Geography 310
Simon Fraser University
Department of Geography
Spring Semester 2009
Jeremy G. Venditti
Office: RCB 6139
Phone: 604.291.3488
jeremy_venditti@sfu.ca
PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY FIELD COURSE
A twelve-day field camp with a focus on various observational and measurement techniques in
branches of physical geography (geomorphology, hydrology, climatology, biogeography). The
first part of the course is a series of 6 exercises completed in the field on geomorphic mapping,
land survey, geomorphic process monitoring, hydrologic observation, climatologic monitoring,
and paleo-environmental reconstruction. The second part of the course allows the student to
apply what they have learned through a project that will be designed by the student (or a small
group of students) in consultation with a faculty member.
The course is recommended to students interested in physical geography, earth science,
environmental science, and anyone who is curious about their natural surroundings.
This course is designed to fulfill the Field Work requirement (01-EG-B1) for Professional
Geoscience (P. Geo.) accreditation by the Association of Professional Engineers and
Geoscientists of British Columbia (APEG BC).
Course fee: There is a $400 fee to partially cover living costs at the camp and transportation.
All food, transportation, and accommodations are provided during the field camp.
Prerequisites: GEOG 213 (Geomorphology I) and one of GEOG 214 (Climatology I) or GEOG
215 (Biogeography).
Pre- or Co-requisite: one of GEOG 311 (Hydrology I), GEOG 313 (Geomorphology II), GEOG
314 (Climatology II), GEOG 315 (Regional Ecosystems), GEOG 316 (Ecosystem
Biochemistry), or GEOG 317 (Soil Science I).
Textbook: There is no formal textbook assigned for the course. Readings about the field site
and technical field manuals will be provided.
Course Format
The field course will be located on the west coast of Vancouver Island in the Bamfield region
with headquarters at the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre (http://www.bms.bc.ca/). The field
excursion leaves SFU April 22, 2009 and will return May 3, 2009. The course is designed so
nearly all the course work is completed during the 12 day field excursion. The field exercises
will be completed in the field. Student projects will be due 12 days after the field excursion.
There is a 1 hour meeting each week scheduled during the Spring 2009 semester. Several of
these meetings will include a small assignment designed to get students ready for the field
excursion.
Mark Distribution
Field Exercises 60%
Student Project Proposal/Presentation 5%
Student Project Report 35%
Field excursion
1. Travel to Bamfield: April 22, 2008 leaving @ 8 am.
2. Field exercises: April 23 - 29, 2008
3. Student project field observations and analysis: April 30 to May 2, 2008
4. Return from Bamfield: May 3, 2008 @ 7 pm
Student project due date: May 15, 2008 or earlier.