Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - EVSC 300 D100

Seminar in Environmental Science (3)

Class Number: 3468

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Tue, 8:30–11:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    45 units or permission of the instructor.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Provides students the opportunity to investigate an environmental science topic in depth, through lecture and bi-weekly guest speakers from diverse sectors (academia, government, industry and NGOs).

COURSE DETAILS:

This course provides an introduction to coastal processes so that the mechanisms and consequences of coastal change may be explored. Through a series of individual- and group-based assessments we will discuss coastal processes over long-term (geologic) and short-term (historical) timescales. Understanding coastal change requires a multidisciplinary approach that includes principles of geology, oceanography, risk assessment, and policy and planning. This course will address each of these principles, with a particular focus on the first two.

 

*This course is structured around team-based learning*

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

1. Investigate how shorelines in Western Canada and around the world are changing due to coastal hazards (sea-level change, storms, tsunamis) and human-induced change.

2. Assess how coastal scientists reconstruct records of past coastal change and how these records can be used to forecast how coastal systems will respond to future change.

3. Learn a suite of proxies that can be used to reconstruct long-term records of climate- and tectonic-induced coastal change.

4. Critically analyse existing research in the area of long-term coastal change and express these scientific concepts in verbal and written form.

5. Develop skills in professional collaboration and communication (written and oral form).

Grading

  • Leading a seminar 20%
  • Draft term paper 10%
  • Final term paper 30%
  • Participation 10%
  • Assignments 30%

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Required Reading: None. Weekly readings will be assigned and made available on 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

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.