Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2020 - EASC 107 D100

Economic Geological Resources (3)

Class Number: 3632

Delivery Method: Remote

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 8, 2020: Mon, Wed, 3:30–4:50 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An overview of Earth's major economic resources. Topics will include geologic processes which produce significant natural resources including metals, hydrocarbons and other energy resources, industrial minerals, and groundwater. Emphasis will be placed on relations between earth sciences and aspects of economics, business, history, politics, and environmental issues. Much of the focus will be on the changing nature of resource exploration and extraction, and how this may evolve in the near to distant future. Students may not use EASC 107 for credit towards Earth Sciences major or minor program requirements. Breadth-Science.

COURSE DETAILS:

General: REQUIREMENT DESIGNATION: B-Sci
An overview of the Earth's major economic geological resources intended for students who are not Earth Sciences majors or minors. Background on major Earth processes which produce significant natural resources including metallic deposits, hydrocarbon and other types of energy, industrial mineral and groundwater resources. Much of the focus will be on the changing nature of how these resources have been found and exploited through history and how this may evolve (or not) in the near and distant future.

Course Topics:
1. Introduction and the origins of resources
- Minerals: Society’s foundations
- Resource uses
- Consequences of increasing population
2. Understanding Earth Processes
- Plate Tectonics
- Resource formation
3. Conventional energy resources
4. Non-conventional energy resources
5. Metallic resources
- How metal deposits form and how we use them
6. Industrial Resources
- Non metallic minerals and mineral resources
- Gems, fertilizers, foods, medicines, chemical additives, building materials
- Water
7. The Future of Earth's Resources
- Challenges meeting resource needs
- Resource alternatives and solutions

Grading

  • Three (3) Mid Term Exams 100%

NOTES:

The fall offering of EASC 107 is via remote instruction.

The technology requirements for successfully completing your course will include a computer or tablet, internet access, Zoom access, and a webcam.
- The lectures will be live-on-line.  Students can follow along with the presentation
- Rudimentary notes will be posted on-line.
- Exams/tests will be on-line 
On-line exams/tests may be subject to random electronic invigilation and/or recording.

Absence from on line class can make learning the course material difficult and thus missing class may result in missed material and poorer grades.  The Professor and/or the Teaching Assistant (s) are unable to provide individual tutoring for students who miss classes.

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

“Equipment” for remote offering courses:  computer or tablet, internet access, Zoom access, and a webcam.

RECOMMENDED READING:

Course E-Text: 
Craig, J.R, Vaughn, D.J., and Skinner, B.J; Earth Resources and the Environment, 4th Edition, 2011. Prentice-Hall Pulbications.
ISBN: 978-0-32-167-6481

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

TEACHING AT SFU IN FALL 2020

Teaching at SFU in fall 2020 will be conducted primarily through remote methods. There will be in-person course components in a few exceptional cases where this is fundamental to the educational goals of the course. Such course components will be clearly identified at registration, as will course components that will be “live” (synchronous) vs. at your own pace (asynchronous). Enrollment acknowledges that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes. To ensure you can access all course materials, we recommend you have access to a computer with a microphone and camera, and the internet. In some cases your instructor may use Zoom or other means requiring a camera and microphone to invigilate exams. If proctoring software will be used, this will be confirmed in the first week of class.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112).