Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - GEOG 315 D100

World Ecosystems (4)

Class Number: 2270

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Wed, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Fri, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 18, 2026
    Sat, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Instructor:

    Lance Lesack
    llesack@sfu.ca
    1 778 782-5633
    Office Hours: TBD

  • Prerequisites:

    GEOG 215 or BISC 204.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Distribution, structure, function, and dynamics of the world's major biomes. Attention to comparative aspects among terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems and to environmental problems associated with the biomes.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course examines the distribution, structure, function, and dynamics of the major biomes/ecosystems of the planet.  The comparative aspects among terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems are emphasized, and current environmental problems associated with each of the biomes are examined.

Organization:  Two one-hour lectures and one two-hour tutorial session per week.  The final exam will be scheduled during the regular examination period.  There will be no tutorial session in the first week of classes.

Course Topics:                                   Ecosystem structure, function, & dynamics

            Terrestrial Biomes                  Temperate forest
                                                        Temperate grasslands
                                                        Boreal forests
                                                        Arctic and alpine tundra
                                                        Tropical forests
                                                        Savannas
                                                        Deserts

              Aquatic Biomes                    Lakes
                                                        Rivers
                                                        Ocean pelagic
                                                        Ocean deep-water zones
                                                        Coastal and reef ecosystems



Grading

  • Tutorial Participation / Assignments 15%
  • Short Paper 10%
  • Term Paper 30%
  • Term Paper Presentation 10%
  • Final Examination 35%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Custom Courseware Package. 2026.  Readings in World Ecosystems.  SFU Bookstore (Wait until after first class before placing an order).

Additional readings (no required text) - will be assigned through the term, including the following:
Archibold, O.W. 1995.  Ecology of World Vegetation.  Chapman and Hall, 510pp.
Barnes, R.S.K., and K.H. Mann (Eds.). 1991.  Fundamentals of Aquatic Ecology.  Blackwell, 270pp.


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.