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Check out which REM, PLAN (Planning) and SD (Sustainable Development) courses will be offered in upcoming terms.

REM Undergraduate Grading Guidelines

Spring 2025 Course Schedule

Course Descriptions

REM 100 - Global Change (3)

REM 200 - Introduction to Resource and Environmental Management in Canada (3)

Next Proposed Offering: Spring 2025
Explores the natural and social science foundations of resource and environmental management and demonstrates how that knowledge can be used in environmental decision-making. Provides a basic understanding of the nature and management of natural resources, strategic thinking for environmental planning, socio-economic and biophysical trade-offs in natural resource decision making and approaches for addressing uncertain knowledge. Prerequisite: One of REM 100, GEOG 100, GEOG 111, or EVSC 100. Breadth-Social Sci/Science.

REM 202W - Technical Communication for Environmental Professionals and Planners (3)

Next Proposed Offering: Fall 2025
REM 202W will teach students to communicate technical information clearly and concisely. Students will improve their skills through writing-intensive assignments related to the fields of resource management and planning. REM 202W will review the fundamentals of writing and progress to the creation and presentation of professional documents including journal manuscripts, technical reports, briefing notes, and emails. Students should familiarize themselves with a reference-management software; the course will reference the free, online program, Zotero. Prerequisite: One of REM 100, GEOG 100, GEOG 111, or EVSC 100. Writing.

REM 207 - Indigenous Peoples and Resource Management (3)

REM 211 - INTRODUCTION TO APPLIED ECOLOGY (3)

REM 221 - SYSTEMS THINKING AND THE ENVIRONMENT (4)

REM 225 - QUANTITATIVE TOOLKIT FOR SOCIAL-ECOLOGICAL SYSTEMS (3)

REM 311 - APPLIED ECOLOGY (3)

Next Proposed Offering: Spring 2025, Fall 2025

Builds on foundational ecological concepts to study the ecological processes that govern the dynamics of populations. Students will use quantitative models to examine the role of data, variability, uncertainty, and assumptions in science and decision making. Students will learn how to improve the sustainable use of natural capital by applying scientific data, ecological theory, ecological models, critical thinking, and Adaptive Management to societal decisions. Prerequisite: REM 100 or EVSC 100; BISC 204 or GEOG 215 or REM 211; STAT 201 or STAT 203 or STAT 205 or GEOG 251 or equivalent. Recommended: REM 225. Quantitative.

REM 319 - ENVIRONMENTAL AND PLANNING LAW (3)

Next Proposed Offering: Spring 2025, Summer 2025
Provides a practical introduction to the legal system governing the use and protection of the environment and planning and land use law in Canada. A central theme is the difference between the law on paper and the law in practice. Prerequisite: 45 units. Students who have taken ENV 399-3 "Special Topics in Environmental Law" in 2012 may not take this course for further credit. Students with credit for ENV 319 or PLAN 319 may not take this course for further credit.

REM 320W - ETHICS AND THE ENVIRONMENT (3)

Next Proposed Offering: Summer 2025
An introduction to the field of environmental ethics. Addresses questions such as what obligations we have to future generations and the natural world, as well as the extent of these obligations. Prerequisite: 45 units. Philosophy Majors and Minors may not take this course for credit towards their major or minor degree. Students who have taken PHIL 333-3 or ENV 399-3 "Special Topics in Environmental Ethics" prior to or in 2011 and students with credit in ENV 320W or PHIL 328-3 may not enroll in this course for further credit. Writing.

REM 321 - ECOLOGICAL ECONOMICS (4)

REM 325 - UNCERTAINTY, RISK, AND DECISION ANALYSIS (3)

Next Proposed Offering: Spring 2025
Provides a broad, yet practical, perspective on uncertainty and risk that can be used to improve decision-making abilities in a wide range of settings. Quantitative decision analysis provides a formal approach to accounting for uncertainty in resource and environmental management decision-making. Prerequisite: 45 units. Recommended: REM 225 or STAT 201 or STAT 203 or STAT 205 or GEOG 251 or equivalent.

