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School of Resource and Environmental Management | Faculty of Environment Simon Fraser University Calendar | Spring 2025

Resource and Environmental Management Minor

Admission Requirements

All students must be in good academic standing, and must obtain approval from the REM Academic Advisor in order to be enrolled in the REM Minor.

Note: Resource and Environmental Management Bachelor of Environment students are not eligible for the REM Minor.

Program Requirements

Students complete a total of 3 lower division courses and 5 upper division REM courses in the REM Minor.

Lower Division Requirements

Complete all of

REM 100 - Global Change (3)

The Earth is experiencing the most dramatic environmental changes it has for thousands of years. How did we end up here? Provides an interdisciplinary perspective on the forces behind our ever-increasing environmental footprint. Highlights how ideologies and societal structures have shaped how we interact with the environment and explores the necessary changes for a more sustainable future. Breadth-Social Sciences.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
OL01 Scott Harrison
Online
REM 200 - Introduction to Resource and Environmental Management in Canada (3)

Explores the natural and social science foundations of resource and environmental management and demonstrates how that knowledge can be used in environmental decision-making in Canada. Provides a basic understanding of the nature and management of natural resources, including Indigenous resource management issues in a Canadian context. Consideration is given to 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.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Phil Bradshaw
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D101 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D102 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D103 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D104 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 5:30–6:20 p.m.
Burnaby

Complete one of

REM 211 - Introduction to Applied Ecology (3)

Balancing the needs of people and other components of nature is among the foremost challenges of our time. Understanding key processes that structure nature across space and through time can help inform this challenge. Introduces students to the foundational concepts of applied ecology motivated by real-world management and conservation problems. Breadth-Science.

REM 225 - Quantitative Toolkit for Social-Ecological Systems (3)

Develops a basic understanding of the breadth and role of quantitative models in social-ecological systems. Introduces skills, methods, and software typically used in data analysis, quantitative modelling, and research for environmental professionals. Provides important baseline education and essential skills for students needing to apply quantitative skills in future courses, and establishes a common understanding in Excel and R. Prerequisite: 18 units. Quantitative.

Upper Division Requirements

Complete one of

REM 311 - Applied Population Ecology (3) *

Builds on foundational ecological concepts to study the ecological processes that govern the dynamics of populations. Uses quantitative models to examine the role of data, variability, uncertainty, and assumptions in science and decision making. Students 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. Uses R to code, run, and interpret ecological population models. 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.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Scott Harrison
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D101 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D102 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D103 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby
REM 321 - Ecological Economics (4) *

Introduces students to the concepts and methods of ecological economics. Provides students with grounding in the core principles of conventional economics applied to the environment but then extends this to the integration of economics and ecology to create a new ecological-economic understanding of environmental change and sustainability. Prerequisite: 45 units. Students with credit for ENV 321 cannot take REM 321 for further credit. Breadth-Social Sciences.

REM 356W - Environmental Policy (3) *

Provides an overview of policy and governance approaches used to manage the natural environment from international to local levels. The history, basic concepts, and key strategies of modern environmental policy are presented and discussed. Students then analyze and critique environmental policy across scales regarding climate, forests, oceans, and urban landscapes focusing on determining the effectiveness and efficiency of different approaches to regulate and manage the environment. Prerequisite: One of REM 100, GEOG 100, GEOG 111, or EVSC 100; and 45 units. Students with credit for REM 356 may not take this course for further credit. Writing.

Complete two of

REM 311 - Applied Population Ecology (3) *

Builds on foundational ecological concepts to study the ecological processes that govern the dynamics of populations. Uses quantitative models to examine the role of data, variability, uncertainty, and assumptions in science and decision making. Students 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. Uses R to code, run, and interpret ecological population models. 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.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Scott Harrison
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D101 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D102 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D103 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby
REM 319 - Environmental and Planning Law (3)

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.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Devon Page
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
or PLAN 319 - Environmental and Planning Law (3)

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.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Devon Page
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
REM 320W - Ethics and the Environment (3)

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) *

Introduces students to the concepts and methods of ecological economics. Provides students with grounding in the core principles of conventional economics applied to the environment but then extends this to the integration of economics and ecology to create a new ecological-economic understanding of environmental change and sustainability. Prerequisite: 45 units. Students with credit for ENV 321 cannot take REM 321 for further credit. Breadth-Social Sciences.

REM 325 - Uncertainty, Risk, and Decision Analysis (3)

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.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Kyle Wilson
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, Wed, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D101 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D102 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
REM 334 - Earth's Past Climates (4)

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 463-3 "Special Topics" in Spring 2019 may not enroll in this course for further credit.

or EVSC 334 - Earth's Past Climates (4)

Paleoclimatology is the study of how and why Earth's climate has changed in the past. Paleoclimalologists 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 REM 334 may not take this course for further credit. Students who have taken REM 463-3 "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)

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.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
E100 Will Niver
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 5:30–8:20 p.m.
Burnaby
E101 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
E102 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
E103 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
E104 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
REM 355 - Sustainable Transportation for a Zero-Emissions World (3)

Explores the transportation system and how to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions as well as other sustainability goals. Topics include zero-emissions vehicles, low-carbon fuels, shared mobility, vehicle automation, and reduced vehicle use. An interdisciplinary approach is followed, including analyses of environmental and resource impacts, consumer behaviour, systems, technology change, and climate policy. Prerequisite: 45 units or permission of instructor.

