RETURN
TO PROGRAMS
A-Z hy

ENVR 158 - INTRODUCTION TO GEOMATICS

An introduction to applied mapping and geographic
information systems (GIS) theory and applications.
The first half of the course will be focused on
introducing basic uses of remotely sensed imagery.
Several applied mapping technologies will be
explored, including Google Earth and Internet
Mapping websites. The second half of the semester
will be focused on learning basic GIS concepts

and applying GIS technologies to environmental,
renewable resource management, and planning
fields. Emphasis will be placed on how geographic
data is represented, collected, managed, analyzed,
and displayed using GIS tools. Hands-on experience
will be developed with the most widely used and
comprehensive desktop GIS software, ESRI’s ArcGIS
Desktop.

ENVR 160 - SURVEYING AND
FIELD MEASUREMENTS

An introduction to the practical use of common survey
instruments and techniques used by environmental
technicians. As well, the course will introduce the
student to various sampling methods used to collect,
assess, classify, and evaluate field data. Emphasis is
placed on the proper care and use of basic surveying
and measurement tools and the skills involved in
collecting and interpreting precise and accurate field
data.

ENVR 162 - APPLIED BOTANY AND
ECOSYSTEM CLASSIFICATION

This course is an introduction to the principles of
Botany and Ecosystem Classification. Botany lectures
will focus on plant classification, botanical terms,
plant morphology, and plant physiology. Topics
include: plant cell structure, plant tissue function

and structure, photosynthesis and respiration,
transpiration and translocation. Botany labs will
focus on learning to identify about 100 native plants
commonly found in the West Kootenay Region of B.C.,
specifically key indicator species. Ecology lectures
will focus on ecosystem classification using the
Biogeoclimatic Ecosystem Classification System (BEC)
of B.C. Other key topics include the study of climatic
factors, disturbance and succession, landscapes and
stand structure. Ecology labs focus on classifying
ecosystems (including soils, site and vegetation) to
site series using BEC. Labs are mainly field based.

selkirk.ca/programs

ENVR 163 - TERRESTRIAL
ECOLOGY AND BIOLOGY

This course builds upon the concepts from ENVR
162 with further studies of local forest ecosystems.
Students will identify key forest structural
components and study the role that disturbance (such
as fire), environmental gradients, and competition
play in defining a species’ niche. Participants will
also examine the role of primary and secondary
growth, nutrient uptake, reproduction, and survival
mechanisms for plants. Winter plant identification,
ecosystem form and function, and plant adaptations
to timberline will also be examined. A practical field
based assignment will form a major portion of the
term assessment.

ENVR 164 - SOIL AND EARTH SCIENCES

This course will cover the identification of common
rocks and minerals, landforms and soils of British
Columbia. Learners will be introduced to the study
of physical geology and geomorphology in relation
to management of the forest environment and
landscape. Learners will gain skills and knowledge
in rock and mineral identification, description of
the physical and chemical qualities of soils, and
identification and classification of landforms and
terrain. Skills will also be developed with respect
to interpretation of geology, landforms and soils for
environmental management.

ENVR 170 - FISH AND WILDLIFE ECOLOGY

This course will cover identification and ecology

of vertebrate animals, habitat requirements, and
habitat disturbance implications. Learners will gain
experience in applying guidelines and management
strategies to minimize impact of other resource uses
on fish and wildlife habitat and species.

ENVR 190 - COMPUTER APPLICATIONS |

This course builds on computer skills students

have previously acquired. Applied intermediate to
advanced computer applications specific to career
opportunities in the environment and geomatics
sector are covered including file management, word
processing for report writing, spreadsheets and an
introduction to databases.

FOREST TECHNOLOGY
selkirk.ca/forestry

ENVR 250 - INDIGENOUS PEOPLES
OF CANADA AND ENVIRONMENTAL
MANAGEMENT

The main focus of this course is to enable students
working in natural resource management to work
effectively with Indigenous peoples. To achieve

this, students will develop a greater awareness of
Indigenous peoples and the cultural diversity that
exists within this group of Canadians. The course
will examine various topics related to Indigenous
cultures, languages and pre and post contact
histories. The course will also examine current issues
facing Indigenous groups including legal issues,
social conditions, treaty processes, consultation
activities, capacity building and protection of
traditional lands and rights. This course is offered in
the School of Environment and Geomatics curriculum
to both Forest Technology and Recreation, Fish and
Wildlife Technology programs. It is anticipated that
material presented in ENVR 250 will be integrated
throughout other courses in these two programs.

ENVR 290 - COMPUTER APPLICATIONS
IN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

Computer Applications in Resource Management in
British Columbia has become more complex and so
the need for clear presentation and communication
of ideas, plans, and strategies is more important
than ever before. The content of ENVR 290 will
address software used for the collection, assembly,
display and presentation of environmental content
specifically related to Forestry. Performing field data
collection, importing data into ArcGIS for analysis
and preparing suitable cartographic maps using
ArcGIS software will be our focus.

Prerequisites: ENVR 158 and ENVR 190.

FOR 200 - FIELD TRIP STUDY

In the spring of the fourth semester, second year
students will participate in a field trip to study away
from the Castlegar Campus. The field trip provides
an opportunity for students to see, first-hand,
current management practices, ecosystems and
resource management issues in other regions of the
province. Students will be actively involved in trip
planning and will be presented with opportunities
to develop communication skills, job finding skills
and professionalism. This course is available only
to students registered in the second year of the
Forestry program.

Selkirk College Academic Calendar 2019-20 93