Diploma in Arts And Science (General)

at Langara College Canada

Are you interested in volcanoes, earthquakes, hurricanes, glaciers, rivers and other aspects of your physical environment? Would you like to know more about British Columbia, Canada or the Pacific Rim? Would you benefit from a better understanding of current urban, cultural, environmental and economic issues? Do you like maps and are you curious about new spatial information technologies such as global positioning and geographic information systems? Are you considering a professional career in teaching, law or business? Are you planning on pursuing an undergraduate degree at a university?

If you answered yes to any of the above questions you should consider taking a geography course or courses at Langara College.
Geography is subdivided into human geography (study of location and other aspects of human activities) and physical geography (study of landforms, geology, climate, etc.). Geography courses usually include subject matter related to both the social sciences, sociology and economics for example; and the natural sciences, geology, biology and physics for example. However, geography tends to take a more generalist and interdisciplinary approach than other social and physical sciences.

Geography is also characterized by a unique spatial perspective. Geographers are interested in explaining the how and why of the distribution of natural and human produced phenomena. Consequently all areas of geography involve the use of maps, and geographers have led the way in the development and use of exciting new spatial information technologies like geographic information systems (GIS).

Collecting large amounts of biological data is becoming easier and more affordable and as a result biology has become a data science. Examples of biological data include genetic sequences, genomes, epigenomes, proteomes, metabalomes and microbiomes. These large data sets require specialized and powerful computational and statistical tools for analysis. Bioinformatics is an interdisciplinary science that applies computational and statistical methods to biological information in order to make new discoveries and to solve complex biological problems.

The discovery of thousands of disease-causing genes since the completion of the Human Genome Project in 2003 exemplifies the power of early bioinformatics methods. Bioinformatics tools are now routinely used to study the underlying cause of disease and to find more effective treatments as well as to study biological patterns and develop biological and chemical models.

The Journalism Program offers professional training to students planning to become practising journalists and introduces them to important aspects of the communications industry. Its goal is to provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary for entry-level jobs in journalism, whether in print, broadcasting or online. The program emphasizes strong writing skills, the necessary groundwork for careers in all journalism sectors.

The diploma program aims to provide high school graduates with a combination of journalism courses and an introduction to liberal arts courses relevant to the journalist’s work. The first year provides introductory and basic skills courses; the second year focuses on advanced journalism practices. Between years, students are encouraged to seek summer employment with community media outlets to gain experience. A Diploma in Journalism is awarded for successful completion of the four-term diploma stream.

Internships
As part of their curriculum, diploma students complete five-week internships at the media outlets of their choice:  community papers, dailies, radio, television, newspapers, websites, magazines, or corporate communications. Certificate stream students have no fieldwork requirements though the department frequently assists students to arrange internships to be completed after graduation.

The Diploma in Arts and Science (Commerce) Program provides courses needed for equivalency to pre-Commerce and first-year Commerce. The diploma program in place at Langara College is geared more specifically to UBC, but if space is available and with some amendments, this program also facilitates transfer to SFU and UVic. (Please consult with a counsellor regarding requirements.) The diploma program also provides a basis for entry into general business fields and a business-oriented direction for mathematically inclined students. The program leads to a Diploma in Arts and Science (Commerce). It is also possible for students to complete an Associate of Arts Degree in Commerce and Business Studies.

The General Education Diploma is appropriate for students who prefer a diverse selection of courses and do not necessarily plan to undertake university study. Students will gain knowledge in multiple areas of study. Holistically, the program aims to develop critical thinking abilities, strengthen research skills, and introduce a variety of theories. In many job opportunities, post-secondary experience is essential. The two-year Diploma provides students with a foundation of knowledge that will help in broad range of fields.

This eight-month full-time or six-semester part-time certificate program prepares students for career opportunities in the education system working alongside teachers supporting students with disabilities as Education Assistants. The program combines a range of courses that provide a balance between a strong theoretical foundation and practical experiences so students graduate well prepared to begin their career.

In the public school system, a movement away from segregated classrooms toward inclusive classrooms has resulted in dramatic changes in the ways students with disabilities are educated. In this framework, there is a need to provide Education Assistants with the theoretical and practical knowledge and experience that meets the individual needs of all children. An important goal of the Education Assistant Program is to provide Langara College students with opportunities to become competent and employable educators.

The Role of the Education Assistant
Successful Education Assistants have an aptitude for working with adults and with children, are patient, interested in education and in learning, consider schools to be interesting and exciting places, and enjoy working in a world of rapidly changing ideas. The Education Assistant performs a variety of paraprofessional duties in the public school system:

• Works under the direction of teachers, administrators, or other professionals;
• Assists in the development and implementation of individualized or group communication skills, behavioural support, learning support, life-skills development, and work experience;
• Assists in the modification and adaptation of curriculum to meet the individual learning needs of students;
• Attends to and provides personal assistance to students who require assistance with toileting, positioning, diapering, mobility, feeding, grooming, and dressing;
• Transfers and assists students moving to/from wheelchairs, desks, and work areas;
• Supervises students in a variety of community-based activities;
• Attends and participates in school-based team meetings (and other meetings) as required by the support teachers or school administrators;
• Participates in parent-teacher meetings where required; and
• Performs other related work as required

If you enjoy sales and marketing, and like working with numbers, a career in financial services could be for you. Graduates of this growing field can play an important and rewarding role in helping individuals, couples and families to effectively manage their financial resources and achieve their saving and lifestyle goals. 

The Diploma in Financial Services will provide students with a solid understanding of banking, investments, insurance and financial services products. Graduates will be well prepared to build their business with skills in sales and negotiation, marketing, advertising, marketing research, advertising, interpersonal communication, business writing, and relevant computer software applications.

The Certificate in Art History is intended for students in all disciplines who are interested in developing visual literacy, an indispensable skill that will allow them to recognize, interpret, and appreciate meaning in our image-saturated world.

This two-year program is designed for students who wish to study university engineering, but do not yet meet all the pre-requisites, or who need time to transition into the heavy workload that the study of engineering requires. Students will gain a thorough grounding in mathematics and natural sciences, including laboratory practice, and technical communications. They will also be introduced to Canadian engineering practice, history and social context, and engineering principles of case study and design.

Design Formation is a two year, multidisciplinary foundation design program that prepares students for further specialized studies or entry-level jobs in fields ranging from visual merchandising to event, graphic, or interior design. This program is ideal for creative people of all ages and backgrounds, from recent high-school graduates to mature students wishing to update their credentials. The classroom and workshop is close-knit, intimate, and collaborative. Our faculty, who are friendly, approachable and knowledgeable about the design world at large support this community feeling.

We aim to promote a comprehensive understanding of the design process and expose students to various aspects of the field. This allows graduates to explore their own creative path with a broad set of skills and experience. Students graduate with a diploma and a professional exit portfolio. Equipped with a wide range of practical skills and knowledge, students can choose to enter the workforce at an entry-level, or continue with further studies in Design.