Adventure Tourism Business Operations Diploma

ATBO-101 – Principles of Tourism

This course provides an overview of the variety, products and infrastructure of adventure tourism in the province. Students explore past trends and discuss the future of adventure tourism. A variety of assignments, presentations,  and guest speakers will help guide students to investigate the ecological, economic and cultural impacts of tourism on the community. This course also helps students to evaluate the scope of career options,  and to define their own role in this exciting industry.

• Minimum Credits: 3
• Length: 45 hours
• Prerequisites: Minimum 65% in either English 12, English Studies 12, English First Peoples 12, ENGL 090, or equivalent.
• Delivery Method: ? On-campus
• Cost: $365.28
• Course Outline

ATBO-105 – Wilderness Travel

The Wilderness Travel course uses the classroom learning environment to teach academic theory to support the practical skills learned on ATBO field courses on complex topics such as navigation and weather interpretation. Students will also explore special topics such as nature philosophy, avalanche skills training, and marine radio use.

• Minimum Credits: 3
• Length: 45 hours
• Prerequisites: None Corequisites: ATBO elective field courses as selected.
• Delivery Method: ? On-campus
• Cost: $365.28
• Lab Fees: $354.25
• Total: $719.53
• Course Outline

ATBO-106 – Experiential Leadership & Guiding

This course relates leadership theory with the practical application of leadership in the adventure tourism industry. Innovative activities are used to help students explore group leadership and group management strategies, and to build an awareness of the professional standards expected of outdoor guides. Experiential Leadership and Guiding is a CORE theory course (Guiding Leadership and Group Management) as described in the Provincial Core Curriculum Handbook for the British Columbia Adventure Tourism Certificate Program.

• Minimum Credits: 3
• Length: 45 hours
• Prerequisites: None. Corequisites: Enrolment in the ATBO Program.
• Delivery Method: ? On-campus
• Cost: $365.28
• Course Outline

ATBO-107 – Natural Interpretation

This course is an introduction to the natural history of the Rockies and Columbia Mountains of BC: the landscape, geology, flora and fauna, species identification, ecosystem relationships and biogeoclimatic zones of the interior mountain environment. Aligning with UN Sustainable Development Goal #15—Life on Land, students will develop knowledge and skills in the interpretation of natural landscapes through place-based experiences, writing, and peer-group presentations. The course promotes an understanding of natural ecosystems, and the protection and sustainable use of terrestrial landscapes by the tourism industry.

• Minimum Credits: 3
• Length: 45 hours
• Prerequisites: Enrollment in the Adventure Tourism Business Operations program.
• Delivery Method: ? On-campus
• Cost: $365.28
• Lab Fees: $354.25
• Total: $719.53
• Course Outline

ATBO-109 – Risk Management

This course focuses on learning risk management strategies for the adventure tourism industry. Students study concepts such as legal liability, risk mitigation, and standard of care. They learn how to develop a risk management strategy that covers techniques for risk reduction, risk transfer, risk avoidance, and risk acceptance from both a management level and an employee level.

• Minimum Credits: 3
• Length: 45 hours
• Prerequisites: None
• Delivery Method: ? On-campus
• Cost: $365.28
• Course Outline

ATBO-121 – Backpacking Level 1

This experiential learning course will expose students to the basic skills required for successful wilderness travel. Backpacking and camping techniques, equipment, trip preparation, navigation, route finding, group management, and leadership skills are covered. Mountain environment and natural history topics will be presented. The students will learn minimum impact wilderness travel techniques. This course incorporates backpacking and overnight camping in a wilderness environment. The emphasis on this course is in learning the skills and knowledge required of a professional backpacking guide.

