Diploma in Mechatronics and Robotics

at British Columbia Institute of Technology - Burnaby Campus Canada

The Mineral Exploration and Mining Technology program focuses on geology, mining methods, exploration technology, surveying, and computer applications for mining operations and mineral explorations. Students learn hands-on science and engineering skills, and complete an industry-standard report during the second year of the full-time program.

Mining is a cornerstone industry 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 practitioners who have the skills necessary to keep up with these advances. Virtually all technical jobs within mining and mineral exploration, including geology, engineering, mineral processing, environmental assessment and surveying, require post-secondary education.

If you are interested in a varied work environment, in the office, lab or field, and like solving scientific problems, this program will appeal to you. Take the Mineral Exploration and Mining Technology program, the only program of its kind in Western 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 Telecommunications Systems Technician, Radio Systems Option program will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to work with radio frequency (RF) electronics equipment. It is the only program of its kind in British Columbia. Through theoretical and practical study, you will develop the skills needed to install, maintain and repair RF and related electronics equipment. The program emphasizes hands-on, practical training using equipment typically encountered in industry.

Skills in the wireless communications industry are in high demand. If you like working with computers and electronic equipment, if you have good analytical skills, and if you want to work in an exciting, dynamic industry, the Telecommunications Systems Technician, Radio Systems Option program can open the door to a variety of exciting careers.

A BCIT diploma shows potential employers that you are accomplished, focused, and serious about your chosen career path. Employers know that you have both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, and that you can start contributing right away. Both graduates and employers say that BCIT was extremely helpful in preparing grads for work.

Why BCIT?

• Great Faculty - You will learn from experienced instructors with a demonstrated interest in teaching. Our instructors have worked in the industry and maintain solid local connections through student practicum placements and through the program advisory committee.
• Excellent Labs - Hands-on experience with up-to-date well equipped electronics labs helps you to understand the concepts that you learn and gives you job-ready, practical skills.
• Fantastic Career Choices - You could be working for an end-user of RF equipment doing bench testing, troubleshooting and repair of critical communications equipment. For example, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans and the RCMP have hired our graduates to keep their communication systems running. You could be working for a manufacturer of RF-related electronics equipment in a quality assurance or service technician role. You might work for a service provider, installing, configuring and maintaining voice and data communication systems, or entertainment systems based on cable and satellite communications.
• 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.

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

Are you passionate about working outdoors and interested in the management of trees, vegetation & forest ecosystems? The Forest and Natural Areas Management (FNAM) program is a two-year diploma program with a focus on forestry, vegetation management, arboriculture for supporting sustainable community development in both rural and urban environments.

The program gives you a strong foundation in ecology, earth sciences, mapping, surveying & measurements. You will learn skills and training in silviculture, forest inventory, forest engineering, fire & forest health management, and urban forestry. Our programs unique focus natural areas in urban & interface environments provide you with skills in the management of trees, invasive species & soil resources. The breadth of technical and field-based skills you acquire also relevant to many other natural resource sectors.

Why is forest management important?
Management of forest resources in today’s world means managing forest ecosystems. Forestry practices must integrate field skills, scientific knowledge and technology in an ecological framework, to produce various goods and services. It involves assessing the health of forests with respect to insects and disease, planning revegetation strategies, and using technology to map and track forest inventories. But it is also about considering the interests of other resource users, while ensuring future generations can equally benefit from our forests. Forest ecosystems provide major economic, social & ecological benefits to communities, businesses & First Nations throughout British Columbia. Almost 60% of the land in British Columbia is forested – stewardship of these lands is no small feat. Are you up for the challenge?

What is natural areas management?
With increasing urbanization, forests and natural areas in and around our communities are growing in importance. People value natural areas for recreation, aesthetics and psychological well-being. But natural areas also provide important ecological services, like habitat for wildlife, promotion of biodiversity, storm-water flood mitigation & heat wave moderation. Whether you’re assessing urban trees, reducing wildfire risk around communities, or managing invasive plants, the role of a natural areas manager is diverse. It also requires an integration of skills, from community planning, to vegetation management & urban forestry.

What are some key skills FNAM students learn?

