Associate of Arts in Philosophy

at Kwantlen Polytechnic University - Richmond Campus Canada

This credential is awarded in recognition of a substantial course profile in science taken at KPU. There is no recognition of a Diploma of Science with respect to transferring to a receiving institution other than transfer credit on a course-by-course basis.

The B.Sc. Major in Biology is a foundational degree program strongly grounded in scientific methodology and practical skills. The structure and breadth of courses offered is designed to equip graduates with a high level of competency in the knowledge, skills and experience necessary for competitive entry into the workforce in a wide range of fields. Graduates will also be well prepared for entry into a professional school or graduate studies program.

Central to this program is the provision of a lab intensive experience where students learn first-hand, the appropriate use of equipment and techniques to investigate living organisms and how they function. Upper level courses build upon the core knowledge and skills developed in 1st and 2nd Year, allowing the exploration of more advanced biological concepts and practical techniques. This culminates in a community focused research or directed studies project which requires students to apply the knowledge and skills they have learned.

The Associate of Arts Degree is an exit credential designed to provide a more rigorous and broad educational experience than the Diploma with much of the same flexibility. The credential prepares students for employment, global citizenship and critical thinking, and can be used as a solid foundation for future studies. The Associate of Arts in General Studies option is for students who have not selected a major area of study.

To many, it's a piece of fabric. To you, it's a blank canvas just waiting to be brought to life. Make your mark in the world of fashion with the only four-year degree program of its kind in Western Canada.

KPU's Bachelor of Design, Fashion and Technology program has an international reputation for building tomorrow's fashion leaders. Our unique, industry-focused curriculum gives students the design skills, business acumen and marketing savvy they need to compete in the global fashion marketplace.

Upon graduation from the four year degree program, our alumni have been placed in innovative and leading positions in the local apparel and design industry, often beginning their post-graduate careers as soon as a week after completion of the year end event.

What makes our program so special:

• Our teachers are industry leaders who are plugged into the global fashion scene.
• Our program simulates a professional working environment and constantly adapts to reflect the changing marketplace.
• Our classrooms are equipped with cutting-edge technology used by industry.
• Our workplace practicum program opens the doors to top local companies such as lululemon, Arc'teryx, Oak + Fort, and Manuel Mendoza.
• Our international exchange program prepares students to become global fashion leaders.
• Our students study at fashion schools in London, Melbourne, Berlin, Helsinki, Monterrey, Horsens and Taipei.
• Our many inspiring guest speakers and presentations invite students to take their learning outside of the classroom and participate in the vibrant local design community.
• Our students launch their careers by showcasing their final collections in our renowned fashion show, which is attended by over 2,000 people, including industry leaders and the media.

Advanced VFX (Virtual Production) is a full-time, two-year, cohort program focused on the fundamentals of Visual Effects and the integration of Virtual Production workflows and pipelines. Students will study numerous specializations in VFX, such as modeling, sculpting, texturing/surfacing, lighting, compositing, and FX. The program also integrates virtual production workflows into these departments and courses by introducing the Unreal Engine. Unreal and other virtual production software and tools are used in the preparation, modification, and filming of VFX assets, in-camera. By replicating real-world fundamentals of virtual production and its fast-paced work environment of real-time rendering, artists are trained to be equipped both artistically and technically in the realm of quick problem solving, teamwork and collaboration. The fundamentals of cinematography, data acquisition, matchmove, photography and real-world lighting are also explored before they are taken into the 3D, virtual space. In advanced studies, 3D matte painting is introduced as a hybrid of 2D and 3D images for set extensions, for use in both traditional VFX and VFX for virtual production. Basic scripting is used in various software packages, such as Unreal, Nuke, Houdini and other industry leading software to optimize artists’ workflows. The program also teaches students the fundamentals of pre- and post-production, critical analysis and review, realistic production schedules, team work and soft skills. It also teaches students how to interact with other VFX departments, both on set and in studio.

