Ecological Restoration

This is a course in advanced composition and rhetoric, in which students will develop skills in complex critical analysis and interpretation by analyzing and evaluating materials from a variety of discourses or genres, including visual, online, and print; developing and writing essays, including critiques and research papers; applying and discussing principles of rhetoric and critical theory; examining and using methods of interpretation and analysis from the humanities and social sciences; evaluating the credibility of primary and secondary sources, including as it applies to media literacy, and for the purposes of academic research; situating discourses within their historical context and relevant to rhetorical theories of different periods (for example, Aristotle in the ancient world and Bakhtin in the twentieth century). The course format will include lecture, discussion, and both individual and group activities.
Prerequisite(s): BCIT ENGL 1177 or (equivalent), OR 6 credits BCIT Communication at 1100-level or above.

​This course covers basic principles of chemistry. The major topics are atomic structure, nomenclature, stoichiometry, redox reactions, and electrochemistry. Additional material includes chemical bonding, solutions, neutralization and solubility of compounds. The importance of precipitation reactions for the treatment of water and wastewater will also be examined. Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Ecological Restoration degree program or by departmental approval.
Prerequisite(s): ​Acceptance into the Ecological Restoration degree program or by departmental approval.

The first part of the course provides students with a solid foundation in fisheries management with a focus on British Columbia. This course emphasizes fish identification, fish measurements, ichthyology, life history, basic biological features, fisheries management issues (e.g., mark recapture, stock recruitment), fish culture and fisheries techniques. The second part of the course covers the principles and practice of wildlife ecology and management with particular emphasis on inventory protocols and species at risk in BC. Topics include: biology and ecology of wildlife species; dynamics of wildlife populations; methods of studying wildlife; natural and artificial regulation of animal numbers; control of problem wildlife; evaluation and enhancement of wildlife habitats; management for harvest. Field sessions outside of scheduled class time will be required.

​This course is specifically designed to provide students hands-on training and application of techniques used to monitor and sample the environment and to initiate restoration methods, with an emphasis on stream and riparian habitat. Techniques will include calibration, procedures, and storage of water-sampling equipment, including: multi-parameter meters, flow meters, turbidity meters, and protocols for collecting water samples for lab analysis, etc. Proper setup and use of survey equipment will be taught with hands-on field sessions. Proper log- and rock-cabling techniques will be illustrated using hammer drills and epoxy and various cabling techniques. Level I fish habitat assessment procedures (FHAP)will be taught, as well as stability assessment of in-stream large wood structures. Electrofishing and fish snorkel survey procedures may be included. A strong emphasis will be placed on field safety protocols and establishing safety plans and procedures, with appropriate documentation. Course design will include modules that need to be completed before class, to enhance the hands-on training. Modules included in the class may vary among years. Some modules may be taught on weekends.
Prerequisite(s): ​Acceptance into the Ecological Restoration degree program or by departmental approval.

​This course is a practical approach to give restorationists and would-be restorationists with little or no scientific training or background the "how to" information and knowledge they need to plan and implement ecological restoration activities. The course sets forth a step-by-step process for developing, implementing, monitoring, and refining on-the-ground restoration projects that is applicable to a wide range of landscapes and ecosystems. The first part of the course introduces the process of ecological restoration in simple, easily understood language through specific examples drawn from text book and local restoration sites. It offers systematic, step-by-step strategies along with inspiration and benchmark experiences. The second half of the course shows how that same "thinking" and "doing" can be applied to North America's major ecosystems and landscapes in any condition or scale. Class content is supported by numerous field tours.
Prerequisite(s): ​Acceptance into the Ecological Restoration degree program or by departmental approval.

​This course will explore the historical and contemporary relationship between First Nations and the physical environment, particularly in British Columbia. The course will give a detailed overview of the history of First Nations from both a national and provincial perspective. It will also examine the various federal acts that have impacted aboriginal peoples socially and politically. The course will explore the treaty process in British Columbia and look at Aboriginal self-government, ownership of lands and the management of natural resources. Through case studies and team projects, the course will 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. Prerequisite; ​Acceptance into the Ecological Restoration degree program or by departmental approval.

