Diploma in General Arts and Science

at Algonquin College - Ottawa Campus Canada

The three-year Biotechnology - Advanced Ontario College Advanced Diploma program gives you a strong overview of the science that drives biotechnology. With a mix of laboratory and theory courses, you learn about:

• Cell biology
• Chemistry
• Biochemistry
• Molecular biology
• Microbiology
• Bioinformatics
• Statistics

You also gain a foundation in the social and ethical implications of this field, giving you the ability to make informed choices. As a student, you have the opportunity to carry out experiments and use state of the art laboratory instruments and tools throughout the program. Some of the topics you encounter include water analysis, soil analysis, quality and safety of food and beverages, DNA manipulation, and protein purification and analysis. You have the opportunity to work with government and industry professionals through optional

Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

• Perform laboratory duties independently and in compliance with pertinent legislation and regulations, as well as biotechnology standards and guidelines.
• Collaborate in implementing and evaluating quality control and quality assurance procedures to meet organizational standards and requirements.
• Select and implement best practices for sustainability.
• Complete complex biotechnological applications using advanced principles of chemistry, biology and biostatistics as well as basic principles of physics.
• Co-ordinate, implement and validate laboratory procedures to carry out quantitative and qualitative tests and analyses.
• Co-ordinate, implement and validate standard cell culture procedures under aseptic conditions.
• Co-ordinate, implement and validate molecular biology procedures.
• Manage biological data to support biological scientists and researchers in capturing, organizing/summarizing and storing data.
• Prepare, analyze, interpret, maintain and communicate scientific data effectively.
• Develop and present a strategic plan for ongoing personal and professional development to enhance work performance.
• Apply basic business principles to biotechnology practices.
• Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.

Students also have the option to gain real-world experience through a paid co-operative education (co-op) work term (see Additional Information for more details). Please note that places in the co-op version of the program are subject to availability. Students who elect to apply to the non co-op version of the program may not have the opportunity to transfer to the co-op version at a later date.

The one-year Energy Management Ontario College Graduate Certificate prepares you for an exciting career in energy, innovation, entrepreneurship and the development of efficient new energy technologies.

Learn about energy solutions such as efficiency, conservation and sustainability. Participate in laboratory work, contribute to a real-world project and learn from case-studies in the energy management industry. Explore how to implement, manage, administer and work on energy management practices throughout the program. By analyzing data sets, evaluating the impact of energy efficiency and conservation programs and performing cost-benefit analyses, you obtain highly-regarded skills for the industry.

During your final semester, participate in an energy management project with peers and industry partners. Through in-class discussions and collaboration, you plan and create an energy strategy for a commercial building.

Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

• Analyze an organization`s current energy profile to plan and establish an energy management strategy.
• Monitor, track and benchmark energy data to compare performance and establish baselines and targets to determine trends.
• Conduct energy assessments to propose optimal energy solutions.
• Recommend energy management options, solutions and technologies to maintain long-term operational and infrastructure efficiency.
• Prepare and present technical reports and proposals in a scientific format using accurate energy terminology.
• Research and apply industry accepted standards for energy analyses.
• Create and present persuasive business cases for energy projects.
• Manage energy project implementation to successfully meet organizational goals.
• Evaluate energy performance using measurement and verification strategies.
• Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.

Applying your creativity to shape a career communicating ideas and concepts

The three-year Graphic Design Ontario College Advanced Diploma program helps you apply your creativity to communicating ideas and concepts in both print and interactive media.

Using a combination of theoretical and hands-on learning, you gain skills in design, typography, image, colour, coding, motion graphics, interaction and production from industry-connected faculty. You learn to be a problem-solver who can manage and execute visual design projects.

Whether learning design for the page or for the screen, you study industry-endorsed concepts and techniques. You also become an expert at communicating ideas to a client through:

• Sketches
• Prototypes
• Storyboards
• Interactive mock-ups 

There is a strong focus on hands-on training, using industry-standard software tools, which will ensure you are career-ready upon graduation. Field trips and actual client projects are offered to bring the workplace into the classroom.

From your second year on, you become a student-member of the Registered Graphic Designers of Ontario. In your final semester, you embark on a six-week fieldwork placement that transitions you to industry. You work side-by-side with experienced professionals and gain networking contacts.

