Environmental Sciences
Environmental Sciences General Major Courses
Location
Vermilion
Credential
Diploma
Program Length
2 years
Year 1 required courses
| BI 110 Ecology & Field Biology - 3 credits |
| This course introduces fundamental ecological principles and concepts. Interactions between organisms and their environments are emphasized throughout. Major themes include: the physical environment, natural selection, plant and animal adaptations, population dynamics, predator-prey systems, co evolutionary interactions, population genetics, and ecosystem productivity. Time is spent in the field studying biotic and abiotic relationships in local community types using standard ecological field methods. Pre/co-requisites: None |
| BI 205 Limnology: Lakes & Rivers - 3 credits |
| This course covers various physical, chemical, and biological properties of both standing and running freshwater systems. Students are introduced to various techniques used in the collection and analysis of limnological data, and how to use these data to assess the health of freshwater ecosystems. Prerequisite: BI 110. Co-requisites: None |
| BI 270 Managing Rangeland Ecosystems - 3 credits |
| A study of rangeland ecology, this course focuses on soil-plant-animal-water interactions in rangeland ecosystems. Basic factors determining survival and the competitive strategy of range plants are studied in detail. Sound range management strategies designed to ensure ecosystem stability and sustainability are emphasized. Considerable time is spent in lab learning to key and identify native plants. Prerequisite: BO 120. Co-requisites: None |
| BO 120 Field Botany & Plant Taxonomy - 3 credits |
| Native plants and communities of Alberta are studied focusing on general and applied plant botany. Students obtain practical field experience in plant community relationships while identifying, collecting, and preserving plants for further study. Students spend considerable time learning to use plant keys for taxonomic classification and for identifying plant species and families. Pre/co-requisites: None |
| CO 166 Scientific Writing & Computer Applications - 3 credits |
| This course explores fundamental approaches to scientific writing. Considerable time is spent discussing what constitutes critical content and how that content is effectively organized for a variety of documents used in the scientific industry. Strategies for efficient technical writing are emphasized for discipline-specific applications. Students become familiar with common computer software such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Pre/co-requisites: None |
| MA 202 Statistics & Data Management - 3 credits |
| This course provides an introduction to the basic statistical procedures and data management techniques commonly used in the environmental sciences. Emphasis is placed on methods for organizing, storing, retrieving, analyzing, graphing and interpreting environmental data with database and spreadsheet software. Major analytical topics include measures of central tendency and dispersion, probability distributions, parametric and non-parametric hypothesis tests, correlation analysis, simple linear regression, and single-factor analysis of variance. Pre/co-requisites: None |
| SC 110 Inorganic Chemistry - 3 credits |
| This is a basic course in inorganic chemistry with an emphasis on environmental applications. Basic chemical concepts are presented in the lecture series with application of those concepts in the laboratory component. Pre/co-requisites: None |
| SC 120 Maps, Air Photos & GPS - 3 credits |
| This course is an introduction to map reading, map contents, coordinate systems and the National Topographic System (NTS maps). Students practice map interpretation, measurement, and scale calculations, and learn to interpret contours and visualize relief. Compass use and basic field orienteering is taught. Aerial photography is introduced, with an emphasis on an understanding of annotation, scale, measurement, indexing and purchase of both print and digital products. Students practice stereo viewing, and learn to relate aerial photos to maps at different scales. Global Positioning System (GPS) instruments are used for navigation, and students learn to collect and upload differentially corrected field coordinate data. Pre/co-requisites: None |
| SC 140 Environmental Sustainability - 3 credits |
| This course focuses on human interactions with the environment. The environmental impacts of food production and agriculture, forestry, mining, energy processing, urbanization, and other land-use activities are explored. Considerable time is spent investigating current environmental issues within the context of society: water quantity and quality, global warming, air pollution, and the biodiversity crisis. National and Provincial environmental policy relating to these issues is also investigated. Pre/co-requisites: None |
