Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - GEOG 316 D100

Global Biogeochemical and Water Cycles (4)

Class Number: 2271

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Wed, Fri, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 15, 2026
    Wed, 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 or permission of the instructor.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Introduction to the cycling of essential chemical elements through ecosystems. Interactions among biological, hydrological, and geological controls on the structure and function of ecosystems and the spatial-temporal scales of elemental cycling are emphasized. Environmental problems resulting from disturbance to natural equilibria in the elemental cycles are examined. Quantitative.

COURSE DETAILS:

Introduction to the cycling of essential chemical elements through ecosystems and to the global biogeochemical and water cycles.  Interactions among biological, hydrological, and geological controls on the structure and function of the planetary ecosystem and the spatial-temporal scales of elemental cycling, particularly the global carbon cycle, are emphasized.  Environmental problems resulting from human disturbances to the elemental cycles, such as planetary warming, and the biogeochemical underpinnings of global change are examined.

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

Course Topics:
Introduction to the biogeochemical cycles & nutrient cycling
Planetary origins & geology
Global water and energy cycles
Atmosphere and ocean circulation
Weathering of the lithosphere
Primary production in the biosphere
Processes in terrestrial ecosystems
Rivers: linkage between terrestrial & aquatic ecosystems
Processes in lacustrine ecosystems
Processes in oceanic ecosystems

Cross-Cutting Themes:
The carbon cycle & global warming
The N, P, and S cycles
Acidification and eutrophication of ecosystems

          

Grading

  • Laboratory Exercises 25%
  • Short Paper 10%
  • Term Paper 25%
  • Term Paper Presentation 10%
  • Final Examination 30%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Schlesinger, W.H., and E.S. Bernhardt. 2020.  Biogeochemistry: An Analysis of Global Change, 4th Ed. Academic Press.  Paperback ISBN: 9780128146088; eBook ISBN: 9780128146095

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

Additional readings drawn from the research literature will be assigned through the term.


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.