Fish and Wildlife Technology
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Lindsay
Accepting applications
FW
Ontario College Advanced Diploma
January 12, 2009
$1,485.50 per semester *
* Tuition and fees subject to change.
- Program Information
- Program Curriculum
- Course Descriptions
Expand your career horizons with an additional year of study in the Fish and Wildlife Technology program. Through building on what you've learned in the Technician program, and adding more in-depth studies into the science of fish and wildlife management, you'll be prepared for even greater career success in the field.
Program Highlights
You'll take part in more hands-on field experiences and related work placements, training in advanced laboratory techniques, data compilation and analysis, and report writing. An exciting, four-week field placement provides you with the opportunity to further explore your career options - and make valuable employment contacts. Two, week-long field camps in the fall and winter will round out your more intensive experience and extensive skill set.
- Our program is the only one in Ontario accredited by the North American Wildlife Technologist Association (NAWTA).
- Fleming is the only college in Ontario offering a third year specialization in Fish and Wildlife Technology.
- Our spectacular learning environment includes an on-campus fish hatchery that supports the School's participation as a partner in the Lake Ontario Atlantic Salmon Restoration Project. Students are involved in daily hatchery operations.
- Program graduates are eligible for advanced standing into Trent University's Honours Bachelor of Science in Biology or Honours Bachelor of Science in Environmental and Resource Studies and can complete their Honours degree with just two years of study at Trent.
Why Choose Fleming?
The Fish and Wildlife Technology program benefits from the expertise and enthusiasm of faculty who have had real-life experience in the field, and from the focus on hands-on, experiential learning. We also help you secure your future, as many employers, such as the Ontario Ministries of the Environment and Natural Resources or private environmental consulting firms, are looking for graduates from this program. Our contacts are a valuable resource in your career development.
Common First Semester
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
To further practice your skills and expand your network of employment contacts, you'll take part in a field placement during each semester.
What it Takes to Succeed
As a Fish and Wildlife Technologist, you should possess:
- analytical skills
- strong sciences/maths background
- problem-solving ability and research skills
Students would benefit by having basic computer skills including e-mail, word processing, file management and internet web browsing.
Career Opportunities
Like the Fish and Wildlife Technician, you will find work in Canada from coast to coast. You will hold a variety of positions from fish and wildlife technologists to interpreters at fish and wildlife reserves, fishing and hunting guides, and wetland inventory technicians. As a Technologist, you will be able to move into managerial or specialized positions more quickly than with the two-year Technician diploma - as you will have developed a more focused skill set. You'll find work for a variety of organizations, such as government research agencies and ministries, private consulting firms, or environmental management agencies such as Ducks Unlimited and the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters.
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.
Selection Process
Health Requirements
Immunization Requirements
This program has immunization requirements. For more information, and to print the required immunization form, please see the Immunization Information page.
Additional Costs
Plan on spending approximately $675 for books, supplies and field camps.
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
Aquatic Studies
Course Number: FIWI042
Pre-requisites
Aquatic Studies is an introduction to some of the basic components and procedures involved in the study of aquatic ecosystems. Fish identification skills as well as aquatic and wetland plant identification skills will be stressed in this course. Invertebrate identification will be introduced. The students will also learn field water chemistry procedures and electofishing techniques.
Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00
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
Wildlife Observation Skills
Course Number: FIWI041
This course is an introduction to a range of skills in wildlife observation. A variety of wildlife species may be present in an environment despite not being seen. Important skills include visual and auditory identification of wildlife signs. The primary emphasis in this course will be on identification of wildlife signs such as tracks, trail patterns, scat, skulls, impacts on the environment, bird song and amphibian calls. When ever possible it is important to achieve visual observation and documentation of wildlife. Photography will be examined as a tool to document wildlife and their signs. Studies of wildlife observation technology will include an evaluation of binoculars and spotting scopes. Wildlife observation projects and groups will be reviewed including the Christmas Bird Count and breeding bird surveys. Lab instruction will be augmented with field trips to observe signs of local wildlife and when possible to document actual wildlife sightings.
Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00
Semester 3
Field Camp
Course Number: APST023
Pre-requisites
Co-requisites
This course is designed to give second-year students an enhanced exposure to the aquatic community. It involves two days of intensive training into the use and philosophy of aspects required for the preparation and procedural concepts of fisheries research. This will be followed by one week of active work on the lake, collecting data that will be incorporated by the government agencies responsible for managing the Kawartha Lakes. Areas of study will include boat handling and motor maintenance, learning to read water conditions, applying the use of GPS units, working with a variety of fish nets, water chemistry, shoreline habitat documentation, fish sampling, and the application of fish tags. Another concept is the knowledge of working together in a group format to produce valid results.
