Advanced Diploma in Computer Systems Technology

at George Brown College - Casa Loma Campus Canada

Whether it’s online or console, cell phone or PC-based, the game industry in Canada is large and growing rapidly. Game developers and publishers in the Greater Toronto Area range from small specialized units to mid-sized companies to Microsoft, Nintendo and other industry leaders.

Computer and game programmers are the fundamental resource for companies that develop, produce, distribute and market computer-based games. In fact, our industry advisors tell us it is the technical skills that are most in demand – a demand that this George Brown program is focused on meeting.

Students in George Brown’s three-year Game – Programming advanced diploma program will learn the technical skills they need to be successful in the job market by learning “the language of gaming” (C and C++), as well as artificial intelligence, 3D graphics and much more.

The added advantage of this program is that students will also be taught by George Brown’s School of Design faculty throughout the program, working closely with design students to create games, explore all aspects of the game industry, and learn to work in teams, just as they will in industry. Classes take place at George Brown’s Casa Loma and St. James Campuses. Some courses are offered online, and in some semesters, evening courses may be required.

Note: Students who start the program in January (Winter term) will be required to attend classes during the summer months (May to August).

Program Learning Outcomes

• The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
• Analyze the differences in game genres in order to develop games that meet the needs of specific markets.
• Analyze the history of video games to compare various approaches to game development.
• Support the development of games by identifying and relating concepts from a range of industry roles – programming, design, and art.
• Contribute as an individual and a member of a game development team to the effective completion of a game development project.
• Develop strategies for ongoing personal and professional development to enhance work performance in the games industry.
• Perform all work in compliance with relevant statutes, regulations, legislation, industry standards and codes of ethics.

Rising fuel costs, indoor air quality and climate change are all contributing factors in raising awareness of the true cost of energy. There is a great need for energy-efficient building environmental system design, construction and maintenance.

In the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technician program students will:

• Develop the ability to size, install and maintain building environmental systems for the residential and light commercial sector.
• Gain solid skills and knowledge in design, operation and maintenance of environmental systems, in heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC/R).
• Develop practical skills through hands-on experience, working on a wide range of furnaces, air conditioners, refrigeration equipment and other appliances in our labs.
• Gain competency with industry-ready skills in soldering, wiring and electric control circuitry and troubleshooting for HVAC and gas installations.
• Use computer-aided design software to assess building heating and cooling requirements, select appropriate equipment and develop HVAC system drawings and specifications for the residential market.
• The program follows industry-standard design practices for environmentally responsible and energy-efficient residential, commercial and industrial systems, as established by the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute (HRAI), the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and the Canada Green Building Council.

Note: When you enrol in the program in January, you are required to complete semester 2 in the summer (May to August) of the same year in order to continue into semester 3 in the fall.

Program Learning Outcomes:

• The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
• Relate effectively to heating, refrigeration, and air conditioning supervisors, coworkers, and customers.
• Work safely and in accordance with all applicable acts, regulations, legislation, and codes to ensure personal and public safety.
• Select and use a variety of heating, refrigeration, and air conditioning tools and equipment safely and properly.
• Solve math and applied science problems required to effectively install and maintain heating, refrigeration, and air conditioning systems, and associated components.
• Prepare and interpret electrical, mechanical, and piping drawings.
• Install, service, and troubleshoot heating, refrigeration, air conditioning systems, and associated components.
• Develop strategies for ongoing personal and professional development, that will lead to enhanced work performance and career opportunities, and keep pace with industry changes.

Students in this program will gain an in-depth knowledge of the construction industry including:

• Methods and materials of construction
• Construction estimating
• Construction law, contracts and bidding
• Project management and control 
• Construction graphics and detailing 

This program shares the first four semesters with the Construction Engineering Technician program. Semesters 5 & 6 prepare you for a wider range of career options in the construction sector. This three-year program equips you for positions with higher levels of responsibility and accountability in such areas as construction planning, project management, estimating, budget and bid preparation, sustainable building science and engineering studies.

Mobile application development is one of the fastest growing sectors of information technology. This three-semester program will help students develop a wide variety of skills related to developing, testing and deploying applications for mobile phones and tablets. The main focus of the program is the two leading platforms in mobile devices: iOS and Android.

