Environmental Assessment and Restoration Diploma
Program Office: 403.382.6991 • envisci@lethbridgecollege.ca
Work to Reclaim Nature
Do you have an interest in shaping the environment of the future? Do you want to restore and protect the planet’s land and water resources? Then dig in and put your passion to work in the Environmental Assessment and Restoration program. This two-year program will put you at the forefront of environmental stewardship.
In this practical, hands-on program focused on soil and water, your classroom theory will be reinforced with hands-on application during labs and fieldtrips that take you out into your future office – the great outdoors. Through a mix of science, law and technology, you’ll learn how to restore the resources our world depends on and be part of the growing fields of remediation, reclamation and restoration.
Supplies for Field Studies
Students on field studies are expected to provide their own equipment and supplies. This may include:
- 30 cm metric steel ruler
- adequate clothing for cold/wet weather
- binoculars
- CSA approved steel-toed safety boots or approved toe caps (second year)
- hiking boots
- orienteering compass
- safety glasses
- water bottle
Equipment and supplies may not be required in all courses or terms. Please consult the course outlines for specific equipment required before purchasing. Field studies schedules are dependent on many variables and may require students to participate on weekends. All program field studies require mandatory attendance.
Other Required Supplies
Available from Lethbridge College Bookstore:
- 16x hand lens
- lab coat
- safety glasses
Available from sporting, hardware and office supply stores:
- 4 GB or higher USB memory stick
- 12 or more coloured pencils (pencil crayons)
- 30 cm metric steel ruler
- chest waders (rubber soled)
- clipboard
- Nexus Type 115 or Silva Ranger compass (with declination adjustment screw)
- scientific calculator ($15-$30 range)
- soil bulk density sampler (optional)
For additional information concerning lab or field equipment, contact the lab coordinator at 403.320.3202 ext. 5594.
Your Investment
Program fees will vary. To view fee information, click here and select your program.
Students are responsible for the cost of the field trips relating to this program.
Graduation
Upon successful completion of all program requirements, students are awarded an Environmental Assessment and Restoration diploma.
New applicants are accepted into the Environmental Assessment and Restoration two-year diploma program for the Fall term (September) only.
General Admissions Requirements
All applicants must meet the general admission requirements for Lethbridge College programs, as indicated in the Admission section of this calendar.
Academic Requirements
In addition to meeting the general admission requirements indicated in the Admission section of this calendar, applicants to this program must also satisfy the following specific course requirements (or equivalencies):
- Grade 12 Math (equivalent to Alberta’s Math 30-2 or a higher level Math)
- Grade 11 Biology
- Grade 11 Chemistry
Basic computer literacy in the use of the Internet, e-mail, word processing, and fundamental processes of spreadsheets is required for the student to be successful in this program. Students lacking these skills are strongly urged to complete a basic computer literacy course prior to entering this program.
Employers often require that students hold a valid Standard First Aid or Wilderness First Aid Certificate and/or a CPR Certificate to be eligible for seasonal and/or permanent employment. Students are encouraged to obtain these certificates either prior to entering the program or during the first year.
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | ||
| Term I | ||
| BIO-1167 | Botany 1 | 3 |
| BIO-1168 | Zoology 1 | 3 |
| RRM-1197 | Spatial Information Techniques 1 | 3 |
| RRM-2253 | Soil Resources 1 | 3 |
| STS-1155 | Descriptive Statistics | 3 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Term II | ||
| BIO-1170 | Plant Systematics 1 | 3 |
| BIO-1172 | Ecology 1 | 3 |
| ENG-1150 | Composition | 3 |
| GEO-1166 | Physical Geology 1 | 3 |
| RRM-2252 | Water Resources 1 | 3 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Term I | ||
| CHM-1155 | Chemistry I | 3 |
| GEO-1165 | Geographic Information Systems | 3 |
| LAW-1150 | Introduction to Environmental Law | 3 |
| RRM-2256 | Rangeland Management 1 | 3 |
| RRM-2264 | Forest Management 1 | 3 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Term II | ||
| CHM-2255 | Chemistry II | 3 |
| ENV-2280 | Contaminant Management 1 | 3 |
| ENV-2290 | Site Reclamation 1 | 3 |
| RRM-2295 | Hydrogeology 1 | 3 |
| SOL-2250 | Soil Fertility | 3 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Total Credits | 60 | |
- 1
Indicates course with a field study component.
