Transfer Credit
Many SIAST students benefit from transferring credit. You may be eligible to transfer credit from or to another college or university. Find out more about transfer credit options.
Some transfer credit options for this program include:
Credit toward a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Biology, University of Regina (this joint diploma/degree requires five additional semesters of university study in Biology and Environmental Studies). If you would like to complete this joint diploma/degree, you:
- may enrol in the University of Regina portion first and then transfer to SIAST, or enrol in this program first and then transfer to the University of Regina
- must register with both SIAST and the University of Regina at the onset of your program (to ensure minimal delay when transferring between the two institutions)
For more information about the joint Integrated Resource Management diploma and degree program, contact Hamilton Greenwood at SIAST (telephone: (306) 953-7114) or Dr. Mark Brigham at the University of Regina (telephone: (306) 585-4255).
As well, graduates may be eligible to obtain 33 credits toward a Bachelor of Science in Forestry or a Bachelor of Science in Forest Business Management at the University of Alberta.
CAMP 102 Winter Camp
You will participate in a winter camp and apply the principles of snowmobile safety, winter emergency survival techniques and ice-rescue techniques. You will increase your competency for working under arduous conditions while exploring winter ecology in a boreal setting.
2.0
Credit Units
30.0
Lab hours
Learning Method(s):
Lab/Practical
COM_ 106 Scientific Report Writing
You will be introduced to scientific research and accessing and incorporating scientific literature. These elements are combined in a research project that will provide you with the opportunity to assemble, synthesize and report your research findings in a technical report format.
2.0
Credit Units
30.0
Other hours
Learning Method(s):
Lecture/Lab
COMM 116 Communication Skills
You will be introduced to the fundamentals of professional conduct, public relations, letter writing, interoffice communication, oral presentations and job search skills.
3.0
Credit Units
45.0
Other hours
Learning Method(s):
Lecture/Lab, Prior Learning
Equivalent Course(s):
COMM 341
COMP 171 Introduction to Microsoft Word
Your studies will introduce you to basic word processing skills such as creating, editing and formatting documents, building tables, using templates and applying styles.
1.0
Credit Units
15.0
Other hours
Learning Method(s):
Lecture/Lab, Work Based Delivery, Prior Learning, Correspondence, Online/Blackboard
Equivalent Course(s):
CKEY 187
COAP 196
COAP 343
COMP 120
COMP 154
COMP 174 Introduction to Microsoft Excel 1
You will study the basic features of Excel. You will learn to format spreadsheet elements, create simple charts and use simple formulas and functions.
1.0
Credit Units
15.0
Other hours
Learning Method(s):
Lecture/Lab, Work Based Delivery, Prior Learning, Correspondence, Online/Blackboard
Course Attributes:
Equivalent Course(s):
COAP 138
COAP 197
COAP 344
COMP 120
COMP 175 Introduction to Microsoft Excel 2
You will study the intermediate features of Excel. Using the skills and knowledge you acquired in COMP 174 or COMP 172, you will learn to work with multiple worksheets, create and modify several chart types, perform data manipulation features and use more advanced spreadsheet functions.
1.0
Credit Units
15.0
Other hours
Learning Method(s):
Lecture/Lab, Prior Learning, Correspondence, Online/Blackboard
Course Attributes:
Equivalent Course(s):
COAP 344
Prerequisites:
COMP 172 Minimum Grade of 60
or COMP 174 Minimum Grade of 60
ENVR 101 Environmental Science and Technology 1
You will scientifically examine the natural world in an attempt to explain how life on earth is sustained. You will review human population development with its increasing resource requirements. The central theme is sustainable resource management applied to urban and natural environments. You will take a global perspective using objective risk analysis and environmental ethics.
3.0
Credit Units
45.0
Other hours
Learning Method(s):
Lecture/Lab
Equivalent Course(s):
ENVR 440
EQPT 131 Photography in Resource Management
Photography has a variety of applications in resource management and resource law enforcement. You will learn how 35mm SLR, digital and video cameras operate. You will also create photographs and short videos.
