Ecological Restoration, Bachelor of Science

Program Overview

BCIT's Ecological Restoration program combines academic credentials in Fish, Wildlife and Recreation or Forest and Natural Areas Management with a Bachelor's Degree in Ecological Restoration. This unique program provides students with the skills and knowledge to restore damaged aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, addressing the increasing need for ecosystem restoration due to habitat destruction, invasive species, and industrial contamination. Graduates will be leaders and innovators in this rapidly developing industry, contributing to the protection and restoration of ecosystems in British Columbia and beyond.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Become a part of Canada’s premier environmental and restoration related programs. BCIT invites you to join one of the most unique educational models in Canada. Completion of either of these two-year diploma programs (or similar programs elsewhere) will provide you with the strong foundation needed to apply for entry into BCIT’s Degree in Ecological Restoration. This degree, the first of its kind in Canada, provides world-class applied training on restoring the numerous damaged aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems that exist across British Columbia, Canada, and around the world. Ecological Restoration (ER) is a scientific discipline that has recently emerged due to the increasing need to restore damaged ecosystems. Restoration scientists and practitioners are ‘ecosystem physicians’ …. Doctors apply knowledge of physiology, genetics, biochemistry, microbiology, and parasitology to address human health issues. ER practitioners apply knowledge of: ecology, hydrology, geochemistry, geomorphology, and engineering to address ecological health issues1. Natural habitats across the province have been severely impacted due to habitat destruction, urban sprawl, invasive species expansions, and direct damage due to industrial contamination of soils and aquatic resources. These factors combined with the resulting increase in number of threatened and endangered species have resulted in the strong need for ecosystem restoration work across the province and around the world. The Bachelor Degree in Ecological Restoration provides graduates with a strong foundation in the methods available to restore a broad range of ecosystems that have been impacted by human influences in British Columbia, across Canada and in other parts of the world. Ecological Restoration graduates will not only bring skills and expertise to current employers but will also be leaders and innovators in this rapidly-developing industry. These programs, in partnership with the newly established BCIT Rivers Institute, are widely renowned locally and internationally for their “field oriented” learning and applied research. The Rivers Institute plays a leadership role in the protection and restoration of rivers and provides support and mentoring to the next generation of river stewards. Working with our many diverse partners on a wide range of applied restoration projects, students gain extensive experience tackling some of the many environmental challenges facing local, regional, provincial and international communities. NOTE: 1 This analogy was originally described by Hood and Simenstad in Roman, C.T. and D.M. Burdick’s (2012) book titled: Tidal Marsh Restoration: A Synthesis of Science and Management. Island Press, Washington, DC.

Outline:

As a student in the Ecological Restoration, Bachelor of Science program, you’ll receive a solid foundation of the skills, knowledge, and experiences required to meet today’s many natural resource management and ecosystem restoration challenges. Your learning experiences will be unique with much of the learning done through hands-on field applications involving actual ecological restoration initiatives. You will also be involved in group and individual projects, case studies, class presentations, guest lectures by active restoration specialists, laboratory sessions, field labs and an applied research project. Program matrix Check current availability of courses for this program. Level 5 (Fall - 15 weeks) Credits RENR 7000 Foundations of Chemistry ​This course covers basic principles of chemistry. The major topics are atomic structure, nomenclature, stoichiometry, redox reactions, and electrochemistry. Additional material includes chemical bonding, solutions, neutralization and solubility of compounds. The importance of precipitation reactions for the treatment of water and wastewater will also be examined.Prerequisite(s): Acceptance into the Ecological Restoration degree program or by departmental approval. course outline 0 RENR 7004 course outline 0 RENR 7004 Fish & Wildlife Ecology & Management The first part of the course provides students with a solid foundation in fisheries management with a focus on British Columbia. This course emphasizes fish identification, fish measurements, ichthyology, life history, basic biological features, fisheries management issues (e.g., mark recapture, stock recruitment), fish culture and fisheries techniques. The second part of the course covers the principles and practice of wildlife ecology and management with particular emphasis on inventory protocols and species at risk in BC. Topics include: biology and ecology of wildlife species; dynamics of wildlife populations; methods of studying wildlife; natural and artificial regulation of animal numbers; control of problem wildlife; evaluation and enhancement of wildlife habitats; management for harvest. Field sessions outside of scheduled class time will be required.Prerequisite(s): Acceptance into the Ecological Restoration degree program or by departmental approval. course outline 0 RENR 7006 Field Skills for Ecological Restoration ​This course is designed to provide students with hands-on training and application of field techniques used to conduct assessments in support of restoration methods, with an emphasis on stream and riparian habitat. A strong emphasis will be placed on field safety protocols and establishing safety plans. Other modules included in the class may vary among years, but usually include assessments of water quality, stream flow, fish and fish habitat, benthic macroinvertebrates, as well as installation and stability assessments of in-stream wood structures. Modules will focus on proper maintenance and use of survey equipment essential to obtaining accurate results, as well as proper interpretation of field survey results.