Code Course COMM 1227 Communications I

This course provides the student with an overview of the communication skills required by business and industry. Students will learn to apply these communication skills to be successful in their selected workplace setting. COMM 1245 Technical Communications I

This course introduces students to the writing, oral presentation, computer, critical thinking, and interpersonal communication skills required of technical professionals in the workplace. The fundamentals of clear, concise writing and presenting will be reviewed and refined. Experience will be gained in organizing, writing and presenting technical information. Job search skills will be addressed. Preparation of a portfolio will be discussed in detail during this course and throughout the communications related studies in this program. There will be several opportunities, through assignments and lab work, to develop portfolio components. Students will learn how to collect appropriate work samples and documentation from other courses in the program, as well as other sources. COMP 1217 Computer Applications I

This introductory course is designed for students in need of fundamental computer skills including the use of an operating system and the basics of email, internet, file management and word processing. COMP 2110 Spreadsheets I

This course introduces the learner to electronic spreadsheets including their design and creation. Formulae and functions will be used to perform calculations on the spreadsheet data providing business solutions. Learners will apply formatting skills to enhance the appearance and clarity of printed spreadsheets as well as using graphs to represent spreadsheet data. This course is accepted toward certification with the Canadian Institute of Bookkeeping (CIB). COMP 2120 MATH 1111 Spreadsheets I Essential Math for Trades

Do you cringe at the thought of doing math? This course is designed to take the anxiety out of the using math skills to perform routine tasks. Students will become comfortable adding, subtracting, multiplying, dividing, and measuring various kinds of numbers used in the Trades. NRET 1000 Applied Harvesting Theory

This course provides an introduction to the period of the forest cycle from commercial thinning to final harvest and will examine various regulations, harvesting prescriptions, manual and mechanical treatments systems and their applications in various contexts as well as the principles of logging for wildlife and Best Management Practices. NRET 1001 Applied Harvesting Skills This course will introduce learner to chainsaw safety and use. The majority of the course will be conducted outdoors, performing fieldwork. Learners will learn routine procedures in maintenance, sharpening, tree felling, limbing and bucking. Accepted safe work practices are emphasized throughout this course. NRET 1003 Silviculture Theory Management of young forest stands are a high priority in the forest industry. This course deals with the period of the forest cycle from stand establishment to stand tending and will focus on both natural and planted stands. Course topics will include; site preparation, stand tending (pre commercial thinning) and planting. NRET 1010 Environmental Protection This course presents material on the ecology and inventory of wildlife species, both native and introduced, common in eastern Canada. The impact of environmental stresses, competition and diseases on the growth of forests are discussed. Insects and disease, including classification, life cycle and control are introduced. This course has a 30 hour Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources wild fire management component included. NRET 1011 Riparian Zone Management The riparian zone is the vegetated corridor along streams and rivers. This course introduces learners to stream classification, roads and stream crossings, fisheries sensitive zones, and acceptable silviculture practices. Vegetation and wildlife in a riparian zone is discussed. Emphasis is put on environmental regulations and compliance for riparian zones. NRET 1021 Navigation I This course reviews basic forest navigation skills using traditional equipment such as aerial photographs, hand compasses and various maps as used in basic orienteering. Learners will go on to gain knowledge and experience in photo interpretation, delineation and demarcation of regular, irregular and natural boundaries and features utilizing aerial photos and/or compass. The data collected from interpretation and field verification will be used in the

preparation of operations sketches as commonly used in the direction of field activities. Field exercises and data uploading using Global Positioning Systems (G.P.S.) is introduced including waypoints, tracks and routes. NRET 1022 Applied Silviculture Skills This course will introduce the learners to planting and pre-commercial thinning (PCT) operations in Nova Scotia. Safe and effective use, maintenance procedures and quality checks of planting and PCT equipment will be addressed in detail. Learners will perform fieldwork using clearing saws for land clearing, weeding and/or pre commercial thinning. They will also carry out quality assurance and control audits on planting and PCT operations. NRET 1121 Applied Mathematics I This course introduces formulas consistent with the natural resource industry. Calculations are completed for the Wood Acquisition Plan procedure utilized in Nova Scotia for quality assessment. The methodology for scaling wood fibre by weight is covered. The basics of hydraulics and the general gas laws are introduced. Project based experience is obtained in data collection, analysis and presentation. NRET 1600 Forest Botany I This course introduces the basics of ecology and dendrology as they apply to developing trees, stands, forests and ecosystems. The identification and characteristics of wildlife trees, shrubs and indicator plants according to their taxonomic and ecological relationships will be explored. Tree utilization, form, growth characteristics, and site requirements will be examined NRET 1650 Forest Botany II This course provides study of important physiological processes in tree biology and the concept of forests as ecosystems are introduced; this includes genetics and evolution. The course also provides the student an understanding of forest populations and ecosystems. NRET 1900 Introduction to Remote Sensing Remote sensing involves gathering information about the earth's surface remotely, and generally encompasses acquiring this data from aircraft or satellites. Remote Sensing is defined by NASA as the use of electronic sensors [or photography] to produce images [pictures] of objects/scenes located in the field of view to the study of the land, sea, air and biotic communities that comprise our planet's environments. This course appeals to students whose interests involve any aspect of the physical environment of

the earth's surface or near-surface. It is a powerful planning tool for environmental managers. This course will introduce students to remote sensing and how it is used in the day to day operations of environmental managers. NRET 3010 Technical Communications II This course is designed to introduce the basic methods used in training. Students will learn to plan for training, explore how adults learn, use trainer techniques to promote learning, develop effective questioning techniques and investigate ways to recognize success. Students will also evaluate their personal training strengths and areas for improvement. NRET 3020 Technical Communications III Self directed research course. Resume, Cover Letters and Job Search also included. NRET 3100 Work Experience I The work experience component provides the learner with an opportunity to apply new skills and concepts appropriate for entry-level positions within the occupation. Learners will assess their own performance and be evaluated by an industry partner. Learners will identify personal outcomes they wish to attain during the work experience and will keep a journal. NRET 3101 Habitat Science I Habitats are the natural environments of plants and animals. This course introduces students to basic habitat requirements, biodiversity, invasive species, endangered species, migration, and threats to habitats. Ecosystems, soil and water quality is explored including cycling of nutrients, supply and purification of water, and habitat for a diverse population of plants and animals. The relationship of human activities to the sustainability of ecosystems is also discussed. NRET 3103 Environmental Management Systems Environmental Management Systems (EMS) are based on standards, which specify a process of achieving continually improved environmental performance and complying with legislation. Learners will explore environmental management systems from design to implementation including audits. An introduction to the related practice of quality assurance is provided. The areas of education, training, communications and reporting necessary for quality control are visited. NRET 3104 Environmental Science

Environmental Sciences involve the subjects of biology, chemistry, physics, geology and geography. This course is designed to introduce learners to issues and problems impacting the Earths environment. Through classroom instruction, field exercises and independent projects, learners will examine and evaluate basic ecology topics and current events in the environmental science field including climate change. NRET 3110 Entrepreneurship This course provides an overview of the operational requirements of a small resource based company. The subject matter involves; businesses registration categories, components of a business plan, funding sources, statutory payroll deductions, Workers Compensation Board coverage, as well as an introduction to the fundamentals of accounting, employee interviews and dispute resolution strategies. NRET 3111 Watershed Management This is the second course in Watershed Management. The first part was to prepare learners for summer employment in this field. Whereas this course is to bring more theory and depth of knowledge to the learner. This course is also to introduce the learner to coastal and marine resources knowledge and skills as well. NRET 3114 Climate Change This course introduces learners to the issue of global warming and climate change. The difference between climate change and global warming, the complexity of the science of climate change and the implications of climate change on natural and human systems are studied. International negotiation such as the Koyoto Protocol will be evaluated. The N.S. Climate Change Action Plan: Towards a Greener Future is used as a case study for social planning. Each learner will research and report on either a technological or social policy solution to aid in the reduction of green house gas emissions. NRET 3115 Statistics This course reviews basic algebraic processes, estimation, ratios, proportion and percent, practical applications of geometry, square roots and formulas consistent with the natural resource industry. Collection of environmental data is introduced. Learners are acquainted with the common units used in resource management and relevant conversions between metric and imperial systems. Learners apply mathematical skills used in, mapping, forest travel, scaling and data collection. NRET 3116 Environmental Sampling

This course introduces learners to the tools and procedures for sampling flora, fauna, forest soils, soil compaction and sound and light levels. The components of and legislated requirements for environmental phase one and phase two assessments will be introduced as will those for Archeological reconnaissance, research and impact assessment permits. Site remediation actions such as brownfield redevelopment through phase three environmental assessment will be examined. Quality control sampling procedures and equipment decontamination procedures are also discussed. NRET 3117 Coastal and Marine Resources This course introduces learners to the issues of coastal zone and marine management. Key ecosystem characteristics of the coastal zone and marine realms are explored to provide a basis for addressing the issues affecting each. The N.S. State of the Coast report is to be used as a case study for coastal zone planning. A focus on ocean fisheries, aquaculture and oil & gas allows learners to identify challenges and solutions for these key sectors. Site visits include field identification of coastal ecosystems, and an aquaculture facility tour to recognize best practices. NRET 3200 Work Experience II The work experience component provides the learner with an opportunity to apply new skills and concepts appropriate for entry-level positions within the occupation. Learners will assess their own performance and be evaluated by an industry partner. Learners will identify personal outcomes they wish to attain during the work experience and will keep a journal. NRET 3201 Habitat Science II This course is a continuation of Habitat Science I. This course introduces students to the tools, acronyms, terms and procedures for project-specific sampling for environmental planning. Students will gain hands on experience collecting and preparing environmental samples for further analysis. Sample methods for insects, disease, plants and animals, soil/dry sediment, underwater sediments for ponds, lakes and lagoons, and field measurement procedures and criteria are visited. Preservation techniques, field quality control sampling procedures and decontamination procedures is also discussed. NRET 3213 Navigation II This course continues to build on the practical use of the skills acquired in Navigation I while introducing the field use of a handheld GPS. Students will go on to gain knowledge and experience in the theory and practical use of hand held GPS units. Data collected from field exercises will be used in a

variety of real life projects and GIS platforms including ArcGIS. NRET 3220 Environmental Law and Compliance This course will examine the basics of the legal system and environmental law. The subject matter will include the origin and role of law in Canada, the judicial structure and define criminal and civil case proceedings. The structure and intent of several Nova Scotia environmental Acts and the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act are explored. The role and responsibilities of the public and of employees in these processes is highlighted, including the topic of professional ethics. NRET 3303 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems This course offers learners a hands-on introduction to geographic information systems and applications with a specific focus on natural resource and environmental data and analysis. Learners use ArcGIS software to create and edit geographical data. Concepts include an introduction to coordinate systems, datums and projections, file management, GPS data collection and integration into the GIS, database management, data editing and transfer, georeferencing, thematic map design and map production, geodatase creation & editing, geographical analysis and queries, statistical report generation and presentation. NRET 3304 Aboriginal Ecological Knowledge Aboriginal communities have a deep understanding of the complex way in which the components of our environment are interconnected. Aboriginal Ecological Knowledge is part of the collective memory of a community, and is passed on orally through songs and stories, as well as through actions and observation. Through visits to Mikmaq communities and organizations and Mikmaq guest speakers, this course will investigate biophysical, economic, social, cultural and spiritual qualitative and quantitative information and its connections to the underlying values that support sustainability. NRET 3306 Industrial Safety This course package includes industry-approved compliance courses such as: Introduction to Occupational Health and Safety, Industry Core Program, WHMIS, Department of Natural Resources Basic Forest Fire Suppression Course, Remote Location Plans, Basic Orientation and First Aid for the Forest Industry SAFE 1000 Introduction to WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information Systems) This course offers the students the introduction to WHMIS, which is training

required by any person employed in a Nova Scotia workplace. This is a generic, introductory course that provides basic knowledge in WHMIS for the workplace and is considered to be the basis from which more specific training can be given. SAFE 1001 Introduction to NS OH&S Act

This course offers the students the introduction to the Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) Act of Nova Scotia, which is required by any person employed in a Nova Scotia workplace. This is a generic, introductory course that provides basic knowledge of the Act for the students and is considered to be the basis from which more specific training can be given.