1.0
Credit Units
15.0
Other hours
Learning Method(s):
Lecture/Lab
EQPT 133 Equipment and Safety of Boats
You will learn how to operate motorboats on lakes and rivers. You will become familiar with routine field maintenance, troubleshooting and operation procedures in hazardous conditions. At the conclusion of the course, you will be asked to complete the test for the National Coast Guard boating certificate.
1.0
Credit Units
15.0
Other hours
Learning Method(s):
Lecture/Lab
FIRE 101 Wildland Fire Fundamentals
You will apply wildland fire management fundamentals (including fire detection, assessment, and reporting, fire safety and organization, fire weather, fire behaviour and response planning systems). The course content includes field exercises in fire pump set-up, hose handling, sprinkler system set-up, two-way radio communication and the use of hand tools and fire foam. A simulation exercise in basic fire tactics is integral to the course.
4.0
Credit Units
60.0
Other hours
Learning Method(s):
Lecture/Lab, Prior Learning
FORE 101 Introduction to Forestry
You will describe forest practices that are common in Saskatchewan. You will specify forest harvest and transportation systems, identify the methods for proper harvest and transportation operations, and learn basic forest measurement techniques and calculations. You will also perform a timber cruise where you will be required to prescribe appropriate harvest systems and techniques.
5.0
Credit Units
75.0
Other hours
Learning Method(s):
Lecture/Lab
GIS_ 101 Geographic Information Systems for Resource Managers 1
You will achieve a basic understanding of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) concepts and principles. You will learn how to display spatial data, work with tables and create a map layout using ArcView GIS.
2.0
Credit Units
30.0
Other hours
Learning Method(s):
Lecture/Lab, Online/Blackboard
Equivalent Course(s):
GIS 350
GIS 440
GPS_ 100 Basics of Global Positioning Systems (GPS)
You will receive an introduction to GPS for resource managers. You will review basic GPS theory and principles of geodesy (including positioning methods, errors and error management). You will gain hands-on experience using single-frequency GPS receivers. You will learn how to navigate using handheld GPS receivers. You must complete a small project from the planning stage to final data output. You will also learn how to put GPS data into different file formats.
2.0
Credit Units
30.0
Other hours
Learning Method(s):
Lecture/Lab, Prior Learning
MAPS 101 Introduction to Mapping and Compassing
Your studies will focus on mapping systems. Interpreting maps will be emphasized. You will also develop skills in ground and map measurements.
3.0
Credit Units
45.0
Other hours
Learning Method(s):
Lecture/Lab, Prior Learning, Online/Blackboard
Equivalent Course(s):
MAPS 340
NAST 101 Aboriginal Cultural Awareness
You will gain an understanding of the diversity and richness of First Nations and Metis cultures, histories and current issues.
1.0
Credit Units
15.0
Other hours
Learning Method(s):
Lecture/Lab, Prior Learning
Equivalent Course(s):
NAST 340
PHOT 101 Aerial Photo Identification and Interpretation
You will learn the general principles associated with the use of aerial photographs and the practical application of identification, interpretation, ground truthing and measurements of ground features.
3.0
Credit Units
45.0
Other hours
Learning Method(s):
Lecture/Lab, Prior Learning
RLAW 101 Resource Legislation
You will describe the creation and construction of legislation, the Summary Offences Procedures Act and the provincial and federal resource protection statutes and regulations.
3.0
Credit Units
45.0
Other hours
Learning Method(s):
Lecture/Lab
Equivalent Course(s):
RLAW 342
RLAW 102 Aboriginal Resource Rights
You will describe the treaties, Natural Resources Transfer Agreement, Constitution Act 1982 and case law with respect to the special rights of Aboriginal people to the resources.
