Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2025 - REM 412 D100

Environmental Modeling (4)

Class Number: 3142

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Wed, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Fri, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.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; and 60 units. Recommended: REM 225.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Students receive hands-on experience in the construction and analysis of computer simulation models of environmental and ecological systems and problems. Quantitative.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course teaches students how to construct, analyze and interpret simulation models of environmental and ecological systems. Models are used in environmental management as a means to better understand the system they are working in, derive parameters to guide management and make useful predictions. We will learn concepts like likelihood and Bayesian methods, and we will learn how to use different tools like generalized linear models, mixed effects models, nonlinear state-space models. We will use these tools to communicate future simulated states and describe uncertainty. A final project will challenge students with the opportunity to identify and propose solutions to a management problem of their choosing.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

After completing REM 412, students will be able to:

  • Build deterministic and simulation models;
  • Estimate parameters using R and some estimation packages;
  • Conduct frequentist and Bayesian analyses;
  • Evaluate model fit and selection;
  • Conduct a sensitivity analysis;
  • Build powerful graphs of their data and simulated processes

Grading

  • Participation 5%
  • Tutorial Assignments 70%
  • Final Project 25%

REQUIREMENTS:

A laptop computer capable of running R locally (e.g., not Chromebook or tablet) will be required.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Readings will be provided in class.

RECOMMENDED READING:

Ecological Models and Data in R.

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.