ALBERTA RESEARCH CENTER - Calgary

EVS101 - Applied Sciences  

This course introduces ecological principles at the species, population, community, and ecosystem levels. Specific application of ecology to sustainability and the management of forest and grassland ecosystems are studied.

GPS102 - Graphics and Mapping of Site 
In this course Global Positioning System (GPS) is used to navigate to site locations, and to 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.

PLS103- Principles of Plantation Science
This foundation course details plant morphology, physiology, and taxonomy. Students learn how structures and processes affect overall plant growth and response to the surrounding environment. A dichotomous key is used to identify unknown plant species.

SSF104- Soil Science – Fundamentals
This course encompasses the study of soil formation, soil properties and the characteristics and distribution of prairie soil resources. Students will also be introduced to soil classification, soil fertility and sustainable soil management.

WRF105- Fundamentals of Water

This course is an introduction to the science and issues of water resource management. Topics include the properties of water, surface and groundwater hydrology, water quality standards, water quality analysis and sampling, and the protection of water resources.

PMT106- Pest Management 

Students will study the principles of pest management in agricultural cropping systems. They will learn the basic concepts of integrated pest management and principles guiding the safe use of pesticides. Learners will also focus on the identification of selected weeds, diseases, and insects of field crops in western Canada.

COMM201- Workplace Ethics and Communication

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

SAT202- Site Assessment

Students learn the procedures related to the environmental site assessment of lands impacted by industrial activity. The course includes an overview of contaminant chemistry, waste management procedures, application of directives, assessment methods, and guidelines related to the improvement of impacted soil and groundwater.

PLA203- Plantations in Alberta

An introduction to the importance, role and use of dominant native plant species on rangeland and forested areas within Alberta. Students learn to identify both non-vascular and vascular species in selected plant families. The processes to select and propagate native species for re-vegetation purposes are described.

WTR204- Water Quality

Students will investigate the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of water and their environmental and economic impacts.

Prerequisite: WRF105

EVS301 Technical Field Study and Reporting

Students will undertake environmental field data collection from different sources like Grasslands, Parkland and Forest resources. Analyzation of filed using various technologies and methods, submission of reports with field summarization. 

Prerequisite: GPS102- SSF104- PLS 103- WRF105

MPC 302- Management and Production – CROPS

This course will describe the production practices and principles of annual crop, crop production and develop skills in soil management, soil conservation in sustainable agricultural systems. Students will identify major field crops, and their adaptations in western Canada. 

Prerequisite: PLS103  

DBMS 303 - Database Management and Statistics – Environment

This is an is an introduction to basic statistical methods and data management practices in land management and environmental science. Students will learn how to work with spreadsheet and database software. Students will design and conduct experiments to facilitate some of the statistical and database learning.

Prerequisite: SAT202

GIS 304 Graphic Information System

This course will help students learn the concepts and applications of GIS technology (Geographic Information Systems). The student will gain hands-on experience using desktop and online GIS software in a computer lab environment. Students will use datasets from commercial sources for GIS projects.

Learners work 35-40 hours each week for 20 weeks for their practicum hours