The goals of this course are to provide the student with the skills needed to solve and understand problems relating to data analysis that will be encountered in the renewable resource and environmental areas. Considerable emphasis will be placed on the application to analysis of real-life problems, technical and journal articles, the presentation and analysis of data using statistical and spreadsheet software. Class assignments will be given that require critical thinking, communication and explanation of results through verbal presentation and report writing. This course includes the following course content: (1) Hypothesis testing and goodness-of-fit testing using t, z, F, and chi-squared statistics (2) Bivariate data analysis using linear models, including log transformation, parameter estimation, and hypothesis testing (3) Analysis of variance (4) Non-parametric statistical analysis (5) Collection of data and development of databases (6) Appropriate use of graphical displays (7) Experimental design, including completely random designs and randomized complete block designs.
Prerequisite(s): MATH 2453

This course provides an overview of key biological topics relevant to the field of ecosystem restoration and conservation biology. Topics will include: the chemistry of life, including the structure and function of macromolecules, cell structures and membranes, the gene (meiosis, Mendelian genetics, chromosomes and inheritance), and evolution.
Prerequisite(s): Acceptance into the Ecological Restoration degree program or by departmental approval.

This course covers the history, purpose and methods of environmental impact assessment (EIA). The purpose and an overview of approaches to EIA are presented and the Environmental Assessment Act of BC will be used as an example of environmental assessment (EA) policy and procedure.. Environmental assessment procedures according to Canadian Standards Association (CSA) will also be discussed. Examples of EA in other jurisdictions (e.g., USA, South America, et al.) will be reviewed. Methods and techniques for assessing environmental impacts and actions, such as avoidance, mitigation, reclamation or restoration, are surveyed and critically examined through class discussions, guest speakers and case studies.
Prerequisite(s): Acceptance into the Ecological Restoration degree program or by departmental approval.

This course will provide an overview of the principles of ecological restoration and sustainability as they relate to industrial ecology (forestry, mining, oil and gas, agriculture, hydro-electric power), ecological restoration and succession, and urban world issues (e.g., climate change and sustainability). Case studies involving "real life" restoration scenarios will be examined to gain knowledge on issues and insights to problems and strategies for balancing environmental, social, and economic perspectives for each of the land development, resource extraction and climate change categories. Ecological restoration will also be discussed in the perspective of it being one of several options for responding to disturbance or degradation of ecosystems and to ensure sustainability objectives.
Prerequisite(s): RENR 7002

Population ecology is concerned with the structure and dynamics of populations. Community ecology is concerned with the interactions of populations with each other and their abiotic environment. Both are crucial for understanding ecosystems and to provide a scientific basis for ecological restoration projects. The course covers population and community-level ecology for terrestrial and aquatic plants and animals that are pertinent to ecological restoration. Topics include the concept of individual fitness, individual behaviour, population dynamics, competition within and among species, predation, parasitism, symbiosis and trophic processes. The use of appropriate sampling methods and application of theories of population and community dynamics are practiced and discussed, using a variety of case studies. Field sessions outside of scheduled class time will be required.
Prerequisite(s): RENR 7001

This course provides an outline of the physical processes that control how watersheds function; it provides the necessary geophysical link with biology required to successfully plan, undertake and complete ecological restoration. Both terrestrial and fluvial processes are considered. Because these processes require understanding of general geoscience principals, this course includes selected basic introduction to earth science concepts. The first section of the course covers general earth science principals leading into terrain assessment, including a wide range of terrain attributes, with mapping and related interpretations such as landslide and erosion hazards from the point of view of the map user and according to current provincial (British Columbia) standards. Topics covered include an overview of watershed assessment approaches, morphetmetry, hydrogeological concepts, surficial materials and landforms, principles of soil physical behaviour (e.g., drainage and strength), terrain map symbols, terrain survey intensity levels, engineering characteristics of surficial materials (soils), landslide and other slope processes, and the reliability and limitations of terrain and slope stability mapping. The second section, dealing with fluvial processes, covers applicable provincial and federal legislation as well as collection and interpretation of stream channel data. Other topics will include: the provincial Channel Assessment Procedure and the effects of land use on stream channel, gully and alluvial fan morphology, and channel restoration strategies.
Prerequisite(s): EENG 7217