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
Habitat Classification
Course Number: FIWI044
This course will provide participants with a variety of habitat inventory techniques following a number of Environment Canada's, Ecological Monitoring and Assessment Network (EMAN) protocols. The course will start with a large scope approach looking at world wide biomes and realms, focusing on the variables of plant and associated wildlife species. The course the narrows its focus in a nested manner looking at Canadian ecosystems, then Ontario Ecological land Classification and Forest ecosystem classification. At each level of habitat classification wildlife habitat suitability will be emphasized and outline preferred and useable habitat for all wildlife species. Within these classifications, woody plant identification, coarse woody debris, herbaceous plant identification, soils and biodiversity of both terrestrial and wetland habitat will be investigated leading to establishing links between habitat and wildlife suitability. The main objective of the course is to explore current field inventory techniques employed by Fish and Wildlife resource technicians in North America.
Units: 60.00
Hours: 60.00
Introduction to Fisheries Management
Course Number: FIWI016
The principles, philosophy, and application of fisheries management in Ontario are examined in this course. Case histories will be used to emphasize current topics in natural resource management. The laboratory sessions will stress field activities and hands-on experiences as well as practical expertise in identifying, collecting, and aging fish components.
Units: 60.00
Hours: 60.00
Limnology I
Course Number: FIWI017
This course provides an introduction to basic limnology, with an emphasis on chemical and physical aspects. Students will learn how to properly use common limnological instruments and sampling devices and to perform aquatic surveys. The concepts of sample and analytical integrity will be stressed, as well as interpretation of results. Laboratory sessions will deal with laboratory and field techniques, while lectures will relate to the principles behind, and rationale for, lab and field techniques.
Units: 60.00
Hours: 60.00
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
Vertebrate Biology
Course Number: SCIE032
The course provides an introduction to ichthyology, herpetology, ornithology, and mammalogy. Included will be concepts of evolution, behaviour, anatomy, and the physiology of fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. The laboratory periods will be used to study, dissect, and identify representative vertebrates.
Units: 60.00
Hours: 60.00
Wildlife Technologies
Course Number: FIWI043
Pre-requisites
This course offers knowledge and practical training in current and emerging technologies important in fish and wildlife management. The technologies covered in this course include but are not restricted to the following: radio and ultrasonic telemetry, GPS navigation, PIT tags, data loggers and a variety of computer applications.
Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00
Semester 4
Animal Pathology
Course Number: SCIE004
Pre-requisites
This course examines and identifies the more important parasites and diseases of common freshwater fish, birds, and mammals of Ontario and central Canada. The course will include data on bacterial, viral, fungal, and protozoan forms as well. Life cycles and the ecological importance of certain parasitic organisms will also be discussed.
Units: 60.00
Hours: 60.00
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
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
Limnology II
Course Number: FIWI018
This course examines the ecology, biology, and taxonomy of common freshwater aquatic organisms. Additional topics will include an introduction to water pollution (including its effect on aquatic life), food web structure, and the impact of new species invasions.
Units: 60.00
Hours: 60.00
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
Wildlife
Course Number: FIWI038
This course includes instruction in standard field and laboratory techniques used in the study of wildlife and basic principles of wildlife management, with emphasis on aging and sexing techniques. Concepts relating to small game, big game, fur, and waterfowl management will be introduced. This course has a compulsory two-day field exercise occurring in the week immediately following the winter semester.
Units: 60.00
Hours: 60.00
Semester 5
Big Game and Fur Management I
Course Number: FIWI004
Pre-requisites
This course includes a research project on a selected big game furbearer species, including a presentation of information in an open public format. Age, sex and habitat data are analyzed related to deer, moose and black bear management. Ageing techniques for these animals will be discussed. A pre winter deer range assessment project will be conducted. A muskrat study will be conducted which will consider habitat, population estimate and overall health of the population. Students must attend and participate in all field trips and activities.
Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00
Environmental Analysis
Course Number: SCIE015
This course provides students with basic theories and techniques needed to analyze and sample water, soils, and tissue samples for environmental contaminants and other chemical constituents.
Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00
Fall Field Camp
Course Number: APST018
The Fall Field Camp is designed to give students increased exposure to a variety of limnological, fisheries, and wildlife equipment and techniques. The camp to synthesizes past independent course knowledge and introduces students to advanced techniques and protocol. Some areas of study will include the collection of volume-weighted samples, the use of a submarine photometer, multi-parameter sonde unit, modified Fyke nets, fish tagging, and radio telemetry. Trapping techniques, map, photo interpretation, operation of handheld GPS units, and terrestrial ecosystem classification will be incorporated into wildlife inventories.