2.0
Credit Units
30.0
Other hours
Learning Method(s):
Lecture/Lab, Online/Blackboard
Equivalent Course(s):
RLAW 344
RLAW 103 Introduction to the Forest Resources Management Act and
Regulations
An overview of the specific legislation, regulations and policies affecting forestry and natural resources management in Saskatchewan will help you recognize the principles and theories of resource management and law enforcement.
2.0
Credit Units
30.0
Other hours
Learning Method(s):
Lecture/Lab
Equivalent Course(s):
FORE 441
RLAW 350
RSRC 101 Elements of Ecology
You will cover the spatial and temporal variation of life. You will explore the factors that influence the distribution of life and the competitive forces that restrict or enhance population growth. You will receive a summary evaluation of humans' role in ecosystems.
1.0
Credit Units
15.0
Lecture hours
Learning Method(s):
Lecture/Theory, Online/Blackboard
Equivalent Course(s):
RSRC 340
RSRC 102 Landscape, Soils and Ecoregions
You will be introduced to processes and features that help shape and define the landscape of Saskatchewan. You will learn about fluvial and glacial geomorphologic processes and will be able to describe their associated landforms. This provides a foundation for the study of soils, parent material and corresponding vegetation. A primary objective of this course is to have you apply your knowledge of geology, soils and vegetation within the integrated context of ecological land classification.
3.0
Credit Units
45.0
Other hours
Learning Method(s):
Lecture/Lab
SFTY 106 Wilderness Survival
You will learn the basic survival techniques involving clothing, shelter building, fire, signaling and collecting food and water. You will also learn how to deal with wildlife during dangerous encounters.
1.0
Credit Units
15.0
Lecture hours
Learning Method(s):
Lecture/Theory
SFTY 107 WHMIS and TDG
You will learn how to identify safety concerns and appropriate safety procedures related to your program. You will become familiar with standard safety courses (such as the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System and Transportation of Dangerous Goods).
1.0
Credit Units
15.0
Lecture hours
Learning Method(s):
Lecture/Theory, Prior Learning
SFTY 108 AVSafe 2000
To meet Saskatchewan Environment's goals, you will receive aviation safety training and become a safer and more knowledgeable passenger. This course is for those who work around or fly in aircraft in specialty or regular charter flying.
1.0
Credit Units
15.0
Lecture hours
Learning Method(s):
Lecture/Theory, Prior Learning
SFTY 118 Field Vehicle Operation and Safety
You will learn how to operate and maintain field vehicles and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs). You will also learn how to load and unload an ATV. Upon successful course completion, you will receive certification from the Canada Safety Council for ATV training.
1.0
Credit Units
15.0
Other hours
Learning Method(s):
Lecture/Lab
STAT 122 Introductory Statistics
You will be introduced to statistics for the purpose of summarizing and communicating scientific information. Distributions of data will be summarized as to central tendencies and patterns of dispersion. The course content includes point estimates, intervals and graphical representations of data.
1.0
Credit Units
15.0
Other hours
Learning Method(s):
Lecture/Lab
TAX_ 100 Plant Taxonomy and Identification
You will learn how to identify lesser vegetation, terrestrial and aquatic, by field characteristics and site.
4.0
Credit Units
60.0
Other hours
Learning Method(s):
Lecture/Lab
WILD 101 Ecology, Biology and Management of Saskatchewan Wildlife
Knowledge of the biology and ecology of wildlife is fundamental to managing their populations and habitats. You will examine how wildlife populations relate to their environments. You will learn the life history and biology of Saskatchewan big game mammals, upland game birds, waterfowl, non-game wildlife, fish species, and threatened and endangered species. You will also learn the management challenges, strategies and goals for these species, and the environmental laws pertaining to threatened and endangered species.
3.0
Credit Units
45.0
Lecture hours
Learning Method(s):
Lecture/Theory
CAMP 304 Grassland Ecosystem Camp
You will spend six days in the southern half of Saskatchewan where you will explore a wide variety of fish, wildlife and park management activities. Your tour will focus on grassland ecosystems: grassland ecology, endangered wildlife and plants, and a variety of wildlife, fisheries and park management issues and activities.
2.0
Credit Units
30.0
Lab hours
Learning Method(s):
Lab/Practical
Equivalent Course(s):
CAMP 540
CAMP 305 Winter Aquatic Surveys
You will participate in a winter camp and apply the principles of winter water quality and under-ice fish netting techniques. You will increase your competency for working under arduous conditions while exploring winter ecology in a boreal setting.
1.0
Credit Units
15.0
Lab hours
Learning Method(s):
Lab/Practical
CAMP 411 Natural Resources Field Techniques
Your training will include an immersion in resource management field techniques. You will work directly with a variety of terrestrial organisms, assess and apply management procedures, and collect field data that will be used in your second year labs and exercises.
3.0
Credit Units
45.0
Lab hours
Learning Method(s):
Lab/Practical
CAMP 412 Aquatic Field Surveys
Your training will include an immersion in resource management field techniques. You will work directly with a variety of aquatic organisms, assess and apply management procedures, and collect field data that will be used in your second year labs and exercises. You will learn about the ethical treatment and proper handling of fish.
2.0
Credit Units
30.0
Lab hours
Learning Method(s):
Lab/Practical
EQPT 401 Chainsaws and Thinning Saws
You will learn how to use chainsaws and thinning saws in a field setting. This will include proper cutting techniques and safety procedures.
1.0
Credit Units
15.0
Other hours
Learning Method(s):
Lecture/Lab
FEMT 301 Botany
You will describe the processes of plant life from the cellular level, growth and reproduction, photosynthesis, respiration, fluid translocation and germination. You will identify a plant's contribution to society and the ecosystem with emphasis on forestry plants. You will also identify some physical properties of wood.
3.0
Credit Units
45.0
Other hours
Learning Method(s):
Lecture/Lab
Equivalent Course(s):
FEMT 410
FORE 342
FEMT 401 Forest Health 1
You will describe and identify general pest, disease, climatic and pollution damage agents that represent forest health concerns in Saskatchewan.
2.0
Credit Units
30.0
Other hours
Learning Method(s):
Lecture/Lab
Equivalent Course(s):
FEMT 323
FORE 342
FIRE 402 Fire Prevention Techniques
You will examine the dangers from wildfire associated with living in wildland/urban interface areas. Your studies will focus on mitigation techniques that can be applied through public and local government involvement. Your field exercises will include the completion of hazard reduction plans for wildland/urban interface areas.
2.0
Credit Units
30.0
Other hours
Learning Method(s):
Lecture/Lab, Prior Learning
Equivalent Course(s):
FIRE 381
FIRE 540
FISH 301 Introduction to Limnology
The course provides an introduction to aquatic habitat surveys. You will learn about aquatic ecology and acquire the skills needed to safely sample aquatic habitats and interpret water quality. You will also become familiar with fish anatomy and learn how to identify fish species and aquatic invertebrates inhabiting Saskatchewan waters.
5.0
Credit Units
75.0
Other hours
Learning Method(s):
Lecture/Lab, Prior Learning
Prerequisites:
CAMP 305 Minimum Grade of P (concurrent)
FISH 402 Aquatic Surveys
Fisheries workers and aquatic ecologists perform a variety of different surveys. You will acquire the knowledge and skills needed to survey the physical, chemical and biological components of lakes and streams.
4.0
Credit Units
60.0
Other hours
Learning Method(s):
Lecture/Lab
Prerequisites:
CAMP 412 Minimum Grade of P (concurrent)
FISH 403 Advanced Aquatic Surveys
You will be introduced to advanced topics in aquatic habitat sampling and interpretation. These topics include biomonitoring, electrofishing, fish ageing and fish population analysis.
