GEOG 120.3 - University of Saskatchewan

Please Note: This Course Syllabus is an important step in updating the format of our distance courses. If for any reason the Class
Syllabus does not match the print Course Guide or online class information, the Class Syllabus shall be taken as correct.
CLASS SYLLABUS
COURSE TITLE:
Introduction to Global Environmental Systems
COURSE CODE:
GEOG 120
TERM:
Spring 2015
COURSE CREDITS:
3
DELIVERY:
Online
COURSE SECTION:
W03
START DATE:
May 6, 2015
END DATE:
June 19, 2015
Course Description
This course is an introduction to the principles, processes and interactions in the Earth's
physical environment with a particular emphasis on the flow of energy and matter within global
environmental systems. Topics include global radiation and energy balances, atmospheric and
oceanic processes, the hydrologic cycle, earth surface processes and biogeochemical cycling.
Case studies are introduced to illustrate the interaction between human activity and the natural
environment.
Note: A background in high school sciences at the 30-level is recommended. GEOG 120 is
acceptable under requirement one of program type C.
Course Objectives
By the end of this course, students should be able to:
1. Discuss the current foundation of understanding about Earth’s systems, their
components and interactive processes;
2. Describe the origin and dynamics of Earth’s physical features;
3. Explain observable spatial and temporal patterns;
4. Demonstrate essential knowledge and skills which would facilitate further studies in
Geography and related Earth / environmental sciences.
Course Overview
This course is a study of the important elements of the global environment, emphasizing
interactions among the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere and biosphere. Major topics
include the global energy system, atmospheric and oceanic processes, hydrologic, tectonic and
biogeochemical cycles, geomorphic processes and landforms, essential ecological concepts, as
well as world soil and vegetation patterns. The tools and methods of study applied in the
discipline of physical geography and the relationships of human–environment interactions are
also considered.
April 2, 2015 gm ck pk rj bw
Geography and Planning
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GEOG 120.3 – Introduction to Global Environmental Systems
Your Instructors
Co-instructors: Rod Johnson and Bert Weichel
Department of Geography and Planning, University of Saskatchewan
Bert Weichel
Rod Johnson
Rod and Bert co-instruct Geography 120.3 and were the content developers for this course.
Both have completed Master degrees in the field of biogeography from the University of
Saskatchewan. They teach physical geography classes both on and off-campus and lecture in
introductory environmental studies. In addition to their teaching roles, Rod and Bert work
extensively in the areas of ecological research and environmental management and are active
in the resource conservation and environmental awareness movement.
Contact Information
Office: Kirk Hall 102
Tel. (306) 966-8845
Class Website on Blackboard: https://bblearn.usask.ca/
Email: via the Email tool (see tabs in the Course Menu) in Blackboard
Office Hours
Specific times are not scheduled. Emails are monitored during weekdays. Appointment request
for meetings (in person or by phone) with an instructor should be submitted by an email, within
Blackboard, addressed to Section Instructors.
Important Course Communication and Protocols
We will be making use of two of the communication tools provided within Blackboard:
Discussion forums and Email. While Discussion postings are “public” (can be seen by all class
members), an email is directed at one or more specified recipients.
Please be sure to adhere to the following protocol when communicating with your instructors:
•
Use email only for questions or information related to your own involvement in the
course. Questions, comments or messages related to the course material, such as
module content, lab exercises etc., should be submitted as message postings in the
appropriate Discussions forum so that all students can benefit from the information;
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GEOG 120.3 – Introduction to Global Environmental Systems
•
To initiate an email message within Blackboard, select All Instructor Users as the
recipients. This is essential to enable both instructors to remain current on all issues,
and will also facilitate shorter reply times. We endeavor to check for student emails at
least once each weekday, and to respond within 36 - 48 hours;
•
Include in the subject line of every email the class name and the basic nature of your
message or question. (For example, “Geog 120: Explanation for recent absence”.) Blank
subject line email is often deleted. Also be sure to include your full name at the end of
your email;
•
Please refrain from using email to ask for information that is already provided in the
course content pages;
•
Practice proper email etiquette and write in a concise and grammatically correct manner.
