Environmental Technology
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Lindsay
Accepting applications
ETY
Ontario College Advanced Diploma
September 8, 2009
$1,485.50 per semester *
* Tuition and fees subject to change.
- Program Information
- Program Curriculum
- Course Descriptions
Through a wide range of activities and courses, you'll be well prepared to monitor and improve the natural environment. Build on your expertise as an Environmental Technician through an additional year of study, and develop even more competence in preventing environmental problems, resolving environmental issues, and providing education to the public.
Program Highlights
With access to outstanding environmental training facilities and two biological wastewater treatment systems, your hands-on training will be an excellent complement to your in-class courses. In the Technology program, you will build on your skills developed in the Technician program, learning advanced environmental principles and applications. You'll also complete a two-week work placement where you will gain valuable work experience - and employment contacts that can become invaluable when you start looking for a job. In addition, high level skills in field ecology and specialized wetland evaluation training are delivered, to further increase your career prospects.
Word from the Workplace
"Through the Environmental Technology program at Fleming College, I was able to secure an environmental position with a leading environmental consulting firm. The hands-on approach of the program and availability of the faculty enabled a seamless transition into the workforce. The resources provided in the Environmental Technology program were paramount to any previous learning experience I've had, or since."
Steve BeszterczeyConsultant Level 1, Geotechnical and Materials Engineering
Jacques Whitford Ltd., Peterborough, Ontario
Why Choose Fleming?
There's no other program like it in the country--your learning experience will be enhanced by the Solar Ecology Wastewater Treatment System (SES), a unique training facility for operating and testing small-scale wetland treatment systems. You will have the opportunity to utilize the SES as part of your applied learning. Students may also have the opportunity to assist researchers in the Fleming College's Centre for Alternative Wastewater Treatment (CAWT). The focus of this facility is the development of wastewater treatment technologies for use in northern climates.
In addition, students are eligible for a number of environmental certifications, including CCEP (Canadian Certified Environmental Practitioner) and CEPIT (Canadian Environmental Practitioner-in-training) through ECO Canada (Environmental Careers Organization), the CET (Certified Engineering Technologist) through OACETT (the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists), as well as Certified Environmental Site Assessor (C.E.S.A.) in assocation with the Association of Environmental Site Assessors of Canada (AESAC). Most of all, our grads are highly regarded by employers in the field.
Common First Semeter
Students in our School’s diploma programs take the same courses for first semester after choosing and being accepted into one of our programs. This common focus exposes you to a variety of career options and other programs. You will have the freedom to explore and obtain a multidisciplinary perspective, while you acquire a base of knowledge and fundamental skills.
Although students are accepted into a specific program for their first semester, the common first semester allows you to change direction if you find another program or career area is more appealing. Once you have successfully completed the common first semester, you can enter the program of your choice in second semester, subject to enrolment capacity.
Work Experience
You'll have plenty of hands-on experience through the use of our specialized facilities, and you will work with others as a team during the field school off-campus, as well as participate in a multitude of class field trips to both outdoor settings and industrial/municipal facilities. Textbooks are not enough when it comes to preparing capable technologists for the field. Your two-week placement will put your skills to the test.
What it Takes to Succeed
Obviously, you've got to enjoy working outdoors. Previous experience working for or volunteering with environmental organizations of any kind is an asset. You should also possess:
- good oral and written communication skills
- research skills
- technical writing skills
- attention to detail
- analytical ability
- flexibility in work environment
- interest in the outdoors and protecting/improving the environment
Students would benefit by having basic computer skills including e-mail, word processing, file management and internet web browsing.
Career Opportunities
Employers include government ministries/departments, regulatory agencies, environmental consultants, non-governmental or non-profit organizations, and urban/rural planners. Our graduates have found themselves in a wide range of environmental careers, such as:
- watershed technician
- Ministry of Environment area manager
- manager of environmental services (private consulting firm)
- environmental technologists
- environmental officers
- special environmental "Compliance Sector" team members
- groundwater technician
- industrial and municipal water/wastewater plant operators
- landfill site technologist
- land restoration technologist
- soil/terrain specialist
- water quality technician
The additional year of study will likely mean higher starting salaries and increased employment opportunities in comparison to the two-year Technician diploma. The employment level is consistently very high with an impressive over 90 per cent of recent graduates finding work across Canada and around the world in the public and private sectors.
Minimum Admission Requirements
OSSD with the majority of credits at the College (C) and Open (O) level, including:
- 2 College (C) English courses (Grade 11 or Grade 12)
- 2 College (C) Math courses (Grade 11 or Grade 12)
When (C) is the minimum course level for admission, (U) or (U/C) courses are also accepted.
Mature Students
If you are 19 years of age or older before classes start, and you do not possess an OSSD, you can write the Canadian Adult Achievement Test to assess your eligibility for admission.
*Students starting in January are required to attend classes over the summer semester.
Program Progression
To enter year three (semester five) of the Environmental Technology Diploma program, you must have successfully completed the two-year Environmental Technician program.
Selection Process
Related Programs
Considering a range of environmental/outdoors careers? You might want to also check out the Ecosystem Management, Geology, or Fish and Wildlife programs.
Additional Costs
In addition, plan on spending about $450 for books, supplies and field schools.
University Transfer Agreements
Semester 1
Environmental Leadership
Course Number: NATR008
This course will enable students to develop a personal position and direct their career path within the context of the environmental and natural resource industry. A dynamic, interactive case study approach will be used to examine issues arising from environmental disputes and conflicts, and to develop an understanding of ecological sustainability.
Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00
Applied Mathematics in Natural Resource Sciences
Course Number: MATH063
This course will enable students to apply specific mathematical concepts and acquire foundation skills important in the Natural Resource and Environmental Sciences. It is designed to complement and reinforce learning within other first semester courses and program areas.
Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00
Communicating Technical Information
Course Number: COMM044
This course focuses on the development of fundamental writing and speaking skills, both individually and in teams, within the context of program and work needs in the environmental field. Also, students will be required to apply and to demonstrate fundamental research skills, including an analysis of library and Web resources pertaining to program-related topics. Assessment strategies will be tied closely to other common first semester courses.
Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00
Ecology and Environment
Course Number: ENVR020
Learn how nature works by studying the key components of the ecosystems in the Kawartha Lakes Region. Through field and lab exploration of wild life, landforms, forests, lakes, rivers and wetlands, students will see the connections between themselves, the environment and ecosystems that surround them.
Units: 60.00
Hours: 60.00
Ecosystem Skills
Course Number: ECOS013
This course will focus on three areas of study: identification, field and lab skills. Students will identify and classify the living and non-living components of the specific ecosystems described in the Ecology and Environment (ENVR 20) course. Field skills to be developed include the ability to navigate through the natural environment and use a variety of ecosystem inventory techniques. Special emphasis will be placed on safe work habits in lab and field.
Units: 60.00
Hours: 60.00
Environmental Leadership
Course Number: NATR008
This course will enable students to develop a personal position and direct their career path within the context of the environmental and natural resource industry. A dynamic, interactive case study approach will be used to examine issues arising from environmental disputes and conflicts, and to develop an understanding of ecological sustainability.
Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00
Geospatial Techniques
Course Number: GEOM036
This course is designed around the four pillars of Geomatics: Remote Sensing, Cartography, Surveying and GIS. Students will develop entry-level skills in data capture, surveying, (computer) drafting, principles of remote sensing, air photo interpretation, and in usage of representative Geomatics-related software.
Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00
Communications Plus
Course Number: COMM012
Communications Plus will provide individualized help in language and writing skills for students enrolled in Common First Semester Communicating Technical Information. This is a one-hour timetabled class in addition to the Communicating Technical Information course. Students who are recommended and/or elect to take Communications Plus will work on computer-based modules, and may receive assistance on seminar and lab writing assignments from all courses. No additional work is required other than the one class hour per week.
Units: 15.00
Hours: 15.00
Semester 2
Environmental Principles
Course Number: ENVR010
This course examines fundamental components and processes in the biotic and abiotic environment. The biotic portion of the course will deal with the forces and patterns that shape biological evolution, the nature of the past and present biota of Ontario, and the emergence of ecological thought and conservation biology in the twentieth century. The abiotic portion will deal with the origin, evolution, and current characteristics of the lithosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere.
