Ecological Restoration (BS)
British Columbia Institute of Technology
Description
Ecological Restoration is the practice of assisting the recovery of degraded ecosystems. The Bachelor of Science Degree in Ecological Restoration (ER) provides graduates with a strong foundation in the methods available to restore a broad range of ecosystems that have been impacted by human influences in British Columbia (BC), across Canada and in other parts of the world. ER practitioners apply knowledge of ecology, hydrology, geochemistry, geomorphology, and engineering to address ecological health issues. Natural habitats across BC have been severely impacted due to habitat destruction, urban sprawl, invasive species expansions, and direct damage due to industrial contamination of soils and aquatic resources. These factors combined with the resulting increase in number of threatened and endangered species have resulted in the strong need for ecosystem restoration work across BC and around the world. The program also explores the historical and contemporary relationship between First Nations and the physical environment, particularly in BC. Through case studies and team projects, students 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. The program follows the “two by two” model, meaning the first two years of the degree are fulfilled by completion of one of the following two-year diplomas: Fish, Wildlife and Recreation (FWR), Forest and Natural Areas Management (FNAM) In the time it takes to do a typical university degree, students can get two academic credentials.