Annual Report for the Institution
Reporting Institution: Northwest Community College
Representative: Gordon Weary
250 635-6511 ext. 5390
gweary@nwcc.bc.ca
Introduction and Updates:
The NWCC University Credit (UC) Geoscience department has been working with the Continuing Education department to develop a relationship between the School of Exploration and Mining (SEM) and UC Earth Science courses. SEM provides a number of non-transfer courses that have been extremely successful and well subscribed. Industry feedback from employers of students who have participated in these courses has been very positive. NWCC has demonstrated a commitment to build a University Transfer Credit component around the SEM. A preliminary bridging/ certificate program has been proposed for next year to allow students to enter the University stream. There is also interest from many University stream students to take SEM courses which gives them immediate access to well paying jobs in the mineral exploration industry.
Earth Science Courses Proposed as Part of New Geoscience Certificate (tentative start date Nov. 2007):
Introduction to Geology of the Northwest (GEOL 157) : An introduction to Earth forming processes, rocks, minerals, tectonics, and geomorphology. Fieldtrips to local sites of geological and geomorphological interest as well as local mining and exploration projects. Format: 45 hours lecture + 45 hours lab. May be completed as a two week intensive (one week class room and one week field school).
Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GEOG 204) : An introduction to the theory and practical skills used in GIS. The lab component provides training on different types of GIS software. GIS examples from the mineral exploration industry will be used. Format: 45 hours lecture + 45 hours lab. May be completed as a three week intensive.
Introduction to Field Techniques (GEOL 2xx (to be articulated)): This course will be articulated to transfer with Malaspina's GEOL 206? An introduction to geological field methods. Topics include preparation of base maps; recording and plotting of geological data; introduction to core logging, field note-taking; measuring of section; GPS and compass orientation; map reading; and drawing of geological maps and sections, manually and using GIS. Students investigate geological formations in the Northwest area, which will provide the subject of a geological mapping project. Format: 45 hours. May be completed as a one week field school.
Non - Earth Science Courses Proposed as Part of a New Geoscience Certificate and ‘Bridging Program':
Introduction to Technical Writing (ENGL 151)
Introduction to Computers (CPSC 111)
*Non UC Transfer Courses (*Number of required courses TBA):
Mining Exploration Field Assistant (MEFA)
Prospector Basic Training
Camp Manager Training
Reclamation and Prospecting (RAP)
Introduction to Metal Leaching and Acid Rock Drainage
+ ‘Upgrading' courses Math 11, English 12, and Geography 12 to be taught using examples pertinent to the mining and mineral exploration industry.
Proposed New Associate of Science Degree in Environmental Geoscience (tentative start date April 2008).
20 UC Courses over two years (possibly three years).
• English (2 courses): ENGL 151 + 1 English elective.
• Math (2 courses): MATH 101 + MATH 102
• Science (12 courses): GEOG 150 + GEOG 160 (or GEOL 157) + GEOG 201 + GEOG 203 + GEOG 204 + GEOG 207 + BIOL 211 + 2 of the following 3 full year courses (PHYS 101/102, CHEM 101/102, BIOL 101/102) + 1 of the following 5 courses (MATH 131, MATH 235, CHEM 230, any BIOL 100 or 200, CPSC 111)
• Arts (2 courses): 2 Arts electives other than English
• Other (2 courses:) GEOG 110 + 1 elective
Issues/Other:
Possibility of having the Mining Exploration Field Assistant (MEFA) field school count towards a ‘First Year Geol Fieldschool'?
Possibility of receiving either full transfer credit or partial transfer credit?
Would students with an interest in Earth Sciences come ‘up north' to participate in this? Please See attached MEFA course outline.
