Sustainable Waste Management (Optional Co-op)

Description: This self-directed course focuses on introducing new students to the supports, services, and opportunities available at Conestoga College. By the end of this course, students will understand the academic expectations of the Conestoga learning environment, as well as the supports available to ensure their academic success. Students will also be able to identify on-campus services that support their health and wellness, and explore ways to get actively involved in the Conestoga community through co-curricular learning opportunities.

• Hours: 1
• Credits: 0
• Pre-Requisites:
• CoRequisites:

Description:

This course explores current provincial and national waste management practices. Topics include waste collection, materials recovery facilities (MRFs), Extended Producer Responsibilities, recycling and hazardous waste facilities, sustainable development, and landfills. Students will use an integrated waste management approach to discuss and evaluate the technical and economic feasibility of proposed projects using case studies and real-world examples. Landfill site selection, waste diversion opportunities, development of waste management system applications, site closure, and post-operational uses will also be discussed. This course will include a field trip to a waste management facility.

• Hours: 42
• Credits: 3
• Pre-Requisites:
• CoRequisites:

Description:

In this course, students will develop practical skills and knowledge to apply environmental laws and regulations, including the Environmental Protection Act, the Resource Recovery and Circular Economy Act, and the Waste Diversion Transition Act. They will explore the interconnected roles of municipal, provincial, and federal governments in waste management legislation, both in Canada and internationally. Students will learn to conduct real-world environmental audits aligned with industry standards (e.g., ISO 14001) and perform on-site waste reduction and recycling assessments, considering sustainability, climate change, and municipal solid waste management practices.

• Hours: 42
• Credits: 3
• Pre-Requisites:
• CoRequisites:

Description:

In this course, students will explore new and emerging waste management technologies, including circular economy concepts, clean materials streams, materials science, greenhouse gas reduction, and disruptive innovations. Through coursework and guest presentations, they will analyze the environmental and social implications of emerging waste issues and explore potential solutions. The course will cover global waste challenges, sustainable development goals, and emerging markets. Students will also delve into environmental sampling methodologies, monitoring strategies, and various audit types, including energy audits, waste audits, and environmental compliance assessments.

• Hours: 42
• Credits: 3
• Pre-Requisites:
• CoRequisites:

Description:

This course aims to prepare students to successfully plan, develop, and manage projects. This includes how projects should be properly managed through implementation of the PMI project management knowledge areas, processes, lifecycle phases and the embodied concepts, tools and techniques in order to achieve project success. Students will learn how to apply the skills required of a project manager. Lastly, students will understand that there are frequently more questions than answers in the dynamic world of project management.

• Hours: 42
• Credits: 3
• Pre-Requisites:
• CoRequisites:

Description: This course introduces students to occupational health and safety legislated requirements for the workplace. Students will learn the main components of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, the rights and responsibilities of workplace parties and application of three fundamental rights of workers. Students will explore issues associated with workplace violence, harassment, accident response, and the legal requirements for WHMIS. Students will learn how to identify hazards and assess the risk. Students will apply their knowledge of health and safety legislation to a workplace to assess compliance. Students will be introduced to WSIB and understand importance of reporting injuries.

• Hours: 28
• Credits: 2
• Pre-Requisites:
• CoRequisites:

Description:

This course provides an overview of public relations management and communications practices in the recycling and waste management industry. Students will analyze communications and public relations case studies related to the siting of waste processing facilities, climate equity, stakeholder planning processes, hazardous waste management, and greenhouse gas emissions to identify and apply best practices. Guest speakers will share contemporary examples of communications management.

• Hours: 42
• Credits: 3
• Pre-Requisites:
• CoRequisites:

Description: This series of modules will prepare graduate certificate students for job searching for their co-op work terms with the guidance of a Co-op Advisor. Students will familiarize themselves with the co-operative education policies and procedures and will learn the expectations, rules, and regulations that apply in the workplace regarding social, organizational, ethical, and safety issues while deepening their awareness of self- reflective practices. Students will critically reflect on their skills, attitudes, and expectations and evaluate available opportunities in the workplace. Successful completion of these modules is a requirement for co-op eligibility.

• Hours: 14
• Credits: 1
• Pre-Requisites:
• CoRequisites:

Description: This course will focus on the creation of professional technical reports. Students will learn how to communicate scientific and technical information concisely and accurately using appropriate formats and graphical support. Students will apply technical communication theory and practice to create, critique, and present technical documents. An oral project presentation will emphasize clear and concise communication of technical details and the use of appropriate visual support for technical information.

• Hours: 42
• Credits: 3
• Pre-Requisites:
• CoRequisites:

Description:

This course will introduce the fundamental principles and applications of economics and the circular economy in order to mitigate waste production at all stages of the waste life cycle. Students will identify opportunities within an organization for circular economy implementation, and how to support transitions to various circular economy models.

• Hours: 42
• Credits: 3
• Pre-Requisites:
• CoRequisites:

Description:

Students will examine the principles of community engagement required to successfully develop, deliver, and lead authentic engagement processes and apply these skills through hands-on projects. The course emphasizes building the skills and knowledge needed to design effective environmental education and change management approaches at the individual and organizational level to achieve reduction and diversion targets.

• Hours: 42
• Credits: 3
• Pre-Requisites:
• CoRequisites:

Description:

This course introduces students to the management of hazardous and special products waste, with an emphasis on applicable legislation and systems in Ontario. Course content will include toxicology, monitoring, chemistry, site characterization, safety plans, sampling, spill, control and emergency response. Students will describe the proper procedures for the safe storage of hazardous materials, the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and other health and safety considerations.

• Hours: 42
• Credits: 3
• Pre-Requisites:
• CoRequisites:

Description:

Topics covered include characteristics of organic waste, source separation, and legislative and regulatory barriers and related solutions. Students identify and evaluate organic best practices and discuss a circular strategy for organics and the paradox between edible food waste and hunger. Compostable and bio packaging products and related issues will also be discussed. Students will gain comprehensive insight of technologies and environmental, technical, economic and legislative challenges in the organic recycling sector.

• Hours: 42
• Credits: 3
• Pre-Requisites:
• CoRequisites:

Description:

This course will introduce process control, focusing on the dynamic behaviour of industrial systems, with an emphasis on improved efficiency and effectiveness. Students will explore how best to achieve desired outcomes. Students will investigate opportunities provided by big data, artificial intelligence, and machine learning to improve monitoring and other systems, such as carbon capture and storage.

• Hours: 42
• Credits: 3
• Pre-Requisites:
• CoRequisites:

Description:

Building on knowledge and skills acquired in the first semester of the program, students will plan and execute a research project using the project plan previously developed in partnership with a local organization. The research process will emphasize data collection, analysis, and communication of research findings. Through this course, students will gain experience with the application of project management principles, tools, and techniques. Students will be required to manage work plans, time and budget planning, client relationships, and monitoring and evaluating the progress and disseminating results.

• Hours: 42
• Credits: 3
• Pre-Requisites:
• CoRequisites: