Courses
Semester 1
- Applied Mathematics in Natural Resource Sciences MATH0063
Units/ Hours: 45
This course will enable students to apply specific mathematical concepts and acquire foundation skills important in the Natural Resource and Environmental Sciences. It is designed to complement and reinforce learning within other first semester courses and program areas.
- College Communications for Environmental Science COMM0044
Units/ Hours: 37
This first semester course will introduce students to the essential communication skills required to be successful in their chosen post-secondary program. These skills include reading, writing, speaking, listening and critical thinking. Students, individually and in teams, will improve their overall communication skills through a series of written assignments, in-class discussions based on readings, and lab activities. Emphasis will also be place on developing research skills, with assignments integrated closely with other common first semester courses.
- Ecology and Environment ENVR0020
Units/ Hours: 60
Learn how nature works by studying the key components of the ecosystems in the Kawartha Lakes Region. Through field and lab exploration of wild life, landforms, forests, lakes, rivers and wetlands, students will see the connections between themselves, the environment and ecosystems that surround them.
- Ecosystem Skills ECOS0013
Units/ Hours: 60
This course will focus on three areas of study: identification, field and lab skills. Students will identify and classify the living and non-living components of the specific ecosystems described in the Ecology and Environment (ENVR 20) course. Field skills to be developed include the ability to navigate through the natural environment and use a variety of ecosystem inventory techniques. Special emphasis will be placed on safe work habits in lab and field.
- Geospatial Techniques GEOM0036
Units/ Hours: 45
This course is designed around the four pillars of Geomatics: Remote Sensing, Cartography, Surveying and GIS. Students will develop entry-level skills in data capture, surveying, (computer) drafting, principles of remote sensing, air photo interpretation, and in usage of representative Geomatics-related software.
- Environmental Leadership NATR0008
Units/ Hours: 45
This course will enable students to develop a personal position and direct their career path within the context of the environmental and natural resource industry. An integrated, community based learning approach will be used to identify and apply a personal understanding of leadership, sustainability and community in the context of natural resource sciences.
Semester 2
- Data Management for Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences COMP0461
Units/ Hours: 45
In this course, the student will use information technology tools to manipulate data from a variety of disciplines within the School of Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences. This course will include data collection methods and strategies to effectively manage environmental and natural resource science data.
- Forest Fire Science FSTY0012
Units/ Hours: 45
The ecological role of fire in Canada's boreal forest is one of renewal. Many species rely on wildfires for creating conditions to favour their regeneration: this creates a rich, ecologically diverse landscape that supports many species, both tree and animal, on which economies are based. One theme of this course will be to strengthen knowledge and application of initial attack fire suppression tactics and strategies. The role of fire as a silvicultural tool (e.g. prescribed burning) will be the second major theme of this course.
- Forest Measurement FSTY0073
Units/ Hours: 45
This course deals with specific measurements and assessment methods for forests. The course involves laboratory sessions and field trips. Measurement of tree height, tree diameter, basal area, land area, and tree volume is studied. The Canadian Fire Weather Index system is introduced. Fixed area sampling, point sampling, tree marking, and fuel loading are field trip topics.
- Soil Studies I NATR0041
Units/ Hours: 21
The Common Lecture/Lab portion of the Soil Studies course provides an introduction to the physical and chemical properties of soils. Students develop skills in the identification and classification of soil, physical and index properties, textures, soil moisture, soil porosity, and other aspects of soil science using a variety of field and laboratory methods.
- Soil Studies II (Ecosystem Management/Forestry) NATR0083
Units/ Hours: 21
Soil Studies II course for the Ecosystem Management and Forestry Technician Programs continues with physical and chemical properties of soils and introduces the biological component required for the understanding of forest soils. The student will determine soil textures, pH; moisture regimes and drainage, identification of mineral and organic soil profiles: application of the Forest Ecosystem Classification methodology, and perform a soil/site description in the field. Throughout the course analytical skills will be developed that are typical of site evaluation and environmental studies.
- Technical Reporting COMM0034
Units/ Hours: 45
Successful communicators use knowledge, skills and strategies to create effective messages for a range of audiences and contexts. This course emphasizes critical thinking and problem-solving to meet communication challenges in today?s workplace. Students will refine technical writing, communication skills and presentation techniques through a variety of assignments, assessments and hands-on practice.
