Certificate in Gemmology

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 demanding one-year Dance Performance Preparation program will help translate your passion for dancing into the skills necessary to pursue a career in professional dance. As a graduate, you will have a strong and confident foundation from which to further your professional dance education. Technical training is in classical ballet and is supplemented by modern and jazz dance. Studies in vocal and acting will enhance your performance versatility and employability. This program is based on a focused approach to training, rehearsal and performance.

STUDENT SELECTION
Entrance requirement is dance training at the elementary classical ballet level with experience in other dance forms. Prospective students must pass an audition in ballet and 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:
  • Execute classical ballet, jazz, and modern dance technique at a basic level in choreographed solo and ensemble presentations.
  • Sing at a basic level using breathing, dynamics and accuracy of pitch in both solo and chorus presentations.
  • Execute dramatic works that connect emotionally with audience, both individually and within an ensemble presentation, at a basic level.
  • Present self professionally at auditions and through resumes, biographical backgrounds, and photographs to advance artistic and career opportunities.
  • Develop and apply self-knowledge and reflective practice to make informed artistic and personal choices.

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.

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.

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.

The Fashion Business Industry two-year diploma program at George Brown College's School of Fashion and Jewellery in Toronto gives students an introduction to all aspects of the fashion industry, from product knowledge to marketing and small business management.

The small to medium-sized business enterprise is a flourishing sector of the fashion industry and represents a great opportunity for entry into the fashion world. Smaller companies require employees who possess a variety of management skills to manage a business from the start-up stage to more developed business models. Students will be prepared for the roles and develop skills essential for the operation of a successful small fashion business. The entrepreneurial aspect of this program guides students through the process of developing a comprehensive business plan, which is essential to start a new business or manage an existing business.

Students will gain an understanding of textiles, garment construction, quality criteria and apparel merchandising. They will also learn to apply marketing, accounting, financial and other business concepts necessary for the decision-making they will encounter in their future careers.

Program Learning Outcomes

• The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
  • Use basic apparel drafting and construction skills and industrial sewing machines to complete apparel products.
  • Use standard fashion industry computer software for business and for design development.
  • Manage daily operations, resources, visual merchandising and customer relationships to ensure profitability in a retail enterprise.
  • Develop a business and finance plan for a small apparel enterprise that reflects awareness of market conditions, resources required and cash flow.
  • Apply appropriate buying, merchandising and accounting practices to support small business operations in the fashion industry.
  • Apply supply chain management and logistics to operate a successful fashion business.
  • Develop, communicate and implement a marketing plan by combining marketing research, strategies and tactics.
  • Analyze economic, fashion and industry trends to make business decisions in small and medium-sized apparel enterprises.
  • Evaluate products by applying quality control processes to meet appropriate standards.
  • Identify textile materials, asses their suitability and compatibility, and select accordingly for end use.

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 evolution of information and communication technologies is transforming the health-care system and creating new ways of accessing and exchanging information that will impact the health-care sector. Health-care and information systems professionals currently employed or with experience in a health-care or technology environment, or who have an interest in the advancement of information technologies in the health-care delivery sector, will be interested in this program.

The Health Informatics graduate certificate program brings together professionals in health-related and information technology sectors to develop specialists in health informatics who can respond to the current and emerging needs of health-care systems. This intensive program is designed for IT, health-care or related professionals who aspire to enter into a health informatician/analyst role, or practitioners who wish to enhance their experience with formal education. Participants will be engaged and supported by a team of health informatician/business system analyst professionals and faculty in developing critical skills and competencies in the areas of:

• Health-care systems, technologies and trends
• Ethical, professional, legal and policy implications of health information systems technologies and health information standards
• Problem identification and analysis
• Documenting and analyzing health-care organization, health-user and solution requirements
• Process, workflow and system/solution modelling
• Project management
• Technical writing
• Leadership and management
• Business and system analysis techniques and core-professional competencies such as analytical thinking and problem solving, communication and facilitation, and interactional skills.

The Health Informatics program provides breadth and depth of applied knowledge in the field of health informatics. A key characteristic that sets this graduate certificate program apart is the applied nature of the curriculum. Students will be immersed in the process of health informatics/analysis through case studies, industry projects, and practical work experience, and will be responsible for developing solutions. The uniqueness of this program is in creating graduates with work-ready skills built through applied, hands-on experience.

Graduates of the program will have acquired knowledge, skills and competencies relevant to professional certification programs in Health Informatics/Information and Management Systems.

Graduates will be able to:

• Formulate change strategies to implement appropriate health information systems technologies (HIST) within the health-care setting.
• Apply business and system analysis techniques to evaluate the effectiveness of health information systems technologies within a health-related setting.
• Integrate relevant standards and professional, ethical and legislative requirements with the appropriate health information system technologies.
• Design training and education for the effective use of HIST.

Program Learning Outcomes

• The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
  • Assess organizational requirements for health information system technologies (HIST).
  • Formulate strategies for the selection and implementation of HIST.
  • Design and deliver educational/training strategies for end-users.
  • Evaluate the impact of HIST on business/clinical processes, and on health services delivery.

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.

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.