ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNICIAN
Program Outline
Major: ENTN
Length: 2 Years
Delivery: 4 Semesters, plus 1 work term
Credential: Ontario College Diploma, Co-op
Effective: 2011-2012
Location: Barrie
Start: Fall
Description
Environmental Technician graduates are trained as entry-level practitioners in the use of environmental sampling, monitoring and testing equipment and information technology tools and will be familiar with standard operating procedures for conducting environmental projects. The program provides students with applied knowledge of health, safety and environmental legislative requirements, environmental management systems; and the basic principles of ecosystem-based management for sustainability.
Career Opportunities
Given the diversity in program skills and knowledge there are a number of career options in the environmental field working for small and large corporations. Potential employers include environmental consulting firms; government agencies (municipal, provincial, federal); environmental services departments in a variety of organizations; and water, wastewater and waste management firms.
Program Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- collect, and perform routine tests on, representative environmental samples;
- employ various information technology tools to assemble and use environmental data effectively;
- apply the basic concepts of science to environmental processes;
- apply basic engineering principles to environmental processes;
- follow standard procedures for conducting environmental projects including the use of appropriate equipment and materials;
- take into account basic principles of ecosystem-based management for sustainability;
- practice principles and ethics associated with environmental management issues;
- work safely in adherence to occupational health and safety standards;
- complete all work in compliance with applicable municipal, provincial, and federal standards and guidelines;
- contribute to the implementation of environmental systems management;
- perform basic project management support techniques;
- communicate technical information accurately and effectively in oral, written, and visual forms.
Practical Experience
Co-operative Education is a mandatory component of all Co-op programs at Georgian College. It has been designed as a process by which students integrate their academic education with paid work experience related to their program of study. This integration affects much more than simply earning a salary, including the adjustment to the work environment and the development of professionalism. It also reinforces skills and theory learned during academic semesters, develops professional contacts, job knowledge and career path, improves human relations and communication skills and promotes personal maturity and financial independence.
Students are requested to register, attend and participate in their scheduled co-operative education classes. These classes are scheduled for all first year students and are expected to be completed in order to proceed successfully to their first co-op work experience. To ensure students are eligible to proceed onto any co-op work experience students should refer to Promotional Status and Eligibility for Co-op as outlined in the College Calendar. Co-op policies and procedures can be located on our website: www.georgianc.on.ca/careers/for-students/
Georgian College follows the Co-operative Education guidelines set out by the Canadian Association for Co-operative Education (CAFCE) and Education at Work Ontario (EWO) by supporting the learning outcomes designed for the program specific graduate profile and curriculum as set out by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities.
Program Progression
Sem 1 - Fall 2011
Sem 2 - Winter 2012
Work Term - Summer 2012
Sem 3 - Fall 2012
Sem 4 - Winter 2013
Admission Requirements
Applicants following the OSS curriculum must have an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD - 30 credits) or equivalent. OSS applicants must also have Grade 12 English (C) or (U) (ENG4C, ENG4U) and any Grade 12 College Mathematics (MCT4C or MAP4C), or Grade 12 University Mathematics. The following subjects are recommended: Grade 12 College or Grade 11 or 12 University Physics (SPH4C, SPH4U, SPH3U) or Grade 12 College or Grade 11 or 12 University Chemistry (SCH4C, SCH4U, SCH3U) or Grade 11 C Biology or Grade 11 or 12 U Biology (SBI3C, SBI3U, SBI4U).
Applicants who are 19 years of age or over by the first day of classes, and who lack the academic entrance qualifications, may be considered for entrance to an appropriate post-secondary diploma or certificate program as mature applicants. Each applicant will be considered on an individual basis and acceptance will be determined by counselling, Communication Placement Assessment (CPA), previous post-secondary education and evaluation of experience. Some programs also have specific prerequisite requirements that must be met prior to admission. Mature applicants must meet all program specific prerequisites. Those applying as mature students and having no documentation of Grade 12 education must supply, if required, proof of age, such as a copy of an official birth certificate or driver's licence. Refer to Sections 2.5 and 2.6 of the Academic Calendar for further details.
Graduation Requirements
20 Mandatory Courses
2 Communications Courses
3 General Education Courses
1 Co-op Work Term
Graduation Eligibility
To graduate from this program, the passing weighted average for promotion through each semester, from year to year and to graduate is 60%. Additionally, a student must attain a minimum of 50% or a letter grade of P (Pass) or S (Satisfactory) in each course in each semester.
