Aims and Objectives
Our goal is to give our readers all the necessary information for them to make an informed decision on their academic future and career path in a hassle-free and easy-to-read website.

Air Technician/Technologist

Air technicians/technologists assess, protect, and monitor air quality. Many of their duties revolve around managing air emissions and ensuring regulation compliance.

Arborist

Arborists maintain tree health by assessing and treating diseases and establishing appropriate policies, plans, and procedures. They also monitor tree management practices for compliance with regulations.

Conservation Officer

Conservation officers enforce federal and provincial/territorial regulations governing the protection of wildlife, fisheries, and natural resources. They conduct conservation programs and raise public awareness of conservation regulations.

Eco Tourism Operator

Eco tourism operators coordinate and guide responsible travel to ecologically important sites. They inform visitors of the cultural and historical significance of a site and promote ways of enjoying the environment in a responsible manner.

Ecologist

Ecologists study the interactions between living organisms and their physical environment. They observe relationships and processes from a scientific and statistical point of view.

They usually specialize in the following fields: botany, marine biology, microbiology, soil science, toxicology or other disciplines related to environmental conservation.

Entomologist

Entomologists study insects and related organisms to develop or recommend programs for utilizing beneficial insects and controlling harmful ones. They research insect physiology, distribution, and habitat.

Environmental Analyst (Statistician)

Environmental analysts (statisticians) use statistical methods to interpret numerical data and generate useful information required for environmental projects and activities. Their work is used in all aspects of environmental research.

Environmental Education Specialist

Environmental education specialists develop educational programs that promote environmental awareness and responsibility. They ensure that environmental objectives are included in corporate strategies, government laws and regulations, and consumer decisions.

Environmental Engineer

Environmental engineers analyze and develop solutions for environmental problems. They engineer new advancements in environmental protection and conservation.

The work involved in this occupation often includes elements from civil, chemical, mechanical, and electrical engineering.

Environmental Epidemiologist

Environmental epidemiologists study correlations between human exposure to environmental contaminants and the occurrence and distribution of disease and health risks. They diagnose health conditions, determine the causes, and recommend preventive or control actions and identify potential treatments.

Environmental Lawyer

Environmental lawyers act as both advisors and legal advocates in the protection of the environment and its natural resources. As advisors, they counsel clients on their legal rights and obligations with regard to the environment. As legal advocates, they represent clients in environmental trials and defend client interests.

Environmental technologist

Environmental technologists provide technical expertise and support to environmental health and safety projects. They have a strong understanding of government regulations, industry standards and codes of practice, and environmental auditing.

Marine environmental protection

There are different areas of emphasis in the Marine Environmental Protection (MEP) mission because the biggest threats to the health of the marine environment are: Habitat destruction and alteration, Overfishing, Pollution, Increasing eutrophication, Changes to hydrology and sediment flow and Global climate change.

Forester

Foresters study and manage forest areas to ensure the conservation and preservation of forests and related resources. They plan and implement forestry programs and enforce the appropriate legislation and regulations.

Geographer

Geographers observe the environment's physical and cultural characteristics and its relationship with human activities.

Areas of specialization include: Urban geography, Economic geography, Geomorphology, Environmental geography and Cartography.

Geologist

Geologists study earth materials including rocks and minerals. They assist with locating and developing natural resources, and observe the nature and effects of natural phenomena such as earthquakes and volcanic activity.

Discover Bioresource Engineering

by Lesley Assadourian

If you want to make a positive difference in the world and you love to create, build and solve problems, engineering is a great career choice. There has never been a better time in history to start a career as an engineer, particularly as a bio-resource engineer.

The specific land area that drains water into a river system or other body of water is known as a watershed

What is Bioresource Engineering?

To find out more, AcademiX spoke with the Professional Engineering Department, part of the Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, at McGill University in Montreal. In its broadest terms, Bioresource Engineering is the engineering of food; environmental, biological and water resources; and agricultural systems. Statistics tell us that by 2030 there will be a 40% increase in the global population; meaning there will be an additional 2 billion people on the planet in a little over 20 years. We know that as the world population increases it will require more food, water and energy, and that as natural resources become more limited we will be required to do more with less, without degrading our natural environment.