Units: 30.00
Hours: 30.00
Environmental Techniques
Course Number: ENVR011
This is a lab course that provides the fundamentals and skills required for working in the environmental field. Laboratory work will include hands-on measurement and identification of soil and rock using standard testing procedures. Plant relationships with earth materials will be examined and evaluated. Basic properties of water, introductory hydrogeology and groundwater sampling/monitoring techniques will also be introduced.
Units: 90.00
Hours: 90.00
Introductory Chemistry
Course Number: SCIE062
This course is designed to provide a knowledge and understanding of the principles of chemistry. The course will also familiarize the learner with the important industrial processes. The following topics: matter and energy, atomic structure, properties and nomenclature of compounds, chemical bonding, chemical reactions, solutions, acids and bases, and petroleum refining will be presented.
Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00
Introductory Computing
Course Number: COMP345
Working in the Windows XP environment, this computer course introduces the student to computer basics (computer terminology, e-mail, Internet, file management) and the application and use of word processing, spreadsheet, and database software. Through the extensive use of hands-on activities, students will gain sufficient knowledge and experience to make productive use of computers as a tool in both college and workplace environments.
Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00
Technical Reporting
Course Number: COMM034
This course is an introduction to technical writing and speaking for students in the School of Environmental & Natural Resource Sciences. Students will write a formal technical report by applying research skills in the library and on the Internet, writing an outline and an introduction, documenting their sources of information in the APA style, editing and revising drafts of their reports, writing formal elements of the report, and integrating graphic presentations with text. In addition, they will present their reports orally, using appropriate audiovisual media, write a set of instructions in memo format, and be able to identify several common types of reports.
Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00
Trees and Shrubs Of Ontario
Course Number: FSTY050
This course deals with the identification of approximately 100 species of trees and shrubs of importance to those managing the forests resources of Ontario. Throughout the semester identification features for common trees and shrubs in both summer and winter condition are introduced and applied. A number of field trips are utilized to assist students with their identification skills. In the weekly lecture series topics such as tree growth, reproduction, photosynthesis, respiration, forest ecology and uses of trees will be introduced. At the completion of the course students will have a sound working knowledge of dendrology. The skills introduced in this semester may then be used in following semesters when working with Forest Ecosystem Classification, Restoration Ecology, Conservation Planning and other habitat management situations.
Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00
Semester 3
Aquatic Biology
Course Number: SCIE006
This course provides an introduction to aquatic biology and limnology. Emphasis will be placed on the identification, sampling, and environmental significance of organisms, including aquatic plants, invertebrates, algae, bioindicators, and exotic species. Successful completion of this course requires that students undertake an aquatic plant field collection.
Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00
Environmental Measurement
Course Number: ENVR008
This course is designed to develop student awareness and understanding of various aspects of the environment that are measurable and to relate the importance of these measurements in pollution studies. Students learn how to undertake surface and ground water quality sampling, flow measurement, field and laboratory analysis, data interpretation and reporting. These skills are applicable to lake, stream and ground water quality assessments, microbiological surveys, industrial/municipal inspections and monitoring, watershed studies and pollution prevention/abatement programs.
Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00
Field School
Course Number: APST027
Field School provides the opportunity for students to integrate theory and practice in a field setting. It supports knowledge that has been gained during the first year. The field school activity also serves as an opportunity to introduce new field environmental techniques that are integrated into the curriculum over the course of the technician-level education and training.
Units: 40.00
Hours: 40.00
Geomatics in Surveying
Course Number: SURV018
This course places the emphasis on the fundamental principles of Geomatics as they apply to Surveying. Electronic instruments will be used with emphasis on data loggers to obtain field positions with features and attribute data. These field locations and attributes will be used to create GIS related survey plans. Coordinate Geometry will be used in the computation of boundaries areas and volumes. The GIS features will be implemented using practical field projects and the projects will be related to land information systems.
Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00
Human Relations
Course Number: MGMT005
This course examines self-awareness, interpersonal relations, motivation, stress, small group dynamics, and organizational behaviour. Particular attention will be paid to leadership and conflict management in employment situations. Contemporary developments reshaping human relations will be introduced for study and discussion.
Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00
Land Reclamation Principles
Course Number: ENVR015
This course seeks to familiarize students with the types of industrially stressed lands that exist. It will outline the problems associated with stressed lands from a land reclamation and rehabilitation standpoint and promote an understanding of what approaches can be taken to rehabilitate land.
Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00
Watershed Management
Course Number: ENVR019
This lecture and lab course studies the various components of a watershed (limnology, hydrology, and hydrogeology) and their interactions. Various streamflow sampling techniques and their applications to predictions of flooding and sedimentation will be examined. Attention will be brought to the conflicting demands of use on the watershed and to various remedial options. Legislation under the Conservation Authorities Act and Drainage Act that influences watershed activities will also be presented.
Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00
Semester 4
Case Studies in Pollution Abatement
Course Number: ENVR021
This course builds on the introductory Natural Resource and the Law course by providing specific emphasis on the environmental sector. Course content includes in-depth studies of pollution events in various settings with a focus on how and why the event occurred, related industrial and other processes involved and the environmental effect/impact created. Subsequently, legislative abatement techniques available in various Acts including the Environmental Protection Act, Ontario Water Resources Act, Nutrient Management Act and other environmental Regulations, as well as, applicable pollution abatement equipment and techniques will be investigated.
Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00
Environmental Issues: The Human Factor
Course Number: GNED015
This course introduces students to the non-technical aspects of environmental issues: historical, cultural, ethical, political, and economic. It is concerned with how environmental issues enter public consciousness and how they are subsequently dealt with in the Canadian and global communities. Students will be encouraged to adopt a balanced, analytical approach as the basis for developing and expressing their own viewpoints as informed citizens and technicians/technologists.
Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00
Erosion Control
Course Number: ENVR013
In this course, various methods of erosion control practices and appropriate approaches are introduced. Types of erosion, causes, and methods of erosion control will be examined. In this light, erosion control approaches that apply to urban, shoreline and agricultural sectors will be presented. Proper field inspection techniques and control measures, including engineering and biological approaches will be examined.
Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00
Geomatics for Environmental Engineering
Course Number: SURV019
In this course, geomatics principles are applied to Land Information Systems. Applied field projects are implemented in to existing geographic and parcel based land fabrics. Extensive use of coordinate geometry (cogo) is used to calculate and plot field projects in CAD based systems. Final plans are place into geographic information systems for manipulation and analysis of spatial data models.
Units: 30.00
Hours: 30.00
Natural Resources and the Law
Course Number: LAWS056
This course provides an introduction to laws that have an impact on the use of natural resources in Ontario. The course will deal with an overview of the legal system, the underlying principles of gaining compliance, and specific legislation that may be encountered in the natural resources field.
Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00
Statistics
Course Number: MATH025
This course covers data organization, the basic statistical parameters, confidence intervals for means, the normal distribution, hypothesis testing (Chi-square, 'F', 't' and Anova), and regression analysis.
Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00
Water Treatment and Pollution Control
Course Number: ENVR018
This course examines the step-by-step processes involved in water, sewage, industrial wastewater, and home water treatment in Ontario. In addition, relevant legislation, guidelines, water/wastewater characteristics, and process control laboratory tests will be studied. This information will prepare students to take a number of Ministry of the Environment Certificate examinations that are offered at the completion of the course.
Units: 60.00
Hours: 60.00
Semester 5
Applied Ecology
Course Number: ECOS001
The purpose of this course is to provide students with an improved knowledge of the complexity and interactions present in natural ecosystems. Practical exercises will help to develop and refine field bioinventory, sampling and analytical skills. This course is also designed to promote knowledge and understanding of ecosystem stresses, management, conservation and rehabilitation.
Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00
Constructed Wetlands
Course Number: ECOS004
Constructed wetlands are an innovative technology that makes use of natural processes to treat wastewater from a variety of sources including industrial and human waste and are becoming increasingly popular in North America. In this advanced course, students will develop practical skills by learning to design, construct and monitor artificial wetlands for a variety of applications as well as working with the Environmental Technology Program's Solar Ecology wastewater treatment system. Topics covered include wetland processes, biochemistry, wetland design, and sizing calculations, case studies, field trips to wetland projects and construction of functional scale models.
Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00
Environmental Applications
Course Number: ENVR005
In this course, landscape character is examined, with an emphasis on the biophysical characteristics of the site. This field-based activity will be linked to new development initiatives and/or remediation efforts, as linked to the appropriate legislation and regulation.This one-half credit course will be delivered over seven weeks in the first or second half of the semester.
