Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2021 - REM 495 D100

Resource and Environmental Management Capstone (4)

Class Number: 5930

Delivery Method: Remote

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 11 – Apr 16, 2021: Tue, Thu, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Feb 23, 2021
    Tue, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    90 units or permission of instructor.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

By guiding students through the inception, development and communication of a novel interdisciplinary research project, this course will provide students with an opportunity to integrate the knowledge and skills they gained through their undergraduate degree. Students will work corroboratively to conceive, investigate and present an original research project that addresses a real-world environmental issue of the students' choice. Students with credit for REM 491 - Directed Studies taken as the REM Capstone only may not take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

In REM 495, students will learn how to improve the sustainable use of natural capital by applying scientific data, ecological theory, models, critical thinking, and Adaptive Management to societal decisions. By guiding students through the inception, development, and communication of a novel interdisciplinary capstone project, REM 495 will provide students with an opportunity to integrate the knowledge and skills that they have gained through their undergraduate degree. Students will work collaboratively in class-based consulting firms to investigate a current environmental issue. Reflecting professional practice, each consulting firm will develop a project management plan that outlines the ecological and social opportunities and constraints to address the issue. Classroom sessions will include lectures, workshops, and tutorials to engage students in discussions that will 1) guide the project design, 2) support the implementation of applied research, and 3) hone communication skills. Workshop and tutorial sessions will provide the time and space for students to collaborate and receive feedback and research support from each other and the teaching team.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

  1. Integrate and demonstrate the knowledge and skills gained in the REM major through the development and implementation of a novel interdisciplinary research project;
  2. Apply analytical skills and tools to advance our understanding of the biophysical and socio-cultural aspects of an environmental challenge to devise alternative solutions;
  3. Work independently, collaboratively, and creatively to accomplish these goals.

Grading

  • Quizzes 20%
  • Assignments 80%

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 SPRING 2021

Teaching at SFU in spring 2021 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).