Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Systems (Co-op)

at Algonquin College - Ottawa Campus Canada

The Regulatory Affairs - Sciences Ontario College Graduate Certificate program provides you with the skills and knowledge to pursue an entry-level career in industry and government regulatory agencies in Canada.

The regulation of products in industries such as healthcare, biotechnology, food, industrial chemical and agrochemical is of international concern. The resulting increase in regulation has driven the demand for qualified individuals in regulatory affairs.

With a focus on protecting the safety of people and the environment, professionals in this field have a positive impact on the public good.

Understand the regulatory environment in Canada, including the socioeconomic aspects of:

• Regulations across industries
• How to interpret and apply regulations
• How to develop and manage regulatory submissions

Cooperative education (Co-op)
Cooperative education (Co-op) allows students to integrate their classroom learning with a real-world experience though paid work terms. Two academic terms prior to the cooperative education work term, students are required to actively participate in and successfully complete the self-directed co-op online readiness activities and in-person workshops.

Students must actively conduct a guided, self-directed job search and are responsible for securing approved program-related paid co-op employment. Students compete for co-op positions alongside students from Algonquin and other Canadian and international colleges and universities. Algonquin College`s Co-op Department provides assistance in developing co-op job opportunities and facilitates the overall process, but does not guarantee that a student will obtain employment in a co-op work term. Co-op students may be required to re-locate to take part in the co-op employment opportunities available in their industry and must cover all associated expenses; e.g., travel, work permits, visa applications, accommodation and all other incurred expenses.

Co-op work terms are typically 14 weeks in duration and are completed during a term when students are not taking courses.

Information Communications Technologies (ICT`s) are a critical aspect of modern digital health ecosystems, supporting healthcare delivery through the provision of timely and reliable information for patient care, scientific research, strategic decision-making, data analytics and consumer health applications. This four-year bachelor`s degree prepares students for a career in today`s digital health workforce by providing knowledge, skills and competencies in the related domains of health technology studies, business technology management, and software development. Students build a multidisciplinary set of competencies through immersive learning simulations, innovative laboratory exercises and applied digital health projects in order to leverage essential technologies and systems to become successful healthcare technology professionals. Students inform and shape the future of healthcare by contributing to the design, development and improvement of innovative healthcare technologies, such as mobile health apps, hospital information systems, clinical decision aids and business intelligence applications.

Students gain theoretical and practical knowledge through online, in-class, clinical and simulation-based learning experiences. Students apply analytical and leadership skills in a hands-on, research-rich learning environment throughout the program. Students have the opportunity to further apply and refine skills and knowledge while working in project teams during a co-operative work experience in industry.

Graduates have a unique blend of practical knowledge and abilities that can be leveraged in the health, technology and business sectors. Graduates are well positioned to find employment in healthcare institutions (e.g. hospitals, clinics, public health units, laboratories), digital health consulting firms, government (both federal and provincial), or other private sector digital health solution providers. Graduates also have the option to pursue further academic studies in the field.

The Bachelor of Technology (Digital Health)(Honours) program is aligned with the learning outcomes and competencies published by the Business Technology Management (BTM) standards. Algonquin College has initiated the accreditation process with BTM.

Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

• Analyze, design, develop, implement and maintain business systems and/or components to support strategic business requirements.
• Manage the process of evaluating, selecting and using business systems.
• Apply accepted methodologies, theories, concepts and practices to develop and improve business and healthcare systems.
• Manage data using appropriate methodologies, and standards to improve healthcare and business processes and decision-making.
• Apply the Project Management Institute`s Body of Knowledge to business systems projects.
• Apply security principles and practices in systems development and the systems environment.
• Apply principles and skills of business management, leadership and change management in the context of business systems development.
• Apply quality assurance and quality management principles to business systems development projects.
• Educate a diversity of clients in the use of business technology to support, promote and improve business and healthcare processes, and healthy-living initiatives.
• Apply effective business technology management skills to innovate in digital health targeting new and existing local and global markets.
• Adhere to professional, ethical and legal codes and standards related to digital health.
• Conduct and evaluate research to contribute to evidence-based practice in digital health contexts.
• Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.
• Analyze and evaluate how digital health solutions influence healthcare business practices, quality of care and patient safety.
• Assess how differing value judgments associated with the practice of healthcare, business management and information technology impact digital health decision-making.

The Artificial Intelligence Software Development Ontario College Graduate Certificate program is designed to prepare you to meet the increasing market demand for artificial intelligence software development expertise. Through this program, you will enhance your existing software development skills to become an AI software developer, with an in-depth understanding of the major AI technologies and how to leverage AI to solve problems.

The program explores AI using a top-down and a bottom-up approach simultaneously. You begin a deep dive into the detailed mechanisms of machine learning to acquire the skills to troubleshoot, debug and optimize machine learning and deep learning architectures. You investigate various techniques of AI and survey which types of problems are best solved using each AI technique.

Through a combination of theory-based learning and industry-based applied research AI projects, graduates possess the theoretical knowledge and hands-on skills to assess, recommend, design, implement and troubleshoot various advanced AI solutions. Graduates enter the workforce with an in-depth understanding of deep learning, reinforcement learning and knowledge representation. Together these three branches form a comprehensive view of the AI landscape, giving the AI developer the knowledge and skills required to implement solutions such as speech recognition and natural language understanding, planning, diagnosis, smart agents, machine vision, intelligent manufacturing processes and intelligent control. Students have the option to gain real-world experience through two paid co-operative education (co-op) work terms.

The Business Ontario College Diploma program provides you with a well-rounded foundation in management, human resources, operations, accounting, finance, marketing, international business, and supply chain management. Gain theoretical and applied knowledge to complete projects that reflect real business responsibilities. Develop essential business skills in communication, information technology, teamwork, problem solving, task management, and customer service.

