Diploma in Computer System Technology

at Vancouver Community College - Downtown Campus Canada

Students will learn advanced skills in Microsoft Office (including Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access), business communications and data management. Students will also become proficient at keyboarding and at creating, revising, formatting and processing a wide range of business documents. In addition, they will be introduced to computerized accounting and given the skills to handle office finances. These skills, as well as training in time management and social media use, plus practice with a variety of communication skills, will equip graduates for administrative assistant work.

This program provides a well - rounded curriculum geared to provide initial employment skills and the potential for future management growth. Studies focus on general business management courses applied to hotel and restaurant settings in the first year. The second year consists of hospitality management courses such as food and beverage cost controls, hospitality law, and a Hotel Simulation course. The diploma provides transfer opportunities to VCC's third year degree in Hospitality Management.

Students who graduate from the program will be able to: 

• Design, implement, maintain, and monitor a networked virtual environment using Windows and Linux operating systems
• Implement IT system security 
• Operate and maintain IT system performance and security
• Identify vulnerabilities of a computer network infrastructure
• Investigate cyber events and digital evidence and engage in computer forensic investigation
• Collect and evaluate cybersecurity information for operations planning
• Conduct tests and perform security and quality controls
• Assess physical and technical security risks/threats to data, software and hardware
• Develop policies, procedures and back up plans to minimize the effects of security breaches

Advance your Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) and Building Information Modelling (BIM) skills for work in engineering firms, architecture firms, development companies, government, or private industry.

What you will learn
To obtain the CAD and BIM Technician diploma, students must complete Terms 2 and 3 (8 months) of a drafting specialty other than their original certificate. For program information, see:

• Architectural Technician Certificate
• Civil/Structural Technician Certificate
• Mechanical Engineering
• Steel Detailing Technician Certificate

CAD and BIM Technician diploma students also learn:

• Advanced methods in technical drafting software: AutoCAD, Autodesk Revit Structure, Autodesk Civil 3D, Autodesk Navisworks, and Tekla Structures
• Integrated Design Process (IDP)
• Waste reduction and efficiency
• Design team workflow and operations
• Design team collaboration and communication
• Integration of CAD models
• Communication and collaboration
• Personal reflection and critical thinking
• Portfolio development

Learn traditional and digital technologies used in the design and fabrication of dental restorative prostheses, orthodontic appliances, and implant-supported restorations.

What you will learn
The graduate of the VCC Dental Technology Sciences program will have the skills and abilities to:

• Design, fabricate, modify and repair removable oral/dental prostheses;
• Design, fabricate, modify and repair fixed oral/dental prostheses;
• Design, fabricate, modify and repair oral/dental appliances used in orthodontics,  and other dental treatments;
• Integrate general knowledge of dental laboratory procedures, physics and chemistry principles, associated with the fabrication of oral appliances and dental restorations;
• Assess the characteristics and properties of dental materials associated with the fabrication of oral appliances and dental restorations and make decisions about their appropriate application in practice;
• Assess the characteristics and operation of equipment and special instrumentation associated with the fabrication of oral appliances and dental restorations and make decisions about their appropriate application in practice;
• Assess the fundamental elements of dental anatomy, dental physiology, dental morphology and basic elements of oral pathological conditions and apply relevant knowledge to dental technology practice;
• Practice current workplace health and safety standards including dental laboratory asepsis, and infection control;
• Apply essential elements and skills of behavioral sciences, communications, professional ethics, legal obligations and business management to dental technology practice;
• Make decisions that reflect critical thinking and problem solving; integrate pertinent theoretical knowledge and empirical data and information literacy skills to justify and/or revise services.

What to expect

• The Dental Technology Sciences program is competency based and utilizes a variety of teaching and learning activities to enable students to achieve core professional competencies. Theory and authentic laboratory practical experiences are provided throughout. More than 55% of the program is designed for competency based practical experiences. Skills and abilities are based on the National Dental Laboratory Technology competencies (May 2012) (currently under revision) and Provincial Standards of Practice.
• Learning is fostered through classroom theory (lecture), demonstrations, simulations, seminars, group work, case studies, project work, laboratory practice and practicum.
• Throughout the program communication and other interpersonal skills, teamwork strategies, self and peer evaluation, critical thinking, decision-making and problem solving are reinforced. Quality practice skills are learned such as time and self-management.

What you will learn
This program is designed for individuals who wish to obtain employment in the Information Technology Industry as Mobile Applications Programmer, Computer Programmer, and Network Administrator.

• Upon completion of this program, graduates will be able to:
• Design, install and manage local area networks
• Develop and design computer programs in various programming languages
• Develop and design interactive web pages with multimedia components
• Design and develop interactive mobile application for mobile devices
• Install and configure computer hardware and software
• Perform systems analysis and design
• Program apps for mobile devices
• Provide end-user technical support services
• Troubleshoot and repair hardware problems

What to expect

• This program is delivered face-to-face and in blended learning modes.  Instructional strategies include classroom lectures, demonstrations, group discussions, computer lab and hands-on practical work.

