Start Date: September
Location: Prince of Wales Campus
Length: 2 Years
Credential: Diploma, Environmental Technician
Program Availability: Fall 2023 Term
Canadian Applicants
Waiting list
International Applicants
Closed
The Environmental Applied Science Technology program teaches you scientific theory in classes such as environmental microbiology, soil science, air quality, environmental chemistry, environmental management, and site assessments. You will learn about climate change, groundwater contamination and flow, impacts of pollution, ecosystem health, waste management, and environmental sustainability. Take your love of the environment outdoors to apply these theories while working and sampling in rivers, streams, and various facilities. You will collect and analyze water, soil, and air samples and compare results from previous years to monitor environmental health. By graduation, you will be qualified to work as an environmental technician, or you may continue your education to earn a degree through one of the program's degree pathways.
Our Mission Statement: Our mission is to guide, educate and lead students to become stewards of the environment through hands on learning, scientific research, collaboration, and critical thinking.
The Environmental Applied Science Technology program is accredited by ECO Canada (eco.ca). This national environmental accreditation formally validates our commitment to high-quality education and accountability. The accreditation supports our program by providing customized labour market research and industry connections, and a curriculum framework that provides on going continuous improvement. Accreditation supports the graduates of our program by providing access to mentorship, tools, and resources to follow throughout their career pathways.
This program has degree pathways, giving you the opportunity to receive credit for your Holland College diploma when you continue your education. For a complete list of agreements, visit the Degree Pathways page.
| Partner Institution | Credential | Details of Agreement |
|---|---|---|
| Cape Breton University, Nova Scotia | Bachelor of Health | Graduates receive two years of credit toward a Bachelor of Health (Public Health) degree. |
| University of New Brunswick - Fredericton, |
Bachelor of Science, Environmental & Natural Resources | Graduates receive up to 62 credits toward Bachelor of Science in Environmental and Natural Resources degree. |
| Lakeland College, Vermilion, Alberta | Bachelor of Applied Science in Environmental Management | Graduates will receive admission to Year 3 of the Bachelor of Applied Science in Environmental Management program. |
| Royal Roads University, Victoria, B.C. | Bachelor of Science | Graduates receive two years of credit toward a Bachelor of Science degree, but require three additional university level courses in biology, biochemistry, or microbiology, as well as math (linear algebra or calculus) and English. |
| University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, P.E.I. | Bachelor of Environmental Studies | Graduates will receive admission to the Bachelor of Environmental Studies program and can graduate upon completion of 20 courses (60 credits). |
NOTES:
Tuition and fees are listed in Canadian dollars. International student fees are due on the first day of class.
| 1st Year | Canadian | International |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees | $6,532 | $12,382 |
| Other Costs | $1,025 | $1,025 |
| Total | $7,557 | $13,407 |
| 2nd Year | Canadian | International |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees | $5,372 | $11,122 |
| Other Costs | $990 | $990 |
| Total | $6,362 | $12,112 |
| Tuition & Fees | 1st Year | 2nd Year |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $5,340 | $4,100 |
| Lab Fee | $300 | $475 |
| Student Union | $172 | $172 |
| Health Insurance Fee | $445 | $445 |
| Fitness Centre Fee | $80 | $80 |
| Graduation Fee | - | $100 |
| First Aid/WHMIS | $120 | - |
| Additional Courses | $75 | - |
| Total | $6,532 | $5,372 |
| 1st installment due September 5 | $3,592 | $3,309 |
| 2nd installment due January 8 | $2,940 | $2,063 |
| Other Program Costs | 1st Year | 2nd Year |
| Books | $700 | $840 |
| Materials & Supplies | $75 | $50 |
| Equipment | $250 | $100 |
| Total | $1,025 | $990 |
| Tuition & Fees | 1st Year | 2nd Year |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $10,440 | $9,100 |
| Lab Fee | $300 | $475 |
| Student Union | $172 | $172 |
| Health Insurance Fee | $1,195 | $1,195 |
| Fitness Centre Fee | $80 | $80 |
| Graduation Fee | - | $100 |
| First Aid/WHMIS | $120 | - |
| Additional Courses | $75 | - |
| Total | $12,382 | $11,122 |
| 1st installment due September 5 | $9,442 | $9,059 |
| 2nd installment due January 8 | $2,940 | $2,063 |
| Other Costs | 1st Year | 2nd Year |
| Books | $700 | $840 |
| Materials & Supplies | $75 | $50 |
| Equipment | $250 | $100 |
| Total | $1,025 | $990 |
PLEASE NOTE: Many Holland College programs have Degree Pathways, which means that you can earn your diploma at Holland College and then earn your university degree in as little as two additional years.
