EOSC 310 · The Earth and the Solar System

This course delves into five major questions that form the backbone of our exploration:

I. How did the origin and evolution of the universe, matter and the solar system ultimately produce the world we know today?

II. What is the structure, and what are the dynamic tectonic processes that operate on Earth today?

III. How has Earth and its biosphere evolved?

IV. How are humans impacting the Earth, and what are our planet's potential near and distant futures?

V. What are the prospects of "other Earths" and life elsewhere?

Course Requirements

  • It is open to all students not taking an EOAS degree. Although currently listed as not available for science students we are anticipating this will change in time for registration in Fall of 2024.
  • Students must have at least second-year standing
  • Cannot have taken EOSC 110

 

 Course Availability & Schedule

 Course Syllabus

 Distance education offered

 Non-specialist course

Learning goals: 

Through EOSC310 it is hoped students will be able to .....

  • Gain familiarity with the contributions of various scientists and effectively utilize scientific terminology introduced throughout the course.
  • Explain the present condition and substantiate the origins and development of the Universe, Solar System, Earth, and the biosphere, supported by examples.
  • Analyze and interpret scientific data and proxies to draw meaningful conclusions.
  • Describe the Earth's possible near and long-term future and the possibility of life elsewhere in the universe. 

Learning online can be both rewarding and challenging at the same time. It allows you the flexibility to tackle course material at your own pace and where ever you happen to be, but requires a great deal of self-discipline to stay up-to-date with readings, quizzes, and assignments. Please note that the assignments and quizzes do have specific deadlines. In addition, unlike all other assessment pieces, the final exam is written at UBC and NOT online. For a short 90 second video about the course see HERE.

The course includes a complete set of lecture notes supported by pre-recorded videos of the lectures. Each topic also includes materials that will enable you to test your understanding as you progress through the course.

The course is divided into three modules, modules are divided into units and units into various lecture topics

Module 1: Building the Solid Earth
Unit 1: Structure, Scale and Organization of the Universe
Unit 2: Earth Materials and Telling the Time
Unit 3: Online Lab 1: Sequencing - unpicking Earth's history

Module 2: Our Active Planet
Unit 4: Earth From the Inside Out
Unit 5: Earth's Tectonic Surface
Unit 6: Online Lab 2: Picturing Earth's Plates

Module 3: Earth, Ancient Modern and Beyond
Unit 7: Early Earth Systems and the Blooming of Life
Unit 8: Online lab 3: Evolution and the Classification of Diversity
Unit 9: Modern Earth and the Future
Unit 10: The Search for Other Worlds and Other Life
 

In EOSC310, we will start the story with the Big Bang, followed by the origin of matter, the solar system, the structure of Earth and plate tectonics. We will then explore the history of Earth including the origin of life, and the co-evolution of ocean, atmosphere and the solid Earth. In the final module we consider the impact of Human beings on the Earth system and possible futures beyond today.

Module 1:

Building the Solid Earth
In this module, you will explore the nature and origins of the Universe, Solar System, and our planet. You will examine the Earth as a system comprised of interconnected components, focusing on the Earth's interior and Plate Tectonics.
Module 2:

Building a Home for Life
Module 2 equips you with essential tools used by historical geologists to interpret the evolution of our planet throughout time. Following this, the module delves into the 4.54 billion-year history of our planet.
Module 3:

Modern Earth & Beyond
In module 3, we focus on “modern” geological times, including the evolution of our own species and its impact on the Earth System. We will also explore the potential existence of life elsewhere in the solar system, the concept of "other Earths" in the universe, and contemplate the ultimate destiny of our planet, solar system, and the universe.

Instructors

section 99A, Term 1: Dr. Stuart Sutherland

section 99C, Term 2: Dr. Stuart Sutherland

Textbook

There is no textbook. Students will be directed to specific readings as the course progresses.