Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2023 - EASC 101 D200

Dynamic Earth (3)

Class Number: 1912

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 4 – Apr 11, 2023: Tue, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Surrey

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Dynamic Earth offers an introduction to minerals, rocks, geologic resources and processes. Plate tectonics is the unifying theory of geology and is the focus as we learn how the Earth changes over geologic time and results in the formation of volcanoes and mountain belts, faults, folds and earthquakes. Breadth-Science.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course provides an introduction to planet Earth - how it formed, how it evolved, how it works, and how we can help to preserve it. EASC 101 is an introductory course to the Earth Sciences designed both as a foundation course for Earth Science majors and as a terminal course for those in other disciplines. Lectures investigate geologic theory, while laboratory sessions focus on "hands on" exercises emphasizing minerals and rocks, Earth structure and processes.

Course Topics:

  1. The Layered Earth and Plate Tectonic Theory
  2. Earth Materials (Minerals, Rocks, Sediments) and the relationship between Earth Materials and Plate Tectonics (Volcanoes, Rock Cycle)
  3. Earth's Interior and Geologic Processes (Mountain Building, Earthquakes)
  4. Geologic Time and Earth History
  5. Resources and Surface Processes (Geologic Resources, Mass Wasting)
  6. West Coast Tectonics
  7. Geology of Canada and Marine Geology

Course Organization: One 2-hour lecture and one 2-hour lab per week.

                                      Lab attendance is mandatory. 

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Students successfully completing this course will be able to:

  • Understand and describe the layered Earth.
  • Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of plate tectonic theory.
  • Understand our local plate tectonic setting, volcanism and seismic risk /hazard.
  • Identify minerals and rocks in hand specimen based upon their diagnostic properties (minerals), and composition / texture (rocks).
  • Demonstrate an ability to work with geologic cross-sections.
  • Know the geologic time scale.
  • Demonstrate knowledge about geologic resources, the geology of Canada and marine geology.

Grading

  • Lecture and Lab Participation 5%
  • Geologic Time Scale Quiz 5%
  • Test 1 20%
  • Test 2 20%
  • Test 3 20%
  • Lab Exam 1 10%
  • Lab Exam 2 10%
  • Lab Exam 3 10%

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

A pencil and eraser are required for the lab. Other materials are supplied but students are encouraged to bring their own ruler and pencil crayons.

RECOMMENDED READING:

Course E-Text: (or physical copy)

“Introduction to Physical Geology, Canadian Edition”; Fletcher, C., Gibson, D., Ansdell, K. 2013; John Wiley & Sons, Inc.; ISBN 978-1-118-71889-6


ISBN: 978-1-118-71889-6

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