Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2025 - REM 311 D100

Applied Population Ecology (3)

Class Number: 3112

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

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

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 4, 2025
    Thu, 8:30–10:30 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    REM 100 or EVSC 100; BISC 204 or GEOG 215 or REM 211; STAT 201 or STAT 203 or STAT 205 or GEOG 251 or equivalent. Recommended: REM 225.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Builds on foundational ecological concepts to study the ecological processes that govern the dynamics of populations. Uses quantitative models to examine the role of data, variability, uncertainty, and assumptions in science and decision making. Students learn how to improve the sustainable use of natural capital by applying scientific data, ecological theory, ecological models, critical thinking, and Adaptive Management to societal decisions. Uses R to code, run, and interpret ecological population models. Quantitative.

COURSE DETAILS:

REM 311 builds on the ecological concepts introduced in prerequisite courses to study the ecological processes that govern the dynamics of populations. Students will use quantitative models to examine the role of data, variability, uncertainty, and assumptions in science and decision making. Students will learn how to improve the sustainable use of natural capital by applying scientific data, ecological theory, ecological models, critical thinking, and Adaptive Management to societal decisions. Students should familiarize themselves with the free, online software R and R Studio. Quantitative. Prerequisites: (REM 100 or EVSC 100) and (BISC 204 or GEOG 215) and (STAT 101 or STAT 201 or GEOG 251)

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

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

1. describe the processes that govern the dynamics of populations,

2. link patterns in data to specific ecological models,

3. interpret the results of quantitative population models,

4. apply quantitative population models to decisions about species recovery, resource management, environmental monitoring, and land-use planning,

5. outline how Adaptive Management improves societal decisions about the sustainable use of natural capital.

Grading

  • Tutorials 20%
  • Assignments 30%
  • Midterm exam 20%
  • Final exam 30%

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.