​Prerequisite(s): Acceptance into the Ecological Restoration degree program or by departmental approval. course outline 0 RENR 7007 course outline 0 RENR 7007 Planning for Ecological Restoration ​Designed as an introduction to ecological restoration (ER) for those with little background in this field, this course develops knowledge and skills needed to plan and implement restoration activities. The course describes the process for developing, implementing, monitoring, and refining on-the-ground restoration projects. The course begins by introducing the process of ER and common restoration techniques, with frequent reference to specific examples explored in class and on field trips. Students will expand and assess their knowledge of ER by critically reviewing several restoration plans. The main component of the course entails students working in small groups to develop a restoration plan for a degraded site in the Greater Vancouver area.Prerequisite(s): Acceptance into the Ecological Restoration degree program or by departmental approval. course outline 0 RENR 7008 Indigenous Perspectives in Natural Resources Management ​This course will explore the historical and contemporary relationship between First Nations and the physical environment, particularly in British Columbia. The course will give a detailed overview of the history of First Nations from both a national and provincial perspective. It will also examine the various federal acts that have impacted aboriginal peoples socially and politically. The course will explore the treaty process in British Columbia and look at Aboriginal self-government, ownership of lands and the management of natural resources. Through case studies and team projects, the course will explore the working relationship between First Nations, various levels of government and private industry particularly with respect to Traditional Ecological Knowledge, environmental management and sustainability issues.Prerequisite(s): Acceptance into the Ecological Restoration degree program or by departmental approval. course outline 0 RENR 7010 course outline 0 RENR 7010 Geospatial Application in Natural Resource Management This course reviews technologies and tools commonly used to survey, map, and analyze geospatial data in applications of natural resource management. Students will use a range of geospatial and digital field survey tools and applications to: (i) design, access, create, translate, and edit digital data files; (ii) collect, process, and export field observations using a range of field techniques including GNSS and remote sensing technology; (iii) interpret and analyze data; and (iv) prepare and present data in technical reports and presentations. This course will support students that are new to geospatial concepts as well as review and further develop concepts and skills introduced in diploma-level geospatial courses in the Renewable Resources Department. The course will support learning of students with a range of geospatial experience using techniques such as asynchronous modules offered through the Geospatial Hub, optional supplemental in-person labs and consulting, and peer-to-peer learning. Assignments and lessons will introduce students to tools and processes that will assist them in desktop analyses and use of field observations in other courses within the Ecological Restoration BSc Program.​Prerequisite(s): Acceptance into the Ecological Restoration degree program or by departmental approval. course outline 0 Level 6 (Winter - 15 weeks) Credits LIBS 7001 course outline 0 Level 6 (Winter - 15 weeks) Credits LIBS 7001 Critical Reading and Writing This is a course in advanced composition and rhetoric, in which students will develop skills in complex critical analysis and interpretation by analyzing and evaluating materials from a variety of discourses or genres, including visual, online, and print; developing and writing essays, including critiques and research papers; applying and discussing principles of rhetoric and critical theory; examining and using methods of interpretation and analysis from the humanities and social sciences; evaluating the credibility of primary and secondary sources, including as it applies to media literacy, and for the purposes of academic research; situating discourses within their historical context and relevant to rhetorical theories of different periods (for example, Aristotle in the ancient world and Bakhtin in the twentieth century). The course format will include lecture, discussion, and both individual and group activities.Prerequisite(s): BCIT ENGL 1177 or equivalent, or 6 credits BCIT Communication at 1100-level or above, or 3 credits of a university/college first-year social science or humanities course. course outline 0 MATH 7100 course outline 0 MATH 7100 Biostatistics for Natural Resource Managers The goals of this course are to provide the student with the skills needed to solve and understand problems relating to data analysis that will be encountered in the renewable resource and environmental areas. Considerable emphasis will be placed on the application to analysis of real-life problems, technical and journal articles, the presentation and analysis of data using statistical and spreadsheet software. Class assignments will be given that require critical thinking, communication and explanation of results through verbal presentation and report writing. This course includes the following course content: (1) Hypothesis testing and goodness-of-fit testing using t, z, F, and chi-squared statistics (2) Bivariate data analysis using linear models, including log transformation, parameter estimation, and hypothesis testing (3) Analysis of variance (4) Non-parametric statistical analysis (5) Collection of data and development of databases (6) Appropriate use of graphical displays (7) Experimental