Fundamentals of Wildland Fire Ecology and Management
About this Program
Wildland fire management is among the most pressing contemporary socioecological problems in North America. Recent record-breaking wildland fire seasons in British Columbia, Alberta, the Yukon, Northwest Territories, and western United States have resulted in millions of hectares burned annually with significant human and environmental costs.
Presented from both Indigenous and western perspectives, the Fundamentals of Wildland Fire Ecology and Management program provides a unique learning opportunity that combines knowledge of western fire science and Indigenous ways of knowing with landscape and fire ecology and social sciences to address a vital need for professional training in the increasingly complex area of wildfire management.
Designed for
- Professionals with a university degree or college diploma in a related discipline
- Practicing environmental and resource professionals: agrologists, biologists, fire ecologists, firefighters, fire and forest technicians, foresters, landscape and forest managers, and urban or landscape planners
- Land managers employed in forestry, agriculture, land development, and wildfire resiliency
- Different levels of government (municipal, provincial, federal, and Indigenous)
- Conservation organizations and agencies
- Individuals seeking employment in an environmental field
- Post-secondary students seeking to gain practical experience
Program Structure and Delivery
The Fundamentals of Wildland Fire Ecology and Management micro-credential program consists of three online courses. Each course includes 15 hours of instruction and 5-hours of learning activities.
Course 1: Introduction to Wildland Fire Ecology
Participants are first introduced to the basics of wildland fire ecology, the interaction of vegetation, topography, and climate that results in wildfire occurrence and behaviour in British Columbia. The course builds on these basic concepts to provide learners with the tools to identify differences and drivers of change in fire regimes throughout British Columbia.
Course 2: Wildland Fire and Landscapes
Wildland fire has a profound impact on landscapes and resources (e.g., timber, water, habitat), which in turn influence potential future fires. This course introduces applied concepts in landscape ecology, including the diverse ways that wildfires influence ecosystem processes and landscape heterogeneity. Participants will apply concepts of spatial and temporal scale to understand historical landscape reference conditions, the influence of Indigenous land management and cultural fire, and changing contemporary fire regimes.
Course 3: Human Dimensions of Wildland Fire Ecology and Management
Using case studies, this course explores the historic, social and legislative context for wildland fire management in British Columbia, and examines how policy and laws influence wildland fire management and Indigenous cultural burning practices today. It provides participants with tools and strategies for public education and outreach related to wildfire management and prescribed burning.
Course Schedule
| DATES | TOPIC |
| December 4, 2023 – January 12, 2024 |
Orientation |
| January 15, 2024 – February 16, 2024 |
Course 1: Introduction to Wildland Fire Ecology |
| February 19, 2024 – April 5, 2024 |
Course 2: Wildland Fire and Landscapes |
| April 8, 2024 – May 10, 2024 |
Course 3: Human Dimensions of Wildland Fire Ecology and Management |
Credential Awarded
Upon successful completion of all program requirements, learners are awarded a UBC Okanagan Letter of Proficiency (a non-credit credential).
The credential is provided in paper format. Learners will also receive a verifiable digital badge (which has descriptive metadata about the learning achievement) for sharing through digital channels.
Requirements
ADMISSION
- This non-credit learning opportunity has no prerequisites
- This learning opportunity is designed for adult learners; participants must be 18 years or older
- Topics will be presented with no expectation of prior knowledge
- The language of instruction is English
TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Access to a computer with a recent operating system, web browser and updated version of Zoom
- High-speed internet connection
- Microphone, webcam, and headphones or speaker
Course Materials
All learning materials and resources are provided within the learning management system (Canvas Catalog).
Fees
Course Fee
Standard Fee | $3000
All instructional content required to complete the course is available through the course website. There are no additional fees for textbooks.
Refunds and Cancellations
Learners who wish to initiate a refund or cancellation must do so by November 6, 2023.
StrongerBC future skills note: Any cancellation after November 6, 2023 will result in the full tuition amount being charged to your StrongerBC future skills grant.
Additional Info
CONTACT
This credential is offered by the Department of Earth, Environmental and Geographic Sciences in the Irving K. Barber Faculty of Science at UBC Okanagan. Questions about department courses and programs should be submitted to eegs.cpd@ubc.ca.
Last updated: 2024-02-15 10:09