• Identify, describe, measure and interpret ecosystems and associated components including landforms, vegetation, soils, geomorphology, aquatic ecosystems, forest stand attributes and wildlife habitat
• Collect field data in both urban and rural environments and create technical reports, spreadsheets and digital maps using industry standard software (such as GIS & GPS) including the use of leading technology
• Apply vegetation management techniques for application in wildland and urban silviculture areas
• Analyze vegetation symptoms that relate to insects and diseases
• Design and implement sampling plans and techniques for resource inventories
• Assist in wildland and urban interface forest fire activities including suppression and hazard assessment
• Apply forest engineering principles to meet the objectives of operational plans and forest management objectives
• Communicate effectively in all aspects of natural resource management activities
• Apply principles of ethics and professionalism to day-to-day activities

Are you interested and excited about the field of marketing, but not sure in which option to specialize?
The first year undeclared option in Marketing Management allows students to explore a variety of marketing topics, gain a general business education, and attend industry events in Year 1 before deciding on a marketing concentration.

A very limited number of seats will be available for undecided students who will like to explore their first year in the marketing program prior to selecting one of four specializations: Entrepreneurship, Marketing Communications, Professional Sales, and Tourism Management.

Program Highlights

• One year option that leads directly into a Year 2 specialization: Marketing Communications, Tourism Management, Professional Sales, or Entrepreneurship
• Real-world learning with professional instructors
• Business consultant project and practicum provide hands-on experience
• After graduation, transition to the workforce or apply to complete your Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree at BCIT with full-time or part-time evening courses

Visit the Program Matrix to learn about the courses and the Program Entry page to start your marketing career today.

Organizations achieve success through people. The primary role of human resources is to build organizational capability to support the execution of business strategy. If you want a career as a human resource professional, this is your program. The BCIT Human Resource Management diploma is perfect for individuals who want to better understand employment relationships, improve a corporate culture, increase employee productivity, and create great places to work. You will create performance management policies, employee compensation packages, hiring selection criteria, and employee onboarding and retention programs. Graduates can immediately apply their human resource skills in numerous industries. BCIT prepares graduates to deliver best practices in human resources.

BCIT Human Resource Management students learn to:

• Influence employment relationships and employee engagement
• Create effective talent acquisition and retention practices
• Develop compensation programs
• Address workplace conflicts
• Apply employment law
• Identify and facilitate human resource best pracitices

Students will be taught how to use the following technology:

• MS Project, PowerPoint, Access
• MS Excel - Solver and Analysis Toolpak VBA
• SAP HCM
• Halogen
• Tableau
• Various Web Survey Tools

Business Consulting Project
Human Resource Management students undertake a 10 week Business Consulting Project in their final term. Students work in groups of 2-3 and spend two days a week developing a solution to a real human resource problem for a company. The student teams collect and analyze data, create recommendations, and present their findings to senior management.

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.

The BCIT Business Management diploma program prepares students to make strategic business decisions and manage the direction and operation of a company. You will gain a clear grasp of all business functions including: accounting, marketing, human resources, operations, and computer applications. Graduates analyze business problems, lead effective teams, and discover ways to improve overall business profitability and efficiency.

Looking at business through the lens of an entrepreneur, the Business Management program is your springboard into an inspiring career. You’ll learn to solve real business problems, analyze business operations, and develop the skills you need to be a successful leader in just two years.

Program Highlights

• High exposure to industry offers exceptional networking opportunities 
• Business consulting projects provide hands-on experiences looking at real-life, industry problems in all fields of business including finance, social media, and property development

Who should apply for the Business Management Diploma?
The Business Management diploma program is right for you if:

• You want to be a manager, but aren’t sure where to start
• You want to turn an entrepreneurial idea into a business start-up
• You have a combination of academics, business, or volunteer experience
• You have a unique idea you want to develop within your company 
• You are a team player interested in big picture thinking and strategy
• Eligible to enter the following professional designation program

BCIT's Occupational Health and Safety Diploma program is the most comprehensive training of its kind in Canada. Students learn the skills they need to start a great career in health and safety, in any industry and workplace.
Our grads learn the operations of health and safety and the business side, including human resources, communication, decision-making, and leadership. This is what sets it apart from our Certificate program, which is geared to experienced individuals looking to move into health and safety roles within their existing industry.

Program Highlights 

• On-campus lectures and labs with case studies for practical workplace analysis
• Field work and an industry practicum give you hands-on experience

Our program has courses in every area of workplace safety. We prepare you from day one. Click on Program Details to discover more about the OCHS Diploma program.

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

• Enjoy working with people and teams and have an interest in leadership
• Care about creating safe and healthy workplaces for others<
• Are keen to build tactical and innovative thinking skills
• Have a high school diploma or higher level of education