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overview
The Program
The Fish, Wildlife and Recreation Program is
geared towards those that have a keen interest in the outdoors as well
as the environment. The program entails all aspects of fisheries and
wildlife management while also covering BC's park systems and the
outdoor recreation sector in depth. A significant amount of time is
spent in the field where students gain hands on training. You will work
independently, or as a member of a crew, in a wide variety of terrain
and weather conditions in the Lower Mainland as well as other parts of
the province. You need to be physically fit and will be required to
wear approved footwear and appropriate field clothing.
Students participate in an industry-sponsored project in second year
of the program. The industry project is required for completion and
certification. Students may be required to participate in work
experience activities at the industry sponsor's regular place of
business.
Fish, Wildlife and Recreation (FWR) covers the management of fish,
wildlife and wild land recreation and includes habitat ecology,
environmental inventory techniques and environmental law with respect
to these resources.
"The BCIT Fish, Wildlife and Recreation Program was instrumental in
my career success as it gave the valuable technical background that
employers demand. The FWR program taught me hands on field related
skills not offered at other institutions."
Visit www.bcit.ca/construction/fwr/.
program entry
Entrance requirements
- High school graduation
- English 12 (C) or English-language proficiency
- Math 11 (C+) or Principles of Math 11 (C) or Applications of Math 11 (C+)
- Two sciences at the grade 11 or grade 12 level with an achievement level of C or higher. Science courses to choose from are Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or Applied Physics, Earth Science, Geology, recognized Resource Science 12, Geography, or Forestry. At least one of the science courses must be from Physics, Chemistry or Biology. Biology 11 is strongly preferred.
BCIT does not guarantee admission to applicants who meet the minimum requirements. The FWR program mandate is to select those applicants deemed to have the best opportunity for success. Check for acceptable equivalent courses taught in BC high schools.
A resume must accompany the application. A one-page letter describing why you desire a career in fish, wildlife and recreation must also be included. Relevant work experience in natural resources strengthens an application. Due to the physical requirements of the Fish, Wildlife and Recreation program, good health is required. You may be required to obtain and submit a medical clearance prior to admission to the program.
BC provincial exams
For programs beginning in August 2007 or later which require Grade 12 Math and Science courses, BCIT will not require the applicant to write the provincial exam. Provincial exam marks will still be required for English 12, Communications 12, and Technical and Professional Communications 12.
Apply to program
Submit an application: online or by mail.
Technology entry
The Technology Entry (TE) program is a full-time, day school program which provides academic upgrading to students wishing to enrol in Computing, Engineering, Electronic and Health Sciences programs at BCIT.
The TE program provides courses in chemistry, communication, mathematics and physics that meet program prerequisites for selected programs at BCIT. The program also includes an introductory course in computer applications and a learning skills course. The program is supportive to those who require English-language training.
Application processing
October 1 of the previous year until the program fills.
Applications are considered for a specific intake.
costs & supplies
Books and supplies
Level 1: $970; Level 2: $357; Level 3: $600; Level 4: $600
(general estimated cost, and subject to change)
Expenses
In addition to tuition fees, books, supplies and equipment, students will incur expenses for field trips and various certification courses such as first aid. These expenses are approximately $1,100 for first year and $1,250 for second year.
courses
Program matrix
| Level 1 |
Credits |
| |
COMM 1145 |
Technical Communication 1 for RENR
This course introduces students to professional writing skills as applied to routine letters and memos, claim and adjustment letters, and technical instructions. It also includes resume and cover letter writing as well as the basic skills of oral presentations.
|
4.0 |
| |
MATH 1451 |
Technical Mathematics for Renewable Resources
Covers measurement accuracy and precision, word problems, ratio, proportion and variation; mensuration including applications of geometry, trapezoidal and Simpson's rules; functions and graphs, quadratic, logarithmic and exponential functions, graphs on logarithmic scales. Prerequisite: Principles or Applications of MATH 11 C+.
|
5.0 |
| |
RENR 1105 |
Natural Resource Measurements 1
Presents concepts of field measurement and basic surveying. Includes field note-taking, traverse calculations and plotting, sketching and mapping of topographic detail, horizontal and vertical measurement error corrections, differential leveling of roads and streams, latitude and departure calculations, measuring tree heights and calculating volume, browse surveys for wildlife and an introduction to defects in trees. Emphasis is on field labs with supporting lectures.
