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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 [email protected] 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
http://www.uoguelph.ca/registrar/calendars/undergraduate/current/c08/c08-ac.shtmlhttp://www.uoguelph.ca/registrar/calendars/undergraduate/current/c08/c08-ac.shtmlhttp://www.uoguelph.ca/registrar/calendars/undergraduate/current/c08/c08-drop.shtmlhttp://www.uoguelph.ca/registrar/calendars/undergraduate/current/c08/c08-drop.shtmlhttp://www.csd.uoguelph.ca/csd/http://www.csd.uoguelph.ca/csd/http://www.csd.uoguelph.ca/csd/http://www.uoguelph.ca/registrar/calendars/undergraduate/current/c08/c08-amisconduct.shtmlhttp://www.uoguelph.ca/registrar/calendars/undergraduate/current/c08/c08-amisconduct.shtmlhttp://www.uoguelph.ca/registrar/calendars/index.cfm?indexhttp://www.uoguelph.ca/registrar/calendars/index.cfm?indexhttp://www.uoguelph.ca/registrar/calendars/index.cfm?indexhttp://www.uoguelph.ca/registrar/calendars/undergraduate/current/c08/c08-amisconduct.shtmlhttp://www.csd.uoguelph.ca/csd/http://www.uoguelph.ca/registrar/calendars/undergraduate/current/c08/c08-drop.shtmlhttp://www.uoguelph.ca/registrar/calendars/undergraduate/current/c08/c08-ac.shtml