Diploma in Architectural and Building Technology

at British Columbia Institute of Technology - Burnaby Campus Canada

Architectural Science is a bridge between design theory and building technology. The purpose of this degree program is to develop graduates with highly relevant knowledge and skills in a way that emphasizes holistic and critical thinking at the intersection between living systems, culture and technology, so that our students emerge as industry-ready participants in the real world of sustainable thinking and building.

The Bachelor in Architectural Science is a full-time two-year program laddered onto a two-year architectural technology diploma (BCIT ABT or equivalent) delivering a broadly based, technically current curriculum on the theoretical and applied aspects of architectural science. The program methodology is to teach a ladder of critical thought, following a deliberate and evolving framework through progression, analysis and repetition to ingrain sustainable thinking, reinforced in every core course delivered.

Students will work on studio projects of increasing scale and complexity culminating in the Graduating Project: a comprehensive building design merging architectural design and building performance, supported by expert industry consultants. Cultural history, material explorations, project management, building science and communication skills will be taught within the program and incorporated into holistic design solutions, integrating social responsibility with technical expertise. Students will take general education courses in Liberal Studies and Business and choose between several professional electives to complete their Bachelor Degree.

The program integrates experiential learning activities, community outreach initiatives and international opportunities, including the option to study abroad for a term. These options may have a limited number of openings subject to an application process.

The Automotive Service Technician and Operations (ASTO) program has been designed to meet the need for skilled technicians who can diagnose and repair the sophisticated systems in today’s motor vehicles. It is also for those with an interest in automotive, but who aspire to run their own business or assume customer service and management positions in the industry.

This program offers maximum career flexibility, enabling graduates to pursue their Automotive Service Technician Red Seal certification with the option for post-diploma baccalaureate pathways in business administration and technology management.

The program
This ASTO program is comprised of four technical training terms with two paid 22-week co-op work terms in an automotive repair facility.

Upon successful completion of the program, students will receive an Automotive Service Technician and Operations Diploma and qualify for credit towards all four levels of technical training requirements in the Provincial Automotive Service Technician Apprenticeship program.

The Telecommunications Systems Technician program emphasizes hands-on, practical training with equipment typically encountered in industry.
Telecommunications Systems Technician, Telecommunication Networks Option graduates install, maintain and repair telecommunications equipment. Through theoretical and practical study, this program will prepare you for a career in this exciting and dynamic industry. Skills in the telecommunications industry are in high demand. If you like working with computers and data transfer equipment, if you enjoy the challenge of always learning something new, and if you want to be part of a growing industry, the Telecommunications Systems Technician, Telecommunication Networks Option program can open the door to a variety of exciting careers.

Why BCIT?

• Great Faculty - Our instructors are committed to keeping their skills current, and are continuously upgrading their skills through advanced industry training, so that you will be ready to work on the latest equipment.
• Excellent Labs - You will work on the latest equipment, studying the theory and practical aspects of telephone, data, radio frequency (RF) and fibre optics communications systems gives you job-ready, practical skills.
• Fantastic Career Choices - Your BCIT diploma opens the door to an exciting career as a technician - a technical expert who works in a team to solve problems and is relied upon to install, maintain and repair telecommunications equipment.
• Degree Completion - With your BCIT diploma and two years of related work experience, you can enter the Bachelor of Technology Management degree program at BCIT. The Bachelor of Technology Management degree is a part-time program, so you can continue working while you further your education.

Mechanical Manufacturing is one of the three options in Mechanical Engineering Technology. The Mechanical Engineering Technology program is a two-year program designed to provide graduates with a solid understanding of the principles of mechanical engineering and to develop problem-solving skills. Following the completion of a common first year, students select one of four areas of specialization. All students in the program receive training in engineering design, computer applications, computer aided design (CAD), manufacturing processes, communications, materials science and applied mathematics in addition to their selected specialty courses.

Graduates of the mechanical engineering program possess a variety of skills that are valued by employers. Mechanical engineering technologists find employment in broad range of industries and a variety of roles. Graduates are employed in design, application engineering, technical sales, manufacturing, plant engineering, construction and inspection.

The option
Manufacturing requires knowledge of production technologies, process automation, and material properties as well as modern manufacturing management strategies such as Material Resource Planning (MRP). To stay competitive, modern manufacturers have to participate in “design for manufacture.” It is the role of the manufacturing technologist to be involved in the entire design and production cycle of a product. This program provides its graduates with the necessary knowledge to embark on a rewarding career in mechanical manufacturing.

Students participate in an industry-sponsored project in the second year of the program. The industry project is an integral program component required for completion and certification. Students may be required to participate in work experience activities at the industry sponsor’s regular place of business.

All mechanical engineering technology students receive some exposure to topics from each of the options. Enrolment into each second-year option may be limited to ensure optimal class sizes. Regardless of the option chosen, all graduates will possess sufficient knowledge and skills to pursue career opportunities over the wide range of industries covered by mechanical engineering technology.

