What to Expect

During the first semester, all Biological Sciences Technology: Renewable Resource students acquire skills and knowledge in the general sciences of biology and chemistry, communications, ethics, botany, zoology, genetics, and lab techniques and calculations.

Students apply directly into the specialization.  Entry into the specialization is competitive based on academic performance and is established using the rankings of the student's weight-averaged marks upon application.

Due to resource and training considerations the program maintains a second year enrollment quota of 20 students in the Renewable Resources Program. Renewable Resources students are trained in the following areas:

Field Skills

• Collect and identify plants, invertebrates, mammals, birds and fish.
• Measure and monitor biodiversity of aquatic and terrestrial systems.
• Conduct field studies on ecological systems.
• Perform soil, vegetation and water quality analyses.
• Working and navigating in remote and adverse conditions.
• Conduct environmental site assessments.
• Operate and maintain field equipment.
• Present information as an interpreter or naturalist.
• Collect and analyze water, soil and biological samples for analysis.

Laboratory Skills

• Perform necropsies on mammals, birds and fish.
• Prepare and age fish structures.
• Prepare and identify vascular and non-vascular plant specimens.
• Prepare reagents.

Additional Skills

• Opportunities to work independently and apply team building skills.
• Design and manage a group-based project.
• Use legislation and standards related to environmental and park management issues.
• Prepare literature searches, oral presentations and written reports.

Classroom & Study Hours

Students can expect to spend on average:

• 30 hours per week attending classes over the course of a semester
• 15 to 20 hours per week studying and completing class assignments outside of scheduled class time

Facilities

Our facilities provide our students with practical, job-ready experience using a variety of modern laboratory and field instruments, simulation and computer applications, along with work experience, field trips, applied research and other opportunities.

Lab Features

This program maintains 6 dedicated instructional laboratories for the delivery of program curriculum, supported by a technical support team of 5 skilled and dedicated individuals. These labs contain an extensive inventory of scientific equipment for investigative and instructional purposes.

Is This Program For You?

Graduates must be able to demonstrate the ability to work as an efficient member of a workplace team with strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively. They must recognize that further training and acquisition of additional specialized skills may be required to fulfill the needs of their employer or position.

Employment opportunities are not always found locally therefore successful graduates must willing to re-locate to various geographical locations within the province and perhaps western Canada.

A very important key to obtaining successful employment is the assertive promotion of yourself as individual as well as a trained and valuable technologist.

Student Experience

Programs in NAIT’s School of Applied Sciences and Technology prepare learners for in-demand, technical careers in the building science, natural resource, environmental management and design industries.

Our graduates gain the skills to ensure that our natural resources are used in an optimal way that is sustained for future generations. Their knowledge and technical expertise also allow them to engage in resource management activities without compromising the integrity or sustainability of the ecosystems in which they work.