Units: 30.00
Hours: 30.00
Environmental Audit
Course Number: ENVR006
In this course, the application of audits and site assessments will be examined. The ability to conduct a phase 1, 2, and 3 environmental site assessment on a property that has been disturbed by human activity is provided. Decommissioning processes and guidelines will be covered. As well , standards used to establish criteria for conducting audits and assessments (including ISO 14000 requirements).
Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00
Environmental Technology
Course Number: ENVR012
This course examines the technological tools that are available in the environmental sector. Technological skill development, environmental application, and problem solving represent typical areas of study.
Units: 30.00
Hours: 30.00
Field School
Course Number: APST028
In this course, students take part in practical field exercises that build on the skill set developed from the Technician Level program. These exercises and areas of specialized training may take place at off-campus locations. In some instances, elements are mandatory, and additional specialized training take place on an optional basis. The course is designed to promote a more comprehensive understanding of environmental activity.
Units: 40.00
Hours: 40.00
Principles of Hydrogeology
Course Number: GEOL021
This course introduces the fundamental theories and applications of groundwater studies. Lecture topics will include basic principles of groundwater, aquifer investigation, wells, groundwater management, and groundwater geotechniques. Lab efforts will be directed to hydraulic conductivity determinations, flow nets, pump tests, piezometric tests, and uses of test data.
Units: 60.00
Hours: 60.00
Waste Management Approaches
Course Number: ENVR017
This course is designed to provide an understanding of current waste management practices in Ontario, waste management problems and environmental effects, governing legislation, regulatory practices and enforcement, integrated waste management components, landfill site selection, development of waste management system applications, site closure, and post-operational uses.
Units: 60.00
Hours: 60.00
Semester 6
Air Pollution and Abatement
Course Number: ENVR001
This course is divided into two modules. The first module will deal with air pollution and abatement by exploring emission sources, meteorological effects, pollution control technology, monitoring, and relevant legislation. In the second module, students will gain an understanding of the role and function of the federal National Pollution Release Inventory.
Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00
Behaviour of Contaminants
Course Number: ENVR003
In this course, the unique nature and behaviour of some environmental contaminants are examined. Concepts introduced will include contaminant transport and fate, toxicity measurement, and hazard assessment. Case studies of current environmental problems will be used to illustrate the ecological complexity of some of these reactions.
Units: 60.00
Hours: 60.00
Environmental Laboratory Techniques
Course Number: ENVR007
This course gives students experience in analytical laboratory techniques and instrumentation associated with the environmental workplace. Laboratory work will include hands-on experience in sample collection, preparation, and analysis for both organic and inorganic contaminants as well as exposure to standard laboratory procedures. The theory and practical applications of a variety of standard laboratory methods and instrumentation will also be examined.
Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00
Environmental Planning and Assessment
Course Number: ENVR009
This course studies two distinct disciplines: environmental planning and environmental assessment. The environmental planning component applies development related scenarios to provide knowledge in such areas as the Planning Act, zoning by-laws, official plans, Provincial Policy Statement, Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan and ecosystem based planning approaches. The environmental assessment component deals with federal and provincial assessment processes including Class EA's, screening, public participation and implications for the environment.
Units: 60.00
Hours: 60.00
Environmental Sampling and Analysis
Course Number: SCIE016
Pre-requisites
This course involves the development and analysis of experimental design. Students will also be introduced to some of the methods of statistical analysis frequently used in the environmental field such as two-way ANOVA, cluster analysis, multiple regression, population estimation models.
Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00
Industrial Placement
Course Number: FLPL071
This course is designed to allow students an opportunity to obtain program-related experience while working independently off campus in the public or private sectors of the workplace. It will also provide students with an opportunity to apply existing knowledge and gain new insights into the area of placement. This activity will occur after final examinations. Students will be required to seek a placement location of their choice and then apply to the course co-ordinator for approval.
Units: 80.00
Hours: 80.00
Spill Response and Case Studies
Course Number: ENVR016
This advanced course focuses on current concerns related to commodity spills to the environment as well as techniques for environmental cleanup through containment, recovery, and disposal. Course topics will include legislation, oil/gas/chemical spills, leaking underground storage tanks, DNAPL's, operation of gas monitoring equipment, and confined space entry. A number of case studies and videos will be used to reinforce the key course components.
Units: 60.00
Hours: 60.00