Advanced Diploma in Game Programming

at George Brown College - Casa Loma Campus Canada

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 Honours Bachelor of Technology (Construction Management) program provides a dynamic curriculum that integrates theory, applied research, field study and hands-on practical education. Recognizing that today’s successful construction manager must possess both technical and managerial competencies, the curriculum combines studies in construction science and technology with studies in business and management methods as applied to construction.

Students obtain the knowledge and skills to manage the functions and processes of construction projects from start to finish. They master construction-related technical disciplines and soft skills that are critical to completing projects on time and within budget. Graduates of this program are entitled to the academic credential designation of Hons. B.Tech. (Construction Management).

The Honours Bachelor of Technology (Construction Management) program is well recognized by the construction industry and is fully accredited by the Canadian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (CIQS), the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), and the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). Graduates of this program are qualified to obtain professional memberships in various construction management associations. Professional memberships are based on the candidate’s education, training, and work experience.

With the completion of this degree program, graduates will have satisfied all academic requirements for professional membership of the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), the Canadian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (CIQS), and the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). Memberships in these associations must be applied for separately.

Graduates also qualify to obtain their Gold Seal Certification (GSC) offered by the Canadian Construction Association (CCA) to become certified Superintendents, Estimators, Project Managers, Construction Managers, and Construction Safety Coordinators.

Your Field Education Options
WORK TERM

An integral component of the Honours Bachelor of Technology (Construction Management) degree program is a mandatory field study or Work Term offered in the Spring/Summer of the third year of the program. The Work Term is jointly facilitated through the Angelo DelZotto School of Construction Management and the Centre for Construction and Engineering Technologies (CCET)’s Industry Liaison Office (ILO).

Prior to the Work Term, students participate in job preparation courses that cover areas such as workplace communication practices, resume writing, job search strategies and interview practice to enable them to communicate clearly and effectively. In the field settings, students practice team-building, managing, and tracking project resources, analyzing project performance, preparing technical proposals and reports, and improving their construction project management skills.

Students are required to complete a minimum of 14 weeks of full-time work experience, or part-time equivalent of no less than 420 hours of verifiable work experience, in the field of construction management in order to fulfill the Work Term requirement.

Students are allowed to complete the Work Term requirement through the following pathways:

Field Placement: Students register in the Work Term course (TCOP 1001), secure field placement in a relevant construction field, obtain a minimum of 14 weeks of full-time fieldwork experience, or part-time equivalent of no less than 420 hours of relevant fieldwork experience, and pass the course.

Prior Learning Assessment Recognition (PLAR): Students who have prior work experience equivalent to the minimum requirement (that is, minimum of 14 weeks of full-time or part-time equivalent of no less than 420 hours of relevant work) can seek to complete the Work Term requirement of the program through the PLAR process

WORK/STUDY ABROAD OPPORTUNITIES

There is also a work/study abroad opportunity that will allow a limited number of students to complete one month of field studies at Shanghai Urban Construction College (SUCC) in China, including two weeks of studies and two weeks of work. SUCC is a multi-divisional college that serves 6,000 students with over 400 faculty members.

Program Learning Outcomes

• The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
  • Use relevant media to communicate all manner of information related to a construction project.
  • Analyze the past performance of construction projects to predict and improve the execution of future projects.
  • Manage construction projects in a compliant, safe, ethical and sustainable manner.
  • Apply management tools and techniques to execute construction projects on time and within budget.
  • Recognize and value the diversity of opinions, processes, and approaches in executing construction projects.
  • Incorporate effective leadership strategies to develop high-functioning, multidisciplinary and multicultural teams and work groups.
  • Apply the principles and practices of leadership development and human resources to manage and develop people in the construction industry.
  • Analyze technical problems encountered in construction projects and develop appropriate solutions in accordance with the principles and practices of construction science and management.
  • Apply business, accounting and financial principles and practices to effectively manage construction project costs.
  • Apply the principles and practices of construction management in assessing the key performance indicators of construction projects.
  • Evaluate potential risks impacting construction projects and devise appropriate risk mitigation strategies.
  • Create technical documents relevant to the design, procurement and execution of construction projects and manage documentation flow effectively.
  • Behave in a fair, ethical and responsible manner consistent with professional codes of conduct, laws, policies and contracts.

