COURSE CURRICULUM

Seneca’s Environmental Technician – Water and Wastewater program is a two-year diploma designed to provide students with a comprehensive foundation in environmental monitoring, sampling, analysis, and management, preparing them for careers in the water and wastewater industry. The program integrates theoretical knowledge with extensive hands-on learning, emphasizing practical field skills in diverse natural settings. In the first semester, students develop core skills in environmental science, geomorphology, soils, CAD fundamentals, and field practices, alongside essential communication and mathematics skills. The second semester focuses on chemistry, data management, geospatial data collection, site assessment and remediation, and field-based stream assessments, while preparing students for work-integrated learning. A co-op work term allows students to gain real-world experience in environmental monitoring and water and wastewater operations. In the third semester, advanced field and lab techniques are emphasized, including aquatic and terrestrial ecology, environmental sampling and analysis, plant identification, soil science, geospatial analysis, and hydrology and watershed management. The fourth semester covers specialized topics such as air pollution, environmental auditing and legislation, erosion and sediment management, soil and groundwater assessment, image analysis, and water and wastewater processes and treatment. Throughout the program, students develop technical, analytical, and professional skills, including sampling, testing, data interpretation, project management, and adherence to safety and environmental regulations, equipping them for immediate employment in environmental and water management fields.