Course Code:SAFE-1005
An overview of the Occupational Health and Safety Act of Prince Edward Island. Students examine the legislation, how PEI employees are protected while on the job and the responsibilities of employees and employers.
Credit Values:0
Course Code:BIOL-1050
An introduction to environmental biology including a practical introduction to structure and function of living organisms. The biodiversity of the living world is examined by comparing eukaryotic organisms. The effects of environmental conditions on biological life and the effects of biological life on the environment are emphasized with a focus on invertebrate life. The field and laboratory components provide hands-on experience in the collection, identification and assessment of the biodiversity and ecological health.
Hours:2
Course Code:BIOL-1100
An introduction to applied microbiology including a practical and theoretical introduction to structure and function of micro-organisms. The diversity of the microbial world is examined by comparing bacterial, fungal, protozoan and viral organisms. The growth, reproduction and enumeration of micro-organisms are studied as well as the effects of environmental conditions on microbial growth. The laboratory component provides hands-on experience in the isolation, cultivation and enumeration of micro-organisms as well as in the preparation of microbiological media.
Hours:3
Course Code:CHEM-1005
This chemistry course focuses on building core knowledge and skills required in the Environmental Science field. This course provides an examination of the core principles of chemistry, including the properties of elements, compounds and solutions. Other topics covered include inorganic and organic nomenclature, acids, bases, gas laws, and thermodynamics/kinetics as they relate to environmental chemistry. It includes an evaluation of the fate and behaviour of organic and inorganic compounds in the environment.
Hours:3
Course Code:CHEM-1010
An introduction to the skills and knowledge required to work efficiently and effectively in a laboratory setting. Students are trained in basic laboratory safety and Hazardouz Materials Information System (HMIS) before being introduced to a variety of wet chemistry techniques used in an environmental laboratory. Finally, a review of the selection, calibration, use, and maintenance of laboratory analytical instrumentation is included. Quality assurance and quality control are introduced with respect to their use in laboratory activities and in data analysis and interpretation.
Hours:4
Course Code:COMM-1110
The vital role that communication plays in the science field will be emphasized in this course. The importance of accurate recording of laboratory and field activities as well as the ability to communicate findings to both the scientific and general communities will be stressed.
Hours:3
Course Code:COMP-1000
Students learn productivity software and explore digital environments with practical applications for various workplaces and educational institutions. The main areas of focus include word processing, spreadsheets, presentation software, email and other electronic communication tools, various digital environments, and industry-specific applications.
Hours:3
Course Code:ENVR-1000
Introduction to the fundamental principles of ecology and environmental science. It emphasizes an ecosystem approach to studying the environment. The interactions between abiotic and biotic are examined to gain an understanding of how a dynamic balance is achieved in natural ecosystems. This course examines the effect of human intervention on ecosystems and biomes as well as the major trends in resource consumption and use. Students gain a better understanding of how the environment is altered by human action and why these actions may have significant effects on an ecosystem and its sustainability. This course is the essential starting point for Environmental Science students as it lays the groundwork and describes the interconnections between the various components of the program.
Hours:3
Course Code:ENVR-1010
Examination of factors influencing ambient and indoor air quality. Course components include a review of types and sources of air pollution, sampling and measurement systems for gases, vapours, aerosols and particulates; environmental and occupational sampling strategies, principles of source (stack gas) sampling, and air pollution treatment and control systems. A brief review of indoor air quality (IAQ) sampling, control and mitigation is also included.
Hours:3
Course Code:ENVR-2010
Exploration of the factors affecting the quality of water resources in the environment. The physical, chemical and biological properties of water are examined for various uses. In addition, the operation of water treatment facilities, including the distribution system, is reviewed. A significant component of the course is the development of field and laboratory skills, using standard methods for sampling and analysis of water samples.
Hours:5
Course Code:ENVR-2025
A comprehensive study of surface water and groundwater resources and their inter-relationships. The course focuses on the principles of flow and measurement as well as water resources management. Topics include an overview of the hydrologic cycle and its component processes, flow measurement, the influence of precipitation events on surface water and groundwater, and the physics of water movement in both the saturated and unsaturated zones. Special topics addressed include sampling techniques, the installation of wells, watershed management, as well as a review of water quality and supply issues.
Hours:4
Course Code:ENVR-2030
A comprehensive study of soil systems. Specifically, students are introduced to the fundamental physical, chemical and biological properties of soils. An important theme throughout the course is evaluating soil quality for agriculture and engineering applications.
