Environmental Technician (ETM)

Co-op Option (ETMC)

Starts in September

PGWP-eligible Program

Campus

Newnham

Delivery

Hybrid

Duration

4 Semesters (2 Years)

Study Option

Full-time

Credential

Ontario College Diploma

School

School of Environmental & Civil Engineering Technology

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	Not offered	Not offered	Flexible
	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. COM111 is six hours per week in order to offer students extra language and reading support.
EVP151	Environmental Field Practices	Not offered	Not offered	In-person
	In this field-based course, students will be introduced to common field techniques in environmental science. A decolonized approach to this course will be presented, where personal observations and relationships to the land will be developed and encouraged. Content will be seasonally-based with a focus on student outdoor competencies and comfort in the field. This course is undertaken at King Campus. Participants will be required to provide their own transportation to and from King Campus.
EVS141	Environmental Science	Not offered	Not offered	Flexible
	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	Not offered	Not offered	In-person
	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	Not offered	Not offered	Flexible
	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

Course Code	Course Name	Winter	Summer	Fall
ETM331	Environmental Technician, Co-op	Not offered	Hybrid Online In-person	Not offered
ETM331 - 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
	The interdependence of living organisms and the factors that limit distribution and abundance is explored in a primarily field-based setting on King Campus and Lake St. George. This course will take a holistic approach to learning about aquatic and terrestrial systems, relating abiotic and biotic factors. Field identification skills will be developed while also becoming more proficient in field sampling techniques. Students will learn to recognize indicators of ecosystem health. The course culminates with a field project that investigates habitat conservation and restoration for species at risk.
ESA351	Environmental Sampling and Analysis	Not offered	Not offered	In-person
	This course deals with engineering and technological issues in the context of government policy and society at large. Topics include energy, infrastructure, the environment and climate change, and emerging issues in public policy. Case studies at the interface of government and engineering will be reviewed and discussed.
FSC300	Field School: Plant Identification	Not offered	Not offered	In-person
	In this 4-day immersive field course, students will learn to recognize and classify native flora (trees, shrubs and herbaceous ground cover) found in Southern Ontario through the use of botanical keys and applications. Participants will develop proficiency in identifying plants in their natural environments and understanding their ecological roles. Emphasis will be placed on hands-on learning, field journalling and recognizing plant communities in different habitats. Students must be prepared to hike across King Campus daily.
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
	GIS (Geographic Information Systems) is a computer-based tool that uses spatial (geographic) data to analyze and solve real-world problems. In an earlier GIS course (GEO251), students are introduced to the fundamentals of GIS and some basic geospatial analysis methods for vector data. This course builds on the basic GIS concepts and introduces various geospatial analytical techniques for raster data, visualization of 3-D surfaces and building models. Students use ArcGIS Pro software for real-world tasks and applications in environmental monitoring, resource management, urban/infrastructure planning or climate resilience with an understanding and appreciation of the how’s and why’s behind their actions.
HWM351	Hydrology and Watershed Management	Not offered	Not offered	In-person
	This course will provide the student with a working knowledge of the scientific principles applied to the study of hydrology and watershed management which will enable the student to evaluate hydrologic design criteria for watersheds and relate this to the overall watershed management. The course will familiarize the students with the major hydrological processes, including precipitation, evaporation, transpiration, rainfall interception, infiltration, ground water, snow hydrology, and runoff. Students will conduct field work to introduce them to data collection methods for stream flows and runoff volumes in rural and urban areas. Attention to the conflicting demands and uses within the watershed as well as various remedial options. Students will use this knowledge to assess the key components of successful watershed management through the concept of integrated watershed management, linking the scientific understanding with the governance, regulation and management approaches. Students will see the connections between themselves, the environment and the watershed they sometimes unknowingly call home and how to manage those watersheds considering climate change.
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
	This course will focus on erosion and sediment management techniques and as they pertain to a variety of development activities. It explores and identifies the best management practices used and the role and responsibility of a certified inspector. This course prepares students to undertake training modules associated with the Canadian Certified Inspector Sediment and Erosion Control In Training (CAN-CISEC IT) level 1 examination.
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)

Program Learning Outcomes

Learn more about program learning outcomes for this program.

Archived Program & Course Information

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