COURSE CURRICULUM

The Environmental Technician – Water and Wastewater Systems Operations program at Northern College is structured across four semesters, providing comprehensive training essential for a successful career in water and wastewater treatment. In Semester 1, foundational courses such as Professional Communications (CM1323), Chemistry and Physics (EV1013), Basic Math for Systems Operators (EV1053), and Computer Applications for Business & Technology (IN1093) build essential skills. Specialized technical courses include Water Monitoring and Sampling (WM1004) and Introduction to Wastewater Collections and Treatment (WM2023), which introduce students to the core principles of environmental monitoring and wastewater processes. Semester 2 focuses on more advanced operational knowledge with courses like Plant Operations II (EV2004), Pumps and Motors (EV4013), Instrumentation and Process Control (EV4016), and Chlorine Maintenance (EV4032), alongside workplace skills such as Introduction to Human Resources (BU1103) and Communications in the Workplace (CM2303). Co-op Studies (GN2013) provide practical, paid work experience. Semester 3 expands the environmental scope with Soil and Air Monitoring & Sampling (EV2013), Health and Safety (GN1033), Indigenous Culture & Awareness (GN1443), and the introduction to GIS technology (IN4163). Students also complete General Education electives, broadening their knowledge and perspective. The final semester emphasizes certification readiness and advanced technical expertise through courses such as Drinking Water Operations – Self Study (EV1000), Millwright and Water Treatment Plant 1 (EV1033), Problem Solving in Water and Wastewater Treatment (EV2053), and Laboratory Procedures (EV4022). It also covers Wastewater Digestion and Nutrient Removal (WM2011), Hydrogeology (WM3003), and Environmental Regulations and Legislation (WM4022), ensuring students are fully prepared for licensing exams and industry demands. This curriculum balances theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and professional development, equipping graduates to excel as licensed operators in Ontario’s water and wastewater sectors.