design, including completely random designs and randomized complete block designs.Prerequisite(s): MATH 2453 course outline 0 RENR 7001 Foundations of Biology This course provides an overview of key biological topics relevant to the field of ecosystem restoration and conservation biology. Topics will include: the chemistry of life, including the structure and function of macromolecules, cell structures and membranes, the gene (meiosis, Mendelian genetics, chromosomes and inheritance), and evolution.Prerequisite(s): Acceptance into the Ecological Restoration degree program or by departmental approval. course outline 0 RENR 7200 course outline 0 RENR 7200 Climate and Climate Change Impact ​Understanding how climate change impacts ecosystems as well as techniques that increase the ability of ecosystems to withstand these impacts are essential to a successful career in natural resource management. This course begins by developing an understanding of the key processes that influence local weather versus climate patterns, as well as an understanding of climate feedback processes. The course will clarify the relative contributions of different human activities to recent and ongoing climate change, as well as explore the diverse impacts of this climate change on ecosystems. Relying heavily on case studies, this class will develop the student's ability to understand and critique common techniques used to increase the ability of ecosystems to withstand projected climate-related stressors. The course also explores key government regulations used to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) as well as to mitigate the impacts of human-caused climate change on ecosystems. Course content will focus especially on climate topics that are relevant to southwestern British Columbia.​​Prerequisite(s): Acceptance into the Ecological Restoration degree program or by departmental approval. course outline 0 RENR 8201 course outline 0 RENR 8201 Terrain and Stream Channel Assessment for Ecological Restoration This course provides an outline of the physical processes that control how watersheds function; it provides the necessary geophysical link with biology required to successfully plan, undertake and complete ecological restoration. Both terrestrial and fluvial processes are considered. Because these processes require understanding of general geoscience principals, this course includes selected basic introduction to earth science concepts. The first section of the course covers general earth science principals leading into terrain assessment, including a wide range of terrain attributes, with mapping and related interpretations such as landslide and erosion hazards from the point of view of the map user and according to current provincial (British Columbia) standards. Topics covered include an overview of watershed assessment approaches, morphometry, hydrological concepts, surficial materials and landforms, principles of soil physical behavior (e.g., drainage and strength), use of terrain maps, terrain map symbols, and developing terrain maps landslide and other slope processes. The second section, dealing with fluvial processes, covers the collection and interpretation of stream channel data. Other topics will include: the provincial Channel Assessment Procedure and the effects of land use on stream channel, gully and alluvial fan morphology, and channel restoration strategies.Prerequisite(s): Acceptance into the Ecological Restoration degree program or by departmental approval. course outline 0 Level 7 (Fall - 15 weeks) Credits RENR 8101 course outline 0 Level 7 (Fall - 15 weeks) Credits RENR 8101 Terrestrial Ecosystem Restoration Terrestrial Ecosystem Restoration covers the principles (science) and practice (art) of restoration of terrestrial ecosystems with particular reference to problems and procedures in the Pacific Northwest and BC. The course focuses on a regional overview of the biogeography and environmental history of the Pacific Northwest. The process of ecological restoration, from goal setting and project planning through to monitoring and adaptive management will be discussed. Intensive examination of ecological restoration of the major ecosystems of the region will be conducted, along with managing natural areas in urban environments, invasive species, climate change, and management at different scales. Students will use this information to design (and present to fellow students and clients) a restoration plan for a specific BC ecosystem, including: identifying a degraded', damaged', destructed', or transformed' ecosystem; identify (through sampling and background research) their `reference ecosystem'; setting goals and objectives; design a restoration plan and monitoring (adaptive management) protocol; and their planned public education activities.Prerequisite(s): 50% in RENR 7100 and 50% in RENR 8201 Or by department approval. course outline 0 RENR 8202 course outline 0 RENR 8202 Stream Assessment and Restoration ​This course develops the foundational skills needed to link geomorphic processes and freshwater aquatic habitat in efforts to successfully evaluate and restore freshwater stream habitat in a changing climate. This course focuses on data collection methods and analysis techniques used to determine stream function and health in the Pacific Northwest. Topics include physical stream processes and their link to signs of habitat degradation, evaluating fish habitat and channel substrate for spawning suitability, and using digital tools to evaluate historical channel changes. Students will also learn methods for increasing stream habitat complexity, designing off-channel habitat, evaluating barriers to fish passage, low-tech restoration strategies, and effectively communicating about restoration with the public. ​Prerequisite(s): 50% passing grade in RENR 8201 or by the acceptance into the BSc in ER program or by department approval course outline 0 RENR 8300 course outline 0 RENR 8300 Applied Research Project 1 ​Designed as the capstone to the Ecological Restoration Program, this is the first of a two-course series that entails students working in small groups to further develop knowledge and hands-on skills