Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2020 - REM 611 G100

Population and Community Ecology (5)

Class Number: 3655

Delivery Method: Remote

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 8, 2020: Mon, Wed, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

A review of population, community, and ecosystem ecology; implications of these areas for methods of resource management and environmental assessment. Equivalent Courses: MRM611

COURSE DETAILS:

This course explores the foundations of applied population, community and ecosystem ecology within the context of contemporary management and conservation strategies designed to balance the needs of people and nature. Specifically, we will explore topics such as metapopulation theory and reserve design, alternative states and ecological resilience, and ecosystem processes and ecosystem-based management. Course readings will include textbook chapters to provide students with the foundations of applied ecology, and cutting-edge, peer-reviewed literature to expose students to the latest innovations in the field of management and conservation science. Students will also have the opportunity to apply field and modelling skills to real-world conservation issues. Half day field trips to local conservancies and parks will introduce students to practical field research skills. Finally, classroom sessions will engage students in lively group discussions and will include lectures, hands-on analysis, guest speakers, and group work on current and contentious topics in environmental management and conservation science.

Course format: Synchronous seminar.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

As new and aspiring graduate students, my aim is to facilitate your development of the skills and knowledge you will need to excel in the field of environmental management and conservation, whether you are interested in an academic career or in doing science-based conservation at government agencies, non-governmental organizations, or international institutions. This class has been designed to hone your creative and critical thinking skills, enhance your communication and debating ability, and expose you to a diverse set of problem solving techniques. I encourage you to challenge current dogma and explore the intersections between applied ecology, your own personal academic interests, and the diversity of fields you will be exposed to at REM.

Overall Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, you will be able to:

  1. Identify and synthesize the core principles of applied ecology that should be considered while addressing an environmental issue
  2. Understand the key processes that drive community and ecosystem dynamics and their associated uncertainties
  3. Communicate complex and/or contentious ecological information clearly and effectively to a target audience
  4. Work independently and collaboratively on contemporary environmental problems to formulate and implement solutions

Grading

  • Assignments and Presentations 20%
  • Projects 40%
  • Midterm Exam 15%
  • Final Exam 20%
  • Class Participation 5%

REQUIREMENTS:

Access to the internet. All Classes will be held on Zoom.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Kareiva, P. and Marvier, M. 2014. Conservation Science; Balancing the Needs of People and Nature. Roberts and Company. Greenwood Village, Colorado. Second Edition.

Available from SFU bookstore website: http://www.sfu.ca/bookstore/coursematerials

RECOMMENDED READING:

TBA

Graduate Studies Notes:

Important dates and deadlines for graduate students are found here: http://www.sfu.ca/dean-gradstudies/current/important_dates/guidelines.html. The deadline to drop a course with a 100% refund is the end of week 2. The deadline to drop with no notation on your transcript is the end of week 3.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

TEACHING AT SFU IN FALL 2020

Teaching at SFU in fall 2020 will be conducted primarily through remote methods. There will be in-person course components in a few exceptional cases where this is fundamental to the educational goals of the course. Such course components will be clearly identified at registration, as will course components that will be “live” (synchronous) vs. at your own pace (asynchronous). Enrollment acknowledges that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes. To ensure you can access all course materials, we recommend you have access to a computer with a microphone and camera, and the internet. In some cases your instructor may use Zoom or other means requiring a camera and microphone to invigilate exams. If proctoring software will be used, this will be confirmed in the first week of class.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112).