¶¡ÏãÔ°AV

i Please note:  

To view the current calendar, go to 

| ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV Calendar | Summer 2016

Resource and Environmental Management Minor

The REM Minor provides an opportunity for ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV undergraduates to study applied environmental management issues from both natural and social sciences perspectives. The minor program aims to establish student abilities to: (1) understand and articulate how the dynamics of natural and social systems are inter-related in resource  management issues; (2) explain how natural resource management strategies and techniques are formulated for environmental planning and decision-making; and (3) demonstrate the biological, physical, social, economic, and institutional implications of resource and environmental management decisions. These aims provide an environmental management perspective to complement a wide range of existing degrees within ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV Faculties. 

¶¡ÏãÔ°AV 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: Environmental Resource Management Bachelor of Environment students are not eligible for the REM Minor. 

Program Requirements

Students must complete 6 lower division units and a total of 18 upper division units consisting of at least 15 units from REM upper division electives, and an optional 3 units from the upper division electives. 

Lower Division Requirements (6 units)

One of

REM 100 - Global Change (3)

This course provides students with an overview of global environmental change and its causes from a social science perspective, historically and at the present time. Population growth, an increasing ecological footprint and changes in ideology, social organization, economy and technology will be critically reviewed. New ways of thinking in natural and social science will be considered in relation to specific issues such as land, soil and food; energy, raw materials and solid waste; air pollution and transportation; water, oceans and fisheries; climate change; forestry and biodiversity; urbanization, and alternative futures. Breadth-Social Sciences.

EVSC 100 - Introduction to Environmental Science (3)

Introduces students to the discipline of environmental science. Lecture material will be complemented by case studies and guest speakers. Students who have completed EVSC 200 may not complete this course for further credit. Breadth-Science.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
Marnie Branfireun
May 9 – Aug 8, 2016: Tue, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D101 Marnie Branfireun
May 9 – Aug 8, 2016: Tue, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D102 Marnie Branfireun
May 9 – Aug 8, 2016: Tue, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D103 Marnie Branfireun
May 9 – Aug 8, 2016: Tue, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
Marnie Branfireun
May 9 – Aug 8, 2016: Thu, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Surrey
D201 Marnie Branfireun
May 9 – Aug 8, 2016: Thu, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Surrey
D202 Marnie Branfireun
May 9 – Aug 8, 2016: Thu, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Surrey
D203 Marnie Branfireun
May 9 – Aug 8, 2016: Thu, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Surrey
GEOG 100 - Society, Space, Environment: Introducing Human Geography (3)

A survey of how humans shape their world, considered from spatial and environmental perspectives. Themes include population, culture, resources, livelihood, cities. Breadth-Social Sciences.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
Distance Education
Ivor Winton
Jun 28 – Aug 8, 2016: Mon, Wed, Fri, 8:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
GEOG 111 - Earth Systems (3)

An introduction to landforms, climates, soils and vegetation; their origins, distributions, interrelationships and roles in the ecosystem. Laboratory work and field trips are included. Breadth-Science.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
Faran Ali
May 9 – Aug 8, 2016: Tue, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D101 May 9 – Aug 8, 2016: Tue, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D103 May 9 – Aug 8, 2016: Tue, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D104 May 9 – Aug 8, 2016: Wed, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D105 May 9 – Aug 8, 2016: Wed, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D106 May 9 – Aug 8, 2016: Wed, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D107 May 9 – Aug 8, 2016: Thu, 8:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D108 May 9 – Aug 8, 2016: Thu, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D109 May 9 – Aug 8, 2016: Thu, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D110 May 9 – Aug 8, 2016: Fri, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D111 May 9 – Aug 8, 2016: Fri, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D112 May 9 – Aug 8, 2016: Fri, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D113 May 9 – Aug 8, 2016: Tue, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D114 May 9 – Aug 8, 2016: Thu, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D115 May 9 – Aug 8, 2016: Thu, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D116 May 9 – Aug 8, 2016: Tue, 4:30–6:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D117 May 9 – Aug 8, 2016: Tue, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby

and

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. 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 or 111, or EVSC 100; and completion of at least 30 credits. Breadth-Social Sci/Science.

REM Upper Division Electives (minimum of 15 units)

Upper division REM courses form the core of the REM Minor, offering opportunities to develop and apply interdisciplinary thinking skills to specific topics in environmental management. 

REM 301 - Sustainable Community Development Theory and Practice (4)

A theoretical foundation for understanding sustainable development at the community level, including an integrated approach to the environmental, economic, and social aspects of development. Emphasizes economic and policy instruments, and planning tools, for engaging in and implementing SCD. Prerequisite: CED or SCD 201 or REM 201 or completion of 60 units. Students with credit for CED or SCD 301 may not complete this course for further credit. Breadth-Social Sciences.

