Environmental Technology (EMT)

Co-op Option (EMTC)

PGWP-eligible Program

Campus

Newnham

Delivery

Hybrid

Duration

6 Semesters (3 Years)

Study Option

Full-time

Credential

Ontario College Advanced Diploma

School

School of Environmental & Civil Engineering Technology

Important: This program is unavailable. Explore Related Programs for more options.

Courses

Delivery: At Seneca, courses are delivered in four formats: online, in-person, hybrid (an online, in-person combination) or flexible (offered in-person and online at the same time).

The chart below outlines the delivery options available for each course in this program. For some academic terms, there may be more than one delivery option available. You’ll be able to choose your preferred options when you select classes to build your course schedule. Selection for preferred course delivery will be considered on a first come, first served basis.

International students: The impact of studying from outside of Canada and Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility differs significantly based on when you start your program. Please review the PGWP eligibility before choosing your program and course delivery.

Semester 1

Course Code	Course Name	Winter	Summer	Fall
BEA101	CAD Fundamentals	TBD	TBD	Not offered
	This is an introductory subject in drafting for Civil/Environmental disciplines using the latest release of Autodesk software to produce 2-dimensional drawings in accordance with industry standards. The course will cover principles of creating orthographic views and sections. This course also covers manual sketching, and reading and interpreting drawing sets.
COM101 or COM111	Communicating Across Contexts or Communicating Across Contexts (Enriched)	Hybrid Online In-person	Hybrid Online In-person	Hybrid Online In-person
	COM101: This course introduces students to the core concepts of communication. Students will cultivate an awareness of these concepts by analyzing how they are used in a variety of texts and contexts, and they will apply these concepts strategically in their own writing. Through a variety of writing tasks centred on these core concepts of communication, students will develop the transferrable reading and writing skills essential for success in their post-secondary studies, workplaces, and communities. COM111: This course introduces students to the core concepts of communication. Students will cultivate an awareness of these concepts by analyzing how they are used in a variety of texts and contexts, and they will apply these concepts strategically in their own writing. Through a variety of writing tasks centred on these core concepts of communication, students will develop the transferrable reading and writing skills essential for success in their post-secondary studies, workplaces, and communities.
EVP151	Environmental Field Practices	TBD	TBD	Not offered
EVS141	Environmental Science	TBD	TBD	Not offered
	This course is an introduction to the complex environmental impacts that civil/environmental engineering works and climate change have on the natural and built environment and the communities, both Indigenous and Western, that depend on those environments. The socio-economic impacts and perspectives associated with energy production and infrastructure lifecycles in different communities will also be examined. Students will explore environmental stewardship, environmental sustainability, and sustainable design techniques and how to implement those approaches/techniques into the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of climate resilient infrastructure.
GTY171	Geomorphology and Soils	TBD	TBD	Not offered
	This course serves as an introduction to the study of landforms with a focus on Southern Ontario and the processes that produce and modify them. Emphasis will be on geomorphic processes and on the relationships between running water, weathering, gravity, ice, wind, waves, and biota to soils. Topics will include a discussion of the structural landforms in Southern Ontario, physical properties of rocks and soils and fluvial and glacial processes.
MTA100	Mathematics 100	TBD	TBD	Not offered
	This subject covers the fundamentals of trigonometry and algebra. Areas of study include the primary trigonometric functions, solving triangles, algebraic expressions and operations, the solution of linear equations, graphing, and plane geometry. Emphasis is placed on developing problem solving techniques by applying the topics to related engineering problems.

