COURSE CURRICULUM

The Environmental Technician program at Confederation College provides a comprehensive education through a carefully structured four-semester curriculum designed to prepare students for careers in environmental management and resource conservation. In the first semester, students build foundational skills with courses like College Writing, Introduction to Environmental Chemistry, Applied Math for Technology, Microsoft Office, Natural Resource Measurements, Tree and Shrub Identification, Soils and Geomorphology, and an intensive Fall Field School. The second semester deepens scientific understanding with Advanced Chemistry, People and the Forest, Applied Math for Technology II, Geographical Information Systems I, Plant Biology, and Introductory Ecology. In the third semester, students gain practical skills with Introductory Surveying, a second Fall Field School, Hydrogeology, Water Quality, Waste Management, Environmental Audits, and Supervisory Skills & Conflict Resolution, balancing technical knowledge with leadership development. The final semester emphasizes specialized environmental knowledge and applied skills through Hydrology & Hydraulics, Environmental Legislation, Environment, Ethics & Society, Industrial Environmental Technology, Drinking Water Treatment & Distribution, Wastewater Collection & Treatment, and Introductory Statistics for Environmental Applications. This curriculum blends classroom learning with hands-on fieldwork and practical applications, preparing graduates to assess and manage natural and man-made environments effectively. With a focus on northern Ontario’s unique ecosystem, students gain relevant expertise supported by current industry standards and environmental practices. Optional co-op placements and opportunities for certification, such as the Entry-Level Drinking Water Operator Certificate, further enhance employment prospects. The program also offers seamless transfer pathways to related college and university degrees, including a joint admission pathway to Lakehead University, allowing students to continue their studies and advance their careers in environmental science and technology.