Environmental Technology Co-op Diploma
Program OverviewAdmission Requirements Tuition and FeesProgram Structure Potential Pathways Faculty and Staff Future Career Options Alumni Testimonial
Program Overview
Start your new career in the exciting and rewarding field of Environmental Technology. Students are educated to national standards in environmental areas related to the natural resource sector, focusing on the oil sands and related Alberta industries. Areas of study include biology, chemistry, ecology, soil science, environmental law, geotechnical procedures, Geographic Information Systems, water quality, wildlife management, and land reclamation within forestry, mining, and oil sands operations.
The program also features a summer work term to provide students with valuable work experience in the region. Graduates of this program are qualified to enter the workforce directly or continue their studies to transfer into year 3 of a degree in Environmental Sciences at the University of Lethbridge. The Environmental Technology program begins a new intake every September and January.
Part-time students are also welcome.
Admission requirements
- English 30-1
- Math 30-1
- Chemistry 30
- Biology 30
- Completing the required courses above; or
- Receiving a pass mark on the College Entrance Assessment if you're missing the required English and Math courses.
Please speak to an academic advisor for more information.
You must have:
- TOEFL: iBT with a minimum score of 79 with no score below 19
- IELTS with a minimum score of 6.0
- CAEL with a minimum score of 60
- MELAB with a minimum score of 80
- Duolingo with a minimum score of 95
- PTE (academic) with a minimum score of 50
See our Credit Calendar for other ways that you can meet the English Language Proficiency requirements.
Tuition and fees
Please note the 2023-2024 fees are pending sign off from the Government of Alberta as per the Tuition Fee Regulation.
| Full Time Fees | Term 1 | Term 2 |
| Tuition | $2,157.00 | $2,157.00 |
| Campus Rec Fee | $70.00 | $70.00 |
| Health & Dental Fee | *$126.00 | *$126.00 |
| Student Association Building Fee | $17.92 | $17.92 |
| Student Association Fee | $112.00 | $112.00 |
| Technology Fee | $95.00 | $95.00 |
| Total Fees | $420.92 | $420.92 |
| Total Tuition & Fees | ***$2,577.92 | ***$2,577.92 |
| Total Cost Per Year | $5,221.84 |
Please note the 2023-2024 fees are pending sign off from the Government of Alberta as per the Tuition Fee Regulation.
| International Full Time Fees | Term 1 | Term 2 |
| Tuition | $6,471.00 | $6,471.00 |
| Campus Rec Fee | $70.00 | $70.00 |
| Health & Dental | *$126.00 | *$126.00 |
| Student Association Building Fee | $17.92 | $17.92 |
| Student Association Fee | $112.00 | $112.00 |
| Technology Fee | $95.00 | $95.00 |
| Total Fees | $420.92 | $420.92 |
| Total Tuition & Fees | ***$6,891.92 |
***$6,891.92 |
| Total Cost Per Year | $13,849.84 |
Please note the 2023-2024 fees are pending sign off from the Government of Alberta as per the Tuition Fee Regulation.
| Summer Work Term | Domestic Students | International Students |
| Tuition | $211.00 | $633.00 |
| Campus Rec Fee | $70.00 | $70.00 |
| Student Association Building Fee | $17.92 | $17.92 |
| Student Association Fee | $112.00 | $112.00 |
| Technology Fee | $95.00 | $95.00 |
| Total Fees | $294.92 | $294.92 |
| Total Tuition & Fees | ***$505.92 |
***927.92 |
Please note the 2024-2025 fees are pending sign off from the Government of Alberta as per the Tuition Fee Regulation.
