Full-time Programs
ENVR - Environmental Technician/Technologist
Program Entry
SEPTEMBER
Program Length
Technician: Two-year Ontario College Diploma
Technology: Three-year Ontario College Advanced Diploma
Option: One-year Ontario College Certificate – Chemical Laboratory Assistant
| Contact: | E-mail: |
|---|---|
| Karen Holder | kholder@loyalistc.on.ca |
On This Page
Highlights
- Choose a career where you can make an impact.
- Bioremediation techniques can reclaim once-contaminated environments for wildlife habitats, farming and the world’s increasing population.
- Leading-edge environmental laboratory facilities at Loyalist include well-equipped field biology lab and instrumentation lab.
- Work placements provide on-the-job experience.
- My Faculty – Watch the video.
Career Opportunities
The momentum of “green” issues in mainstream politics has opened up many opportunities to combat environmental contamination through prevention, pollution abatement (cleanup), waste reduction and public education. Graduates work within industries to reduce and clean up waste; conduct environmental investigations, and enforcement for government agencies; monitor water and wastewater treatment, and safe drinking water for municipalities; and provide technical support to consulting engineers, urban and rural planners, and environmental consultants.
Program Description
Prepare to get your hands dirty. Loyalist offers real-world learning for real-world problems, with extensive field work and hands-on instruction with the technologies of the future. Students learn to sample natural environments, analyze environmental contaminants, and also gain an understanding of the underlying social systems that contribute to pollutants in water, soil and air.
A common first-year curriculum introduces basic principles and techniques of biology and organic chemistry, along with related computer and communication skills. After one year, students have the option to transfer into another Biosciences program, or complete a placement to graduate with an Ontario College Certificate as a Chemical Laboratory Assistant.
The second year progresses to hands-on experience with hydrology, field biology and environmental instrumentation. Studies are more specialized, emphasizing current legislation under the Environmental Protection Act. Successful graduates are eligible for a technician diploma.
Third-year students participate in team-building activities focusing on major environmental projects. Topics are determined by students’ individual interests. Technology graduates are equipped for the workplace with applied skills in surveying, data analysis, CAD and GIS. Placements in the second and third years allow students to put their training into practice in an employment setting.
Some second and third-year field courses prepare students for certification in skills concerning assessment of fresh water bodies. These certification courses are currently conducted by external provincial agencies. In addition, some second and third-year courses enable students to work directly with local industry on concurrent self-monitoring required by provincial regulation.
Approximate Cost
Tuition/Ancillary Fees: $3,393 (two semesters)
Consumables Fee: $80
Books and Supplies: $1,040
Additional costs, such as travel and parking, may be incurred during placements, internships and practicums.
Admission Requirements
Required academic preparation –
- OSSD/OSSGD or equivalent with courses at the general or advanced, (C), (U), (M) or (O) level, and
- Grade 12 English (C) level or equivalent
OR
Recommended academic preparation –
- Grade 12 mathematics, chemistry, and physics at the (C), (U) or general level.
Opportunities for Further Study
Overlapping areas of study make it possible to fast-track your way to a second diploma. Expand your opportunities with expertise in:
Loyalist / University Transfer
Turn your diploma into a degree. Transfer agreements are in place with the following institutions as of September 2011:
- Algoma University College
- Athabasca University
- Cape Breton University
- Davenport University
- Griffith University
- Laurentian University
- Royal Roads University
- Trent University
- University of Ontario Institute of Technology
Click here for details. Graduates may contact the university to make individual arrangements. Informal agreements are in place with other institutions and new transfer agreements are added annually.
Curriculum
First Year - Semester One
BIOS 1000 Biology 1
This is an introductory course focusing on topics of cell structure and function, the flow of energy in cells, and the exchange of information in and between cells. Basic biological laboratory exercises augment theoretical material.
BIOS 1007 Foundation Skills for Sciences
This course is designed to: 1) raise awareness and interest regarding the place of science in everyday life, by exploring current local and global topics affecting life on Earth, and science's place in bringing these issues to our awareness; 2) develop sound critical thinking skills through exposure to the scientific method and experimental design; 3) apply transferable skills fundamental to scientific research and communication, and 4) learn of career opportunities in science through exposure to careers of current biosciences professors and local industry leaders.
CHEM 1000 General Chemistry 1
The first of two, this introductiory chemistry course examines atomic structure, the names of the elements and their symbols, the IUPAC and common systems of nomenclature for inorganic compounds and ions, molecular weight, mole and solution concentration calculations, chemical reactions and equations. Laboratory exercises supplement the course material to provide students with practical knowledge of general lab safety and standard laboratory procedures.
CHEM 1001 Organic Chemistry 1
This course is designed as an introduction to organic chemistry, with emphasis on molecular structure of the major classes of organic molecules, physical and chemical properties, and IUPAC nomenclature. Learners will also recognize the unique properties of organic compounds, and describe practical applications of organic chemistry to everyday life and biological systems.
