Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering

at British Columbia Institute of Technology - Burnaby Campus Canada

The food we eat and water we drink, the petroleum products that fuel our cars and heat our homes, and the electricity that powers our modern society all rely on industrial control systems. The measurement and control devices that make-up an industrial control system are collectively known as operational technology. Today’s operational technology often employs embedded hardware and operating systems and Ethernet-based networking interfaces that make them susceptible to the same electronic attacks that plagues traditional information technology. This has created a significant need for, and shortage of, network security professionals that understand the unique computing and networking requirements of industrial control systems. The School of Energy and the School of Computing and Academic Studies have partnered in offering a new interdisciplinary Diploma in Industrial Network Cybersecurity that will prepare graduates for entry level positions in this emerging occupation. Students undertake a comprehensive study of industrial measurement and control technologies; computer information technologies; and networking, industrial networking and industrial network cybersecurity. A strong component of the program involves the development of relevant, practical skills by working with modern industrial equipment in well-equipped labs. Students will graduate with a solid foundation in industrial networking and industrial network cybersecurity.

Industrial, manufacturing and critical infrastructure organizations can be divided into two distinct entities – plant operations and business operations. Plant operations produces goods for consumption whereas business operations manages the financial well being of the organization. Business operations employs traditional information and networking technology to manage daily operations. Plant operations employs operational technology such as sensors, controllers, and final control elements to automate production of consumables. This program focuses on preparing graduates to provide industrial networking and industrial network security for the operational technology on the plant side of an organization. The diagram below illustrates where we intend to place graduates of the Industrial Network Cybersecurity program.

The Telecommunications Systems Technician, Radio Systems Option program will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to work with radio frequency (RF) electronics equipment. It is the only program of its kind in British Columbia. Through theoretical and practical study, you will develop the skills needed to install, maintain and repair RF and related electronics equipment. The program emphasizes hands-on, practical training using equipment typically encountered in industry.

Skills in the wireless communications industry are in high demand. If you like working with computers and electronic equipment, if you have good analytical skills, and if you want to work in an exciting, dynamic industry, the Telecommunications Systems Technician, Radio Systems Option program can open the door to a variety of exciting careers.

A BCIT diploma shows potential employers that you are accomplished, focused, and serious about your chosen career path. Employers know that you have both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, and that you can start contributing right away. Both graduates and employers say that BCIT was extremely helpful in preparing grads for work.

Why BCIT?

• Great Faculty - You will learn from experienced instructors with a demonstrated interest in teaching. Our instructors have worked in the industry and maintain solid local connections through student practicum placements and through the program advisory committee.
• Excellent Labs - Hands-on experience with up-to-date well equipped electronics labs helps you to understand the concepts that you learn and gives you job-ready, practical skills.
• Fantastic Career Choices - You could be working for an end-user of RF equipment doing bench testing, troubleshooting and repair of critical communications equipment. For example, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans and the RCMP have hired our graduates to keep their communication systems running. You could be working for a manufacturer of RF-related electronics equipment in a quality assurance or service technician role. You might work for a service provider, installing, configuring and maintaining voice and data communication systems, or entertainment systems based on cable and satellite communications.
• Degree Completion - With your BCIT diploma and two years of related work experience, you can enter the Bachelor of Technology Management degree program at BCIT. The Bachelor of Technology Management degree is a part-time program, so you can continue working while you further your education.

With the 3D Modeling, Art and Animation diploma program, you will develop the skills necessary to enter the game, film, and television industries as a 3D Artist. You will get hands on experience with the entire 3D workflow including modeling, animating, texturing, rigging, lighting, rendering, and compositing. You will be trained by working industry professionals from the game, film, and television industries providing the most up to date methods and techniques used today. In the last term, you will apply all of these learned skills, alongside direction and feedback from your instructors, to produce a marketable and appealing demo reel to get you a job in your chosen career path.

The Geomatics Engineering Technology diploma program is a two year course of study leading to a Diploma in Geomatics that is nationally recognized. Students in this program acquire a solid background in applied math, physics, cartography, photogrammetry, plane surveying, geodetic surveying and computer applications.

Practical skills include field surveying, GPS and total station data collection and analysis together with computer assisted digital mapping using aerial photography and laser scan data. Prospective students should have a genuine interest in mathematics, computers and earth sciences and enjoy working in both field and office environments.

Mechanical Manufacturing is one of the three options in Mechanical Engineering Technology. The Mechanical Engineering Technology program is a two-year program designed to provide graduates with a solid understanding of the principles of mechanical engineering and to develop problem-solving skills. Following the completion of a common first year, students select one of four areas of specialization. All students in the program receive training in engineering design, computer applications, computer aided design (CAD), manufacturing processes, communications, materials science and applied mathematics in addition to their selected specialty courses.

Graduates of the mechanical engineering program possess a variety of skills that are valued by employers. Mechanical engineering technologists find employment in broad range of industries and a variety of roles. Graduates are employed in design, application engineering, technical sales, manufacturing, plant engineering, construction and inspection.

