Environmental Science Courses

EVSC 100 - Introduction to Environmental Science (3)

Introduces students to the study of environmental science. Lecture material spans contributing disciplines, emphasizing integration of diverse concepts to understand environmental problems. Tutorials develop core academic skills in environmental science context. Students who have completed EVSC 200 may not complete this course for further credit. Breadth-Science.

EVSC 201W - Environmental Science in Practice (3)

A survey of environmental science practice that exposes students to what environmental scientists do, with guest lectures from environmental scientists and practitioners across contributing disciplines and workplaces. Coursework emphasizes literature research, analysis and synthesis along with scientific writing and communication skills. Prerequisite: EVSC 100. Writing.

EVSC 206 - Coastal Marine Science (3)

Introduction to fundamental concepts about the functioning of the coastal ocean. An interdisciplinary approach to understanding coastal marine science including an introduction to the geology, physics, and chemistry of BC's coastal marine waters. Fosters an appreciation for the diversity and importance of life along the coastal margins of British Columbia. Prerequisite: One of EASC 101, EVSC 100, GEOG 111, GEOG 118, or REM 100. Prerequisite or Corequisite: One of BISC 101, BISC 102, CHEM 121, PHYS 101, or PHYS 120; or permission of the instructor. Students who have taken EVSC 395 under the title "Coastal Marine Science" in Spring 2024 may not take this course for further credit.

EVSC 300 - Seminar in Environmental Science (3)

Provides Environmental Science 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). Prerequisite: EVSC 201W. Students with credit for EVSC 399 or EVSC 499 may not take this course for further credit.

EVSC 305 - Methods in Environmental Science (4)

Introduces EVSC students to lab and field methods used in the study of environmental science. Prerequisite: EVSC 100 and 50 units. Students with credit for EVSC 205 or EVSC 491W may not take this course for further credit.

EVSC 320 - Watershed Ecology (4)

Watersheds are fundamental organizational units on the landscape for physical processes, biological communities, and management. They also deliver many services that humans rely on. This course is intended to introduce students to landscape-scale thinking and spatial ecology, and teaches physical and biological approaches in watershed science. Prerequisite: EVSC 100 or permission of the instructor and one of the following: BISC 204, REM 211, or GEOG 215. Students who have taken EVSC 395 under the title "Watershed Ecology" in Spring 2021 may not take this course for further credit.

EVSC 334 - Earth's Past Climates (4)

Paleoclimatology is the study of how and why Earth's climate has changed in the past. Paleoclimalologists 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. Prerequisite: REM 100 or EVSC 100; GEOG 111 or EASC 101 or EASC 106; and 45 units. Recommended: EASC 210, GEOG 214 or GEOG 215. Students with credit for REM 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.

EVSC 391 - Directed Study in Environmental Science (3)

Independent study on environmental topics selected in consultation with the supervising instructor. A directed study proposal must be completed and approved by the instructor and the EVSC Director prior to registration. Students may take this course only once. Variable units: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. Prerequisite: 60 units, 3.0 cumulative grade point average. Students with credit for ENV 391 may not take this course for further credit.

EVSC 395 - Special Topics in Environmental Science (3)

A specific topic within the field of Environment not examined in depth in regular courses. This course will provide students with understanding, perspective and experience in emerging and important areas of environment. Variable units: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8.

EVSC 400 - Environmental Science Capstone (4)

In the final year of undergraduate study, students from all Environmental Science concentrations will integrate their disciplinary, science backgrounds to solve environmental problems. Project-based coursework will promote collaborative group work, emphasizing research skills, data analysis, scientific writing and communication, preparing students for employment as Environmental Scientists. Prerequisite: EVSC 300 and EVSC 305.

EVSC 410 - River Restoration (4)

An overview of watersheds, hydrology and rivers providing common knowledge concerning fluvial systems. How basic science philosophy relates to river restoration. River restoration practice from technical analysis to monitoring and adaptation. Students will develop their own river restoration plan, focusing on use of simple computing and open source software. Prerequisite: One of EVSC 100, REM 100, EASC 100, or GEOG 111; and one of CHEM 122, PHYS 102, PHYS 121, or PHYS 141; and MATH 152 or MATH 155; or permission of the instructor. Recommended: GEOG 313. Students who have taken EVSC 395 under the title "Introduction to River Restoration" in Spring 2024 may not take this course for further credit.