Terrestrial Ecosystem Restoration covers the principles (science) and practice (art) of restoration of terrestrial ecosystems with particular reference to problems and procedures in the Pacific Northwest and BC. The course focuses on a regional overview of the biogeography and environmental history of the Pacific Northwest. The process of ecological restoration, from goal setting and project planning through to monitoring and adaptive management will be discussed. Intensive examination of ecological restoration of the major ecosystems of the region will be conducted, along with managing natural areas in urban environments, invasive species, climate change, and management at different scales. Students will use this information to design (and present to fellow students and clients) a restoration plan for a specific BC ecosystem, including: identifying a `degraded', `damaged', `destructed', or `transformed' ecosystem; identify (through sampling and background research) their `reference ecosystem'; setting goals and objectives; design a restoration plan and monitoring (adaptive management) protocol; and their planned public education activities.
Prerequisite(s): RENR 7001 and RENR 7100 and RENR 8201

​This course provides an overview of freshwater restoration techniques used primarily to mitigate losses of salmonid habitat and stocks. The lectures cover the BC Watershed Restoration Program restoration strategies used in the Pacific Northwest, some of which are new and innovative, while others have been used extensively over the last 100 years. Aspects of this course include DFO and Provincial Water Act regulatory requirements for works in about a stream, boulder placement, the use of salmonid biostandards, fish passage, development of off-channel habitats, restoration of spawning habitat, in-stream woody debris placement and stream enrichment. The course includes 1/2 day field trips to North Vancouver to view degraded urban streams in various stages of restoration.
Prerequisite(s): RENR 7100 and RENR 8201

​Designed as the capstone to the Ecological Restoration Program, this is the first of a two-course series that entails students working in small groups to further develop knowledge and hands-on skills needed to plan and implement ecological restoration activities. This course entails student teams identifying sites on which to focus for the two-course series, as well as developing detailed site assessments and restoration goals/objectives.Projects must be approved by the instructors, though may focus on one or a combination of the steps critical to the restoration process (i.e., projects may focus on designing/planning, implementing, monitoring, or reviewing/assessing restoration). Students will submit multiple written documents for review. Class meetings will entail a variety of activities designed to complement project development.This course will emphasizes high levels of student responsibility in developing project goals and objectives. At regular intervals, instructors will provide assessment of progress. However, groups are strongly encouraged to communicate with instructors as often as needed about challenges and opportunities encountered.
Prerequisite(s): RENR 7007 and RENR 8301 and MATH 7100

The goal of Research Design and Implementation is to provide students with the tools and knowledge to effectively design, implement, and use research as the basis for making appropriate decisions in designing and implementing restoration activities. To meet this goal, we will discuss some fundamental concepts including: science, the scientific method, reliable knowledge, poor science, and experimental design. We'll examine how to ask 'why' questions, how to design appropriate research/monitoring plans to address these questions, and how to package this information (including project budgets) into an informative, scientifically-defensible proposal on a chosen ecological restoration activity. This course is designed to strengthen critical thinking skills when reviewing current information and when formulating new activities in ecological restoration. The course is a discussion-based course where concepts and ideas are discussed among the students and by the students.
Prerequisite(s): LIBS 7001

Fosters abilities and values required for ethical decision making at work. Develops skills in logical analysis, a working knowledge of moral principles and theories, and the ability to diagnose and resolve moral disagreements commonly found at work. Examines and applies moral principles to historically famous cases in manufacturing, human resources, management, engineering, health care, and computing.
Prerequisite(s): BCIT ENGL 1177, or 6 credits BCIT Communication at 1100-level or above, or 3 credits of a university/college first-year social science or humanities course.

Conservation biology is the science of biology that looks at human impacts on biological diversity and possible means to prevent extinction of native species. Topics to be covered in this course include: principles of conservation biology and biological diversity, biological diversity of British Columbia, value of biological diversity, threats to biological diversity, invasive species management, climate change and its impacts on ecosystems and biodiversity, species at risk, habitat loss and fragmentation, island biogeography theory, and the species area relationship as it relates to biodiversity conservation and the design and planning of protected areas. Field sessions outside of scheduled class time will be required.
Prerequisite(s): RENR 7100 and RENR 8001

The course reviews and expands upon the fundamentals of fire science, documents the ecological role of fire in British Columbia’s terrestrial ecosystems and examines fire as a management tool for various applications, such as biodiversity, fuel management, wildlife habitat, and rehabilitation of degraded forest, range and other wildland ecosystems.
Prerequisite(s): RENR 7100 and RENR 7210