REM 311 - Applied Ecology and Sustainable Environments (3)

Students will learn to apply the ecological concepts introduced in prereq courses to applied ecological problems at the population, community, and ecosystem levels of organization. Emphasis will be placed on processes which drive ecological dynamics, on recognizing those processes and dynamics in applied contexts, and on interpreting ecological data. Prerequisite: REM 100 or EVSC 100; BISC 204 or GEOG 215; STAT 101 or GEOG 251 or STAT 201 or equivalent. Quantitative.

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: minimum of 45 units. Students with credit for ENV 321 cannot take REM 321 fur further credit.

REM 350 - Sustainable Energy and Materials Management (4)

Takes an interdisciplinary approach to sustainable management of society's energy and materials flows. Topics range from thermodynamics and estimates of global resources to market-based policies and governance Institutions. Peak oil, renewable energy and carbon capture and storage are also discussed. The role for green consumerism in light of climate challenge are highlighted. Prerequisite: 45 credit hours.

REM 356 - Institutional Arrangements for Sustainable Environmental Management (3)

This course provides an overview of some basic legislation, agencies, and policies which currently are in use to regulate the natural environment at the international, nation, provincial, regional, and local levels. Its purpose is to present a basic set of evaluative questions which can be used to address the effectiveness and efficiency of the environmental regulatory and management systems currently in use. Prerequisite: REM 100.

REM 370 - Global Resource Issues in Oceanography (3)

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: EASC 100, EVSC 100, GEOG 111, or REM 100.

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: 60 units.

REM 401 - Social Enterprise for Sustainable Community Development (4)

Introduction to the theory and practice of social enterprise within a SCD context, including the appropriate form of social enterprise for a particular purpose. Prerequisite: CED or SCD 301 or REM 301. Students with credit for CED or SCD 401 may not complete this course for further credit.

REM 403 - Leadership in Sustainable Community Development (4)

Concerned with approaches that SCD leaders require as agents of change, including tackling complex community issues in addition to offering the innovative tools for engaging others in meaningful collaboration processes. Prerequisite: CED or SCD 301, or REM 301. Students with credit for CED or SCD 403 may not complete this course for further credit.

REM 412 - Environmental Modeling (3)

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; STAT 101 or 201 or 203 or 270 or equivalent; 60 units. Quantitative.

REM 445 - Environmental Risk Assessment (3)

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 101 or 103 or 201 or 301 or GEOG 251.

REM 471 - Forest Ecosystem Management (3)

Students will examine the problems of managing forest ecosystems for a variety of societal goals and objectives. The course will start with an examination of the ecological characteristics of forest ecosystems and their dynamics. The second section will focus on the objectives and tools of forest management in an ecological context. The final section of the course will focus on the institutions, economics and policies of forest management, with a focus on British Columbia's historical and current management issues. This course will involve lectures, group discussions, field trips, and exercises. Prerequisite: At least one of REM 311, BISC 304, BISC 310, BISC 404, GEOG 315, or GEOG 316.

Students must complete an additional 3 units from either the above list of REM upper division courses, or from the upper division electives listed below. 

Upper Division Electives

Elective courses allow students to specialize in either social or natural science aspects of resource management. 

ARCH 365 - Archaeological Perspectives on Human Ecology (3)

Examines methods, theories, and concepts for understanding how past cultures interacted with their bio-physical surroundings. Integrates diverse kinds of data and knowledge to understand these relationships. Topics to be addressed include local and traditional ecological knowledge, paleoenvironmental reconstruction, human-environment interaction, human-induced environmental changes, paleodiet, and domestication. Prerequisite: ARCH 201; or any two of ARCH 100, REM 100, GEOG 100, EVSC 100; and 45 credits.

ARCH 386 - Archaeological Resource Management (3)

Surveys the origins, implementations, and need for archaeological heritage legislation on an international and national scale. Topical issues associated with contract archaeology, public archaeology, native heritage, and avocational societies are incorporated. Prerequisite: ARCH 201.

BISC 309 - Conservation Biology (3)

An examination of the primary threats to biodiversity, how biological processes contribute to the persistence of populations and structure of communities, and species and landscape approaches to conservation in the real world. Prerequisite: BISC 204 with a grade of C- or better. Students who have taken BISC 474 in Spring 2006 or BISC 475 in Spring 2008 as special topics courses titled 'Conservation Ecology' cannot take this course for further credit.

BISC 413 - Fisheries Ecology (3)

Fisheries from an ecological point of view, whereby the principles of population dynamics, behaviour, competition and predator-prey relationships are applied to conservation and management of the world's fisheries. Prerequisite: BISC 204 with a grade of C- or better. Students who have taken BISC 472 with the title "Fisheries Ecology" may not take this course for further credit.

BISC 419 - Wildlife Biology (3)

Theoretical and applied aspects of ecology and behavior in relation to wildlife populations and their habitats, with emphasis on important mammals and birds in British Columbia. Prerequisite: BISC 304 with a grade of C- or better. Recommended: BISC 316 and STAT 201.

