Certificate in Design Foundations

at Fanshawe College - London Campus Canada

Fanshawe College’s Public Relations - Corporate Communications program is designed to prepare college and university graduates to enter the exciting and challenging world of communications. Students will hone their writing and presentation skills, learn the latest digital communication and web design techniques, and analyze public relations and ethics challenges.

A second-term field placement allows students to put these new skills to work. Students will make business contacts through professional associations and complete course work with a community focus. The curriculum is current, community-minded, and developed by professional communicators. 

Developing superior writing skills, combined with an emphasis on teamwork, graphic design skills, and technological savvy gives graduates of this program a competitive edge. This program is best suited to individuals with already above-average writing skills, an outgoing personality and an ability to see solutions when others are focusing on problems. If you’re ready for the challenge, a world of career possibilities is waiting.

The Public Safety Fundamentals (PSF) program is a one-year preparatory studies certificate program designed to provide opportunities for students to experience post-secondary public safety studies in a supportive environment. The program provides a pathway for those students interested in pursuing a career in the field of public safety, mature applicants returning to school, and applicants who are seeking further information prior to making a public safety program choice. The PSF program is delivered in two 15 week terms offering combined in-class, blended and online courses, and incorporating experiential learning.

The program is designed to provide students with the opportunity to build a strong knowledge base in fundamental public safety skills relevant to, and in preparation for, their chosen public safety program. Skills in communication, human behaviour, law and ethics, physical fitness, sensitivity training and knowledge of specific public safety disciplines (e.g., Justice, Protection & Policing, Legal) will prepare the student for entry level employment in public safety related fields or for future studies in public safety career programs. This certificate programs focus is to instill an appreciation of the professional roles, responsibilities and academic requirements of public safety disciplines. In the program, students will develop skills and strategies they can use to master the challenges of post-secondary education and those found in the workplace. Students will also participate in self-assessments of aptitudes and skills, labour market assessments, job search techniques and strategies, and the writing of employment search correspondence and resumes. The concept of professional portfolios will be introduced.

In the first level of the program, given the foundational nature of the program, the curriculum will focus on fundamental skills in areas such as strategies for college success, communications, practical math, computer basics, human behaviour and ethics. In the second level of this program, students will be required to select and follow one of the School of Public Safety program streams such that the students second level studies aligns with their School of Public Safety (SoPS) diploma program goal.

The following program streams of study are available:
Justice, Protection and Policing: Designed for students interested in pursuing a justice, protection or policing career program in the School of Public Safety.
Legal: Designed for students interested in pursuing a legal career program in the School of Public Safety.
Fire: Designed for students interested in pursuing a career in fire sciences.
Students interested in pursuing a career in emergency telecommunications may choose either the Legal or Justice, Protection and Policing program stream for Level 2.
Students who successfully complete the program may receive additional consideration when applying for admission to public safety and other career programs.
Important Note: Students need to be aware that the preferred designated preparatory program for the Paramedic Program is the Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Advanced Diplomas and Degrees program.

Learning Outcomes

• Develop an education and career plan within the range of field of public safety professions, including the preparation of resumé and cover letter;
• Identify major theoretical models associated with the study of human behaviour to explain their potential impact on public safety;
• Evaluate various aspects of the changing society and the impact of these changes on personal and social responsibility for citizens and public safety workers;
• Select and use relevant and appropriate terminology when communicating with other public safety providers;
• Apply concepts from one of the following areas of scientific study in order to demonstrate relevance to a field of public safety: chemistry, anatomy, biology, ecology, climatology, computer science;
• Identify current policies, procedures and legislation in Canada's legal system as pertains to the field of Canadian Public Safety;
• Compare and contrast the professional roles of a specific public safety stream.

This accounting co-op program will introduce you to accounting principles and concepts. You’ll learn to examine business from multiple angles and how to maximize your unique skill set. You’ll be taught by industry professionals how to balance the books in the manufacturing and merchandising sectors, banks, and other financial institutions. You’ll also learn how to analyze numbers in public accounting firms and federal, provincial, and municipal government offices by using cutting-edge accounting software.

