ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNIQUES
Program Outline
Major: ENVT
Length: 1 Year
Delivery: 2 Semesters
Credential: Ontario College Certificate
Effective: 2011-2012
Location: Owen Sound
Start: Fall
Description
Environmental Techniques Graduates will have completed an 8 month certificate with an emphasis on water and wastewater operations. Graduates are trained in the use of environmental technology tools and are familiar with environmental systems operations. They have applied knowledge of health, safety and environmental legislative requirements.
Career Opportunities
Graduates will possess the skills and knowledge to assist other professionals in the protection of the environment. Employment opportunities within the environmental sector are inherently diverse, however it is anticipated that students could be employed as operators in the water and wastewater sectors which are currently experiencing a shortage of skilled employees. Graduates may also wish to pursue further post-secondary education at the technician or technologist level.
Program Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- apply appropriate regulations, guidelines and policies to an environmental context;
- participate in field and laboratory activities;
- employ appropriate methods for the treatment and delivery of water, management of solid waste, remediation of contaminated sites, or the reduction of impacts from other environmental media;
- apply basic mathematical techniques in the resolution of environmental problems;
- apply basic scientific and technical skills to environmental protection;
- assist in the prevention, monitoring, control and remediation of water, air or soil;
- communicate at a basic level in a multi-disciplinary setting.
Program Progression
Sem 1 - Fall 2011
Sem 2 - Winter 2012
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) (ENG 4C, ENG 4U), any Grade 12 College Mathematics (MAP4C or MCT 4C), or any Grade 12 University Mathematics.
In addition to these requirements, it is recommended that applicants have a grade 11 or 12 science (physics or chemistry).
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
9 Mandatory Courses
2 Communications Courses
Graduation Eligibility
To graduate from this program, the passing weighted average for promotion through each semester, 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
COMP1059 Computer Technology for Environmental Applications
ENVR1000 Environmental Science and Sustainability
ENVR1003 Environmental Health and Safety
ENVR1004 Geospatial Technology
ENVR3001 Water Supply and Wastewater Treatment
MATH1018 Introduction to Technical Mathematics
PHSY1004 Physical Systems in the Environment
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)
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.
COMM1001 Communications at Work 42.0 Hours
Students develop their communication skills for the workplace. Using available technology, they research, write and edit work-related correspondence and short reports, individually and collaboratively. With audio-visual support, they prepare and deliver professional presentations that have vocational emphasis. In addition, students complete other communication tasks specific to their vocational areas.
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 including: Excel, WORD, VISIO, PowerPoint, Project, CADD, and data management.
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.
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.
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.
PHSY1004 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.
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: March 08, 2012.