|
4.0 |
| |
RENR 1111 |
Computer Applications
Introduces various computer applications in resource management. Students will be introduced to word processing related to report writing, and introductory spreadsheet, GPS, and digital mapping skills. Includes a review of computer hardware, software, and operating systems. A project will include a mapping component, and a brief report describing the procedures used to create the map.
|
2.0 |
| |
RENR 1112 |
Safety Skills 1 for Field Technologists
This course provides a foundation for a safety work ethic both for the completion of studies at BCIT, and when on the job as a field technologist. With a focus on safety oriented training for technologists working in remote outdoor settings, student will obtain many of the following provincially recognized certificates: WCB Occupational First Aid Level 1, WCB Transportation Endorsement, ATV riders certificate, and Power Craft Operators certificate, Canadian Firearm Safety, Swiftwater Rescue, etc. In addition, industry-recognized certification through BCIT may also include chainsaw safety, four-wheel vehicle operation, and bear aware. These courses are recommended or required by employers and are applicable to field lab conditions encountered in your studies at BCIT. The certification courses offered will vary from term to term to facilitate scheduling, availability of Instructors, and to meet the needs of the employment community. Completion of these modules will give students a competitive edge in the job market, both between first and second year and following graduation. These modules may be modified from year to year to reflect current workplace issues and requirements.
|
4.0 |
| |
RENR 1120 |
Photo Interpretations and Mapping 1
Presents the practical use and application of aerial photography and maps for natural resources management. Classification, navigation, reconnaissance, planning and inventory using aerial photos. Practice in the use of stereoscopes. Construction and interpretation of maps and plans. Transfer of detail between aerial photos and maps.
|
4.0 |
| |
RENR 1125 |
Plant Identification for FWR
This course presents the structure, taxonomy and uses of plants with emphasis on those having important biological, ecological indicator value and economic significance in British Columbia. Students will learn to recognize native BC plants in forest, rangeland and alpine habitats. Students will also be required to learn to identify selected invasive plant species that are of management concern in the province. Plant (emphasis on trees) reproduction, distribution and ecological significance will be covered. A plant collection of at least 60 species will be required.
|
4.5 |
| |
RENR 1130 |
Earth Science & Soils
Earth Science and Soils is an introduction to surficial geology, hydrology and soils. Topics include the geologic cycle; landforms; soil and surficial materials classification; soil formation; physical, chemical and biological properties of soils; forest humus; the hydrologic cycle; generation of streamflow; erosion; interpreting soil and terrain maps; soil mapping; soil sampling; land use impacts on soils and watersheds.
|
4.5 |
|   |
| Level 2 |
Credits |
| |
COMM 2245 |
Technical Communication 2 for Renewable Resources
This course teaches renewable resources students professional writing skills as applied to memos and formal reports: incident reports, progress reports, inspection reports, proposals, and comparison reports, including the use of graphics and literature citation. It also includes job search techniques and interview skills. Prerequisites: COMM 1145
|
3.5 |
| |
MATH 2453 |
Statistics for Renewable Resources
An introductory level course in statistics. Includes descriptive statistics; measures of central tendency, variation and skewness; probability laws and distributions; inferences from one and two samples; correlation and regression; estimation of sample size; hypothesis tests from large and small samples; estimation of parameters from various sampling designs. These methods are applied to examples chosen from the Renewable Resources field. Prerequisites: MATH 1451
|
5.5 |
| |
RENR 2100 |
Ecosystem Classification
The course focuses on British Columbia's Biogeoclimatic Ecosystem Classification (BEC) and its applications. BEC is important to know because of its wide use in British Columbia and also because it serves as an integrator of scientific knowledge on plants, soils and other ecosystem components. General influences on ecosystem development, such as climate, organisms, topographic relief, parent materials and time, as well as more specific factors, such as fire, wind, and human disturbance, are emphasized. The importance of plant succession with respect to vegetation management (in silviculture, wildlife habitat management, and other disciplines) is discussed. Students learn to identify and interpret forest ecosystems using the Vancouver Forest Region guide as an example. Other regions are also studied. Prerequisites: RENR 1125 and RENR 1130
|
4.5 |
| |
RENR 2102 |
ArcGIS for FWR
Introduces the latest versions of the ArcGIS software family and ArcGIS data models. Students use ArcMap, ArcCatalog and ArcToolbox to create and edit GIS data, and perform mapping. Successful completion of this course will give you a background in GIS concepts, help you to operate the basic components of ArcGIS software.