| Full Time Fees | Term 1 | Term 2 |
| Tuition | $2,204.00 | $2,204.00 |
| Campus Rec Fee | $75.00 | $75.00 |
| Health & Dental Fee | *$126.00 | *$126.00 |
| Student Association Building Fee | $17.92 | $17.92 |
| Student Association Fee | $112.00 | $112.00 |
| Technology Fee | $100.00 | $100.00 |
| Total Fees | $430.92 | $430.92 |
| Total Tuition & Fees | ***$2,789.92 | ***$2,789.92 |
| Total Cost Per Year |
| International Full Time Fees | Term 1 | Term 2 |
| Tuition | $6,612.00 | $6,612.00 |
| Campus Rec Fee | $75.00 | $75.00 |
| Health & Dental | *$126.00 | *$126.00 |
| Student Association Building Fee | $17.92 | $17.92 |
| Student Association Fee | $112.00 | $112.00 |
| Technology Fee | $100.00 | $100.00 |
| Total Fees | $430.92 | $430.92 |
| Total Tuition & Fees | ***$7,042.92 |
***$7,042.92 |
| Total Cost Per Year | $15,103.76 |
Please note the 2024-2025 fees are pending sign off from the Government of Alberta as per the Tuition Fee Regulation.
| Summer Work Term | Domestic Students | International Students |
| Tuition | $215.00 | $645.00 |
| Campus Rec Fee | $75.00 | $75.00 |
| Student Association Building Fee | $17.92 | $17.92 |
| Student Association Fee | $112.00 | $112.00 |
| Technology Fee | $100.00 | $100.00 |
| Total Fees | $304.92 | $304.92 |
| Total Tuition & Fees | ***$519.92 |
***949.92 |
Please note, these estimates are based on 100% enrollment for all semesters and do not include mandatory laboratory fees. Laboratory fees can range from $33- $129 for 2023-2024 and $34-$132 for 2024-2025.
* Students will be charged a medical/dental benefit fee unless they opt out by demonstrating alternative coverage - deadlines can be found at StudentCare website.
** This program has a mandatory Summer semester if students intend to graduate on time.
*** Tuition is due 10 business days before the start of each semester.
For more information view the Keyano College Credit Calendar.
Program structure
Current students, please use your Program Registration Guide when registering for courses.
| Course Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1: Term I |
15 | |
| BIOL 108 | An Introduction to Biodiversity | 3 |
| CHEM 101 | Introductory University Chemistry I | 3 |
| EAS 100 | Planet Earth | 3 |
| ENVT 170 | Animal Identification | 3 |
| STAT 151 | Introduction to Applied Statistics I | 3 |
| Year 1: Term II | 15 | |
| ENVT 163 | Water Quality | 3 |
| ENVT 165 | Geotechnical Sampling & Instrumentation | 3 |
| ENVT 268 | Resource Exploitation - Oil, Gas, Bitumen & Mining | 3 |
| GEOG 105 | Introduction to Mapping, GPS, Remote Sensing, and GIS | 3 |
| WRITE 103 | Scientific Writing | 3 |
| Year 1: Term III | 9 | |
| ENVT 220 | Co-op Work Term | 9 |
| Year 2: Term I | 12 | |
| BIOL 208 | Principles of Ecology | 3 |
| ENVT 252 | Regional Plant Identification | 3 |
| SOILS 210 | Introduction to Soil Science And Soil Resources | 3 |
| SPCH 207 | Developing Professional Speaking Skills | 3 |
| Year 2: Term II | 12 | |
| ENVT 262 | Environmental Laws, Guidelines, Regulations & Land Rights | 3 |
| ENVT 265 | Forest Technology | 3 |
| ENVT 266 | Land Reclamation | 3 |
| ENVT 270 | Wildlife Management and Conservation | 3 |
| Course Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1: Term I |
15 | |
| BIOL 108 | Introduction to Biodiversity | 3 |
| CHEM 101 | Introductory University Chemistry I | 3 |
| GEOG 105 | Introduction to Mapping, GPS, Remote Sensing, and GIS | 3 |
| STAT 151 | Introduction to Applied Statistics I | 3 |
| WRITE 103 | Scientific Writing | |
| Year 1: Term II | 15 | |
| BIOL 208 | Principles of Ecology | 3 |
| EAS 100 | Planet Earth | 3 |
| ENVT 170 | Animal Identification | 3 |
| ENVT 252 | Regional Plant Identification | 3 |
| SOILS 210 | Introduction to Soil Science And Soil Resources | 3 |
| Year 2: Term I | 12 | |
| ENVT 265 | Forest Technology | 3 |
| ENVT 266 | Land Reclamation | 3 |
| ENVT 268 | Resource Exploitation - Oil, Gas, Bitumen & Mining | 3 |
| ENVT 270 | Wildlife Management and Conservation | 3 |
| Year 2: Term II | 9 | |
| ENVT 220 | Co-op Work Term | 9 |
| Year 2: Term III | 12 | |
| ENVT 163 | Water Quality | 3 |
| ENVT 165 | Geotechnical Sampling & Instrumentation | 3 |
| ENVT 262 | Environmental Laws, Guidelines, Regulations & Land Rights | 3 |
| SPCH 207 | Developing Professional Speaking Skills | 3 |
Potential Pathways
Graduates of this program are eligible to;
- Enter the workforce directly or
- Continue their studies to transfer to year 3 of the Environmental Science degree program at the University of Lethbridge, or
- Graduates may also transition into the Environmental Science Micro-Credentials Program.
