Applied Environmental Science and Planning Technology - Diploma
Overview
Do you have an interest in protecting land, natural resources and the environment? Do you like hands-on learning in the field and in the lab? If your answer is yes, then our leading-edge Applied Environmental Science and Planning Technology (AESP) Program is a great fit. You’ll acquire interdisciplinary, employment-ready skills to tackle today’s environmental challenges and develop a range of applied environmental skills and technologies.
This program prepares students to meet the growing need for technologists capable of assisting in all areas of land use and environmental planning, environmental chemistry, hydrology, applied ecology, microbiology and geographic information systems (GIS). Graduates possess the practical field and laboratory skills and technical competencies to acquire, compile, analyze, evaluate and present environmental information and to integrate it effectively into formal planning and review processes.
Courses cover a range of topics, including botany, soil science, hydrology, surveying, ecology, fish and wildlife, GIS, ecological restoration, First Nations, air and water pollution chemistry, environmental planning, microbiology and sustainability.
*This program may be eligible for the post-graduation work permit (PGWP).
Accreditation
The AESP Program is nationally accredited through National Accreditation: Technology Accreditation Canada (TAC) and Provincial Accreditation: College of Applied Biologists.
To help ensure the program is assessed for quality industry outcomes, relevancy and currency, the program is updated continuously based on feedback from our Program Advisory Committee consisting of industry, government, Indigenous representation and past graduates.
Transferability
Many of our graduates seek meaningful, relevant employment while others choose to transfer to universities to complete a degree. The AESP Program transfers to the Bachelor's Degree in Geographic Information Systems (BGIS) here at Selkirk College.
Selkirk College also has direct transfer arrangements with other universities in BC:
- Thompson Rivers University (TRU), Bachelor of Natural Resource Science
- British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT), Bachelor of Science in Ecological Restoration
- University of Northern BC, Bachelor of Planning
- Royal Roads University, Bachelor of Environmental Science
It is recommended that students consult with the program advisor of the receiving institution to ensure they have met all the necessary transfer requirements.
Common Core
The first year of AESP consists of a core of environmental courses in soils, hydrology, botany, surveying, fish and wildlife, ecology, mapping, communications, computers and math. This core year is common with the Forest Technology and Recreation, Fish & Wildlife programs.
The second year of the program synthesizes the skills, knowledge and professionalism of first year and ladders into planning, sustainability and more advanced environmental science classes.
Program Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, learners will be able to:
1. Demonstrate professional ethics and competencies as environmental technologists
2. Integrate ecological knowledge to assess environmental conditions
3. Analyze the hydrology and ecology of the atmosphere, rivers, lakes, watersheds, and groundwater
4. Apply environmental procedures for monitoring air, water, sediment, and biological media
5. Apply environmental assessment, mitigation, remediation, and restoration techniques
6. Collect, evaluate, and summarize ecological and geospatial data
7. Design and implement a planning framework for identifying and addressing land use, environmental and social challenges, and opportunities across a variety of landscapes
8. Engage with a variety of audiences using diverse communication approaches including written, verbal, numeric, and graphic
9. Model strategies to encompass emerging science, technologies, regulatory environments, and societal shifts including climate change and mitigation, green energy, carbon accountability, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals
10. Recognize the diversity of Indigenous Nations’ cultures and traditions as distinct knowledge systems that are valid and critical to building meaningful engagement, consultation, and collaborative relationships
11. Acknowledge the calls to Truth and Reconciliation and the United Nations’ Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples as inclusive and informed constructs for Indigenous rights and title in the stewardship of land, air, water, and all living things
Admission Requirements
In addition to meeting the general admission requirements to Selkirk College, the applicant must meet the following Environment and Geomatics Programs requirements to be considered fully-qualified:
Successful completion of these high school or equivalent courses:
- Foundations of Mathematics 11 with a minimum of 67% or higher
- Any BC Science Curriculum (with a lab component) at the grade 11 or 12 level with a minimum of 67%
- English Studies 12, English First Peoples 12, or ENGL 60 with a minimum of 67% or higher
NOTE: Applicants in Grade 12 at the time of application must show proof of registration or completion of the above courses.
