Advanced Diploma in Building Renovation Technology

at George Brown College - Casa Loma Campus Canada

Today, few organizations make any significant plans without thoroughly understanding the Information Technology (IT) implications. IT professionals are a vital part of decision-making business teams. George Brown College answers this need with its three-year (six-semester) Computer Programmer Analyst program. The broad education in programming and IT analysis that it offers can provide you with a stable platform for career growth in the rapidly expanding and ever-changing world of information technology.

During the first two years of the program, you will develop the skills and techniques required for software application development and testing. The industry tells us they are looking for Computer Programmer Analysts with “the total package.” So the third year includes advanced technical skills in areas such as systems analysis and design techniques – and continues to develop communications, teamwork and other client service skills such as needs assessment, sales, and presentation methods.

George Brown offers other distinct advantages:

• Students are involved in project-based and experiential learning.
• In the third year, students are exposed to the fast-growing game development sector.
• Students are also exposed to mobile application development using the latest mobile devices.

*If you enrol in January, you must complete semester 2 in the summer, May to August, in the same year.

Note: In this rapidly changing industry, program improvements are being made on an ongoing basis, which may result in course changes. Changes are made in consultation with our Program Advisory Committee, which is composed of academic staff and industry representatives from small, medium-sized and large corporations.

Program Learning Outcomes

• The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
  • Identify, analyze, design, develop, implement, verify and document the requirements for a computing environment.
  • Diagnose, troubleshoot, document and monitor technical problems using appropriate methodologies and tools.
  • Analyze, design, implement and maintain secure computing environments.
  • Analyze, develop and maintain robust computing system solutions through validation testing and industry best practices.
  • Communicate and collaborate with team members and stakeholders to ensure effective working relationships.
  • Select and apply strategies for personal and professional development to enhance work performance.
  • Apply project management principles and tools when responding to requirements and monitoring projects within a computing environment.
  • Adhere to ethical, social media, legal, regulatory and economic requirements and/or principles in the development and management of the computing solutions and systems.
  • Investigate emerging trends to respond to technical challenges.
  • Gather, analyze and define software system specifications based on functional and non-functional requirements.
  • Design, develop, document, implement, maintain and test software systems by using industry standard software development methodologies based on defined specifications and existing technologies/frameworks.
  • Select and apply object-oriented and other design concepts and principles, as well as business requirements, to the software development process.
  • Gather requirements and model, design, implement, optimize, and maintain data storage solutions.
  • Integrate network communications into software solutions by adhering to protocol standards.

This program is designed to teach you new construction and building renovation skills from both an applied perspective and a management perspective, including carpentry techniques and new materials applications while providing a solid understanding of the renovation-related trades.

Hands-on training takes place in fully equipped labs where students practice current techniques related to renovations and new home construction, using sustainable design principles. The third year of the program focuses on project management skills required to work in a supervisory role. You will also have an introductory exposure to the business skills that can be adapted to starting and running a renovation, custom home building or general contracting business.

Practical applications include:

• Residential construction and renovations
• Millwork
• Demolition
• Framing
• Finishes
• Drywall installation and finishing
• Site management
• Cabinetry
• Stair construction
• Building code
• Basic electrical, HVAC, and plumbing systems.

Business skills include:

• Business management
• Marketing
• Client relations
• Project management
• Site management
• Scheduling
• Controlling, estimating and bookkeeping
• Budgeting and financial management
• Inspections

You will also learn how to use and apply computer software and technology currently used in the construction industry, including spreadsheets, computer-aided design, estimating, project management and presentation tools.

Note: When you enrol in the program in January, you are required to complete semester 2 in the summer (May to August) of the same year in order to continue into semester 3 in the fall.

This program is unique in Ontario.

Your Field Education Options
This program requires the successful completion of two semesters of field placement. George Brown works with employers and industry partners to identify potential work experience opportunities. Students are also strongly encouraged to pursue self-directed industry work experience opportunities they believe would provide the learning experiences they value and meet the learning outcomes of the program. This valuable work experience can in turn be added to your resume.

In addition to more formal on-the-job work experience, George Brown College endeavours to provide additional learning opportunities with real-world challenges and clients. Find out more about field education at our Industry Liaison Office.