Semester 2

Course Code	Course Name	Winter	Summer	Fall
CHE251	Chemistry and the Environment	In-person	Not offered	Not offered
	Chemistry is central to the understanding of developments within industry that have led to interactions of soil, surface water, groundwater and the quality of ecosystems. This subject provides the student with an understanding of the structure and behaviour of matter from a chemical perspective and focuses on chemistry as it applies to environmental systems. Topics will include atomic structure and the periodic table, analytical chemistry and methodology, and, physical-chemical concepts.
DMA251	Data Management and Analysis	In-person	Not offered	Not offered
	Introductory statistical techniques and data management skills will be developed and practiced. Focus will be on developing skills in data presentation, evaluating data sets for probability distributions, confidence limits, and regression equations relevant to the environmental and engineering industry.
FSC200	Field School: Stream Assessment	In-person	Not offered	Not offered
	Streams are assessed to examine health and ecological condition as well as to evaluate any current or potential stressors. In Ontario, the Ontario Stream Assessment Protocol (OSAP) contains a series of standardized methodologies for identifying sites, evaluating benthic macroinvertebrates, fish communities, physical habitat and water temperatures in wadeable streams. In this half-day field course over 5 days, students will be introduced to a variety of techniques that will help in preparation for the Ontario Stream Assessment Protocol Course for those who wish to pursue it. The methods taught are documented in the OSAP Manual and are provincially recognized as standards by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry and federally recognized by Fisheries and Oceans Canada.
GEO251	Geospatial Data Collection and Techniques	In-person	Not offered	Not offered
	This course is an introduction to geomatics as it applies to surveying in the environmental industry. Students will learn about fundamental concepts, practice, measurement, terminology, and specific health and safety protocols as it relates to environmental data collection and management. Students will collect and record field data using total stations, GNSS and LIDAR. In addition, students will be introduced to a variety of geospatial software applications for management and preliminary analysis of field data.
SAR251	Site Assessment and Remediation	In-person	Not offered	Not offered
	This course is an introduction to environmental sampling practices as they relate to environmental site assessment and remediation in Ontario. The course emphasizes the application of current industry best practices for project health and safety and the use of standard techniques and instrumentation for sampling and monitoring programs for a variety of media. Industry accepted sampling techniques for surface water, soil, sediment, and groundwater will be undertaken in the context of Ontario Regulation 153/04, as amended (O.Reg.153/04, as amended). Subject matter also includes identification of common contaminants of concern, transport mechanisms, human and ecological receptors, remediation/clean-up criteria and methods of remediation.
TEC400	Technical Communications	Flexible Online	Flexible Online	Flexible Online
	Using a variety of technical writing techniques and placing emphasis on brevity, clarity, conciseness, unity and coherence, this subject introduces the application of technical writing through a series of writing assignments. Basic research, effective oral communications and/or collaborative skills are also covered.
WTP100	Work Term Preparation	Online	Not offered	Not offered
	This Work Term Preparation course is designed to empower students with the tools, skills, and strategies needed to navigate the modern job market and achieve long-term career success. Through self-assessment, career exploration, helping students to identify and leverage skills from their existing experiences, students will develop a deep understanding of their personal strengths, values, personality, interests and goals. The course covers essential topics such as crafting professional résumés and cover letters, mastering interview techniques, and building a strong personal brand, including an online presence. Students will learn how to research career pathways, evaluate job market trends, and create actionable career plans tailored to their aspirations. Emphasis is placed on professional communication, networking, workplace readiness, and adapting to diverse organizational cultures. Additionally, the course provides insights into negotiating job offers, managing career transitions, and professional growth. With a focus on lifelong learning and continuous improvement, this course equips students with the confidence and resources to pursue fulfilling careers while remaining adaptable in a dynamic and competitive workforce. Ideal for students preparing to enter the job market or those seeking to refine their career trajectory, this course fosters self-awareness, professional readiness, and strategic career planning.
WTP100 - Work-Integrated Learning option only
plus: General Education Course (1)

Work-Integrated Learning Term 1

Course Code	Course Name	Winter	Summer	Fall
EMT331	Environmental Technology, Co-op	Not offered	Hybrid Online In-person	Not offered
EMT331 - Work-Integrated Learning option only

Semester 3

Course Code	Course Name	Winter	Summer	Fall
ATE351	Aquatic and Terrestrial Ecology	Not offered	Not offered	In-person
ESA351	Environmental Sampling and Analysis	Not offered	Not offered	In-person
FSC300	Field School: Plant Identification	Not offered	Not offered	In-person
GEM351	Soil Science and Geomechanic Principles	Not offered	Not offered	In-person
	This course introduces students to the fields of soil science and geotechnical engineering. Several laboratory and field testing procedures will be covered to allow for soils classification under the applicable system. Field investigation procedures and supplemental theory will be covered for common project activities such as earthwork inspections and environmental investigations.
GEO351	Geospatial Analysis	Not offered	Not offered	In-person
HWM351	Hydrology and Watershed Management	Not offered	Not offered	In-person
plus: General Education Course (1)

