Bachelor of Applied Information Systems Technology - Network Management

at Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) Canada

All students in the Biological Sciences Technology program take a common first semester before entering into their specialization - Lab and Research, Renewable Resources or Environmental Sciences. The common first semester provides students with strong fundamentals in Biological Sciences while semesters two, three, and four build on these fundamentals with additional specialization-specific education and training. 

Graduates of Biological Sciences Laboratory and Research program are highly skilled, hands-on technologists with the ability to use and apply current technologies and research methods in animal physiology, molecular biology, cell culture, immunology, analytical chemistry, biochemistry, and microbiology. Graduates are valued for their professionalism, effective communication, lab competency, and work safely and efficiently in a team environment. They are aware of the changing industry, and are committed to lifelong learning.

The Nanosystems Engineering Technology program is the only program of its kind in Canada. In it, you will be exposed to face-to-face, hands-on learning in our labs including in our specialized cleanroom facility.

In the program, you will learn about the fabrication and evaluation of micro- and nanomaterials and devices commonly used in a wide range of industries, such as health care, smart devices, and energy production and storage. You’ll learn how to operate systems and equipment used by nanotech researchers and manufacturing companies, such as the scanning electron microscope (SEM), which is used to obtain images of objects at the nanometre scale.

If you are seeking a multidisciplinary career in science and technology, this program will appeal to you. Nanosystems offers a growing number of high-tech and non-traditional career paths that will constantly challenge you with new and complex problems to solve.

Collect, distribute, treat and manage our most valuable resource
Freshwater is the planet's most important resource. It's necessary to sustain life, cultivate food and generate power. Although 70% of the Earth's surface is covered by water, less than 1% of it is freshwater. This natural scarcity, coupled with an increasingly environmentally-conscious society, has created a strong demand for highly skilled, well-trained professionals in the field of water management.
The NAIT Water and Wastewater Technician program – the only such program in Alberta – is designed to provide you with the important skills necessary for a rewarding career in this growing industry.

Hands-on, industry-relevant skills
In this program, you'll be instructed in the fields of water treatment, water distribution, wastewater collection and wastewater treatment. You'll experience a combination of traditional classroom delivery, self-study and tutor-supported activities.
Hands-on training in labs will help you develop the skills to maintain and operate mechanical equipment, treat water and enter the workforce prepared and ready to go.

By the time you graduate, you'll have a better understanding of:

• Basic chemistry, math and electricity
• Water and wastewater treatment processes
• The operation and maintenance of water distribution and wastewater collection systems
• Hydraulics
• Blueprint reading

Computers play role in every segment of modern society. Growing demand and advances in miniature, solid-state microprocessor technology have sparked the development of smaller, less expensive and more powerful computers, and increased the need for well-trained technical personnel.
In the 2-year Computer Engineering Technology diploma program, you'll design, build and program computers, gain skills in the hardware and software aspects of microcomputers and their applications, and receive extensive hands-on training.

Hands-on, industry-relevant skills
In Computer Engineering Technology, you'll be trained in both computer hardware and software, including concepts related to computer architecture fundamentals, industrial electronics and embedded controllers using analog and digital integration. You'll become fluent in the assembly language programming of micro-controllers, advanced programming languages such as C#, Windows application development, database concepts and dynamic web development.
Our hands-on learning environment and industry focus will provide you with the skills and knowledge you'll need to secure a rewarding career as a computer engineering technologist.

In this program, you'll learn about:

• Computer programming, including C#, SQL, HTML5+, CSS3, PHP5, ASP.NET, JavaScript, AJAX, jQuery and ladder logic on PLCs to monitor and control industrial equipment
• System analysis and design
• Electronic circuit design, implementation, debugging, simulation and measurement
• Embedded system implementation
• Interfacing sensors, actuators and other electronic device to computer platforms
• Hardware design and interfacing
• Analytical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Oral and written communication skills
• Interpersonal and teamwork skills
• Time management and other professional skills

Co-op option
This program has a co-op option that will be available to you once you've completed at least 2 academic terms. This hands-on work expereince will provide career development training, enabling you to build advanced job readiness skills.

The focus of this program is the accommodation and food and beverage segments of the hospitality industry. Students gain business and customer service skills in food and beverage service techniques, front desk check-in procedures, financial accounting, economics and written communications. The Hospitality Management program is a two-year course of study which provides students with the skill sets and abilities required to work in the hospitality industry. The program focuses on service skills for food and beverage, catering and front-desk operations with specific courses in hospitality law. The second year examines marketing, financial management, supervisory skills and advanced courses in hotel, restaurant and catering operations. A 400-hour work experience term is also included.

The program is also built around traditional business subjects such as business communications, accounting and organizational behaviour. Courses are delivered through lab and lecture formats beginning with supervisory skill development and progressing toward more complex management functions. The Hospitality Management program provides training and skill development in:

• business communications
• food and beverage service
• banquets and catering service
• operations management
• front-desk principles and procedures
• hospitality law
• supervisory principles and procedures
• organizational behaviour
• computer applications
• introduction to marketing
• introduction to accounting
• general tourism knowledge

Graduates of the Hospitality Management program may find employment in a variety of sectors and positions within the tourism industry, as:

• food and beverage servers
• food and beverage supervisors
• food and beverage managers
• banquet and catering supervisors
• front-desk supervisors
• front-desk managers
• front-desk agents
• night auditors
• reservations agents
• entrepreneurs
• consultants

A comprehensive study of electrical principles and practices, this nationally accredited program deals with the operation of electrical and electronic equipment, specialized testing equipment and computer software. NAIT's Electrical Engineering Technology is a nationally accredited and internationally recognized program that provides a comprehensive study of electrical principles and practices. The program will provide graduates with the skills to perform entry-level roles in several industry disciplines, including power systems operation and protection, maintenance and commissioning, electrical machines, industrial and commercial design, power electronics, and programmable logic controllers (PLCs).

