Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2026 - REM 334 D100

Earth's Past Climates (4)

Class Number: 5995

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Wed, Fri, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    REM 100 or EVSC 100; GEOG 111 or EASC 101 or EASC 106; and 45 units. Recommended: EASC 210, GEOG 214 or GEOG 215.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Paleoclimatology is the study of how and why Earth's climate has changed in the past. Paleoclimatologists study ice ages, past abrupt changes, and what the Earth was like during past climate warm periods. The knowledge gained from paleoclimate studies provides us with the information needed to refine climate models, so that we understand how the Earth's climate works, and better predict how human activity will impact climate in the future. Describes the tools used by paleoclimatologists to reconstruct past climate change and evaluate the hypothesis put forth to explain those changes. Students with credit for EVSC 334 may not take this course for further credit. Students who have taken REM 463-3 "Special Topics" in Spring 2019 may not enroll in this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

In this course students will examine climate change through the lens of the past: they will explore the tools used by paleoclimatologists to unravel past climate change, investigate important changes in the Earth’s past climate, and evaluate the emerging hypotheses put forth to explain those changes. Students will gain interdisciplinary knowledge of paleoclimate tools from geology, biology, chemistry, archaeology, statistics, and climate science, and communicate the important ways in which Earth's climate changes.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

  1. Identify and appreciate the relevance of past climate behavior for understanding of future climate change.
  2. Understand tools used to reconstruct past climate changes.
  3. Explain emerging ideas in paleoclimate science (e.g., the Early Anthropocene Hypothesis; Chemical Weathering Hypothesis, Monsoon Theory).
  4. Identify and communicate relevant evidence used to support or refute emerging hypotheses.
  5. Read, interpret, evaluate, and communicate a point of view expressed in a scientific journal article.

Grading

  • Class Engagement 5%
  • Online Quizzes 5%
  • In-Class Exams: Two unit exams (20% each) 40%
  • Final exam (Unit 3: 20%; Comprehensive Final: 15%) 35%
  • In-Class Assignments 15%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Ruddiman, W. F. (2014). Earth's climate: Past and future. 3rd Edition New York: W.H. Freeman 464 pp.
Recommend to obtain a hard copy because students will NOT be allowed to use any electronics for their exams.

Relevant Journal articles provided by the instructor.

Broecker, W (2002) The Glacial World According to Wally, 3rd Edition, New York: Eldigio Press, 358 pp.
https://www.ldeo.columbia.edu/~broecker/Home_files/GlacialWorld.pdf

RECOMMENDED READING:

Imbrie, J, and KP Imbrie (1979) Ice Ages: Solving the Mystery. Short Hills, NJ: Enslow, 224 pp.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term 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.