COMM 1035 Communications 1
This course introduces students to essential language skills to communicate clearly, concisely and correctly in written, spoken and visual form that fulfills the purpose and meets the needs of the audiences. Students will reframe information, ideas and concepts using narrative, visual and symbolic representations which demonstrate understanding.
MATH 1003 Mathematics 1
Engineering and scientific applications involving the following areas: the SI system for dealing with exact and approximate numbers, exponents, solving equations, determinants and linear equations, curve sketching, graphing and trigonometry.
First Year - Semester Two
BIOS 1001 Introduction to Microbiology
This applied biology course provides an introduction to microbiological theory, specifically addressing the fundamentals of microbiology, bacterial morphology, growth, nutrition and control. The principal divisions of the field are discussed, and their economic or medical applications. Prerequistie: BIOS 1000
BIOS 1002 Biology 2
The relationship between structure and function is a fundamental principle of biology. This course in organismal biology emphasizes principles of anatomy and physiology of plants and animals within the context of problems that organisms must solve, including sensory perception and response to the environment, acquisition of oxygen and nutrients, excretion of wastes, movement, and reproduction. Prerequisite: BIOS 1000
CHEM 1002 Organic Chemistry 2
This course is designed as a continuation of introductory Organic Chemistry. Students learn nomenclature, structure, and physical and chemical properties of major groups of organic compounds, and differentiate among types of chemical reactions involving organic compounds. Emphasis is placed on the practical applications of organic chemistry to the biosciences and engineering. Lab exercises complement the theoretical components of the course. Pre-requisites CHEM 1001.
CHEM 1003 General Chemistry 2
This course gives an introduction to chemical kinetics, equilibrium, acid-base titration, electro and solution chemistry. Relevant lab work and techniques are emphasized. Prerequisite: CHEM 1000
MATH 1004 Mathematics 2/Computer Applications
Engineering and scientific applications involving properties of exponents, logarithms and special graphing techniques. Microsoft Excel will be used. Prerequisites: COMM 1001 & MATH 1003
Second Year - Semester Three
BIOS 2000 Microbiology
This applied biology course provides an introduction to microbiological theory and skills: specifically addressing microscopy, staining methods, cultivation of microorganisms, control of microbial growth, enumeration, water sanitary analysis and industrial application. Prerequisite: BIOS 1000
BIOS 2008 Field Biology
Field Biology provides and introduction to the theory of sampling procedures with practical experience in obtaining samples of both plant and animal, terrestrial and aquatic communities. Identification skills are stressed and elementary data processing introduced. Prerequisite: BIOS 1002
CHEM 2000 Analytical Chemistry 1
This course provides an introduction to some of the basic techniques and calculations associated with quantitative chemical analysis. Laboratory work supplements the theory and serves to introduce Beer's Law and the concept of standardizing solutions.
CHEM 2001 Instrumentation 1 Theory
This course stresses the basic concepts and techniques of chromatography (thin layer, column, paper, liquid and ion) and spectrophotometry (IR, UV, visible) and atomic absorption.. In addition, sample preparation is discussed. Prerequisite: CHEM 1003
ENVR 2000 Hydrology and Climatology 1
Hydrometric procedures including streamflow measurements, river-stage measurements, rating curves and weirs are discussed and observed. Basic meteorology is introduced.
MATH 2002 Data Analysis 1
Topics covered: measures of central tendency, measures of variation, frequency distributions, linear regression and the normal distribution. Microsoft Excel is used to generate statistical reports and graphs. Prerequisite: MATH 1003
Second Year - Semester Four
BIOS 1005 Ecology
A basic course in ecological theory, energy flow, biogeochemical cycles, the origin of life and speciation, community structure, population dynamics, and the interaction of organisms.
BLDG 3008 Fluids and Hydraulics
A study of flow in closed conduits and open channel, flow and fluid measurement and hydraulic machinery.
ENVR 2003 Environmental Protection Legislation
This course surveys Canadian environmental protection legislation addressing air quality, water quality, waste management, site decommissioning, noise, vibration, PCBs, and asbestos. Legislation enforcement, environmental fate, audits, risk assessment and emergency planning are introduced, and ISO standards are discussed.
ENVR 2004 Hydrogeology and Soils 1
This course deals with the geological occurrence of groundwater, principles of aquifers and the theory of groundwater movement.