REM 334 - EARTH'S PAST CLIMATES (4)

Next Proposed Offering: TBD
Paleoclimatology is the study of how and why Earth's climate has changed in the past. Paleoclimatologists study ice ages, past abrupt changes, and what the Earth was like during past climate warm periods. The knowledge gained from paleoclimate studies provides us with the information needed to refine climate models, so that we understand how the Earth's climate works, and better predict how human activity will impact climate in the future. Describes the tools used by paleoclimatologists to reconstruct past climate change and evaluate the hypothesis put forth to explain those changes. Prerequisite: REM 100 or EVSC 100; GEOG 111 or EASC 101 or EASC 106; and 45 units. Recommended: EASC 210, GEOG 214 or GEOG 215. Students with credit for EVSC 334 may not take this course for further credit. Students who have taken REM 463 "Special Topics" in Spring 2019 may not enroll in this course for further credit.

REM 350 - ENERGY MANAGEMENT FOR A SUSTAINABLE CLIMATE AND SOCIETY (4)

Next Proposed Offering: Spring 2025, Fall 2025
An interdisciplinary approach to transforming energy systems in pursuit of sustainable climate and society. Perspectives include thermodynamics, resource potentials, technological potentials, economic evaluation, implementation of transformative public policies, political-economy assessment of policy constraints, national and sub-national governance options, behavioural change potentials, global diplomacy, and pursuit of greater equity within and between countries. Prerequisite: 45 units. Breadth-Social Sciences.

REM 355 - SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT (3)

REM 356W - ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY (3)

REM 357 - PLANNING FOR SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS (3)

REM 363 - SPECIAL TOPICS (3)

REM 370 - GLOBAL RESOURCE ISSUES IN OCEANOGRAPHY (4)

Next Proposed Offering: TBD
Introduces principles of oceanography, including ocean circulation, ocean carbon cycling, nutrients and biological productivity, oceans and the climate system, and ocean resource contributions to global food supply. Provides basic understanding of ocean resource management including transportation, recreation, fisheries, and mining. Prerequisite: EVSC 100, or GEOG 111, or REM 100, and 45 units. Students with credit for MASC 435 may not take this course for further credit.

REM 375 - ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION OF COASTAL BC (3)

Next Proposed Offering: Spring 2025
Investigates the ecosystems and environmental challenges of coastal British Columbia. Examines the major flora and fauna, fundamental ecological principles, anthropogenic drivers of change, and the role of applied science in conservation and management. Prerequisite: 45 units. Students with credit for MASC 414 may not take this course for further credit.

REM 388 - WILDLIFE CONSERVATION (3)

Next Proposed Offering: Fall 2025
Provides an overview of the taxonomic, ecological, and conservation relationships among wildlife and with humans. This knowledge is used to identify the ecological and social opportunities and constraints for sustainable resource and environmental management and planning related to the ecosystems that support wild populations. Prerequisite: 45 units.

REM 404 - Indigenous Planning and Stewardship (4)

Next Proposed Offering: TBD
Examines the historical and contemporary role planning plays in the dispossession of land, while introducing Indigenous perspectives and understandings of place and the responsibility of environmental stewardship. Explores settler-colonialism, property and Indigenous land relations, co-management and collaborative stewardship, while presenting alternative planning frameworks to inform community-engaged practice. Prerequisite: PLAN 100 or PLAN 200; REM 207 or any INDG course; and 75 units. Recommended: REM 319 or PLAN 319. Students with credit for PLAN 404 or REM 406 may not take this course for further credit.

REM 407 - INDIGENOUS GOVERNANCE AND RESOURCE RELATIONSHIPS (4)

REM 412 - ENVIRONMENTAL MODELING (4)

Next Proposed Offering: Fall 2025
Introduction to quantitative methods for providing scientific advice on the status, productivity and effects of fishing of fish stocks. Includes development and application fish population dynamics models, data analysis, and the quantification of uncertainty. Focus will be primarily on biological aspects of fisheries assessment while illustrating how these interface with economic, social and institutional concerns of management agencies. Prerequisite: BISC 204 or GEOG 215 or REM 211; REM 225; STAT 201 or STAT 203 or STAT 205 or GEOG 251 or equivalent; MATH 151 or MATH 154 or MATH 157 or equivalent; and 60 units; or permission of instructor.