EASC 405 - Water, Environment, and Climate Change (3)

Applies and integrates concepts from hydrological science to assess the various impacts to water cycles over a range of scales, considering both climate and other environmental stressors. Secondary impacts of climate change on water resources (including water for humans and aquatic ecosystems) are explored, focusing on current issues to generate ideas for potential mitigative and adaptive solutions. Prerequisite: EASC 304, EASC 315W or EASC 412, and GEOG 311.

ENSC 412 - Technologies, Cultures and a Sustainable World (3)

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. Students wishing B-Soc credit should take ENV 412. Prerequisite: Minimum 60 credit hours. Students may take only one of ENSC 412 and ENV 412 for credit. Breadth-Science.

ENV 319 - Environmental Law (3)

Provides a practical introduction to the legal system governing the use and protection of the environment in Canada. A central theme is the difference between the law on paper and the law in practice. Prerequisite: Students must have earned at least 45 units. Students who have taken ENV 399-3 "Special Topics in Enviromental Law" in 2012 may not enroll in this course for further credit.

ENV 320W - Ethics and the Environment (3)

An introduction to the field of environmental ethics for non-specialists. Addresses questions such as what obligations we have to future generations and the natural world, as well as the extent of these obligations. Prerequisite: Students must have earned at least 45 units. 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 PHIL 328-3 may not enroll in this course for further credit. Philosophy Majors and Minors may not take this course for credit towards their major or minor degree. Writing.

FNST 403 - Indigenous Knowledge in the Modern World (3)

This course explores the subject of traditional Indigenous knowledge and its contemporary implications for First Nations programs in such areas as economic development, ecotourism, spiritualism, language retention, biodiversity, ethnoscience, environmentalism, and heritage conservation. First Nations perspectives on patents, copyrights, and other creative products from traditional culture will also be examined through lecture, guest speakers and seminar presentation. Prerequisite: FNST 101 or FNST 201.

GEOG 315 - World Ecosystems (4)

Distribution, structure, function, and dynamics of the world's major biomes. Attention to comparative aspects among terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems and to environmental problems associated with the biomes. Prerequisite: GEOG 215 or BISC 204.

GEOG 316 - Global Biogeochemical and Water Cycles (4)

Introduction to the cycling of essential chemical elements through ecosystems. Interactions among biological, hydrological, and geological controls on the structure and function of ecosystems and the spatial-temporal scales of elemental cycling are emphasized. Environmental problems resulting from disturbance to natural equilibria in the elemental cycles are examined. Prerequisite: GEOG 215 or BISC 204 or permission of the instructor. Quantitative.

GEOG 322 - World Resources (4)

An analysis of the use and development of natural resources from a geographic, economic and institutional perspective. Prerequisite: At least 30 units including GEOG 221. Students with credit for GEOG 322W may not take this course for further credit.

GEOG 389W - Nature and Society (4)

Examines the relationship between nature and society, covering the dominant geographical approaches to human-environment interaction, and their social, spatial, and political economic effects. Prerequisite: GEOG 221 or GEOG 241 (Students who received credit for EVSC 200 before 2011 may use it to meet the prerequisite requirement for this course). Writing.

GEOG 415 - Conservation Biogeography (4)

A survey of advanced biogeographic theory related to biodiversity conservation. Prerequisite: 65 units, including one of BISC 204 or GEOG 215.

GEOG 428 - World Forests (4)

Comparative analysis of forest industries, ecosystems and policies, and their lessons for forest management in British Columbia. Topics include tropical deforestation and carbon sequestration, the wilderness debate, and forests in culture and the visual arts. Prerequisite: GEOG 315, or 322, or 389.

HSCI 304 - Perspectives on Environmental Health (3)

Environmental risks and the impact of human activity on health. Chemical and biological hazards. Methodological approaches to their detection, assessment, management, and mitigation. Prerequisite: Two HSCI 200-level courses one of which may be taken concurrently.

PHIL 328 - Environmental Ethics (3)

A survey of contemporary issues in environmental ethics. Topics may include: animal rights, the intrinsic value of nature, 'deep ecology', obligations to future generations, conservation, environmental justice, as well as relevant background materials in ethical theory. Prerequisite: One of PHIL 120W (or equivalent), 121, 220, 221 or ENV 320W. Students who have completed PHIL 318 may not take this course for further credit.

PHYS 346 - Energy and the Environment (3)

The physical principles and limitations of renewable energy source utilization and energy conversion. A quantitative introduction to energy conversion and storage systems, including solar power and heating; wind, tidal, geothermal, hydroelectric and nuclear power, hydrogen technology, electrical and mechanical energy storage. Prerequisite: CHEM 120 or 121; PHYS 102 or 121 or 126 or 141; and MATH 155 or 152, with a minimum grade of C-. Quantitative.

SA 371 - The Environment and Society (SA) (4)

An examination of environmental issues in their social context. Environmental issues are on the leading edge of contemporary public concern and public policy debates. This course will examine such issues as the relationship between social organization and mode of subsistence, the politics of hunger, and the way in which human societies in their particular social, historical, and cultural contexts view and interact with the natural world. Prerequisite: SA 101 or 150 or 201W.