Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2022 - REM 431 D100

Climate Change and Environmental Management (4)

Class Number: 5693

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 10 – Apr 11, 2022: Tue, Thu, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    REM 100 or EVSC 100 or GEOG 111; REM 221; 60 units; or permission from instructor.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Reviews how climate change is impacting multiple facets of earth system (e.g. atmosphere, oceans, and freshwater systems). Students will examine the challenges faced by environmental managers as they attempt to mitigate or adapt to these changes. One major goal of the course is to teach an appreciation of uncertainties and predictability in earth systems, to better address resource management issues on regional to global scales.

COURSE DETAILS:

My goal is to introduce students to a range of physical processes that are either affected by climate change (e.g. sea level rise, extreme weather, fire) or may play a role in mitigating climate change (e.g., carbon cycling in forests and wetlands, new (green) and old (dams) infrastructure, geoengineering).  By the end of this course students will be able to consider the science behind these processes in a more in-depth manner, and to place their understanding within the context of ecology, policy, economics, and culture.

Each course unit will (a) begin with the scientific basis of a problem being exacerbated by climate change, (b) examine the natural and societal factors contributing to the problem, (c) identify potential impacts, (d) consider the portfolio of policy, planning, and engineering solutions that help to adapt, mitigate, or otherwise alleviate the problem.  Students will play a role in shaping the units covered and will make regular presentations of readings to improve their ability to comprehend, synthesize, and communicate ideas. Discussions aim to increase students' participation as active learners. Guest lecturers will provide students with applied examples of how earth system issues are managed in a world with climate change.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

  1. To understand terminology, concepts, and current issues pertaining to environmental processes being affected by climate change
  2. To access and critically assess the relevant peer-reviewed scientific literature
  3. To develop an integrative and holistic approach to understanding the interactions between climate change, earth system processes, and how we manage them.
  4. To communicate the importance of climate change and its links to environmental management clearly (through writing and presentation) to people from a range of backgrounds and disciplines

Grading

  • In-Class presentations 25%
  • Quizzes/Worksheets 15%
  • Annotated Bibliography 25%
  • Briefing Note 20%
  • Briefing Note Presentation 15%

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

All course materials will be made available on Canvas (canvas.sfu.ca).

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site 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

TEACHING AT SFU IN SPRING 2022

Teaching at SFU in spring 2022 will involve primarily in-person instruction, with safety plans in place.  Some courses will still be offered through remote methods, and if so, this will be clearly identified in the schedule of classes.  You will also know at enrollment whether remote course components will be “live” (synchronous) or at your own pace (asynchronous).

Enrolling in a course acknowledges that you are able to attend in whatever format is required.  You should not enroll in a course that is in-person if you are not able to return to campus, and should be aware that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who may need class or exam accommodations, including in the context of remote learning, are advised to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as early as possible in order to prepare for the spring 2022 term.