Upon graduation, you will have developed a design portfolio that showcases your creativity and problem-solving skills. You will display your work at the annual Grad Show exhibition.

Graduates may find employment in a(n):

• Graphic design studio
• Advertising agency
• Motion graphics design
• Interactive/web design studio

Graduates may also find work as an in-house designer for an organization or government, in the television, entertainment or game-development industry, or in freelance opportunities. 
 

The two-year Computer Programmer Ontario College Diploma program prepares you for a career in software development. The program also specializes in program development strategies (using object-oriented modelling), database design and database administration.

Use leading industry software products such as Oracle and CASE tools. Learn about programming languages such as Java, COBOL, SQL and PHP. Study object-oriented analysis and design, operating systems and coding in integrated environments, and learn how to debug, test, and maintain codes.

In your final semester, participate in a software development project working with external clients to gain real-world experience in the programming field.

Students also have the option to gain real-world experience through a paid co-operative education (co-op) work term (see Additional Information for more details). Please note that places in the co-op version of the program are subject to availability. Students who elect to apply to the non co-op version of the program may not have the opportunity to transfer to the co-op version at a later date.

Graduates may work in a variety of different fields, as almost all sectors of industry require programmers. You may be employed as:

• A software programmer
• A web programmer
• A business programmer
• An application programmer

The one-year Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Advanced Diplomas and Degrees is an Ontario College Certificate program that prepares you for more advanced health science programs. You develop strong study skills and earn post-secondary credits that may transfer to other post-secondary programs.

As a student, you explore your interests in the health science field while meeting the eligibility requirements for a number of Algonquin College advanced diploma programs. These include:

• Biotechnology - Advanced (Co-op and Non-Co-op Version)
• Cardiovascular Technology
• Dental Hygiene
• Massage Therapy
• Medical Radiation Technology
• Respiratory Therapy

In addition, graduates may be eligible to apply to various degree programs including:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) at the University of Ottawa
• Bachelor of Health Sciences (BHSc) at the University of Ottawa
• Bachelor of Human Kinetics (BHK) at the University of Ottawa
• Bachelor of Science in Kinetics (BScHK) at the University of Ottawa
• Bachelor of Health Sciences (BHSc) at Queen`s University

The curriculum provides you with the opportunity to learn more about potential careers in the health sciences as you improve your skills in communications, mathematics, biology, chemistry and physics.

The intention of this program is to prepare you for further study in either advanced diploma or degree programs, rather than moving directly into a chosen industry.

It is important to note that completing this program does not guarantee entry into a health or science program.

Students interested in further academic study in a health-related one-year certificate or two-year diploma program should consider applying to the Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Certificates and Diplomas program.

The two-year General Arts and Science Ontario College Diploma with a concentration in Aviation Management program provides you with the knowledge and skills to become a commercial pilot.

Learn the required level of proficiency necessary to complete the Transport Canada Pilot License written examination (CPAER) and practical flight test. Some classes take place at the Ottawa Flying Club, Rockliffe Flying Club and the Canadian Aviation and Space Museum, providing all the skills needed to start your career.

Industry-professional instructors also teach you practical skills such as fuel handling, aircraft handling, and winter operations. Learn about cockpit resource management, maintenance skills and dispatching. Acquire a background in business and management, which prepares you for various facets of the aviation industry.

Experience up to 200 hours of flight experience at an Algonquin College approved flying partner. It is a non-funded activity that costs $70,000 over the two years and is subject to change without notice.
In your final semester, you can elect to take a course in either Instructor Rating, Float Rating or Initial Aeroplane Type Rating, each of which will help you specialize for future employment opportunities.

Prepare for a variety of dynamic technical positions within the manufacturing industry

The two-year Manufacturing Engineering Technician Ontario College Diploma program prepares you for technical positions in the manufacturing industry. Gain a broad overview of manufacturing and industrial engineering principles, with a focus on product manufacturing, and learn from professionals with strong industrial backgrounds.

As a student in this program, you experience a combination of classroom, lab and machine shop environments and cultivate ideas from conception to production within various streams. These include, but are not limited to:

• Solid modelling
• Computer numerical control programming
• Process engineering
• Fabrication
• Project management
• Quality control 

Learn how to use tools specific to the industry such as software and machinery, Computer-Aided Design and Computer-Aided Manufacturing, and CNC machinery. In your final term, undertake projects with external or internal industry partners where you analyze, plan and execute deliverables.