needed to plan and implement ecological restoration activities. This course entails student teams identifying sites on which to focus for the two-course series, as well as developing detailed site assessments and restoration goals/objectives.Projects must be approved by the instructors, though may focus on one or a combination of the steps critical to the restoration process (i.e., projects may focus on designing/planning, implementing, monitoring, or reviewing/assessing restoration). Students will submit multiple written documents for review. Class meetings will entail a variety of activities designed to complement project development. This course will emphasizes high levels of student responsibility in developing project goals and objectives. At regular intervals, instructors will provide assessment of progress. However, groups are strongly encouraged to communicate with instructors as often as needed about challenges and opportunities encountered.Prerequisite(s): 50% in MATH 7100 and 50% in RENR 7007 and 50% in RENR 8301 course outline 0 RENR 8301 course outline 0 RENR 8301 Research Design & Implementation The goal of Research Design and Implementation is to provide students with the tools and knowledge to effectively design, implement, and use research as the basis for making appropriate decisions in designing and implementing restoration activities. To meet this goal, we will discuss some fundamental concepts including: science, the scientific method, reliable knowledge, poor science, and experimental design. We'll examine how to ask 'why' questions, how to design appropriate research/monitoring plans to address these questions, and how to package this information (including project budgets) into an informative, scientifically-defensible proposal on a chosen ecological restoration activity. This course is designed to strengthen critical thinking skills when reviewing current information and when formulating new activities in ecological restoration. The course is a discussion-based course where concepts and ideas are discussed among the students and by the students.Prerequisite(s): Acceptance into the Ecological Restoration degree program or by departmental approval. course outline 0 Elective courses will vary depending on needs of the program and industry. Elective course offerings will be determined by the department. Level 8 (Winter - 15 weeks) Credits LIBS 7017 Level 8 (Winter - 15 weeks) Credits LIBS 7017 Environmental Ethics ​We will address questions about norms that guide environmental policies, using theories and methods of reasoning provided by the discipline of ethics. We will examine public environmental policies, and other related policies that pertain to research on human subjects, such as reproductive rights and genetic engineering. Examination and evaluation of these policies will help us develop skills in ethical analysis, a working knowledge of ethical principles and theories, and the ability to diagnose and resolve ethical disagreements. To frame our discussion about the environment, we will attempt to answer such questions as: Q1) What is the value of ecological balance? Q2) How should we perceive the relationship between human beings and the rest of nature? Q3) What do we want to achieve with environmental policy?​Prerequisite(s): ENGL 1177, or 3 credits of a university/college essay-based course, or 6 credits BCIT 1100-level Communication. course outline 0 RENR 7002 Environmental Assessment This course covers the history, purpose and methods of environmental impact assessment (EIA). The purpose and an overview of approaches to EIA are presented and the Environmental Assessment Act of BC will be used as an example of environmental assessment (EA) policy and procedure.. Environmental assessment procedures according to Canadian Standards Association (CSA) will also be discussed. Examples of EA in other jurisdictions (e.g., USA, South America, et al.) will be reviewed. Methods and techniques for assessing environmental impacts and actions, such as avoidance, mitigation, reclamation or restoration, are surveyed and critically examined through class discussions, guest speakers and case studies.Prerequisite(s): Acceptance into the Ecological Restoration degree program or by departmental approval. course outline 0 RENR 8103 course outline 0 RENR 8103 Conservation Biology Conservation biology is the science of biology that looks at human impacts on biological diversity and possible means to prevent extinction of native species. Topics to be covered in this course include: principles of conservation biology and biological diversity, biological diversity of British Columbia, value of biological diversity, threats to biological diversity, invasive species management, climate change and its impacts on ecosystems and biodiversity, species at risk, habitat loss and fragmentation, island biogeography theory, and the species area relationship as it relates to biodiversity conservation and the design and planning of protected areas. Field sessions outside of scheduled class time will be required.Prerequisite(s): 50% in RENR 7100 and 50% in RENR 8001 Or by department approval. course outline 0 RENR 8400 Applied Research Project 2 ​In conjunction with an industry sponsor, students will undertake a research project related to ecological restoration. The research project must contain elements that are innovative, experimental, or exploratory in nature. A department committee will supervise the progress of the project, provide guidance and direction where appropriate, and evaluate the final report. The goal of the course is to provide students with an opportunity to work independently on an industry sponsored applied research project. In doing so, students will learn to rely on their critical thinking and analysis skills to investigate, evaluate, synergize, develop, and implement a pragmatic approach toward solving an environmental research problem.Prerequisite(s): Acceptance into the Ecological Restoration degree program or by departmental approval. course outline 0 course outline 0 Elective courses will vary depending on needs of the program and industry. Elective course offerings will be determined by the department.