Learning in state-of-the-art architectural studios with the most up-to-date equipment and software, you will develop a thorough knowledge of architectural drawing and technical design skills, as well as an understanding of sustainable building design and construction materials grounded in current green principles.

Courses cover 2D and 3D computer-aided drafting, design, rendering and modelling, design and development drawings, construction drawings and architectural presentation. You will also learn and apply the concepts of building science, building systems, building codes and construction law. Teamwork in a project-based learning environment is emphasized.

Note: If 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.

Program Learning Outcomes

• The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
  • Communicate with clients, contractors, other building professionals, and approval authorities.
  • Assist in the preparation, reading, and interpretation of drawings, and other graphical representations used in building projects.
  • Read and assist in the preparation of specifications and other project documents used in design and construction.
  • Assist in the preparation of estimates of time, costs, and quantity.
  • Assist in solving technical problems related to building projects through the application of principles of building science and mathematics.
  • Collaborate with members of the building team.
  • Assist in the development of architectural designs.
  • Review and assist in the preparation of site planning documents.
  • Comply with the legal and ethical requirements of an architectural technician in the practice of building design and construction.
  • Assist in the assessment of buildings related to repurposing and renovation projects.
  • Ensure personal safety in the workplace.
  • Identify sustainable design and building practices.
  • Use current and emerging technology to support building projects.
  • Assist in the administration of the construction phase of building projects.

Whether it’s online or console, cell phone or PC-based, the game industry in Canada is large and growing rapidly. Game developers and publishers in the Greater Toronto Area range from small specialized units to mid-sized companies to Microsoft, Nintendo and other industry leaders.

Computer and game programmers are the fundamental resource for companies that develop, produce, distribute and market computer-based games. In fact, our industry advisors tell us it is the technical skills that are most in demand – a demand that this George Brown program is focused on meeting.

Students in George Brown’s three-year Game – Programming advanced diploma program will learn the technical skills they need to be successful in the job market by learning “the language of gaming” (C and C++), as well as artificial intelligence, 3D graphics and much more.

The added advantage of this program is that students will also be taught by George Brown’s School of Design faculty throughout the program, working closely with design students to create games, explore all aspects of the game industry, and learn to work in teams, just as they will in industry. Classes take place at George Brown’s Casa Loma and St. James Campuses. Some courses are offered online, and in some semesters, evening courses may be required.

Note: Students who start the program in January (Winter term) will be required to attend classes during the summer months (May to August).

Program Learning Outcomes

• The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
• Analyze the differences in game genres in order to develop games that meet the needs of specific markets.
• Analyze the history of video games to compare various approaches to game development.
• Support the development of games by identifying and relating concepts from a range of industry roles – programming, design, and art.
• Contribute as an individual and a member of a game development team to the effective completion of a game development project.
• Develop strategies for ongoing personal and professional development to enhance work performance in the games industry.
• Perform all work in compliance with relevant statutes, regulations, legislation, industry standards and codes of ethics.

This intensive 12-month Commercial Dance program provides you with the performance skills and marketability necessary to work in the vast field of commercial dance. A graduate has the ability to dance, sing and act, enabling a performance career in music videos, musical theatre, cruise ship performance and more.

Dance training is in jazz, hip hop and ballet combined with in-depth acting, vocals and chorus repertoire. Career management and personal marketing skills combined with polished performance technique will launch your professional commercial dance career.

STUDENT SELECTION
Entrance requirement is dance training at the intermediate jazz level with training in additional dance forms as a significant asset. Prospective students must pass an audition in jazz as well as an interview.

To learn more about the audition process, visit georgebrown.ca/performingarts/danceauditions.