Meet the Faculty and Staff
Dr. Reza Ashouri Talooki joined Keyano College in September 2022. His areas of interest are Literature, Poetry, Education, Politics, Media Studies, and critical discourse analysis. Reza wrote his doctoral dissertation on political humour and its manifestations in various genres - written, filmic, and performative productions- following the September 9/11 tragic events in America.
Dr. Talooki completed B.A and M.A degrees in English, a PhD degree in Comparative Literature, with an emphasis on Diaspora Studies and Postcolonial Literature, and a second M.A degree in Public Policy and Administration, with a focus on sustainability and community development.
Besides his academic career, Reza also worked for the federal government of Canada and some not-for-profit and private sector organizations in the past, which helped him deepen his understanding and hone his skills in various areas, including policy analysis, public administration, management and leadership, and community development.
His research interests include post-colonial literature, migration literature, media studies, and politics/policy analysis.
Contact Information:
reza.ashouri-talooki@keyano.ca
+1-780-791-4836
Kory began teaching at Keyano in September 2020 and her areas of discipline are sociology and interdisciplinary studies. Kory attended Oregon State University for six years, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Bachelor of Science in Sociology.
During that time, she also graduated with a Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies, with her disciplines being Sociology, Education and Adult & Higher Education. While at Oregon State University, Kory was a member of the Women’s Volleyball program, she went on to play professionally in Switzerland and now continues to help coach the Keyano’s Women’s Volleyball team. Kory's areas of discipline are sociology and interdisciplinary studies.
Her research interests include inequality and social problems, and criminal justice.
Contact Information:
+1-780-792-4813
Dr. Ryan Cox joined the Keyano College Faculty in 2012. He holds a BA(Hons) in English Literature and Creative Writing (Windsor), an MA in English: Creative Writing (Windsor), and a Ph.D. in English (Minnesota). His doctoral dissertation, “Premonition of a Future Line We Will Be Writing: Politics, Language and Identity in English Canadian Experimental Poetry,” focused on the role Avant Garde poetics played in the formation of a Canadian national identity.
His areas of discipline are English Literature, Creative Writing, Film, Television, and Screen Media, Canadian Literature and Culture, Indigenous Literatures of Turtle Island, Popular Culture and Cultural Studies, as well as Poetry and Poetics.
Research interests include Nation and national identity, professional wrestling, experimental poetics and the Canadian Avant Garde, and identity and its construction.
Contact Information:
+1-780-791-4837
Kevin joined the Keyano College faculty in 2010 and is an instructor in the College and Career Preparation Program and University Studies. Kevin has a Master’s of Arts degree with a focused on Global Change. Prior to teaching at Keyano College, Kevin was a high school teacher with experience teaching in a variety of topics and levels across Canada. His areas of discipline are global studies, history, and education. Kevin is also actively involved in local history projects and is the Historical Curator at the Military Museum of the RMWB. Kevin also sits on the Board of Directors of the Wood Buffalo Military Museum Centre.
Kevin's research interests include military history, Canadian history, globalization, the growth of Neo-Nationalist movements, Military and Strategic Studies, and Political Geography.