- Trees and Shrubs Of Ontario FSTY0050
Units/ Hours: 45
This course deals with the identification of approximately 100 species of trees and shrubs of importance to those managing the forests resources of Ontario. Throughout the semester identification features for common trees and shrubs in both summer and winter condition are introduced and applied. A number of field trips are utilized to assist students with their identification skills. In the weekly lecture series topics such as tree growth, reproduction, photosynthesis, respiration, forest ecology and uses of trees will be introduced. At the completion of the course students will have a sound working knowledge of dendrology. The skills introduced in this semester may then be used in following semesters when working with Forest Ecosystem Classification, Restoration Ecology, Conservation Planning and other habitat management situations.
- Wildlife Observation Skills FIWI0041
Units/ Hours: 45
This course is an introduction to a range of skills in wildlife observation. A variety of wildlife species may be present in an environment despite not being seen. Important skills include visual and auditory identification of wildlife signs. The primary emphasis in this course will be on identification of wildlife signs such as tracks, trail patterns, scat, skulls, impacts on the environment, bird song and amphibian calls. When ever possible it is important to achieve visual observation and documentation of wildlife. Photography will be examined as a tool to document wildlife and their signs. Studies of wildlife observation technology will include an evaluation of binoculars and spotting scopes. Wildlife observation projects and groups will be reviewed including the Christmas Bird Count and breeding bird surveys. Lab instruction will be augmented with field trips to observe signs of local wildlife and when possible to document actual wildlife sightings.
- General Education Elective
Course Number: GENED
All graduates of diploma programs require general education credits. These courses allow you to explore issues of societal concern by looking at the history, theory and contemporary applications of those issues.
Your program has designated some required general education courses. In addition, you have the opportunity to choose from a list of electives each semester.
Many of these courses and some other general education courses are also available through evening classes, by distance education, or on-line. See our Part-Time Studies Calendar for these opportunities.
You may already possess general education equivalencies from other colleges or universities. Please see the General Education Co-ordinators at the Peterborough and Lindsay locations for possible exemptions.
See this page for a list of approved General Education Courses at Fleming College.
Semester 3
- Digital Image Processing for Natural Resources NATR0007
Units/ Hours: 45
This course provides an introduction to the basic digital image processing of physical, biological and cultural features using current computer technologies. The student will be provided with the opportunity to work with traditional remote sensing methods, current techniques (digital infrared) and upcoming methods (LIDAR). By the end of the semester, the student will be acquire a range of skills to process and analyze a wide variety of digital imagery.
- Forest Ecology and Silvics FSTY0010
Units/ Hours: 45
This course deals with the natural factors affecting the establishment and growth of trees individually and in communities, and how these factors affect the future development of plant communities according to the principle of succession. The development of plantations and woodlots will be examined from a successional point of view. Students will examine, in detail, the use of site classification systems and soil surveys as tools in silviculture decision making.
- Forest Entomology and Pathology FSTY0011
Units/ Hours: 45
Students of the Forestry, Arboriculture and Park's and Forest Recreation programs possess an excellent foundation in the 'normal growth' of trees. This course introduces students to the study of insects and diseases of forest and urban trees. Identification, classification, and control measures of commercially important insects and diseases are examined. The emphasis is on the pests of forest and urban trees and a collection of such specimens.
- Forest Management Using GIS FSTY0014
Units/ Hours: 45
This course examines the principles of managing forests for biological diversity, the forest management policies used currently across Canada, and the techniques of forest resource analysis. Students are expected to have a basic competence in the use of computer spreadsheets and DOS. Spatial forest analysis will be introduced via a geographical information system (GIS).
- Forestry Field Camp APST0030
Units/ Hours: 40
The Forestry Fall Camp is a five day on-site field activity located in the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence/ Boreal forest region north of Algonquin Park, Ontario at the Canadian Ecology Centre (http://www.canadianecology.ca). This course involves a variety of current forestry activities, including silvicultural audits, forest ecosystem assessments, forest renewal audits and cruising techniques. During the camp each student will develop skills in the use of chainsaws, brushsaws, global positioning systems (GPS) and forest measurement tools. Students will develop skills in working in a team environment using the latest industrial safety standards.
