Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2025 - REM 221 D100

Systems Thinking and the Environment (3)

Class Number: 6051

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, Fri, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

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

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Introduces systems thinking in the context of environmental and sustainability challenges using system archetypes and system dynamics theory. Analytical and modeling techniques are applied to understand and project systems complexity. Emphasis is placed on using systems thinking concepts to finding solutions in a complex world. Students with credit for ENV 221 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course introduces students to the concept of systems thinking and how it can be applied to many/most problems and systems they will come across in their careers. We will learn common systems thinking tools, and core concepts like archetypes and leverage. These concepts will be applied to think about system resilience: how can you keep the system working the way you want it to, or how to adapt to a new system regime. The course will use environmental and sustainability challenges as examples to illustrate system archetypes and dynamics. A final project will challenge students with the opportunity to identify and propose solutions to a management problem.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

After completing REM 221, students will be able to:

  • Define a system, types of systems, and be able to use of systems thinking terminology
  • Explain 10 system archetypes
  • Describe how limits can affect functioning of systems
  • Explain resilience, self-organization, and other emergent properties within the context of complex system function
  • Explain the opportunities and dangers inherent in decision-making using a systems lens including consideration of unintended consequences, trade-offs, tipping points and sensitivity
  • Explain the types of analytical tool/methods used to understand and communicate systems
  • Demonstrate the ability to use a simple model to project system function

Grading

  • Quizzes 5%
  • Mid-term Exam: 25%
  • Tutorial Assignments 40%
  • Complex systems challenge (in place of final exam) 30%

NOTES:

Class assignments are designed to help students apply work towards understanding the final complex systems challenge and will be given to students to be completed outside class time. Tutorial assignments involve exploring systems thinking concepts using Vensim software and online tools.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Donella Meadows (2008) Thinking in Systems – a primer ISBN 978-1-84407-726-7

A digital version of this book is available through the bookstore: https://sfu-store.vitalsource.com/products/thinking-in-systems-donella-meadows-v9781603581486?term=9781603580557

Additional papers will be provided in-class


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.