Java and Swift programming languages are covered in this program so students have an easier transition in developing mobile applications. Client-side development tools such as HTML 5, CSS3 and JavaScript are covered, as well as aspects of server-side programming to complement mobile application development. To synthesize all learning outcomes, students will participate in either a co-op work term or applied project that will provide the experience necessary to improve graduate employability.

Students will learn strategies related to the development of mobile applications from a business perspective such as performing competitive research and exploring revenue-generating approaches. They will also be exposed to the process of App Store and Android Market submissions.

Your Field Education Options
To be eligible for co-op, a student must complete all Semester 1 and Semester 2 courses. As well, an overall GPA of 3.0 must be achieved. During the third semester of the program, students may choose whether to apply for a co-op position or take a Work Integrated Learning course that includes an industry-sponsored project.

Program Learning Outcomes

• Create meaningful design artifacts using modern software engineering methodologies and project management principles.
• Implement native mobile applications for different mobile platforms.
• Develop solution architectures to support mobile applications by applying enterprise architecture principles and best practices.
• Develop creative concepts for mobile applications that meet innovation, entrepreneurship and social enterprise objectives.
• Develop secure mobile applications by implementing the security principles, standards and best practices of mobile application development.
• Develop usable, friendly, fast and reliable mobile applications by applying the principles and best practices of User Interface design and experience (UI/UX).
• Work independently and as a team member to develop mobile application solutions for a business.
• Use industry standard testing methodologies to ensure software quality and improve software performance.
• Apply various strategies for developing competitive mobile applications.

Electromechanical Engineering Technology – Power and Control is designed to provide students with both theoretical and practical experience, enabling them to work in a wide variety of electrical engineering areas including power and control systems, utilities, industrial automation and robotics, instrumentation and process control. The curriculum incorporates theory, applications, practical experience and safety practices from power systems, utilities, manufacturing, control system, automation and computer industries, along with concepts from the sciences and humanities to ensure the graduate is equipped with technical knowledge, skills and practice.

This rigorous and comprehensive two-year Dance Performance diploma program provides you with the necessary skills to launch a career in dance. As a graduate, you will be a classical ballet and/or contemporary dancer with the professionalism, technical expertise and industry contacts required to pursue a career in dance. With a choice of specialty in classical or contemporary dance, students train in ballet, modern and jazz with studies in acting, vocal, repertoire and composition to elevate their overall performance quality and marketability.

There are two streams for students to specialize in either classical or contemporary dance:

• The Classical stream is for intermediate/advanced ballet students and includes more advanced training in ballet and pointe.
• The Contemporary stream is for intermediate-level ballet students and includes additional contemporary training and the option of less advanced pointe classes.

Program Learning Outcomes

• The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
  • Perform advanced classical ballet and modern dance technique in choreographed solo and ensemble productions.
  • Perform jazz dance technique in choreographed solo and ensemble productions.
  • Sing at an intermediate level using pulse, rhythm and metre in both solo presentations and chorus productions.
  • Create artistically expressive dramatic characterizations in a dance context at an advanced level in both solo and ensemble performances.
  • Present self professionally at auditions and in industry environments through resumés, biographical backgrounds, and photographs to advance artistic and career opportunities.
  • Develop self-knowledge and reflective practice to make informed artistic, pedagogical, personal development and career choices within the performing arts industry.
  • Apply pedagogical skills and concepts to educate students in the areas of ballet, modern and jazz dance training.

Graduates from this program benefit from a combination of advanced machine-tool technology principles (CAD/CAM/CNC) and extensive hands-on manufacturing practices that better prepare them for the technical challenges they may face in the workplace.

Advanced CNC and Precision Machining students have the opportunity to strengthen their skills by engaging in specialized industry partnerships that include precision machining/welding workshops and formula race-car and rocketry manufacturing with University of Toronto Engineering and Aeronautics undergraduate students.

In their final year, students engage in applied projects to design and fabricate prototypes using digital manufacturing technology (lasers, 3D printer, multi-axis CNC machine tools).