REM 423 - RESEARCH METHODS IN FISHERIES ASSESSMENT (4)

Next Proposed Offering: TBD
Introduction to quantitative methods for providing scientific advice on the status, productivity and effects of fishing of fish stocks. Includes development and application fish population dynamics models, data analysis, and the quantification of uncertainty. Focus will be primarily on biological aspects of fisheries assessment while illustrating how these interface with economic, social and institutional concerns of management agencies. Prerequisite: BISC 204 or GEOG 215 or REM 211; REM 225; STAT 201 or STAT 203 or STAT 205 or GEOG 251 or equivalent; MATH 151 or MATH 154 or MATH 157 or equivalent; and 60 units; or permission of instructor.

REM 427 - AVALANCHE RISK MANAGEMENT (4)

REM 431 - CLIMATE CHANGE AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT (4)

Next Proposed Offering: Fall 2025
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. Prerequisite: REM 100 or EVSC 100 or GEOG 111; REM 221; 60 units; or permission from instructor.

REM 445 - ENVIRONMENTAL RISK ASSESSMENT (4)

REM 446 - ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT (4)

Next Proposed Offering: Spring 2025
Theory and practice of environmental and social impact assessment. The course will review and critically evaluate the regulatory frameworks, institutions and methods associated with impact assessment for resource and industrial development, transportation, public utilities, regional planning and public policy, using examples from British Columbia and Canada. Prerequisite: REM 100 or 200 and 75 units.

REM 452 - ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION (8)

Examines the educational problems entailed in developing human awareness and understanding of the environment. Explores environmental issues through a multi-disciplinary approach and relates historical and contemporary problems in human-environment interactions to school curricula from the elementary to the secondary level. Includes a laboratory component. Grading will be on a pass/fail basis. A field activity fee will be levied in this course. Normally offered in summer term only. Prerequisite: 90 units or permission of instructor. Students may be required to successfully complete a Criminal Record Check. Students with credit for EDUC 452, EDUC 454 or ENV 452 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative/Breadth-Science.

REM 454 - WATER SECURITY (4)

Next Proposed Offering: TBD
Students investigate dimensions of the global environmental crisis related to water security, including: human rights, political science, development economics, gender policies, geopolitics, regional integration and security, international law, national legislation, public health, trade, agriculture, energy generation, and water resources management. Prerequisite: 75 units and REM 100 or EVSC 100 or GEOG 100.

REM 463 - SPECIAL TOPICS (3)

REM 471 - FOREST ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT (4)

Next Proposed Offering: Fall 2025
Forests are critical components of the earth system and provide diverse ecological services. They are also a source of conflict regarding their conservation and use. Students will examine the problems of managing forest ecosystems for a variety of societal goals and objectives. We begin by examining the ecological characteristics of forest ecosystems and follow with a focus on the objectives and tools of forest management. The final section of the course will examine institutions, economics, and policy related to forests, with a focus on British Columbia's historical and current management issues. This course will involve lectures, group discussions, field trips, and exercises. Prerequisite: One of REM 100, or GEOG 100 or 111, or EVSC 100 or BISC 102; and 45 units.

REM 491 - DIRECTED STUDIES (3)

Independent study on resource management topics selected in consultation with the supervising instructor. A directed study proposal must be completed and approved by the instructor and the REM undergraduate chair or designate prior to enrollment. Students may take this course only once. Variable units: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. Prerequisite: 90 units.

REM 495 - RESOURCE AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT CAPSTONE (4)

Next Proposed Offering: Spring 2025
By guiding students through the inception, development and communication of a novel interdisciplinary research project, this course will provide students with an opportunity to integrate the knowledge and skills they gained through their undergraduate degree. Students will work corroboratively to conceive, investigate and present an original research project that addresses a real-world environmental issue of the students' choice. Prerequisite: 75 units. Students with credit for REM 491 - Directed Studies taken as the REM Capstone may not take this course for further credit.

REM 499 - RESOURCE AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT HONOURS THESIS (4)

Independent research on a resource and environmental management topic, under the supervision of a REM faculty member. Program permission is required. Prerequisite: 90 units and permission of the REM Undergraduate Program Chair.