|
4.0 |
| |
RENR 2110 |
Natural Resources Measurements for FWR
This course demonstrates the fundamentals of field measurements, sampling procedures, and field techniques commonly used in resource management applications, with a special focus on forest measurements, fish inventories, and wildlife inventories. The course introduces: direct tree measurements; topographical mapping; inventory methods for amphibians, small mammals, and birds; and inventory methods for fish (including those recommended by the Resource Information Standards Committee of B.C.). Lecture material with be supported extensively with field application and hands-on training. Prerequisites: RENR 1105
|
6.0 |
| |
RENR 2112 |
Safety Skills 2 for Field Technologists
This course provides a foundation for a safety work ethic both for the completion of studies at BCIT, and when on the job as a field technologist. With a focus on safety oriented training for technologists working in remote outdoor settings, student will obtain many of the following provincially recognized certificates: WCB Occupational First Aid Level 1, WCB Transportation Endorsement, ATV riders certificate, and Power Craft Operators certificate, Canadian Firearm Safety, Swiftwater Rescue, etc. In addition, industry-recognized certification through BCIT may also include chainsaw safety, four-wheel vehicle operation, and bear aware. These courses are recommended or required by employers and are applicable to field lab conditions encountered in your studies at BCIT. The certification courses offered will vary from term to term to facilitate scheduling, availability of Instructors, and to meet the needs of the employment community. Completion of these modules will give students a competitive edge in the job market, both between first and second year and following graduation.
|
4.5 |
| |
RENR 2117 |
Applied Ecology in BC
Introduces forests, grasslands, streams, lakes and estuaries as ecosystems. Describes ecosystem components, their work and interdependence in both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, the changing pattern of ecosystem structure in succession and its influence on ecosystem function. The course identifies common birds, mammals (both herbivores and carnivores) and salmonids, describes the characteristic features of their habitats, and where available, details their critical requirements. Prerequisites: RENR 1140
|
4.5 |
| |
RENR 2230 |
Zoology
This course will cover general classification of the animal kingdom and basic vertebrate and invertebrate zoology. It will focus on the study of the vertebrate body, including the skeletal, muscular, digestive, circulatory, urogenital, endocrine, nervous and reproductive systems and comparing those systems to other animals. The lecture component will discuss each system separately as well as how various systems interact with one another. The lab will include dissections of a crayfish, fish, dogfish, bird and a mammal. It will also compare simple to complex animals from the protist to the vertebrate group.
|
4.5 |
|   |
| Level 3 |
Credits |
| |
COMM 3353 |
Advanced Technical Communication for Fish, Wildlife and Recreation
This course provides practice in the communication skills needed for project work in the fish, wildlife and recreation field. Some of the assignments are based on the year-long project completed for an industry client. The course builds on skills learned in first year and helps you speed up your ability to communicate on the job by giving you more experience in identifying the communication needs of technical and non-technical audiences. You will research and write a literature review on an FWR issue. You will also practice oral skills and prepare various communications to keep your sponsor, BCIT supervisor, and client up-to-date on project work. Prerequisites: COMM 2253
|
2.0 |
| |
RENR 3190 |
Environmental Monitoring
Develops understanding of the basic processes of a variety of industrial activities and their impact on the environment. Students become familiar with various aspects of water and air pollution, siltation control, bioassay techniques, environmental chemistry testing and sampling protocol. Prerequisite: Completion of Level 1.
|
3.0 |
| |
RENR 3215 |
Recreational Land Management 1
Introduces recreational land management and covers many topics, including: management of areas designated as parks; overview of outdoor recreation, history and organization of agencies providing recreational activities in parks; park development, planning and design; practical exercises in site analysis, planning and design for specific uses; park and natural history interpretation; park operation and administration; assessment and development of recreational areas both in and out of established parks; private and public programs in forest recreation; visual resource management; summer and winter sports area development; water-oriented activities, trail design, mountaineering, search and rescue. Prerequisite: First year of the program.
|
7.0 |
| |
RENR 3220 |
Wildlife Ecology and Management 1
Covers the principles and practice of wildlife management, with particular reference to problems and procedures in B.C.. Topics include biology and ecology of wildlife species, dynamics of wildlife populations, methods of studying wildlife, capturing and handling of wildlife for study, radiotelemetry, natural and artificial regulation of animal numbers, control of problem wildlife, wildlife habitats, economic value of wildlife, management for biodiversity, and management for harvest. Field study is used to support and extend lecture and lab material. Prerequisite: First year of the program.
