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University of Guelph

Department of Geography

GEOG*4110 ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS ANALYSIS

COURSE DESCRIPTIONFALL 2013-tentative

Faculty: Lorne Bennett

Hutt 122, X 53526

This is a full credit course (1.0) that focuses on the analysis of the landscape as an

integrative unit of its component parts. We will consider the links between biological and

physical systems and the important role spatial and temporal scale play in our

understanding of these systems. Concepts and methods used in the analysis andmanagement of biophysical systems will be reviewed and debated in class, and, in

addition, employed as part of a group field-based research project.

Objectives

to critically review methods and applications central to environmental systemsanalysis

to critically evaluate environmental systems literature and concepts to recognize the broader social contexts in which environmental research is

undertaken

to develop effective oral and written communication skills that will facilitateconsidered argument and opinion and the dissemination of research findings

Approach

The course will use a combination of lectures, seminar-style discussions, debates and

student presentations.

Course Content

Introduction

1. Principles of Environmental Systems Analysis

2. Environmental Systems: Structure, Function, Change

3. Environmental Systems: Self-organization and Driving Forces

Approaches to Environmental Systems Research and Analysis

4. Holistic versus Reductionistic Approaches

5. The Significance of Geographic Scale.

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6. Modelling and Assessing Environmental Systems

7. Monitoring and Assessing Environmental Systems

Refl ections of our Understanding of Envir onmental Systems

8. System Invasions (by Aliens)

9. Restoration of Environmental Systems

10. Landscape Corridors

11. Optimization of Environmental Systems

Chall enges in the Management of Environmental Systems

12. ESA and Resource Management

Method of Evaluation

1. Skill as Peer-reviewer: Critical Review of Papers: 20%2. Skill as Lobbyist: The Scientific Debates: 20%

3. Skill as Consultant: Group Project:

Town hall Presentation of work 10%Final Report submitted to Contractor 25%

4. Final Exam OR Final Essay 25%

Critical Review of Papers.Students will be required to find 4 recent papers on achosen theme, and to provide a critical analysis from an environmental systemsprinciples perspectiveof the approach, methods, results and interpretation

presented in each. You will act as professional peer reviewers. However, in this

class, the papers will already be published.

Scientific Debates.Students will be required to participate in two group debatesrelated to biophysical and management aspects of environmental systems. In these

debates, students will be expected to draw on concepts discussed in class, as well

as independently research scientific literature. You will act as paid lobbyists.

Group Project.Students will work in small groups to complete a field-basedresearch project. The project should include both ecological/biological and

physical components, and should address management implications. You will act

as paid consultants. Individuals will anonymouslygrade their peers contributionsto the group project. In addition, students will present their research project in

class.

Final Exam or Final Essay.A final exam composed of short answer and essayquestions OR a final paper which is based on a range of selected topics (criticalanalysis of concepts, assumptions, analytical techniques and so on).

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E-mail CommunicationAs per university regulations, all students are required to check their e-mail account

regularly: e-mail is the official route of communication between the University and its students.

When You Cannot Meet a Course RequirementWhen you find yourself unable to meet an in-course requirement because of illness or compassionate

reasons, please advise the course instructor (or designated person, such as a teaching assistant) in writing,

with your name, id#, and e-mail contact. See the undergraduate calendar for information on regulations and

procedures for Academic Consideration:

http://www.uoguelph.ca/registrar/calendars/undergraduate/current/c08/c08-ac.shtml

Drop DateThe last date to drop one-semester courses, without academic penalty, is Thursday, November 3, 2011. For

regulations and procedures for Dropping Courses, see the Undergraduate Calendar:

http://www.uoguelph.ca/registrar/calendars/undergraduate/current/c08/c08-drop.shtml

Copies of out-of-class assignmentsKeep paper and/or other reliable back-up copies of all out-of-class assignments: you may be asked to

resubmit work at any time.

AccessibilityThe University of Guelph is committed to creating a barrier-free environment. Providing services for

students is a shared responsibility among students, faculty and administrators. This relationship is based on

respect of individual rights, the dignity of the individual and the University community's sharedcommitment to an open and supportive learning environment. Students requiring service or

accommodation, whether due to an identified, ongoing disability or a short-term disability should contact

the Centre for Students with Disabilities as soon as possible.

For more information, contact CSD at519-824-4120ext. 56208 or email csd@uoguelph.ca or see the

website:http://www.csd.uoguelph.ca/csd/

Academic MisconductThe University of Guelph is committed to upholding the highest standards of academic integrity and it is

the responsibility of all members of the University community faculty, staff, and studentsto be aware

of what constitutes academic misconduct and to do as much as possible to prevent academic offences from

occurring. University of Guelph students have the responsibility of abiding by the University's policy on

academic misconduct regardless of their location of study; faculty, staff and students have the responsibilityof supporting an environment that discourages misconduct. Students need to remain aware that instructors

have access to and the right to use electronic and other means of detection.

Please note: Whether or not a student intended to commit academic misconduct is not relevant for a finding

of guilt. Hurried or careless submission of assignments does not excuse students from responsibility for

verifying the academic integrity of their work before submitting it. Students who are in any doubt as to

whether an action on their part could be construed as an academic offence should consult with a faculty

member or faculty advisor.

The Academic Misconduct Policy is detailed in the Undergraduate Calendar:

http://www.uoguelph.ca/registrar/calendars/undergraduate/current/c08/c08-amisconduct.shtml

Recording of MaterialsPresentations which are made in relation to course workincluding lecturescannot be recorded or copied

without the permission of the presenter, whether the instructor, a classmate or guest lecturer. Material

recorded with permission is restricted to use for that course unless further permission is granted.

ResourcesThe Academic Calendars are the source of information about the University of Guelphs procedures,

policies and regulations which apply to undergraduate, graduate and diploma programs:

http://www.uoguelph.ca/registrar/calendars/index.cfm?index

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