Associate of Arts in Health Science

at Langara College Canada

Bioinformatics is an interdisciplinary science dealing with the application of computer science to the study of biology. Bioinformatics education is in demand for many careers in science and health care. Students completing a Diploma in Bioinformatics will be well prepared to complete their BSc at any university in BC.

Langara College’s Social Service Worker Program prepares students for immediate entry into all social service sectors, as well as for further education in Social Work and other helping professions.

Students who successfully complete the nine-month program earn a Social Service Worker Certificate. They also have the option of adding 30 Arts and Sciences credits to the Certificate to earn a Coordinated Diploma.

Employment opportunities for graduates of the Social Service Worker Certificate and Diploma Programs vary based on new and emerging needs, funding priorities, development of new services, and expansion of existing programs. Graduates of the program find employment in both private and public sector agencies and in a variety of programs. Among the types of organizations and services that employ graduates are Neighbourhood Houses, youth service agencies, family centres, women’s programs, immigrant service agencies, rehabilitation centres, First Nations bands and councils, advocacy organizations, social and recreational programs, the Ministry of Social Development and the Ministry for Children and Families.

This certificate program is designed for those with post-secondary education to take specialized journalism and communications training at an accelerated pace. This intensive, skills-oriented experience is designed to build on a student’s academic background, providing the student with the tools to work as a well-informed journalist or professional communicator. The first semester focuses on introductory and basic skills courses; the second semester on advanced practices.

The Social Service Worker (Gerontology) Certificate program prepares graduates for employment in the community-based seniors’ services sector. This entry-level certificate program does not require applicants to have previous post-secondary experience. The program also ladders directly into the existing Diploma in Gerontology program at Langara College for those who would like advanced certification.

The 8-month program is the only certificate program in British Columbia that equips graduates with the necessary skills and competencies needed to support older adults and their families using a ?strengths-based and social justice approach.

The applied social service aspect of the program is unique from other programs which focus on research or health care.  In this interdisciplinary program, students gain a broad and critical understanding of aging processes and social policy issues that affect older persons and their families.

The program is ideal for individuals without experience in the field who want to enhance their knowledge and engage in direct service with older adults, as well as individuals with current or prior experience wishing to complete a specialized credential. Working from a holistic perspective, and drawing on the disciplines of social work, gerontology, psychology and recreation, students develop advocacy skills and strategies to support and respond to individual and systemic issues to improve the lives of older adults. Students also gain direct experience working with older adults through completing over 200 practicum hours in a field practicum setting.

The program curricula and practica prepares students ?with no prior experience for employment in various settings, such as residential senior living settings (independent, supported, assisted, long term care residences), neighbourhood houses, At Home Programs, senior centres, adult day programs, recreation centres, and other community-based senior settings. It  also enhances the knowledge and skills of students with current or prior experience in the field with or without previous related credentials who wish to obtain an advanced or initial credential in gerontology.

The Asian Studies Program is unique in Canada. Beginning in 1983, it was the first two-year program in a Canadian community college to focus on the Asia-Pacific region. Having evolved substantially, the program is currently designed for university-transfer students who seek a better understanding of the cultures of the Asia-Pacific region.

The courses and seminars that give students in-depth insight into the cultures of China, Japan, and Southeast Asia. South Asia and BC Asian societies are also surveyed in some courses. Students who take Asian Studies courses are very well prepared for transfer to Asian Studies and other social science departments in university.

The program is popular with people who have worked or traveled in Asia, and who desire a deeper appreciation of the cultural patterns they have experienced. Many first generation Asian-Canadians and international students find the program insightful regarding their own backgrounds, and how western social science perceives their native culture.

The greatest economic growth in the world is occurring in the Asia-Pacific. These nations are powering the new globalized economy, a situation that will not change in the foreseeable future. Knowledge of their international situations, their lifestyles and their cultural values is the key to creating and maintaining solid relationships with our Pacific neighbours.

Welcome to Langara College's Early Childhood Education Diploma Program, where we believe quality child care nurtures early learning.

This stimulating program balances academic studies on campus and practical experiences in licensed childcare centres. Students develop a strong theoretical foundation for working with children and families and take on increasing responsibility in their practical work. Upon completion of the program they are prepared and able to confidently and competently enter the profession of early childhood education.

The Early Childhood Education Diploma Program prepares students beginning careers as Early Childhood Educators in a variety of childcare settings (primarily within the province of British Columbia). Langara College also offers an Early Childhood Education: Special Education Post Basic Citation, which is part time and in the evenings. This special needs educator credential program is suited for Early Childhood Educators already holding a diploma or certificate.

The Early Childhood Education Department at Langara College has been educating Early Childhood Educators since 1966. Langara College has a long history of preparing Early Childhood Educators to work with children from birth to five years of age. The original program has grown from a small six-month program to a double intake three semester diploma program offering high quality instruction. 

This two-year post-baccalaureate diploma program will focus on web and mobile app design and development, from concept to deployment. The program will encompass visual aesthetics (including typography, colour theory, and graphics), client and server programming, user experience design, and project management. Students will choose to enter the designer or developer stream of the program when they apply, although they can change their focus up until the third term.

Students will collaborate on several major projects, as well as creating real-world applications, developing digital portfolios, and building industry connections. At the end of the program students will possess the specialized design and development skills the industry is looking for. Students will complete four academic terms, then have the opportunity to participate in an optional experiential work term.

The Classical Studies program covers a wide variety of approaches to the worlds of Greece and Rome. Exploring history, literature, philosophy, archaeology, mythology, and the arts (including architecture, sculpture and painting) will help students understand these same features in other cultures and times. Studying Ancient Greek and Latin languages is key to appreciating the voices of the Classical past and building a solid foundation for learning other languages.

We have published authors in both academic and creative areas, but with our small classes and dedication to the needs of individual students, instruction has always been our department’s priority.

The English Department offers you reading and writing skills which will help you to:

• Enter a profession or trade career with practical communication skills
• Arrive at the university with experience and training in academic writing 
• Navigate future career opportunities which you haven't yet thought about
• Critically explore current society which will be interesting in its own right
• Help you to be a more engaged doctor, nurse, teacher or business person 
• Be an aware and critical citizen

We offer courses in the following areas:

• Literature: Most of our courses have a strong literature component because we are convinced that an appreciation for literature will not only open your mind to explore the various forms and genres of literature but also enable you to gain insights into the human condition. Whether you are confronted with the ever-changing world of technical innovation or the daily pressures of life, literature can provide models for reflection and action. 
• Creative Writing: Some of our faculty are published and acclaimed authors and editors. They will share their talents with you in creative writing classes that explore creative writing in workshop situations.
• Communications: Learn to express yourself professionally in the workplace in our communications courses. Whether you are fulfilling a degree requirement (for the BBA) or want to upgrade your communications skills, the presentation skills we teach you will contribute to your future success. Furthermore, the discussion of moral dilemmas as they occur in the workplace is a favourite feature of our communications courses.
• ESL & Academic Preparation: Whether you are a recent immigrant and non-native speaker or a native speaker who feels the need to upgrade your English skills, our ESL & Academic Preparation courses will bring your reading and writing skills up to speed in order to go on to our university transfer courses. Our academic preparation courses have especially small class sizes (20 students max) that allow the instructors to work very closely with you to improve your English skills.

Langara College has a comprehensive selection of psychology offerings. Our courses range from surveys of fundamental concepts to in-depth investigations of human behavior. Topics include: how psychologists conduct their research; the role of the brain; memory and thinking processes; lifespan development; social, family, and cultural influences, and; psychological disorders, psychotherapies, and related health issues.