Contact Information:
+1-780-791-5702
Dr. Mark Young joined the Keyano College faculty in 2014 and is an instructor in the University Studies department. He has a Bachelor of Arts, Specialist in Philosophy, from Brandon University, a Master of Arts in Philosophy from the University of Regina, and a Ph.D. in Philosophy from the University of Ottawa. Before coming to Keyano College, Dr. Young taught at the University of Ottawa, Carleton University, Red Deer College, and Lakehead University. His discipline areas include philosophy and political science.
Dr. Young's research interests include political theory and applied ethics.
Dr. Young is also the current president of the Canadian Society for the Study of Practical Ethics (CSSPE) /Société canadienne pour l’étude de l’éthique appliquée (SCEEA).
Contact Information:
+1-780-791-4825
Miguel Borges is an instructor in the University Studies department, where he teaches Computer Systems Technology and related courses.Prior to joining Keyano College, Miguel was a high school teacher and technology coordinator in the public school system. His degrees are from Memorial University of Newfoundland, as well as the University of British Columbia.
Miguel’s specialty is data network technologies, and he has completed programs and certificates in networking, information security, and fiber optics.
Dr. Robert Changirwa joined the Keyano College faculty in 2018 and is an Engineering Instructor in the School of University Studies. He is a Professional Engineer (PEng) and a Project Management Professional (APMP). His academic background includes a BSc in Mechanical Engineering (University of Nairobi), a MASc in Engineering (Dalhousie University) and a Ph.D. in Engineering (Dalhousie University). His areas of discipline are mechanical engineering, mining engineering, and statistics.
Prior to teaching, Robert worked at Syncrude Research Centre (Edmonton) and recently at Shell Albians Sands (Fort McMurray), holding progressively more challenging positions from Plant Engineer to Project Team Lead. He is equipped with 30 years of diverse experience, including 15 years of post-secondary teaching and 15 years in the oil sands industry.
His research interests include engineering design, hydrocyclone hydrodynamics, and slurry pipelines.
Contact Information:
+1-780-791-4940
Dr. Jean-Pierre De Villiers is an instructor in the University Studies department at Keyano College. He holds a PhD in P. Eng., and his areas of discipline are physics, computing and engineering mechanics. Prior to joining the faculty of Keyano College, Dr. De Villiers worked at Saint Mary's University, University of Virginia, and the University of Calgary completing postdoctoral research.
His research interests include numerical relativity, black hole accretion, and machine learning.
Contact Information:
jeanpierre.devillier@keyano.ca
+1-780-791-4832
Dr. Marie-France Jones joined the Keyano College faculty in 2019 and is an instructor in the Environmental Technology diploma program. She has a Bachelor of Science in Forestry and Environmental Management and a Masters of Science in Forestry from the University of New Brunswick. She has also received her Doctorate of Philosophy in Forestry, focusing on temporally mapping the effects of heavy machinery on soil quality. Prior to teaching at Keyano, Marie-France had over ten years of research in soil hydrology and geospatial and statistical analysis. Her areas of discipline are soil science, land reclamation, and GIS.
Dr. Jones's research interests include soil formation and classification, soil water interactions, effects of heavy operations on soil quality and productivity, soils and hydrology mapping.
Contact Information:
marie-france.jones@keyano.ca
+1-780-791-8957
Dr. Blaine Legaree is a biology instructor at Keyano College, and his passion includes all things about microbes and molecules. His area of discipline include microbiology, biochemistry, cellular biology, and nutrition. During his Ph.D., he investigated the biosynthesis of the bacterial cell wall and the site of action of the antibiotic penicillin. Blaine’s other interests include the biology of infectious organisms, biochemistry, biotechnology, environmental health, and the history of science.
Prior to his time at Keyano College, Dr. Legaree was a Laboratory Technician at Western University, a Teaching Assistant at the University of Guelph, and completed Postdoctoral research at the University of Guelph.
His research interests include infectious diseases, biosynthesis of the bacterial cell wall, history of science, social media and higher education.
