| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
The Environmental Technician program at St. Lawrence College equips students with the skills and knowledge for careers in environmental management. Through hands-on learning, field studies, and a work placement, graduates are prepared for roles in water quality analysis, waste management, and environmental assessment. The program emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and environmental responsibility, preparing students for a wide range of employment opportunities in the environmental sector.
Program Outline
Environmental Technician Program at St. Lawrence College, Cornwall Campus
Degree Overview:
Overview:
The Environmental Technician program at St. Lawrence College (SLC) is a two-year Ontario College Diploma program designed to equip students with the essential skills and knowledge required for a career in the environmental sector. The program emphasizes hands-on learning through laboratory work, field studies, and a four-week work placement, offering a well-rounded and industry-ready experience.
Program Objectives:
- To prepare graduates for employment in a wide range of environmental sectors, including water and air quality, waste management, occupational health and safety, and environmental assessment.
- To foster critical thinking and problem-solving abilities in an environmental context.
- To provide students with a strong understanding of environmental regulations and legislation.
- To cultivate effective communication skills for technical reporting and public engagement.
- To develop a strong sense of environmental responsibility and commitment to sustainable practices.
Outline:
Program Content:
The program covers a comprehensive range of topics, encompassing various aspects of the environment and its interaction with human activities. These topics include:
- Biology: Fundamental principles of ecology, biodiversity, evolution, genetics, and cellular processes.
- Chemistry: Essential concepts in atomic structure, chemical bonding, reactions, stoichiometry, and applications in environmental issues.
- Communications: Development of communication skills for technical writing, report preparation, and effective presentation.
- Environmental Issues and Solutions: Exploration of current environmental concerns, sustainable practices, and technological solutions.
- Environmental Legislation: Understanding relevant environmental regulations, laws, and compliance requirements.
- Environmental Analysis: Introduction to fundamental techniques and methods for chemical and physical analysis of environmental media.
- Field Ecology: Hands-on field courses in ecological sampling, freshwater ecology, and ecotoxicology.
- Health and Safety: Occupational health and safety practices, hazard identification, risk assessment, and regulatory compliance.
- Mathematics: Statistical analysis and experimental design for data collection and interpretation in environmental contexts.
- Microbiology: Introduction to microbes, their identification, growth, and importance in the environment and various industries.
- Project Management: Principles of planning, executing, monitoring, and evaluating environmental projects.
- Solid Waste Management: Techniques for managing various types of waste, including municipal, industrial, and hazardous waste.
- Water Treatment and Distribution: Operation of drinking water treatment plants, water treatment processes, and the Entry Level Drinking Water Operator certification.
Program Structure:
The program consists of four semesters with 20 courses, including general education courses. However, specific modules are mentioned in some courses, including:
- COMP 75: Computer Applications in Excel: Using Microsoft Excel for data analysis, problem-solving, and model building in environmental contexts.
- BIOL 1: General Biology: Exploring molecular biology, genetics, cell biology, evolution, and biodiversity.
Assessment:
The assessment methods vary depending on the course and its learning outcomes. However, some general approaches include:
- Assignments and projects: Written reports, case studies, presentations, and group projects.
- Laboratory reports: Documentation of laboratory exercises, data analysis, and interpretation.
- Field reports: Documentation of data collection, observations, and field studies.
- Participation and engagement: Class discussions, active participation, and contributions to group work.
- Work placement evaluation: Assessment of performance during the four-week work placement, including professionalism, application of knowledge, and workplace skills.
Teaching:
The program employs various teaching methodologies:
- Interactive lectures: Providing theoretical knowledge and sparking class discussions through active student participation.
- Practical laboratory sessions: Hands-on exercises and experiments for applying theoretical concepts to real-world scenarios.
- Tutorials and small group work: Facilitating problem-solving, collaborative learning, and critical thinking in a smaller setting.
- Field studies and field trips: Experiential learning in natural environments and exposure to real-world case studies.
Faculty:
The program is delivered by experienced instructors with expertise and knowledge in environmental sciences, environmental management, and related fields. The program also benefits from the involvement of researchers at the associated St. Lawrence River Institute of Environmental Sciences.
Careers:
Career Paths and Opportunities:
The Environmental Technician program prepares graduates for careers in various sectors related to environmental management, monitoring, assessment, and restoration. Some potential career titles include:
- Environmental Technician
- Environmental Consultant
- Water Quality Analyst
- Water Treatment Plant Operator
- Waste Management Technician
- Hazardous Materials Technician
- Field Technician
- Ecological Restoration Technician
- Research Assistant
Employment Opportunities:
Graduates of the program can find employment opportunities within various organizations, including:
- Environmental consulting firms
- Government agencies and ministries
- Public and private sector companies
- Water and wastewater treatment facilities
- Research institutes
- Conservation authorities
- Industrial and commercial sectors
Other:
Partnerships:
St. Lawrence College has an established partnership with the St. Lawrence River Institute of Environmental Sciences, providing students with opportunities to learn and work alongside research scientists on various environmental issues.
Certifications:
The program integrates the Ontario Ministry of the Environment's Entry Level Drinking Water Operator course, enabling successful graduates to obtain the respective certification. Additionally, the program prepares students to write the Water/Waste Water Operator in Training (OIT) and Water Quality Analyst (WQA) exams, which are valuable credentials in the Water/Wastewater Industry.