Required Resources
Readings/Textbooks
The following required textbook may be acquired in two formats: as a hardcover print copy, or
as an e-book. Either format can be ordered from the University of Saskatchewan Bookstore or
online from the publisher:
Strahler, Alan H. and Archibold, O. W. (2011). Physical Geography: Science & Systems
of the Human Environment. Fifth Canadian Edition. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. ISBN: 9780-470-67885-5 (hard copy)
Textbooks are available from the University of Saskatchewan Bookstore:
http://www.usask.ca/consumer_services/bookstore/textbooks
N.B.: Although earlier editions of the required textbook are still relatively available, their
use is not recommended as they may result in difficulty correlating chapter, section or
page number references.
Other Required Materials
Students will experience and utilize an array of information sources and tools in an approach
called technology-enhanced learning. In addition to the class website, this includes a textbook
publisher’s companion website, online course materials, narrated lecture files, other
supplementary resources, plus a set of required self-directed laboratory exercises.
1. Access to/Use of a Computer
Stable internet access is essential to satisfactory interaction with the course materials.
To complete the series of laboratory exercises, you will need access to, and the ability to
effectively use, common computer hardware and software.
The Midterm Exam and required Lab Exercise tests are done online in Blackboard and
therefore require a stable Internet connection for the duration of each test.
2. Understanding of Mathematics and Graphing
Some tasks in the set of lab exercises require competence in mathematics, basic descriptive
statistics and the use of graphs to depict quantitative information. The labs involve a variety
of formulas, algebraic equations and basic trigonometry. An ability to solve for variables and
work with exponents is expected. There are also tasks involving the calculation of a number
of descriptive statistics such as the mean, range and standard deviation. You should be
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GEOG 120.3 – Introduction to Global Environmental Systems
familiar with proper techniques for display of information in tables as well as in line, pie and
bar graphs.
3. A scientific calculator (with statistical and trigonometric functions) and geometry set (with
adequate tools for accurate measuring and drawing of lines, shapes and angles)
Module Objectives
Module 1: Introduction and Geographic Essentials
1. Define what geography is, identify fields of study within the discipline, and provide
examples of some applications of geographic methodology and knowledge.
2. Describe the Planet’s form and the characteristics of the major physical realms.
3. Explain the Systems concept and its role in understanding Earth’s environment.
4. Describe Earth’s motions and the consequences in terms of illumination patterns.
5. Describe the geographic grid and its use in referencing location, direction and time.
Module 2: Tools and Methodology in Geographic Study
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Define and provide examples for the phrase “spatial data.”
Describe how to obtain and communicate geographic information.
Be able to apply the basics of maps and map scale.
Define “map projection” and identify some common types.
Define “remote sensing” and explain how and why it is carried out.
Identify what Geographic Information Systems are and give examples of how they are
used.
Module 3: The Atmosphere and Global Energy System
1.
2.
3.
4.
Describe the composition and physical characteristics of the atmosphere.
Explain the nature of radiation and its interactions with the atmosphere and surface.
Describe flows and distributions within the global energy system.
Outline how heating and cooling occurs and identify the main factors controlling air
temperature patterns.
5. Explain daily and annual cycles of air temperature near the surface.
6. Describe general global air temperature patterns.
Module 4: Atmospheric and Oceanic Circulation
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Explain why and how atmospheric pressure changes.
Identify the connection between pressure, winds, and vertical motions of air.
Explain the factors affecting surface and upper level wind direction.
Describe the general circulation model of the atmosphere.
Explain the relationship between winds and ocean surface currents.
Discuss the role of atmospheric and oceanic circulations in global heat transport.
Module 5: Weather Development and Atmosphere Dynamics
1. Describe the distribution of water in the hydrosphere and movement of water through the
hydrological cycle.
2. Define atmospheric humidity and the effects of phase change.
3. Explain the major processes that generate precipitation.
4. Explain the origin and characteristics of air masses and intense weather systems.
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GEOG 120.3 – Introduction to Global Environmental Systems
Module 6: Global Climates
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Distinguish between meteorology and climatology.