Mandatory
BIOL1008 Biological Systems
CHEM1003 Introduction to Applied Chemistry
CHEM2002 Applied Organic Chemistry
COMP1059 Computer Technology for Environmental Applications
ENVR1000 Environmental Science and Sustainability
ENVR1003 Environmental Health and Safety
ENVR1004 Geospatial Technology
ENVR2004 Waste Management Strategies
ENVR2011 Contaminants in the Environment
ENVR2012 Ecosystems and Environmental Sampling
ENVR2013 Limnology and Watershed Management
ENVR2014 Environmental Management Systems and Audits
ENVR2015 Soils and Environmental Geology
ENVR3001 Water Supply and Wastewater Treatment
LAWS2010 Environmental Law and Policy
MATH1018 Introduction to Technical Mathematics
MENG3013 Fluids in the Environment
PHYS1004 Physical Systems in the Environment
STAT2006 Applied Statistics for Environmental Applications
SURV2001 Geomatics and Environmental CADD
The descriptions that follow provide brief outlines of the courses. Please note that some courses have prerequisite and/or corequisite requirements not shown here, that need to be met in order to enroll in the course. You will be advised of any requisite requirements during the registration process, or you can contact the academic area for further details.
Communications
COMM1001 Communications at Work
Plus one addition communications to be selected from College list
(Note: this is in addition to any mandatory communications listed for the program)
General Education Courses
To be selected from College list
Co-op
COOP1023 Environmental Work Term 1
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
BIOL1008 Biological Systems 42.0 Hours
This laboratory and theory course will introduce students to the complexities of living organisms including the structural and functional aspects of life. Emphasis will be placed on biological systems in humans from the molecular level upwards and students will have an opportunity to apply their theoretical knowledge to hands on applications in the laboratory.
CHEM1003 Introduction to Applied Chemistry 70.0 Hours
This course covers the fundamentals of chemistry such as atomic structure, properties and nomenclature of compounds, chemical bonding and reactions, and stoichiometry concepts including mole concept, solutions and gases. Related laboratory experiments will be performed and industrial processes will be introduced.
CHEM2002 Applied Organic Chemistry 42.0 Hours
This course will introduce students to basic organic chemistry. Topics will include structures, properties and nomenclature of classes of organic compounds as well as carbon bonding of compounds. Mechanisms of organic reactions will also be discussed and related laboratory experiments will be performed.
COMM1001 Communications at Work 42.0 Hours
In the workplace, employers require high standards of communication skills. Students develop their communication skills for the workplace as they research, write and edit work-related correspondence and reports. Using technology, they individually and collaboratively design and deliver professional presentations and meetings. This course focuses on communication tasks specific to students' program areas and their future careers.
COMP1059 Computer Technology for Environmental Applications 42.0 Hours
Effective computer technology skills are essential for student success. This laboratory course provides students with hands-on application of the computer technology that is standard in the environmental industry.
COOP1023 Environmental Work Term 1 560.0 Hours
Co-operative Education will provide students with the skills to conduct a college directed and self directed job search in their chosen field of study. Students will obtain a co-op work experience with an employer for a period of 14 weeks. All students are responsible to submit a work term report indicating achievement of specific learning outcomes during their 1st co-op work term. Georgian College follows the Co-operative Education guidelines set out by the Canadian Association for Co-operative Education (CAFCE) and Education at Work Ontario (EWO) by supporting the learning outcomes designed for each program.
ENVR1000 Environmental Science and Sustainability 42.0 Hours
This course focuses on ecological principles, population dynamics and energy resources in order to assess their impact on the environment. The major types of pollution are examined and their effects on the various components of the ecosphere analysed. Strategies for pollution control and the conservation of the Earth's resources are examined in the context of economic considerations and sustainable development.
ENVR1003 Environmental Health and Safety 42.0 Hours
This course provides an overview of the requirements of current legislation and standards pertaining to environmental health and safety in the workplace. Health and safety management systems such as OHSAS 18001; hazardous materials management; WHMIS; biological, physical and chemical hazards; environmental monitoring devices; confined space entry; personal protective equipment; and emergency response systems will be examined.
ENVR1004 Geospatial Technology 56.0 Hours
This hands on laboratory course will provide students with an opportunity to utilize geospatial technology and complete assignments using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software. Field application using Global Positioning Systems will be incorporated and students will manipulate digital maps and various forms of spatial data including satellite imagery and aerial photographs for environmental applications.
ENVR2004 Waste Management Strategies 42.0 Hours
This is course is a study of the complexities associated with waste management and environmental effects; relevant legislative requirements; integrated waste management strategies; disposal and diversion methods and site selection; site closure and post-operational uses. This course will have both a classroom component where solid waste management issues and practices will be learned and a non-classroom component where students will apply these practices in real-life situations.
ENVR2011 Contaminants in the Environment 28.0 Hours
This course examines the unique nature and behaviour of some environmental contaminants in air, soils, surface water and groundwater. Students will have an opportunity to investigate contaminant transport and fate, toxicity measurement, and hazard assessment. Case studies of current environmental problems will be used to illustrate the ecological complexity of some of these reactions. Students will learn the process for cleaning up a contaminated site and the Record of Site Condition requirements.
