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Well-trained environmental technologists look for and provide solutions as pressures from population, industry and society continue to stress our world. Equipped with knowledge rooted in sustainability risk and analytical testing, technologists provide innovative ways to reduce and reverse human impact on the environment and work towards a more sustainable way of living.
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To help students succeed in programs with remote learning requirements, Durham College’s IT Services department has identified minimum technology recommendations. While these are not program requirements, these suggestions will help ensure students have the right tools to support a quality remote learning experience.
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The best way to succeed in your field is to immerse yourself in it! Co-op is an excellent way to build your professional network, explore career paths and apply in-class teachings to real work situations. Co-op is a model of education that integrates academic learning with workplace learning in fields relevant to our students’ academic and personal goals.
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Environmental Technology will take you to different learning environments including the laboratory, classroom and field. Test soil, air and water outside in Ecology and Environmental Sampling courses, while gaining laboratory experience using techniques, such as mass spectrometry and titration, in Analytical Chemistry and Instrumentation. In the classroom, you will discuss sustainability, social responsibility, legislation, project management and more in Community and Environment, Environmental Project Management and Environmental Science courses. You will learn microbiology in our class 1 and 2 facilities.
Environmental Technology supplies essential knowledge and skills in:
An 80-hour field placement or two 420-hour co-op terms allow you to gain valuable experience and potentially get paid while going to school (coop). In addition, pathways to universities in Canada and around the world are available where you can earn your degree in as little as one year.
All of this means you are entering the exciting and lucrative world of Environmental Technology, where your career can take you anywhere.
I have recently graduated from the Environmental Technology program and can honestly say that everything you learn will be used for future employment. I worked with the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change for two summer placements with the air quality division which heavily relied on chromatography, spectroscopy and environmental regulations. I now work for a global environmental civil engineering firm for ambient air quality where my studies and experience did not just help me prepare for the interview but got me the job. Environmental Technology is an amazing program with a lot of future employment to look forward to and will truly prepare you for work in the environmental field.
- Noelle Tilley
Graduate of the Environmental Technology Program Class of 2018
As a project manager for the Hazardous Building Materials (HAZ) and Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) Groups at Pinchin Ltd. Operating out of Oshawa, I often provide my expertise to clients throughout the Durham Region. Possessing over a decade of experience in the industry, I am fluent in hazardous materials issues such as asbestos and other designated substances as well as indoor environmental quality issues such as air quality, mould and unsanitary conditions. In my capacity as project manager, I oversee projects for both the HAZ and IEQ Groups; coach staff across the Durham Region; review proposals and reports; and serve as a trusted client liaison.
Graduate of the Environmental Technology Program Class of 2009
As a project manager for the Environmental Due Diligence and Remediation (EDR) Group at Pinchin Ltd. Operating out of Oshawa, I often provide my expertise to clients throughout the Durham Region. With over a decade of experience in the industry, I am well-versed in managing a wide array of environmental consulting work including environmental site assessments, contaminated site investigations, and soil remediation. In my capacity as project manager, I oversee projects for the EDR Group; coach staff across the Durham Region; review proposals and reports; and serve as a trusted client liaison.
Graduate of the Environmental Technology Program Class of 2006
Eligible for certification with:
The courses listed below are for incoming students. If you are a current student, please refer to your program of study for the year you began your program. Your program of study can be found on MyDC.
Courses and course descriptions are subject to change. Please note that as a result of COVID-19 the 2022-23 program of study may be modified to accommodate program delivery changes.
For those students selecting field placement, your learning experience will be complemented by an opportunity for work-integrated learning in your third year, which will enable you to work in the environmental industry and utilize your newly acquired skills, gaining valuable knowledge and industry-related experience.
Eligible graduates may also pursue their Environmental Professional or Environmental Professional-in-training designation through ECO Canada or their Certified Engineering Technologist designation through the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists. Durham College also offers degree completion opportunities with a number of Canadian and international institutions. Sample diploma-to-degree opportunities include:
Please visit our pathways page to learn more about how you can transfer your credits towards a degree.
To help students have the best remote learning experience possible, Durham College’s IT Services department has identified technology recommendations for each program based on course needs and software requirements. While not required, students may want to consider these suggestions if they are purchasing a computer or laptop for the upcoming academic year.
Processor: i3 RAM: 4GB Storage: 256GB SSD Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 Professional or Education x64 SP1 Internet Browser: Internet Explorer 11 or Google Chrome (newest version) or Firefox (newest version) Network Adapter: 802.11ac 2.4/5 GHz wireless adapter Camera: Webcam/built-in camera Internet connection
Questions regarding technology recommendations can be directed to the IT Service Desk or the school office.
Students in the Environmental Technology Advanced Diploma program will be invited to apply to the co-op option during their first academic semester. Entrance to the co-op option is limited and the processes for securing a work term are competitive. Students who qualify for co-op will be eligible to complete two four-month, paid work terms totaling 840 hours. Work terms are scheduled between semesters two and three and four and five of the program.
Supports are available through the Experiential Learning office to assist students with securing their work terms. In addition, the Experiential Learning office is in contact with co-op students and their employers during the work terms to help with any questions.
Co-op Work Term 1 (ENVC 1000) The co-op experience provides the opportunity for students to consolidate their professional knowledge and skills in a practice setting. The work term will provide students with work experience in areas such as ground and surface water quality, soil and waste management and recycling in urban and industrial settings. The work term expands students’ learning environment to real work settings where they will be challenged to apply their academic knowledge and practical skills. Students will be assessed on performance and ability to demonstrate knowledge, skills, professional standards, and ethics.
Co-op Work Term 2 (ENVC 2000) The co-op experience provides the opportunity for students to consolidate their professional knowledge and skills in a practice setting. The work term will provide students with further work experience in areas such as ground and surface water quality, soil and waste management and recycling in urban and industrial settings. The work term expands students’ learning environment to real work settings where they will be challenged to apply their academic knowledge and practical skills. Students will be assessed on performance and ability to demonstrate knowledge, skills, professional standards, and ethics.
Courses and course descriptions are subject to change.
Once transferred to the co-op option of this program, students will have a co-op administrative fee of $475 assessed to their accounts during the academic semester(s) prior to scheduled work term(s). The administrative fee goes to support the broad array of support services provided to co-op students. These services are dedicated to support student success.
Find more information about the benefits of becoming a co-op student.
Find more information about the benefits of becoming a co-op employer.
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