| SC 200 Organic Chemistry - 3 credits |
| This course is a study of the structure, properties and reactions of the main classes of organic compounds and their relationship to living organisms and the environment. Laboratory techniques, including tests required for the assessment of environmental quality, are covered. Prerequisite: SC 110. Co-requisites: None |
| SC 220 GIS & Remote Sensing - 3 credits |
| Concepts in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and remote sensing are covered in this course. The first half of the course focuses on the fundamentals of GIS, including coordinate systems and map projections, data models, spatial analysis, and environmental applications of GIS. The second half of the course focuses on the principles of remote sensing, working with aerial and satellite imagery and introduces various applications of remote sensing in the environmental sciences. Students gain practical experience and introductory proficiency in GIS using the ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Online platforms. Prerequisite: SC 120. Co-requisites: None |
| SO 210 Introductory Soil Science - 3 credits |
| This course provides an overview of soil formation processes and the fundamental morphological, physical, chemical and biological characteristics of soil. Students gain knowledge of soils through lectures and hands on experience. Students become familiar with The Canadian System of Soil Classification to the Order level and the issues associated with ‘problem soils’. Prerequisites: None. Co-requisites: SC 200 |
Year 2 required courses
| SC 301 Applied Hydrology - 3 credits |
| This course focuses on the main components of the hydrologic cycle and how this impacts quantity, quality and distribution of water resources within a watershed basin. Precipitation, evapotranspiration, runoff, streamflow and groundwater flow are examined with reference to drought, flooding, erosion and sedimentation. Students are introduced to field techniques in stream discharge measurement, and geomorphic characterization of watersheds. Pre/co-requisites: None |
SC 307 Environmental Site Assessment - 3 credits |
| Students gain a basic understanding of how to evaluate contaminated sites through the processes of a Site Assessment, Site Characterization, and the parallel process of Environmental Risk Assessment. More and more frequently, the effective management of environmental risks (i.e. contamination) and remediation of contaminated sites requires a basic understanding of the science, policy and culture of risk assessment and risk management. Prerequisites: SC 110 & SC 200 or equivalents. Co-requisites: None |
| SC 362 Wetlands Water Systems - 3 credits |
| This course explores the hydrological functions of the most highly-valued feature on the landscape: the wetland. Students learn how wetlands are key drivers of regional hydrology, water quality, and flood and drought mitigation. Additional topics include wetland chemistry, nutrient loading and contamination remediation. Current and emerging management practices, including constructed wetlands, and stormwater ponds, are discussed to reduce environmental impacts from lost wetlands. Pre/co-requisites: None |
SC 430 Industrial Waste Management - 3 credits |
| This course focuses on industrial waste treatment and management, with emphasis on pertinent regulations and best management practices for the treatment and disposal of drilling and hazardous wastes. Major topics include an introduction to industrial waste & waste audit, drilling mud properties, oilfield and hydrovac wastes, drilling waste disposal options, hazardous waste management, treatment & disposal. Pre/co-requisites: None |
SC 437 Aquatic Habitat Protection - 3 credits |
| This course looks at various human activities known to have an impact on freshwater habitats, and why/how these impacts occur. Students are also introduced to techniques used to eliminate or minimize the impacts of an activity on freshwater habitat, as well as those commonly used in attempts to restore such habitat where degradation has already occurred. Prerequisite: BI 205. Co-requisite: SC 301 |
SC 448 Groundwater Monitoring Techniques - 3 credits |
| This course introduces students to equipment and methods commonly used when conducting groundwater monitoring projects. The student learns how to plan and implement a fieldwork program including conducting a desk study, field and lab evaluation of aquifers, borehole selection, taking and interpreting water level, chemistry and pump test data, and using safe working practices. Students are introduced to the impacts on groundwater resources due to agricultural, oil and gas production, and other industrial activities. Prerequisite: SC 301 or equivalent. Co-requisites: None |