The Chemical and Environmental Technology diploma program offers the student a broad background in technology and skills that can be applied to many industries. Near the end of their first year in the program, students will choose one of two options: Analytical Science or Process Engineering. These options are not exclusive — all students will have enough exposure to both topic areas to qualify for a full spectrum of varied employment opportunities. Choosing an option allows students to pick an area of interest for increased emphasis while still keeping their future options open. 

Core courses
The first-year curriculum is common to both options and emphasizes environmental science, bioprocesses, materials technology, laboratory techniques and safety along with math and science basics. The student is also introduced to environmental science, materials technology, and a wide range of industrial chemical processes. The core second-year subjects for both options include several courses in environmental sampling and analysis, chemical engineering technology, instrumental analysis, physical chemistry, and statistics that will prepare students for employment in a broad range of industries and technical occupations. Students will participate in an industry-sponsored project (practicum or directed studies) in the second year of the program. This may involve work experience activities at the industry sponsor's regular place of business.

Analytical Science option
The Analytical Science option will be of interest to those students who would enjoy an increased emphasis on instrumental laboratory analysis, organic chemistry, environmental regulations, and science. The strong core courses will ensure that graduates have sufficient knowledge to compete for jobs in process areas too, if that later becomes their choice. It is anticipated that graduates who choose to continue into degree studies would be most likely to choose from BTech or BSc degrees.

Industrial Instrumentation and Process Control Technicians apply, install, repair, calibrate and tune those measurement and control instruments that are used in industrial manufacturing processes. Students will learn to program computerized control, programmable logic controllers, and microprocessor instrumentation and install and maintain all of the field instruments that these computerized controllers rely on. These job skills are essential for employment in instrumentation.

The Program
The Industrial Instrumentation and Process Control Technician program stresses practical, hands-on experience to complement theory. This program will appeal to learners who are interested in working with mechanical and electronic equipment.

Half of the students' time is spent performing hands-on activities using the same equipment that is found in industry. The result is a very job-ready graduate, who can step into a position in one of many related fields, or transition into an apprenticeship at an advanced level with an industry sponsor.

The BCIT Food Technology Diploma program trains students in the basics of food technology, including food processing, quality control, food testing, and analysis. Graduate with all the practical skills you need to start your career.
At BCIT, we believe in real life experience. In this program, you get to interact first-hand with industry sponsors who mentor and support students in getting relevant food technology skills.

Who it's for
This program is for individuals who:

• Enjoy working both individually and in a team environment
• Have a passion for food and the food industry
• Are interested in developing their critical thinking skills
• Have a high school diploma or higher level of education

The Mechanical Systems option concentrates on providing comprehensive engineering skills that can be applied in:

• Energy conversion
• Heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC)
• Building environmental controls and energy management
• Plumbing and fire protection systems

These systems provide comfortable, healthy, safe environments for buildings that are energy-efficient and cost-effective.

The Mechanical Systems option prepares you for the jobs of the future by teaching you about designing and installing environmental systems in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. Graduates will be equipped with skills to work in the rapidly evolving green economy.

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology is used to manage and utilize geographic data, and is widely recognized as an essential tool in such diverse fields as forest management, urban planning, engineering, municipal management, business, and environmental studies. The potential uses of GIS technology are almost too numerous to list, and are found everywhere - from local government to the United Nations, from volunteer organizations to global corporations, in the public and private sectors.

The Advanced Diploma program in Geographic Information Systems is designed for university or college graduates with a background in a related discipline or technology.

The curriculum combines theory and practice and covers GIS principles, training in GIS software, technical issues, remote sensing, digital mapping and management issues. Students must also successfully complete a supervised work experience before graduation. This may be either an industry project or an industry practicum.

Whether you are a recent university or college graduate getting started in a career, or an experienced professional seeking new employment opportunities or career advancement, we invite you to study our web pages to learn more about the GIS program at BCIT. With over 20 years of experience in delivering advanced GIS technology programs and courses, the GIS program has established an excellent reputation for producing highly skilled and sought-after graduates.

The Bachelor of Engineering in Mining and Mineral Resource Engineering program is designed to allow well qualified students who successfully complete the first year of the Mineral Exploration and Mining Technology diploma program to apply to complete an engineering degree through three additional years of full-time study.

The vision of the program is to provide students with a flexible educational path for successful careers in the mineral resource industry both in Canada and worldwide. As such the degree will have a strong practical focus built upon a broad foundation of engineering theory, analysis and design. Throughout this program, students will be challenged to develop their critical thinking skills and exercise their creative abilities.

The mineral resource industry is a cornerstone of many communities throughout BC and Canada and it is a major contributor to our economy. Canada is recognized as a world leader in mineral exploration and mining, and our expertise is exported around the world to help discover, develop, and operate mines.

As one of the largest users of high-technology equipment and applications, the mining industry requires professionals who have the skills and knowledge necessary to keep up with these advances. Virtually all technical jobs within the fields of mining and mineral exploration require a post-secondary education. If you are interested in a challenging and varied work environment, in the office, lab or field, and like solving engineering problems, this program will appeal to you. Take the Mining and Mineral Resource Engineering program, the only program of its kind in Western Canada.