Program: Environmental Technology - Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

Apr 04, 2025

PUBLISHED 2021-2022 Credit Catalog

Program Description

Want a career that really makes a difference? The Environmental Technology program will give you the skills and knowledge you need to work in the lab or the field. As an Environmental Technologist you’ll work in the protection, conservation, and preservation of our natural environment. Many graduates go on to complete their bachelor’s degree at Royal Roads University.

Program Overview

Fast Facts

Your Career

Graduates of this program find work in environmental protection, conservation and preservation of natural resources, and environmental education, communication and research. More specific fields include utility and mining companies, chemical manufacturers, steel makers, transportation, industry, federal/provincial government departments, municipalities, education institutions, wastewater management, water treatment, research and health care centers, environmental interest groups and industry associations.

Student Success

Students with higher grades and recent upgrading in Math 30 (Pure Math) and Chemistry 30 will experience more success in SAIT’s programs.

Additionally, students who experience success in this program have good work ethics and communication skills.

Credentials

After successfully completing this program, graduates will receive a SAIT diploma in Environmental Technology.

Accreditation

This program will be accredited in the future. Please contact the MacPhail School of Energy for more information. Graduates are eligible for membership in the following professional associations:

    Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET)
    ECO Canada
    Chemical Institute of Canada (CIC)

Progression

The progression requirement for students taking credit courses is a Term GPA and Total Institutional GPA of 2.0, with the exception of English Language Foundations and Academic Upgrading programs.

Admission Requirements

Completion of the following courses or equivalents:

At least 60% in Math 30-1 or Pure Math 30, AND,
At least 50% in English Language Arts 30-1, or at least 60% in English Language Arts 30-2, AND,
At least 60% in Chemistry 30.

All applicants must demonstrate English Language Proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.

Program Outline

First Year

Semester 1

BIOL 201 - Biology and Field Ecology 1.5 Credits
CHEM 213 - Chemistry and the Environment 3 Credits
CHEM 276 - Analytical Laboratory Skills 1.5 Credits
COMM 238 - Technical Communications I 3 Credits
COMP 261 - Applied Digital Technologies 1.5 Credits
ENVS 222 - Introduction to Environmental Organic Chemistry 1.5 Credits
MATH 237 - Mathematics for Technologists 3 Credits

Semester 2

COMM 270 - Environmental Risk Communication 1.5 Credits
ENVS 219 - Industrial Process/Environmental Control 1.5 Credits
ENVS 252 - Environmental Health and Risk Assessment 1.5 Credits
ENVS 251 - Air Sampling and Monitoring 1.5 Credits
ENVS 254 - Remote Sensing - Introduction 1.5 Credits
ENVS 250 - Field Safety 1.5 Credits
ENVS 260 - Environmental Chemistry I 1.5 Credits
ENVS 344 - Geographical Communications 3 Credits
GEOL 230 - Geology 1.5 Credits

Second Year

Semester 3

DATA 201 - Data Interpretation 1.5 Credits
ENVS 229 - Environmental Law and Regulation 1.5 Credits
ENVS 236 - Ecosystems and Environmental Impact Assessment 1.5 Credits
ENVS 300 - Site Reclamation 1.5 Credits
ENVS 303 - Environmental Audits and Management Systems 1.5 Credits
ENVS 304 - Environmental Sampling and Analysis 3 Credits
ENVS 330 - Environmental Field School 3 Credits
ENVS 360 - Environmental Chemistry II 1.5 Credits

Semester 4

ENVS 343 - Water and Wastewater Treatment Laboratory 3 Credits
ENVS 354 - Sustainable Urban Design 1.5 Credits
ENVS 358 - Solid Waste Management 1.5 Credits
ENVS 359 - Water and Wastewater Treatment 1.5 Credits
ENVS 361 - Environmental Project Management 1.5 Credits
ENVS 364 - Sustainable Environmental Analytics 1.5 Credits
ENVS 375 - Environmental Microbiology 1.5 Credits
GEOL 350 - Hydrology and Hydrogeology 1.5 Credits
PROJ 367 - Environment Practicum 1.5 Credits

Environmental Technology