Advanced Diploma in Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technology

at George Brown College - Casa Loma Campus Canada

Looking to transition careers or fill in the gaps to gain advanced blockchain development skills?

This unique Blockchain Development program at George Brown College in Toronto focuses on designing and implementing decentralized applications by leveraging blockchain technology. The three-semester program is designed to also thoroughly cover full stack development to give potential students all the tools they need to succeed in this emerging and exciting field.

This program has been developed with the support of blockchain industry professionals and is taught in a full-time executive format of approximately 20 hours per week of study over a 26-week time period. Co-op and work integrated learning opportunities are available during the third semester of the program. It is the first certificate in blockchain offered by a Canadian college.

The skills you’ll learn include:

• Smart contracts
• Design patterns for blockchain
• Distributed applications (dApps)
• Full stack development
• Blockchain architecture, security practices, laws and regulations, and more

Your Field Education Options
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 which includes an industry-sponsored project.

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.

Program Learning Outcomes

• The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
  • Communicate essential concepts related to blockchain technology and its industry applications.
  • Implement best security practices for blockchain solutions.
  • Design cryptoeconomic models to solve business problems.
  • Design the architecture of decentralized applications and systems.
  • Develop decentralized applications leveraging blockchain technology.
  • Explain the legal implications, regulations, and industry standards that are relevant to blockchain technology.
  • Apply IT project management principles and best practices.
  • Contribute to the field and blockchain community through various open source projects, partnerships, and community involvement.

A solid grounding in engineering sciences and practical hands-on experience in mechanical shops and computer assisted design laboratories provide the combination of applied and theoretical knowledge that employers expect in today’s integrated work environments.

In the third year of the program, teams plan and craft their own creations that require the application of all of the knowledge accumulated throughout the program. Once built, projects such as medical devices, entertainment equipment, solar-powered products and automotive accessories are often put on display and form an important part of the student assessment. More importantly, graduates learn to work in teams while solidifying their mechanical engineering knowledge and skills.

Note: If you enrol in the program in January, you must complete semester 2 in the summer (May to August) of the same year.

Your Field Education Options
Field study in the form of applied research is provided to all students.

Some students will also have the opportunity to complete a Co-op term. Co-op participants will be selected based on their academic performance, including a minimum GPA of 3.0 and an interview component.

Program Learning Outcomes

• The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
  • Communicate clearly and concisely in written, graphic and oral form using appropriate formal and informal vocabulary and formats.
  • Display appropriate responsible attitudes.
  • Carry out established design procedures, making use of handbooks, catalogues, specifications, and codes. He/she should be able to recognize problems and apply established engineering practice to arrive at practical solutions.
  • Prepare and interpret detail drawings, assembly drawings and compile technical specifications.
  • Inspect, conduct tests, and compare and compile data in accordance with standard formats and procedures.
  • Assist in the planning, operation, control, and improvement of manufacturing and production processes.
  • Participate in the installation and maintenance of equipment and systems.

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.

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.

Wireless communications are pervasive in our lives. They have grown in recent years to include everything from personal communications networks to governments, hospitals and neighbourhood businesses. And there’s no end in sight to the growth of our wireless world.

George Brown College’s leading-edge Wireless Networking postgraduate program is designed to put you at the centre of this exciting world by giving you high-demand skills in radio frequency (RF), cellular, broadband and advanced data communications.

We offer you a unique choice of career direction. You can specialize in:

• Long Term Evolution (LTE) and Broadband Technologies
• Advanced Network Security
• Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) Technologies

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

• Test and measure RF (radio frequency) signals, attenuation and antenna systems.
• Assist with the preparation and execution of wireless site surveys.
• Build a wired and/or wireless computer network using system design documentation.
• Measure performance of both wired and wireless network components and applications using a variety of basic and advanced network management tools.
• Produce documentation and reports related to network components and applications performance.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical problems related to both wired and wireless networks using standardized approaches and methodologies.
• Install and upgrade network hardware (e.g. workstations, servers, wireless access points, routers, switches, firewalls) and related components and software according to best practices in the industry.
• Monitor and evaluate network security issues and perform basic security audits on both wired and wireless networks.
• Assist in the collection and analysis of user requirements related to wired and wireless networks.
• Utilize change control, issue documentation and problem escalation procedures and processes as per industry best practices.
• Generate and maintain “as built” network documentation following industry best practices.
• Compare network performance against service levels and assist in the development of action plans as required against service level agreements.
• Employ concepts and practices as defined in ITIL (IT Infrastructure Library) to manage IT services and operation, including project management tools and techniques.

