Certificate in Gemmology

at George Brown College - Casa Loma Campus Canada

As the Information Technology (IT) sector continues to grow in Toronto and our industry partners report skills shortages, George Brown College is helping to meet employer demand by educating IT professionals who understand all aspects of computer systems. Our two-year Computer Systems Technician program provides students with a broad and in-depth technical base, through courses in the high-demand areas of system support, network administration and web technologies. The curriculum prepares graduates with the strong administration, troubleshooting and design skills they need for careers in IT.

As the Information Technology (IT) sector continues to grow in Toronto and our industry partners report skills shortages, George Brown College is helping to meet employer demand by educating IT professionals who understand all aspects of computer systems. Our two-year Computer Systems Technician program provides students with a broad and in-depth technical base, through courses in the high-demand areas of system support, network administration and web technologies. The curriculum prepares graduates with the strong administration, troubleshooting and design skills they need for careers in IT.

George Brown continues to invest in up-to-date networking, wireless and security lab equipment to help students develop hands-on installation, configuration and troubleshooting skills. Students use the NetLab platform, which enables them with 24/7 remote access to Cisco Systems physical equipment. This investment, along with our hands-on teaching environment, was recognized by Cisco when the college was designated an Area Support Centre and Instructor Training Centre.

Graduates of the Computer Systems Technician program are prepared to write several industry certification exams that are in demand by employers.

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

• Identify, analyze, develop, implement, verify and document the requirements for a computing environment.
• Contribute to the diagnostics, troubleshooting, documenting and monitoring of technical problems using appropriate methodologies and tools.
• Implement and maintain secure computing environments.
• Implement robust computing system solutions through validation testing that aligns with 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.
• Adhere to ethical, legal and regulatory requirements and/or principles in the development and management of computing solutions and systems.
• Assist with the implementation of computer systems.
• Install, configure, troubleshoot, maintain, upgrade and decommission computing system infrastructures.
• Automate routine tasks using scripting tools and programming languages.
• Provide technical support for computing system infrastructures that aligns with industry best practice.
• Implement the basic concept, principles, and scope of DevOps.
• Apply task automation using configuration management and the Cloud.
• Automate network administrative tasks across distributed clients.

Electromechanical Engineering Technology – Power and Control is designed to provide students with both theoretical and practical experience, enabling them to work in a wide variety of electrical engineering areas including power and control systems, utilities, industrial automation and robotics, instrumentation and process control. The curriculum incorporates theory, applications, practical experience and safety practices from power systems, utilities, manufacturing, control system, automation and computer industries, along with concepts from the sciences and humanities to ensure the graduate is equipped with technical knowledge, skills and practice.

The Information Systems Business Analysis graduate certificate program at George Brown College is designed to meet the urgent need for professionals who can be the key liaison between business and information technology functions within an organization. Further, George Brown is recognized by the International Institute of Business Analysis as an Academic Member, and is proud to offer the IIBA® Academic Diploma.

This intensive program is designed for IT or business professionals who aspire to enter into a business analyst role, or practitioners who wish to enhance their experience with formal education. A deeper level of understanding of the business analyst role will be developed through unique learning techniques and invaluable practical experience. Participants will be engaged and supported by a team of business analyst consultants and faculty in developing critical skills and competencies in the areas of:

• Problem identification
• Documenting and analyzing user requirements
• Process and workflow modelling
• Communication and facilitation
• Project management
• Technical writing
• Leadership and management
• Decision-making

A key characteristic of this program is the applied nature of the curriculum. Students are immersed in the process of business analysis through case histories of real-world business issues, and are responsible for developing solutions. The uniqueness of this program is in creating a practicing business analyst rather than creating someone who knows how to do it. This program creates work-ready graduates who can do, and have done, the business analysis process through applied, hands-on experience.

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.

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.

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.

Graduates from this program benefit from a combination of advanced machine-tool technology principles (CAD/CAM/CNC) and extensive hands-on manufacturing practices that better prepare them for the technical challenges they may face in the workplace.

Advanced CNC and Precision Machining students have the opportunity to strengthen their skills by engaging in specialized industry partnerships that include precision machining/welding workshops and formula race-car and rocketry manufacturing with University of Toronto Engineering and Aeronautics undergraduate students.

In their final year, students engage in applied projects to design and fabricate prototypes using digital manufacturing technology (lasers, 3D printer, multi-axis CNC machine tools).

All students will augment their technical training with courses in mathematics, communications, and general education.

Your Field Education Options

• Students will have the opportunity to complete a mandatory 15-week co-op term in Year 2. 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:
  • Complete all work in compliance with current legislation, standards, regulations and guidelines.
  • Apply quality control and quality assurance procedures to meet organizational standards and requirements.
  • Comply with current health and safety legislation, as well as organizational practices and procedures.
  • Apply sustainability best practices in workplaces.
  • Use current and emerging technologies to support the implementation of mechanical and manufacturing projects.
  • Analyze and solve mechanical problems by applying mathematics and fundamentals of mechanics.
  • Interpret, prepare and modify mechanical drawings and other related technical documents.
  • Perform technical measurements accurately using appropriate instruments and equipment.
  • Manufacture, assemble, maintain and repair mechanical components according to required specifications.
  • Contribute to the planning, implementation and evaluation of projects.

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 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 Gemmology program teaches you to analyze and classify a wide variety of gem materials, both natural and artificially created. The program focuses on analyzing chemical and physical characteristics of gem and gem-like materials, and identifying different gems. The gem materials are classified into categories according to their desirable characteristics, which eventually determine the value of the gems. To accomplish the identification and classification, you use a number of specially designed instruments, such as microscopes, spectroscopes, refractometers and polariscopes, on real gem materials.

Visual acuity and accurate colour rendition are essential traits for success in Gemmology.

Refractive Index liquid (RI liquid), which contains diiodomethane, is a commonly used chemical in Gemmology practice. If you are pregnant, have certain medical conditions or are sensitive to RI liquid, please consult with your physician for advice before you attend this program, as you will be exposed to RI liquid in Gemmology lab work.

Program Learning Outcomes

• The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
  • Identify a large number of gemstones and gem materials and distinguish them from synthetics and imitations.
  • Use, maintain and handle gemmological instruments and testing equipment competently and safely.
  • Grade gemstones for quality based on their cut, colour and other physical characteristics, chemical composition and possible place of origin.
  • Grade diamonds based on their cut, clarity, colour and carat weight.
  • Apply the basic skills of jewellery appraisal to assess market value.
  • Contextualize jewellery according to historical and stylistic qualities to assess provenance, materials and method of production.
  • Conduct ethical and secure business practices consistent with jewellery business standards.