|
7.0 |
| |
RENR 3225 |
Fish Ecology and Management 1
Covers the biology of B.C. fish including anatomy, taxonomy, physiology, behavior and ecology. Management of fisheries resources including population dynamics, habitat evaluation and improvement, harvesting, pollution and fishery regulations. Labs deal with methodology as it applies to the above and much of the training will be done in the field. Emphasis throughout is on the B.C. situation. Prerequisite: First year of the program.
|
7.0 |
| |
RENR 3230 |
Projects 1 FWR
Students conduct a supervised research project in fish, wildlife or recreation. Many of these projects are requested and sponsored by resource management agencies. The student selects a topic of interest and prepares a field-oriented study plan. The student conducts an extensive search of available literature and integrates the results in the progress reports and final report. Extensive field research is conducted by the student and the data collected is presented in both oral and written submissions. High quality of data and presentation is expected. Material from all other courses is integrated into the work of this course. Prerequisite: First year of the program.
|
6.0 |
|   |
| Level 4 |
Credits |
| |
COMM 4453 |
Public Information Techniques for Fish, Wildlife and Recreation
Students develop a communication plan for an issue in fish, wildlife, or recreation. They write news releases, brochures, and materials for interpretive educational programs. Students write a proposal to a funding agency for a FWR public relations initiative, participate in an interview with a media reporter, and practice oral skills with school-age children. Students design and construct visual displays and give community briefings on controversial issues in FWR. Prerequisites: COMM 3353
|
3.5 |
| |
RENR 2240 |
Environmental Law Enforcement
Introduces students to the various legislative acts relating to management of Canada's and British Columbia's wildland resource, including the Fisheries Act, the Parks Act and the Wildlife Act. Deals with many practical aspects of interpretation and enforcement of the acts and provides a basis for further training in enforcement. It provides training for employment as a technician in resource management fields rather than for immediate employment in enforcement.
|
3.5 |
| |
RENR 3175 |
Independent Studies
Students work in the field with a supervisor on a resource management project or course. It provides an opportunity to obtain special work experience beyond that provided in the usual course of studies. The student must submit a report and daily journal detailing the activities during the practicum. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all previous level courses or if student has deficiencies, this course may be taken concurrently with final level provided that the student is currently registered in these deficiencies.
|
4.0 |
| |
RENR 4215 |
Recreational Land Management 2
Continues from RENR 3215. Prerequisite: RENR 3215 or instructor's approval.
|
8.5 |
| |
RENR 4220 |
Wildlife Ecology and Management 2
Continues from RENR 3220. Prerequisites: RENR 3220
|
8.5 |
| |
RENR 4225 |
Fish Ecology and Management 2
Continues from RENR 3225. Prerequisites: RENR 3225
|
8.5 |
| |
RENR 4230 |
Projects 2 FWR
Continues from RENR 3230. Prerequisites: RENR 3230
|
6.0 |
| |
| Total Credits: |
143.5 |
Transfer credit
Do you have credits from another BC/Yukon post-secondary school? Do you want to know if
they transfer to courses here at BCIT? Check out BCIT's
Transfer Equivalency Database to find out.
program details
Program length
Two years, full-time beginning in September each year.
Accreditation
The program is accredited at the technologist level by the Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of BC.
graduating & jobs
Job Opportunities
The job opportunities for graduates in
Fish, Wildlife and Recreation are in both government agencies (local,
regional, provincial and federal) and in the private sector, primarily
with environmental consultants.
Graduate employment outcomes
The following link takes you to graduate outcome survey results containing mostly labour market results from the 2005-2007 BCIT Outcomes Surveys of 2004-2006 Graduates. Note: The survey results will be displayed in a separate browser window. To view these results, you need to have the Adobe Acrobat Reader installed in your Web browser.
fwr in the community
The Fish, Wildlife, Recreation (FWR) "Center of Excellence" is a major new undertaking that will assist in profiling many of the leading edge environmental initiatives now underway at BCIT.
Many of these relate to the management, protection and/or restoration of rivers and streams, both locally and abroad.
Many existing initiatives within the FWR program are considered to be amongst the most progressive in the country and a number of these have been widely publicized in the media.
Ranging from local stewardship initiatives - to leading edge dam decommissioning and river restoration projects- to international river conservation projects spanning several continents, the FWR program is widely renowned and has developed an international reputation. The establishment of an affiliated Center of Excellence will now enable the program to more fully pursue and monitor its many projects, while pursuing new opportunities to replicate many of these initiatives.
