Resource and Environmental Management
Students who successfully complete this program will be awarded the degree of master of resource management (planning).
In Canada, this planning stream program is distinctive 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.
間眅埶AV Requirements
Refer to the graduate general regulations for admission requirements. Contact the School of Resource and Environmental Management directly for more information (reminfo@sfu.ca). 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. Therefore, admission to the school might be conditional upon the completion of certain undergraduate courses. Detailed application information can be found on the department's website:
Application deadline: January 25.
Program Requirements
Students complete an introductory field course [REM 698], nine additional required courses, and a major written research project [REM 699]. The research project must be presented and defended at an oral defense. In addition, students complete one graduate elective course. A minimum of 61 units is required, consisting of 58 required units and three elective units. In exceptional cases, if a student provides evidence of advanced education that is equivalent to one of the required courses, a waiver may be granted for that course, thereby reducing the number of required courses by one.
Prerequisite Courses
Students must be familiar with the material covered in an undergraduate course in parametric and nonparametric statistics.
Required Courses
Students complete a total of 58 units, including all of
An introduction to the relevance of social science perspectives, data and analytical tools in resource management, especially as these complement, supplement or critique perspectives from natural science or economics. Equivalent Courses: MRM601.
A professional group workshop course focusing on specific resource and environmental problems. Prerequisite: Eight REM courses or permission of instructor.
A review of population, community, and ecosystem ecology; implications of these areas for methods of resource management and environmental assessment. Equivalent Courses: MRM611.
Introduction to economic concepts for management of the environment and specific natural resources. Key issues are definitions of sustainability, the substitution capability between human-made and natural capital, and the appropriate application of economics to sustainable development analysis and policies. Equivalent Courses: MRM621 MRM662.
Reviews how human and natural processes across earth systems and over a range of scales interact to affect the hydrological cycle, climate, and land surface processes that are relevant to resource management. Equivalent Courses: MRM631.
A study of legal interventions related to resource planning and environmental control. The course looks at several aspects of environmental and recourse law including administrative and constitutional law, fisheries and forestry regulation, and native rights. Equivalent Courses: MRM641.
Theory and techniques of regional analysis; planning models and their application to key resource sectors. Equivalent Courses: MRM642.
This course examines theoretical aspects of conflict and dispute resolution in natural resource management settings and is designed to assist students in understanding the nature of environmental conflict and the role of environmental dispute resolution (EDR) techniques. Equivalent Courses: MRM660 MRM662.
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.
Students will develop skills and insight into the design, implementation and analysis of interdisciplinary research in natural resource and environmental management. This will help prepare students to carry out their own research projects. Students who entered REM during or prior to the Fall 1994 term and who have received credit for any one of MRM 601, 611 or 621 may not take REM 801 for credit. Equivalent Courses: MRM801.
Elective Courses
Students choose one graduate course (minimum three units) as an elective to support and complement their particular research interests. Students may, in consultation with their senior supervisor, select a REM course or another graduate course.
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.