Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2025 - REM 200 D100

Introduction to Resource and Environmental Management in Canada (3)

Class Number: 6047

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 11, 2025
    Fri, 12:00–3:00 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

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

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Explores the natural and social science foundations of resource and environmental management and demonstrates how that knowledge can be used in environmental decision-making in Canada. Provides a basic understanding of the nature and management of natural resources, including Indigenous resource management issues in a Canadian context. Consideration is given to strategic thinking for environmental planning, socio-economic and biophysical trade-offs in natural resource decision-making and approaches for addressing uncertain knowledge. Breadth-Social Sci/Science.

COURSE DETAILS:

Each week, students participate in two hours of lecture and a one-hour tutorial for discussion and practical work. New topics in resource and environmental management are introduced weekly. Students are exposed to the relevant concepts and methods in the first hour of lecture. For the second hour of the lecture, students will hear from a guest expert in REM, who discusses their research in the topic area. The course encourages interaction with experts in diverse fields and encourages students to experience REM case studies. Tutorial sessions involve discussion of course concepts, individual and group project work and practical applications.


COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

After completing REM 200, students will be able to:

  • Identify and describe the basic linkages between physical earth processes, ecology, policy, economics and institutions/culture regarding natural resources and the environment;
  • Describe the strategies and techniques of resource and environmental management and identify knowledge needed to solve an environmental problem;
  • Identify how environmental decision-making considers uncertainty;
  • Demonstrate awareness of potential conflicts in resource and environmental management decision-making;
  • Work effectively in a group setting to investigate an environmental management problem.

Grading

  • Assignments 30%
  • Tutorials 20%
  • Mid-term exam 20%
  • Final exam 30%

NOTES:

Mid-term and Final are both in-person exams. Mid-term will be held during lecture time. The final exam will be held during SFU’s final exam period.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

  • Bruce Mitchell. (2015). Resource and Environmental Management in Canada (5th)
  • Plus selected articles provided by the instructor.

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 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.