3.0
Credit Units
45.0
Other hours
Learning Method(s):
Lecture/Lab
FISH 404 Fisheries Management
You will be introduced to fisheries management principles as they apply to protecting fish habitat and fisheries resource utilization. You will become familiar with fish parasites and disease, and the steps involved in conducting fish kill investigations. The course content also includes habitat protection, legislation, enforcement and the scientific basis for establishing quotas and limits.
4.0
Credit Units
60.0
Other hours
Learning Method(s):
Lecture/Lab
Equivalent Course(s):
FISH 446
FISH 405 Advanced Topics in Fisheries Management
You will consider the biological components of fisheries management and discuss current issues and management options for maintaining and improving fish resources.
2.0
Credit Units
30.0
Other hours
Learning Method(s):
Lecture/Lab
FORE 405 Forest Access Techniques
You will learn and apply the principles and techniques required for planning, constructing, managing and retiring forest access. You will prepare a plan for an all-weather forest access road.
3.0
Credit Units
45.0
Other hours
Learning Method(s):
Lecture/Lab
Equivalent Course(s):
FORE 470
GIS_ 401 Geographic Information Systems for Resource Managers 2
You will build on the skills and concepts learned in GIS 101 (Geographic Information Systems for Resource Managers 1). You will input data and examine how coordinate systems and scale relate to GIS. You will learn spatial analysis techniques. Your GIS skills will be applied in a resource management project.
2.0
Credit Units
30.0
Other hours
Learning Method(s):
Lecture/Lab, Online/Blackboard
Equivalent Course(s):
GIS 440
Prerequisites:
GIS 101 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent)
HORT 400 Urban Forestry
You will receive an introduction to horticultural practices with practical application to pruning landscape trees and shrubs within an urban environment. You will receive an exposure to exotic plant species and their identification, establishment and maintenance. A background in landscaping and plants will aid in an assessment of a site visit for the purpose of recommending horticultural practices. You will be provided with an insight to a variety of urban forestry equipment and their relative costs and safe use.
3.0
Credit Units
45.0
Other hours
Learning Method(s):
Lecture/Lab
MGMT 401 Land Use Management
You will examine several aspects of the land use planning process. You will also organize a resource management conference.
2.0
Credit Units
30.0
Other hours
Learning Method(s):
Lecture/Lab
Equivalent Course(s):
MGMT 445
PARK 401 Park Services
Your studies will focus on the history, development and management framework of Saskatchewan's park system. You will also learn about procedures for trail development, managing visitors and conflict, emergency trouble-shooting, risk management, evacuation and re-entry of danger areas, and search and rescue techniques.
2.0
Credit Units
30.0
Lecture hours
Learning Method(s):
Lecture/Theory, Prior Learning
Equivalent Course(s):
PARK 440
PARK 402 Park Programs
Your studies will focus on the principles and application of environmental interpretation and visitor service programs.
2.0
Credit Units
30.0
Other hours
Learning Method(s):
Lecture/Lab, Prior Learning
PROJ 401 Applied Resource Management
You will conduct a research project. You will integrate the skills, training and knowledge you acquired throughout the program to design, conduct, analyze and present the results of a resource management project.
2.0
Credit Units
30.0
Other hours
Learning Method(s):
Lecture/Lab
STAT 401 Statistics
Building predictive models from empirical data lies at the heart of resource management procedures. You will apply statistics, compare samples and make management decisions based on comprehensive data analysis.
2.0
Credit Units
30.0
Other hours
Learning Method(s):
Lecture/Lab
Equivalent Course(s):
STAT 440
Prerequisites:
STAT 122 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent)
STAT 402 Statistical Software for Resource Managers
Using statistical software to predict outcomes and compare samples is indispensable in today's resource management field. You will use a statistical package to enter, analyze and interpret a data set directly related to your vocational training.
1.0
Credit Units
15.0
Lab hours
Learning Method(s):
Lab/Practical
Equivalent Course(s):
STAT 540
SYST 401 Remote Sensing 1
The course provides an introduction to satellite imagery and image interpretation for natural resource management applications.