Applicants that do not meet the above listed minimum requirements may still gain provisional acceptance for program seats if they can show proof of registration in prerequisite high school courses. Completion of these prerequisite courses must occur by July 31 before Fall Term start date.
Computer competency is an important element of success in the program. Prior to starting the program, it is strongly recommended that students have entry-level experience with word processor, spreadsheet and web-browsing software. Check out Selkirk College Community Education & Workplace Training computer courses.
General
Applicants must submit a completed application form and other required documents (i.e. secondary school and any post-secondary transcripts, application package) to the Registrar’s office.
(i) One or more of the following or equivalent are recommended but not required for admission:
(a) Class 5 Driver's License
(b) Chemistry 11 and 12
(ii) Most learning activities within the program reflect industry norms. A demonstrated interest in, and aptitude for, outdoor work is essential as much of the work is done in the field, often under adverse weather and topographic conditions. Training often occurs in front and back country wilderness terrain. Therefore, applicants should be in good health and physical condition. Activities will be taught which require student participation working outside for up to 8 hours per day. Students will be required to traverse over rough, sometimes difficult terrain in all weather conditions. Activities in which the students participate may include hiking, snowshoeing, cross country skiing. Other activities may include touring and observing active industrial operations. Students will be required to observe all required and standard safety practices and procedures at all times.
APPLICATION PROCESS
The Application process is complete and admission to first year will be considered with:
1. Receipt of the "Application for Admission" form plus the required application fee, and;
2. Receipt of official high school and post-secondary education transcript(s) or interim transcript or proof of registration in prerequisite courses (if in Grade 12), and;
3. The date when an applicant's file is complete is the date when all the requirements of a) and b) above have been fulfilled.
CHANGE OF PROGRAM
There is some limited availability for students to change programs in the first year however, the following conditions must be met:
1. Students who want to change programs must apply in writing to the School Chair before January 15th during the first year of their original program.
2. Program changes will only be permitted provided there is space as determined by the School Chair.
3. Students may need to complete prerequisite courses prior to the beginning of the second year.
PROMOTION
1. Promotion to Subsequent Semester
Each semester must be completed with a Grade Point Average of 2.00 or better with no more than two grades below a 60% to continue into the next semester. GPA will be based on all grades for courses scheduled for a given year and semester as per the course calendar.
2. Admission Requirements - Second Year
All first-year courses must be completed with a grade of 60% or better before a student is admitted to the second year of their program. Students in this situation should contact the School Chair.
3. Prerequisite Courses
Students receiving a final grade of lower than a 60% in a prerequisite course will not be able to register in the subsequent course requiring the prerequisite. Students in this situation must re- register in, and successfully complete the course with a minimum grade of 60% before going on to the subsequent course.
GRADUATION
Credentials:
i. A cumulative GPA of 2.0 and a minimum grade of 60% in all courses in the program is required for graduation.
ii. A student will be expected to complete the requirements for a diploma within a maximum of four years from the initial admission.
iii. No diploma will be awarded without meeting all obligations to the College. This includes returning all equipment signed out and paying all outstanding fees.
b. Types of Credential Received
Diploma – Applied Environmental Science and Planning Technology
Note: New credential applies to Fall 2023 intake and going forward.
c. Requirements: (see Policy 8617: Graduation)
Certificates: All students strongly recommended to have a valid Worksafe BC approved first aid certificate at the time of graduation. These courses are offered throughout the year through Selkirk College Community Education & Workplace Training.
CO-OP EDUCATION
This program is eligible for co-op education opportunities. Co-op education courses will provide students with documented, program relevant work experience that is recognized with a designation on their transcript.
Please refer to Policy 8370 Selkirk College Co-operative Education and Selkirk College Co-operative Education Procedures for additional information regarding Co-op Education at Selkirk College.
In order to receive your credential in your program, you must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.00.