Gordon Weary
Attachment:
Course Outline |
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MEFA 101 |
Mining Exploration Field Assistant |
Campus: |
Base campus is Smithers |
Term: |
10 days or approximately 86 hours (8 camp days + 2 classroom days or first aid training) |
Instructor: |
TBA |
Office/Phone: E-mail: |
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Times: |
Outdoor bush tent camp environment for 8 consecutive days |
Credits: |
N/A |
Course Description: Students will gain job-entry basic bush skills applicable for the mining exploration industry which is looking for field assistants. Students will live in a bush tent camp environment for 8 consecutive days where they will practice first aid, safety, and survival and use GPS, map, compass, and survey chain; record field notes; layout, traverse, and label grid cutlines; collect rock and soil samples; and split and label drill core. WCB Occupational First Aid Level 1 and WCB Transportation Endorsement training (2 days) and certificates are included within this course and make trainees job-ready for employers. |
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Course Delivery Format: Students will attend 2 days classroom training to acquire first aid certificates. Several hours of helicopter training will be held at a helicopter base. The remainder of training will be held in a bush tent camp field environment with students living in the camp for 8 consecutive days. |
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Course Prerequisites: Minimum age is 19 years. Applicants must be able to pass a pre-assessment test for literacy and basic practical math problem solving. Must have good health, be physically fit, and have good vision and hearing. Must be prepared to work outdoors in adverse weather and live in a bush tent camp environment. |
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Course Co-requisites: N/A |
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Transfer Credits: N/A |
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Recommended Follow-up Courses: Depends on student's interests |
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Learning Outcomes Students will: |
Estimated hoursGAC: A Comprehend Training Goals, Job Expectations and Opportunities 2.0GAC: B Acquire First Aid Training Certificates (classroom) 14.0GAC: C Practice First Aid, Safety, and Survival 11.0GAC: D Perform Field Communications 1.5GAC: E Practice Bush Camp Skills and Live in a Tent Camp 3.5GAC: F Interpret Maps 5.0GAC: G Use Map, Compass, and Tight Chain 5.0GAC: H Practice Legible Note Taking 5.0GAC: I Use GPS Equipment 7.0GAC: J Layout, Traverse, and Label Grid / Cutlines 12.0GAC: K Collect Rock, Soil, and Sediment Samples 7.0GAC: L Split and Label Core 7.0GAC: M Practice Teamwork Skills (within all training activities) 0.0Sub total 80.0 Travel time: town to camp location and return and travel to field exercise sites 6.0 Total 86.0 GAC = General Area of Competency SEE ATTACHED FOR ADDITIONAL ‘DETAILED LEARNING OUTCOMES' ASSOCIATED WITH THE ABOVE LIST |
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Required Materials/Texts: A course manual will be handed out to students. |
Evaluation: Competency checklists will be developed and used to record pass / fail for each general area of competency. Students will be required to have achieved competency skill levels on a minimum of 85 to 90 percent of all competencies to be considered for a ‘Pass' and ‘Credit' for the course and to receive a certificate. Acquiring WCB Occupational First Aid Level 1 and WCB Transportation Endorsement certificates are two mandatory requirements to fulfill the overall ‘Pass' requirements. |
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Assignments |
Exercises will be given to practice theory and practical applications with most training topics. The instructor will evaluate whether students have achieved competencies. |
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ProgramCertificate Completion |
To receive a course certificate, students must achieve an overall Pass which includes acquiring WCB Occupational First Aid Level 1, and WCB Transportation Endorsement certificates. |
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Other training and resources |
Training videos will be used where applicable as well as guest speakers (helicopter pilot). |
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Required Equipment |
Students are to supply their own personal clothing, sleeping bag, rain gear (pants and coat), gloves, and work boots that have ankle support and grip soles. Both rubber work boots and leather work boots are suggested for changing weather conditions. |
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Operational Details |
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College Policies |
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Northwest Community College has policies on Academic Appeals (including appeal of final grades), Student Conduct, Cheating and Plagiarism, Academic Probation and other educational issues. Copies of these and other policies are available in the College Calendar and in the Library. |
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Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) |
Students can be given advanced standing and not have to complete all parts of the course, providing they can prove through credentials, examination, references, or practical assessment that they do have the specific competency skills listed in the course. PLA is applicable to students already having valid First Aid certificates. |
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Attendance |
Fulltime attendance and participation is required in order to achieve competency skill levels and a Pass in this course. The training site (camp) is treated similar to a work site with expectations for excellent punctuality, attendance, preparedness, and participation. |
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Incomplete Grades |
Due to the camp environment setting of this training, students must complete the training while the camp and instructor is available in their community. If a student does not complete the course, they will receive a Fail grade. With an instructor's permission, there may be opportunity for the student to travel to another community (at their own cost) to another training camp to complete and pass the course under special circumstances. |
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Cheating/Plagiarism |
Plagiarism is the presentation of another person's words, ideas, interpretations, insights, or order of points as your own. All work submitted must be your own words and content, and not written by a tutor or friend. Whenever you use sources for an essay, or assignment, you must avoid plagiarism by documenting them. The College calendar establishes procedures for plagiarised assignments. |