Program Learning Outcomes

• The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
  • Perform jazz and hip hop dance technique to professional standard in choreographed solo and ensemble productions.
  • Perform chorus repertoire technique, memorizing and reproducing long movement sequences integrated with vocals, to professional standard in commercial ensemble productions.
  • Sing at a professional standard using pulse, rhythm, meter, dynamics and accurate pitch in solo and ensemble presentations.
  • Create and perform artistically expressive dramatic characterizations in a dance context at a professional level for solo and ensemble productions.
  • Present self professionally at auditions and in industry environments through resumes, biographical backgrounds, and photographs during commercial and academic interviews.
  • Develop self-knowledge and reflective practice to make informed artistic, pedagogical, personal development and career choices within the performing arts industry.
  • Exercise critical thinking skills to peer evaluate performance, mentor creativity and innovate to inspire projects, peers and students.

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.

As a student in the Cloud Computing Technologies one-year graduate certificate program, you will gain a comprehensive and in-depth technical base through courses in the high-demand areas of system and network administration, cloud productivity tools, cloud computing design and implementation, and cloud computing security from the most popular and fastest growing cloud providers. Upon completion of this program, you will have gained experience in Microsoft 365, Microsoft Azure, and Amazon AWS. Experience in these cloud provider platforms ensures you will be workplace ready.

As a graduate of this program, you will possess the cloud computing design, administration and troubleshooting skills necessary to support any business and attract employers from all over the world. Through lab activities and projects, each course allows you to gain hands-on experience using technologies in real-world cloud computing scenarios. An optional work-integrated learning field placement is available for those who are not currently employed in IT and are looking to apply these new skills in the field.

As the cloud computing sector in the information technology (IT) industry continues to grow globally and our industry partners report technical skills shortages, George Brown College is helping to meet the market demand by educating IT professionals who understand all aspects of computer systems from on-premises to cloud computing.

Program Learning Outcomes

1. Create secure solutions that support highly available micro-services that meet client needs.
2. Implement enterprise level applications in hosted cloud environments that respond to client needs and business practices.
3. Architect and deploy fault tolerant solutions within cloud computing platforms to solve identified business requirements.
4. Automate security and resources for applications by using cloud computing tools to mitigate risk for organizations and protect assets.
5. Design and test code-based solutions to cloud computing problems that ensure security in depth.
6. Assess the viability of developing, deploying, maintaining and securing cloud computing solutions using a variety of resiliency testing tools.
7. Create and defend cloud-computing strategies used to solve identified business needs on behalf of a client.
8. Install and monitor a database management system on the cloud in response to specified requirements.
9. Design, develop, configure, troubleshoot, maintain, and upgrade computing systems and network infrastructures for the cloud.

The Fashion Management program prepares you with essential knowledge and skills required to meet the Canadian fashion industry's core business needs. You will gain a deep understanding of textiles, manufacturing inputs and processes, and movement in the supply chain, as well as management of the value, costing and quality of apparel. You will also be able to apply the tools of marketing and merchandising to maximize product success in the market. This program is designed to meet the needs of today's Canadian market, which has shifted to product development, niche markets and omni-channel retail.

The Fashion Management program is the only academic program curriculum in Canada identified by the American Apparel and Footwear Association (AAFA) as an affiliate school. Benefits to you include an up-to-date curriculum, connection with the industry and access to industry research materials exclusively available to members.

The concepts of developing, sourcing and marketing a product from initial idea to retail sale are introduced. You will test and problem-solve for quality assurance; develop buying, merchandising and marketing plans; examine logistics processes; and work as a team to manage a retail store.

The structure of this program gives you flexibility in the choice of a career path. You will also gain relevant industry knowledge through field education experience after the first year of study. The Field Experience may be in fashion buying, production, distribution, retailing, wholesale, or a related marketing area. Students have the opportunity to network with potential employers at our FashionWorks industry event.

Note: Students starting in January will have an alternate order of courses, and will not graduate until their field education component has been completed. January intake students will complete semester two from May to August, and continue into semester three in September of the same academic year.

The School of Fashion offers a diverse, hands-on learning environment, including many extracurricular activities for students.