Contact Information:
+1-780-792-5616
Dr. Matthew Morin has been part of Keyano’s instructional staff since Fall 2012, teaching mathematic courses for students in the Engineering transfer program, Bachelor of Education program, Environmental Technology diploma, and Bachelor of Environmental Science program. His area of discipline is mathematics.
Believing that mathematics is a vital tool everyone needs, Dr. Morin brings recreational math activities to the Fort McMurray community through public lectures, an annual Math Fair, and acting as the local coordinator for the Canadian Math Kangaroo Contest.
His research interests include math education, and combinatorics.
Contact Information:
+1-780-791-4831
Dr. Sorin Nita joined the Keyano College faculty in 2008 and is an instructor in the University Studies department. He is very passionate about teaching Introductory University Chemistry and Organic Chemistry to our students, with his area of discipline being chemistry.
Prior to coming to Fort McMurray, Dr. Nita completed his Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in Chemistry at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario. When he is not teaching, Dr. Nita is a dedicated supporter of the local visual and performing arts community.
His research interests include atomic force microscopy, organic spectroscopy, computational chemistry, and chemical education.
Contact information:
+1-780-715-3924
Dr. Tamar Richards-Thomas joined the Keyano College faculty in 2020 and is an instructor in the Environmental Science and University Studies programs. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Physics (honours) from the University of the West Indies, a Master of Science in Earth and Atmospheric Science from the University of Alberta, and completed her Doctor of Philosophy in Environmental and Life Sciences at Trent University. She is also a certified teacher, specializing in Senior Mathematics, Physics, and Environmental Science.
Dr. Richards-Thomas's areas of discipline are computing, climate change, earth and atmospheric science, and physics. Her research interests include air quality and pollution, hydrometeorology, climatology, and fluid dynamics.
Contact Information:
tamar.richardsthomas@keyano.ca
+1-780-791-4822
Dr. David Smith joined the department in 2008 and is an instructor in both University Studies and Environmental Sciences. He teaches a wide variety of courses in natural and applied sciences in addition to mentoring student research and performing community service. David has a B.Sc. in Wildlife Management (Maine), M.Sc. in Botany (Alberta), and Ph.D. in Plant Ecology (Saskatchewan).
Prior to his time at Keyano he worked as a wildlife biologist at the University of Maine, a botanist at Brandon University, a grassland ecologist at University of Nebraska, and in the reindeer herding program at the University of Alaska, Northwest Campus. Dr. Smith's areas of focus are ecology, wildlife management, soils, botany, biology, and forestry.
His research interests include plant/animal interactions and anthropogenic change in boreal, arctic and grassland ecosystems.
Contact Information:
+1-780-791-4997
Jamie holds a B.Env.Sc. and has experience working in Environmental, Geotechnical, Biology and Chemistry laboratories. Jamie also assisted in field research examining the environmental impacts of the Athabasca Oil Sands under the Oil Sand Monitoring Program, including the effects of environmental contaminants on amphibians, has experience writing wetland field protocols including proper sampling techniques for contaminants testing for Environment and Climate Change.
Contact Information:
+1-780-791-4986
For more information on these programs, please email the student recruitment office.
Future Career Options
Graduates may pursue job opportunities in:
- Environmental protection
- Conservation and preservation of natural resources
- Environmental education
- Communication and research
Potential employers include:
- Utility and mining companies
- Chemical manufacturers
- Transportation
- Government
- Education
- Wastewater management/water treatment
- Research and healthcare centres
- Environmental interest groups
Alumni Testimonial
Learn about Aaron's experience in the Environmental Technology Co-op Diploma program.
For more information on these programs, please email the student recruitment office.
Keyano College reserves the right to modify the syllabus, curriculum, or schedule of any course/program, or to cancel a course/program entirely, at any time and for any reason. Such changes may be necessary due to unforeseen circumstances, regulatory requirements, or to ensure the highest quality of education.
Students will be notified of any significant changes as soon as possible. Keyano College is not responsible for any inconvenience or disruption caused by these changes. It is the responsibility of the students to stay informed about any updates or modifications to their courses.