Rising fuel costs, indoor air quality and climate change are all factors in raising awareness of the true cost of energy, and the need for energy-efficient building environmental system design, construction and maintenance.

This program has been developed to address the current and future needs of the heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC/R) industry. In the first two years you will study residential and some light commercial systems. In the third year there is an additional focus on commercial systems.

You will develop a firm understanding of the factors involved in designing, building, controlling and maintaining energy-efficient building environmental systems for a wide variety of requirements.

The program covers the basics of air system and hydronic (water) system theory, required to design distribution systems and select appropriate fans, pumps, heating and cooling plants, and system controls for larger buildings.

The program follows industry-standard design practices for environmentally responsible and energy-efficient residential, commercial and industrial systems, as established by the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute (HRAI), the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and the Canada Green Building Council.

Program Learning Outcomes

• The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
• Relate effectively to heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration supervisors, coworkers and customers.
• Comply with applicable acts, regulations, legislation, and codes to maintain personal and public safety.
• Solve scientific, mathematical, and engineering problems related to designing, operating, and installing energy systems for commercial and industrial complexes.
• Prepare and analyze detailed drawings, and compile technical specifications for energy systems.
• Design, operate, and install energy systems for commercial and industrial complexes.
• Develop strategies for ongoing personal and professional development that lead to enhanced work performance and career opportunities, and keep pace with industry changes.

The Cyber Security graduate certificate program at George Brown College is designed to meet the high demand for cyber security professionals and related IT security professionals across multiple sectors – including consulting services, finance and health care.

As a student in this program, you will begin with learning the theory and practical skills required to become a cyber security professional, including the differences and similarities between cyber security and hacking. You will learn about the primary attack surfaces (physical, social, electronic), methods for compromising the attack surfaces, and how to mitigate potential attacks.

In the third semester, you will learn advanced techniques in ethical hacking incident response. A capstone group project will provide you with an opportunity to showcase your skills and talents for potential employers. These skills include:

• Digital forensics and incident response management
• Ethical hacking and analyzing malware
• Delivering security training
• Applying cryptography

In addition to traditional technical skills, the cyber security professionals of today require many non-technical skills and talents, such as:

• Analytical skills
• Written and verbal communication
• Project and time management skills
• Interpersonal and conflict management skills

Students graduating from this program are prepared to help defend organizations from the many cyber threats, including malware, network attacks and data compromise. They will have the capabilities to monitor, assess and evaluate security risks and threats to physical and digital infrastructure, develop and implement security contingency planning, and lead the development of policies and procedures to ensure the mitigation of security risks.

The three-year Interior Design Technology advanced diploma program prepares you to be an Interior Design Technologist. You will be a valuable member of the design team for building retrofits, renovations and new construction, contributing to the technical design of building interiors by design development of plans, elevations, renderings and 3D models.

Learning in state-of-the-art interior design studios with the most up-to-date equipment and software, you will develop a thorough knowledge of interior design and technical design skills.

Through the application of interior design theory, you will learn how to effectively communicate the applied and technical principles of interior design. As a graduate, your area of specialization might include, but is not limited to, the following:

• Bathroom and kitchen design/build
• Commercial, retail or manufacturing technical sales
• Fitments, colour or texture finishes selection and consultations
• 2D and 3D computer drawing, design, rendering and modeling
• Sustainable interior design practices for commercial, retail and residential

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:
  • Analyze a client's needs and goals by using research methodology and techniques.
  • Prepare a design proposal.
  • Analyze design components by using the creative process.
  • Prepare an appropriate design concept of three-dimensional form which meets the criteria of a given design project by using the creative process.
  • Execute appropriate presentation techniques to communicate the design concept.
  • Prepare a design which reflects the concept by using current and relevant information.
  • Communicate to the client the proposed design solution for approval.
  • Prepare documentation needed for the implementation of the design.
  • Collaborate as part of the management team, as the client's agent, in the implementation of a design project to ensure that the project reflects the design solution.
  • Evaluate completed design solutions.

