Diploma in Computer Systems Technician

at George Brown College - Casa Loma Campus Canada

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

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.

The Denturism program prepares students to provide care as independent oral health care professionals.

This program is approved by the College of Denturists of Ontario (CDO). In addition the program is currently accredited by the Commission of Accreditation for Denturism (CAD).

Utilizing the Denturism model of care, students will learn to:

• assess a patient's health history and oral health conditions
• design a treatment plan
• take impressions
• complete procedures to fabricate the construction of removable partial or full dentures

Students will also provide services related to:

• denture repairs
• relines
• removable oral devices

In addition, students will learn techniques in the fabrication of implant overdentures through simulation.

The program consists of a challenging curriculum, including academic, clinical and laboratory skills. Emphasis is placed on interprofessional education, whereby students learn to function within a collaborative oral health-care team. Students are to assume responsibility for ensuring the client base required to participate in the clinical component of the program.

Graduates of this program are eligible to apply to take the CDO provincial licensing examination. (NOTE: Additional fees apply.) Successful completion of the examination is one of the requirements to be registered to practice as a Denturist in the province by the CDO. Visit the CDO for further information about the registration process in Ontario.

Your Field Education Options

• This three-year program offers valuable field experience that includes both onsite and offsite opportunities.

During the first year, students will spend time developing comprehensive lab skills that they will draw upon for the remainder of the program and throughout their future careers.

In the second year, students will build upon that foundation as they start working directly with patients, under the supervision of faculty, at our onsite state-of-the-art WAVE Dental Clinic.

In the final year, students will continue to develop their skills by treating a broad range of clients who have complex oral health care needs. Students can expect this work to be located at both our onsite WAVE Dental Clinic and offsite with a field partner.

PLEASE NOTE: Clinical hours include early mornings that can extend into the evening. Students are responsible for finding their own field experience opportunities and are required to get pre-approval of the placement site from program faculty.

Program Learning Outcomes

• The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
• Practice in a professional, competent and ethical manner within the defined scope of practice and consistent with current regulations and standards of practice.
• Assess and evaluate patients’ oral health status using determinants of health and risk analysis to identify denturism needs, support treatment decisions and provide appropriate referrals to other health care professionals as required.
• Design, implement and evaluate a range of primary, interceptive, therapeutic, preventative, and on-going oral health care services to meet the unique needs of patients.
• Design, fabricate, insert and maintain a variety of dental prostheses and oral devices.
• Identify, select, implement and evaluate quality assurance standards and protocols which contribute to a safe and effective working environment.
• Establish and maintain professional and inter-professional relationships which contribute to patient care, safety and positive health care outcomes within the scope of practice of denturists.
• Facilitate the development of specific oral health attitudes, knowledge, skills, and behaviours in patients by selecting and utilizing principles of teaching and learning.
• Develop and present a model for a denturist practice that addresses relevant business principles, current legislation and standards of practice.
• Develop ongoing reflective professional development strategies and plans related to realistic career goals in the profession.
• Integrate theory, principles, concepts and relevant research into competent denturism practice.

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 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.

Employment opportunities in the Welding trade span several industries including transportation, petro chemical, oil and gas, aerospace, fabrication, manufacturing, pipelines, mining and construction.

George Brown’s Welding Techniques program prepares students with practical, hands-on experience that applies the technical theory and elements of the welding field. Students articulate their technical and essential employability skills through an e-portfolio, based on skill development throughout the program.

At the end of this intense, two-semester program, students will have the opportunity to challenge the shielded metal arc weld test, in accordance with CSA W47.1/W59 standards, in a position(s) of their choosing through the Canadian Welders Bureau. (This test will be voluntary and at an extra cost to the student.)

This experiential program will provide you the skills to master five of the most common types of welding processes:

• Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW): This process uses a consumable electrode covered with flux. It is the primary type of welding used in the maintenance and repair industry. Arc welding is usually used to weld iron and steel, although it can also be used for alloys (aluminum, nickel, etc.).
• Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW): This welding process uses electricity to melt and join pieces of metal together. It is generally regarded as one of the easiest types of welding to learn. It is also called Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW). It can be used to weld a variety of metals such as carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum, magnesium, copper, bronze, etc.
• Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW): The process uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode that delivers the current to the welding arc. The tungsten and weld puddle are protected and cooled with an inert gas, typically argon or helium. It is most commonly used for welding stainless steel and non-ferrous metals like aluminum, magnesium and copper alloys.
• Plasma Arc and Oxyfuel Cutting: This process utilizes an electrode and compressed gas, forced at high speeds through a nozzle, usually copper, to cut metal, primarily mild steel, stainless steel and aluminum. Oxyfuel cutting uses fuel gases combined with oxygen to cut metals, usually steel.
• Fabrication: Metal fabrication is the building of metal structures by cutting, bending, and assembling processes. It is a value added process that involves the construction of machines and structures from various raw materials.

Program Learning Outcomes

• The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
  • Perform work responsibly and in compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and industry processes and procedures, including demonstrating learned knowledge of WHMIS.
  • Interpret engineering drawings and blueprints to produce basic graphics and welding projects as required by industry.
  • Select, plan, and demonstrate sustainable metal fabrication operations using industrial metal fabrication machinery and emerging technologies.
  • Perform basic technical measurements and welding functions accurately, using appropriate equipment and welding techniques.
  • Create welds on various types of materials and joints in the major welding positions to industrial standards and codes.
  • Use shop tools and equipment to manufacture, assemble, maintain and repair components according to required specifications and industry standards.
  • Interact effectively and professionally in shop environments, both independently and with fellow workers and other tradespeople.
  • Assess weld quality and implement corrective action where required to follow quality control and quality assurance procedures and meet organizational standards and requirements.
  • Create a professional development plan that addresses one’s strengths and areas for growth in the greater context of the welder profession.

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.

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.