2.0
Credit Units
30.0
Other hours
Learning Method(s):
Lecture/Lab, Online/Blackboard
Equivalent Course(s):
SYST 340
WILD 301 Wildlife Anatomy and Systematics
You will compare the internal and external anatomical features of amphibians, birds and mammals. You will learn how to identify the members of these vertebrate classes that occur in Saskatchewan.
4.0
Credit Units
60.0
Other hours
Learning Method(s):
Lecture/Lab
WILD 302 History and Practice of Wildlife Management
Modern wildlife management in North America evolved over the past century as wildlife biologists and managers accumulated new knowledge of wildlife and habitats. You will trace the development of wildlife management in North America and examine the different management eras, concepts and practices from the past to the present. You will be introduced to the work of influential people in wildlife management over the past century.
1.0
Credit Units
15.0
Lecture hours
Learning Method(s):
Lecture/Theory
WILD 402 Wildlife Habitat Assessment and Improvement
Wildlife managers must assess habitat quality to determine its capability for supporting wildlife. They must often rehabilitate or enhance degraded habitats to improve their capacity to support wildlife. You will learn the techniques for evaluating habitat quality and techniques for enhancing the quality of wildlife habitats.
2.0
Credit Units
30.0
Other hours
Learning Method(s):
Lecture/Lab
WILD 403 Guidelines for the Protection of Wildlife and Habitat
Human activities and development projects have resulted in the loss and degradation of wildlife habitat. You will learn the fundamentals of and current guidelines for the protection of wildlife and their habitats within a variety of human resource developments.
2.0
Credit Units
30.0
Other hours
Learning Method(s):
Lecture/Lab
Equivalent Course(s):
CAMP 540
WILD 404 Wildlife Management Field Techniques
Biologists and field technicians use a wide variety of field techniques when working with wildlife and resolving conflicts between humans and wildlife. You will learn fundamental field skills in wildlife damage prevention, data and sample collection, and age/sex determination.
4.0
Credit Units
60.0
Other hours
Learning Method(s):
Lecture/Lab
Prerequisites:
CAMP 411 Minimum Grade of P (concurrent)
WILD 405 Wildlife Population Assessment and Regulation
You will assess wildlife populations using a variety of survey techniques that wildlife managers use to quantify the size, distribution and density of wildlife populations. You will also examine the tools managers use to regulate the sustainable harvest of wildlife and simulate the responses of wildlife populations to human manipulations.
3.0
Credit Units
45.0
Other hours
Learning Method(s):
Lecture/Lab
WILD 406 Assessment of Wildlife Physiological Condition
Wildlife managers use physiological parameters to assess the health and reproductive status of wildlife populations. You will examine the principles of wildlife nutrition and learn methods to assess the reproductive and nutritional status of wildlife.
2.0
Credit Units
30.0
Other hours
Learning Method(s):
Lecture/Lab
WILD 407 Furbearer Management in Saskatchewan
Furbearing mammals are an important source of income for many Saskatchewan residents (especially in northern areas of the province). You will study furbearing mammals and examine the development of the fur industry in Canada. You will also study the biology, ecology and management of Saskatchewan furbearers.
1.0
Credit Units
15.0
Other hours
Learning Method(s):
Lecture/Lab
WILD 408 Wildlife in the Human Economy
Wildlife managers must integrate wildlife issues into the context of the human economy. You will examine landowner attitudes towards wildlife and wildlife habitat issues, and the realities and ethics of incorporating game birds and mammals into the commercial economy.
2.0
Credit Units
30.0
Other hours
Learning Method(s):
Lecture/Lab
WORK 403 Work Experience
You will participate in and report on a six-week work experience. You will apply and demonstrate your knowledge and skills in the field of natural resource management.
0.0
Credit Units
180.0
Lab hours
Learning Method(s):
Work Experience -Individual