• Minimum Credits: 2
• Length: 48 hours
• Prerequisites: None. Corequisites: ATBO 106
• Delivery Method: ? On-campus
• Cost: $243.52
• Lab Fees: $354.25
• Total: $597.77
• Course Outline

ATBO-123 – Introduction to Outdoor Skills

The Wilderness First Aid course covers in-depth principles in medical and legal aspects relative to injury prevention and care, including: regulations; legislation; contagious/infectious disease; assessment;communication; anatomy and physiology; airway management; respiratory emergencies; cardiac arrest;circulatory; soft tissue and wound management; injuries to eyes; ears; nose; throat; burns; poisons; and environmental emergencies including other considerations in wilderness survival.

• Minimum Credits: 2
• Length: 40 hours
• Prerequisites: None
• Delivery Method: ? On-campus
• Cost: $243.52
• Lab Fees: $354.25
• Total: $597.77
• Course Outline

COMP-153 – Introduction To Data Processing

This course allows students to develop knowledge and skills in the field of information technology. Students will explore the operation and application of professional productivity software. Students use four applications of the Microsoft Office 2019 suite: Word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint. The theory component develops a broad and general understanding of current computer technology, methods and models.

• Minimum Credits: 3
• Length: 60 hours
• Prerequisites: None
• Delivery Method: ? On-campus, Online
• Cost: $365.28
• Lab Fees: $83.73
• Total: $449.01
• Course Outline

ENGL-100 – English Composition

English 100 focuses on composition strategies for writing across academic disciplines. Over the course of the term, students will develop an awareness of how rhetorical situations affect composition and refine their understanding of the fundamentals of essay writing (and clear communication more broadly), including paragraphing, thesis statements, essay structure, and citation methods. Students will also learn the fundamentals of critical thinking and analysis, persuasive writing techniques (including rhetorical appeals and modes), scholarly research, and academic reading.

• Minimum Credits: 3
• Length: 45 hours
• Prerequisites: Minimum 65% in either English 12, English Studies 12, English First Peoples 12, ENGL 090, or equivalent.
• Delivery Method: ? Blended, On-campus, Online
• Cost: $365.28
• Course Outline

ATBO-114 – Wilderness First Aid

The Wilderness First Aid course covers in-depth principles in medical and legal aspects relative to injury prevention and care, including: regulations; legislation; contagious/infectious disease; assessment; communication; anatomy and physiology; airway management; respiratory emergencies; cardiac arrest; circulatory; soft tissue and wound management; injuries to eyes; ears; nose; throat; burns; poisons; and environmental emergencies including other considerations in wilderness survival. This WFA course meets the certification requirements for adventure guides working in the adventure tourism industry.

• Minimum Credits: 2
• Length: 60 hours
• Prerequisites: None
• Delivery Method: ? On-campus
• Cost: $243.52
• Lab Fees: $354.25
• Total: $597.77
• Course Outline

ATBO-131 – White Water Kayaking Level 1

This course is designed to introduce and develop white water kayak skills and develop confidence and self-reliance in the whitewater environment. Students are educated in equipment design and selection, trip preparation, evaluation of hazards, conservative decision-making and leadership in the sport of white water kayaking. Instruction begins on flat water, and then moves to grade 1 white water as student skill levels increase. As skills are further developed, students will progress to grade 2 white water and potentially on to grade 3 white water if appropriate for the student.

• Minimum Credits: 2
• Length: 48 hours
• Prerequisites: Students must be 19 years old to take this course. Corequisites: ATBO 106
• Delivery Method: ? On-campus
• Cost: $243.52
• Lab Fees: $354.25
• Total: $597.77
• Course Outline

ATBO-132 – Canoe Guide Skills

This course is designed to teach general knowledge of the sport and history of canoeing, and to develop canoeing skills on flat water, and on moving water. Instruction is provided in teaching canoe strokes first on flat water, and then progressing to develop these strokes to be effective on moving water. This is a Canoe Guide Certification course with the Recreational Canoe Association of BC. Successful students who pass the certification exam are certified as RCABC Day Guides.

