Diploma in General Arts and Science

at Algonquin College - Ottawa Campus Canada

The two-year Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technician Ontario College Diploma program, delivered in a compressed format over 42 weeks, is approved by the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) and is taught in Algonquin`s state-of-the-art Algonquin Centre for Construction Excellence (ACCE) building. By studying in the ACCE building, you have the opportunity to work in a fully-outfitted facility where you learn both traditional and advanced technologies used in the industry.

Start the program by learning electrical and heating essentials – all courses have a strong hands-on component. To better prepare you for a career in the industry, vocational subjects are enriched with courses in:

• Communications
• Mathematics
• Related sciences
• Computer applications

Continue to enhance your knowledge and skills throughout the remainder of the program, and learn about controls, forced air gas/oil heating systems, hydronics and refrigeration concepts.

Algonquin College`s program also includes an approved curriculum for:

• Gas Technician 3 (G3) and 2 (G2)
• Oil Burner Technician 3 (OBT3) and 2 (OBT2).

This means that you have an opportunity to prepare for and write your TSSA exams, in order to become licensed as a Gas Technician and Oil Burner Technician during the program. At the end of your second term, you may be eligible to apply to write your G3 and OBT3 certificates of qualification. At the end of your final term, you may be eligible to apply for your G2 and OBT2 certificates of qualification, making you more employable in the field.

Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

• Relate effectively to heating, refrigeration, and air conditioning supervisors, coworkers, and customers.
• Work safely and in accordance with all applicable acts, regulations, legislation, and codes to ensure personal and public safety.
• Select and use a variety of heating, refrigeration, and air conditioning tools and equipment safely and properly.
• Solve math and applied science problems required to effectively install and maintain heating, refrigeration, and air conditioning systems, and associated components.
• Prepare and interpret electrical, mechanical, and piping drawings.
• Install, service, and troubleshoot heating, refrigeration, air conditioning systems, and associated components.
• Develop strategies for ongoing personal and professional development, that will lead to enhanced work performance and career opportunities, and keep pace with industry changes.
• Identify and apply discipline specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.

This four-year honours degree program provides students with a foundation in digital storytelling and digital technology, allowing them to effectively craft a message for a target audience and to create a communications plan to disseminate this message. Graduates of advertising, public relations and marketing diploma and advanced diploma programs may be awarded advanced standing.

Students gain theoretical and practical knowledge regarding media channel selection, digital storytelling, marketing communications research, digital analytics and global communications. The program utilizes case studies and fieldwork to provide opportunities for students to practice the newly-acquired skills in a real-world context. Additionally, students conduct marketing research, utilize digital analytics and marketing research to make decisions and craft communications plans for clients within the classroom setting.

Graduates may seek employment in media and communications departments within:

• Government
• Non-profit organizations
• Associations
• Advertising and digital agencies
• Private corporations

They may work in areas such as journalism, advertising, public relations, marketing communications, professional writing and social media.

Co-op Information
The proposed Bachelor of Digital Media and Marketing Communications includes two co-op work terms, one optional and one mandatory. The mandatory co-op work term must be completed successfully to qualify for graduation. Both work terms are scheduled for the summer semester (May - August) when potential employers/supervisors are likely to have the greatest need for additional help. These work terms will be fourteen (14) weeks in length.

The first optional co-op work term follows the second year of study. It is expected that after four (4) semesters, students will have gained the foundational knowledge to make a reasonable contribution in the workplace with supervision. The first co-op work term will help students expand their understanding of potential areas of specialty within the industry.

The second mandatory co-op work term follows the third year of study. After six semesters, students will be able to function with a sense of autonomy and demonstrate a greater level of contribution than possible in the optional first co-op work term. This second mandatory co-op work term will help in building practical work experience and will act as an educational tool in subsequent semesters.

The two-year Interior Decorating Ontario College Diploma program develops your creativity and artistic flair in residential and commercial interiors. Recognized by the Decorators & Designers Association of Canada (DDA), this program prepares you with the essential design and client relations skills needed to succeed as an Interior Decorator.

Develop your creativity through hands-on projects using modern digital techniques as well as traditional skills. Create appealing atmospheres, discover current trends, choose effective colour palettes, understand complex kitchen and bath design, and manipulate elements such as furnishings, finishes and lighting. Work with individuals and/or businesses to improve residential and commercial spaces to enhance the users` experience.

