Fall 2021 - REM 225 D100

Quantitative Toolkit for Social-Ecological Systems (3)

Class Number: 5853

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Wed, Fri, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    18 units.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Develops a basic understanding of the breadth and role of quantitative models in social-ecological systems. Introduces skills, methods, and software typically used in data analysis, quantitative modelling, and research for environmental professionals. Quantitative.

COURSE DETAILS:

Environmental decisions happen at the intersection of multiple academic disciplines and lines of evidence. Using quantitative data and models, decision makers clarify and solve complex challenges that often involve social and ecological dimensions. Resource and environmental managers need a strong foundation in these methods and how they are used to inform decision-making given the complexity and uncertainty in social-ecological systems. A toolkit of methods, techniques and software skills helps turn abstract quantitative ideas and data into practical tools for decision-making. REM 225 uses lectures, short chapter projects, class discussion and tutorials to develop basic quantitative thinking and skills typically encountered in environmental problem-solving. These skills, combined with hands-on training in MS Excel and R statistical software, form a quantitative toolkit for applied research and decision-making within the environmental profession.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

  • Form and improve quantitative literacy
  • Apply common computer software (MS Excel; R) to solve quantitative problems
  • Application of the right quantitative tools to any given problem

Grading

  • Discussions 10%
  • Quizzes 20%
  • Assignments 70%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Little, J.B. 2019. Modeling and data analysis: an introduction with environmental applications. American Mathematical Society. Providence, RI.

Papers and book chapters provided in class.

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 2021

Teaching at SFU in fall 2021 will involve primarily in-person instruction, with approximately 70 to 80 per cent of classes in person/on campus, with safety plans in place.  Whether your course will be in-person or through remote methods will be clearly identified in the schedule of classes.  You will also know at enrollment whether remote course components will be “live” (synchronous) or at your own pace (asynchronous).

Enrolling in a course acknowledges that you are able to attend in whatever format is required.  You should not enroll in a course that is in-person if you are not able to return to campus, and should be aware 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.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who may need class or exam accommodations, including in the context of remote learning, are advised to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as early as possible in order to prepare for the fall 2021 term.