Earn Your P.Eng. Continuing Education Hours
Professional development courses recognized for credit by engineering associations across Canada.
Course Introduction
This IAONR-sponsored program is designed for Canadian Professional Engineers (P.Eng.) seeking to meet their Continuing Education (CE) requirements and expand their professional knowledge. The curriculum delivers practical, industry-relevant insights, combining applied learning with recognized standards of professional practice. Upon completion, participants will receive a verifiable certificate confirming CE Hours.
Course Overview
COURSE 1: INTRODUCTION TO UNDERSTANDING RISK IN THE CONTEXT OF RADICAL UNCERTAINTY
(LED BY DR. DAVIDE ELMO, UBC) - This course equips engineers with tools to confront uncertainty in geotechnical and natural resource systems, exploring decision-making when data and models fall short.
Module 1: (1 hour asynchronous)
- Definitions
- Limits of quantification in complex natural systems
- Problem analysis: when historical data fails
Module 2: Complex Systems and Emergent Behaviour (1 hour asynchronous)
- Non-linear dynamics in natural resource systems
- Cascade failures and system interactions
- Problem analysis: unforeseen failure modes
Module 3: Decision-Making Under Ignorance (1 hour asynchronous)
- When it is reasonable to say “I don‘t know”
- Precautionary principle vs. innovation
- Problem analysis: acting without models (economic pressures vs. incomplete rock mass characterization)
Module 4: Adaptive Approaches and Resilience (1 hour asynchronous)
- Building antifragility into engineering design
- Scenario planning beyond probability bounds
- Problem analysis: managing irreversible decisions (we cannot “un-move” rock once extracted)
Module 5: Navigating the Unknown (1 hour synchronous)
- Philosophical debate: Can engineering design handle radical uncertainty?
- Professional liability under uncertainty
Dr. Davide Elmo
PROFESSOR OF ROCK MECHANICS & ROCK ENGINEERING, UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA
- B.Eng. (Hons), Engineering Geology and Geotechnics
- Ph.D., Geomechanics & Rock Mechanics, University of Exeter
- P.Eng., Licensed Professional Engineer, BC
- Fellow, Geological Society of London
- 190+ publications (73 peer-reviewed journal articles)
- Advisor to projects in North America, South America, Australia
Dr. Davide Elmo is a Professor of Rock Mechanics & Rock Engineering at the University of British Columbia and a Licensed Professional Engineer in British Columbia.
With two decades of consulting and research experience, he brings extensive expertise in geotechnical engineering across open-pit mining, block caving, and underground mining applications.
Dr. Elmo has gained international recognition for his pioneering work on uncertainty and human factors in geotechnical engineering. His research addresses the critical challenge of quantifying geological uncertainty by developing advanced discrete fracture network (DFN) models that more accurately characterize uncertain rock mass conditions.
He has conducted significant analysis on the reliability and limitations of traditional geological characterization methods while investigating how engineers assess and interpret geological data when faced with inherent uncertainty. A key focus of his work includes research on the "rock bridge paradox", addressing the fundamental challenge of defining and measuring geological features before failure occurs.
Through his combined theoretical knowledge and practical expertise, Dr. Elmo continues to advance mining engineering practices and our understanding of geological uncertainty in complex rock environments.
COURSE 2: PYTHON FOR PRACTICAL CIVIL AND GEOTECHNICAL APPLICATIONS
(LED BY DR. AMI MITELMAN, UBC) - This course introduces engineers to the practical use of Python in civil and geotechnical engineering. Through hands-on examples, participants will learn to apply coding and machine-learning techniques to real-world problems.
Module 1: (1 hour asynchronous)
- Overview of Python as a tool for engineers.
- Introduction to current machine-learning and AI tools relevant to engineering practice.
Module 2: Earth retaining wall analysis (1 hour asynchronous)
- Engineering background: embedded earth-retaining walls.
- Worked example: applying Python for retaining wall analysis.
Module 3: Slope stability probabilistic analysis (1 hour asynchronous)
- Engineering background: Slope stability and Monte Carlo Simulations.
- Worked example: applying Python for probabilistic slope stability analysis.
Module 4: Concrete strength prediction using machine-learning (1 hour asynchronous)
- Engineering background: fundamentals of concrete components and strength.
- Worked example: using machine-learning to analyze a large data set and predict concrete strength.
Module 5: Summary and discussion (1 hour synchronous)
- Debate: Do civil engineers need coding skills in the age of AI?
- Summary, open Q&A in extending the skills for to participants’ needs.
Dr. Ami Mitelman
GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEER & RESEARCHER, VANCOUVER, CANADA
- B.Eng., Civil Engineering, Ariel University
- M.A.Sc. & Ph.D. (2021), Mining Engineering, University of British Columbia – research in tunnel-support analysis
- Geotechnical Engineer, Vancouver, Canada
- Consulting experience with leading firms including WSP, as well as independent practice
Dr. Ami Mitelman earned his bachelor's degree in civil engineering in Ariel University, and a Master’s and PhD (2021) from the University of British Columbia’s Mining Department, where his research focused on tunnel-support analysis.
He has worked both independently and with leading firms such as WSP, providing consulting services on a wide range of geotechnical applications.
He has published over 30 peer-reviewed papers covering soil and rock mechanics, tunnels and retaining walls, civil engineering project management, and the application of machine-learning in geotechnical engineering.
Course Price Options
Bronze - Single Course
$250
- Choose Course 1 or Course 2
- 5 hours of accredited instruction
- Certificate of Completion
- IAONR Annual Membership
- Special Price for IAONR Members ($200)
Silver - Both Courses
$450
- Course 1 + Course 2 (10 hours total)
- 10 hours of accredited instruction
- Two Certificates of Completion
- Save $50 on bundle pricing
- IAONR Annual Membership
Gold - Full Access + Membership
$425
- Course 1 + Course 2 (10 hours total)
- Two Certificates of Completion
- Includes IAONR Annual Membership
- Networking + member benefits
- Best Value - Save $75 + perks
Ready to Enroll?
Secure your spot today and take the next step in your professional growth. Spaces are limited, and early registration is recommended.
Key Dates
- Registration Deadline: February 25, 2026
- Course Start Date: Early April, 2026
- Delivery: Online
Step-by-Step Enrollment
- Choose Your Package: Select Bronze, Silver, or Gold.
- Register Online: Visit our course registration page.
- Confirm Your Seat: Complete payment securely.
- Start Learning: You'll receive a confirmation email with all details.
or call +1-672-558-9624
Testimonials and Partnerships
"The instructors are leading experts who make complex ideas accessible. I now feel more confident tackling risk and resilience in my projects."
- Lorna Alvarado, Mining Engineer, Vancouver
"IAONR programs provide not just knowledge, but also professional connections that last."
- Environmental Consultant
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