Developing a Design Basis Memorandum:
An Online Course
The Landform Design Institute is pleased to offer a new online “short course” on the development of a design basis memorandum (DBM) for landform design and closure planning. The course features eight video lectures recorded by the Institute’s founder, Dr. Gord McKenna, that explain how to prepare to write the DBM, how to craft the DBM vision, and how to implement the DBM.
The course provides direction on creating a design team that develops a vision and a Master Table of goals, objectives, and criteria to implement the vision. The course sets out instructions on the governance of the design process, including collaboration with Indigenous Peoples and local communities. Students complete three exercises that will be evaluated by a landform design expert and receive a DBM certificate upon completion.
The course fee is $399 for non-members of the Institute. Members enjoy a 20% discount which makes the cost $319 for each student or individual member, or individuals employed by a corporate member. Registrants can take advantage of the discount by registering as LDI members for $90 as individual members or $10 for students.
To register, visit our online education portal.
Landform design is an interdisciplinary approach used to create mining landscapes and meet specific land-use goals and performance standards. Developed in the 1990s, it addresses the issue that reclaimed mining lands were rarely approved despite efforts from various stakeholders. A key concern was the misalignment of expectations between mining companies, regulators, and local communities regarding the reclaimed lands’ design, construction, and performance. The DBM helps alleviate this shortcoming by ensuring all stakeholders are working together toward shared goals and objectives.
Details of the Course: General Format
- Each module is one lecture. You can watch as many times as you like.
- Three modules have exercises. You can download the exercise templates from the website.
- There are discussion options available for each module, as well as a community page where you can interact with other practitioners, including LDI members. The LDI has prepared a how-to report, which is suitably called “Developing a Design Basis Memorandum for Landform Design.” The format of the report mimics that of the course.
- The presentation mentions submitting your exercises at the end of the course. You may do so by email or submit directly online as you complete the modules. Once we receive your exercise, a landform design practitioner will read it and provide high-level feedback within 14 days.
- The landformdesign.com website provides a wealth of information and access to other publicly available references on DBMs. A lot of information on landform design on the website is available to the public, and even more to members. If you work for an LDI corporate member, ask us and we can provide you access to the members-only site.
- Please contact Jasmine at the Institute if you have any questions about memberships, problems with the course logistics or website issues. We’re standing by to help.
Upon completion of the course, students will:
- Understand the Purpose of a DBM
- Define what a DBM is
- Gain practical knowledge to create and implement a DBM
- Receive a Course Completion Certificate
The recently released how-to guide for developing a DBM will be helpful throughout this course. Please take a moment to download your free copy here: Developing a Design Basis Memorandum for Landform Design.