2009 Institutional Report

Reporting Institution

Langara College

Representative

Mark Smith

Changes

In an attempt to increase student numbers Langara College has moved to a new scheduling matrix whereby classes are arranged into two 2-hour blocks instead of three or four 1-hour blocks. While lab science classes are unable to incorporate this new scheduling, it is too early to tell whether it has had any impact on enrolment as different schedules compete for preferred times and space.

Programs/Courses

The GEOL 1110 textbook "Earth: Portrait of a Planet" by S. Marshak, first used in September 2008, has been successfully incorporated into the course. Student response to this change has so far been positive.

Natural Hazards, GEOL 2207, continues to be a success as enrolment remains strong. From a student perspective, it is an important course that deals directly with issues of global consequence (i.e. climate change) and local significance (i.e. Fraser River flooding). The course text is the new first Canadian edition of "Natural Hazards and Disasters" by Hyndman, Hyndman and Catto.

Advanced Geomorphology, GEOG 2290, which articulates as a geology course at some institutions, remains a successsful course. Alan Trenhaile's book, "Geomorphology: A Canadian Perspective" is the course textbook. The search is still on for a replacement text.

Staffing

Mark Smith is the geology instructor.

Enrolment Trends

First and second year geology classes and the geography department as a whole, continue to enjoy full, or nearly full course enrolment. While first year classes were fully subscribed, student numbers are down in the second year classes. This is a return to a previous trend in which second year classes have traditionally suffered from lower student numbers.

Enrolments for Fall 2008 and Spring 2009 were: