Diploma in Mineral Exploration and Mining Technology

at British Columbia Institute of Technology - Burnaby Campus Canada

The BCIT Environmental Health program is applied learning at its best. Our industry-leading instructors train you to become a health inspector and environmental public health professional.

This program prepares students to enter the field of environmental health as professional, effective members of a multi-disciplinary health team. Graduates will be able to recognize, evaluate, and manage environmental factors that impact on human health. They will have the knowledge and skills needed to meet a growing range of environmental health roles and responsibilities, specifically:

• Expanded knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to meet the current and evolving needs of employers, the profession, and the community;
• A commitment to life-long learning and professional growth;
• An appropriate combination of specialty, research, and multi-disciplinary courses that will promote the development of critical thinking, problem solving, decision making, and communication skills.

General studies in health and the health engineering sciences, liberal studies, health care management, math, and the physical and social sciences are included. Instructional modes include lectures, labs, guided learning, field trips, directed studies, and practical experiences

The Geomatics Engineering Technology diploma program is a two year course of study leading to a Diploma in Geomatics that is nationally recognized. Students in this program acquire a solid background in applied math, physics, cartography, photogrammetry, plane surveying, geodetic surveying and computer applications.

Practical skills include field surveying, GPS and total station data collection and analysis together with computer assisted digital mapping using aerial photography and laser scan data. Prospective students should have a genuine interest in mathematics, computers and earth sciences and enjoy working in both field and office environments.

Building on the knowledge and skills gained in the first year of the Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology program, students learn the principles required to design, develop, manufacture, and test telecommunication systems and networks. The program covers land mobile radio systems, digital data transmission, fibre optic and microwave technology, satellite communications, radio frequency (RF) design, local and wide area networks (LANs and WANs), wireless networks, internet engineering technology, digital signal processing (DSP) techniques and the application of microcontrollers.  Students will also complete a student-initiated or industry-sponsored project.

Graduates of this option may obtain a dual diploma in another ECET option by completing all the additional required courses for that option. Entry to this second option is competitive and priority is given to students completing their first option.

The BCIT Biomedical Engineering Technology program is the only one of its kind offered in BC and the only one in Canada that is specifically targeted to both hospital and medical device industries. Our students have access to BCIT's extensive array of health technology equipment, which prepares them for the workforce as soon as they graduate.

Biomedical engineering applies science and engineering to healthcare and medical device industries. Our grads help develop new medical devices and products or maintain specialized medical equipment that is used to support patient care.

Program Highlights

• Lectures, labs, research, and design projects deliver a strong foundation of knowledge
• A five-week practicum and field trips give you hands-on learning in the work environment

*Want to learn more about BCIT's Biomedical Engineering Technology program? Visit Program Details.

Who it's for
This program is for individuals who:

• Have a high school diploma or higher level of education
• Enjoy working with people and teams in the healthcare industry
• Are curious about how things work from a technological and design perspective
• Want to develop their creative thinking and problem-solving skills

Are you ready for an adventure in tourism? With tourism becoming one of the world’s most profitable industries, exciting job opportunities for qualified candidates are growing … and with the right training, you could make your dream career in one of the most fun industries.

The Tourism Management diploma program is designed by working industry professionals to give you the most relevant, current skills and knowledge to be successful in the challenging, varied world of tourism. In BC’s only business-focused tourism marketing program, you’ll receive rigorous, comprehensive training in all aspects of tourism like social media promotions, event planning, and more.

By getting the hands-on experience and training BCIT is known for, you’ll be prepared with the most up-to-date training, leadership skills, and confidence to begin your career in tourism.

Program Highlights

• Only business-focused tourism marketing program in BC
• Practicum in the industry for practical experience
• Option to apply course credits later toward your bachelor’s degree
• Find out more about how earning your diploma from BCIT can help get your career on the move in the Program Details.

Who should apply for the Tourism Management Diploma?
Whether you’re recently graduated from high school, have some post-secondary education and work experience, or already have a bachelor’s degree, this diploma program can give you the specific skills for an exciting industry to help you land that first job or grow your current career.
You’re hard working

• You’re focused on getting what you want
• You’re personable and service-oriented
• You’re looking to start an exciting career in tourism

The BCIT Advanced Diploma in Business Management is designed to equip students with fundamental business knowledge to complement expertise and education in other disciplines. This program will introduce students to foundational business functions including: accounting, economics, marketing, human resource management, and operations. Graduates are prepared to lead and contribute to a broad range of core business areas, as well as leverage prior knowledge and expertise to launch into entrepreneurial pursuits. The breadth of course topics, applied nature of our programming, and the focus on teamwork prepares graduates to thrive in today’s global business environment.

Program Highlights

• One-year Advanced Diploma program
• Explore foundations of business through intense exploration and practice in cohort-based classes with a maximum of 25 students/lab
• Practice personal and team leadership, time and project management
• Develop critical thinking to support informed decision making, resolve conflicts, reveal opportunities, and overcome challenges
• Leverage diverse experience and network of faculty and classmates to put newly acquired knowledge to work.

Learn more about how this program prepares you for success in the Program Details.

Students undertake a comprehensive study of control strategies, measurement techniques, communications systems, and electronic and computer systems used in the automatic control of commercial and industrial equipment/machines. A strong component of the program involves the student developing relevant, practical skills by working with modern industrial equipment in well-equipped labs. Students will graduate with a solid foundation in automatic measurement and control systems.

Graduates of this option may obtain a dual diploma in another ECET option by completing all the additional required courses for that option.  Entry to this second option is competitive and priority is given to students completing their first option.

Co-operative education

• Co-operative education is an optional part of the Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology programs. Students who successfully complete a minimum of two co-op terms receive a co-operative education designation on their diploma.
• During a co-op term, you will have a full-time paid position with an employer in the electronics industry for a period of 15 to 20 weeks. You must complete Level 2 of the program before taking a co-op term, and co-op terms may be taken consecutively.
• The industrial experience you will gain in the co-op component of the program will give you an added advantage in securing a position after graduation. You are encouraged, but not required, to participate in co-operative education.
• For more information, please visit the Centre for Workplace Education (Co-op)

The Mineral Exploration and Mining Technology program focuses on geology, mining methods, exploration technology, surveying, and computer applications for mining operations and mineral explorations. Students learn hands-on science and engineering skills, and complete an industry-standard report during the second year of the full-time program.

Mining is a cornerstone industry of many communities throughout BC and Canada and it is a major contributor to our economy. Canada is recognized as a world leader in mineral exploration and mining, and our expertise is exported around the world to help discover, develop, and operate mines.

As one of the largest users of high-technology equipment and applications, the mining industry requires practitioners who have the skills necessary to keep up with these advances. Virtually all technical jobs within mining and mineral exploration, including geology, engineering, mineral processing, environmental assessment and surveying, require post-secondary education.

If you are interested in a varied work environment, in the office, lab or field, and like solving scientific problems, this program will appeal to you. Take the Mineral Exploration and Mining Technology program, the only program of its kind in Western Canada.

Mechanical Manufacturing is one of the three options in Mechanical Engineering Technology. The Mechanical Engineering Technology program is a two-year program designed to provide graduates with a solid understanding of the principles of mechanical engineering and to develop problem-solving skills. Following the completion of a common first year, students select one of four areas of specialization. All students in the program receive training in engineering design, computer applications, computer aided design (CAD), manufacturing processes, communications, materials science and applied mathematics in addition to their selected specialty courses.

Graduates of the mechanical engineering program possess a variety of skills that are valued by employers. Mechanical engineering technologists find employment in broad range of industries and a variety of roles. Graduates are employed in design, application engineering, technical sales, manufacturing, plant engineering, construction and inspection.

The option
Manufacturing requires knowledge of production technologies, process automation, and material properties as well as modern manufacturing management strategies such as Material Resource Planning (MRP). To stay competitive, modern manufacturers have to participate in “design for manufacture.” It is the role of the manufacturing technologist to be involved in the entire design and production cycle of a product. This program provides its graduates with the necessary knowledge to embark on a rewarding career in mechanical manufacturing.

Students participate in an industry-sponsored project in the second year of the program. The industry project is an integral program component required for completion and certification. Students may be required to participate in work experience activities at the industry sponsor’s regular place of business.

All mechanical engineering technology students receive some exposure to topics from each of the options. Enrolment into each second-year option may be limited to ensure optimal class sizes. Regardless of the option chosen, all graduates will possess sufficient knowledge and skills to pursue career opportunities over the wide range of industries covered by mechanical engineering technology.

Are you passionate about working outdoors and interested in the management of trees, vegetation & forest ecosystems? The Forest and Natural Areas Management (FNAM) program is a two-year diploma program with a focus on forestry, vegetation management, arboriculture for supporting sustainable community development in both rural and urban environments.

The program gives you a strong foundation in ecology, earth sciences, mapping, surveying & measurements. You will learn skills and training in silviculture, forest inventory, forest engineering, fire & forest health management, and urban forestry. Our programs unique focus natural areas in urban & interface environments provide you with skills in the management of trees, invasive species & soil resources. The breadth of technical and field-based skills you acquire also relevant to many other natural resource sectors.

Why is forest management important?
Management of forest resources in today’s world means managing forest ecosystems. Forestry practices must integrate field skills, scientific knowledge and technology in an ecological framework, to produce various goods and services. It involves assessing the health of forests with respect to insects and disease, planning revegetation strategies, and using technology to map and track forest inventories. But it is also about considering the interests of other resource users, while ensuring future generations can equally benefit from our forests. Forest ecosystems provide major economic, social & ecological benefits to communities, businesses & First Nations throughout British Columbia. Almost 60% of the land in British Columbia is forested – stewardship of these lands is no small feat. Are you up for the challenge?

What is natural areas management?
With increasing urbanization, forests and natural areas in and around our communities are growing in importance. People value natural areas for recreation, aesthetics and psychological well-being. But natural areas also provide important ecological services, like habitat for wildlife, promotion of biodiversity, storm-water flood mitigation & heat wave moderation. Whether you’re assessing urban trees, reducing wildfire risk around communities, or managing invasive plants, the role of a natural areas manager is diverse. It also requires an integration of skills, from community planning, to vegetation management & urban forestry.

What are some key skills FNAM students learn?

• Identify, describe, measure and interpret ecosystems and associated components including landforms, vegetation, soils, geomorphology, aquatic ecosystems, forest stand attributes and wildlife habitat
• Collect field data in both urban and rural environments and create technical reports, spreadsheets and digital maps using industry standard software (such as GIS & GPS) including the use of leading technology
• Apply vegetation management techniques for application in wildland and urban silviculture areas
• Analyze vegetation symptoms that relate to insects and diseases
• Design and implement sampling plans and techniques for resource inventories
• Assist in wildland and urban interface forest fire activities including suppression and hazard assessment
• Apply forest engineering principles to meet the objectives of operational plans and forest management objectives
• Communicate effectively in all aspects of natural resource management activities
• Apply principles of ethics and professionalism to day-to-day activities