Designed to prepare graduates to work in an accounting environment at the entry or intermediate accounting level, this accounting co-op program starts with accounting fundamentals and then moves to detailed accounting principles and concepts, including computerized accounting. When you graduate, you’ll have the skills required for success in a corporate accounting department in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, merchandising, banks and other financial institutions. You’ll also be prepared to work in public accounting firms and federal, provincial and municipal government offices. The paid co-op work term you’ll complete will provide you with valuable work experience as well.

Learning Outcomes 
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to

• Record financial transactions in compliance with Canadian Generally Accepted Accounting Principles for sole proprietorships, partnerships, private enterprises, publicly accountable enterprises and non-profit organizations.
• Prepare and present financial statements, reports and other documents in compliance with Canadian Generally Accepted Accounting Principles for sole proprietorships, partnerships and private enterprises.
• Contribute to recurring decision-making by applying fundamental management accounting concepts.
• Prepare individuals' income tax returns and basic tax planning in compliance with relevant legislation and regulations.
• Analyze organizational structures, the interdependence of functional areas, and the impact those relationships can have on financial performance.
• Analyze, within a Canadian context, the impact of economic variables, legislation, ethics, technological advances and the environment on an organization's operations.
• Outline the elements of an organization's internal control system and risk management.
• Contribute to recurring decision-making by applying fundamental financial management concepts.

This one-year Ontario College Graduate Certificate program will provide students with the specialized knowledge and skills required for a career in aircraft maintenance and repair.  The curriculum is designed around the standardized quality management system for the aerospace industry (AS9100) to prepare graduates for a work environment that adheres to that system's requirements.  Practical elements of Aerospace Manufacturing skills, work-environment readiness, safety management systems, materials handling and tooling will be the focus of this Graduate Certificate. The program will be delivered in a face-to-face (web-facilitated) format.

Construction Engineering Technology is a two-year diploma for students interested in overseeing the construction of residential, industrial and commercial projects. Students will learn to estimate project costs, develop a construction plan, schedule projects, and perform on-site inspections using the latest technology. Graduates will be prepared for their career by learning soft skills required to be an effective leader.

The Music Industry Arts program is a creative and practical environment that allows students to discover and develop the artistic, technical and business skills that will prepare them to compete in today's evolving music and entertainment industry.

The program approach is intensively hands-on, with professional recording, performance and lab facilities exclusively dedicated to student use.  Course content is wide and equally balanced between artist development and technical skills which accentuates experiential learning within the program. Course curricula is wide by design and includes: artist development, music publishing, entertainment law, copyright, sales and promotion, music theory, ear training, music writing and arranging, creative audio production techniques, functions of digital and analog consoles, audio recording/mixing, studio operation, design and management, audio for picture, as well as live audio production.  Computer literacy, audio and editing techniques relevant to the disciplines of music creation and audio post-production are offered through theory and practical applications. Collaborative projects utilizing other media-based programs within the College are done on a regular basis.

Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to

• Display positive and professional attitude towards the responsibility and respect for the creation of music and sound.
• Meet strict deadlines and enhance creativity through the act of balancing technology and arts.
• Apply market ready skills in: music and sound recording, preproduction, audio production, writing, arranging, editing, mixing, contracting, and delivering, artist discovery, development, direction, marketing, promotion, tour management and live sound production.
• Utilize strong time management, problem solving and organizational skills.
• Stay current with industry practices primarily in the technical and secondarily in non-technical audio industry sectors through the use of creating sound and music.
• Operate audio and video hardware and software through the creation and design of sound and music either with or without moving or still pictures.
• Apply industry level skills in the operation of live sound and music recording.
• Create all documentation necessary in order to develop a music artist.

The Computer Systems Technician program is a two-year accredited Ontario College Diploma program which provides comprehensive training for students wishing to work in the high demand areas of workstation, server, application, network and security support. This program provides students the ability to think critically, solve problems and acquire new skills quickly.

Under the guidance of expert faculty, combined with the use of leading edge labs, the program emphasizes the hands-on installation and configuration of workstations, servers and networking equipment.  Students will also be expertly trained in current operating systems from Microsoft as well as Linux.  The program also focuses in on the installation and configuration of web servers, database servers, IT security, effective communication, problem solving and teamwork skills.

Upon completion of the program, and in addition to the highly valued Ontario College Diploma, graduates should have the knowledge and skills to take exams for the following certification, if they choose to do so: Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA). Graduates may also choose to apply the knowledge gained to prepare and test for other industry certifications, such as those offered for Microsoft, Linux and VMWare.

Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to

• Analyze and resolve information technology problems through the application of systematic approaches and diagnostic tools.
• Support the implementation and administration of computer systems.
• Support the implementation and administration of networking solutions.
• Install, configure, troubleshoot, maintain, and upgrade components of computer systems.
• Install, configure, troubleshoot, maintain, and upgrade components of networks.
• Use a variety of scripting tools and languages to automate routine tasks.
• Follow, monitor, and document data storage procedures designed to ensure the integrity of information.
• Apply knowledge of security issues to the implementation of information technology solutions.
• Provide efficient and effective technical support to clients in a manner that promotes safe computing practices and reduces the risk of the issue recurring.
• Conform to workplace expectations found in information technology (IT) environments.
• Contribute to the successful completion of the project applying the project management principles in use.

Companies are increasingly challenged with how to collect and make sense of vast amounts of data in order to improve their competitive position. A critical role in the facilitation of software/system development for the purpose of collecting data will be played by the Technical Systems Analyst. This IT professional will interface with organizational areas to gather their business (data) requirements and translate them into functional systems design specifications that can be successfully implemented by IT teams. In order to fulfill this role, the candidate must have a solid foundation in IT supplemented by the critical skills to be developed in this program, including: application software development, business data analysis and modeling, customer engagement/communications management, business process and enterprise resource planning. A key part of this graduate program is the applied aspects of the curriculum. Students will have the opportunity to engage in the process of business analysis for information technology (IT) through case studies and industry-based projects.

The Pre-Media program is a one-year foundational certificate program designed to introduce the student to various media industries. This preliminary year is intended to provide the student with the opportunity to sample from and discover the various aspects unique to each media program within the School of Contemporary Media. This will allow the student to gain a solid understanding in preparation for a more focused education within a specific media field. The program will offer a hands-on experience using industry standard software taught by creative educators and industry professionals.

Successful graduates of this program will have developed a solid foundation in the skills and knowledge of various media and communication fields. The goal is to give the student the tools to make a more educated and conscious choice for a career program best suited to reflect their interest and skillset.

Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to

• Apply common industry practices to written proposals and print documents, visual storyboards, and interactive presentations.
• Present and report on research done about mass media and social media technologies.
• Choose appropriate tools, techniques and applications to create media assets and presentations.
• Develop a career plan and produce a portfolio of self-promotional materials for the chosen field.
• Employ a variety of strategies, tools, and techniques to develop creative concepts and ideas to address the requirements of an audience, product or project.
• Collaborate with a production team in the creation of media projects.
• Utilize a variety of industry standard audio/video software applications and techniques in the creation of media for a wide range of platforms.

Research and Evaluation (Co-Op) is an Ontario College Graduate Certificate program that supports students and professionals in developing sought-after research and program evaluation skills. Program evaluation in Canada is an expanding industry in terms of both its general use and the diversity of contexts in which it is applied. Students learn diverse social science research methods and apply them with the aim of program evaluation and optimization. Students also have the option to complete a co-operative work experience that will enhance the applicability of their skills to the workplace.

Co-operative Education
This one-year program has one co-op work term.  Students who fulfill both the academic and co-op requirements of the program will be eligible to graduate with a Co-op Endorsed Certificate.  More information about Co-operative Education can be found at www.fanshawec.ca/co-op.

Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to

• Use current information technology tools to retrieve, organize, process, and communicate both qualitative and quantitative evaluation and research data
• Translate research and program evaluation goals into appropriate evaluation designs and methods
• Construct actionable recommendations for stakeholders based on accurate analysis of the information
• Design clear, persuasive and accurate documentation to collect, support and present data for program evaluation and research projects
• Meet the objectives of organizations and clients through applying appropriate program evaluation and research methods, and through accurately analyzing research and evaluation findings
• Apply appropriate statistical techniques to generate high-quality information and analysis
• Complete all work in accordance with ethical, legislative and professional requirements and standards
• Contribute to the management of a project, ensuring that it meets all necessary goals and parameters (e.g. scope, design/features, timelines, etc.)
• Effectively communicate specialized information to diverse audiences with varying degrees of technical knowledge
• Accurately and persuasively report on the progress and results of program evaluation and research projects to relevant stakeholders
• Increase organizational efficacy by capturing, interpreting and applying organizational information using knowledge management techniques