Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2023 - GEOG 118 D100

The Water Planet (3)

Class Number: 3613

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 6 – Dec 5, 2023: Mon, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Oct 10, 2023: Tue, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 15, 2023
    Fri, 3:30–6:30 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Instructor:

    Jesse Hahm
    whahm@sfu.ca
    778-782-2234
    Office: RCB 6141
    Office Hours: TBD

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An overview of the processes that control water supply to natural ecosystems and human civilization. Hydrologic cycle, floods, droughts, groundwater. Patterns of water use, threats to water quality, effects of global climate change on future water supplies. Water issues facing British Columbia. Breadth-Science.

COURSE DETAILS:

Our home planet—Earth—is unique in the solar system for the abundance of surface liquid water. ‘The Water Planet’ invites students to an introductory study of the science of water and the hydrologic cycle, and the role water plays at the intersection of many of the world's largest societal and environmental challenges. The course emphasizes water issues in western North America and British Columbia in particular, and explores themes such as oceans, tides and tsunamis, precipitation and cloud seeding, dams and reservoirs, rivers, municipal water supply, fisheries, groundwater, glaciers, and forest health.

Format
Lectures and in-class activities will take place during one ~3 hour weekly lecture period, for which attendance in-person is expected absent extenuating circumstances. This time will include traditional lecture delivery, short breaks, interactive exercises, and individual and group in-class assignments.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

At the completion of this course students will be able to:

  • describe the physical processes responsible for the transfer of water within and between the components of the hydrologic cycle
  • connect theoretical hydrologic concepts to current water issues, with particular focus on the impacts of humans and climate change on the water cycle
  • think critically about the science behind disruptions to Earth systems.
  • use Earth-systems knowledge to inform evidence-based thinking about environmental issues.

Grading

  • In-lecture assignments (Synchronous) 15%
  • At-home assignments (Asynchronous) 35%
  • Mid-term exam (Synchronous) 25%
  • Final exam (Synchronous) 25%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Readings will be provided via Canvas

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

RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the semester are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.