Planning Courses

PLAN 100 - INTRODUCTION TO PLANNING (3)

PLAN 300 - METHODS FOR PLANNING ANALYSIS (4)

Next Proposed Offering: Spring 2025, Fall 2025
Explores the qualitative and quantitative research methods used by planners in both urban and regional settings. Students will gain a basic understanding of planning relevant data and approaches to analyzing and communicating planning data between and within different communities. The roles of planners, and other participants/actors, in research related to urban and regional planning processes will be introduced. Processes and techniques associated with conducting ethical planning research will also be covered. Prerequisite: PLAN 100 or PLAN 200.

PLAN 302 - PLANNING INTERNSHIP I (1)

Next Proposed Offering: TBD
Provides students with practical professional planning experience through an internship with an outside agency or through a planning project supervised by the course instructor. Internships will consist of a minimum of 80 hours of practical work time. Students will be required to prepare a log book documenting the work activities. Log books will be signed by the student intern’s supervisor. Students will prepare a final report to submit to the course instructor describing the nature of the work performed and lessons they learned from the work experience. For students enrolled in the REM planning concentration who are not in the co-op program. Pass/Fail. Prerequisite: PLAN 100 or PLAN 200; one of PLAN 300 or PLAN 319, or REM 319; and permission of the department. Student must be enrolled in the Bachelor of Environment in Resource and Environmental Management Planning Stream.

PLAN 319 - ENVIRONMENTAL AND PLANNING LAW (3)

Next Proposed Offering: Spring 2025, Summer 2025
Provides a practical introduction to the legal system governing the use and protection of the environment and planning and land use law in Canada. A central theme is the difference between the law on paper and the law in practice. Prerequisite: 45 units. Students who have taken ENV 399-3 “Special Topics in Environmental Law” in 2012 may not take this course for further credit. Students with credit for ENV 319 or REM 319 may not take this course for further credit.

PLAN 400 - PLANNING THEORY AND POLICY ANALYSIS (4)

Next Proposed Offering: Spring 2025, Fall 2025
Provides an advanced evaluation of planning theory, public policy and policy analysis, focusing on problems in urban and regional planning and resource and environmental management. Prerequisite: PLAN 100 or PLAN 200; and 60 units.

PLAN 402 - PLANNING INTERNSHIP II (1)

Next Proposed Offering: TBD
Provides students with practical professional planning experience through an internship with an outside agency or through a planning project supervised by the course instructor. Internships will consist of a minimum of 80 hours of practical work time. Students will be required to prepare a log book documenting the work activities. Log books will be signed by the student intern’s supervisor. Students will prepare a final report to submit to the course instructor describing the nature of the work performed and lessons they learned from the work experience. For students registered in the REM planning concentration who are not in the co-op program. Pass/Fail. Prerequisite: PLAN 302 and permission of the Department. Student must be enrolled in the Bachelor of Environment in Resource and Environmental Management Planning Stream.

PLAN 404 - Indigenous Planning and Stewardship (4)

Next Proposed Offering: Fall 2025
Examines the historical and contemporary role planning plays in the dispossession of land, while introducing Indigenous perspectives and understandings of place and the responsibility of environmental stewardship. Explores settler-colonialism, property and Indigenous land relations, co-management and collaborative stewardship, while presenting alternative planning frameworks to inform community-engaged practice. Prerequisite: PLAN 100 or PLAN 200; One of REM 207, or any INDG course; and 75 units. Recommended REM 319 or PLAN 319.

PLAN 406 - RURAL PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT (4)

Next Proposed Offering: Summer 2024
Examines the processes and practices of planning in the rural setting. Topics may include the historical development of rural planning in Canada, the principles and practices of rural development and their relevance to planning, planning in resource regions, and planning for rural resilience. For each topic the course will identify the challenges and opportunities associated with adding a rural lens to planning practice. Prerequisite: PLAN 100 or PLAN 200; and 60 units.

PLAN 407 - INDIGENOUS GOVERNANCE AND RESOURCE RELATIONSHIPS (4)

PLAN 408 - ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING FOR SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES (4)

Next Proposed Offering: Summer 2025
Examines frameworks, policies and planning approaches to position communities for a sustainable future. Sustainable communities connect citizens, private sector and government to collaborate in balancing human well-being with ecosystem health. Environmental planners need to know how to engage community-level stakeholders to prevent deforestation, reduce carbon emissions, and protect biodiversity while also fostering community health, social equity, and quality of life. Prerequisite: PLAN 100 or PLAN 200; and 60 units.

