Graduate Certificate in Interdisciplinary Studies in Human-Centred Design (Co-op)

at Algonquin College - Ottawa Campus Canada

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

Build your career potential with an in-depth understanding of building and construction

Architectural Technology is the third year of an Ontario College Advanced Diploma program that prepares you for a career in the architectural profession and the construction industry. The program gives you the credentials, the knowledge and the skills necessary to further define your career. Graduates of the two-year Architectural Technician Ontario College Diploma program may consider taking the third year, Architectural Technology program to build on their previous studies.

In the Architectural Technology program, you focus on commercial construction and large buildings, as defined in the Ontario Building Code. You participate in a team project that brings together all facets of building construction, including:

• Design and technical resolution with the integration of building and material detailing
• Structural and mechanical layout design for a commercial building assembly
• Revit Architecture is used to execute the design and technical resolution for the project. 

Students also have the option to gain real-world experience through a paid co-operative education (co-op) work term (see Additional Information for more details). Please note that places in the co-op version of the program are subject to availability.

Graduates of this program may find work with:

• Architects` offices
• Contractors in multiple sectors
• Engineering offices
• Building materials sales representatives
• Municipal offices such as the City of Ottawa
• Federal and provincial agencies dealing with construction
• Drafting service offices using AutoCAD and Revit
• Real estate and facilities management companies
• Companies that provide construction, maintenance, and planning services 

The two-year General Arts and Science Ontario College Diploma with a concentration in Aviation Management program provides you with the knowledge and skills to become a commercial pilot.

Learn the required level of proficiency necessary to complete the Transport Canada Pilot License written examination (CPAER) and practical flight test. Some classes take place at the Ottawa Flying Club, Rockliffe Flying Club and the Canadian Aviation and Space Museum, providing all the skills needed to start your career.

Industry-professional instructors also teach you practical skills such as fuel handling, aircraft handling, and winter operations. Learn about cockpit resource management, maintenance skills and dispatching. Acquire a background in business and management, which prepares you for various facets of the aviation industry.

Experience up to 200 hours of flight experience at an Algonquin College approved flying partner. It is a non-funded activity that costs $70,000 over the two years and is subject to change without notice.
In your final semester, you can elect to take a course in either Instructor Rating, Float Rating or Initial Aeroplane Type Rating, each of which will help you specialize for future employment opportunities.

With this one-year General Arts and Science - Justice Studies Ontario College Certificate program, expand your knowledge related to the justice, legal or law enforcement fields. Take courses in criminology, the Canadian criminal justice system and politics. Explore social sciences in courses such as pscyhology, sociology, addiction and human relations.

You receive an Ontario College Certificate in General Arts and Science - One Year, with a concentration in Justice Studies. This certificate prepares you to be successful in other Algonquin College programs, some of which include:

• Police Foundations
• Community and Justice Services
• Law Clerk

The two-year Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant Ontario College Diploma program gives you the knowledge and skills to work under an Occupational Therapist and/or Physiotherapist. Occupational Therapist Assistants and Physiotherapist Assistants play a vital supporting role in the assessment, planning and implementation of therapeutic care for patients with the goal of achieving functional independence and occupational performance. They help teach clients to cope with limits in movement, daily functioning and activities.

Through classroom theory, lab techniques, group work and practical experience, you prepare to work with patients coping with health limitations. During various clinical placements, you apply theory and knowledge while further developing your skills. With more than 600 hours of clinical placements during the program, you increase your understanding of the field and gain confidence assisting professional therapists in various healthcare facilities.

Upon graduating, you may find work in:

• Hospitals
• Health centres
• Community organizations
• Rehabilitation facilities
• Private clinics, and
• Long-term care

The Water and Wastewater Technician Ontario College Diploma program equips you with the knowledge and skills to effectively manage water and wastewater infrastructure. The water and wastewater management field has been subjected to increasingly rigid legislation, due to ongoing public health concerns. This program teaches you how to deal with the demands on water quality professionals. This condensed 42-week program allows you to complete a two-year diploma program in only three terms, making it an intensive, but rewarding experience.

Through a series of courses in advanced chemistry, biology and mechanical systems, you are able to make informed decisions in your day-to-day career. Learn how to:

• Prevent waterborne illnesses
• Manage industrial waste
• Operate off-site wastewater treatment units

Learn using theoretical and applied approaches, in labs and in the field. Using industry-standard equipment, you acquire the most up-to-date skills and knowledge possible.

Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

• Work independently and with others to conduct tests related to water and wastewater in the lab and field.
• Analyze and interpret test results for clients or supervisors.
• Provide mechanical and electrical maintenance management at various water and waste water facilities.
• Collaborate with individuals in testing and troubleshooting equipment at water and wastewater plant facilities.
• Make decisions based on an understanding of Ontario environmental legislation affecting wastewater treatment plants, scope and authority of certificates of approval, and owner/operator responsibilities.
• Collaborate on basic design concepts and operational techniques of industrial and municipal water treatment systems.
• Collaborate with others in providing emergency responses to plant issues.
• Contribute to the design of water supply pumping systems, pipe networks and distributed storage reservoirs.
• Develop and implement risk management strategies for hazardous and non-hazardous industrial waste.
• Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.

In the Electrical Engineering Technology Ontario College Advanced Diploma program, you use state-of-the-art facilities to gain the knowledge and experience necessary to enter the electrical engineering field. This program is the continuation of the Electrical Engineering Technician program, and is open to students who already have an Algonquin College Electrical Engineering Technician Ontario College Diploma and meet the admission requirements.

