Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - EVSC 395 D100

Special Topics in Environmental Science (3)

Environmental Isotopes: Atoms to the Anthropoce

Class Number: 3496

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Thu, 11:30 a.m.–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

A specific topic within the field of Environment not examined in depth in regular courses. This course will provide students with understanding, perspective and experience in emerging and important areas of environment. Variable units: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8.

COURSE DETAILS:

A few years ago, a group of scholars argued that we have entered a new geological epoch  - the Anthropocene Epoch -  based on the mark that nuclear weapons testing left on Earth’s chemical record. In this class, we will study this environmental record, and other stories, told through the distribution of stable and radioactive isotopes on our planet.

After taking a deep dive into the subatomic world of nuclei and radioactivity, we will apply our knowledge to local and global case studies from carbon-dating in the ocean to mapping Pacific salmon food webs to the Fukushima nuclear disaster. Students will leave this class with a diverse “isotope toolbox” for understanding different environmental issues, and a nuanced perspective of nuclear technology as a climate change solution. In the middle of the semester, there will be a field trip to the TRIUMF facility, one of Canada’s particle accelerators built by UBC, SFU and University of Victoria. This course will be offered in-person and meet for one 3-hour period per week.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

  • Describe the basic physical structure of matter on an atomic scale
  • Predict the behavior of stable and radioactive isotopes in the environment
  • Apply principles of isotope fractionation and radioactivity to a variety of environmental science case studies
  • Analyze and interpret environmental data collected from the hydrosphere, lithosphere, biosphere and atmosphere
  • Build evidence-based arguments around environmental debates related to nuclear technology

Grading

  • Weekly participation 10%
  • 1 midterm exam 25%
  • Five problem-solving assignments 20%
  • Five reading and discussion assignments 20%
  • 1 final project 25%

NOTES:

PRE-REQ-EVSC 100 and one of the following: Chemistry 12 (or equivalent) or CHEM 110 or CHEM 111; or permission of the instructor

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

There are no required textbooks. Your instructor will share weekly open-access PDF files with excerpts from a variety of 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

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.