The program provides an opportunity for you expand your real-world experience through competition and real community projects. Moreover, you are able to gain valuable industry experience and contacts as well as apply your skills during your 42-hour field/work placement during your final semester.

There are many career opportunities in the industry after graduation. Graduates may find employment as a:

• Residential or commercial decorator
• Kitchen and bath designer
• Set decorator
• Staging and colour consultant
• Exhibit designer
• Sales/product representative
• Window display and merchandising consultant for retail spaces or photo shoots

The four-year Bachelor of Automation and Robotics (Honours) degree program prepares you for a career in the field of automation and robotics.

Autonomous and remotely operated systems are deployed the world over with ever increasing frequency. Such systems are being implemented in many instances to reduce risk to human workers, to achieve higher efficiencies in manufacturing and to improve the quality of lives through robot-assisted rehabilitation and care. Variations of these systems are often in place for reasons of feasibility, efficiency, safety or practicality. Traditionally, in order to develop such systems, collaborative expertise and knowledge in aspects of mechanical and electrical engineering as well as computer science is necessary. Through a combination of these three fields of engineering, this program helps you acquire the theoretical and applied expertise to succeed in the field of automation and robotics.

As a student in this program, you acquire knowledge and skills specific to electrical engineering, mechanical engineering and computer science, including:

• Engineering principles, professionalism and methodologies
• Fundamentals of mathematics, technical writing, dynamics, electronics, computer programming, optical systems and materials science
• Machine design, control systems, electromechanical actuators, sensors, vision systems and the software necessary to design and simulate autonomous and remotely operated systems and components
• Project planning and management, and research and leadership skills

This co-operative education program provides you with learning opportunities through industrial and/or applied research placements. A comprehensive final year project tied to the needs of industry exists to challenge you, presenting the opportunity to test and further develop knowledge and skills. If you are interested in the potential of self-employment, you have an opportunity to foster entrepreneurial aspirations.

Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to

• Analyze, design, modify and support mechanical, software and electrical components, processes and systems by applying fundamentals of engineering.
• Build functional robotic components by researching and integrating knowledge from mechanical, electrical and software engineering practices.
• Customize existing non-autonomous systems into autonomous or semi-autonomous systems by designing and integrating solutions and developing autonomy algorithms and controls.
• Analyze and solve complex technical problems in the field of robotics and automation by applying the principles of engineering and mathematics.
• Develop, execute and interpret quantitative and qualitative analysis and tests for industrial mechatronic and automation systems.
• Lead and perform diagnostics on a variety of industrial automation controls, sensors, data acquisition devices and interfaces by developing and using troubleshooting skills and techniques.
• Ensure all work is performed in compliance of relevant laws, codes, regulations, policies, ethical principles, safety procedures and engineering practices and standards.
• Contribute to the on-going and upcoming innovation and research in the robotics and automation field.
• Develop entrepreneurship and effective business planning skills to innovate robotics technology targeting new and existing local and global markets.
• Develop personal and professional strategies and plans to adapt to change, maintain currency and foster interprofessionalism.
• Manage the project and communication with clients and other professionals to translate abstract ideas into tangible project requirements and products.
• Identify and apply discipline-specific factors that enable the contribution to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.

Culinary Management is a two- year Ontario Diploma program that is curated to train the students to become professional chefs by putting a great emphasis on the advanced culinary skills, hands-on experience and managerial training. The curriculum includes courses on sanitation and safety procedures, food preparation, computer applications, the control of food costs, baking techniques, and nutrition and menu planning and the students are required to complete all the industry- related certifications to graduate. 

The students get multiple chances to participate in various activities, event s and competitions at the different hotels, restaurants and event facilities to develop their skills and knowledge. Students are required to complete a mandatory 40-hour field placement per term in order to graduate from the program.

The graduates of the program can seek employment in food preparation and service establishments like cafeterias, restaurants, senior care facilities, hotels, cruise ships or catering companies.

The one-year Advanced Care Paramedic Ontario College Graduate Certificate program is accredited by EQual Accreditation Canada and adheres to the National Occupation Competency Profile for advanced care paramedic practice. It is designed to train current Primary Care Paramedics (PCP) in all aspects of advanced care paramedicine.

Build on your existing knowledge and skills to develop greater critical-thinking processes, increased leadership qualities, and master advanced skills in respiratory care, cardiac care, pharmacology, trauma care, obstetrics and pediatrics care and medical emergencies.

