Fall 2021 - REM 611 G100

Population and Community Ecology (5)

Class Number: 5709

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: 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. Independent field trips to your local conservancies and parks, guided by your instructor, will introduce you to practical and applied 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-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

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

  • Assignment and Presentations 20%
  • Group Projects 40%
  • Mid Term Exams 15%
  • Final Exams 20%
  • Class Participation 5%

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 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.