ENVR2012 Ecosystems and Environmental Sampling 42.0 Hours
This course identifies the components of ecosystems and analyses the interrelationships of biotic and abiotic factors. Physical, chemical and biological parameters are measured in order to assess the health of both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Planning, sampling, collecting, measuring and evaluating various environmental parameters will be emphasized.
ENVR2013 Limnology and Watershed Management 42.0 Hours
This course provides students with practical applications relating to the natural workings of fresh water aquatic ecosystems. It incorporates physical limnology including characteristics such as secci depth and thermocline; chemical characteristics including nitrates, phosphates, dissolved oxygen and pH; and the biological characteristics that can be used to measure the health of aquatic ecosystems.
ENVR2014 Environmental Management Systems and Audits 28.0 Hours
This course is a study of the current practices and policies pertaining to the development, implementation and maintenance of environmental management systems (EMS) in an organization. ISO14001 will be examined and case studies will be used to highlight the key factors involved with EMS implementation. The process of assessing environmental impacts and aspects and implementing continuous improvement measures will be addressed. Comparable health and safety management systems will be examined to reinforce management system concepts.
ENVR2015 Soils and Environmental Geology 42.0 Hours
This course provides an introduction to geological concepts such as the composition and structure of the earth; plate tectonics; geological time scale; geological processes and the landforms they produce. Principles of soil science are investigated and applied including soil formation; taxonomy; biological components; and the chemical and physical properties of soils. The laboratory component of this course will introduce students to field sampling and laboratory analysis techniques.
ENVR3001 Water Supply and Wastewater Treatment 56.0 Hours
This course examines the processes involved in water, sewage and industrial wastewater treatment including relevant legislative requirements; water and wastewater characteristics; and process control analysis. Students will have an opportunity to challenge the Ministry of the Environment Entry Level Drinking Water Operator Licence exam and this course will assist them in challenging the Ministry of the Environment Operator in Training Certificate examinations upon completion of the course. The course includes field trips.
LAWS2010 Environmental Law and Policy 42.0 Hours
The course is designed to develop working knowledge of statutory and common law practices that apply to the environment. Students will have an opportunity to apply this knowledge to case studies to illustrate how environmental law applies in real situations. The course incorporates on-line use of current Acts, Regulations and Guidelines and students will become familiar with Municipal, Provincial and Federal environmental law including duty, breach and liability.
MATH1018 Introduction to Technical Mathematics 42.0 Hours
This course provides a foundation in mathematics in technology programs. Students develop skill in mathematical thinking and problem solving and appropriately apply technology in the solution of problems using algebra, geometry, right-angle trigonometry, trigonometric functions of any angle, systems of linear equations, and the graphs of the primary trigonometric functions. Additional time to strengthen and reinforce mathematics competency is available to those students who require it.
MENG3013 Fluids in the Environment 42.0 Hours
This course provides students with a basic understanding of fluid properties, fluid statics and dynamics, and fluid flow. The flow of incompressible fluids in pressure systems constitutes the major portion of this course. Fluid measurement is covered both in the lecture and the laboratory portion of the course.
PHYS1004 Physical Systems in the Environment 42.0 Hours
This course is designed to introduce students to the basic concepts of physics. It presents wave motion, natural frequencies and sound; heat, thermal expansion, temperature and heat transfer; and electromagnetic waves, light optics, electricity and magnetism. Emphasis is placed on practical examples to illustrate these principles in the environment. Laboratory experiments may be used to illustrate and investigate the principles involved.
STAT2006 Applied Statistics for Environmental Applications 42.0 Hours
Elementary statistical methods and applications to engineering problems; samples and populations; frequency distributions; probability theory; basic distributions; random sampling; point and interval estimation; hypothesis testing; and linear regression and correlation are studied.
SURV2001 Geomatics and Environmental CADD 42.0 Hours
This course is an introduction to survey concepts, measurements and computations and automated surveying. It stresses continued development of skills in preparing and interpreting environmental land survey and engineering drawings using CADD as the drafting tool. Emphasis will be placed on field surveying and students will learn to
capture electronic field data, download and utilize that information for environmental applications. Advanced CADD techniques and procedures will be applied to the creation of drawings.
Adults with significant life and work experience may receive credits toward a college certificate or diploma program through an assessment process.
More information about Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)
NOTE: Information contained in College documents respecting programs is correct at the time of publication. Academic content of programs and courses is revised on an ongoing basis to ensure relevance to changing educational objectives and employment market needs. The college reserves the right to add or delete programs, options, courses, timetables or campus locations subject to sufficient enrolment, and the availability of courses.
Last Update: July 28, 2011.