COURSE CURRICULUM

The Environmental Technician program is structured to provide students with a thorough understanding of environmental science and practical skills over three semesters. In the first semester, students study Fresh Water Ecology 1, which introduces the physical and chemical processes in freshwater systems through classroom and fieldwork, along with Site Characterization, where soil and groundwater properties are analyzed to assess environmental conditions. They also take Environmental Analysis 1, learning fundamental chemical and physical analytical techniques used in various industries, Environmental Legislation, which covers federal, provincial, and municipal laws relevant to environmental compliance, and Health and Safety for Environmental Technicians, focusing on occupational safety standards and communication of safety concepts. Statistics Experimental Design teaches data sampling and analysis, while Environmental Issues and Solutions provides an interdisciplinary approach to Canadian and global environmental challenges using the pillars of sustainability framework. In the second semester, students expand their technical skills with Introduction to Geographical Information Systems, learning to navigate GIS software and create maps, and Ecological Sampling Techniques, which covers standardized protocols for biological population sampling in a field-intensive format. Ecotoxicology introduces toxicity testing methods to evaluate chemical impacts on ecosystems through practical lab and fieldwork. Microbiology covers microorganisms’ classification, physiology, and lab techniques. Fresh Water Ecology 2 builds on the first course, focusing on biological processes in freshwater systems. Air Quality provides insight into pollution sources, impacts, legislation, monitoring technologies, and sampling methods. Environmental Analysis 2 deepens water and air quality testing skills, incorporating material relevant to drinking water operator certification. Solid Waste Management focuses on municipal waste and regulatory frameworks, while Water Treatment and Distribution prepares students for the Ontario Ministry of the Environment’s Entry Level Drinking Water Operator certification exam. The third semester is dedicated to a four-week unpaid Work Placement, offering hands-on experience in a professional environmental setting to integrate classroom learning with real-world application and enhance career readiness.