Please note:
To view the Fall 2024 Academic Calendar, go to www.sfu.ca/students/calendar/2024/fall.html.
Resource and Environmental Management
The master of resource management (planning) program is distinctive in Canada because of its focus on the policy, economic, and environmental science aspects of natural resource and environmental planning. The program is accredited by the Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP) and the Planning Institute of British Columbia. An MRM (Planning) graduate is eligible for candidate membership to become a certified professional planner and may enjoy improved employment prospects, conference and workshop participation, and access to professional development programs.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must satisfy the University admission requirements as stated in Graduate General Regulations 1.3 in the SFU Calendar. Those with degree qualifications in fields not directly related but with extensive experience in resource management are encouraged to apply.
Applicants will vary in their preparation for the various disciplines in the school. Students must be familiar with the material covered in an undergraduate course in parametric and non-parametric statistics. Detailed application information, including the application deadline, can be found on the department's website.
Program Requirements
This program consists of required courses, an elective course, and a research project for a minimum of 57 units.
Students complete the following courses
Examines planning practice, principles, theory, and ethics. Reviews issues in current professional planning practice and requirements for professional planning accreditation. Prerequisite: Enrollment in REM MRM (Planning).
Explores the foundations of applied population, community, and ecosystem ecology within the context of contemporary management and conservation strategies. Topics are explored by way of interactive lectures, field trips, and group activities exploring imperiled species recovery, protected area design, and ecosystem-based management.
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.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| G100 |
Andres Cisneros-Montemayor |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, Thu, 9:30–11:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
Reviews how climate change is impacting multiple facets of earth system (e.g atmosphere, oceans, and freshwater systems). Examines challenges faced by environmental managers as they attempt to mitigate or adapt to these changes.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| G100 |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, Thu, 5:30–7:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
A practical introduction to the legal system that governs the use and protection of natural resources and the environment in Canada. The course also includes an overview of the law that governs land use planning in British Columbia. Prerequisite: Enrollment in a REM graduate program or permission of the department. Students with credit for MRM 641 may not take this course for further credit.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| G100 |
Cameron Brewer |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 9:30 a.m.–1:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
Theory and techniques of regional analysis; planning models and their application to key resource sectors. Equivalent Courses: MRM642.
Theory and techniques of public engagement, negotiation, and conflict resolution in planning and public policy.
Analysis of methods of policy-making and problem solving with particular emphasis on natural resource issues. Topics include goal setting, problem definition, program scheduling, policy evaluation, policy implementation and public administration. A practical analysis of the structure and processes surrounding major contemporary policy issues. Equivalent Courses: MRM644.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| G100 |
Jonathan Moore |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, Thu, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
An intensive field course introducing students to the diversity of issues and viewpoints concerning management of natural resources. Problem areas will include forestry, mining, fisheries and wildlife management, energy, recreation and land use planning. Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. Equivalent Courses: MRM698.
Sustainability research and practice are by nature interdisciplinary. Both demand that results are mobilized to diverse audiences outside the academy. Through a combination of workshops, peer-to-peer learning, self-designed assignments, and interactive lectures, students will expand their professional toolbox with cutting-edge research, communication, and leadership skills to help them advance their sustainability research and practice goals.
and a minimum of three elective graduate units in consultation with the supervisor
and a research project
A research project dealing with a specific interdisciplinary problem in resource management, administration or allocation. The study must result in the preparation of a formal paper and the presentation of a seminar. Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. Students with credit for MRM 699 may not take this course for further credit.
Accelerated Master's
SFU students accepted in the accelerated master’s within the School of Resource and Environmental Management may apply a maximum of 10 graduate course units, taken while completing the bachelor’s degree, towards the upper division electives of the bachelor’s program and the requirements of the master’s degree. For more information go to: https://www.sfu.ca/gradstudies/apply/programs/accelerated-masters.html.
Program Length
Students are expected to complete the program requirements in six terms.
Other Information
Course Exemption
In exceptional cases, if a student provides evidence of advanced education that is equivalent to one of the required courses, an exemption may be granted for that course, thereby reducing the number of required courses by one. If a student receives a course exemption, the student is not required to replace the course for which the exemption was received.
Research Project
The research project must be presented and defended at an oral examination. The project is examined by the supervisory committee and upon successful completion must be submitted to the library.
Academic Requirements within the Graduate General Regulations
All graduate students must satisfy the academic requirements that are specified in the Graduate General Regulations, as well as the specific requirements for the program in which they are enrolled.