• Minimum Credits: 2
• Length: 48 hours
• Prerequisites: None
• Delivery Method: ? On-campus
• Cost: $243.52
• Lab Fees: $354.25
• Total: $597.77
• Course Outline

ATBO-133 – Sea Kayaking Level 1

This course is an introductory course designed to teach students the fundamental skills and knowledge of sea kayak guiding, and to improve sea kayak paddling technique. Emphasis is placed on navigation, rescue techniques, marine radio operation, and coastal natural interpretation. Client care, risk management knowledge, and safety awareness are also covered. This is a Level I Certification Course with the Sea Kayak Guides Alliance of BC. Successful students are certified as SKGABC Level 1 Guides.

• Minimum Credits: 2
• Length: 80 hours
• Prerequisites: ATBO 105
• Delivery Method: ? On-campus
• Cost: $243.52
• Lab Fees: $354.25
• Total: $597.77
• Course Outline

ATBO-141 – Rock Climbing Level 1

This course introduces the student to the basics of top roped climbing. Students learn the basic knots, safety procedures, equipment use, and rope handling skills, group management, and climbing techniques to safely set up and climb basic top roped climbs.

• Minimum Credits: 2
• Length: 40 hours
• Prerequisites: Students must be 19 years old to take this course. Corequisites: ATBO 106
• Delivery Method: ? On-campus
• Cost: $243.52
• Lab Fees: $354.25
• Total: $597.77
• Course Outline

ATBO-142 – Ice Climbing Level 1

This course introduces the student to the techniques and skills used in waterfall ice climbing. Safety and hazard management is the focus as the students learn anchor building, ice evaluation, belay considerations, and moderate and vertical ice climbing techniques.

• Minimum Credits: 2
• Length: 40 hours
• Prerequisites: ATBO 141. ATBO 123 and ATBO 106 must be taken either prior to or concurrently. Students must be 19 years old to take this course.
• Delivery Method: ? On-campus
• Cost: $243.52
• Lab Fees: $354.25
• Total: $597.77
• Course Outline

ATBO-151 – Ski/Snowboard Instructor Level 1

This certification course allows students to become certified to work as a ski or snowboard instructor. Topics include the fundamentals of skiing or snowboarding technique, the responsibility code, learner progressions and the use of ski area lifts. The alpine skiers take the CSIA Alpine Ski Instructor Level 1 Certification course. The snowboarders take the CASI Snowboard Instructor Level 1 Certification course.

This course remains consistent with the standards expected of the CSIA and CASI certification courses.

• Minimum Credits: 2
• Length: 48 hours
• Prerequisites: Completed or concurrently enrolled in: ATBO106 – Experiential Leadership & Guiding (3)
• Delivery Method: ? On-campus, Practicum
• Cost: $243.52
• Lab Fees: $354.25
• Total: $597.77
• Course Outline

ATBO-152 – Winter Back Country Travel Level 1

This course is designed to teach students the skills necessary for backcountry skiing and snowboarding in avalanche terrain. Topics include appropriate equipment selection and use, uphill and downhill travel techniques, navigation and route finding in the mountains. A large focus of this course is learning about travelling in avalanche terrain, and learning how to identify and manage the avalanche risk.

• Minimum Credits: 2
• Length: 40 hours
• Prerequisites: ATBO 151 Ski/Snowboard Instructor, or equivalent experience. Also, students must be 19 years old to take this course. Corequisites: ATBO 105
• Delivery Method: ? On-campus
• Cost: $243.52
• Lab Fees: $354.25
• Total: $597.77
• Course Outline

ATBO-171 – Mountain Bike Skills Level 1

In this course, students will begin by learning about the sport of mountain biking. Students will be taught basic and intermediate riding skills, through a structured lesson plan. This course will also give an overview of different bike types and components, and how to set up and maintain these bikes with simple repairs on the trail.

This course is designed to introduce students to the professional standards, leadership and teaching philosophies, riding competencies, and curriculum of the Professional Mountain Bike Instructor Association (PMBIA).

