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Restoration of Natural Systems Certificate

Plant The Seed Of Your Commitment To Sustainability

This accredited program of environmental studies provides the theory and practice necessary to undertake environmental restoration activities. All environmental courses of the certificate program have been designed to meet the needs of professionals and suit the busy schedules of people who work full time. The environmental certificate in Restoration of Natural Systems program takes an approach that recognizes the importance of both the social and biophysical dimensions of environmental restoration.

The Restoration of Natural Systems (RNS) program is offered by the School of Environmental Studies and the Division of Continuing Studies, and is guided by an advisory committee. The program’s distinction has been recognized with two accolades: the Award of Excellence from the Canadian Association for University Continuing Education (2001) and the Ecostar Award for Environmental Education from the Capital Regional District (2005).

Objective

While each environmental course has its specific curriculum and objectives, all of the courses in the program are expected to contribute in varying degrees to the student’s knowledge and skill areas in:

• Designing restoration projects that consider knowledge areas outside your current area of expertise
• Evaluating and adjusting projects in an ongoing manner
• Using scientifically rigorous approaches to restoration projects
• Analyzing critically and synthesizing relevant primary information sources, such as technical reports and scientific publications
• Understanding of ethics, laws, and policies governing restoration work
• Resolving disputes, consulting, and consensus building
• Improving clarity of oral and written presentations
• Recognizing the role of personal values in decision making
• Including traditional ecological knowledge in restoration planning
• Incorporating social and scientific knowledge in restoration planning

Format

Students can earn an environmental certificate in Restoration of Natural Systems in either an on-campus immersion format or (other than the two field courses) through distance education.

Through careful program planning, it is possible for students to complete their program entirely at a distance other than the two field courses (ER312A and ER312B). Contact us to discuss the distance option.

Entrance Requirements

The program is offered at the 3rd and 4th year undergraduate level. Applicants should have a minimum of two years of post-secondary studies or an equivalent preparation developed through work and life experience.

A first year ecology or biology course is recommended.

Applicants should have a demonstrated interest in the environmental field, indicated by courses taken, positions held, volunteer work or hobbies.

Applicants interested in the certificate option should submit an online application to the program office.

Completion Requirements

Students must complete 8 courses in order to obtain their certificate - 6 core (required) courses and 2 electives.

The 6 core courses are:

• ER311 – Principles and Concepts of Ecological Restoration (Distance)
• ER312A – Field Study in Ecological Restoration I (5 Day Intensive)
• ER312B – Field Study in Ecological Restoration II (5 Day Intensive)
• ER313 – Biodiversity and Conservation Biology (Distance)
• ER314 – Ethical, Legal and Policy Aspects of Environmental Restoration (Distance)
• ER390 – Selected Project (Independent Capstone Project)

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