Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2025 - REM 202W D100

Technical Communication for Environmental Professionals and Planners (3)

Class Number: 3111

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Mon, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 9, 2025
    Tue, 3:30–5:30 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    One of REM 100, GEOG 100, GEOG 111, or EVSC 100.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Teaches students to communicate technical information clearly and concisely. Reviews the fundamentals of writing and progress to the creation and presentation of professional documents. Students improve their skills through writing-intensive assignments related to the fields of resource management and planning. Students should familiarize themselves with a reference-management software; the course references the free, online program, Zotero. Writing.

COURSE DETAILS:

REM 202 W will use reference-management software. Course examples will use the free, online software, “Zotero” (https://www.zotero.org/). Students only need “Zotero stand-alone”. Students do not need “Zotero Connector” nor do students need to register for any online accounts. Prerequisites: Completion of at least 30 units and (REM 100 or GEOG 100 or GEOG 111 or EVSC 100)

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

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

1. demonstrate an understanding of the foundational components of technical communication including grammar (i.e., word-use, syntax, punctuation), sentence structure, paragraph structure, and storyline,

2. write a concise technical sentence,

3. link concise sentences into a concise paragraph,

4. link concise paragraphs to communicate a clear storyline,

5. connect thoughts and ideas in ways that are relevant and accessible to the reader,

6. critically evaluate the technical writing and communications of colleagues.

Grading

  • Assignments 55%
  • Quizzes 10%
  • Midterm exam 15%
  • Final exam 20%

Materials

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

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term 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.