EVSC 445 - Environmental Data Analysis (4)

Introduces environmental scientists to application of modern data analysis methods. This course covers sampling, experimental design, and the analysis of quantitative data collected in the course of environmental monitoring, assessment and restoration programs. Students will be introduced and gain experience with the statistical programming language R. Prerequisite: GEOG 251, or one of STAT 100, 201, 203, 205 or 270 or permission of the instructor.

EVSC 460 - Ecogeomorphology (4)

Ecogeomorphology is the interdisciplinary study of watersheds that integrates geomorphology, hydrology and ecology to facilitate new understandings of landscapes and ecosystems by bridging dominant paradigms from the individual disciplines. This course explores the bidirectional influences of biota and landscapes, including how physical habitat condition can influence the dynamics and resilience of biological populations. Prerequisite: GEOG 111 or EASC 101; BISC 204 or GEOG 215; and a minimum of 60 units. GEOG 213 is recommended. Students who have taken EVSC 495 under the title "Ecogeomorphology" in Fall 2020 may not take this course for further credit.

EVSC 489 - Environmental Science Thesis I (4)

Independent research on an environmental science topic, undertaken under the supervision of SFU faculty with the permission of the EVSC Director. Prerequisite: EVSC 305, 90 units and consent of EVSC Director.

EVSC 490 - Environmental Science Thesis (4)

Independent research on an environmental science topic, undertaken under the supervision of SFU faculty with the permission of the EVSC Director. Prerequisite: EVSC 305, 90 units and consent of EVSC Director. Students with credit for EVSC 490W may not take this course for further credit.

EVSC 490W - Environmental Science Thesis II (4)

Independent research on an environmental science topic, undertaken under the supervision of SFU faculty with the permission of the EVSC Director. Prerequisite: EVSC 305, EVSC 489, 90 units and consent of EVSC Director. Students with credit for EVSC 490 may not take this course for further credit. Writing.

EVSC 491 - Directed Study in Environmental Science (3)

Independent study on environmental topics selected in consultation with the supervising instructor. A directed study proposal must be completed and approved by the instructor and the Director prior to registration. Students may take this course only once. Variable units: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. Prerequisite: 60 units, 3.0 cumulative grade point average. Students with credit for ENV 491 may not take this course for further credit.

EVSC 495 - Special Topics in Environmental Science (3)

A specific topic within the field of Environment not examined in depth in regular courses. This course will provide students with understanding, perspective and experience in emerging and important areas of environment. Variable units: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8.

EVSC 645 - Environmental Data Analysis (4)

Introduce environmental scientists to sampling, experimental design, and the analysis of qualitative data collected in the course of environmental monitoring, assessment and restoration programs. Prerequisite: Enrollment in the ER MSc program, or permission of the instructor. Students with credit for ENV 645 under the title Statistics for Ecological Restoration may not take this course for further credit.

EVSC 660 - Ecogeomorphology (4)

Ecogeomorphology is the interdisciplinary study of watersheds that integrates geomorphology, hydrology and ecology to facilitate new understandings of landscapes and ecosystems by bridging dominant paradigms from the individual disciplines. This course explores how animals alter landscapes, as well as how physical habitat conditions influence the dynamics and resilience of biological populations. Prerequisite: Permission from the instructor. Undergraduate courses in both ecology and geomorphology are highly recommended.

EVSC 691 - Directed Study in Environmental Science (3)

Independent study on environmental topics selected in consultation with the supervising instructor. Variable units: 1, 2, 3, 4.

EVSC 695 - Special Topics in Environmental Science (4)

A specific topic within the field of Environment not examined in depth in regular courses. Students will learn emerging and important areas of the environment. Students may repeat this course for further credit under a different topic.