Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2023 - REM 225 D100

Quantitative Toolkit for Social-Ecological Systems (3)

Class Number: 5367

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 6 – Dec 5, 2023: Mon, Wed, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

    Oct 10, 2023: Tue, 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. Provides important baseline education and essential skills for students needing to apply quantitative skills in future courses, and establishes a common understanding in Excel and R. 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

  • Quizzes 20%
  • Assignments 80%

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


REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website 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

RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the semester are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.