Fall 2022 - EVSC 495 D100
Special Topics in Environmental Science (3)
Class Number: 3939
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Sep 7 – Dec 6, 2022: Thu, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
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Instructor:
Brendan Murphy
bpmurphy@sfu.ca
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
A specific topic within the field of Environment not examined in depth in regular courses. This course will provide students with understanding, perspective and experience in emerging and important areas of environment. Variable units: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8.
COURSE DETAILS:
Ecogeomorphology is the interdisciplinary study of watersheds that integrates geomorphology, hydrology and ecology to facilitate new understandings of landscapes and ecosystems by bridging dominant paradigms from a number of disciplines. This course explores the bidirectional influences of biota and landscapes, including how physical habitat condition can influence the dynamics and resilience of biological populations.
In this course, we will cover concepts including but not limited to geomorphology, hydrology, feedbacks and interactions between physical and ecological systems, matrix-based population modeling, and approaches for integrated physical-ecological systems modeling. Over the course of the semester, we will read and discuss relevant primary literature, develop coding and modeling skills, and ultimately, students will design an original modeling study and present their findings to the class.
This course is recommended for students in Environmental Science, Resource Management, Ecology, Geography, and Earth Sciences. In addition to learning about the topics and recent research in ecogeomorphology, this course is designed to develop students’ skills in reading and interpreting scientific literature, executing and writing code (specifically Matlab), presenting scientific ideas, and in technical writing.
Prerequisites
GEOG 111 or EASC 101; BISC 204 or GEOG 215; and a minimum of 60 units. GEOG 213 is recommended.
Grading
- Participation 10%
- Literature Discussion/Presentations 10%
- Activities & Assignments 60%
- Term Presentation 10%
- Term Paper 10%
NOTES:
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.
Materials
REQUIRED READING NOTES:
Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.
Registrar Notes:
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS
SFU’s Academic Integrity website 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