Environmental Technology (fast-track)

Program Overview

For those who are passionate about the environment and want to dedicate their work to preserving and protecting our earth, air and water, this program provides a diverse and rewarding career path. As an environmental technologist, you will spend your days outdoors conducting critical monitoring, sampling and surveying before returning to the lab to perform your analyses and the office to record and tabulate data. Whether advising organizations on best practices or holding them accountable for poor ones, your work will be vital to ensuring the health of our communities and planet.

Admission Requirements

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or Mature Student Status
Grade 12 English (C or U)
Grade 12 Mathematics (C, M or U)

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Tuition

Year one domestic: $3,772 (CAD)
Year one international: $14,796 (CAD)

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Semester 1 Courses

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Field Work

Lab Experiments

Science

Technology recommendations

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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Intakes and Availability

Date	Domestic Availability	International Availability
September 2022	Open	Open

Career Options

WHAT YOU COULD BE:

Environmental compliance technologist
Environmental consultant
Environmental microbiology technologist
Environmental technologist
Hazardous waste technologist
Junior environmental officer
Laboratory technologist
Wastewater operator

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Program Details

If you are a domestic or internationally educated student with a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree or other post-secondary credential, you may be eligible for a compressed, fast-track opportunity to complete your advanced diploma requirements in two semesters.

The Environmental Technology program focuses on the chemical and biological sciences as they relate to environmental pollution. An emphasis is placed on ground and surface water quality, soil and waste management and recycling in urban and industrial settings. You will also examine environmental regulations and review their social and economic impacts on communities.

Training and experience in the handling, analysis and monitoring of a wide variety of biological and chemical parameters linked to pollution are at the heart of the program. First-hand field and laboratory experience are emphasized in areas such as:

Analytical chemistry
Data collection
Environmental stewardship management
Instrumental analysis
Microbiology

Environmental problems and concerns are constantly changing and at Durham College we aim to adapt in order to stay at the leading edge of these changes. Statistics Canada has identified environmental technology as one of the top emerging employment sectors.

This fast-track option is designed for students with existing academic credentials and will provide you with the advanced skills necessary for employment in the environmental field. The program provides technical practice with many opportunities for hands-on experience and project-based learning.

Program Learning Outcomes

Collect representative environmental samples, perform routine and specialized tests and interpret results, using current and relevant tools.
Identify, select and use scientific concepts and models in the prevention, control and elimination of environmental hazards and in the remediation of contaminated sites.
Analyze water/soil/air samples in a manner that contributes to the resolution of environmental problems through the selection and application of relevant scientific and engineering principles.
Participate in the planning, design, implementation and maintenance of environmental projects, following standard procedures.
Promote and maintain sustainable practices by applying the elements of ecosystem-based management.
Carry out work responsibilities adhering to standards of professional conduct and principles of professional ethics.
Suggest strategies aimed at ensuring all tasks are completed in adherence to occupational health and safety standards and applicable legislative requirements.
Contribute to the development, implementation and maintenance of environmental management systems.
Provide ongoing support for project management.
Communicate technical information accurately and effectively in oral, written, visual and electronic forms.
Develop and present strategies for ongoing personal and professional development to enhance performance as an environmental technologist.

Admission Requirements

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or Mature Student Status
Grade 12 English (C or U)
Grade 12 Mathematics (C, M or U)

To be considered for the fast-track (credit transfer) pathway a specific educational background is required as follows:

Degree or diploma in a directly related field of study or comparable credential completed within the last five years
Two post-secondary chemistry courses with a minimum grade of C/60 per cent (one must have a lab component)
Proof of English Language Proficiency
Additional information may be requested to demonstrate practical lab experience

International applicants should contact the International Admissions office for information about the application requirements.

Courses

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.

Semester 1

Semester 2

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.

Costs

Career Options

WHAT YOU COULD BE:

Environmental compliance technologist
Environmental consultant
Environmental microbiology technologist
Environmental technologist
Hazardous waste technologist
Junior environmental officer
Laboratory technologist
Wastewater operator

WHERE YOU COULD WORK:

Air monitoring consultants
Conservation authorities
Energy generation and distribution
Environmental engineering and consulting firms
Government agencies
Industrial laboratories
Waste management
Water and wastewater treatment facilities

Field Placement

Your learning experience will be complemented by a work placement, which will allow you to gain valuable practical knowledge in your field. If you have an Honours BSc, you may apply for credit for this component against your supervised research project.

Technology Recommendations

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.

COVID-19 Information

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Environmental Technology (fast-track)