Program Learning Outcomes

• The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
  • Develop and use strategies for ongoing professional development to remain current with industry changes, enhance work performance and explore career opportunities.
  • Comply with and monitor health and safety practices and procedures in accordance with current legislation and regulations.
  • Prepare quotes and monitor that work is completed in compliance with the rights and conditions of contractual obligations, the Ontario and/or National Building Codes, applicable laws, bylaws, standards and ethical practices in the building construction and renovation field.
  • Promote and maintain sustainability practices in the implementation of building construction and renovation projects.
  • Facilitate collaboration and interaction among a range of tradespersons and project stakeholders to support timely completion of building construction and renovation projects.
  • Review and interpret project plans and produce technical sketches and documents to support building construction and renovation projects.
  • Use technologies to obtain, analyze, organize and communicate building construction and renovation information.
  • Analyze and solve technical problems related to the design and implementation of building construction and renovation projects by applying the principles of advanced technical mathematics, building design and building science.
  • Select, maintain and safely use hand tools, and portable and stationary power tools, when performing layout, cutting, fitting and assembly operations.
  • Complete building and renovation stages, from site layout and footings to the application of interior and exterior finishes, in accordance with blueprint specifications and conservation principles.
  • Evaluate the methods employed and the use of equipment and materials involved in the completion of building construction and renovation projects.
  • Schedule, coordinate and monitor the progression of building construction and renovation projects by applying principles and strategies of project management.
  • Design and implement business strategies to develop home building, renovation and re-development enterprises.
  • Apply leadership, supervision and interpersonal skills to manage building construction and renovation projects.

The International Fashion Management program is a one-year graduate certificate program* designed for the student or industry professional with a serious interest in the international apparel business.

The program provides you with the skills essential to succeed in the global apparel market. As new communication technologies make the world a smaller place, more possibilities for the fashion industry emerge on an international scale, along with many related career opportunities.

You are exposed to world trade through the study of economic, legal and cultural factors that affect international trade policies. Specifically, the focus of study is on the understanding of business practices, global marketing, logistics and supply chain management as they relate to the fashion industry worldwide. The program content combines analytical and management skills, along with knowledge of world culture and understanding of the global economy, to enable success in the international apparel industry.

Program Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

• Manage processes relating to the international movement of apparel goods according to supply chain and logistics principles.
• Identify the knowledge of international trade and licensing agreements required to perform import, export and source functions in an apparel business operation.
• Analyze global economics and geopolitics to inform selection of international apparel business partners.
• Research and create a global marketing plan to support international apparel business strategies.
• Develop culturally appropriate strategies and techniques to communicate successfully in a global apparel business environment.
• Select current business practices, research methods, analytic techniques and tools required to conduct apparel business operations in a global context.
• Practise business ethically by applying principles of environmental, economic and social sustainability to domestic and international apparel operations.

The Computer Systems Technology program is designed with extensive input from industry and offers two optional specializations in its third year. The Networking specialization focuses on network security, voice-over-IP (VoIP) and wireless LANs. The Systems specialization focuses on mail server administration, content management systems (Collaboration), database administration and computer security. Both specializations include core courses on infrastructure virtualization (through the VMWare IT Academy) and cloud computing, along with best practices in Information Technology.

The three-year Computer Systems Technology program is designed with extensive industry input and offers two optional specializations in its third year:

The Networking specialization focuses on network security, voice-over-IP (VoIP) and wireless LANs.
The Systems specialization focuses on mail server administration, content management systems (Collaboration), database administration and computer security.
Both specializations include core courses on infrastructure virtualization (through the VMWare IT Academy) and cloud computing, along with best practices in Information Technology (IT).

George Brown College continues to invest in up-to-date networking, wireless, radio frequency, VoIP and security lab equipment, so that all students gain hands-on experience in installation and configuration of equipment ranging from small offices all the way to enterprise-class hardware and software. This investment, along with the hands-on teaching environment, was recognized by Cisco when the college was designated an Area Support Centre and Instructor Training Centre, and became part of a very select group of Cisco Networking Academies in Canada.

In the third year of the program, students will be involved, hands-on, in real-life projects or case studies. These may be completed independently, in conjunction with an industry partner, or George Brown's Office of Research and Innovation, and may include developing proposals and working in teams to plan, set schedules and achieve specific goals in the field of information technology. Through some of these projects, George Brown students have recently helped develop IT solutions for hospitals, large corporations and major IT and telecommunications service providers, including Bell Mobility, Rogers Communications, Cogeco Data Systems and many other well-known companies in the Greater Toronto Area.

This program covers all courses of the official Cisco CCNA Routing & Switching curriculum. The curriculum also prepares students to write several other examinations leading to industry certifications, such as the Certified Wireless Network Administrator (CWNA) and Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate.

