Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2024 - EASC 210 D100

Evolving Earth (3)

Class Number: 1459

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 8 – Apr 12, 2024: Mon, Wed, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 23, 2024
    Tue, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    EASC 101 with a grade of C- or better.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

The Earth has evolved dramatically over its 4.6 billion-year history. We explore the evolution of Earth's tectonic plates, oceans and atmosphere through time. We also review the appearance of life, its evolution and diversification, biological-geological interactions, and the occurrence and impact of mass extinction events. Breadth-Science.

COURSE DETAILS:

Evolving Earth expands upon the fundamental concepts learned in EASC 101 Dynamic Earth. The course addresses three great themes in Earth history: (1) deep time; (2) plate tectonics; and (3) biological evolution as demonstrated in the fossil record. Earth’s geologic and evolutionary history is examined through the Precambrian and Phanerozoic. Pertinent geologic concepts include the growth of the continents, the opening and closing of ocean basins, episodes of large-scale erosion and deposition on the continents, and mountain building episodes.  Earth as a system is examined through the interaction of tectonics, climate, and relative sea-level changes, and their effect upon evolutionary change.  Life on Earth will be discussed in relation to the major geological time periods, particularly with respect to significant evolutionary developments and mass extinctions.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Learning Outcomes:

Students successfully completing this course will be able to:

  1. Reproduce the geological time scale 
  2. Demonstrate understanding of geologic principles used to analyze Earth history.
  3. Interpret a sequence of geological events using relative age dating concepts, maps, cross sections and stratigraphic sections.
  4. Understand how Earth’s continents, oceans and climate have evolved over geologic time, with emphasis on North America.
  5. Demonstrate knowledge of the evolution of life on Earth.
  6. Identify key invertebrate fossil groups, types of fossil preservation, and use fossils to interpret aspects of Earth history.

Course Organization:
two 50-minute lectures and one 3-hour laboratory periods per week (mandatory)

Grading

  • Lab Quiz 1 20%
  • Lab Quiz 2 20%
  • Test 1 20%
  • Test 2 20%
  • Test 3 20%

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Pencil, eraser, ruler and coloured pencils

RECOMMENDED READING:

Levin, H. L., and King, D. T. The Earth Through Time, 11th edition, Wiley, 600p. ISBN: 978-1-119-117063. (Or any earlier edition.)


Babcock, L. Visualizing Earth History, Wiley, 480p. ISBN: 978-0-471-72490-2

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