Graduate Diploma in Health, Safety and Environmental Compliance

at Langara College Canada

If you're looking for some new ways of looking at the world, if you want something fresh, challenging or relevant - try Women's Studies. Critical theories based on lived experiences, diverse global perspectives, an interdisciplinary approach - all these can help you make sense of a complex world.

The interdisciplinary Women's Studies Program at Langara is designed to introduce you to a diversity of perspectives on women's histories, contemporary experiences, analyses and movements for change. Women's Studies builds on evolving knowledge and methodologies to integrate the many forms of feminist scholarship and activism. The core courses provide a thorough overview of critical concepts for understanding how change in and maintenance of the status quo impact the lives of women personally and collectively, locally and globally. Through course content and teaching methodologies, Women's Studies focuses on the concerns and experiences of those women traditionally outside the scope of mainstream thought, and therefore makes visible a wide range of female experience. This 'centering the margins' is part of our ongoing commitment to broaden and deepen understandings of gender.

In a time of increasing globalization, where human activity is now seen to have far reaching, often adverse, implications for the worlds ecosystems it is essential to have the awareness, knowledge, skill and experience to address these issues.  Environmental understanding, protection and remediation are significant, growing concerns in today’s society.  Environmental Studies at Langara College is an interdisciplinary program within the Department of Interdisciplinary Studies. It draws from four critical study areas - biology, chemistry, english, geography – as well as including a number of specific environmental courses.  Elective courses are chosen from a wide range of subjects to suit a particular student’s interests.  A one-week field school is conducted at the end of the second year. 

Knowledge of our past is critical to our sense of identity as a community. The study of history makes us aware of different values and perspectives and teaches us sensitivity to other viewpoints. College level history is not simply a listing of facts and dates, rather it is an explanation of real lives lived in the past. Without an understanding of where we have been, how can we know where we are headed?

While students can choose from a wide range of history courses, they will develop a common core of essential skills. Students will learn to read with understanding so they can critically evaluate conflicting evidence. In an increasingly complex world it is imperative that students/citizens know how to evaluate data, to understand the importance of context in shaping events and attitudes, and to think and reason in a logical manner. Through regular written assignments and discussion students will refine their communication skills as they learn about other worlds.

Canadian Studies is a program for those who seek a deeper understanding and appreciation of our society, its origins, unique character and problems. The program's core courses provide critical perspectives on the major issues and controversies that mark contemporary Canada. A wide range of related courses that promote understanding of the origins and workings of Canadian society can be elected.

Core courses are interdisciplinary, drawing lecturers from several disciplines who discuss or debate a subject from their special perspectives. Non-core courses may be selected from many areas. Canadian Studies tackles controversial issues, like racism, emerging women's roles, problems of working life, First Nations' concerns, Quebec separatism and American domination.

With the opportunity to explore and design your own academic program, your studies will culminate in a two-year Associate of Arts Degree. You will have the opportunity to choose your specialization areas and tailor the curriculum to your needs. The emphasis is on developing a deeper insight into multiple disciplines, all while building critical thinking, writing, and analyzing abilities. With a solid foundation, these studies will lead seamlessly into further academic studies.

Students will gain knowledge in multiple areas of study in liberal arts and languages, and social and cultural studies. Holistically, the program aims to develop critical thinking abilities, strengthen research skills, and introduce a variety of theories.

The Certificate in Diversity and Inclusion Leadership (PDC DIIL) is a one-year post-degree program. Students gain effective leadership communication skills, an increased understanding of workplace diversity and inclusion, and an appreciation for the significance of socially constructed identities.

The PDC DIIL certificate includes further studies in English, business, Canadian studies, sociology, and a seminar series exploring the nursing profession in Canada. This certificate is designed to complement the Langara Post-Degree Certificate in Nursing Leadership and Management (PDC NRLM), creating a two-year Post-Degree Certificate in Nursing program.

Biology is the study of life in all its variety and richness. It includes many aspects of your everyday experiences: your relationships with the environment, the foods you consume, the way your body works. In fact, functioning in the present world without biological knowledge is a distinct handicap, since biological advances are at the forefront of social change.

When you study biology at Langara, you will examine all aspects of living things: from the molecules that make up your cells to entire ecosystems. You will get an excellent grounding in a broad range of biology topics. You will also be able to choose courses in numerous specialties, such as ecology, microbiology, genetics, as you focus more closely on your personal interests and career goals.

Information about the living world and opportunities for Biology graduates have grown rapidly over the last few decades. Your career options will depend on your specific interests and educational focus, but could include research, education, journalism, law, public health, conservation, forensics and much more.  Some biology sectors such as biotechnology and environmental sciences are among the faster growing areas of the Canadian economy.

The Langara Biology Department has a firm commitment to providing the practical aspects of a science education. All our university-transfer Biology courses include 2 or 3 hours of lab or field work per week. We have five well-equipped lab rooms, including a dedicated Microbiology laboratory.  Our excellent team of lab demonstrators has a broad range of biology expertise and is available to assist students in the labs and during office hours. Also, a study space for second year students is available in the Biology lab area for biology students to work independently on assignments and projects throughout the term.

Peace and Conflict Studies (PCCN) is an interdisciplinary field of study which is concerned with the problem of human conflict, especially violent and destructive conflict, and the means by which it can be constructively and non-violently resolved. Its interdisciplinary approach to analysis draws on the perspectives of the physical and social sciences, history and philosophy. Guest lecturers from these academic disciplines, as well as guests from the active world of conflict resolution - labour mediators, politicians, peace leaders - will enhance the core courses. Each of the courses listed as requirements for a diploma program in Peace and Conflict Studies adds to an understanding of this most complex and pressing human issue.

The four Langara College programs in Health Sciences offer an interdisciplinary approach to the study of health, illness, and disease in human communities. Health is one of the largest employment sectors in the country, and is anticipated to grow at a faster than average rate. Employment options are diverse, and extend far beyond serving as doctors or nurses.  Upon successful completion, students of Health Sciences programs will have gained a strong basic background in this rapidly changing field.

Students may pursue programs in either an Arts or Science stream, and earn a Diploma or an Associate Degree. After completing an Associate degree program, students may continue their studies at Simon Fraser University’s Faculty of Health Sciences or the University of Victoria’s Health & Community Services program, transferring seamlessly into third year studies.

 Students may also transfer the Diploma or Associate Degree to university in order to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Science or in a related discipline.

Design Formation is a two year, multidisciplinary foundation design program that prepares students for further specialized studies or entry-level jobs in fields ranging from visual merchandising to event, graphic, or interior design. This program is ideal for creative people of all ages and backgrounds, from recent high-school graduates to mature students wishing to update their credentials. The classroom and workshop is close-knit, intimate, and collaborative. Our faculty, who are friendly, approachable and knowledgeable about the design world at large support this community feeling.

We aim to promote a comprehensive understanding of the design process and expose students to various aspects of the field. This allows graduates to explore their own creative path with a broad set of skills and experience. Students graduate with a diploma and a professional exit portfolio. Equipped with a wide range of practical skills and knowledge, students can choose to enter the workforce at an entry-level, or continue with further studies in Design.