SC 481 Application of Environmental Regulations - 3 credits |
| This course focuses on the environmental legislations specific to regulatory requirements in industrial sectors in order to eliminate, or minimize, the negative environmental effects of development. Practices in environmental management including environmental assessment, permitting requirements, compliance inspections and strict liability offenses are also discussed. Pre/co-requisites: None |
SO 340 Soil Classification & Landforms - 3 credits |
| This is an in-depth study of the Canadian System of Soil Classification with emphasis on the factors affecting soil genesis and taxonomy. Topics include geology, glaciation, weathering and the chemistry and physics of Canadian soils. Extensive fieldwork focuses on methods of classifying soils and landforms, soil mapping and report preparation/use, and basic procedures in land assessment. Prerequisite: SO 210 or equivalent. Co-requisites: None |
Year 2 electives - choose 2 per semester
BI 210 Forest Ecology - 3 credits
This course is an introduction to forest ecology and ecological forest management. The impacts of industry and other land-use on forests are investigated at a landscape scale. Topics include dendrology, ecological disturbance, forest biodiversity, forest management techniques, approaches to forest restoration, and reclamation criteria for forested areas. Field trips and labs are used to develop field skills in tree and shrub identification, forest insect and disease identification, timber cruising, forest harvesting, stand assessment, and ecosystem classification. Prerequisites: BI 110 & BO 120. Co-requisites: None
BI 290 Revegetation Management - 3 credits
This course provides an intensive practical study of the determinants of revegetation success. Emphasis is placed on study of the factors affecting germination, emergence, establishment and longevity of plant stands. The course includes a review of practical and specialized revegetation methods and strategies. Prerequisites: BI 270, BO 120 & SO 210. Co-requisites: None
ESC 417 Sustainable Mining Practices - 3 credits
This course reviews environmental management practices used in the development, operation, monitoring and reclamation of large scale mining operations. This includes a review of the regulatory approvals process for mines and the scientific basis for monitoring and reporting requirements during development, operation, and reclamation of mine sites. The course also covers methods commonly used to manage and protect ecosystems, landscapes, soils, water, air, vegetation and wildlife during various phases of mine development. The four mining environments that are focused on are: mountain coal mining, prairie coal mining, oil sands mining and diamond mining. Pre/co-requisites: None
SC 336 Environmental Contaminants - 3 credits
This course focuses on study of Environmental contaminants, their physical- chemical properties and fate and transport in environmental media (air, water and soil). The focus is on industrial pollutants discharged into the environment from various sectors such as pulp and paper, oil and gas, mining and agricultural developments. Emphasis is placed on contaminant risk assessment and risk management. Students learn about emerging environmental contaminants and evolving engineering solutions to mitigate these contaminants. Prerequisites: SC 110, SC 200 & SC 301. Co-requisites: None
SO 320 Soil Conservation - 3 credits
This course is a study of soil properties from a soil conservation perspective. The primary focus is on understanding soil properties to achieve soil and water conservation objectives and to prevent soil degradation. Field techniques used to assess soil degradation and to implement erosion and sediment control projects are emphasized. Prerequisite: SO 210. Co-requisites: None
ZO 213 Fisheries Biology & Techniques - 3 credits
This course covers the ecology, anatomy, physiology, and behaviour of fishes. Emphasis is on freshwater fish species. Students are also introduced to various techniques and equipment used in the collection of fish and fisheries data through lecture and the practical application of these techniques during labs conducted out in the field. Prerequisites: ZO 120. Co-requisites: None
ZO 245 Wildlife Habitat Conservation - 3 credits
Wildlife habitat requirements, diets, distributions, and legal status designations are profiled for wildlife that range in the Prairie Provinces. Wildlife field signs are described and distinguished in the field. Field sampling technique and data collection protocols for habitat are introduced and practiced. Key concepts for conserving, managing and enhancing wildlife habitats for biodiversity and for mitigating disturbances are introduced. Prerequisites: BI 110 & BO 120. Co-requisites: None
ZO 350 Wildlife Biodiversity - 3 credits
