Diploma in Geological Technology Exploration

Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT)

Canada,Alberta

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24 Months

Duration

CAD 17,242/year

Tuition Fee

CAD 115

Application Fee

Apply Date

Canada, Alberta

Type: College

Location Type: Urban

Founded: 1962

Total Students: 39,100 +

Int. Students: 2,200 +

Campus Detail

Main Campus Address

11762 106 St NW, Edmonton, AB T5G 2R1, Canada

Diploma in Geological Technology Exploration

Program Overview

Focus on earth sciences and the relationship to oil/gas and mineral exploration, environmental management and its relationship to groundwater protection, and soil/groundwater remediation. After a common first year, students choose one of the two specializations. Students taking Geological Technology receive a solid background in physical geology, petrology, hydrogeology, geophysics, structural geology, historical geology, sedimentary geology, safety procedures as well as mathematics, chemistry and applied science. The exploration specialization provides students with the skills required to work in resource exploration and development sectors. The geo-environmental specialization provides students with the skills required to assess groundwater quality and quantity and to aid in the remediation of contaminated sites.

Geological Technology is a two-year diploma program that focuses on the application of geology in the environmental field (assessment, remediation, reclamation, etc.) and in the exploration field (mineral, oil and gas, coal, etc.). Students take a common Year 1, and then choose either the Exploration or Geo-environmental specialization in Year 2.

Geo-Environmental Specialization - Students, perform environmental site assessments, implement remediation and reclamation strategies at contaminated sites, conduct groundwater exploration and determine groundwater quantity and quality.
Exploration Specialization - Students conduct and interpret geological, geophysical and geochemical surveys, prepare subsurface maps and cross-sections, collect field data and analyze rock and mineral specimens.

Graduates of Geological Technology are well grounded in geology or hydrogeology (depending on specialization chosen), and possess a wide range of technical skills preparing them for employment in multiple settings. Graduates of the exploration stream typically work in operating mines, offices and laboratories and in field exploration. Students who complete the geo-environmental stream typically work in environmental and water resources management. In addition to strong technical skills, successful graduates of the Geological Technology program must possess:

  • Sound interpersonal skills
  • Team skills
  • Effective listening and written communication skills
  • The ability to attend to detail

Graduates are employed in a wide range of resource-related industries on the local, national and international scene. Employment prospects are good for graduates within the petroleum, mineral and environmental sectors. These include large companies in the petroleum and mining sectors as well as environmental and engineering consulting firms, government agencies and environmental consulting companies. Additional opportunities exist in groundwater control associated with mining and construction activities. Graduates obtain employment in office, laboratory and field settings.

Initial job placements for graduates of the exploration specialization stream are:

  • Technologists working in mineral exploration
  • Technologists working with regulatory agencies
  • Technologists working with oil companies and oilfield service companies