Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2025 - POL 855 G100

Science, Technology and Public Policy (5)

Class Number: 2869

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Thu, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Students with credit for SEE 773 may not take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

Course Description:

This undergraduate/graduate course is designed to examine one of the most pressing challenges of our time- how to ensure sustainability of energy supply for future generations that incorporates alternative energy sources and builds resilience against climate change impacts. The course starts with a broad introduction to how energy works, and provides global context about different energy sources. It then offers the geopolitical context in which energy solutions are developed. An historical perspective focuses on how we developed our fossil fuel-based economy. It also reviews energy policy frameworks in economic, political, and regulatory terms. The course is centered around helping inter-disciplinary teams of students to learn how to write a policy brief, which is a standard document of analysis in the public, private, and non-profit arenas. The policy brief revolves around the feasibility analysis of implementing or evaluating an alternative energy project or policy that solves a real-world issue. The policy brief will serve as a well-vetted and reviewed writing sample for students and a simulation of the type of work they would do as professionals. The course is supplemented by a site visit and guest speakers.

Course Organization:

This is a four hour seminar each week.


Note:  This course is combined with POL 452W & SEE 773.

Grading

  • Class participation, including attendance and discussion 10%
  • 10 quizzes based on the readings and lectures 10%
  • Peer review evaluation of team members, worksheets will be given 10%
  • Presentation of research paper 10%
  • Policy brief (see Notes below for the breakdown) 60%

NOTES:

Policy brief, broken down as:

  • 10% Proposal incl. lit. review, annotated bibliography, data sources, and research design and plan (5 pp)
  • 10% Statistical analysis of issue (10 pp)
  • 10% Policy options section (5 pp) & Recommendation section (5 pp)
  • 15% First Draft (20 pp)
  • 10% Final Draft (15-20 pp)- students have the option to take the grade on the first draft for the final draft if they are satisfied
  • 5% Summary for Decision Makers (1 pp)

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

All material is available on Canvas and through Library Reserves.


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

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.