Diploma in Mechatronics and Robotics

at British Columbia Institute of Technology - Burnaby Campus Canada

The Bachelor of Technology in Computer Systems (CST BTech) is an applied career-enhancement degree, designed to increase the breadth and depth of knowledge and practical skills of computer professionals; assisting them in widening their career opportunities and advancing along their career paths. Graduates are awarded a credential that is highly valued by the industry.

The CST BTech full-time program is a two-year degree completion program for students who have graduated from a two-year diploma in computing such as the BCIT Computer Systems Technology (CST) program. Students who have completed other computing diploma or degree programs at an accredited college or university, whether locally or internationally, may be admitted into the program by completing pre-entry assessment and a few bridging courses. 

The Network Security Applications Development Option is designed to prepare graduates to design, develop and deploy advanced network applications using a variety of programming languages such as C, C++, Java, Ruby, and Python, on the Linux and Windows platforms. Graduates will understand the role of security applications, both as exploit and penetration testing tools in networks. Courses are designed to provide in-depth skills using the Berkeley socket API, and the design of implementation of advanced IPv4/IPv6 Client/Server applications. Also covered are advanced topics, such as Wireless Data Communication, and Cryptology.

Issues such as modularity and efficiency in the implementation of protocols are covered. The emphasis will be very much the design and implementation of high-performance, robust, and scalable network applications. Security and private data transmission techniques over public networks are covered. Client-Server applications are designed and implemented using the Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) API. An in-depth coverage of techniques used to design and develop secure code and robust applications will be provided. Students will also be familiarized with the Bluetooth software development techniques.

Advanced courses' focus will be on the research and advanced implementation of security tools such as Covert Channels, Stealth Backdoors, Trojans, Packet crafting and sniffing, and in security tools proof-of-concept and prototyping. The use of advanced raw socket and kernel-level programming techniques to implement security applications will be covered in a practical, hands-on manner.

The world is quickly moving towards a future where many mechanical products contain computers and electronics for monitoring or control. This integration of mechanical and electronic components, or mechatronics, makes it possible to design intelligent, reliable, versatile electromechanical systems such as industrial robots, medical devices, aircraft simulators, automated assembly lines, building control systems, and autonomous vehicles. Skills in Mechatronics will be in high demand for many years to come.

Why BCIT?
The Mechatronics and Robotics program is a unique, multidisciplinary combination of courses that blends knowledge in electronics, mechanics, and computer programming to provide you with both the theory and practical skills you need to design and maintain mechatronic systems. We are proud of the Mechatronics program, and believe that its strengths are built on:

• Great Faculty - Our faculty are dedicated to teaching. Many have extensive engineering, science, and industrial experience.
• Excellent Labs - Hands-on experience with up-to-date industrial equipment helps you to understand the concepts that you learn in lectures and gives you job-ready, practical skills. Check out our labs on the Lab Tour page.
• Fantastic Career Choices - We are proud of our graduates and the many interesting jobs that they do. The multidisciplinary training and education that you'll receive prepares you for a leadership role in the design and creation of innovative mechatronics products for a variety of applications. After graduation, you might be designing and building automated equipment for the movie industry, medical devices, production equipment, or submarines.
• Degree Completion - After two years of study, you can have a great career as a technologist. If you want to earn an engineering degree, you can get advanced placement into engineering programs at BCIT, University of Victoria (through an engineering bridge program, offered by Camosun College), or other local universities. It's your choice - you'll make a fantastic technologist or engineer because of your practical training from BCIT!

The BCIT Global Trade and Transportation Management diploma program provides the skills necessary to market products globally, import, export, transport goods, and manage an international team. You will analyze international markets, plan product entry strategies, and design optimum transportation strategies to grow global trade for Canadian and international companies. Graduates travel the world, establish trade partnerships, and improve the movement and distribution of goods and services in Canada and abroad.

BCIT Global Trade and Transportation Management students learn to:

• Determine a product’s feasibility in a new market
• Select optimal transportation options
• Manage inventory and supply chains
• Conduct effective international negotiations
• Build relationships with international partners

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.

Rapid advances in technology have increased public expectations of their communities and the buildings constructed in them. Buildings are expected to be designed and constructed to rigorous standards of workmanship and safety while at the same time incorporating all the features that contribute to speed of erection, financial efficiency and user satisfaction. High public expectations and the dynamic nature of the industry present both a challenge and an opportunity, attractive criteria for any career.

