Bachelor of Applied Art in Animation and Visual Effects

at Red Deer Polytechnic Canada

If you are fascinated by the words and images that we see every day in traditional mass media and social media, and you’re looking for an opportunity to work in a fast-paced career that requires maturity and excellent writing skills, consider the Media Studies and Professional Communication diploma at RDC.
 
In this program, you’ll study how mass media such as television, advertising and even video games influence, and are influenced by, society; you’ll also gain valuable knowledge to help you succeed in a variety of careers that require superior strategic communication skills. The combination of media studies and professional communication will allow you to adapt to an ever-changing job market by giving you strong critical thinking skills, and the tools to create effective messaging for your employer.

Completing the diploma program will open doors to employment in corporate, government, and not-for-profit organizations; graduates can also transfer to several universities to complete a Bachelor’s degree in Communications Studies or another discipline.

Our program offers

• Small class sizes with dynamic learning activities
• A blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills
• An interdisciplinary approach that equips you to evolve in your career
• Dedicated instructors who will help you succeed
• A practicum placement that will give you experience in the communications field

Program Outcomes

• Demonstrate the oral and written skills necessary to communicate clearly, concisely and persuasively while adapting to different audiences and purposes.
• Employ current qualitative and quantitative research methods in addressing both complex theoretical questions and concrete professional challenges.
• Explain the history and application of communication theories related to topics such as mass media production, new media literacy, intercultural and interpersonal relations.
• Identify historical and contemporary trends and implications of various forms of mass media and technology.
• Apply critical media theory to oral, written and audiovisual communications in order to appraise sociocultural messaging, power dynamics, and bias.

This two-year program provides a broad background in accounting, finance, human resource management, information technology, marketing, economics, statistics, management, law, and policy. Five majors are offered: Accounting, Financial Services, General, Human Resources, and Marketing.

The Business Administration Diploma may be completed in two years if a student proceeds through their program of study by completing five (5) courses per semester, as set out under "Program Content" below. Alternatively, students may choose to take fewer (from one to four-courses per semester) in order to accommodate other obligations. The Business Administration Diploma requires the completion of 60 credits.

Upon successful completion of this graduate certificate program, offered over 16 months, graduates will have the knowledge and practical skills to work as Human Resources professionals in a variety of Human Resource settings. This program will also prepare graduates for the Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) designation.* The program has been specifically developed to align with the Human Resources Institute of Alberta accreditation framework. Graduates of an accredited program who achieve a minimum overall average of 70% (2.7 GPA) in the program may apply to the CPHR to waive the National Knowledge Exam (NKE) requirements towards the CPHR designation with Chartered Professionals in Human Resources Canada (CPHR) member associations**. Graduates who do not achieve a minimum overall average of 70% in the program will be better equipped to write the National Knowledge Exam in preparation to obtain the CPHR designation. The entrance requirement of an undergraduate degree in any field ensures that students in the program will receive instruction commensurate with their background.

Program Outcomes:

• Explain and demonstrate the strategic importance of human resources practices as they relate to the organizational strategy, best practices and trends in human resources.
• Identify key elements of ethical behaviour and professional code of conduct for HR professionals; provide examples to illustrate ability to balance interests, promote organizational values, and manage risk.
• Demonstrate the value of human resources initiatives and their impact on employee engagement and organizational results; explain the importance of involving key stakeholders.
• Identify and explain the components of creating and executing an effective workforce plan and employee value proposition.
• Outline the steps to implement an effective performance management system.
• Identify and explain employment legislation and labour and employee relations strategies used to manage risks and create a respectful, productive and engaging work environment.
• Describe the components of a total rewards structure and outline methods to evaluate a total rewards structure.
• Illustrate the steps involved in job evaluation and market comparison.
• Identify learning priorities and adult learning principles, as well as methods for measuring learning initiatives that support a learning environment, align with business strategy, and provide a return on investment.
• Develop health, wellness and safety policies and procedures in accordance with relevant legislation, regulations and standards; promote a healthy workplace as per organizational policy.
• Use metrics and HR information systems to measure and report on effectiveness of key performance indicators, and to make informed decisions.

RDC’s Health Care Aide program prepares students to be a part of a health-care team in a variety of different settings, providing high level of front-line care to clients in need of assistance.

As a Health Care Aide students may work in acute care facilities, continuing care facilities, hospitals, as well as in clients' homes. A Health Care Aide assists individuals needing care in a variety of ways including: assisting with eating, dressing, washing and moving.