• Minimum Credits: 2
• Length: 40 hours
• Prerequisites: None
• Delivery Method: ? On-campus
• Cost: $243.52
• Lab Fees: $354.25
• Total: $597.77
• Course Outline

ACCT-263 – Financial Accounting for Tourism Majors

This course is designed to teach non-accounting majors to understand the accounting records of a small business and/or to give them the opportunity to use an accounting software program. Concepts, terminology and principles are introduced at a basic level. Topics include revenue and expense recognition, cash vs. accrual accounting, the accounting cycle and analysis of financial statements and other financial information.

• Minimum Credits: 3
• Length: 45 hours
• Prerequisites: Either English 12, English Studies 12, English First Peoples 12, ENGL 090, or equivalent .Recommended: Minimum 60% in either MATH 080, MATH 082, Foundations 11, Pre-Calculus 11, Essentials 11, Applications 11, Principles 11, Computer Science 11, Computer Science 12, Foundations of Math 12, Pre-Calculus 12, Geometry 12, Statistics 12, or equivalent.
• Delivery Method: ? On-campus, Online
• Cost: $365.28
• Course Outline

ATBO-201 – Advanced Natural Interpretation and Environmental Education

Advanced Natural Interpretation and Environmental Education builds on the knowledge and skills gained in ATBO 107. In this course, students continue their exploration of the natural and cultural history of BC, flora and fauna, species identification, and ecosystem relationships in greater depth within the context of the Adventure Tourism Industry. Students explore Indigenous perspectives on course topics. Students also learn how to plan interpretive programs and environmental education for a variety of audiences Knowledge and skills gained from this course are applied through the creation and delivery of an interpretive program. Students come away from this course with a toolkit full of activities, ideas, games and resources they can use to implement interpretive programs in a wide-variety of settings and environmental education. This course includes Interpretive Specialist certification course with the Interpretive Guide Association.

• Minimum Credits: 3
• Length: 45 hours
• Prerequisites: ATBO 107 or equivalent
• Delivery Method: ? On-campus
• Cost: $365.28
• Lab Fees: $408.16
• Total: $773.44
• Course Outline

ATBO-207 – Sustainable Tourism and Environmental Stewardship

Through the use of case studies from existing tourism developments cited from around the world, the learners examine the economic, environment and social impacts of tourism. Throughout this course, learners examine the relationship between tourism, tourism stakeholders and the management and conservation of natural resources. Discussions are centered on the context of sustainable development and balancing the needs of ecosystems, communities and visitors. Planning and management implications for sustainable tourism are also explored. The roles of various agencies and organizations managing natural resources are examined in terms of their tourism/outdoor recreation roles.

• Minimum Credits: 3
• Length: 45 hours
• Prerequisites: None
• Delivery Method: ? On-campus
• Cost: $365.28
• Course Outline

ATBO-208 – Cross Cultural Tourism

This course is aimed at increasing awareness and sensitivity towards your own and other cultures. In an engaging and experiential setting, you become aware of the complex dynamics of cultural tourism and develop a base of skills and knowledge needed to facilitate cross-cultural adventure tourism in ways that are culturally-relevant and empowering. You also develop cross-cultural communication and conflict resolution skills as you explore issues related to the preservation of culture and heritage. Overall, you gain a critical perspective of the economic, cultural and environmental impacts and opportunities associated with this unique niche of adventure tourism.

• Minimum Credits: 3
• Length: 45 hours
• Prerequisites: None
• Delivery Method: ? On-campus
• Cost: $365.28
• Lab Fees: $83.73
• Total: $449.01
• Course Outline

ATBO-213 – Work Experience Practicum

The primary goal of the work placement is to further develop the student’s skills and knowledge in the adventure tourism industry. Students will have the opportunity to practice skills gained in the program, and to receive feedback on their competencies. Students will complete 250 hours of work placement in an approved tourism related operation. This placement may be extended for students planning on completing a Tourism Management Diploma Program.

