Environment & Sustainability   

This subject introduces "eco-literature" as a genre, exploring basic principles of eco-theory and nature writing. Students examine such key themes as the environment and modern culture, the rural vs. urban identity and the ethics and politics of environmentalism.

Prerequisite: College English or equivalent. 

No Textbook required.

 *NOTE: Students wanting to register for a General Education course as part of their Full Time certificate/diploma program should make sure to receive formal approval from their Program Coordinator. It should be noted that some general education courses are too close to the vocational specializations of specific programs and are therefore excluded as an option for students. It’s therefore important to receive formal approval before registration.

This subject introduces "eco-literature" as a genre, exploring basic principles of eco-theory and nature writing. Students examine such key themes as the environment and modern culture, the rural vs. urban identity and the ethics and politics of environmentalism.

Prerequisite: College English or equivalent. 

No Textbook required.

 *NOTE: Students wanting to register for a General Education course as part of their Full Time certificate/diploma program should make sure to receive formal approval from their Program Coordinator. It should be noted that some general education courses are too close to the vocational specializations of specific programs and are therefore excluded as an option for students. It’s therefore important to receive formal approval before registration.

This course will deal with the issues of traditional and non-renewable energy sources such as crude oil, natural gas, coal and nuclear energy, as well as renewable energy sources like hydroelectricity, solar, ocean, geothermal and wind energy. Students will obtain a broad understanding of current resources, technologies and their limitations; and a realistic appreciation of what energy sources and technologies may be feasible in the future. Energy is one of the essential needs of a modern society. The scale of its use is closely associated with a society's prosperity and the quality of life that its members experience. However, it has become increasingly clear to all that the prevailing energy system, based on non-renewable sources is unlikely to be sustainable. As a result, the implementation of alternative energy systems have gained momentum in our high energy-consuming society over the last few decades. This course will provide a general overview of various energy sources both conventional and non-conventional. It will also assist students to assess critically the important current debates on energy and the environmental impacts of its generation, storage, transportation and use. No Textbook Required.

The development of analytical and evaluation skills is required in the management of environmental issues. Students are exposed to environmental policies, legislation procedures, and become familiar with the implications and effects of environmental management strategies. The application and development of site inspections and program auditing are explored to assist in the recognition and analysis of potential environmental risks as they would apply in the development of an environmental management system.

NOTE: This course has mandatory chats. No textbook required.

Environmental Citizenship is based on the principles of national citizenship, yet it goes beyond political borders to emphasize global environmental rights and responsibilities. An environmental citizen is committed to learning more about the environment and to taking responsible environmental action. Through a combination of interactive activities, assignments and discussions, students learn how they are personally connected with current environmental issues. Students are also encouraged to adopt attitudes and behaviours that foster global environmental responsibility. This course has mandatory chats. No Textbook Required.

Environmental Citizenship is based on the principles of national citizenship, yet it goes beyond political borders to emphasize global environmental rights and responsibilities. An environmental citizen is committed to learning more about the environment and to taking responsible environmental action. Through a combination of interactive activities, assignments and discussions, students learn how they are personally connected with current environmental issues. Students are also encouraged to adopt attitudes and behaviours that foster global environmental responsibility. This course has mandatory chats. No Textbook Required.

Environmental Citizenship is based on the principles of national citizenship, yet it goes beyond political borders to emphasize global environmental rights and responsibilities. An environmental citizen is committed to learning more about the environment and to taking responsible environmental action. Through a combination of interactive activities, assignments and discussions, students learn how they are personally connected with current environmental issues. Students are also encouraged to adopt attitudes and behaviours that foster global environmental responsibility. This course has mandatory chats. No Textbook Required.

Environmental Citizenship is based on the principles of national citizenship, yet it goes beyond political borders to emphasize global environmental rights and responsibilities. An environmental citizen is committed to learning more about the environment and to taking responsible environmental action. Through a combination of interactive activities, assignments and discussions, students learn how they are personally connected with current environmental issues. Students are also encouraged to adopt attitudes and behaviours that foster global environmental responsibility. This course has mandatory chats. No Textbook Required.

Environmental Citizenship is based on the principles of national citizenship, yet it goes beyond political borders to emphasize global environmental rights and responsibilities. An environmental citizen is committed to learning more about the environment and to taking responsible environmental action. Through a combination of interactive activities, assignments and discussions, students learn how they are personally connected with current environmental issues. Students are also encouraged to adopt attitudes and behaviours that foster global environmental responsibility. This course has mandatory chats. No Textbook Required.

