Environmental Programs First-year Requirements
Overview
Our nationally-accredited environmental science programs offer you a common first year where you will study alongside all School of Environment and Geomatics students, after choosing and being accepted into one of our three diplomas. After completing your core competencies, you will move into your selected diploma program for a specialized second year. We focus on experiential, hands-on outdoor learning in each of these nationally-accredited environmental science programs.
Program Outcomes
Admission Requirements
Successful completion of these high-school or equivalent courses:
- Foundations of Mathematics 11 with a minimum of 67% or higher
- Biology 11 with a minimum of 67% or higher
- English Studies 12 with a minimum of 67% or higher
NOTE: Applicants in Grade 12 at the time of application must show proof of registration or completion of the above courses.
Applicants that require upgrading may still gain provisional acceptance for program seats if they can show proof of registration (with time for likely completion) of prerequisite high school courses before Fall term start dates.
All applicants must be in good health and reasonably good physical condition. A demonstrated interest in, and aptitude for, outdoor work is essential as much of the work is done in the field, often under adverse and arduous weather and topographic conditions. A self-assessment fitness check list is available on request.
Computer competency is an important element of success in the program. Prior to starting the program, it is strongly recommended that students have entry level experience with word processor, spreadsheet, and web browsing software. Check out Selkirk College Community Education & Workplace Training computer courses.
Students must choose their major at the time of application.
In order to receive your credential in your program you must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.00.
Courses
ENVR150 - Hydrology I
ENVR 150 Hydrology I is an introductory study of water in our environment including its properties, the natural processes which affect it, and climate and weather. Students will gain practical experience in the collection and analysis of field and laboratory data using standard techniques and equipment.
ENVR160 - Surveying and Field Measurements
ENVR 160 Surveying and Field Measurements is an introduction to the practical use of common survey instruments and techniques used by Environmental technicians. As well, the course will introduce the student to various sampling methods used to collect, assess, classify, and evaluate field data. Emphasis is placed on the proper care and use of basic surveying and measurement tools and the skills involved in collecting and interpreting precise and accurate field data.
ENVR162 - Applied Botany and Ecosystem Classification
ENVR 162 Applied Botany and Ecosystem Classification is an introduction to the principles of Botany and Ecosystem Classification. Botany lectures will focus on plant classification, botanical terms, plant morphology, and plant physiology. Topics include: plant cell structure, plant tissue function and structure, photosynthesis and respiration, transpiration and translocation. Botany labs will focus on learning to identify about 100 native plants commonly found in the West Kootenay Region of B.C., specifically key indicator species. Ecology lectures will focus on ecosystem classification using the Biogeoclimatic Ecosystem Classification System (BEC) of B.C. Other key topics include the study of climatic factors, disturbance and succession, landscapes and stand structure. Ecology labs focus on classifying ecosystems (including soils, site and vegetation) to site series using BEC. Labs are mainly field based.
ENVR164 - Soil and Earth Sciences
ENVR 164 Soil and Earth Sciences will cover the identification of common rocks and minerals, landforms and soils of British Columbia. Learners will be introduced to the study of physical geology and geomorphology in relation to management of the forest environment and landscape. Learners will gain skills and knowledge in rock and mineral identification, description of the physical and chemical qualities of soils, and identification and classification of landforms and terrain. Skills will also be developed with respect to interpretation of geology, landforms and soils for environmental management.
ENVR190 - Computer Applications I
ENVR 190 Computer Applications I builds on student’s previously acquired computer skills. Computer applications specific to career opportunities in the environment and geomatics sector will be covered. This will include proper file management techniques for the geomatics environment, Microsoft (MS) Word processing for report writing, MS PowerPoint use for presentations, and MS Excel for data entry, analysis and visualization.
MATH160 - Technical Math Review
MATH 160 Technical Math Review is a mathematical review course for first-year students in the School of Environment and Geomatics (SEG) diploma programs. This course will provide a review of mathematical concepts which you will need for your other SEG courses. Materials to be covered include: unit conversions, trigonometry, exponentials and logarithms, problem solving, slope calculations, distance and direction calculations.