Program Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

• Identify, analyze, design, develop, implement, verify and document the requirements for a computing environment.
• Diagnose, troubleshoot, document and monitor technical problems using appropriate methodologies and tools.
• Analyze, design, implement and maintain secure computing environments.
• Analyze, develop and maintain robust computing system solutions through validation testing and industry best practices.
• Communicate and collaborate with team members and stakeholders to ensure effective working relationship.
• Select and apply strategies for personal and professional development to enhance work performance.
• Apply project management principles and tools when responding to requirements and monitoring projects within a computing environment.
• Adhere to ethical, social media, legal, regulatory and economic requirements and/or principles in the development and management of the computing solutions and systems.
• Investigate emerging trends to respond to technical challenges.
• Analyze, plan, design, implement and administer computer systems and cloud solutions.
• Research, design, deploy, configure, troubleshoot, maintain, upgrade and decommission computing system infrastructures.
• Select and apply scripting tools and programming languages to automate routine tasks.
• Install, monitor, optimize and administer a database management system in response to specified requirements.
• Design, implement and administer technical support processes for computing system infrastructures that aligns with industry best practice.

The Jewellery Methods program provides you with the skills and abilities necessary to succeed in this demanding profession as a goldsmith/bench jeweller. The essential skills of measuring, sawing, filing, soldering and finishing are stressed early in the program. These skills are built upon through the introduction and practice of many traditional and contemporary techniques. Once essential skills are achieved, you study more advanced goldsmithing techniques, jewellery repair, gemsetting and model making, as well as jewellery elective subjects.

Jewellery history, technical drawing, gemmology and an overview of the industry are included to provide you with a broad knowledge of the jewellery field.

Program Learning Outcomes

• The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
• Create jewellery items in copper, brass, silver and gold, using fundamental goldsmithing skills for entry-level employment in the jewellery industry.
• Create wax models using hand-carving techniques.
• Set gemstones in simple settings to industry standards.
• Repair jewellery to industry standards and to meet customer satisfaction.
• Produce multiple reproductions of jewellery using the lost wax casting process.
• Incorporate polishing techniques to produce market ready jewellery items.
• Differentiate gemstones and their properties as required in the jewellery industry.
• Contextualize jewellery according to historical and stylistic qualities to assess provenance, materials and method of production.
• Use technical drawing techniques to communicate jewellery designs as required.
• Follow ethic, security and business practices consistent with jewellery industry standards.
• Employ jewellery tools, equipment and materials in a confident and safe manner.
• Use computer software (CAD) skills to produce 2D drawings and 3D models of complex jewellery forms.
• Produce a professional portfolio that documents attained skills for employment applications.
• Construct finished jewellery pieces according to given designs.

The Jewellery Arts program focuses on goldsmithing techniques and design skills that are necessary to succeed as a jewellery designer and goldsmith. You learn all aspects of jewellery making – sawing, filing, soldering, casting and polishing, and the particulars of working with silver, gold and gemstones. You are required to utilize various design strategies and study the wide variety of jewellery forms open to you as a designer. Skills in the application of the creative process are important. Use of technology and fundamental jewellery business skills are integral to the program.

You are encouraged to work to the highest goldsmithing standards as you create jewellery with precious metals and gemstones. Projects are designed to advance technical and design skills, while at the same time permitting individual expression. An annual jewellery exhibition showcases graduating students' projects. Students have the opportunity to participate in numerous competitions, and to volunteer for and attend industry events.

Program Learning Outcomes

• The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
• Create jewellery items in copper, brass, silver and gold, using adept goldsmithing skills for employment in the jewellery industry.
• Apply specialized jewellery skills to industry standards to inform technique and design.
• Devise jewellery design solutions to meet client needs taking both material and process requirements into consideration.
• Construct finished jewellery pieces according to given designs.
• Produce technical drawings and illustrations to communicate jewellery designs as required.
• Select fabrication processes to optimize jewellery production.
• Contextualize jewellery according to historical and stylistic qualities to assess provenance, materials and method of production.
• Produce industry quality jewellery items using the lost wax casting process.
• Incorporate polishing techniques to produce market ready jewellery items.
• Differentiate gemstones and their properties as required in the jewellery industry.
• Follow ethic, security and business practices consistent with jewellery industry standards.
• Employ jewellery tools, equipment and materials in a confident and safe manner.
• Use computer software (CAD skills) to produce 2D drawings and 3D models of complex jewellery forms, and digital manufacturing technologies (CAM skills) to produce industry quality jewellery items.
• Produce a professional portfolio that documents attained skills, including jewellery and jewellery designs, for employment applications and marketing opportunities.

The General Arts and Science one-year (two semesters) certificate is designed for students who wish to develop the skills and competencies required in college, university and the workplace. The program allows students to explore subjects within the Humanities, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, and Science and Mathematics; and to develop skills in critical thinking, oral and written communications, and career development. An effective career counselling component helps students consider their options for a vocationally specific college education, as well as their interests and eligibility for university/degree transfer.

As a student in the General Arts and Science one-year (two semesters) certificate program, you will develop the skills and competencies required in college, university and the workplace. The program allows you to explore subjects within the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and science and mathematics; and to develop skills in critical thinking, oral and written communications and career development. An effective career exploration component helps you consider your options for a vocationally specific college education, as well as your interests and eligibility for university/degree transfer.