Through a series of theory courses and extensive practical labs, you learn skills specific to becoming an Electrical Engineering Technologist. You expand your knowledge base of the following:

• Electrical principles
• Codes
• Circuitry
• Industrial control systems
• Computer applications
• Machinery
• AutoCAD
• telecommunications
• Electronics
• Instrumentation and robotics

Take on a complex project, either in partnership with an industry client or based on your own research interest, and use project management skills learned in the program to analyze and solve it. Complete your project by creating deliverables, monitoring and controlling project resources, and presenting results both orally and through written presentations.

Students also have the option to gain real-world experience through a paid co-operative education (co-op) work term (see Additional Information for more details). Please note that places in the co-op version of the program are subject to availability.

Electives during this program help you specialize in either automation or utilities.

OACETT (Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists) recognizes this program as meeting the academic requirements for certification in the Certified Technician (C.Tech) category. While a student, you are encouraged to register as an Associate member of OACETT.

Upon graduation, you may find employment in many different areas of the Electrical Engineering Technology field. You may have titles such as:

• Electrical designer
• Electrical technologist
• Electrical engineering technologist
• AutoCAD draftsperson
• Project estimator
• control system designer
• Instrumentation and controls (I&C) technologist
• Building automation engineering technologist
• Telecommunication quality assurance technologist

The Digital Health Ontario College Graduate Certificate program helps you understand the ever-changing realities of the healthcare system, shifting towards a digital health ecosystem. This program provides you with the skills to lead and implement projects and contribute to their effectiveness and ultimately, to patient safety.

Through online, in-class and simulation activities, you gain both theoretical and practical knowledge. Your experience is also enhanced through exposure to broad information technology contexts in health care. These may include First Nations and Inuit, rural and remote settings, hospitals and other large healthcare organizations, as well as community-based health care and consumer health. This program provides you with opportunities to access research and development experiences in collaboration with digital health community partners by applying your skills in a hands-on, technology and research-rich learning environment.

By graduation, you understand how to assess, manage and put projects in place in today`s dynamic healthcare system. You may find work leading and managing digital health projects and programs in:

• Healthcare institutions
• consulting firms
• Government, and
• Other private sector health providers

With a focus on business and technology, the Bachelor of Commerce (e-Supply Chain Management) Honours degree program provides you with skills and knowledge for a rewarding career involving supply chain management. Businesses are looking for skilled leaders who demonstrate the ability to create and execute plans to improve processes in all industry sectors.

This program recognizes the importance of the relationship between the supply chain and technology. Take courses developed to build a foundation of skills rooted in business, technology, communication and analytical thinking.

Learn the fundamental skills required to use SAP software that the supply chain management industry relies on. In the final term, work with an external business advisor to manage a project and create a report analyzing an issue in the industry.

Complete three paid cooperative (co-op) work terms. This allows you to work while applying your knowledge and skills and building industry connections.

Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

• Graduates will be competent knowledge workers able to apply fundamental concepts, principles and skills of e-supply chain management in a variety of private and public business settings.
• Graduates will be effective collaborators able to use communication and interpersonal skills to fulfill a leadership role on interdisciplinary business teams.
• Graduates will be critical and creative thinkers able to analyze and solve problems and develop innovative solutions and products in a variety of situations.
• Graduates will be informed citizens able to adapt and contribute to the changing world in which they live and work.
• Graduates will be continuous learners able to update their knowledge and skills and to apply their learning with confidence in changing situations.
• Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.

The two-year Early Childhood Education Ontario College Diploma program prepares you to become an educator of children in a variety of early learning settings. Gain the knowledge and skills necessary to work with families and other professionals to support children`s learning and development.

This program provides you with the ability to create, implement and assess play-based curricula while building stimulating child-centred environments. Benefit from both theoretical and hands-on learning opportunities. You have three field placements during the program that focus on children from birth to age 12. These real-world experiences allow you to integrate theory with professional practice in early learning programs.

You assist in providing guidance to children while planning, implementing and evaluating programs. Through your placements, you gain valuable hands-on skills and experience to help you understand the diverse roles, settings, and responsibilities of an Early Childhood Educator.

Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

• Create learning contexts to enable, build and maintain caring, responsive relationships in partnerships with children, families and communities that value and respect social, cultural and linguistic diversity including Indigenous peoples’ worldviews and Francophone identity.
• Co-create, facilitate and reflect upon inquiry and play-based early years and child care programs and pedagogical approaches to support children’s learning, holistic development and well-being following children’s capabilities, interests, ideas and experiences.
• Co-design and maintain inclusive early learning environments to value and support equitable, accessible and meaningful learning opportunities for all children, their families and communities in a range of early years and child care settings.
• Collaborate with children, families, colleagues, agencies and community partners to create, maintain, evaluate and promote safe and healthy early learning environments to support independence, reasonable risk-taking and healthy development and well-being.
• Use observation strategies to identify children’s strengths and challenges and to ascertain when children and families might benefit from additional support or community resources.
• Use professional communication in interactions with children, families, colleagues, employers, the regulatory body, government authorities and children’s service agencies to meet legal and ethical standards of the early years sector.
• Act in accordance with relevant legislation, regulations, College of Early Childhood Educators Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice, agency policies and procedures and principles of evidence-informed practice and reflect upon their impact on one’s own role in early years and child care settings.
• Identify, report and document when a child is in a situation of perceived risk for, or actual neglect or abuse, in accordance with legislation, the College of Early Childhood Educators Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice, policies and procedures.
• Create and engage in partnerships with families, communities, colleagues, inter-disciplinary professionals, authorities and child service agencies to advocate for quality early years and child care programs and services.
• Engage in reflective practice and continuous professional learning in accordance with principles of lifelong learning, evidence-informed practices in the early years sector and requirements of the College of Early Childhood Educators.
• Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment an environmental stewardship.