Conserving biodiversity requires knowledge and understanding of wildlife species. Students identify species, compare their taxonomy, explore their ecology and how these species are essential components of the environments in which they live. Population dynamics and species reintroduction are studied. Students gain practical experience conducting visual and auditory wildlife surveys. There is special emphasis on the conservation of pollinators. Pre/co-requisites: None
| BI 210 Forest Ecology - 3 credits |
| This course is an introduction to forest ecology and ecological forest management. The impacts of industry and other land-use on forests are investigated at a landscape scale. Topics include dendrology, ecological disturbance, forest biodiversity, forest management techniques, approaches to forest restoration, and reclamation criteria for forested areas. Field trips and labs are used to develop field skills in tree and shrub identification, forest insect and disease identification, timber cruising, forest harvesting, stand assessment, and ecosystem classification. Prerequisites: BI 110 & BO 120. Co-requisites: None |
| BI 290 Revegetation Management - 3 credits |
| This course provides an intensive practical study of the determinants of revegetation success. Emphasis is placed on study of the factors affecting germination, emergence, establishment and longevity of plant stands. The course includes a review of practical and specialized revegetation methods and strategies. Prerequisites: BI 270, BO 120 & SO 210. Co-requisites: None |
ESC 417 Sustainable Mining Practices - 3 credits |
| This course reviews environmental management practices used in the development, operation, monitoring and reclamation of large scale mining operations. This includes a review of the regulatory approvals process for mines and the scientific basis for monitoring and reporting requirements during development, operation, and reclamation of mine sites. The course also covers methods commonly used to manage and protect ecosystems, landscapes, soils, water, air, vegetation and wildlife during various phases of mine development. The four mining environments that are focused on are: mountain coal mining, prairie coal mining, oil sands mining and diamond mining. Pre/co-requisites: None |
| SC 336 Environmental Contaminants - 3 credits |
| This course focuses on study of Environmental contaminants, their physical- chemical properties and fate and transport in environmental media (air, water and soil). The focus is on industrial pollutants discharged into the environment from various sectors such as pulp and paper, oil and gas, mining and agricultural developments. Emphasis is placed on contaminant risk assessment and risk management. Students learn about emerging environmental contaminants and evolving engineering solutions to mitigate these contaminants. Prerequisites: SC 110, SC 200 & SC 301. Co-requisites: None |
| SO 320 Soil Conservation - 3 credits |
| This course is a study of soil properties from a soil conservation perspective. The primary focus is on understanding soil properties to achieve soil and water conservation objectives and to prevent soil degradation. Field techniques used to assess soil degradation and to implement erosion and sediment control projects are emphasized. Prerequisite: SO 210. Co-requisites: None |
| ZO 213 Fisheries Biology & Techniques - 3 credits |
| This course covers the ecology, anatomy, physiology, and behaviour of fishes. Emphasis is on freshwater fish species. Students are also introduced to various techniques and equipment used in the collection of fish and fisheries data through lecture and the practical application of these techniques during labs conducted out in the field. Prerequisites: ZO 120. Co-requisites: None |
| ZO 245 Wildlife Habitat Conservation - 3 credits |
| Wildlife habitat requirements, diets, distributions, and legal status designations are profiled for wildlife that range in the Prairie Provinces. Wildlife field signs are described and distinguished in the field. Field sampling technique and data collection protocols for habitat are introduced and practiced. Key concepts for conserving, managing and enhancing wildlife habitats for biodiversity and for mitigating disturbances are introduced. Prerequisites: BI 110 & BO 120. Co-requisites: None |
ZO 350 Wildlife Biodiversity - 3 credits |
| Conserving biodiversity requires knowledge and understanding of wildlife species. Students identify species, compare their taxonomy, explore their ecology and how these species are essential components of the environments in which they live. Population dynamics and species reintroduction are studied. Students gain practical experience conducting visual and auditory wildlife surveys. There is special emphasis on the conservation of pollinators. Pre/co-requisites: None |