In an age of the 4000 km caesar salad and the 100 mile diet, with 800 million hungry people on Earth and over 1 billion overweight, understanding the "food system" is a hot item on the menu.  How do we, and how should we eat for the 21st Century?  How do we build the sustainable local and global food systems we want?  This course explores these questions by following food's circular journey - from the farm fields where heirloom and biotech seeds are sown; into chicken McNugget and artisanal cheese factories; out to Walmart, farmers markets, and restaurants; onto our dinner tables, forks and taste buds; and back to the beginning via composters and landfills.  It's a wild mix, including issues like biotechnology, organic farming, globalization, climate change, peak oil, water scarcity, food security, obesity, hunger, the global food price crisis.  At the centre of the course, and certificate program it provides an introduction for, are the practical opportunities and challenges of making food system changes happen on local and global political, economic and ecological levels. Textbook required. NOTE: Speakers required.

Study the causes and consequences of urban and rural food insecurity across Canada.  Struggle with the tensions between short-term stop gaps (food banks, meal programs, charitable services) and long-term food justice solutions (education, equitable incomes, affordability and accessibility of healthy food). Bring these realities to life by doing research or field work for a food security organization in your region. You will have an opportunity to flesh out the concepts of food security and food justice and apply them to current, on-the-ground food initiatives in Canada. You will be introduced to cutting-edge research and the most current practices. Our aim is to encourage you to consider the concepts of food security and justice in economic, political, social and cultural contexts. You will study local and national food initiatives and will situate those initiatives within global food security debates, movements, and practices. NOTE: Speakers required. Textbook required.

The production, processing and consumption of food are at the core of many local and global issues. World hunger, malnutrition, genetically modified seeds, access to markets for new farmers and human nutrition are just a few of the issues that are prevalent in today's society. Policies have a major impact on all of the dimensions of these issues. Although policies have attempted to address various food issues, there is a broad consensus that food policy lacks effectiveness on several fronts. This course will introduce you to the various elements, concepts and key issues in the field of Food Policy. It will help you understand the complexity of formulating and implementing policies as well as gain the practical skills to critically analyze food policies and programs. This will be accomplished by examining various Canadian and international food policies and programs. No textbook required. NOTE: Speakers required.

This course in intended to introduce the concept of sustainable development to a broad audience. The course will discuss the environmental, economic and social impacts that affect the sustainability of our communities. The course will investigate the development of human populations and how their energy and nutritional needs have compromised the natural ecosystems. Social and economic factors will be explored that will lead to greater social equality and more sustainability in the world economy. Individual responsibility to sustainability through lifestyle changes will be examined. Textbook required. NOTE: This course has mandatory group work. *NOTE: Students wanting to register for a General Education course as part of their certificate or diploma program should make sure to receive formal approval from their Program Coordinator. It should be noted that some general education courses are too close to the vocational specializations of specific programs and are therefore excluded as an option for students. It’s therefore important to receive formal approval before registration.

Acquire the skills, tools, and knowledge necessary to develop and manage a career in Natural Resources. We'll discuss career planning, and help you to research employers, with information that includes how and when to apply for positions.  We'll look at program-specific resume writing and the resulting interview.  Discussion will include teamwork, interpersonal skills, career advancement, leadership and supervision in the Natural Resources field. Textbook required.

This Course will examine some of the practices to renew or restore ecosystems and habitats that were damaged or destroyed by human intervention. Restoration projects purpose is to change disturbed areas into functioning ecosystems, able to provide ecosystem services or function as a natural habitat again. A great example is the watershed protection program of the rivers providing water to New York City. The project initiated in the early 1990's, as a result of critical issues with the city water quality. A water treatment plant would involve 6 billion USD for construction, and 300 million USD for annual maintenance after that. Restoring the wetland ecosystems able to filter the water and eliminate toxic chemicals had a cost of 1 billion USD over 10 years. The course will analyze the biological and physical aspects of restoration ecology. It also will emphasize the role played by society in a successful restoration project. Guidance for the design of a natural ecosystem restoration project will be provided. 23 different case studies are presented in the course, and will provide practical tools and techniques already tested on the field of restoration ecology projects.. Textbook Required.

Students explore the impact of farming on mental health. Students learn about resources, supports, and organizations that support mental wellness. The symptoms and signs of mental wellness are also examined. Students assess their mental wellness and create an action plan for self-care.  

Learners will receive a digital badge upon successful course completion.