You have the opportunity to collaborate with industry professionals to analyze and find solutions for real-world business issues. Your knowledge and skills come together as you create a professional business plan that mirrors what could be expected in industry.

Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

• Identify and discuss the impact of global issues on an organization`s business opportunities by using an environmental scan.
• Apply principles of corporate sustainability, corporate social responsibility and ethics to support an organization`s business initiatives.
• Use current concepts/systems and technologies to support an organization`s business initiatives.
• Apply basic research skills to support business decision making.
• Support the planning, implementation and monitoring of projects.
• Perform work in compliance with relevant statutes, regulations and business practices.
• Explain the role of the human resource function and its impact on an organization.
• Use accounting and financial principles to support the operations of an organization.
• Describe and apply marketing and sales concepts used to support the operations of an organization.
• Outline principles of supply chain management and operations management.
• Outline and assess the components of a business plan.
• Develop strategies for ongoing personal and professional development to enhance work performance in the business field.
• Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.

In the one-year Interactive Media Management Ontario College Graduate Certificate program, you develop the hands-on skills to plan and develop websites, online media and dynamic content. While learning industry-standard practices, you gain the solid foundation in interactive media that you need to further your career in today`s dynamic job market.

You experience the complete design and development process lifecycle of a media-rich product and learn the fundamentals of the industry standard software package Adobe Master Collection, which includes Photoshop, Illustrator and more.

While acting in the role of an interactive media producer , you develop and implement multimedia projects with rich media content to create various ways of interacting with consumers.

Throughout the program, as you apply your skills on solo projects and team-based applications for a wide variety of users and audiences, you may deal with regional, national and international clients.

The Personal Support Worker Ontario College Certificate program prepares you for immediate work in healthcare. This two-semester program provides you with the knowledge and practical skills to work as a care provider in a range of healthcare settings.

Develop the ability to engage with persons and families of various ages and health-related needs to promote healthy living. Learn how to assist clients with their daily personal care needs, such as bathing, dressing, grooming, and toileting. In your career, you help those who need assistance to remain as independent as possible.

Through theory, lab practice and clinical/community experiences, learn how to deliver person-centred care, encourage independence and improve the quality of life for your clients.

Participate in clinical experiences, where you focus on the various skills needed to succeed in the field. In these clinical placements, you demonstrate your knowledge and expertise and learn about applying different concepts to real-world environments. These clinical experiences provide you with the opportunity to continue learning as a student member of a healthcare team.

After graduating, you may find employment as a Personal Support Worker. In this role, you work under the supervision of Registered Nurses and/or Registered Practical Nurses in:

• retirement homes
• long-term care facilities
• home care agencies, and
• hospitals

In the two-year Horticultural Industries Ontario College Diploma program you learn how to create landscapes from design to implementation. By offering a condensed format over 16 months, the Horticultural Industries program allows you to fast track your career.

Learn the key aspects of this dynamic industry, including:

• Urban and rural landscape design, installation and maintenance
• Nursery production and management
• Sustainable urban agriculture
• Green roof and living wall technology

The program offers a hands-on learning experience during the industry`s prime production period in the spring/summer/fall. Practice skills in Algonquin College`s extensive campus gardens surrounding the Horticulture Centre and within the attached greenhouse complex.

The various plant collections and the vegetable garden provide you with the perfect opportunity to study plant identification, plant selection and ideal growing conditions. You take active part in further developing and maintaining the grounds in smaller work-groups, simulating the industry.

To further your skills and make connections in the industry, you complete a 12-week co-op placement as part of the program. The landscape industry is fast-paced and constantly evolving, with a high-demand for skilled horticultural specialists and landscape designers.

Graduates may find work, either as employees or self-employed, in:

• Construction and maintenance firms
• Landscape design
• Nurseries and garden centres
• Urban food production
• Tree care industry
• Park systems
• Consulting or teaching        

The Environmental Management and Assessment Ontario College Graduate Certificate program adds depth to your existing expertise in the environmental management and assessment field. Highly skilled and environmentally aware professionals are constantly being sought out by employers in the field. This program enhances your knowledge of environmental sciences.

Gain essential knowledge and skills by studying a range of disciplines throughout this program, including:

• Ecological conservation
• Project management
• Environmental policy and reporting
• Contaminant control
• GIS and environmental map design

Take courses in hydrology, environmental modelling and environmental policies. Courses are offered on evenings and weekends.

Field experiences throughout the program give you integrative skills that employers of this expanding field are looking for.

Students also have the option to gain real-world experience through a paid co-operative education (co-op) work term. Please note that places in the co-op version of the program are subject to availability.

Graduates of this program may be employed in a number of fields including:

• Ecology research and reporting
• Water and wastewater monitoring
• Site assessments
• Cost proposals
• Pollution prevention and control
• Regulatory compliance
• Policy development

The one-year Financial Services Ontario College Graduate Certificate program prepares you for a challenging and rewarding career in the customer sales and service areas of:

• Banking
• Insurance
• Financial planning
• Wealth management

In this program, you build on your pre-existing business skills, financial knowledge and professional experience. You are introduced to financial products and services and financial advising. You learn how to create and present financial plans. As well, you practise collecting and analyzing client information and providing financial advice based on that information.

You also participate in work-integrated learning. This gives you the opportunity to practise your skills and knowledge in a realistic financial services workplace context.

Algonquin College partners with The Canadian Securities Institute (CSI) to offer the Financial Services Graduate Certificate program, which is an approved educational path to Personal Financial Planner®(PFP®) designation and prepares you to write the Applied Financial Planning Certification examination, which is necessary to obtain the PFP® designation.

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