The Plumbing Techniques program covers residential, commercial and industrial applications in the plumbing industry, paying particular attention to residential plumbing. It is a hands-on program that may benefit anyone seeking to enter an apprenticeship or any construction-related career path.

Through hands-on projects you will learn about:

• Tools, materials, equipment and methods used in the plumbing industry
• Estimating materials and labour costs
• Proper use of hand tools and power tools
• Safety practices and procedures associated with these tools

The program includes studying industry standards and building codes while considering health and safety issues and energy conservation.

Projects include:

• Constructing and testing both drain and water systems
• Learning how to install hot water heaters and a variety of residential plumbing fixtures.
• Research on the science of sanitation, water, and the forces acting on a sealed piping system with and without atmospheric pressure applied to it.
• Studying blueprints and learning basic drafting techniques that will enable you to design, comprehend and build plumbing systems.
• A final project will focus on how to maintain the plumbing system you install and those that you may encounter in the future.

Program Learning Outcomes

• The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
  • Work according to contractual obligations; the project manual; and applicable laws, standards, bylaws, and codes.
  • Perform residential plumbing projects effectively and accurately by interpreting and producing basic data in graphic, oral and written formats.
  • Work responsibly and effectively with others and in accordance with appropriate practices, procedures and in compliance with health and safety legislation.
  • Use tools and equipment for basic installation manufacture, and repair of components to required specifications.
  • Contribute to the organizing and planning of residential plumbing installation projects.
  • Solve routine problems related to work environments using a variety of systemic approaches.

Robotics, controls and process automation are cornerstones of modern production facilities and automated systems. Our multidisciplined and hands-on approach to learning culminates in a capstone project in which students design and produce a complex, integrated, fully functional electromechanical system by applying their accumulated theoretical and practical knowledge.

Students complement their technical skills with a focus on the soft skills needed to establish a successful career and add value to any team. Students will learn from faculty who are experienced in both the workplace and the teaching environment.

The industry-relevant curriculum is delivered through hands-on learning in the college’s machine shops, electrical and industrial automation laboratories, process controls and robotics facilities, to ensure that graduates can move quickly and directly into industry.

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:
  • Fabricate and build electrical, electronic, and mechanical components and assemblies in accordance with operating standards, job requirements, and specifications.
  • Interpret and produce electrical, electronic, and mechanical drawings and other related technical documents and graphics for a variety of stakeholders in compliance with industry standards.
  • Select and use a variety of troubleshooting techniques and equipment to assess, maintain, and repair electromechanical circuits, equipment, processes, systems, and subsystems.
  • Maintain and repair electrical, electronic, and mechanical components, equipment, and systems to ensure that they function according to specifications and to optimize production.
  • Support the design and production of mechanical components by assisting in the specification of manufacturing materials and processes.
  • Apply, analyze, build, install, commission, and troubleshoot a variety of mechanical, electrical, and electronic control systems, logic and digital circuits, passive AC and DC circuits, and active circuits.
  • Install and troubleshoot basic computer hardware and programming to support the electromechanical engineering environment.
  • Maintain and troubleshoot automated equipment including robotic systems.
  • Establish and maintain inventory, records, and documentation systems to meet organizational and industry standards and requirements
  • Select and purchase electromechanical equipment, components, and systems that fulfill job requirements and functional specifications.
  • Assist in applying quality control and quality assurance program procedures to meet organizational standards and requirements.
  • Work in compliance with relevant industry standards, laws and regulations, codes, policies, and procedures.
  • Develop strategies for ongoing personal and professional development to enhance work performance and to remain current in the field and responsive to emergent technologies and national and international standards.
  • Contribute as an individual and a member of an electromechanical engineering team to the effective completion of tasks and projects.
  • Support project management activities such as planning, implementation and evaluation of projects, and monitoring of resources, timelines, and expenditures as required.