PLAN 443 - PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT, MEDIATION AND CONFLICT RESOLUTION IN PLANNING (4)

Next Proposed Offering: Summer 2025
Introduces students to the theory and techniques of public engagement, negotiation and mediation processes in planning. Begins with a review of planning and negotiation theory and this is followed by a review of techniques for the design and operation of public engagement in planning. Case studies and negotiation simulation sessions will be used to illustrate key concepts. We use the theories and approaches taught at the Harvard Negotiation Program including Harvard Negotiation Program simulation exercises for environmental dispute resolution. Students acquire the skills to design, manage, and facilitate public engagement processes in planning, engage in stakeholder negotiation, and resolve public disputes in planning. Prerequisite: PLAN 100 or PLAN 200; and 60 units.

PLAN 495 - PROFESSIONAL PLANNING CAPSTONE (4)

Next Proposed Offering: Fall 2025
Reviews issues in current professional planning practice and requirements for professional planning accreditation. We cover planners' professional ethics, responsibility to the public interest; and, responsibility to clients, employers, and colleagues. Includes case studies of current practice in urban, regional, and environmental planning led by leading practicing professional planners. Students will interact with practicing professional planners through a combination of field trips and workshop presentations on the nature of the planning practice. Prerequisite: PLAN 300, PLAN 302 or ENV 302, and 75 units; or with instructor permission. Students must be enrolled in the Bachelor of Environment in Resource and Environmental (Planning) program.

Sustainable Development Courses

SD 281 - INTRODUCTION TO SUSTAINABILITY (3)

SD 381 - Building Sustainable Communities (4)

SD 401 - SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT STUDIO (4)

Next Proposed Offering: Summer 2025
Engages students in creating innovative solutions to real-world challenges of sustainability and development, using studio-based approaches. Explores mechanisms for effective social and environmental change and develops policies and strategies for implementing sustainability in different locations and at different scales. Prerequisite: SD 281; one of SD 381 or SD 481; and 75 units.

SD 412 - TECHNOLOGIES, CULTURES AND A SUSTAINABLE WORLD (3)

Next Proposed Offering: TBD
Technology issues relevant to global sustainable development are considered from engineering, historical and anthropological perspectives. Topics include hydroelectric dams, alternative power generation systems, and the science of climate change. In-depth case studies emphasize interdisciplinary exploration of these themes. Prerequisite: Minimum 60 units. Students may take only one of SD 412, ENSC 412 or ENV 412 for credit. Breadth-Science.

SD 481 - SUSTAINABILITY GOVERNANCE AND LEADERSHIP (4)

Next Proposed Offering: Spring 2025
Engages students in understanding critical concepts and issues of sustainability at different scales and how they related to policy, management, leadership, and governance in a range of context and across different sectors (thinking about how local movements can come to influence national and international governance). Explores and analyzes the history of sustainability action, how change happens, the role of different levels of governance, current sustainability initiatives, and prospects for how to create change in the future. Prerequisite: One of PLAN 100, PLAN 200, REM 100, or SD 281; and 60 units. Students with credit for SCD 401 or REM 401 or REM 481 may not complete this course for further credit.

SD 491 - DIRECTED STUDIES IN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT (3)

Permits SD students to expand their knowledge base and apply their critical thinking within the field of sustainable development in an area not examined in depth in regular courses. Enrollment is limited. Variable units: 1, 2, 3, 4. Prerequisite: 60 units and permission of the program director. Students with credit for DEVS 403 or SCD 412 may not take this course for further credit.

SD 494 - PROJECT IN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT (4)

Provides students an opportunity to apply ideas and models acquired in the program to a practical problem in sustainable development. Required for SCD PBD students. Certificate students must apply for special permission to take this course. Enrollment is limited. Prerequisite: Permission of the Director of the Sustainable Development Program. Students with credit for SCD 404 may not take this course for further credit.

SD 499 - SPECIAL TOPICS IN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT (4)

Next Proposed Offering: TBD
A specific topic within the field of sustainable development, not covered by regularly scheduled, required courses in the program. The subject matter may vary from term to term. Prerequisite: 60 units or admission to the Post Baccalaureate Diploma in Sustainable Development. Students with credit for DEVS 402 or SCD 410 with the same topic may not take this course for further credit.