Fall 2021 - EASC 107 D100
Economic Geological Resources (3)
Class Number: 2387
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Tue, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
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Instructor:
Kevin Cameron
kjc@sfu.ca
1 778 782-4703
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 Mid-Term tests 100%
NOTES:
The technology requirements for successfully completing this course will include a computer or tablet, high-speed high-quality internet access, Zoom access, and a webcam.
- The lectures will be recorded.
Students can watch the recordings during the synchronous lecture slots.
The instructor will be available during the scheduled synchronous lecture slots.
The tests will be conducted during the synchronous times.
- Rudimentary notes will be posted on-line
- Exams/tests will be on-line.
On-line exams/tests will be subject to random electronic invigilation
and/or recording.
Materials
MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:
“Equipment” for remote offering courses: computer or tablet, internet access, Zoom access, and a webcam.
RECOMMENDED READING:
Earth Resources and the Environment, J.R. Craig, D.J. Vaughan, and B.J. Skinner, 4th Edition, 2011. Prentice-Hall Publications.
NOTE: an E-Text is not available for this publicationISBN: 9780321676481
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 2021
Teaching at SFU in fall 2021 will involve primarily in-person instruction, with approximately 70 to 80 per cent of classes in person/on campus, with safety plans in place. Whether your course will be in-person or through remote methods will be clearly identified in the schedule of classes. You will also know at enrollment whether remote course components will be “live” (synchronous) or at your own pace (asynchronous).
Enrolling in a course acknowledges that you are able to attend in whatever format is required. You should not enroll in a course that is in-person if you are not able to return to campus, and should be aware 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.
Students with hidden or visible disabilities who may need class or exam accommodations, including in the context of remote learning, are advised to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as early as possible in order to prepare for the fall 2021 term.