• Note: For Part-time Studies, Program Head approval is required prior to registration for RENR 8300 Applied Research Project and RENR 8400 Applied Research Project 2
General Education Component Credits LIBS 7001, LIBS 7002, RENR 7008, and RENR 8301, are accepted as General Education electives. Courses are completed in Levels 5-8.

RENR 8104 Applications of Fire in Ecosystem Restoration The course reviews and expands upon the fundamentals of fire science, documents the ecological role of fire in British Columbia’s terrestrial ecosystems and examines fire as a management tool for various applications, such as biodiversity, fuel management, wildlife habitat, and rehabilitation of degraded forest, range and other wildland ecosystems.Prerequisite(s): 50% in RENR 7000 and 50% in RENR 7100 Or by department approval. course outline 0 RENR 8106 course outline 0 RENR 8106 Wetland and Estuary Restoration ​This course covers the fundamentals of wetland and estuary form, function, classification and restoration in Canada. The wetland section of the course covers wetland classification, examines mechanisms of wetland loss and the importance of wetlands in storing carbon, and the physical, chemical and biological mechanisms by which constructed wetlands remove pollutants from urban storm water. The steps for building groundwater wetlands, surface water wetlands, wetlands with liners and floating surface wetlands will be examined, in addition to the steps for building and maintaining constructed wetlands. The estuary section of the course covers estuary classification, reviews the ecological importance of estuaries and reviews the physical, chemical and biological nature of estuaries. Procedures for restoring estuaries is covered, including dealing with invasive species (plant and animal) and legacy contaminants. The course will focus on re-establishing the carbon flux and storage in the estuaries through re-planting of sub tidal eelgrass, emergent sedges and strategic placement of large woody debris. Students will participate in a field trip to design a wetland for construction the following year, construct a wetland, or monitor the performance of a recently constructed wetland.Prerequisite(s): 50% in RENR 7100 Or by department approval. course outline 0 RENR 8107 course outline 0 RENR 8107 Restoring Wildlife Populations Restoration plans must take into account the needs of current or desired wildlife species in project areas. This course gives ecologists, restorationists, administrators, and other professionals involved with restoration projects the tools they need to understand essential ecological concepts, helping them to design restoration projects that can improve conditions for native species of wildlife. It also offers specific guidance and examples on how various projects have been designed and implemented. This course interweaves theoretical and practical aspects of wildlife biology that are directly applicable to the restoration and conservation of animals. It provides an understanding of the fundamentals of wildlife populations and wildlife-habitat relationships as it explores the concept of habitat, its historic development, components, spatial-temporal relationships, and role in land management. It applies these concepts in developing practical tools for professionals. The course is based on Morrison, M.L. (Restoring Wildlife: Ecological Concepts and Practical Applications) and Maehr et al. 2001 (Large Mammal Restoration), both published by Island Press, Washington, USA. Case studies will be used to illustrate concepts while field labs will train students on key concepts.Prerequisite(s): 50% in RENR 7100 Or by department approval. course outline 0 Note: ASER 329 Mining Reclamation (UVIC course) is also acceptable. Not all courses are offered every term. Check with Program Head. Total Credits: 0 Check current availability of courses for this program.

Assessment:

Students must obtain a mark of 50% or better based on assignments, exercises, quizzes, exams and projects, as indicated in the individual course outlines.