The Program
Architectural and Building Technology (ABT) is a comprehensive, two-year diploma program with a focus on applied learning. It combines sound theoretical knowledge with practical skills and technical training to provide job-ready competencies for immediate application upon entering the workforce. Students learn from industry-based faculty, develop extensive practical skills for rewarding careers, and graduate with an industry recognized credential in the design, development, construction, and building science sectors. Many employers seek out graduates from this program to join their companies.

Students follow a fixed curriculum of common courses that includes lectures and practical applications in construction drawing, materials and methods, estimating techniques, building systems, and computer applications. Organized field trips and 'hands-on' workshops form part of the curriculum and attendance is required. Students are often able to further their education through summer jobs with architects, engineers, developers, and contractors.

In the second year of the program, in addition to the common academic core, students take an Elective course (subject to departmental approval) in one of three areas of specialization. The Elective courses are:

Architectural:
Primarily intended for those students who plan to pursue careers in architectural offices, offer design services, pursue an architectural degree, or the Architectural Technologist Registration program through the Architectural Institute of British Columbia (AIBC).

Building Science:
Primarily intended for those students who plan to pursue careers in durable building construction, building problem diagnosis, testing of construction assemblies, new materials research and development, and environmental challenges in creating the built environment.

The BCIT Advanced Diploma in Business Management is designed to equip students with fundamental business knowledge to complement expertise and education in other disciplines. This program will introduce students to foundational business functions including: accounting, economics, marketing, human resource management, and operations. Graduates are prepared to lead and contribute to a broad range of core business areas, as well as leverage prior knowledge and expertise to launch into entrepreneurial pursuits. The breadth of course topics, applied nature of our programming, and the focus on teamwork prepares graduates to thrive in today’s global business environment.

Program Highlights

• One-year Advanced Diploma program
• Explore foundations of business through intense exploration and practice in cohort-based classes with a maximum of 25 students/lab
• Practice personal and team leadership, time and project management
• Develop critical thinking to support informed decision making, resolve conflicts, reveal opportunities, and overcome challenges
• Leverage diverse experience and network of faculty and classmates to put newly acquired knowledge to work.

Learn more about how this program prepares you for success in the Program Details.

Consider a career in the dynamic graphic communications industry. The Graphic Communications Technology Management diploma program provides you with the knowledge and skills to manage production processes in the business of digital imaging, as well as hands-on training with the equipment and software you’ll be using in your graphics career.

• You will apply the latest graphic design software, business processes, art direction, and production management, and learn to operate high-tech imaging and finishing technologies.
• You will design and produce marketing materials such as posters, large format signage, labels, variable data documents, books, packaging and other finished products that organizations need to communicate with a connected and informed audience.
• You will manage diverse multi-media technologies for sustainable business practices.
• You will learn Customer Relationship Management software and apply it through building a professional network in the Graphic Communications industry.

BCIT developed this program with the support of leading industry professionals and graphic production companies to help you prepare for positions such as production artist, graphic designer, or print and imaging manager, With access to our on-campus print and imaging facility, you will develop real-world career skills to position you for success in the graphic communications industry.

The BCIT Biomedical Engineering Technology program is the only one of its kind offered in BC and the only one in Canada that is specifically targeted to both hospital and medical device industries. Our students have access to BCIT's extensive array of health technology equipment, which prepares them for the workforce as soon as they graduate.

Biomedical engineering applies science and engineering to healthcare and medical device industries. Our grads help develop new medical devices and products or maintain specialized medical equipment that is used to support patient care.

Program Highlights

• Lectures, labs, research, and design projects deliver a strong foundation of knowledge
• A five-week practicum and field trips give you hands-on learning in the work environment

*Want to learn more about BCIT's Biomedical Engineering Technology program? Visit Program Details.

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

• Have a high school diploma or higher level of education
• Enjoy working with people and teams in the healthcare industry
• Are curious about how things work from a technological and design perspective
• Want to develop their creative thinking and problem-solving skills

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.

Process Engineering option
The Process Engineering option will interest students who would enjoy an increased emphasis on chemical and biochemical processes, with a more in-depth introduction to engineering principles and design software. The strong core courses will ensure that the graduates have sufficient knowledge to compete for jobs in analytical laboratories too, if that later becomes their choice. It is anticipated that graduates who choose to continue into degree studies would be able to choose from BEng (chemical engineering) programs as well as from BTech or BSc degrees.

The Professional Sales option is one of the most respected sales programs in Canada and our graduates are sought after by industry. Professional Sales will prepare you for a career in the dynamic field of business-to-business selling. Companies require skilled sales professionals to develop new customers and build mutually-beneficial relationships. You will learn how to apply proven sales methods, develop sales strategies, and implement marketing skills and new technologies to develop new business and retain customers.