Semester 4

Course Code	Course Name	Winter	Summer	Fall
AIR451	Air Pollution	In-person	Not offered	Not offered
	This course explores sources and exposures to industrial air pollution. Exposures include indoor(occupational) and outdoor (public), discussing the differences and importance of the separation. Sources include common industries, such as cement, steel and energy production, the parameters emitted, the controls for mitigation utilizes for each of the sectors. The course will include applicable regulations and process for compliance for the industries discussed. A significant portion of the course will include measurement techniques for occupational, ambient and source pollutants. Equipment descriptions, calibrations and operation will be included. Students will also undertake field monitoring and sampling using industry accepted methods with a variety of instruments.
EAL451	Environmental Auditing and Legislation	In-person	Not offered	Not offered
	This is an introductory course on Canadian laws, regulations, standards, guidelines and best management practices associated with the environmental industry today. The roles of municipal, provincial, and federal governments, general legal principals, concepts, terms, and regulatory requirements will be explored. This course will also focus on Environmental Management Systems (ISO 14001), its requirements, and the roles and responsibilities of an auditor.
ERM451	Erosion and Sediment Management	In-person	Not offered	Not offered
FSC400	Field School: Soil and Groundwater	In-person	Not offered	Not offered
	This 5-day intensive field course is designed to integrate theoretical knowledge from previous courses with practical, real-world applications. Building on concepts from hydrogeology, environmental site assessment, and groundwater contamination, students will gain hands-on experience in groundwater monitoring, well surveying, aquifer testing, and hydrogeological interpretation. Students will work with a real monitoring well network to collect and analyze field data, applying industry-standard methods for aquifer characterization and groundwater flow assessment. Emphasis is placed on accurate data collection, interpretation, and professional reporting, preparing students for careers in environmental consulting, site remediation, and regulatory compliance. This field school reinforces the importance of data quality, uncertainty analysis, and environmental stewardship in hydrogeological investigations.
GEO451	Image Analysis and Interpretation	In-person	Not offered	Not offered
	Subject Description: GIS (Geographic Information Systems) is a computer-based tool that uses spatial (geographic) data to analyze and solve real-world problems. In earlier GIS courses (GEO251 & 351), students are introduced to the fundamentals of GIS, basic geospatial analysis methods for vector data, common geospatial analytical techniques for raster data, visualization of 3-D surfaces and building models. This course is a continuation of Geospatial Analysis student will be introduced methods of extracting biophysical and land use/land cover information from remote sensor data to solve important real-world environmental problems. This course provides a understanding of the use and application of remote sensing technologies, such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) and how data is used and applied to resource management, urban planning, environmental monitoring & assessment and environmental remediation.
WWT451	Water and Wastewater Processes and Treatment	In-person	Not offered	Not offered
	This course is designed to meet the requirement of the Ministry of the Environment Conservation and Parks (MECP) entry level course (ELC) for drinking water operators and water quality analysts in Ontario. It focuses on the treatment, supply, and distribution of potable water and wastewater as it pertains to the Safe Drinking Water Act, 2002, and its applicable regulations. Students who achieve a minimum of 70% of the final test will receive ELC certificate and are eligible to write the MECP Operator-in-Training (OIT) level examination.
plus: General Education Course (1)

Work-Integrated Learning Term 2

Course Code	Course Name	Winter	Summer	Fall
EMT332	Environmental Technology, Co-op II	Not offered	Hybrid Online In-person	Not offered
EMT332 - Work-Integrated Learning option only

Semester 5

Course Code	Course Name	Winter	Summer	Fall
ETR591	Engineering Technical Report I	Not offered	Not offered	Online
	This ETR591 course is part one of a two-semester subject designed to assist 5th and 6th semester Civil Engineering Technology and Environmental Technology students with the planning, research, and overall development of a detailed topic outline, that includes elements of sustainability for a technical report. This topic outline developed in ETR591 forms the basis for the development and completion of a formal technical report on a relevant civil/environmental technology topic in ETR592. Students will submit an Approval of Topic, Topic Proposal, Data Processing, Presentation, and a Detailed Report Outline (including data to be used in the technical analysis) assignment before moving on to ETR592.
GIS551	Advanced Environmental GIS	Not offered	Not offered	Flexible
	GIS (Geographic Information Systems) is a computer-based tool that uses spatial (geographic) data to analyze and solve real-world problems. This course introduces the student to the principles and techniques of spatial analysis in GIS. Spatial analysis utilizing various tools in GIS in specific sequences can reveal things about the data that cannot be seen in a spreadsheet or a chart. This course provides the student with an understanding of the spatial analytical methods to design the appropriate sequences to build “big picture” maps which can be applied to environmental assessment, monitoring, resource management, and the planning of environmental remediation projects.
PLR643	Planning	Not offered	Not offered	Flexible
	Planning can be defined as the process whereby one attempts to allocate resources in an efficient and equitable manner towards the achievement of some end. Given this, this subject introduces the fundamentals of urban planning as practiced in Ontario. Topics include the legal basis for land use planning and enabling legislation; rationale for land use planning; the municipal framework; land use planning tools; community participation; and current practice including New Urbanism, Sustainable Development, Smart Growth and building resilience.
WRM551	Fundamentals of Water Resource Modeling	Not offered	Not offered	Flexible
	As an extension to the principles and practices explored in HYD451Applied Hydraulics for Environmental Technology and HDG541Environmental Hydrology, this course will introduce the basic techniques employed in industry standard water resources software for design open channel systems and water management facilities. The process of developing model schematics and completing basic tasks including, data entry, parameter selection, model calibration, verification and troubleshooting will be practiced. The hydraulic HEC-RAS and hydrologic Visual OTTHYMO (VO2) models will be used to develop modeling skills.
WSM551	Watershed Management	Not offered	Not offered	Flexible
	“Watershed management” refers to the process of managing the natural resources in an area defined by watershed boundaries, with the intent of protecting and managing those natural resources (including their functions and linkages) in a sustainable manner. This process must be considered in the context of land use planning, including the social and economic context of activities within the watershed. Students will explore an integrated interdisciplinary approach to managing watershed issues utilizing a case study approach.

Semester 6

Course Code	Course Name	Winter	Summer	Fall
EPM551	Environmental Project Management	Flexible	Not offered	Not offered
	EMP551 will introduce students to the concepts of project management for environmental related projects. The concepts of project management will be presented through lecture, case studies and guest lectures. Students will learn the theory and skills to review request for proposals, generate work plans and budgets and initiate, monitor and close environmental projects.
ETR592	Engineering Technical Report II	Online	Not offered	Not offered
	This subject follows directly from EAC 591 and prepares CVT and EMT 6th semester students to write and revise their formal engineering technical report through specific instructional lessons and activities. This course has two deliverables. First, students submit a complete first draft of their report before study week to both their Technical and Writing Advisors. Second, students submit a revised, final version of their report near the end of semester, incorporating all first draft feedback from their Technical and Writing Advisor. The final report is a full revision of the first draft, on the same topic.
MPT651	Municipal Engineering Systems	Flexible	Not offered	Not offered
	Municipal Engineering Practices covers various aspects of the evaluation and design of municipal services. Topics include: municipal road design, design of storm and sanitary sewers, and water main systems, lot grading, sewer construction and storm water management, erosion and sediment control, and water crossings.
PPE651	Professional Practices and Ethics	Flexible	Not offered	Not offered
	This subject will provide students with a clear understanding of the application of Canadian law and professional ethics to their profession, and an awareness of the professional issues they will encounter in their practice. The course will prepare students to write OACETT's Professional Practice Examination.
WMD651	Water Management Systems Design	Online	Not offered	Not offered
	This course is an extension to the principles and practices explored in WRM 451 (Introduction to Water Resources Modeling). This course will provide the student with a working knowledge of water management modeling skills as it relates to hydrologic/hydraulic projects. The software used in the class will include BASINS/HSPF, Storm CAD and QUAL2K. The principal goal of the course is to develop modeling skills in the planning, control, conservation and utilization of water. Modeling skills developed in WMD551 will be applied on a project that integrates the technical skills and reinforce the proposal, report writing and presentation skills developed in other program courses.

Program Learning Outcomes

Learn more about program learning outcomes for this program.

Archived Program & Course Information

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