Program Overview

Environmental Biology and Reclamation Technology Diploma Program

The Environmental Biology and Reclamation Technology diploma program is designed to provide students with the expertise and support to carry out the reclamation and re-vegetation of disturbed lands. This two-year program focuses on the unique environmental conditions of southern Alberta and Saskatchewan.

Program Overview

The program includes specific training essential for a career in environmental reclamation, with courses in:

• Surveying and mapping
• Water and soil studies
• Botany and plant taxonomy
• Agronomy
• Weed control
• Environmental assessment and monitoring
• Environmental law and legislation
• Reclamation technologies

Program Structure

The program consists of two years of study, with a combination of classroom and field-based learning. Course-related field trips and fieldwork may take place on weekends or require overnight travel, and participation in all activities is mandatory.

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to the program, students must meet the following requirements:

• High school diploma with:
  • ELA 30-1 (min. 50%) or ELA 30-2 (min. 60%)
  • Math 30-1 (min. 55%), or Math 30-2 (min. 55%)
  • Chemistry 30 (min. 55%) or Science 30 (min. 55%)
  • Biology 20 (min. 55%)
• Mature route:
  • ELA 30-1 (min. 50%) or ELA 30-2 (min. 60%)
  • Math 30-1 (min. 55%), or Math 30-2 (min. 55%)
  • Chemistry 30 (min. 55%) or Science 30 (min. 55%)
  • Biology 20 (min. 55%)
• Computer competency requirement: Many courses in the program require a level of familiarity and competency with Microsoft Office suite of computer software.

First Year Courses

• Fall Semester:
  • BOTA 205 - Introduction to Botany
  • EREC 100 - Introduction to Environmental Science Concepts
  • EREC 120 - Energy Fundamentals
  • EREC 140 - Environmental Chemistry
  • GEOG 201 - The Physical Environment
• Winter Semester:
  • EREC 160 - Invasive Species Ecology and Management
  • EREC 230 - Water Fundamentals
  • EVSC 238 - Introduction to Geographic Information Science
  • STAT 251 - Introduction to Applied Statistics
  • ENGL 110 - Technical Communications

Second Year Courses

• Fall Semester:
  • BIOL 254 - Plant Taxonomy
  • BIOL 255 - Ecology
  • EREC 210 - Agrology and Agro-Ecology for Environmental Technologists
  • EREC 250 - Applied Vertebrate Zoology
  • SOSC 213 - Soil Resources
• Winter Semester:
  • EREC 240 - Environmental Assessment
  • EREC 260 - Land Reclamation and Revegetation
  • EREC 263 - Land Reclamation Legislation
  • EREC 285 - Capstone Project
  • EVSC 336 - Advanced GIS and Remote Sensing

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the program are in demand and may find field-based or office-based work with private or government agencies involved in environmental monitoring, site mediation and reclamation, resource reclamation, well decommissioning, or environmental impact and audit studies.

Professional Certification

Graduates of the Environmental Reclamation Technician program are eligible to apply to the Canadian Environmental Certification Board (CECAB) for designation as EPIT (Environmental Practitioner in Training). Graduates are also eligible to apply to the Alberta Institute of Agrologists (AIA) under the designation of Registered Technician Agrologists (RTAg).

Degree Pathways

Start your education at Medicine Hat College and transfer to the University of Lethbridge or the University of Saskatchewan to complete a degree.

Program Details

• Credential: Diploma
• Duration: 2 years
• Intake: Fall
• School: School of Arts, Science & Education
• Campus: Medicine Hat