ENVR 2005 Waste Management
This course covers basic waste management theory and practice. Although there are many kinds of waste, this course aims broadly to address topics like the current waste crisis; source, composition and properties of waste; planning processes and waste management hierarchy; techniques and practices for the treatment and disposal of waste; and site remediation and/or restoration resulting from inappropriate waste handling. Prerequisite: MATH 1004
ENVR 2006 Water/Wastewater Treatment
This course covers basic water treatment, primary and secondary waste water treatment. Laboratory exercises involving the appropriate analytical process control test are performed. Plant tours are incorporated at the end of each section. Prerequisites: MATH 1004 & CHEM 2000
ENVR 2007 Environmental Instrumentation Lab
Laboratory exercises in instrumental analysis(GC, IC, HPLC, AA, UV/visible spectrophotometer HPLC). Sample preparation and instrument start up. Prerequisite: CHEM 2001
PLAC 2019 Placement (One Week)
A one-week placement in the field.
Third Year - Semester Five
ENVR 3001 Resource Management
Resource Management provides an introduction to the theory of managing physical and biological natural resources. Planning for sustainability with regard to ecosystems, food resources, biodiversity, mineral resources, water/land/air use, human populations and energy will be addressed. Prerequsite: BIOS 1005
ENVR 3002 Air Sampling & Monitoring Techniques
Air sampling is used to test for the concentration of airborne contaminants in the workplace and the environment. Air sampling often involves a two step process: (a) capturing the air borne contaminant on a collecting medium and (b) a laboratory analysis of the sample to determine the quantity and type of contaminant. In order to evaluate airborne contaminants it is important to have a basic understanding or air sampling strategies and techniques. This course introduces the basic applied principles of air sampling and monitoring techniques and will provide paticipants with the practical skills and theoretical knowledge to enable them to conduct reliable air monitoring surveys. Terms and techniques used in air monitoring and sampling for particulate, vapours and gaseous air pollutants are introduced. Theoretical sampling concepts are described and many different techniques practiced in a laboratory or field setting where students collect, and perform routine tests on representative environmental samples and use various information technology tools to assemble, analyze and present environmental data effectively. Prerequisite: CHEM 2000 Analytical Chemistry 1; Corequisite: MATH 3000 Data Analysis 2
ENVR 3004 Introduction to Geomatics
The student is introduced to the various Geomatics products, services and methodologies available to assist environmnetalists in researching, delineating and mediating environmental issues: topographic surveying and mapping; topographic survey plans creation using AutoCAD; terrain representation & contour interpretation; Global Positioning Systems (GPS); aerial photography; LiDAR (Light Ranging & Detection); satellite imagery.
ENVR 3006 Hydrogeology and Soils 2
This course deals with the study of wells and methods of geophysical investigation. Techniques for monitoring ground water contamination are introduced. Prerequisite: ENVR 2004
ENVR 3007 Emerging Trends
Initiatives surrounding Climate Change, Renewable Energy and Sustainability, Biofuels and Bioproducts represent a selection of topics addressed in this course which challenges and investigates alternatives to our current systems.
MATH 3000 Data Analysis 2
This is a course in Inferential Statistics. Topics covered are: the central limit theorem, discrete probability distributions, estimation (confidence intervals), chi-square distribution, analysis of variance. Microsoft EXCEL will be used to generate statistical reports and graphs. Prerequisite: MATH 2002
Third Year - Semester Six
BIOS 3007 Limnology
A study of the biology and chemistry of fresh waters. Laboratory work supplements the theory. Prerequisites: BIOS 1005 & BIOS 2008
CADD 1009 GIS/GPS – Environmental
This course is an introduction to AutoCAD LT, with emphasis on developing basic drawing, editing and plotting skills. Projects will challenge the student's abilities in basic line drawings, through to introduction to surveyors' drawings and their applications in environmental studies. As time permits, students will also be introduced to GPS.
ENVR 3000 Toxicology
Introduction to the study of the harmful interactions between chemicals and biological systems. Living things are exposed to a variety of toxic substances, ranging from metals and inorganic molecules to large complex organic molecules. Toxicology applies concepts of basic biochemistry, chemistry, pathology and physiology, along with experimental observation and analysis. Topics covered in this course include basic principles of toxicology, interaction of pollutants with natural systems, biological response to toxicants, ecotoxicology of pollutants, bioassay/biomonitoring techniques and exotoxicological decision making. Where possible, examples will be drawn from Ontario and the Great Lakes basin. Prerequisites: BIOS 1000; MATH 1004 and MATH 2002
ENVR 3003 Hydrology and Climatology 2
This course deals with the varied uses of the hydrograph and its relationship to the occurrence of precipitation, and the use of hydrologic techniques in analyzing hydrologic data. In addition, weather processes and the operation of typical meteorological equipment are studied. Prerequisite: ENVR 2000
ENVR 3005 Environmental Assessment and Planning
This course introduces the basic principles of environmental planning in Ontario and Canada including: The Environmental Bill of Rights; The Canadian Environmental Assessment Act; The Ontario Environmental Assessment and Consultation Act; CSA Standard Environmental Site Assessments; Cleanup critera for contaminated lands; Guidelines for Evaluating Environmental Liabilities for Land Transfers; Brownfield's and Urban Sprawl.
PLAC 3008 Placement
A one-week placement in the field.