Advance your Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) and Building Information Modelling (BIM) skills for work in engineering firms, architecture firms, development companies, government, or private industry.

What you will learn
To obtain the CAD and BIM Technician diploma, students must complete Terms 2 and 3 (8 months) of a drafting specialty other than their original certificate. For program information, see:

• Architectural Technician Certificate
• Civil/Structural Technician Certificate
• Mechanical Engineering
• Steel Detailing Technician Certificate

CAD and BIM Technician diploma students also learn:

• Advanced methods in technical drafting software: AutoCAD, Autodesk Revit Structure, Autodesk Civil 3D, Autodesk Navisworks, and Tekla Structures
• Integrated Design Process (IDP)
• Waste reduction and efficiency
• Design team workflow and operations
• Design team collaboration and communication
• Integration of CAD models
• Communication and collaboration
• Personal reflection and critical thinking
• Portfolio development

The Culinary Arts Diploma is designed to prepare international students for employment as line cooks of third cooks in hotel kitchens, restaurants, catering companies, airport flight kitchens, trains, cruise ships, camps, and institutional kitchens.

What you will learn

• Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:
  • Apply cookery skills and theoretical knowledge to the preparation, presentation and service of a range of dishes and beverages for a commercial hospitality environment.
  • Evaluate product for consistency and accuracy in yield, flavour, texture and overall appearance according to product specifications and standards.
  • Plan, design and write menus for a culinary establishment that reflects nutritional and specific dietary needs.
  • Adhere to industry health, safety and employment standards in preparation, handling and storage of food and equipment.
  • Adapt the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary for success and sustainable professional practice in the culinary arts.
  • Reflect on performance and practice to identify and develop advanced professional skills needed to further advance in the culinary industry.

What to expect

• The Culinary Arts Diploma focuses on practical skill development and is delivered primarily in VCC kitchens and food service outlets. Students spend a minimum of one month in each of the teaching kitchens and service outlets where instructional activities include demonstration, hands-on practice, and group discussion. Culinary theory is taught in a classroom setting and uses a combination of lecture, class discussion, and independent study to promote the development of professional practice in the food industry.
• A major emphasis of the diploma program is active student participation. Students are encouraged to become self-directed and responsible for their own learning and to come to class well prepared for active participation in classroom and kitchen activities.

Start your career as a professional dancer by learning a full repertoire including ballet, modern, jazz, and flamenco in addition to arts entrepreneurship and administration.

What you will learn

• Professional, entry-level dance technique in ballet, modern, jazz, and flamenco
• Artistic dance movement language and repertoire
• Elite-level rehearsal skills and performance readiness
• Coordination and skeletal alignment
• Anatomical efficiency and movement quality
• Physical virtuosity, balance, and control
• Classical line
• Pointe work (women)
• Muscular and cardiovascular strength
• Spinal articulation
• Coordination and isolations
• Pas de deux and ensemble work
• Floor work and jump sequences
• Time-keeping and rhythmical sense
• Theatricality and musicality
• Structured and contact improvisation
• Use of props, set pieces, voice, and text
• Western European, African, Latin American, and Indian rhythm traditions
• Anatomy, injury prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation
• Emotional health and self-awareness
• Nutrition and body conditioning
• Thematic exploration
• Journaling and composition
• Information literacy and research skills
• Critical thinking and creative input
• Peer evaluation
• Dance industry knowledge
• Mentorship and professional dance goal-setting
• Arts administration and entrepreneurship
• Ballet and modern dance teaching
• History of twentieth century Western visual and performing arts

What to expect

• Studio classes
• Lectures and presentations
• Group work
• Performances
• Guest choreographers
• Arts management sessions
• Performance technology workshops
• Instructional media
• Skills demonstrations
• Practical and theoretical assignments
• Written examinations

Learn top strategies and processes for planning, executing, and monitoring projects in a Canadian business environment. Understand the difference between Agile and Waterfall project management, and know how to plan to get a PMI® Project Management Professional (PMP)®, Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)®, and other project management designations.

What you will learn
Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will be able to:

• Apply strategies and processes in initiating, planning, executing, monitoring and controlling, and closing projects.
• Manage risks to reduce project uncertainties.
• Demonstrate project management skills to optimize project outcomes.
• Adapt project management approaches to meet the specific needs of organizations.
• Apply strategies for managing stakeholders’ needs and expectations throughout the project lifecycle.
• Construct comprehensive project plans that address the goals and objectives of organizations.
• Apply critical thinking and problem-solving techniques to make sound business management decisions and recommendations.
• Implement effective communication plans to ensure project success.
• Utilize change management strategies to support project implementation.
•  Demonstrate ethical and professional behaviours as a project team member.
• Communicate and contribute as a project team member to the overall success of projects.
• Apply reflective practices to identify professional development opportunities and enhance lifelong learning.