Program Learning Outcomes

• The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
  • Develop, through general knowledge gained in a wide range of subjects, insight into both self and society.
  • Develop flexibility and clarity of both thought and expression in order to develop communications competence to a level required by business and industry.
  • Understand and utilize critical thinking processes and problem solving techniques.
  • Examine and evaluate various aspects of our changing society to assist in developing a sense of personal and social responsibility as a citizen in society.
  • Employ basic vocational skills drawn from the areas of the Humanities, Social and Behavioral Sciences of Vocational Studies (Business, Technology).

The Jewellery Essentials program provides you with the skills and techniques necessary to begin a career in the jewellery industry. You will learn to saw, file, solder, grind, polish and finish metals including copper, brass, silver and gold. Fabrication and centrifugal casting techniques will be used to create jewellery pieces to high standards.

Mobile application development is one of the fastest growing sectors of information technology. This three-semester program will help students develop a wide variety of skills related to developing, testing and deploying applications for mobile phones and tablets. The main focus of the program is the two leading platforms in mobile devices: iOS and Android.

Java and Swift programming languages are covered in this program so students have an easier transition in developing mobile applications. Client-side development tools such as HTML 5, CSS3 and JavaScript are covered, as well as aspects of server-side programming to complement mobile application development. To synthesize all learning outcomes, students will participate in either a co-op work term or applied project that will provide the experience necessary to improve graduate employability.

Students will learn strategies related to the development of mobile applications from a business perspective such as performing competitive research and exploring revenue-generating approaches. They will also be exposed to the process of App Store and Android Market submissions.

Your Field Education Options
To be eligible for co-op, a student must complete all Semester 1 and Semester 2 courses. As well, an overall GPA of 3.0 must be achieved. During the third semester of the program, students may choose whether to apply for a co-op position or take a Work Integrated Learning course that includes an industry-sponsored project.

Program Learning Outcomes

• Create meaningful design artifacts using modern software engineering methodologies and project management principles.
• Implement native mobile applications for different mobile platforms.
• Develop solution architectures to support mobile applications by applying enterprise architecture principles and best practices.
• Develop creative concepts for mobile applications that meet innovation, entrepreneurship and social enterprise objectives.
• Develop secure mobile applications by implementing the security principles, standards and best practices of mobile application development.
• Develop usable, friendly, fast and reliable mobile applications by applying the principles and best practices of User Interface design and experience (UI/UX).
• Work independently and as a team member to develop mobile application solutions for a business.
• Use industry standard testing methodologies to ensure software quality and improve software performance.
• Apply various strategies for developing competitive mobile applications.

As we advance further into this increasingly digital world, Artificial Intelligence and Data Science will revolutionize most industries by optimizing business processes and automating decision-making in many white-collar jobs. The Applied A.I. Solutions Development program will instill graduates with the skills needed to provide existing businesses and emerging startups with the tools required to thrive in the digital revolution.

This three-semester graduate certificate program uses a hands-on, applied approach to the field of A.I., giving students the broad range of skills needed to excel in this rapidly growing industry.

It teaches the development and application of Machine Learning/Deep Learning models and provides a fundamental understanding of the underlying mathematical algorithms that power them. This combination of knowledge and skills will allow graduates to identify and select appropriate algorithms for a given use, build and fine-tune models, and visualize and effectively communicate the resulting data, thereby bridging the traditional roles of Data Scientist, Machine Learning Engineer and Business Translator.

Your Field Education Options

• To be eligible for co-op, a student must complete all Semester 1 and Semester 2 courses. As well, an overall GPA of 3.0 must be achieved.
• During the third semester of the program, students may choose whether to apply for a Co-op position or take a Work Integrated Learning course that includes an industry-sponsored project.

Program Learning Outcomes

• The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
  • Identify, evaluate and manage relevant data sources to support data analytics and to meet organizational needs.
  • Recommend different systems, architectures and data storage technologies to support data-driven solutions.
  • Develop and deploy complete Machine Learning/Deep Learning production systems for a variety of industry use cases that meet the needs of a specific operational/business process.
  • Assess and apply appropriate mathematical models, algorithms, tools and frameworks to develop A.I.-enabled, industry-specific solutions.
  • Design and present A.I. solutions effectively to stakeholders through the use of data visualizations.
  • Apply legal, ethical, privacy and security-related standards and considerations in data science projects in a manner that protects privacy and confidentiality, addresses data bias and transparency, and ensures data integrity.
  • Implement artificial intelligence systems on time and budget using best practices and strategies in design thinking, project management and lifecycle management.
  • Design artificial intelligence (A.I.) systems through the application of systematic approaches and methodologies to meet growing organizational needs.