Hours:5
Course Code:ENVR-2040
Examination of the regulatory aspects of environmental protection in Canada, with a focus on Prince Edward Island. Students review the basics of law, including applicable federal and provincial environmental legislation and associated regulations and the key concept of due diligence, duty to consult, and overall legal environmental responsibilities.
Hours:3
Course Code:ENVR-2050
Introduction to the theory and practice of solid and hazardous waste management with focus on the Prince Edward Island system. Specialized topics include installation and removal of above-ground and below-ground storage tanks, Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act (TDGA), Wastewatch on PEI, proper recycling, ecofriendly solutions to overcome single use plastics, and landfills.
Hours:3
Course Code:ENVR-2060
An introduction to the fundamental concepts of performing environmental site assessments. The basic procedures used to perform Phase I, II and III assessments are discussed. A review of the regulatory environment is provided. Case studies are used to highlight different approaches to performing environmental site assessments.
Hours:4
Course Code:ENVR-2070
An introduction to the operation of municipal wastewater treatment systems, sewage lagoons and on-site treatment systems. Topics covered include preliminary, primary, and secondary treatment systems, and effluent disinfection and disposal. Practical aspects of system operation are emphasized including sampling and analysis of wastewater, process control and interpretation of results within the context of applicable federal and provincial regulations.
Hours:4
Course Code:ENVR-2080
Students will establish and develop problem-solving skills in application to environmental management and planning to support the goal of sustainable development. Students explore existing conflicts between value systems and the practical implications for considering sustainability issues in a wide variety of applications. Students focus these skills on an environmentally sustainable land development project, ensuring consideration of the scientific, political, economic and ethical implications.
Hours:3
Course Code:GEOG-1000
Use and practice mapping and navigation skills in the field. Students gather and translate data, prepare maps, and experience how a Global Positioning System (GPS) and Global Information System (GIS) are applied in occupational fields.
Hours:3
Course Code:MATH-1200
This course in mathematics for applied science programs begins with an intensive overview of measurement, emphasizing both metric and imperial units, conversion of simple and derived units, proper treatment of significant digits, and techniques for handling measurement error. Following a review of algebra and Euclidean geometry (including many scientific calculator functions), the course will continue to apply mathematical skills to solve systems of two and three linear equations by means of graphic, algebraic, and determinant methods; derive and graph functions; and utilize factoring techniques to solve fractional and quadratic equations. The course will utilize trigonometric and vector analysis to solve practical problems involving angles in any quadrant, as well as right and oblique triangles. Finally, the relationship between exponents and radicals, and the relationship between exponential and logarithmic functions will be applied to biotic systems.
Hours:4
Course Code:MATH-1300
Exploration of the essentials of statistical collection, analysis, and interpretation. Topics covered include the principles of statistical design, frequency distributions, descriptive statistics, measures of central tendency and dispersion, basic probability, standard normal distributions, linear regression and correlation, and a variety of statistical tests for goodness of fit, differences between means, and identification of outliers. Emphasis will be placed on the use of statistical software for data analysis.
Hours:2
Course Code:NCPR-1001
A comprehensive two-day course offering standard first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) skills from a certified trainer. As required by regulation, this course covers CPR and the management of other breathing, airway and circulation emergencies, as well as, the control of bleeding, treating shock, stabilizing fractures and dislocations, head and spine injuries, and more. Also, includes automated external defibrilators (AED). This certification expires in 3 years.
Hours:0
Course Code:NCPR-1002
Students complete Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) training and certification.
Hours:0
Course Code:NCPR-1003
Students learn about asbestos containing materials in buildings, mould awareness and how moisture affects mould growth, lead containing materials in buildings, mercury and PCBS in buildings, radon.
Hours:0
Course Code:NCPR-1005
Students are trained and certified at an awareness level to work in an environment where they may be exposed to asbestos containing materials. This certification does not include removing asbestos.
Hours:0
Course Code:NCPR-2001
Students will be trained and certified in Level 1 confined space awareness.
Hours:0
Course Code:PRAC-2035
On-the-job training provides learners with an opportunity to apply skills and knowledge acquired in the Environmental Applied Science Technology program to a relevant work environment. OJT participants will be expected to assume, with appropriate supervision, the duties and responsibilities normally expected of an entry-level employee in a similar position. Using their own observations and initiative, learners will be expected to acquire and apply new skills as may be expected of a new employee in their respective workplace setting.
Hours:4
Course Code:SAFE-1100
An introduction to the procedures, standards, legislation and programs used to maintain and improve the quality of industrial workplace environment from a health and safety perspective. These areas include: the recognition, evaluation and control of workplace hazards; industrial hygiene; awareness of technical standards, and worker health programs. A key component is a review of the methods of workplace health and safety compliance monitoring.
Hours:2
