read)

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.