Master of Science in Ecological Restoration

British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT)

The BCIT MSc in Ecological Restoration offers a unique, interdisciplinary curriculum to provide you with the science-based knowledge and practical skills necessary to deliver effective restoration programs, while leading respectful engagement with right-holder communities.

The program consists of both coursework and applied components. The use of experiential learning is a major strength of the program, with many courses offered in-class at BCIT or in the field. Through experiential learning, students integrate and apply theories, concepts, and observations firsthand. Through experiential learning, students will experience the variability and uniqueness of ecosystems and the difficulty of applying the same concepts to all sites.

A case-based learning method will also be used throughout the program to provide students exposure to restoring ecosystems in other areas of the world. Case studies will illustrate how concepts can be integrated and applied to complex ecological systems. Students will be actively engaged in discussion of specific problems in complex, real-world situations. This method is student-centred and involves the exchange of ideas among participants. The instructor’s role will be that of a facilitator, while students address problems collaboratively.

A key component of the Ecological Restoration degree will be the field visits to active restoration projects in the Lower Mainland and other parts of the province. The extensive ecological disturbance and damage that has occurred throughout the Lower Mainland provides real-world opportunities to apply skills in a broad range of restoration activities. Real-world scenarios in ecological restoration will be presented through assignments and team-based projects within courses. These projects will allow students to apply their knowledge from classroom and lab sessions.