The program is comprised of three components:

• A didactic and scenario practice portion which is scheduled three days per week for 14 weeks;
• One hospital clinical practicum which is approximately 200 hours spread over the second and third semesters; and
• A preceptorship (672 hours paramedic practicum) which is scheduled over a 17-week period. Students must take a comprehensive written examination and oral board examination with the program medical director at the end of the practicum.

The authority to practice as an advanced care paramedic student (ACP) is contingent on being in good standing with a Paramedic Service (if applicable) and upon certification by a medical director.

The two-year Office Administration - Legal Ontario College Diploma program prepares you for a rewarding career in a variety of legal office environments.
Develop essential legal theoretical and applied skills by engaging in extensive learning in a simulated office in the areas of:

• Wills and estates
• Real estate
• Corporate law
• Litigation and family law

Apply your knowledge by preparing client files, producing documents using specialized legal software and Microsoft Office applications, transcribing, citing, applying accounting practices, and learning how to manage a legal office. You also have the opportunity to participate in a legal environment work placement allowing you to practice your skills.

Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

• Conduct oneself professionally and adhere to relevant legislation, standards and codes of ethics.
• Manage the scheduling, coordination and organization of administrative tasks and workflow within specific deadlines and according to set priorities and procedures.
• Coordinate the collection, analysis, distribution and response to communications in the workplace to facilitate the flow of information.
• Operate and provide support to others related to the use of office equipment and technologies.
• Evaluate, establish and administer legal records management systems* to ensure confidential, secure, accessible and organized electronic and paper records*.
• Produce client account and billing records for legal services by compiling relevant information and using accounting software.
• Produce legal documentation for corporate, civil, family, real estate and wills and estates law using available technologies and applying industry standards.
• Use interpersonal and client service skills to respond to diversity and to support the goals of the organization.
• Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.

The Social Service Worker (Intensive) program, comprised of three terms, is an accelerated model of the two-year Social Service Worker program. This program is available for students who have completed prior post-secondary education in a related field (six courses in psychology, anthropology, and/or sociology).

Through theory and practical experiences, the program prepares you to support a wide range of client groups and communities who are in the process of change or growth, including those impacted by issues such as:

• loss and separation
• family crisis
• poverty
• violence
• homelessness
• addiction
• disability
• unemployment
• oppression
• resettlement issues

As a student, you complete one field placement experience totaling more than 350 hours. You identify, practice and incorporate theoretical knowledge at a level that provides top client service. As well, you strengthen the bond between yourself and the community by participating in various applied research projects and direct practice opportunities. With these opportunities, you are ready to work on the front line of social services.

Graduates may secure employment as Social Service Workers in provincial, municipal and private social service agencies including:

• drop-in centres
• employment services
• addiction and mental health services
• schools and youth services
• community health and resource centres
• shelters
• residential treatment programs

The Bachelor of Information Technology (BIT) – Interactive Multimedia and Design degree is a joint collaboration between Algonquin College and Carleton University; graduates of the program receive a Bachelor of Information Technology degree as well as an Interactive Media Development Ontario College Advanced Diploma.

The degree is designed to offer students programming centred around both a practical experience and a theoretical background. For more information about each of these unique collaborative degrees, applicants should visit bitdegree.ca

Accredited by the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists (OACETT), Computer Systems Technician is a two year Ontario College Diploma program that prepares the students for a career in either the public or the private sector in Information technology. 

The program focuses on the technical aspects of widely used troubleshooting techniques and components for networking technologies, system administration, computer hardware, operating systems, and a suite of related support and application software packages along with developing the communication skills, IT workplace ethics, technical report writing skills, customer support/interpersonal skills, workplace health and safety knowledge. 

The requirements and subject matter found in certifications, such as Computer Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) A+, Network+, Linux+, Security+,  Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) and Cisco Academy CCENT/CCNA are explored, and the students are encouraged to write relevant industry certifications once they have met the requirements.

The college provides the students with access to the most modern computing facilities running Windows and GNU/Linux/UNIX-based operating system (O/S) platforms, hardware labs, Aruba and Cisco, specialized networking, network-based O/S servers, licensed versions of selected Microsoft O/S, VMWare and supporting a wide variety of pre-installed software applications offering them great exposure to real-world technologies.