Environment and Natural Resources Technology

Program Eligibility

Program Eligibility

Applicants may be admitted into the Environment and Natural Resources Technology program based on one of the following pathways: academic, previous studies and mature student/experiential.

Academic Pathway

Applicants may be considered for admission who have a final grade 65% in each of:

• English 30-2; and
• Math 30-2; and
• Biology 30, Chemistry 30 or Physics 30

Applicants who have completed the Aurora College University and College Access Program (UCAP) in the Environment and Natural Resources Technology Pathway may also be considered for admission if they have a final grade 65% in each of:

• Aurora College English 150; and
• Aurora College Math 150; and
• Biology 30, Chemistry 30 or Physics 30.

Equivalencies and other post-secondary education may be considered. Applicants who do not have the required final grade of 65% or higher may be considered for acceptance on probation.

Applicants who do not meet ALL admission requirements may be considered for Acceptance on Probation if they meet:

• English 30-2; and
• Math 30-2; and
• Biology 20, Chemistry 20 or Physics 20.

Previous Studies

Applicants who have successfully completed environmental studies or related courses through another institution may be considered for admission.

Mature Student/Experiential Pathway

Applicants who are 20 years or older, have been out of school for at least one year, and have relevant work/life experience may be considered for admission on an individual basis. Eligibility for the program may be determined through an interview and a placement test or other assessment of English and/or Math. The applicant may be required to submit a resume or other evidence of relevant work/life experience.

Regardless of the pathway for admission, all applicants must:

• Submit official transcripts from high school and/or post-secondary education, as applicable.
• Submit a letter of intent detailing why the applicant is interested in apply for the program any extenuating circumstances of why they do not meet the admission requirements.
• Submit a letter of reference from an employer/instructor that can attest to your character and benefit in the program.

Depending on the applicant’s pathway, they may be advised/requested to submit:

• A resume or other evidence of relevant work/life experience.

Applicant Assessment

Applicants must complete an Aurora College application form, submit official transcripts (high school and/or post-secondary), submit a letter of intent, and submit a letter of reference. The Environment and Natural Resources Technology program is in high demand. Applicants are encouraged to apply early and submit all required and requested documentation.

Applicants who are currently enrolled in one or more of the required academic courses for admission are encouraged to apply early and provide transcripts that demonstrate that they are currently registered in these courses. Applicants may receive a conditional acceptance that is dependent on their successful completion of the required courses (~65% or higher). Applicants who are conditionally accepted will be required to provide a final transcript upon completion of the required courses to be fully accepted.

Students who have already completed post-secondary course work in Environmental Studies or related courses may have transferability into this program. Post-secondary transcripts and course syllabi/outlines will be required for evaluation.  Students seeking transfer credit will be required to follow process defined in Aurora College Policy C.01 Transfer Credit.

Program Admission

Applicants will be admitted to the program based on how well they meet the program eligibility requirements and on space availability. Long term residents of the NWT* and graduates of the UCAP/Environment and Natural Resources Technology Career Pathway at Aurora College will be given priority in the selection process if they have submitted a complete** application before April 1^st. Priority consideration for admission will not be considered for applications received on or after April 1^st. Applications will be processed based on the date that their application is complete**.

* Preference will be given to longer-term northern residents from the Northwest Territories, the Yukon and Nunavut before short-term residents of one year or less.

** A complete application is one in which all required documentation (ex. application, transcripts, letter of reference) and all requested documentation (ex. additional documentation that supports your eligibility that is requested for your application).

Program Information

A considerable amount of the program will be delivered in field settings. Approximately 40% of class time will be spent in the laboratory or the field for most classroom-based courses. In addition, significant practical learning experiences will be undertaken during the three remote field camps listed in the program design.

Field work can be physically strenuous. Applicants should be physically and mentally fit and prepared for the rigors of field work.

It is recognized that students entering the program may already possess certain required skills. Students may receive advanced credit for certain program courses on the basis of documented completion of equivalent learning and/or successfully passing a challenge examination.

In addition to College tuition and fees, the student will be required to purchase textbooks, classroom supplies, and personal field equipment as specified in course outlines and camp manuals.

Transfer agreements are in place with the University of Lethbridge, University of Saskatchewan, and University of Northern British Columbia. Transferable coursework is also available at other major institutions on a case-by-case basis.

Program Objectives

Graduates of the Environment and Natural Resources Technology Program will have the technical skills and knowledge necessary to:

1. Become employed at the technician and/or officer level with territorial, provincial and federal agencies, Indigenous organizations, and/or private industry;
2. Apply their technical and managerial skills to the fields of environment, land, water, fisheries, forest and fire management, and wildlife;
3. Understand the application of science and scientific method;
4. Develop clear linkages between Indigenous knowledge and scientific education;
5. Communicate technical and scientific content effectively, both orally and in writing, using language that is appropriate to the audience;
6. Clearly communicate resource management policies, procedures and decisions to various stakeholders at the community and territorial level;
7. Coordinate and implement field work activities in remote northern conditions.
8. Utilize spatial technologies in acquiring, compiling and interpreting data;
9. Apply critical thinking skills to research and resource management activities and environmental stewardship;
10. Effectively manage projects such as data collection and analysis, educational outreach, and public safety;
11. Pursue further academic education and other continued learning experiences;
12. Actively participate in the sustainable management of northern natural resources;
13. Enhance the capacity of Northerners to participate in resourced-based development and conservation opportunities of their lands;
14. Participate in future northern research and long-term monitoring and analysis of environmental trends;
15. Integrate Indigenous knowledge and scientific education when providing advice to local stakeholders on resource management issues;
16. Model and promote professionalism in dealing with natural resource challenges at the community, territorial and federal level; and
17. Become a part of an alumni legacy of northern graduates who now work as natural resource professionals.

Completion Requirements

The passing mark for a course will be 50%. To earn a diploma, students must maintain a cumulative average of 60% or more in the program.

Students are required to complete all 22 Core Courses in the Program. In addition, students must complete at least one elective and the required non-credit course field camps listed.  The total credits required are 69 for successful completion of this diploma.

The diploma program must be completed within five years of commencing studies.

Document of Recognition

Environment and Natural Resources Technology Diploma

Courses in Program

Year 1

• CAMP 0100 | Introductory Field Camp
• ENSC 0101 | Communications and Technical Writing
• ENSC 0102 | Ecology
• ENSC 0103 | Wildlife Biology
• ENSC 0104 | Applied Mathematics for Technicians
• ENSC 0105 | Introduction to Environmental Sciences
• ENSC 0107 | Applied Computer Applications
• ENSC 0108 | Field Safety and Preventative Maintenance
• ENSC 0111 | Communications and Project Management
• ENSC 0112 | Forest and Range Botany
• ENSC 0113 | Indigenous Law and Governance
• ENSC 0115 | GPS and Mapping
• ENSC 0116 | Geographic Information Systems

Year 2

• CAMP 0285 | Western Arctic Field Camp
• CAMP 0286 | Winter Field Camp
• ENSC 0207 | Arctic Marine Sciences
• ENSC 0211 | Data Management and Statistics
• ENSC 0213 | Water Resources Management
• ENSC 0214 | Freshwater Fisheries
• ENSC 0222 | Forest and Fire Management
• ENSC 0224 | Wildlife Management
• ENSC 0225 | Wildlife Techniques
• ENSC 0232 | Environmental Stewardship
• ENSC 0233 | Environmental Assessment and Regulatory Process
• ENSC 0240 | Geology
• ENSC 0250 | Source Water Protection
• ENSC 0295 | Technical Project