Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2023 - EASC 101 D200

Dynamic Earth (3)

Class Number: 2697

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 8 – Aug 4, 2023: Thu, 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.  Lectures investigate geologic theory, while laboratory sessions focus on "hands on" exercises emphasizing minerals and rocks, Earth structure and processes.

Course Topics May Include:

  1. The Layered Earth and Plate Tectonic Theory
  2. Earth Materials (Minerals, Rocks, Sediments, Economic Resources) 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. Environments and Surface Processes (Mass Wasting, Surface Water, Glaciers, Groundwater, Deserts)
  6. Coastlines and Marine Geology
  7. Canadian 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).
  • Understand the concept of geologic time and the placement of major geologic events in Earth history.
  • Demonstrate an ability to work with geologic cross-sections and maps.
  • Demonstrate knowledge about geologic processes.

Grading

  • Lab Participation and Completion 5%
  • Pre-Lab Quizzes 5%
  • Lab Test 1 15%
  • Lab Test 2 15%
  • Mid-Term Theory Test 30%
  • Final Theory Test 30%

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

A pencil and eraser are required for the lab. Other materials are supplied. Students are welcome to bring their own pencil crayons and protractors for labs in the second half of the term.

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

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.