REM 356W - Environmental Policy (3) *

Provides an overview of policy and governance approaches used to manage the natural environment from international to local levels. The history, basic concepts, and key strategies of modern environmental policy are presented and discussed. Students then analyze and critique environmental policy across scales regarding climate, forests, oceans, and urban landscapes focusing on determining the effectiveness and efficiency of different approaches to regulate and manage the environment. Prerequisite: One of REM 100, GEOG 100, GEOG 111, or EVSC 100; and 45 units. Students with credit for REM 356 may not take this course for further credit. Writing.

REM 357 - Planning for Sustainable Food Systems (3)

Provides students with the tools to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the current food system and will encourage them to critically analyze diverse solutions from both the global South and global North to build a more sustainable food system. Students will work collaboratively with the instructor to examine diverse and interdisciplinary approaches to food sustainability and strengthen their problem-solving skills. Prerequisite: 45 units. Students who have taken REM 363-3 "Special Topics" in Spring 2019 and Fall 2019 may not enroll in this course for further credit.

REM 370 - Global Resource Issues in Oceanography (4)

Uses the lens of ocean resource management to introduce principles of oceanography, including ocean circulation, ocean carbon cycling, nutrients and biological productivity, oceans and the climate system, and global fisheries. Provides basic understanding of ocean resource management through case studies such as plastic pollution, ocean acidification, Arctic Ocean change, and global fisheries management. 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)

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.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Scott Harrison
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D101 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D102 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D103 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
SD 381 - Building Sustainable Communities (4)

Engages students in understanding how to plan and cultivate sustainability at the community and city level, taking into consideration the environmental, economic, and social aspects of development. Explores and analyzes policy instruments, planning tools, and strategies from around the world for engaging people and institutions in building sustainable communities. Prerequisite: One of PLAN 100, PLAN 200, REM 100, or SD 281; and 45 units. Students with credit for REM 381 may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Social Sciences.

REM 388 - Wildlife Conservation (3)

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.

Complete two of

REM 404 - Indigenous Planning and Stewardship (4)

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)

Explores diverse Indigenous perspectives on governance, resource, land and water management, intergovernmental relations and economic development in the context of contemporary settler colonialism in Canada. Skills include critical thinking, anti-colonial, economic, political and policy analyses. Prerequisite: One of REM 207, ARCH 286, or any INDG course; and 75 units. Students with credit for PLAN 407 may not take this course for further credit.

REM 412 - Environmental Modeling (4)

Students receive hands-on experience in the construction and analysis of computer simulation models of environmental and ecological systems and problems. 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; and 60 units. Recommended: REM 225. Quantitative.

REM 423 - Research Methods in Fisheries Assessment (4)

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)

Interdisciplinary introduction to snow avalanches and the management of the associated risks. Embedded in an overall risk management framework, the course discusses the physics of avalanche formation, identification and characterization of avalanche terrain, the fundamentals of hazard assessment, and mitigation approaches in different contexts with practical examples from in Canada. Prerequisite: STAT 201 or 203 or 205 or GEOG 251 or equivalent, and 60 units; or permission of the instructor. Recommended: REM 225.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Pascal Haegeli
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, Thu, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
REM 431 - Climate Change and Environmental Management (4)

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)

Students receive theory and practical experience in the control and management of hazardous substances in the environment. This includes the application of techniques used to assess toxicological, ecological and human health risks of contaminants within the current regulatory framework. Prerequisite: MATH 151 or 154 or 157; STAT 201 or 203 or 205 or GEOG 251 or equivalent; and 60 units. Recommended: REM 225.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Frank Gobas
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
Burnaby
D101 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D102 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
REM 446 - Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (4)

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.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Jonathan Boron
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, Fri, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
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.

or EDUC 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: EDUC 401W/402W or Corequisite: EDUC 403. Students may be required to successfully complete a Criminal Record Check. Students with credit for EDUC 454, REM 452, or ENV 452 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative/Breadth-Science.

REM 454 - Water Security (4)

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 471 - Forest Ecosystems and Management (4)

Forests are critical components of the earth system and provide diverse ecological, economic, social, and cultural services. They are also a source of conflict regarding their conservation and use. Students will begin by examining the ecological characteristics of forest ecosystems and disturbances pertinent to North America. This knowledge will then be applied to evaluate tools of forest management for a variety of goals and objectives. The final section of the course will examine challenges and opportunities in the management of British Columbia’s forested ecosystems, including Indigenous Protected Conservation Areas, carbon accounting, and wildfire management. This course will involve lectures, group work, assignments, and possible field trips. Prerequisite: One of REM 100, or GEOG 100 or 111, or EVSC 100 or BISC 102; and 45 units.

SD 481 - Global Sustainability Governance and Action (4)

From sustainability debates to policy windows and strategic goals (e.g., UN Sustainable Development Goals), students engage with tools and concepts to enable equitable change across contexts and sectors. This includes how policy is created, who the main players are in effecting change, and how we track and adapt to outcomes. Prerequisite: One of PLAN 100, PLAN 200, REM 100, or SD 281; and 60 units. Students with credit for REM 481 may not take this course for further credit.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Andres Cisneros-Montemayor
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, Thu, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby

*Note: REM 311, 321 and 356W appear in two requirement lists; however, each course may only be used to meet one of the above upper division requirements.

General University regulations also apply.