Environmental Technology, Diploma

A foundation in environmental science and innovation.

 female student surveying

Program at a glance

Credential

Diploma

Work experience

Co-op / internship

Study options

Full-time

Open to International

Yes

Ready to get started?

Get your application in for the September intake.
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The world, our environment 

Rediscover the way we represent the world and learn to develop innovative technologies and solutions to address sustainability and climate change, benefiting society and the environment.

students in science lab

Hands-on learning

In this science-based, two-year program, you'll gain academic expertise, combined with hands-on laboratory and field skills to prepare you for employment or to pursue further education. Environmental professionals work within assessment teams, collecting, collating and presenting information that will help decision-makers understand how their decisions will affect the Earth and its inhabitants.

 

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What to expect

During the program, you'll take 13 courses in the areas of environmental studies, biology, chemistry, english, geography, GIS, and math. You can also do paid work experience through co-operative education to get a big head start in your career.

Accreditation 

The program is nationally accredited by the College of Applied Biology (CAB) and upon program completion students are eligible to become Registered Biology Technologists (RBTech). 

Transfer to university

The Environmental Technology program provides up to two years of transfer credit towards programs within the School of Environment & Sustainability at Royal Roads University (note that their option of a B.Sc. in Environmental Science will require an additional calculus, e.g. MATH 108). 

Your courses may also transfer to other BC universities and colleges to allow you to continue your education towards a degree in biology, geography or environmental studies. Check the BC Transfer Guide to find out where each course transfers.

What you'll learn

You'll learn how to produce solutions for the world's leading problems from the fields of applied biology/restoration, environmental chemistry, and Geographic Information Systems. As a multi-disciplinary program, Environmental Technology has access to wide-ranging resources including lab equipment, a native plant garden, and a variety of local field sites used for field-based learning.

In demand

As a certified environmental professionals, you will be qualified for employment with private- and public-sector employers. Co-op students and graduates have gone on to careers in workplaces that include:

  • Institute of Ocean Sciences
  • Federal and provincial ministries and departments (Forests, Fisheries, Parks and Water Management, Department of National Defence)
  • Indigenous organizations
  • BC Hydro
  • BC Ferries
  • Private consulting firms
  • Various municipalities and regional districts

These roles involve a variety of projects and activities, which could include: 

  • Conducting rare species surveys/inventories 
  • Describing impacts from proposed activities
  • Preparing environmental permit applications
  • Providing reports and recommendations on mitigation/restoration 
  • Collecting field data and conducting GIS analyses 

What you'll learn

Current students wanting information about your program, go to student planning in myCamosun.

female student waterfall

Program outline

For more details, please see the Environmental Technology courses in the Academic Calendar.

Program Outline

A focus on job skills in the environmental field

This program gives you an opportunity to develop a foundation in natural sciences, sustainable resource management, communication skills, GIS mapping technology, environmental management, and other applied skills.

What to expect

The program is two years in length and consists of four 14-week terms, plus two four-month work experiences for Co-op students. As a multi-disciplinary program, Environmental Technology has access to the wide-ranging capital resources of its constituent departments. This includes modern biology and chemistry lab facilities, computer labs, surveying equipment, map and air photo collections, greenhouse facilities, meteorological instruments and rock and mineral collections.

The program hub is located in the Fisher building at the Lansdowne campus. It is a place to meet and mentor, to find out what 's going on, to collaborate on assignments, access resources, socialize and recharge. It is open from 8:30 a.m. until late evening, and on weekends through arrangement with the Instructional Assistant.

 

Year 1

Fall

CourseTitleWeekly HoursCredits

BIOL 124

Evolution and Diversity

6

3

ENVR 115

Atmosphere and Hydrosphere

6

3

GEOG 100

Environment & Sustainability

4

3

CHEM 110 or CHEM 120

General College Chemistry 1 or
College Chemistry 1

6

3

ENGL 170

Technical Writing

3

3

CDEV

Optional

1

0

Winter

CourseTitleWeekly HoursCredits

BIOL 228

Ecology

6

3

GEOG 216 or STAT 216

Statistics in Geography

5

3

IST 142

Land, Water, and Stewardship

3

3

BIOL 240

Wildlife Biodiversity

6

3

CHEM 253

Environmental Chemistry

6

3

Summer (Optional Co-op Work Experience)

CourseTitleWeekly HoursCredits

ENVR 101

Co-op 1

420

6

Year 2

Fall

CourseTitleWeekly HoursCredits

ENVR 112

Environmental Research and Practice

3

3

ENVR 160

Environmental Sampling and Analysis

6

3

GEOG 217

Maps and GIS

5

3

ENVR 217

Field Skills

6

3

BIOL 241

Applied Botany

6

3

Winter

CourseTitleWeekly HoursCredits

GEOG 227

Advanced GIS Applications

5

3

ENVR 212

Capstone Project

5

3

GEOG 276 or GEOS 100

Geomorphology or Physical Geology

5

3

ENVR 260

Environmental Remediation

6

3

ENVR 100

Climate Solutions

3

3

Summer (Optional Co-op Work Experience)

CourseTitleWeekly HoursCredits

ENVR 101 or ENVR 201

Co-op 1 or Co-op 2

420

6

Optional work terms

During the program, you can choose to take one work term and add an internship designation to your diploma. If you complete two work terms, you will graduate with a co-operative education designation.

Curriculum & courses

Admission Requirements

One of: 

  • C Chem 11 
  • C in Chemistry 11 Camosun Alternative 

One of: 

  • C+ in English 12 
  • C in English 12 Camosun Alternative 

One of: 

  • C+ in Biology 11 
  • C+ in Biology 11 Camosun Alternative 
  • C+ in Anatomy and Physiology 12
  • C+ in Anatomy and Physiology 12 Camosun Alternative 

And one of: 

  • C in Precalculus 11 
  • C in Math 11 Camosun Alternative 

When you apply you will need to submit proof that you meet the program admission requirements listed above. Where a letter grade is specified, you must have proof of that grade or higher.

Ready to get started?

Apply now

Check our current program availability.

Missing admission requirements?

You may be able to take an assessment or upgrade with us.

Need help applying?

Find out more on How to Apply or speak to an Admissions Advisor.

Contact us

If you have admissions questions contact us today!

If you have questions about what you can expect to learn in your classes contact artsci@camosun.ca.

Faculty/staff profile

Ian Browning

Ian Browning

Instructor, Electronics and Computer Engineering

browning@camosun.ca
250–370–4432, 250-370-3329
Full bio

Faculty/staff profile

Trisha Jarrett

Trisha Jarrett

Instructor - Environmental Technology & Geography

jarrett@camosun.ca
250-370-3378
Fisher Building
Full bio

Contact information

School of Arts & Science

Campus location

Fisher 104

Location link

Lansdowne Campus

250–370–3298

artsci@camosun.ca


 

International students please contact Camosun International