​In conjunction with an industry sponsor, students will undertake a research project related to ecological restoration. The research project must contain elements that are innovative, experimental, or exploratory in nature. A department committee will supervise the progress of the project, provide guidance and direction where appropriate, and evaluate the final report. The goal of the course is to provide students with an opportunity to work independently on an industry sponsored applied research project. In doing so, students will learn to rely on their critical thinking and analysis skills to investigate, evaluate, synergize, develop, and implement a pragmatic approach toward solving an environmental research problem.
Prerequisite(s): RENR 8300

​This course covers the fundamentals of wetland and estuary form, function, classification and restoration in Canada. The wetland section of the course covers wetland classification, examines mechanisms of wetland loss and the importance of wetlands in storing carbon, and the physical, chemical and biological mechanisms by which constructed wetlands remove pollutants from urban storm water. The steps for building groundwater wetlands, surface water wetlands, wetlands with liners and floating surface wetlands will be examined, in addition to the steps for building and maintaining constructed wetlands. The estuary section of the course covers estuary classification, reviews the ecological importance of estuaries and reviews the physical, chemical and biological nature of estuaries. Procedures for restoring estuaries is covered, including dealing with invasive species (plant and animal) and legacy contaminants. The course will focus on re-establishing the carbon flux and storage in the estuaries through re-planting of sub tidal eelgrass, emergent sedges and strategic placement of large woody debris. Students will participate in a field trip to design a wetland for construction the following year, construct a wetland, or monitor the performance of a recently constructed wetland.
Prerequisite(s): RENR 7003

Restoration plans must take into account the needs of current or desired wildlife species in project areas. This course gives ecologists, restorationists, administrators, and other professionals involved with restoration projects the tools they need to understand essential ecological concepts, helping them to design restoration projects that can improve conditions for native species of wildlife. It also offers specific guidance and examples on how various projects have been designed and implemented. This course interweaves theoretical and practical aspects of wildlife biology that are directly applicable to the restoration and conservation of animals. It provides an understanding of the fundamentals of wildlife populations and wildlife-habitat relationships as it explores the concept of habitat, its historic development, components, spatial-temporal relationships, and role in land management. It applies these concepts in developing practical tools for professionals. The course is based on Morrison, M.L. 2009. (Restoring Wildlife: Ecological Concepts and Practical Applications) and Maehr et al. 2001 (Large Mammal Restoration), both published by Island Press, Washington, USA. Case studies will be used to illustrate concepts while field labs will train students on key concepts.
Prerequisite(s): RENR 7003

This course provides an introduction to river and stream morphology in the fluvial landscape, including the physical processes that control form and function of stream channels and the means of observing them. This is an applied stream channel morphology course, based on the first principals of geomorphology. The emphasis is on identifying the important river measurements, how they are obtained in the field, and how data are analyzed (including advantages and limitations). Objectives of this course are: to introduce the general topic of river and stream morphology in the fluvial landscape; to introduce the main processes that occur in rivers/streams, and the means for observing them; to develop a balanced, comprehensive appreciation of the commonly used techniques for analysis of river morphology and processes, as they are applied to restoration activities, and; to introduce students to the advantages and limitations of commonly applied geomorphological techniques applied to restoration. This is a strongly field-based course, so attendance and active participation is required. Some labs will be conducted outside of regularly-scheduled class time.
Prerequisite(s): RENR 7003 and RENR 8201

Of all the ecosystems on earth, none has been more dramatically affected by humanity than native grasslands. Although native grasslands at one time covered 40% of the North American continent, the vast majority have been transformed into agricultural lands, urban settings, and other settlement uses, with less than 1% remaining today. Grasslands are recognized as one of BC’s most threatened ecosystems. Grasslands represent less than 1% of the provincial land base, making them more endangered than old-growth forests. However, BC’s grasslands account for 30% of our species at risk. This course will provide students with the tools to evaluate health of grassland habitats (old fields, native grasslands, and range lands), methods to assess grassland communities, and techniques to restore grassland habitats. This course will require multiday field trips on weekends to the interior of BC.
Prerequisite(s): RENR 7003

This course examines physical, chemical and biological processes that influence living organisms in inland waters. Both theoretical and applied aspects of limnology will be covered and their relationship to restoring degraded lake systems. A significant part of the course will be based on field exercises and assignments covering the applied aspects of lake limnology. Lecture material will emphasize the theoretical aspects of limnology, lake systems, and their application to restoration of degraded lake systems.
Prerequisite(s): RENR 7003