Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2025 - REM 621 G100

Ecological Economics (5)

Class Number: 6110

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, Thu, 9:30–11:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Introduction to economic concepts for management of the environment and specific natural resources. Key topics include market failure, cost-benefit analysis, non-market valuation, pollution economics, analysis of transboundary environmental problems and the application of economics to sustainable development analysis and policies.

COURSE DETAILS:

REM 621 will introduce you to the history, concepts and methods of ecological economics. This means valuing nature and societies beyond “market profit” and includes cost-benefit analysis, valuation of ecosystem services, and different definitions of “sustainability” and social goals. Prior knowledge of basic economics concepts will be helpful but is not required, as we will review the basics at the beginning of the course. Teaching and assignments will focus on real-world examples of environmental issues including climate change, ocean sustainability, biodiversity conservation and resource management.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Students who have completed this course should be able to:

  • Follow the evolution of economic theory and models and how these intersect with resource management and environmental sustainability.
  • Understand and critique economics approaches to interpreting environmental issues.
  • Select and apply ecosystem service valuation methods to inform cost-benefit analyses.
  • Create quantitative models to represent economic and ecological outcomes of policy decisions.

Grading

  • Assignments 30%
  • Group Presentations 20%
  • Quizzes 15%
  • Midterm Exam 15%
  • Final Report 20%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

All readings and materials will be provided to students through Canvas.


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.

Graduate Studies Notes:

Important dates and deadlines for graduate students are found here: http://www.sfu.ca/dean-gradstudies/current/important_dates/guidelines.html. The deadline to drop a course with a 100% refund is the end of week 2. The deadline to drop with no notation on your transcript is the end of week 3.

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.