TWC150 - Introduction to Technical Writing and Communications I
TWC 150 Introduction to Technical Writing and Communications I is an introduction to general principles in written technical communication and their application to environmental concerns and workplace communication. Classroom sessions focus on developing writing skills, the organization and presentation of data, basic report formats, and job search techniques.
ENVR158 - Introduction to Geomatics
ENVR 158 Introduction to Geomatics is an introduction to applied mapping and geographic information systems (GIS) theory and applications. The first half of the course will be focused on introducing basic uses of remotely sensed imagery and exploring applied mapping technologies, including Google Earth and Internet Mapping websites. The second half of the semester will be focused on learning basic Geographic Information System concepts and applying GIS technologies to environmental, renewable resource management, and planning fields. Emphasis will be placed on how geographic data is represented, collected, managed, analyzed, and displayed using GIS tools. Hands-on experience will be developed with desktop GIS software, ESRI's ArcGIS for Desktop.
ENVR163 - Terrestrial Ecology and Biology
ENVR 163 Terrestrial Ecology and Biology builds upon the concepts from ENVR 162 with further studies of local forest ecosystems. Students will identify key forest structural components and study the role that disturbance (such as fire), environmental gradients, and competition play in defining a species' niche. Participants will also examine the role of primary and secondary growth, nutrient uptake, reproduction, and survival mechanisms for plants. Winter plant identification, ecosystem form and function, and plant adaptations to timberline will also be examined. A practical field based assignment will form a major portion of the term assessment. This project includes collecting the data in the field, entering and analyzing the data in the computer lab, and presenting the data in a written scientific report.
MATH190 - Resource Statistics I
MATH 190 Resource Statistics I is an introductory applied statistics course for environment and geomatics students. Topics include: types of data, descriptive statistics, probability and random variables, discrete probability distributions, continuous probability distributions, confidence intervals, sample size, and hypothesis testing.
TWC151 - Introduction to Technical Writing and Communications II
TWC 151 Introduction to Technical Writing and Communications II is an introduction to general principles in written scientific communication, research strategies, and oral presentations. Lectures and in-class writing focus upon research strategies, the formal report, technical style, and graphic illustration. Students practice delivery techniques for oral presentations and learn research skills for research report preparation.
FOR278 - ForestryTechnology Field School
FOR 278 Forest Technology Field School is designed to provide students with experiential, hands on skills and training, prior to the summer work season, and in preparation for the second year of the Forestry Technology program. This is accomplished over nine to ten days of practical field work at the end of the winter semester. Major projects include: S-100 fire suppression certification, Fire Smart Evaluations, Fuel Management Assessments and treatments, Tree planting, Woodlot Orientation.
IEP276 - Ecological Restoration and Remediation
IEP 276 Ecological Restoration and Remediation will cover applied ecological restoration and remediation techniques common in the environmental planning and management fields. Restoration project planning and implementation will follow techniques developed by the International Society for Ecological Restoration (SER). Topics covered will include restoration research, project scoping and plan development, field data collection, plant propagation techniques, project implementation in the field, routine and intensive monitoring, and report preparation. Learners can expect to be in the field every day and working on data collection and synthesis during the evenings. This is an intensive 32-hour course offered in a one-week time block in the spring semester.
IEP277 - Environmental Planning Field Applications
IEP 277: Environmental Planning Field Applications involves the development of a planning project in a local regional district. Learners will be involved in scoping of the environmental planning issues, stakeholder consultation, and design of critical planning elements. This is an intensive 35 hour course offered in a one-week time block in the spring semester.
RFW255 - Spring Field School
RFW 255 RFW Field School is a two-week course in the spring where students learn and apply field-related skills directly in activities related to the recreation, fish and wildlife professional areas. Activities include canoeing, navigation, fish habitat surveys, habitat enhancement, wildlife survey, ATV safety, and trail work. Students who successfully complete the canoeing section will receive certification. Students who successfully complete the optional electrofishing section will also receive certification. The intention is to cover skills and learning objectives that do not fit well into a regular semester schedule. In addition, many of the activities are intended to prepare students for RFW 200 - Fall Field Study, and for summer employment.
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