The Center will also play an important applied research role, working closely with BCIT's Technology Center, and providing an array of applied research opportunities for students and staff. These will become increasingly important as BCIT develops additional environment-related, degree offerings.
And last but not least, the Center's activities will continue to include an array of public education and awareness initiatives focusing on the importance of BC's water resources and the need to properly care for them. Past projects such as the Watershed Pledge Program, River Recovery, Rivers Day festivities and the Burnaby Lake System Project have been well received and have done much to engage local residents, schools and community organizations in stewardship-related activities.
The Burnaby Lake System Project (BLSP) is an initiative of the Fish, Wildlife & Recreation (FWR) Program. The project was initiated in 1993 to protect, inventory, monitor and enhance the natural resources of the Brunette River Watershed. The BLSP initiates and supports a variety of community projects including riparian planting, fish and wildlife inventories, stream and terrestrial habitat mapping, monitoring and invasive species control programs, education and awareness programs and local community events.
The BLSP provides opportunities for project staff, BCIT students and volunteers to contribute to the community and gain valuable “hands-on” experience. The BLSP is supported by a community partnership that includes BCIT, the City of Burnaby, GVRD, Ministry of Environment, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, community organizations, stewardship groups and local business.
The projects listed below are initiatives of the Burnaby Lake System Project. Links currently exist for the Watershed Pledge Program and the Fish Distribution Studies in the Brunette Basin.
The Fish, Wildlife and Recreation Program has actively participated in a wide range of projects over the years. Recent projects are listed below and many projects have an associated web page or report. Click on the icons below to follow links to project website.
The FWR program works with various partner groups and individuals on conservation and awareness initiatives. Students and staff all benefit from these projects as the experience, contacts and context for course material and study is provided in these projects and their respective issues and processes.
Riverworld is a new website that focuses on international river conservation issues. It contains a series of interesting essays and beautiful photographs. In addition, Mark Angelo, FWR Program Head and noted river advocate, will be taking viewers on a "virtual tour" down many of the world's great rivers. Our first trip will be to the Eg River in Mongolia followed by a journey down the Mekong in Southeast Asia. A major goal of the Riverworld site is to create a greater awareness of the threats that confront our waterways in the hope that we can learn from these examples.
The Heart of the Fraser initiative is focused on conserving, protecting and restoring key portions of the lower Fraser River between Hope and Mission. The plan for protection calls on government, first nations and the private sector to work together to protect this extremely valuable lowland ecosystem from unchecked development. To accomplish this goal, key private lands can be purchased for conservation purchases and governments can help to protect and manage key crown lands within the Heart of the Fraser.
Still Creek Restoration Initiative. Over the last twenty years, the Fish, Wildlife and Recreation Program has been extensively involved in restoration efforts along Still Creek which flows through both the City of Vancouver and the City of Burnaby. In addition to ongoing restoration initiatives, the FWR Program has recently embarked on an extensive, state of the art monitoring program in conjunction with Burnaby which will document how this system is changing over time.
Guichon Creek Restoration & Enhancement Project. Over the past 25 years, the FWR program has been working to restore Guichon Creek which runs through the southeast corner of campus. As a result of channelization and vegetative clearing, this stream was severely damaged in the early 1960's. However, FWR staff and students have worked to restore this waterway through efforts to re-establish streamside vegetation and improve water quality. Recently, the program also undertook a major initiative to enhance instream habitat thanks to the generous support of both Blue Planet Links and Electronic Arts. As a result, Guichon Creek is fast becoming a great example of urban stream restoration. This coming spring, cutthroat trout will be released back into the creek and additional restoration projects will continue to unfold in the years ahead.
faculty, advisors & staff
Advisory Committee
- S. Boyd, Canadian Wildlife Service
- J. Gray, Vancouver Park Board
- W. Henwood, Parks Canada
- D. Low, Consultant
- V. Keong, Pacific Salmon Commission
- M. Mackintosh, Vancouver Park Board
- D. MacLaurin, Consultant
- S. Quinn, Sechelt Band Education Centre
- I. Robertson, Consultant
- H. Reddekopp, Fisheries and Oceans Canada
- R. Simpson, Consultant
- M. Turner, Chair , Consultant
- K. Wilson, Fraser River Aboriginal Fisheries Secretariat
- M. Merkens, Delta Farmland and Wildlife Trust
As BCIT strives to keep our programs current, programs and courses are subject to change without notice.
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