Courses
ENVR150 - Hydrology I
ENVR 150 Hydrology I is an introductory study of water in our environment including its properties, the natural processes which affect it, and climate and weather. Students will gain practical experience in the collection and analysis of field and laboratory data using standard techniques and equipment.
ENVR160 - Surveying and Field Measurements
ENVR 160 Surveying and Field Measurements is an introduction to the practical use of common survey instruments and techniques used by Environmental technicians. As well, the course will introduce the student to various sampling methods used to collect, assess, classify, and evaluate field data. Emphasis is placed on the proper care and use of basic surveying and measurement tools and the skills involved in collecting and interpreting precise and accurate field data.
ENVR162 - Applied Botany and Ecosystem Classification
ENVR 162 Applied Botany and Ecosystem Classification is an introduction to the principles of Botany and Ecosystem Classification. Botany lectures will focus on plant classification, botanical terms, plant morphology, and plant physiology. Topics include: plant cell structure, plant tissue function and structure, photosynthesis and respiration, transpiration and translocation. Botany labs will focus on learning to identify about 100 native plants commonly found in the West Kootenay Region of B.C., specifically key indicator species. Ecology lectures will focus on ecosystem classification using the Biogeoclimatic Ecosystem Classification System (BEC) of B.C. Other key topics include the study of climatic factors, disturbance and succession, landscapes and stand structure. Ecology labs focus on classifying ecosystems (including soils, site and vegetation) to site series using BEC. Labs are mainly field based.
ENVR164 - Soil and Earth Sciences
ENVR 164 Soil and Earth Sciences will cover the identification of common rocks and minerals, landforms and soils of British Columbia. Learners will be introduced to the study of physical geology and geomorphology in relation to management of the forest environment and landscape. Learners will gain skills and knowledge in rock and mineral identification, description of the physical and chemical qualities of soils, and identification and classification of landforms and terrain. Skills will also be developed with respect to interpretation of geology, landforms and soils for environmental management.
ENVR154 - Maps and Navigation
ENVR 154 Maps and Navigation focuses on the navigation skills required of technologists working outdoors to locate oneself, stay ''found'', and return safely from the field. The course includes hands-on use of navigation tools in field settings including map, compass, aerial imagery, altimeter, and Global Positioning System (GPS). Pre-trip planning in a navigation context will also be covered including developing access plans and route plans, and estimating travel times.
ENVR158 - Introduction to Geomatics
ENVR 158 Introduction to Geomatics is an introduction to applied mapping and geographic information systems (GIS) theory and applications. The first half of the course will be focused on introducing basic uses of remotely sensed imagery and exploring applied mapping technologies, including Google Earth and Internet Mapping websites. The second half of the semester will be focused on learning basic Geographic Information System concepts and applying GIS technologies to environmental, renewable resource management, and planning fields. Emphasis will be placed on how geographic data is represented, collected, managed, analyzed, and displayed using GIS tools. Hands-on experience will be developed with desktop GIS software, ESRI's ArcGIS for Desktop.
ENVR163 - Terrestrial Ecology and Biology
ENVR 163 Terrestrial Ecology and Biology builds upon the concepts from ENVR 162 with further studies of local forest ecosystems. Students will identify key forest structural components and study the role that disturbance (such as fire), environmental gradients, and competition play in defining a species' niche. Participants will also examine the role of primary and secondary growth, nutrient uptake, reproduction, and survival mechanisms for plants. Winter plant identification, ecosystem form and function, and plant adaptations to timberline will also be examined. A practical field based assignment will form a major portion of the term assessment. This project includes collecting the data in the field, entering and analyzing the data in the computer lab, and presenting the data in a written scientific report.
ENVR170 - Fish and Wildlife Ecology
ENVR 170 Fish and Wildlife Ecology is designed to introduce students to the general ecological principles, taxonomy and management of fish and wildlife in British Columbia.
Tuition & Fees
All amounts are estimates and are subject to change. Tuition amounts are based on a full-time course load. Please note that many programs have additional costs beyond those listed here. For more information, please visit Tuition & Fees.
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