Spring 2021 - GEOG 111 D100
Earth Systems (3)
Class Number: 2767
Delivery Method: Remote
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Jan 11 – Apr 16, 2021: TBA, TBA
Burnaby -
Exam Times + Location:
Apr 22, 2021
Thu, 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Burnaby
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Instructor:
Andrew Perkins
ajp7@sfu.ca
778.782.2560
Office: RCB6231
Office Hours: TBD
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
An introduction to landforms, climates, soils and vegetation; their origins, distributions, interrelationships and roles in the ecosystem. Laboratory work and field trips are included. Breadth-Science.
COURSE DETAILS:
Atmospheric rivers, mountain building, and fast flowing glaciers are active physical processes that are connected to human activity and influence our world. Learn how these and other global processes are linked through an overview of major Earth Systems. We answer questions about how mountains are built, how clouds are formed, how hurricanes rotate, and how glaciers retreat. You will interact with the dynamic relationship between the lithosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere and biosphere that forms the critical zone near Earth’s surface. At global to local scales we will explore how geoscience contributes to our understanding of these systems. Broadly, students will gain insight into how humans engage their physical environment in areas such as hazards, climate change, and ecosystem management while developing finely tuned applied skills in understanding geographic communication, working with spatial data and predicting rates of geographic change.
Asynchronous course components:
- Weekly lecture modules.
- Weekly module-based quizzes.
- Weekly lab assignments
- Earth Systems data collection project
Synchronous course components:
- Optional attendance at live weekly lab question and answer periods with TA supervision.
- Final Examination (students must complete this during the scheduled timeframe)
There are no lab exercises scheduled during the first week of classes.
Grading
- • Weekly module participation 20%
- • Labs 50%
- • Earth Systems data collection project 5%
- • Final Exam - Synchronous 25%
Materials
MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:
Lab Resources:
- Lab resources will be provided through CANVAS (SFU’s online learning management system).
Technical requirements:
- Internet connected device (computer recommended) for weekly access to CANVAS (SFU’s online learning management system).
- Periodic access to web-based tools and resources such as Google Earth (https://www.google.com/earth/), and potential for web-based (e.g., Zoom) interaction with the TA during live lab sessions.
- Some lab exercises may require the use of a camera to take pictures and upload results (although alternatives are available if this is not possible).
REQUIRED READING:
- Access to online etextbook resources (free and open-source access through your web browser).
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 SPRING 2021
Teaching at SFU in spring 2021 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).