Program Learning Outcomes

• The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
  • Identify textile materials, assess their suitability and compatibility, and select for end use.
  • Use basic accounting concepts and financial analysis in order to interpret reports and make business decisions.
  • Make optimal sourcing decisions based on research and analysis of domestic and global sources.
  • Use merchandising concepts and retail math to develop merchandise, assortment and buying plans.
  • Communicate visually by using appropriate tools and practices to create product development packages, sales materials, and merchandising displays.
  • Apply the principles of logistics and supply chain management to operate a successful fashion business.
  • Use effective interpersonal and team skills to enhance leadership, management and sales expertise in a fashion business environment.
  • Evaluate product by applying the principles of quality control to meet appropriate standards.
  • Explain the organization and operation of the Canadian fashion industry, its role within the global economy, and identify the forces that affect it.
  • Distinguish the processes and systems used in garment manufacturing to make production decisions.
  • Apply the product development process by preparing visual materials, technical specifications, and cost analysis for a product(s) aimed at a specific target market.
  • Develop, communicate, and apply a marketing plan by combining marketing research, strategies and tactics.
  • Analyze ethics, corporate social responsibility and sustainability principles to develop best practices in the fashion industry.
  • Develop professional goals through industry exposure with an emphasis on life-long learning and personal growth.

In the Child and Youth Care (CYC)(Accelerated) program, you will have the opportunity to learn how to support at-risk children, youth and families by developing therapeutic skills and abilities. Over the course of 12 consecutive months (three semesters), you will learn how to build therapeutic relationships with clients and collaborate with a professional team as you develop skill sets to create a professional identity as an agent of change.

Scope of practice includes:

• Assessing risk and developmental needs of vulnerable children and families
• Designing and implementing therapeutic intervention
• Crisis intervention and safety planning with children, youth and their families
• Developing therapeutic relationships within challenging contexts
• Applying group and systems theories in milieu work
• Fostering resilience and applying a strength-based approach to assessment and intervention

This program starts in May and is delivered over 12 consecutive months (three consecutive semesters).
Students are required to successfully complete a Ministry-approved crisis intervention training certificate in their third semester.
In preparation for the field or clinical placement, students will be required to work in multiple small and large groups within classes and community settings.

Your Field Education Options
Students gain valuable hands-on experience through two supervised field placement opportunities. Each placement lasts four consecutive months and runs four days a week.
Field placement opportunities take place in agencies and institutions that offer services to the community within the Greater Toronto Area. The CYC program also offers international placement experiences when possible. 

Typical placement sites include:

• Group homes
• Schools
• Hospitals
• Youth shelters
• Community outreach programs
• Youth justice

Students are expected to work both day and evening shifts (not overnight) and may be requested to work on some weekends.

Program Learning Outcomes

• The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
  • Develop and maintain relationships with children, youth and their families applying principles of relational practice and respecting their unique life space, cultural and human diversity.
  • Assess and respond to the strengths and needs of children and youth, including complex responses impacted by developmental, environmental, physical, emotional, social and mental health challenges in order to promote positive change.
  • Analyze and evaluate the impact of the inter-relationship among family, social service, justice and community systems on children, youth and their families and use this information in the planning of holistic care and in the reduction of systemic barriers.
  • Plan, implement and evaluate interventions using evidence?informed practices in the areas of therapeutic milieu and programming, and group work to promote resiliency and to enhance development in children, youth and their families.
  • Advocate for the rights of children, youth and their families and maintain an anti-oppression perspective and cultural competence in diverse cultural contexts.
  • Apply communication, teamwork and organizational skills within the interprofessional team and with community partners to enhance the quality of service in child and youth care practice.
  • Develop and implement self-care strategies using self-inquiry and reflection processes to promote self- awareness and to enhance practice as a child and youth care practitioner.
  • Use evidence-based research, professional development resources and supervision models to support professional growth and lifelong learning.

The General Arts and Science two-year (four semesters) diploma is designed to develop the essential skills needed for advanced studies, including university transfer and professional specialization. The program includes a wide range of subjects within the Arts and Humanities, Social Sciences, and Science. It emphasizes advanced skills in research and writing, oral communications and critical thinking, providing excellent preparation for work, as well as for further vocational and university studies.

Students acquire knowledge and engage with ideas in a wide range of disciplines. Interdisciplinary approaches enable students to explore and relate relevant concepts and issues to individuals, the environment, and the workplace.

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).