Units: 40.00
Hours: 40.00
Field Placement
Course Number: FLPL032
During Semester 5, students are involved in a two-week placement with a natural resource agency. This placement provides each student with hands-on experience. Each student is evaluated on this placement by the immediate supervisor and on an oral presentation given in class immediately following the placement. Students are required to pay for expenses.
Units: 80.00
Hours: 80.00
Introduction to Vector GIS
Course Number: GEOM034
This is an introductory level course in Vector GIS. Students will be exposed to various components of Vector GIS, including co-ordinate systems, map projections, data sources and data structures. Students will also learn how to produce maps in order to effectively communicate geographic information. Data collection techniques will be explored through the use of a GPS receiver.
Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00
Limnology III
Course Number: FIWI019
This course makes use of skills attained in previous limnology courses and teaches additional limnological concepts and skills. Topics covered will relate to fish-hatchery water quality, aquatic productivity, enumeration of aquatic organisms, and biological monitoring of the aquatic environment using biota at different trophic levels.
Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00
Sport and Commercial Fisheries
Course Number: FIWI033
The course includes a series of field and laboratory exercises on the management and ecology of major game species. The history of commercial fisheries will be examined, along with catch statistics, capture methods, and the management of commercially important species. Some fishery techniques include age and growth studies, habitat assessment, rehabilitation, population and biomass surveys, creel surveys, and diet analysis. In addition, there will be a large component of fishery science and application of mathematical models to fisheries management.
Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00
Waterfowl Management
Course Number: FIWI037
Pre-requisites
Various topics and practices relating to waterfowl management are covered, such as a discussion of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan, population dynamics, and habitat manipulation. The provincial wetland evaluation program is presented and field procedures in identification, aging, and sexing of waterfowl are practised.
Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00
Semester 6
Applied GIS
Course Number: GEOM006
This course provides students with the opportunity to explore how GIS technology is being used in a wide variety of natural resource and environmental applications locally, provincially, nationally and internationally. Hands on experience using current GIS software will allow students to continue to develop their GIS analysis skills. Term projects will provide the opportunity to use GIS as a tool to facilitate the management of, or solution to, a natural resource or environmental problem.
Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00
Big Game and Fur Management II
Course Number: FIWI005
Pre-requisites
This course contains a public speaking presentation on a managed species of mammal. The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources/Ontario Fur Harvesters Federation fur harvest, management and conservation course will be completed including certificate testing. The course includes a tour of a fur grading and auction facility.Students must attend and participate in all field trips and activities.
Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00
Environmental Monitoring
Course Number: FIWI006
This course examines the importance of major contaminants in water, air, biota, soil, and sediment. Specifically, methods of detection, analysis, safe limits, government protocols, and regulations relating to these compounds will be reviewed. Several methods of environmental monitoring will be surveyed, including bioassays, ecosystem, response, and determination of the actual levels of contaminants in various media (e.g. air, water, biota).
Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00
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
Field Placement
Course Number: FLPL022
During Semester V and VI, students are involved in a two-week placement with a natural resource agency. This placement provides each student with hands-on experience. Each student is evaluated on this placement by the immediate supervisor and/or an oral presentation given in class immediately following the placement. Students are required to cover their own expenses.
Units: 80.00
Hours: 80.00
Fisheries and Wildlife Research Project
Course Number: FIWI045
Pre-requisites
Co-requisites
During the two-week field placement in previous semester, students will collect data for a scientific fisheries or wildlife project. Using the skills and knowledge gained in the previous semesters, the data will be processed, statistically analyzed, written up and presented for peer review.
Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00
Integrated Habitat Assessment
Course Number: FIWI015
This course synthesizes the fish and wildlife skill set. The main focus will be the integration of all fish and wildlife values through the creation of a natural resource constraint plan. The course will reveal the complexity of integrated resource planning as students create their own plan.
Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00
Winter Field Camp
Course Number: APST040
The Winter Field Camp is designed to give students increased exposure to a variety of limnological, fisheries, and wildlife equipment and techniques. The camp synthesizes past independent course knowledge and introduces students to advanced techniques and protocol. Some areas of study will include the collection of volume-weighted samples, the use of a submarine photometer, multiparameter sonde unit, nondestructive and destructive netting techniques, and radio telemetry. Trapping techniques, map, photo interpretation, operation of handheld GPS units, and terrestrial ecosystem classification will be incorporated into wildlife inventories.
Units: 40.00
Hours: 40.00