A wide range of industry standard software and tools, processes, and workflows are taught to the students for both traditional VFX and VFX for virtual production. Students will create a portfolio of VFX shots in the form of a demo reel. Demo reel shots may be solely the student’s own creations, or the result of a collaborative group project(s).

The Advanced VFX (Virtual Production) program is best suited for students that display an artistic or creative background. A foundation in technical and or software skills is also beneficial. These artistic, creative and technical skills serve as a foundation for challenging roles in the VFX and game development industries.

The BBA in Marketing Management program includes intensive applied business training with an emphasis on marketing management, as well as new and emerging media and marketing analytics. The practical learning outcomes are grounded in curriculum that is accountable, global, team-based and uses contemporary quantitative and qualitative tools. Course content is industry driven and was developed in consultation with industry experts to ensure that KPU's BBA in Marketing Management graduates are ready to work. This degree is an appropriate goal for individuals who aspire to acquire leadership positions in the marketing profession.

The Accounting Certificate program prepares graduates for entry-level bookkeeping and accounting positions in the work force, or to pursue an Accounting Diploma.

The Certificate program includes an intense concentration of introductory and intermediate courses in financial and management accounting, one course in math, one course in finance, and two courses in tax. The Accounting Certificate is carefully aligned with the requirements of the Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting (BBA), Accounting Diploma and the CPA accounting designations.

Introductory financial accounting is a prerequisite for other required accounting courses making it necessary to study for at least three semesters to earn all required credits for an Accounting Certificate.

The Marketing Management Diploma is a comprehensive program designed to provide a solid, general foundation in this exciting field. Study begins with emphasis on basic business knowledge and skills, and then intensively explores the discipline of Marketing, with emphasis on the job skills and experience that business demands. Projects with local businesses and organizations are also included in order to provide real world experience.

Graduates of this program may also be eligible to continue their business study by pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree in Entrepreneurial Leadership, Human Resources Management, or Marketing Management.  Many of the courses required for the Marketing Management Diploma are requirements for these BBA degree programs.  Students wishing to progress into a BBA degree should consult with a School of Business advisor for course planning assistance.

Co-operative Education

The Marketing Management diploma is offered with a Co-operative Education option. Co-operative Education gives a student the opportunity to apply the skills gained during academic study in paid, practical work experience semesters. Students can complete two work semesters while completing their diploma. Work terms generally occur full-time in separate 4 month work semesters. Work semesters alternate with academic study.

Engineering First-Year at KPU is a two-semester program designed for well-prepared students to meet the requirements for direct transfer to the second-year of an engineering degree program.

KPU's Engineering First-Year program includes many of the courses and topics common to the first-year of engineering degree programs at UBC, UVic and SFU.

Transfer to UBC
The KPU program most closely resembles UBC's first-year engineering curriculum.  Successful completion of the KPU program with a sufficiently high GPA may qualify the student for UBC's second-year Engineering Transfer admissions guarantee. Please see the UBC Engineering website for specific details on engineering transfer.

Transfer to UVic
Students that successfully complete the KPU program with a sufficiently high GPA may be considered for admission to second year on an equal footing with 1st year UVic engineering students. Please see the UVic Engineering website for specific details on engineering transfer.

Transfer to SFU
Students that successfully complete the KPU program with a sufficiently high GPA may be eligible to transfer to second-year engineering at SFU. However, there will be first-year courses specific to the SFU engineering programs that students may need to complete at SFU. Please see the SFU Engineering website for specific details on engineering transfer.

The BSc. Major in Physics for Modern Technology will give students a solid background in physics and also in the applications of physics to modern technology. Physics is a major driving force behind the development of new technology, and in turn, new technologies allow scientists to push forward the boundaries of knowledge. The relationship is symbiotic, so this program is aimed at those who have an interest both in fundamental science and in the practical application of that science in an industrial and/or laboratory setting. As well as studying physics, students will gain technical skills that are highly relevant to work that is going on in local industry.