Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2023 - REM 471 D100

Forest Ecosystem Management (4)

Class Number: 5410

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 6 – Oct 6, 2023: Tue, Thu, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Oct 11 – Dec 5, 2023: Tue, Thu, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    One of REM 100, or GEOG 100 or 111, or EVSC 100 or BISC 102; and 45 units.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Forests are critical components of the earth system and provide diverse ecological services. They are also a source of conflict regarding their conservation and use. Students will examine the problems of managing forest ecosystems for a variety of societal goals and objectives. We begin by examining the ecological characteristics of forest ecosystems and follow with a focus on the objectives and tools of forest management. The final section of the course will examine institutions, economics, and policy related to forests, with a focus on British Columbia's historical and current management issues. This course will involve lectures, group discussions, field trips, and exercises.

COURSE DETAILS:

REM 471 explores the fundamental concepts, components, and processes of forest ecosystems and their management in BC and around the world. The course aims to encourage critical evaluation of forest policy and the intertwining ecological, societal, and economic impacts of forest management with particular emphasis on the impacts of climate change.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

The objectives for this course include:

  • Developing an understanding of the structure and dynamics of forest ecosystems
  • Applying ecological knowledge to determine constraints and opportunities in forestry practices
  • Understanding the role of disturbance in forest ecosystem management
  • Critically evaluating forest policies and their socio-ecological impacts

Grading

  • Assignments 55%
  • Quizzes 30%
  • Mid-term Exam 15%

NOTES:

Assignments breakdown = 10%, 10%, 10%, 25%

Quizzes breakdown = 10%, 10%, 10%

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

  • All students will require a laptop in classes and tutorials. The SFU library has free, 4-hr loans of laptops: https://www.lib.sfu.ca/borrow/borrowmaterials/laptops-equipment/borrow-laptop
  • The campus-wide demand for library laptops is high and the library often runs out quickly. If you need to use the library laptops, you should show-up early at the library check-out desk.

REQUIRED READING:

A number of online (electronic) readings including reports, journal articles and newspaper/magazine articles will be made available on CANVAS throughout the term.

RECOMMENDED READING:

N/A

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.