Special note about field studies: Students are off-campus completing field studies during most of September and April. Due to scheduling conflicts, it is extremely difficult to take Year 1 and Year 2 courses simultaneously.
Students are advised to complete all Year 1 courses before proceeding to Year 2, and all Year 2 courses before enrolling in Year 3 courses (for related post-diploma certificate or degree programs). In the Fall term, field studies are scheduled in September, while in the Winter term, field studies are scheduled in April. Field studies schedules are dependent on many variables and may require students to participate on weekends. All program field studies are mandatory.
Students may complete non-credit environmental field techniques courses to enhance their employability. Courses such as firearms safety, ATV operation, chain saw operation, loading and backing trailers, and basic first aid may be offered by third-party businesses. Students will be responsible for the fees associated with these courses.
Interested students can obtain further information on these partnerships from the School of Environmental Sciences Chair. Students wishing to continue studies at other institutions must meet the entrance requirements of that institution.
Athabasca University
Graduates of Lethbridge College's Environmental Assessment and Restoration diploma are eligible to receive up to 60 credits towards the post-diploma Bachelor of Science (General Science) at Athabasca University.
Graduates are also eligible to receive 30 credits towards a post-diploma Bachelor of Science (Applied Mathematics), Bachelor of Science (Computer and Information Systems), or a Bachelor of Science (Human Science) at Athabasca University. Students may receive up to 30 additional credits on a course-by-course basis, provided courses in the diploma fulfill requirements of Athabasca University's Bachelor of Science post-diploma programs. Students should consult Academic Advising at Athabasca University or visit their website.
Griffith University, Australia
Graduates of Lethbridge College's Environmental Assessment and Restoration diploma, with a cumulative GPA of 65% or higher, are eligible to receive transfer credit towards the completion of a Bachelor of Environmental Science at Griffith University. For more information, please contact an Academic Advisor at Griffith University or visit their website.
Lethbridge College
Graduates of Lethbridge College's Environmental Assessment and Restoration Diploma will be accepted directly into the Bachelor of Ecosystem Management. A minimum GPA of 2.00 or equivalent is required for admission.
Graduates of Lethbridge College's Environmental Assessment and Restoration Diploma, who have completed the required Bridging Courses, may be eligible for acceptance into the Bachelor of Applied Science in Conservation Enforcement at Lethbridge College. A minimum GPA of 2.00 or equivalent is required for admission.
Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT)
Graduates of Lethbridge College's Environmental Assessment and Restoration diploma, with a minimum GPA of 2.7, are eligible for admission into the Bachelor of Technology program at NAIT. Graduates must meet the competitive admission and selection requirements of the Bachelor of Technology at the time of application. Students should consult an Academic Advisor at NAIT for further information.
Royal Roads University
Graduates of Lethbridge College's Environmental Assessment and Restoration diploma, with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, are eligible to receive block transfer into the Bachelor of Science in Environmental Practice or the Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Practice at Royal Roads University - provided all entrance criteria for admissions to Royal Roads University are met and space remains available. Graduates may also be eligible to receive block transfer into the Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science at Royal Roads University, with the completion of one additional university level math course (calculus or linear algebra preferred) on arrival. Students should consult Academic Advising at Royal Roads University or visit their website for further information.
University of Alberta
Graduates of Lethbridge College's Environmental Assessment and Restoration diploma are eligible to receive up to 60 credits towards the Bachelor of Science in Environmental Conservation Science (Land Reclamation major) at the University of Alberta. To receive the total allowable credits, applicants must present all diploma program requirements and meet the University of Alberta's entrance requirements. Please contact Academic Advising at the University of Alberta for further information.
University of Lethbridge
Graduates of Lethbridge College's Environmental Assessment and Restoration diploma, with a GPA of 2.75 or higher, are eligible for admission into the post-diploma Bachelor of Science (Environmental Science) at the University of Lethbridge. Admitted students will be third-year degree level students in the university's Faculty of Arts and Science in all respects. For more information, please see an Academic Advisor at the University of Lethbridge or visit their website.