Niitsitapi Environmental Science Certificate (NESC)

This course introduces basic ecology principles and concept. The interaction between living and non-living organism with the environment. The interaction between biotic and abiotic with the physical environment. The course will discuss animal and plant adaptation to the environment,  

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This course will introduce physical, chemical and biological properties of aquatic and wet land ecology. The collection of data to improve the water sampling in rivers, lakes and dam. Field trip will involve feasibility studies of rivers, lakes and dam

This course will cover plant structures in different ecosystem, function of plant to adapt to different ecosystem. The plant identification, morphology and physiology. The plant classifications based on different ecosystem. The emphasis on introductory to plant science and crop production will be to provide students with an understanding of the basic structure of plants, life processes, and adaptations to various environmental factors. The lab aspect will involve plant identification. The role of plants in different ecosystem

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This course is a basic soil science. The students will be taught soil formation, classification and mapping; physical, chemical, biological, and fertility properties of soils; It will also include forest soil and wetland biological recycling and soil conservation. The lab includes comprehensive lab analysis of soil and interpretation of lab results

the students will be taught the effects that chemicals have on the air, water and soil and how they impact the environment and human health. Organic and inorganic compound forms and functions in the environment. Structure, properties and reaction of organic and inorganic compound.  Environmental pollution that negatively impact environment such as acid rain. Lab involves inorganic and organic compound lab test.

Students will learn the principles of environmental site assessment (Phase I and Phase II).  Techniques used to assess environmental impacts relating to site disturbance, contamination, and other stressors will be studied. The collection of data to achieve a specific purpose and methods for ensuring data quality are emphasized. Data interpretation and factors affecting data reliability are covered in detail, along with the correct use of sampling equipment. The field trip to different ecological sites and contaminated sites to carryout site assessments

This course will cover the principles and techniques used for the remediation and reclamation of contaminated land and water. A study of concepts related to ecological and human health risk as outlined in the Alberta Tier 2 Soil and Groundwater Remediation Guidelines. Students will apply the relevant physical, chemical and biological remediation.

In this course Global Positioning System (GPS) is used to navigate site locations and record the location of features in the field. A variety of field measurement instruments, field notes and sketching are employed to collect site information. Data is processed in mapping programs to prepare maps in selected coordinate systems and to acquire land information from survey plans and air photos. The course requires significant walking outdoors in a variety of weather conditions, using equipment to collect on-site data

This course is designed for students to developcollege-level math skills for non-mathematical programs. Students will extendtheir understanding of arithmetic and algebra and develop their ability toreason by collecting, analyzing, and evaluating data involving one variable andconnecting probability and statistics

In this course students develop writing andpresentation skills. Students will apply rules of grammar, spelling, punctuation and mechanics in the development of letters, email and shortreports as well as other documents relevant to their industry. Students will demonstrate strategies and techniques for creating informative and persuasive presentations