Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - EVSC 320 D100

Watershed Ecology (4)

Class Number: 3467

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Thu, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 23, 2026
    Thu, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    EVSC 100 or permission of the instructor and one of the following: BISC 204, REM 211, or GEOG 215.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Watersheds are fundamental organizational units on the landscape for physical processes, biological communities, and management. They also deliver many services that humans rely on. This course is intended to introduce students to landscape-scale thinking and spatial ecology, and teaches physical and biological approaches in watershed science. Students who have taken EVSC 395 under the title "Watershed Ecology" in Spring 2021 may not take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course will begin by introducing the physical processes that shape watershed structure. Then, students will be introduced to the ecological cast of characters that populate watersheds, not least including us – humans. We will consider biogeochemical processes and other ecosystem functions in watersheds and reflect on how we value them. With lab instruction, students will conduct a small research project in a local stream and analyze the results. They will also learn basic data synthesis techniques to address fundamental questions in watershed ecology, and gain experience writing scientific reports.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

· Identify and explain the physical structure of watersheds and riverine networks, and the processes that create them.

· Identify links between terrestrial and aquatic components of watersheds, and explain how these links have contributed to the development of watershed and freshwater ecology theories.

· Explain how biodiversity, nutrient cycling, and ecosystem functions vary across the spatial structure of watersheds, from headwaters to outlets.

· Explain how human modification to aquatic and terrestrial components of watersheds affects their functioning and ability to deliver ecosystem services.

· Recognize the diversity of priorities held by stakeholders in watersheds.

· Gain comfort reading and extracting knowledge from scientific and academic publications.

Grading

  • Assignments 50%
  • Midterm exam 20%
  • Final Exam 30%

NOTES:

Please inquire with the undergraduate advisor (evscadv@sfu.ca) if you have any trouble enrolling in the course.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Course material

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.