Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2020 - EVSC 100 D300

Introduction to Environmental Science (3)

Class Number: 3893

Delivery Method: Remote

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 8, 2020: Tue, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 14, 2020
    Mon, 12:00–3:00 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Introduces students to the study of environmental science. Lecture material spans contributing disciplines, emphasizing integration of diverse concepts to understand environmental problems. Tutorials develop core academic skills in environmental science context. Students who have completed EVSC 200 may not complete this course for further credit. Breadth-Science.

COURSE DETAILS:

EVSC100 introduces students to environmental science: a highly interdisciplinary, collaborative field of research that integrates understanding of physical andbiological processes to study both natural and human-influenced environments.This course is organized according to the framework of Planetary Boundaries, which suggests thatthere are nine human-influenced processes thatregulate the stability and resilience of the earth system. Students are first introduced the earth system and the scientific method. Each week of the course subsequently addresses one ofthe planetary boundaries, highlighting environmental problems and solutions relevant to each boundary.

This course is offered in a remote format this semester. Required syncronous components are the midterm (during course times) and the final exam (during final exam time). Optional syncronous components include one hour Q&A with the instructor (during course times) and 50 minute Q&A with the teaching assistant (during tutorial times). 

If there are any changes in this outline, the Instructor will provide students with a statement setting out those changes within the first week of classes.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

By the end of this course students should be able to:

• Describe key Earth system cycles, properties and processes in the context of the planetary boundaries framework.
• Identify the human activities that alter the Earth system, and describe the environmental problems that stem from alterations.
• Critically explore solutions to the environmental problems raised by the Planetary Boundary framework.
• Demonstrate enhanced skills in communication, research, and critical thinking.
• Demonstrate improved data, scientific, and environmental literacy.

Grading

  • Class engagement activities 10%
  • Learning Portfolio 10%
  • Tutorial worksheets 30%
  • Midterm exam 25%
  • Final exam 25%

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).