As a bioresource engineer you would be involved in solving problems related to systems, processes and machines that interact with humans, plants, animals, microorganisms and materials (from the sub-microscopic to global). In general, engineers are innovators, creators and managers who are directly responsible for building and maintaining the infrastructure, production systems and facilities that make life as we know it possible: clean water, plentiful food, lodging, transportation, available energy, communications, etc.

At its most basic level, Bioresource Engineering is the combination of biological components and challenges with technological solutions and designs. The same basic, unifying principles apply in all cases, whether you are dealing with a complete ecosystem, a small forest, a food processor or a microbe.

Why study Bioresource Engineering?

Bioresource Engineering has four main streams: soil and water, bio-environmental, food and bioprocess, and agricultural.

As part of a Bioresource Engineering program, students will learn about basic Engineering principles, and how to apply them for practical solutions at different physical scales. This way of thinking is what makes you a bioresource engineer. The program at McGill follows a systems-based approach to teach you about ecosystems, watersheds, soils, water flow, resource distribution, machines and mechatronics, structures, food plants, storage of biological materials, processing and bio-processing, sophisticated data acquisition and control, bio-remediation, bio- complexity, etc.

Career options

With a unique understanding of the interrelationships between technology and living systems, you'll have a wide variety of employment options. There are many jobs available for Bio-resource Engineering graduates in a wide variety of fields, including food production, agriculture, biotechnology and biofuels, food storage and processing, waste management, ecosystem design and control, environmental remediation, machinery development and mechatronics, building design and construction supervision, enterprise management, various aspects of water resources, such as hydrology, irrigation and drainage, research into novel agro-ecosystems – the list goes on. You could go on to have a long-term career in the civil service, or do extremely well in international consulting. Many graduates work as professional engineers throughout their career, while some find their way into management or other endeavours. As well as a professional education, Engineering is also a solid foundation for moving into management. Graduates from the Bioresource Engineering Department at McGill University are currently working in over 50 countries.

Working on an eco system

Build a better future

It is up to the next generation to fuel a progressive approach to everyday life and the use of energy. As a bioresource engineer you would be harnessing the powers of science and technology to drive extraordinary change and contributing meaningfully to making our society environmentally responsible and sustainable.

For additional information on Bioresource Engineering at McGill, visit www.mcgill.ca/bioeng or email bioresource@mcgill.ca

Geophysicist

Geophysicists use the principles of physics to study the earth’s surface, internal composition, and natural forces such as magnetism and gravity. This occupation has several areas of specialization including environmental, archaeological, exploration, and mining geophysics.

Hazardous material specialist

Hazardous material specialists work to ensure that hazardous materials are managed and handled using environmentally safe practices and in compliance with current regulatory requirements. They conduct inspections and investigations, review policies and procedures, and enforce the appropriate regulations where necessary.

ISO 14000 Consultant

ISO 14000 consultants plan and implement an organization's ISO 14000 (International Organization for Standardization) systems. These systems allow the organization to better manage its environmental risks by providing standard, established, and documented procedures to follow.

Pollution control technologist

Pollution control technologists examine air, water, and soil for contamination. They also determine methods to control and correct environmental damage resulting from the contamination.

Soil conservationist

Soil conservationists provide consultation and technical assistance to help land users identify and apply appropriate soil management techniques. They often encourage holistic techniques that improve soil quality, productivity, and agricultural and environmental sustainability.

Toxicologist

Toxicologists study the harmful effects of physical and chemical agents on organisms and the environment. They monitor the levels of toxic substances in the environment to prevent and mitigate damage and health risks.

Waste Management Specialist

Waste management specialists plan, implement, and coordinate waste management systems to maximize waste prevention and identify opportunities for reuse and recycling. Areas of specialization include water and wastewater treatment or landfill management.

Water Treatment Plant Operator

Water treatment plant operators control the processes and equipment used in purifying and disinfecting water. They produce clean water and operate wastewater treatment systems according to health and pollution control requirements.

Zoologist

Zoologists study animals and organisms with regard to origins, behaviour, anatomy, and life processes. They participate in species protection, park and zoo planning, biodiversity research, and resource management.