Graduates may work in a number of capacities within the industry, finding employment as a:

• CNC programmer
• CNC machinist
• Quality control inspector
• Production scheduler
• CAD drafter and designer
• Process engineering in manufacturing firms and corporations 

Interactive Media Design is a two year Ontario College Diploma program designed to prepare you for a variety of careers in the digital media industry. Web-design and programming, as well as video and motion graphic skills, are in demand in all employment sectors. You explore the primary elements of media project planning and development with equal importance given to the creative and the technical aspects. This balanced learning experience prepares graduates to be generalists in the media industry, meaning you can jump into a wide variety of roles as you begin your careers.

Strong emphasis is placed on hands-on media production through courses in computer-based web design and programming, as well as video and motion graphics. Through a number of program-specific elective courses, you can focus your path towards specializing as a video producer or a web developer, or you can choose to remain as a generalist, depending on your interests. You plan and execute individual and team-based projects under the guidance of a faculty, industry experts in the media field. You gain practical experience working with live clients through applied projects. You navigate these learning opportunities with the operating system of your choice, such as Apple OS X, Windows or other platforms.

This industry-driven program provides you with the diverse skillset that makes you adaptable in today`s dynamic job market across all sectors. Graduates may find employment in a wide variety of fields utilizing their skills in dynamic media development, web design and programming, photography, videography, motion graphics, project management, UX design, graphic design and content management. Other opportunities involve start-up businesses and a wide variety of alternate professional fields.

Students also have the option to gain real-world experience through a paid co-operative education (co-op) work term (see Additional Information for more details). Please note that places in the co-op version of the program are subject to availability. Students who elect to apply to the non co-op version of the program may not have the opportunity to transfer to the co-op version at a later date.

Learn to capture, create and alter images at a professional level

The two-year Photography Ontario College Diploma program encourages you to express your creative side while designing and capturing images that communicate effectively. You demonstrate a professional level of craft and creativity in digital imaging using high-end equipment and the Mac OS platform.

Learn the fundamentals of photography and create images that meet the needs of your client. By creating a state-of-the-art portfolio and a personal website using high-end digital cameras to capture professional-level work, you show your creative and technical abilities.

In addition to photography design and techniques, gain knowledge and skills in the areas of:

• Entrepreneurship
• Networking
• Branding
• Marketing
• Business practices 

Our studios have up-to-date studio and location lighting systems, lighting booms, soft-boxes and professional backdrops.

At the end of the program, enhance your knowledge and skills with a real-world experience during a two-week field placement where you gain valuable practical application and industry contacts. The program concludes with a student-run networking trade show, which potential employers and industry representatives attend.

There are many job opportunities in the industry after graduation. Graduates may find employment as a photographer in areas such as:

• Commercial and industrial photography
• Wedding and portrait photography
• Scientific and medical photography
• Photojournalism
• Image manipulation/retouching
• Print and graphic production companies
• Visual content creation 

The one-year Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Advanced Diplomas and Degrees is an Ontario College Certificate program that prepares you for more advanced health science programs. You develop strong study skills and earn post-secondary credits that may transfer to other post-secondary programs.

As a student, you explore your interests in the health science field while meeting the eligibility requirements for a number of Algonquin College advanced diploma programs. These include:

• Biotechnology - Advanced (Co-op and Non-Co-op Version)
• Cardiovascular Technology
• Dental Hygiene
• Massage Therapy
• Medical Radiation Technology
• Respiratory Therapy

In addition, graduates may be eligible to apply to various degree programs including:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) at the University of Ottawa
• Bachelor of Health Sciences (BHSc) at the University of Ottawa
• Bachelor of Human Kinetics (BHK) at the University of Ottawa
• Bachelor of Science in Kinetics (BScHK) at the University of Ottawa
• Bachelor of Health Sciences (BHSc) at Queen`s University

The curriculum provides you with the opportunity to learn more about potential careers in the health sciences as you improve your skills in communications, mathematics, biology, chemistry and physics.

The intention of this program is to prepare you for further study in either advanced diploma or degree programs, rather than moving directly into a chosen industry.

It is important to note that completing this program does not guarantee entry into a health or science program.

Students interested in further academic study in a health-related one-year certificate or two-year diploma program should consider applying to the Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Certificates and Diplomas program.