- Geomatics in Surveying SURV0018
Units/ Hours: 45
This course places the emphasis on the fundamental principles of Geomatics as they apply to Surveying. Electronic instruments will be used with emphasis on data loggers to obtain field positions with features and attribute data. These field locations and attributes will be used to create GIS related survey plans. Coordinate Geometry will be used in the computation of boundaries areas and volumes. The GIS features will be implemented using practical field projects and the projects will be related to land information systems.
- General Education Elective
Course Number: GENED
All graduates of diploma programs require general education credits. These courses allow you to explore issues of societal concern by looking at the history, theory and contemporary applications of those issues.
Your program has designated some required general education courses. In addition, you have the opportunity to choose from a list of electives each semester.
Many of these courses and some other general education courses are also available through evening classes, by distance education, or on-line. See our Part-Time Studies Calendar for these opportunities.
You may already possess general education equivalencies from other colleges or universities. Please see the General Education Co-ordinators at the Peterborough and Lindsay locations for possible exemptions.
See this page for a list of approved General Education Courses at Fleming College.
Semester 4
- Annual Forest Planning with GIS FSTY0047
Units/ Hours: 45
Students will create an annual harvesting plan which illustrates commitment to protecting all forest values while at the same time optimizing the economic environment of a cost effective harvesting operation. Areas of discussion include seasonal harvesting progression: road location and costing: harvesting systems and equipment applicability and costs: wood transportation systems and costing: forest management agreements: areas of concern and management guidelines for aquatic, terrestrial, social, cultural and economic environments
- Career Mapping & Development COMM0181
Units/ Hours: 38
In this course students will learn about the process of career development and planning in Natural Resources, which includes self-assessment, career mapping and job market research. Students will also participate in effective interview experiences and the development of a career portfolio.
- Forest Inventory FSTY0074
Units/ Hours: 60
This course examines the mensurational skills required to develop and implement silvicultural prescriptions. A review of tree measurement and an introduction to new equipment is accomplished by indoor and field labs. Design of inventory systems is covered in lecture and performed in field labs. Measurement and evaluation of all- aged hardwood and even-aged pine stands are carried out in field labs. These labs are designed to demonstrate the skills required for management of those stands according to provincial tree marking guidelines.
- Forest Products: Utilization and Scaling FSTY0016
Units/ Hours: 45
This course provides insight into the traditional end uses of wood products and by-products. Topics such as dimensional lumber saw milling, veneer production, and pulp and paper technology for roundwood, chips, and recycled paper will be covered. Throughout the course, the techniques of wood scaling and measurement will be presented. This course provides students with a sound understanding of the variety of wood end uses. Students will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the use of bandsaw mills.
- Silviculture FSTY0044
Units/ Hours: 45
In this course, students will examine the factors affecting artificial stand establishment and the practices used to establish new stands. Basic information on seed production and collection will be covered. Students will discuss site preparation techniques and equipment. The silvicultural techniques used to improve the final product in established stands, both artificial and natural, will be explained and observed in lectures and field situations. Students will examine silvicultural treatments from a contracting point of view to expose them to tendering procedures.
- Tree Sciences and Practices FSTY0060
Units/ Hours: 45
This course introduces the students to tree anatomy, tree physiology, urban soil conditions, tree installation and the impact of construction on tree health. Field trips deal with tree selection, tree pruning, tree reaction to wounding and an introduction to hazard tree assessment.
- Woody Plant Propogation FSTY0076
Units/ Hours: 45
This course deals with woody plant propagation within greenhouse and bare-root nurseries for both natural and urban landscapes as well as for forest management. This course also addresses preservation and care of horticultural plants for human well-being in urban settings. Topics include tree seed processing, stratification, germination, seedling culture, cutting propagation, nursery soils, fertilizers, irrigation, and quality control. Special emphasis will be placed on plant selection, plant growth and responses, horticultural practices, preventative maintenance, nursery stock handling, plant-to-soil relationships, and overall seedling physiology.