The option
Manufacturing requires knowledge of production technologies, process automation, and material properties as well as modern manufacturing management strategies such as Material Resource Planning (MRP). To stay competitive, modern manufacturers have to participate in “design for manufacture.” It is the role of the manufacturing technologist to be involved in the entire design and production cycle of a product. This program provides its graduates with the necessary knowledge to embark on a rewarding career in mechanical manufacturing.

Students participate in an industry-sponsored project in the second year of the program. The industry project is an integral program component required for completion and certification. Students may be required to participate in work experience activities at the industry sponsor’s regular place of business.

All mechanical engineering technology students receive some exposure to topics from each of the options. Enrolment into each second-year option may be limited to ensure optimal class sizes. Regardless of the option chosen, all graduates will possess sufficient knowledge and skills to pursue career opportunities over the wide range of industries covered by mechanical engineering technology.

The BCIT Building Engineering/Building Science Master of Applied Science program provides students with the capabilities to independently conduct rigorous, innovative research and publish, present, and defend those research outcomes to expert peers.

A core course component teaches advanced knowledge and skills leading to a holistic understanding of building performance. Specialized elective technical courses prepare students with in-depth knowledge to enable them to conduct research in their particular area. A well-structured research component is included in the program to enable students to develop research skills.

Students are required to complete a research methods course, conduct a literature survey, develop a research plan, write a research proposal, undertake innovative scientific research and complete a comprehensive research thesis that advances scientific knowledge. Students will conduct research independently with guidance from a thesis supervisory committee.

The Master of Applied Science program:

• Offers an interdisciplinary curriculum
• Specializes in building science
• Emphasizes an engineering approach for practical problem solving
• Focuses on applied research to provide solutions to industry problems
• Engages students in interdisciplinary research
• Is supported by a strong foundation of research infrastructure unique to western Canada
• Delivers a first-of-a-kind program in BC and western Canada

Are you enticed by the idea of starting your own business? Do you enjoy finding unique solutions to problems? Does the idea of single-handedly guiding a business to success interest you? Then you might be an entrepreneur.
BCIT’s Entrepreneurship diploma was developed specifically to give people like you the focused, intensive training necessary for success in creating, guiding, and managing businesses. Whether you're looking to start your own business from scratch or expand on an idea you're already working on, this program will train you with hands-on, real-world skills and knowledge.

Program Highlights

• Real-world learning with professional entrepreneurs
• Business consultant project and practicum provide hands-on experience
• After graduation, transition to the workforce or apply to complete your Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree at BCIT with full-time or part-time evening courses

To learn more about how the Entrepreneurship diploma can turn your idea into a successful enterprise, visit the Program Details page.

Who should apply for the Entrepreneurship Diploma?
Entrepreneurship might be right for you if you:

• Have some work experience
• Completed high school and have some post-secondary education
• Have a "big-picture" kind of outlook
• Enjoy finding creative solutions to problems
• Have an interest in developing new business ideas and services

The BCIT Business Management Advanced Placement option is a nine month full-time program designed for individuals that have completed a degree or diploma and want to quickly enter the workforce with a business specialty. Students will learn about all the functional areas of business, while developing entrepreneurial skills to successfully create and launch a product within a new market. This program will also provide students with the necessary leadership skills and motivational techniques to effectively manage an organization. Graduates of the program will be able to utilize accounting tools, analyze business problems, and discover ways to improve overall business profitability and efficiency.

BCIT Business Management students learn to:

• Apply business strategy and business direction
• Conduct a business needs analysis
• Construct effective project management plans
• Incorporate sustainability practices within organizations
• Manage change for both people and processes

Business Consulting Project
Business Management students undertake a 10 week Business Consulting Project in their final term. Students work in groups of 2-3 and spend two days a week developing a solution to a real business problem for a company. The student teams collect and analyze data to identify opportunities. Using analysis tools and methodologies, the students propose recommendations and present their findings to company management.

Set the stage for a prosperous career in business with the Accounting diploma program at BCIT. By training with knowledgeable, experienced instructors who are respected professionals in the accounting industry, you’ll learn how accounting is the backbone of businesses big and small. In just two years, this highly experiential program will prepare you to step into a corporate office or head back into the classroom to complete your bachelor’s degree. The road to CPA designation is an easy one with the accounting programs at BCIT.

Who should apply for the Accounting Diploma?
The Accounting diploma program is right for you if you:

• Have completed high school or higher
• Have a degree and need accounting upgrading
• Are looking to earn your CPA designation 
• Want to pursue a multi-faceted business career

With BCIT’s Advanced Diploma in Technical Arts, you will develop the skills to become a creative problem solver, who can visualize and deliver solutions that bridge the technical and content side of visual effects, game, and animation projects. Technical Artists are in high demand in the digital entertainment and interactive media industry for their ability to integrate and synthesize the artistic vision and technical aspects of projects. They collaborate with artists and programmers to set up and maintain the art production workflow, and identify and develop tools to improve, troubleshoot and streamline the production process.