The program uses a variety of learning approaches including online readings, assignments and lessons, in-person labs with a certified instructor, and in-person clinical placements. This program follows the Government of Alberta approved Health Care Aide 2020 curriculum and successful graduates are certified as Health Care Aides in Alberta.

Program Outcomes:
Health Care Aides must demonstrate competency as specified in the Alberta Health Care Aide Competency Profile.

The importance of the early years in a child's development is well established. There is a critical need for a variety of programs for children and families and for trained staff to ensure children's developmental needs are being met. The Early Learning and Child Care Program trains professionals to work with children from birth to eight years, with some related preparation for working with children from eight to twelve years of age. Throughout the program, there is an emphasis on developing caring relationships with children and families.

RDC offers a one-year certificate in Early Learning and Child Care. Each course you take focuses on a different topic important to those who work with young children - everything from child development, to guiding behavior, to planning snacks and bulletin boards, to planning and participating in play experiences, to interacting with children who have special needs.

The University Sciences Diploma at Red Deer College is a two-year diploma program emphasizing contemporary concepts and practical scientific skills applicable to both field and laboratory settings. With an initial specialization in Biological Sciences, students registered in this program will explore topics ranging from the level of molecules and cells to that of organisms, communities, and populations. The University Science Diploma will prepare graduates for transition into the final two years of a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biological Sciences, for admission to professional schools requiring a minimum of two years of undergraduate studies, and for entry into the workforce in biology-related fields.

Program Outcomes

• Demonstrate competency in analytical methods.
• Identify one's own strengths and weaknesses in relation to areas of study and future growth.
• Develop basic scientific research projects using appropriate research methods and ethics.
• Communicate scientific knowledge clearly and succinctly through oral, visual, and written formats to diverse audiences.
• Demonstrate collaborative, independent, and inclusive attitudes and practices integrating multidisciplinary perspectives and approaches.
• Demonstrate professional conduct in all aspects of individual and team-based work.
• Describe creative solutions to problems that impact society by drawing from scientific theories.
• Explain natural principles and phenomena using knowledge from the biological sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, humanities, and social sciences.
• Recognize the place of Indigenous knowledge and perspectives in scientific study.

The Mechanical Engineering Technology (MET) diploma program is designed to prepare students for high-demand careers in the rapidly growing manufacturing, petroleum, and infrastructure design industries in Central Alberta. Students will use both hands-on and theoretical approaches to learn mechanical engineering fundamentals including mathematics, solid mechanics, thermal-fluid sciences, and kinematics, blended with industry-focused topics such as automation, control, lean and computer integrated manufacturing, and reliability. Based on National Technology Benchmarks for Mechanical Engineering Technology, this program, coupled with industry experience, will lead to the Certified Engineering Technologist (CET) and Professional Technologist (PTech) designations.

Graduates will develop knowledge and skills enabling the learner to:-

• Employ relevant industry health and safety standards, codes, policies and procedures in accordance with current legislation, regulations and organizational policy.
• Prepare, analyze, evaluate and modify mechanical engineering drawings and other related technical documents.
• Analyze and specify the requirements for product and manufacturing operations to optimize manufacturability.
• Apply and demonstrate knowledge of material and engineering principles to manufacturing operations and processes to produce components according to required specifications.
• Analyze and solve complex technical problems by applying principles of advanced mathematics and science.
• Design, analyze, specify, interface, program, and maintain computer integrated manufacturing systems.
• Apply the principles and practices of project management.
• Research, analyze, prepare, author, and communicate in written, verbal, nonverbal, and presentation formats, technical documentation appropriate for a variety of audiences.
• Identify, develop, and demonstrate strategies for maintaining continuing competency and practice standards associated with global industry trends and practices.
• Design, specify, and analyze mechanical components and equipment by applying the fundamentals of mechanical engineering.
• Design, specify, deploy, and maintain mechanical systems; and apply principles of facilities management.

History is the analysis of the human past. Courses are offered in three main areas: Canadian, European and British. RDC special interests include Western Canadian history, British Empire and Commonwealth, Modern British social history and Modern Europe. First year courses include Classics, Medieval, Early Modern World, and Modern World.

Psychology is the study of mental processes and behavior. RDC special interests include: memory and attention, social psychology, physiological psychology, and anomalous experiences.

Program Content
The below schedule is a general pattern that transfers to the University of Alberta, the University of Calgary, and the University of Lethbridge. Check the Alberta Transfer Guide for transfer credit information.