EXCPE 4280 - Wetland Delineation, Classification, and Assessment

Course Description

Through lecture, classroom and field exercises, students can expect to learn methods to identify wetlands and delineate their boundaries based on indicators of vegetation, soils, and hydrology, in addition to conducting desktop delineations through aerial photo interpretation. Other topics to be covered include wetland classification, impact and assess reports, and relative-value assessments. Prior knowledge of soils and vegetation is helpful, but not required.

Who Should Take This Course?

Aimed at individuals transitioning into the environmental field, as well as mid-level professionals in sectors involving environmental aspects, this course will also be of value to agrologists, biologists, engineers, industrial managers, foresters, technologists, and others who wish to update their skills and knowledge in this area.

Notes

This course has online synchronous lectures, with two days as a mandatory in-person fieldwork days. Learning facilitated through case study review, lectures, and group activities, and two days of fieldwork. Content developed to comply with Alberta Wetlands Policies, current industry best practices, regulations, and requirements. Recognized by the Alberta Institute of Agrologists (AIA) as a senior agrology course related to entrance into the profession and to augment core knowledge requirements related to a practice area. This course may be recognized as educational or continuing professional development credits by ECO Canada, the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA), the Association of Alberta Forest Management Professionals (AAFMP), and the Association of Science & Engineering Technology Professionals Of Alberta (ASET). A recommended reading list will be provided via the eClass portal and will be available approximately three days prior to course start – advanced registration is advised. Mandatory field work (two full-day field trips). A basic plant field guide and a Munsell soil color book will be provided to each field team. Additional copies, however, would be useful, and students are encouraged to bring plant identification books/field guides. Hand lenses are required to assist in class exercises. Assessment includes post-course work to be completed via eClass.