• Minimum Credits: 3
• Length: 250 hours
• Prerequisites: Enrolment in the Adventure Tourism Business Operations Diploma program.
• Delivery Method: ? On-campus
• Cost: $365.28
• Course Outline

ATBO-221 – Backpacking Level 2

This course continues to build on the skills and knowledge developed in ATBO 121 Backpack Level 1. The hiking conditions are more challenging, and students learn the skills necessary to lead backpacking trips in the wilderness. This course is designed to prepare students for the ACMG day Hiking and Backpacking Guide exams.

• Minimum Credits: 2
• Length: 48 hours
• Prerequisites: ATBO 121
• Delivery Method: ? On-campus
• Cost: $243.52
• Lab Fees: $408.16
• Total: $651.68
• Course Outline

MGMT-316 – Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management

This course introduces the students to the basics of entrepreneurship and small business management. Students gain an understanding of how to establish and manage a small business. An essential part of the course is the students’ development of research and analysis skills. The application of the knowledge is demonstrated by the student completing a business plan.

• Minimum Credits: 3
• Length: 45 hours
• Prerequisites: A minimum grade of C- (55%) in ACCT 261 or ACCT 263; A minimum grade of C- (55%) in MKTG 281; and A minimum grade of C- (55%) in ENGL 100 or COMC 101 or COMC 110. Corequisites: ACCT 261 or ACCT 263 and MKTG 281 may be taken as a corequisite.
• Delivery Method: ? On-campus, Online
• Cost: $365.28
• Course Outline

MKTG-281 – Principles of Marketing

This course defines and examines the marketing process as it applies to marketing products and services in public, private and not-for-profit organizations. Students gain insight into the complex and interdependent variables involved in developing successful marketing strategies. Through case studies, online discussion, simulation, and in class activities, students will plan a marketing strategy for a specific target audience taking into consideration current trends in product mix, communications, and technology.

• Minimum Credits: 3
• Length: 45 hours
• Prerequisites: Either English Studies 12, English First Peoples 12, ENGL 090, or equivalent.
• Delivery Method: ? On-campus, Online
• Cost: $365.28
• Course Outline

ATBO-210 – ATBO Capstone

This course serves as the conceptual and technical culmination of the ATBO Diploma Program. Students will reflect on their learning process, to consolidate their learning, and to begin preparation for their transition to the workforce.

• Minimum Credits: 1
• Length: 15 hours
• Prerequisites: ATBO 2nd year standing
• Delivery Method: ? On-campus
• Cost: $121.76
• Course Outline

ATBO-230 – Swift Water Rescue Technician

This course covers river rescue principles and techniques as they apply to canoes, kayaks, rafts and other personal watercraft designed for river use. Topics include river and rescue terminology, basic rescue theory and equipment, drowning, hypothermia, moving water rescues, and rope systems. This is delivered by ATBO in conjunction with Rescue Canada. Successful students receive industry certification through Rescue Canada.

• Minimum Credits: 2
• Length: 40 hours
• Prerequisites: None
• Delivery Method: ? On-campus
• Cost: $243.52
• Lab Fees: $408.16
• Total: $651.68
• Course Outline

ATBO-233 – Sea Kayaking Level 2

This Sea Kayaking Level 2 training course exposes the student to the techniques and theory of ocean kayaking, equipment care and use, route selection, navigation, self rescue techniques, coastal kayaking hazard awareness, group management, tour guiding, and leadership. Coastal environment natural history topics are presented. Students learn ecologically sound ocean kayaking and camping techniques.

• Minimum Credits: 2
• Length: 80 hours
• Prerequisites: ATBO 133
• Delivery Method: ? On-campus
• Cost: $243.52
• Lab Fees: $408.16
• Total: $651.68
• Course Outline

ATBO-241 – Rock Climbing Level 2

This course builds on the skills learned in ATBO 141 Rock Climbing Level 1. Students review and expand on their learning of the basic knots, safety procedures, rope skills, group management and climbing techniques used to climb on top rope climbing systems. The course then progresses on to some more advanced climbing skills, including lead climbing skills, and rock rescue techniques.

• Minimum Credits: 2
• Length: 56 hours
• Prerequisites: ATBO 141 Rock Climbing Level 1
• Delivery Method: ? On-campus
• Cost: $243.52
• Lab Fees: $408.16
• Total: $651.68
• Course Outline

ATBO-242 – Mountaineering

This mountaineering course will cover the fundamental skills required to travel safely and efficiently in alpine terrain. These skills will include the following: navigation with map and compass, knot tying, equipment selection and use, route planning, glacier travel, interpreting glacier morphology, crevasse rescue, snow, ice and rock anchors recognition and climbing movement. Students should be motivated to travel in glaciated terrain and to make some peak ascents.

• Minimum Credits: 2
• Length: 56 hours
• Prerequisites: ATBO 221 and ATBO 141
• Delivery Method: ? On-campus
• Cost: $243.52
• Lab Fees: $408.16
• Total: $651.68
• Course Outline

ATBO-250 – Avalanche Skills Training Level 2

This course is designed for the intermediate back country skier or splitboarder who wants to start exploring more complex avalanche terrain independently. This course will emphasize the practical collection and analysis of relevant data that an average backcountry skier or splitboarder would be able to use as the basis for making decisions regarding travel in avalanche terrain.

This course follows the curriculum for the Canadian Avalanche Centre Avalanche Skills Training Level 2 course. Successful students will receive a CAC AST Level 2 Certification.

• Minimum Credits: 2
• Length: 40 hours
• Prerequisites: Completed or concurrently enrolled in: ATBO152 – Winter Back Country Travel Level 1
• Delivery Method: ? On-campus
• Cost: $243.52
• Lab Fees: $408.16
• Total: $651.68
• Course Outline

ATBO-252 – Winter Back Country Travel Level 2

This course builds on the backcountry travel skills learned on a variety of day trips on the ATBO 152 Winter Backcountry Travel Level 1 course. Now these skills will be applied to a multi-day ski tour in high alpine terrain. More challenging conditions encountered will include skiing or split-boarding with a multi-day backpack, facing more exposure to the weather, having longer days of travel, and being more involved in the decision-making process. This course will include skills training sessions learning new skills (such as glacier travel, crevasse rescue, and white-out navigation), and will also involve travel days applying these new skills learned. This course could include some peak ascents if conditions are favorable.

• Minimum Credits: 2
• Length: 48 hours
• Prerequisites: ATBO 152
• Delivery Method: ? On-campus
• Cost: $243.52
• Lab Fees: $408.16
• Total: $651.68
• Course Outline

ATBO-260 – Adventure Industry Certification

This course is offered as an independent study course which allows each student to focus his or her training into a specific area of interest or relevance to the student. The training must be agreed upon between the student, and the Adventure Tourism Business Operations Diploma Coordinator. Typically, this course is an adventure tourism industry recognized certification course of at least 40 hours duration.

Examples of industry certification courses that would meet the above criteria include: – Canadian Avalanche Association, Ski Operations Level 1 Certification – Association of Canadian Mountain Guides, Back Packing Guide or Top Rope Climbing Instructor – Canadian Ski Instructors Alliance, Level 2 – Recreational Canoe Association of BC, Whitewater Canoe Instructor – Interpretive Guides Alliance, Professional Interpreter

The ATBO 260 Adventure Industry Certification course is considered complete upon successful completion of the specific industry certification course as agreed upon between the student and the ATBO Coordinator.

• Minimum Credits: 2
• Length: 40 hours
• Prerequisites: None
• Delivery Method: ? On-campus
• Cost: $243.52
• Course Outline