Technologists will also learn critical skills and experience in:

• The structure, operation, protection and control of electrical power generation, transmission and distribution systems and electrical motors
• The planning, design and specification of power, lighting, control and communication systems in buildings and industrial plants
• Control of plant systems and motors through the use and application of PLCs and variable-frequency drives (VFDs) and the application of communications technology linking these various plant systems
• Researching, writing and presenting technical reports

An electrical engineering technologist should possess an aptitude toward math and physics applications. In addition to electrical and technical abilities, the technologist relies upon good written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work within a team environment in a dynamic workplace.

To be successful, electrical engineering technologists need:

• Analytical skills
• Experience using recent technology
• Oral and written communication skills
• Ability to work in teams
• Basic electrical design
• Basic maintenance knowledge

Upon completion of the program, Electrical Engineering Technology graduates will have the ability to:

• Communicate and conduct themselves professionally in a workplace environment
• Identify safety hazards and implement safe work practices
• Create and interpret engineering design packages
• Analyze and troubleshoot electrical circuits and systems
• Perform entry-level field service activities
• Configure and test protection, control and communication devices and systems.

The Management program is for people who want to lead in business, industry, government and not-for-profit sectors. Students will benefit from our business case studies, industry guest speakers and in depth instruction.

Hands-on, industry-relevant skills:-
In your first year of the program, you will take 10 foundational courses that set you up with core business knowledge. In your second year of studies, you will take the required courses to get a specialized diploma in management.

This program develops you as a leader, whether in organizational management positions or key advisor roles. We will help you develop an understanding of modern business dynamics and organizational culture. We teach management skills including accounting, finance and marketing knowledge to foster decision-making in a competitive environment. Upon graduation, you will have the skills and knowledge required for entry to mid-level positions, which will open doors to senior-level management. 

Hands-on learning:-
We immerse students in a combination of classroom teaching, industry-relevant case work, simulations and networking. You will develop an understanding of modern business dynamics and learn to work well within culturally diverse organizations.

The Digital Media and IT (DMIT) program is multi-disciplinary in its approach. Spanning a range of career opportunities from business analyst to visual designer, this innovative program allows you the ability to meet industry demand while developing skills aligned with your individual talents and inclinations.

The Animation area of emphasis prepares you for jobs in films, games, architectural visualization, industrial simulations, concept design and illustration.

Hands-on, industry-relevant skills
The DMIT - Animation area of emphasis will set you up with skills in all areas of the animation process, including story development, character design, drawing fundamentals, modeling, texturing, rigging, animating, special effects, lighting, rendering and editing.

First-year courses establish a solid foundation in classical drawing and 3D modelling. More advanced courses offer you experience with:

• Digital sculpting
• Rigging
• Character animation
• Video editing
• Motion graphics and compositing, including integrating 2D and 3D elements into live action footage

In this area of emphasis, you will learn using the most current techniques and tools from the industry today, and be well-prepared for a career in animation.

Co-op opportunities
As a result of DMIT's close connection with industry, various co-op opportunities exist for students in the DMIT program. Many companies offer our students paid co-op positions that provide direct experience in specific areas of study. Co-op is also seen as a staffing strategy for many organizations.

The Digital Media and IT (DMIT) program is multi-disciplinary in its approach. Spanning a range of career opportunities from business analyst to visual designer, this innovative program allows you the ability to meet industry demand while developing skills aligned with your individual talents and inclinations.

One of the most powerful marketing tools a business can have is a well-designed and highly functional web presence. The Web Design and Development area of emphasis will teach you the most current web design techniques and best practices for web development and search marketing.

From brochure-style products and service websites to custom web applications, this area of emphasis will arm you with the design, business and technical skills you’ll need to build customized web solutions for organizations and individuals.

Hands-on, industry-relevant skills:-
This area of emphasis focuses on small- and medium-sized projects, giving you the opportunity to develop your skills in a wide range of areas, including online business, front-end web design and interactivity, web development and content management systems (CMS)

Tools and Techniques:-
You will learn computer-specific languages, including HTML5, CSS, JavaScript, jQuery and PHP/MySQL, and you will develop high-end skills using Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator. Coursework will also teach you about content management systems including WordPress, Joomla and CSS grid systems, as well as the most current responsive design techniques for mobile, desktop and tablet viewing.

NAIT’s Geoscience Technology program provides students with a diverse education and hands on training in the field of earth sciences. From resource exploration to environmental remediation, graduates use their knowledge of geology, hydrogeology, geophysics, geochemistry and other geosciences to inform major decisions across broad spectrum of industries.

As a graduate of the Geoscience Technology program, you will be trained to make professional contributions to the environmental, energy and mining sectors.

Hands-on, industry-relevant skills
In addition to lectures and labs, the program has a two one-week Field Schools. One is located in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies mapping geological outcrops and the other is on campus using a suite of groundwater monitoring wells, where students are trained in groundwater monitoring and sample collection. These activities allow students to better understand the how and why of classroom theory, as well as collect field data for classroom analysis.

You’ll participate in a wide range of activities, including:

• Researching, interpreting and mapping geology of a given area
• Identifying common rocks, minerals, glacial deposits
• Using software applications used in the field
• Performing basic topographic, geophysical, geochemical, and geological surveys
• Conducting environmental site assessments
• Creating conceptual site models for remediating contaminated sites
• Evaluating natural resources for production and extraction

On average you can expect to spend:

• 28 hours per week attending classes and labs over the course of a semester
• 10 to 20 hours per week studying and completing class assignments