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Computer Course Requirements/Policies: N/A |
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Student Conduct |
Students are expected to be punctual, have excellent attendance, and come prepared, similar to a real work site. All students must conduct themselves in a fashion that displays professionalism and that is not offensive to others. Instructors may eject students for poor behaviour. Examples of conduct that may result in ejection include: sexual or racial harassment; under the influence of alcohol or illegal substance; profane language; chronic lateness; unsafe practices endangering others, or disrupting instruction or students in a deliberate or malicious manner. NOTE: The training camp will be a ‘dry camp' with no alcohol or illegal drugs / substances. Students found with alcohol or drugs will be ejected from the course. |
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Safety |
All student conduct must not place others at risk. All students must adhere to safety, accident, and emergency procedures. Suitable clothing, footwear, and safety equipment (as specified by the instructor) must be worn where appropriate. |
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Course Schedule |
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Topics |
Day 1 |
• WCB Occupational First Aid Level 1 training |
Day 2 |
• WCB Transportation Endorsement training |
Day 3 |
• Introduction to course and expectations • Introduction to jobs and expectations • Helicopter safety training • Travel to bush tent camp and set up sleeping tents • Establish emergency procedures for camp • Camp skills |
Day 4 |
• Camp skills • Field communications / radios • Interpret Maps • Safety and Wildlife Awareness |
Day 5 |
• Map, compass, and tight chain • Note taking |
Day 6 |
• Use GPS • Discuss Grids • Layout Paper Grid |
Day 7 |
• Field layout with compass and clear gridlines with axe • Start traversing gridlines / cutlines |
Day 8 |
• Traverse, label, and plot grid lines |
Day 9 |
• Collect rock, soil, and sediment samples on cutlines |
Day 10 |
• Split and label drill core • Travel to town |
Mining Exploration Field Assistant
Detailed Course Profile and Learning Outcomes
last revised February 23, 2006
GAC = General Area of Competency
ES = Enabling Skills of what student will actually do to gain competency skills
Estimated hours
GAC: A Comprehend Training Goals, Job Expectations and Opportunities 2.0
ES: A1 review training program goals 0.25
A2 discuss behaviour expectations within program and on a job 0.5
A3 review exploration job descriptions and career paths 0.5
A4 review importance of quality control on a job (NI43101) 0.5
A5 review importance of safety, personal clothing and footwear 0.25
B1 Acquire WCB Occupational First Aid Level 1 certificate 7.0
B2 Acquire WCB Transportation Endorsement certificate 7.0
ES: C1 attend wildlife awareness training 2.5
C2 attend helicopter safety training 2.5
C3 discuss safety and emergency procedures 0.5
C4 respond to mock emergency situations 1.0
C5 discuss preparedness for an unexpected overnight in bush 0.5
C6 start a fire and build a shelter using an axe 3.0
C7 plan for safe vehicle travel 0.25
C8 discuss safe drinking water options 0.25
C9 discuss the importance of nutrition and keeping hydrated 0.25
C10 practice safe lifting procedures (for back) 0.25
ES: D1 discuss various types of radios and satellite phones 0.5
D2 operate portable radios (within other field activities)
D3 use appropriate calling procedures and frequencies (logging roads) 0.5
D4 perform radio safety checks (within other field activities)
D5 discuss non-radio methods of communicating in the field 0.25
D6 practice proper use and safety of flare guns 0.25
ES: E1 discuss good camp locations and camp layout 0.5
E2 assembly of tent camp components 1.0
E3 explain camp utility systems 1.0
E4 explain good practices for food and garbage storage 0.5
E5 discuss good fuel management practices 0.5
E6 live in a bush tent camp and assist with camp duties
E7 use and maintain an axe (within other field activities)
E8 practice knot tying (within other camp activities)
GAC: F Interpret Maps 5.0
ES: F1 distinguish various map types 0.5
F2 interpret map scales and symbols and use scale rule 1.0
F3 distinguish between true north, magnetic north, and grid north 0.5
F4 plot grid points using UTM and latitude / longitude 1.0
F5 measure distances and bearings on maps 0.5
F6 interpret contour lines and calculate slope steepness 0.5
F7 complete mapping exercises 1.0
F8 practice care of field maps (within other field activities)
ES: G1 adjust compass for declination 0.25
G2 explain factors that affect a compass 0.25
G3 use compass on map to determine bearings 0.25
G4 perform triangulation on map to find your location 0.5
G5 interpret tight chain markers and wrap a chain 0.25
G6 calculate cumulative chainage numbers 0.5
G7 establish a point of commencement 0.5
G8 practice accurate compass bearings and chain measurements 2.5
H1 complete a daily journal 0.5
H2 prepare checklists of daily equipment requirements 0.25
H3 discuss the importance of legible, accurate notes 0.25
H4 describe PoC or starting point of a line in note form 0.25
H5 take rough survey chainage notes and map ground features 2.0
H6 recognise that slope distance needs correction to horizontal 0.5
H7 write information on metal tags 0.25
H8 calculate chainage or grid points and write on pickets / ribbon 1.0
H9 practice legible note taking (within other training activities)
ES: I1 discuss GPS systems and uses 1.0
I2 list pros, cons, and limitations of GPS 0.5
I3 demonstrate traversing skills and use of equipment 3.5
I4 upload data to PC for review and accuracy 2.0
ES: J1 explain purposes of cutlines and grid sampling 0.5
J2 discuss line cutting techniques and quality control features 0.5
J3 discuss the importance of grid line straightness and accuracy 0.25
J4 discuss the do's and don'ts with grid layout and line cutting 0.25
J5 layout grid lines on paper 1.0
J6 compass grid lines in the field accurately following the map 3.0
J7 use an axe safely to blaze and cut lines 1.0
J8 tight chain grid lines and correct for slope distance 3.0
J9 stake and label grid coordinates in the field 2.0
J10 draft completed grid lines on paper from survey notes 1.0
ES: K1 interpret cutline grid map coordinates 0.5
K2 locate sample points in field using maps and coordinates 1.0
K3 collect rock, soil, and silt samples 3.5
K4 label samples and record field notes 1.0
K5 load backpack with samples ergonomically (for back safety) 0.5
K6 safely trench with shovel (back safety) 0.5
ES: L1 use core splitting equipment safely 1.0
L2 handle and store core boxes safely 0.5
L3 split and bag diamond drill core 3.0
L4 label core boxes accurately and legibly 2.0
L5 calculate conversions from imperial to metric core lengths 0.5
ES: M1 practice teamwork skills (within all training activities)