Identify the main factors controlling elements of climate.
Explain the water balance concept in relation to climate.
Describe how climates are classified.
Identify variables and patterns in temperature regimes and precipitation distribution.
Describe the general pattern of climatic regions and types.
Recognize and outline processes associated with Global Climate Change.
Module 7: Earth Crust Dynamics and the Rock Cycle
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Position major Earth events in historical sequence (geologic time).
Describe the cycle of rock transformation and define the major rock types.
Explain how the lithospheric plates move and the consequences of their interactions.
Describe the processes of rock weathering.
Define mass wasting and describe the main processes involved.
Explain what Karst landscapes are and how they evolve.
Module 8: Water as a Geomorphic Agent
1.
2.
3.
4.
Describe the main aspects of ground water and overland runoff.
Explain the basics of stream flow and flooding.
Discuss how fluvial erosion and deposition occur.
Describe typical landforms created by fluvial processes.
Module 9: Wind as a Geomorphic Agent
1.
2.
3.
4.
Explain how wind causes erosion and deposition of sediment.
Describe typical features of aeolian geomorphology.
Explain the processes of wave action on coastlines.
Identify and describe common coastal features.
Module 10: Ice as a Geomorphic Agent
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Describe the processes and features of frost-controlled landscapes.
Explain how alpine and continental glaciers form and move.
Describe glacial erosion and deposition processes.
Describe typical features found in glaciated landscapes.
Outline the global conditions associated with the Late-Cenozoic Ice Age.
Module 11: Biosphere Essentials
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Define basic ecological terms related to energy flows and material cycles.
Explain the food web and ecological pyramid concepts.
Describe the relationship between patterns of climate and primary productivity.
Explain the formation processes and properties of soils.
Describe the general pattern of global soils.
Module 12: Biogeography
1. Describe environmental factors influencing the distribution of organisms.
2. Explain the concept of ecological succession.
3. Identify the major global biomes and describe their general distribution.
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GEOG 120.3 – Introduction to Global Environmental Systems
Class Schedule
Week
Module
May 6-9
Review materials on Blackboard, the Course
Syllabus, and peruse the textbook
May 10
May 17
Module 1: Introduction and Geographic
Essentials
Reading
Labs
Chapter 1
Lab 1
Ch. 2
Lab. 2
Ch. 3, 4
Lab. 3
Exams
Module 2: Tools / Methodology in Geographic
Study
Module 3: The Atmosphere / Global Energy
System
Ch. 5
Lab Test 1
Sat., May 23
Module 4: Atmospheric and Oceanic Circulation
May 24
Module 5: Weather Development / Atmosphere
Dynamics
Ch. 6, 7
Lab. 4
Midterm Exam
Sat., May 30
Lab. 6
Lab Test 2
Sat., June 6
Lab. 7
Lab Test 3
Sat., June 13
Ch. 8-10
Module 6: Global Climates
May 28, 29
May 31
Two day Midterm Break
Module 7: Earth crust dynamics and the Rock
Cycle
Ch. 11-14
Ch. 15,16
Module 8: Water: as a Geomorphic Agent
June 7
June 14
Module 9: Wind as Geomorphic Agent
Ch. 17
Module 10: Ice as Geomorphic Agent
Ch. 18
Module 11: Biosphere Essentials
Ch. 19, 20
Module 12: Vegetation Structure and Dynamics
Ch. 21, 22
Final Exam
June 22, 2015
(9:00 a.m.)
Note: If for any reason the Class Syllabus Reading List does not match the Module Reading
List, the Class Syllabus shall be taken as correct.
Grading Scheme
Laboratory Exercise Tests (3)
30%
Midterm Examination
30%
Final Examination
40%
Total
100%
Information on literal descriptors for grading at the University of Saskatchewan can be found at:
http://students.usask.ca/current/academics/grades/grading-system.php
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GEOG 120.3 – Introduction to Global Environmental Systems
Please note: There are different literal descriptors for undergraduate and graduate students.
More information on the Academic Courses Policy on course delivery, examinations and
assessment of student learning can be found at: http://policies.usask.ca/policies/academicaffairs/academic-courses.php
The University of Saskatchewan Learning Charter is intended to define aspirations about the
learning experience that the University aims to provide, and the roles to be played in realizing
these aspirations by students, instructors and the institution. A copy of the Learning Charter can
be found at: http://policies.usask.ca/documents/LearningCharter.pdf
Evaluation Components
In this course you’ll be evaluated by a midterm exam, a final exam, and laboratory tests which
are based on your comprehension of a set of six (6) required exercises.
Note: All components of the course must be attempted and completed in order to be eligible for
a passing grade (a minimum of 50%).
Laboratory Exercises and Tests:
Value: 30% of final grade
Due Dates: see Class Schedule for the dates of the three required online Lab Tests.
Purpose: To test comprehension and skills related to completion of the lab exercises.
Description: The lab tests account for 30% of the overall grade although, in addition, some
questions relating directly to the content of the lab exercises may also be included in the course
midterm and final exams.
Exercise 1:
Geographic Essentials – 1
Exercise 2:
Geographic Essentials – 2
Exercise 3:
Weather / Temperature
Exercise 4:
Weather / Moisture
Exercise 6:
Structure / Lithosphere
Exercise 7:
Process Geomorphology
The lab exercises are not submitted for grading. Working through the exercises yourself is
the only effective way to prepare for the lab tests. The process is designed to be largely selfdirected and includes answer keys, help files and review guides. Because you are
reviewing the exercises on your own in preparation for the lab tests, you may also contact your
instructors if you have any difficulty with the exercises.
Note: You will be completing your lab tests online (using Blackboard). The schedule for the
labs and lab tests is listed in the Course Schedule in this Course Syllabus. Lab tests are up to
one hour in length, online and open book but, must be individually completed. Calculators and
lab materials are also allowed.
Midterm Examination:
Value: 30% of final grade
Date: Saturday, May 30, 2015
Purpose: To test comprehension of material in the first six modules.
Description: The midterm examination is one hour, online and open book.
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GEOG 120.3 – Introduction to Global Environmental Systems
Final Examination:
Value: 40% of final grade
Date: Monday, June 22, 2015.
Purpose: A comprehensive examination on all of the material covered in all modules.
The best preparation for the exam consists of reviewing the content of each module. If you can
comfortably perform the Learning Objectives, explain the Key Concepts, and complete the SelfStudy Exercises, you can do well on the final examination.
Description: An invigilated, closed-book, three-hour examination. You are allowed to bring a
simple (non-programmable) calculator. No other electronic devices are allowed in the
examination room such as: mobile phones, iPods/MP3s or portable computers of any kind.
The day and time of your final examination will be listed in your PAWS account.
The location listed in PAWS for your exam is the Saskatoon location. If you want to write your
final exam outside Saskatoon, you must complete an Application for Final Examination form,
available at: https://ccde.usask.ca/exam-info This will let us know where you would like to
write your exam.
Students writing in Saskatoon do not need to complete this form.
Additional Information
Students with Disabilities
If you have a diagnosed disability (learning, medical, physical, or mental health), you are strongly
encouraged to register with Disability Services for Students (DSS). In order to access DSS
programs and supports, you must follow DSS policy and procedures. If you suspect you may
have a disability, contact DSS for advice and referrals. For more information,
see http://www.students.usask.ca/disability/ or contact DSS at 306-966-7273 or dss@usask.ca.
Integrity Defined
“Integrity is expected of all students in their academic work – class participation, examinations,
assignments, research, practica – and in their non-academic interactions and activities as well.”
(Office of the University Secretary)
It is your responsibility to be familiar with the University of Saskatchewan policies and
procedures. More information is available at
www.usask.ca/university_secretary/pdf/dishonesty_info_sheet.pdf
Acknowledgements
Course Author(s)
Rod Johnson and Bert Weichel
Department of Geography and Planning, University of Saskatchewan
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