(6hrs, non-credit)
In this course, students will address a variety of topics related to the role and responsibilities of a Geoscience Field Assistant and the working conditions associated with this position. These topics include the knowledge, skills and attitudes required of Geoscience Field Assistants; the roles and responsibilities of employers, project managers and Geoscience Field Assistants; places and types of work; and common expectations and challenges. The course will also provide information about the working conditions of Geoscience Field Assistants, which can include long periods of time in isolated and remote camps.
(6hrs, non-credit)
In this course, students will address a variety of topics related to communication and teamwork. This course will review the principles and practices of good verbal communication skills and the qualities and environment required to promote effective teamwork. Basic conflict resolution approaches and traditional knowledge sensitivities will also be included.
(12hrs, non-credit)
In this course, students will be introduced to the basics of land navigation including traditional and historic techniques; the interpretation of topographic maps, use of the magnetic compass and the Global Positioning System (GPS) to plot locations, set up survey grids and navigate in the field.
(12hrs, non-credit)
In this course, students will learn basic knowledge and skills required to operate computers, digital cameras, handheld radios, SPOT (Système Pour l’Observation de la Terre) satellite messengers, and satellite phones. This will include understanding the purpose of common features of devices and introductory exposure to basic functions, the proper use of these tools, and basic troubleshooting. Students are also exposed to introductory concepts in Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, email and web applications, and photo software.
(24hrs, non-credit)
In this course, students will learn basic geological concepts and principles. These include the importance of the field of geology; uses of the Geological Map of Canada; geological provinces and formations; geological time and the geological time scale; the factors affecting geology; the physical properties of minerals, rocks and ore deposits; the process and impacts of erosion, deposition and glaciation; slope stability; the basic geology of the NWT; and the events that have shaped the geology of the NWT through the geological time scale.
(9hrs, non-credit)
In this course, students will learn the processes and reasons for gathering geoscience samples. This will include describing the common types of samples gathered and the purpose for gathering each type of sample; common sampling methods; the protocol for collecting samples; the safe use and maintenance of sampling tools and equipment; sampling analysis methods; and proper techniques for data collection, labelling and maintaining the integrity of samples.
(12hrs, non-credit)
In this course, students will address a variety of topics related to prospecting in the Northwest Territories (NWT). These topics include the purpose and history of prospecting, the importance of prospecting to the exploration process, and the common types of mineral exploration in the NWT. The course also provides information on visual indications of mineralization and oil and gas; and the steps for additional exploration. The course includes demonstrations about how to safely use and maintain prospecting tools and demonstrates the proper methods for recording field notes and creating field sketches. Safety practices associated with prospecting as well as information about the Support for Entrepreneurs and Economic Development (SEED) Program is included.
(6hrs, non-credit)
In this course, students will address a variety of topics related to claim staking and mineral rights in the Northwest Territories. These topics include mineral tenure; obtaining a prospector’s licence; staking a claim; tools used in claim staking; how to physically stake a claim; the process for recording mineral claims and obtaining prospecting permits; and the concept of representation of work. The course also covers leasing and lapsing (surrendering) a claim; the primary and basic differences between mineral exploration and oil and gas exploration rights; and safety practices associated with claim staking field work.
(6hrs, non-credit)
In this course, students will learn the reasons and processes for conducting surveys and creating grids and grid lines. This will include explaining the purpose of surveying and common surveying methods; demonstrating the safe and proper use of ground geophysical tools; reading topographic maps and Geographic Information System (GIS) related survey plans; creating grids and gridlines; and safe work practices for conducting surveys and creating grids.
(6hrs, non-credit)
In this course, students will learn the phases and life cycles of mineral exploration programs and mining operations. This will include the research required to establish an exploration program, the life cycle of a mineral exploration program, the life cycle of a mine, and the impact of commodity pricing on mineral exploration programs and mining operations.
(6hrs, non-credit)
In this course, students will address a variety of topics related to solving problems and making good decisions. This one-day course will provide students with basic strategies for identifying and solving problems, as well as provide decision-making models. The course will also provide information on types of problems (group, individual and organizational), impacts of poor decisions, no decisions, and decisions made with incomplete information. A case study related to typical field situations will be used to reinforce problem-solving and decision-making approaches.
(6hrs, non-credit)
In this course, students will learn to document and interpret day-to-day information that field assistants will typically encounter in the field. The course will use actual forms from employers, and exercises in the course will focus on applying the required skills to effectively address workplace expectations. Time will also be spent establishing a mechanism for quality control of data, particularly for data entry into Microsoft Excel. This will include demonstrating file storage and maintenance.
(24hrs, non-credit)
This course will include First Aid, CPR-A, and Basic Wilderness Survival, and will be taught by certified providers. The course will also include modules on Bear Safety and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
(3hrs, non-credit)
In this course, students will learn basic passenger safety procedures when operating in or around fixed wing and rotary aircraft. The course will cover operations at airports, float bases, and bush camps. The course will be delivered by trained pilots or other aviation specialists and will focus on safe passenger entry and exit, exit during an emergency, egress procedures, location of safety equipment and emergency location transmitters. The course will also cover how to communicate with a pilot by hand signals, and safety procedures when in close proximity to any operating aircraft.
This course covers the skills required to set up and maintain elements of a field camp. The course focuses on planning, logistics and operations, and will cover topics such as required camp equipment, food handling and storage, waste and garbage storage and removal, fuel handling and other essential elements of setting up and maintaining a functional camp.