| Overall Rating | Silver |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 62.69 |
| Liaison | Christina Olsen |
| Submission Date | Aug. 20, 2024 |
British Columbia Institute of Technology
AC-3: Undergraduate Program
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
3.00 / 3.00 |
Majors, degrees and certificate programs
Name of the sustainability-focused undergraduate degree program:
A brief description of the undergraduate degree program:
Ecological Restoration is the practice of assisting the recovery of degraded ecosystems. The Bachelor of Science Degree in Ecological Restoration (ER) provides graduates with a strong foundation in the methods available to restore a broad range of ecosystems that have been impacted by human influences in British Columbia (BC), across Canada and in other parts of the world.
ER practitioners apply knowledge of ecology, hydrology, geochemistry, geomorphology, and engineering to address ecological health issues. Natural habitats across BC have been severely impacted due to habitat destruction, urban sprawl, invasive species expansions, and direct damage due to industrial contamination of soils and aquatic resources. These factors combined with the resulting increase in number of threatened and endangered species have resulted in the strong need for ecosystem restoration work across BC and around the world.
The program also explores the historical and contemporary relationship between First Nations and the physical environment, particularly in BC. Through case studies and team projects, students explore the working relationship between First Nations, various levels of government and private industry particularly with respect to Traditional Ecological Knowledge, environmental management and sustainability issues.
The program follows the “two by two” model, meaning the first two years of the degree are fulfilled by completion of one of the following two-year diplomas:
- Fish, Wildlife and Recreation (FWR)
- Forest and Natural Areas Management (FNAM)
In the time it takes to do a typical university degree, students can get two academic credentials. The FWR and FNAM programs are described in more detail below.
Website URL for the undergraduate degree program:
Additional degree programs (optional)
Architectural Science is a bridge between design theory and building technology. The purpose of this degree program is to develop graduates with highly relevant knowledge and skills in a way that emphasizes holistic and critical thinking at the intersection between living systems, culture and technology, so that our students emerge as industry-ready participants in the real world of sustainable thinking and building.
Website URL for the undergraduate degree program (2nd program):
Name of the sustainability-focused, undergraduate degree program (3rd program):
The Environmental Engineering program provides the additional skills and knowledge that are required to successfully work on assignments in the areas of sustainability, air quality, climate change, environmental impact assessment, life cycle assessment, contaminated sites, water treatment, contaminant hydrogeology, integrated solid waste management, resource management, and green energy technology.
Website URL for the undergraduate degree program (3rd program):
Environmental Health, Bachelor of Technology
This program prepares students to enter the field of environmental health as a Public Health Inspector/Environmental Health Officer (PHI/EHO), effective members of a multi-disciplinary health team. The role of the PHI/EHO includes preventing disease, promoting health and improving the environment through the use of education, consultation, inspection and monitoring techniques and, if necessary, by the enforcement of health legislation. The scope of interest covers food hygiene, insect and rodent control, communicable disease investigation, water supply and waste disposal systems, occupational health and safety, and environmental pollution – air, water, soil and noise.
Sustainable Business Leadership, Advanced Diploma
The Sustainable Business Leadership program trains graduates to create a healthy, socially just, and ecologically sustainable world for everyone. The program prepares graduates to drive sustainability within organizations. This credential is the only program in British Columbia that is purely focused on sustainable business leadership. Students study the most current issues in sustainability and participate in a two-term business consulting project for practical experience (see AC 8: Campus as a Living Laboratory for more information). By adding this advanced diploma to their pre-existing education and/or industry experience, students prepare to become a leader in any number of industries to champion the responsible use of our resources.
Fish, Wildlife and Recreation, Diploma
BCIT’s Fish, Wildlife and Recreation (FWR) diploma program has been preparing students for rewarding careers in the conservation and management of fish, wildlife, parks, and outdoor recreation since 1969. The program is designed to give students a broad range of applied skills, experiences, and knowledge. Learning outcomes are aligned with current needs of government, the conservation and stewardship community and private industry. A significant amount of learning is done in the field where students learn to identify, inventory, and monitor BC’s fish and wildlife species, the habitats they use, and the natural areas set aside for conservation and recreation. Students in the program will also learn how parks and protected areas are established, designed, and managed. Upon completion of the FWR program, graduates are ready to work in the dynamic and diverse field of resource management and may choose to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Ecological Restoration.
https://www.bcit.ca/programs/fish-wildlife-and-recreation-diploma-full-time-7930dipma/
Forest and Natural Areas Management, Diploma
The Forest and Natural Areas Management (FNAM) program is a two-year diploma program with a focus on forestry, vegetation management, and arboriculture for supporting sustainable community development in both rural and urban environments. Management of forest resources in today’s world means managing the forest ecosystems that provide major economic, social and ecological benefits to communities, businesses and First Nations throughout British Columbia. It is also about considering the interests of other resource users, while ensuring future generations can equally benefit from our forests. The breadth of technical and field-based skills students acquire are relevant to many other natural resource sectors. Graduates may choose to continue their academic studies and complete a Bachelor’s degree in Ecological Restoration.
https://www.bcit.ca/programs/forest-and-natural-areas-management-diploma-full-time-7470dipma/
Minors and concentrations
Name of the sustainability-focused undergraduate minor or concentration:
A brief description of the undergraduate minor or concentration:
BCIT doesn’t use the same nomenclature for degrees, minors, and concentrations as STARS. At BCIT, students can build their education to suit their needs one step at a time. They can start with a certificate and finish with a degree. The Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree is an example of a program where a sustainability-focused credential can serve as a minor or concentration. The BBA degree follows the “two by two” model, meaning the first two years of the degree are fulfilled by one of the School of Business + Media full-time diploma programs. Students interested in Sustainable Business can choose to take courses from the Sustainable Business Advanced Certificate program to meet the BBA elective requirements. They can apply for this credential allowing them to complete all their BBA elective requirements while earning a second credential and a “minor” in Sustainable Business.
Website URL for the undergraduate minor or concentration:
Additional minors and concentrations (optional)
A brief description of the undergraduate minor or concentration (2nd program):
Website URL for the undergraduate minor, concentration or certificate (2nd program):
Name of the sustainability-focused undergraduate minor or concentration (3rd program):
A brief description of the undergraduate minor or concentration (3rd program):
Website URL for the undergraduate minor or concentration (3rd program):
The name and website URLs of all other sustainability-focused undergraduate minors and concentrations:
Optional Fields
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.