All students will augment their technical training with courses in mathematics, communications, and general education.

Your Field Education Options

• Students will have the opportunity to complete a mandatory 15-week co-op term in Year 2. Co-op participants will be selected based on their academic performance, including a minimum GPA of 3.0 and an interview component.

Program Learning Outcomes

• The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
  • Complete all work in compliance with current legislation, standards, regulations and guidelines.
  • Apply quality control and quality assurance procedures to meet organizational standards and requirements.
  • Comply with current health and safety legislation, as well as organizational practices and procedures.
  • Apply sustainability best practices in workplaces.
  • Use current and emerging technologies to support the implementation of mechanical and manufacturing projects.
  • Analyze and solve mechanical problems by applying mathematics and fundamentals of mechanics.
  • Interpret, prepare and modify mechanical drawings and other related technical documents.
  • Perform technical measurements accurately using appropriate instruments and equipment.
  • Manufacture, assemble, maintain and repair mechanical components according to required specifications.
  • Contribute to the planning, implementation and evaluation of projects.

Building Renovation Technician is a two-year program designed to prepare you for employment in the renovation and construction field, with sustainable design principles being key.

You will learn new construction and building renovation skills, carpentry techniques and new materials applications while gaining a solid understanding of the renovation-related trades. Hands-on training takes place in fully equipped labs where students practice framing and finishing techniques using sustainable design principles.

Practical applications include:

• Residential construction and renovations
• Millwork
• Demolition
• Framing
• Finishes
• Drywall installation and finishing
• Site management
• Cabinetry
• Stair construction
• Building code
• Basics in electrical, HVAC, and plumbing systems
• Estimating

Note: When you enrol in the program in January, you are required to complete semester 2 in the summer (May to August) of the same year in order to continue into semester 3 in the fall.

Your Field Education Options
This program offers two field placement opportunities in semester 3 and semester 4. George Brown works with employers and industry partners to identify potential work experience opportunities. Students are also strongly encouraged to pursue self-directed industry work experience opportunities they believe would provide the learning experiences they value and meet the learning outcomes of the program. This valuable work experience can in turn be added to your resume.

In addition to more formal on-the-job work experience, George Brown College endeavours to provide additional learning opportunities with real-world challenges and clients. Find out more about field education at our Industry Liaison office.

Program Learning Outcomes

• The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
  • Develop and use strategies for ongoing professional development to remain current with industry changes, enhance work performance and explore career opportunities.
  • Comply with health and safety practices and procedures in accordance with current legislation and regulations.
  • Assist in the preparation of material estimations and quotes and complete all work in compliance with the rights and conditions of contractual obligations, the Ontario and/or National Building Codes, applicable laws, bylaws, standards and ethical practices in the construction, renovation and conservation building fields.
  • Incorporate sustainability practices in the implementation of building construction, renovation and conservation projects in accordance with sustainable building guidelines.
  • Communicate and collaborate with diverse clients, supervisors, coworkers and tradespersons to complete projects on time and to maintain effective working relationships.
  • Interpret project plans and produce technical sketches and documents to support building construction and renovation projects.
  • Select and use technologies to obtain, organize and communicate building construction and renovation information.
  • Solve problems related to the implementation of building construction and renovation projects by applying the principles of basic technical mathematics, building design and building science.
  • Select, maintain and safely use hand tools, and portable and stationary power tools, when performing layout, cutting, fitting and assembly operations.
  • Complete building and renovation stages, from site layout and footings to the application of interior and exterior finishes, in accordance with blueprint specifications and conservation principles.
  • Select a range of materials and equipment for their appropriate application to building construction and renovation projects.
  • Schedule and assist in monitoring the progression of building construction and renovation projects by applying basic principles and strategies of project management.
  • Apply basic business principles and strategies to the operation of building construction and/or renovation enterprise.

As the Information Technology (IT) sector continues to grow in Toronto and our industry partners report skills shortages, George Brown College is helping to meet employer demand by educating IT professionals who understand all aspects of computer systems. Our two-year Computer Systems Technician program provides students with a broad and in-depth technical base, through courses in the high-demand areas of system support, network administration and web technologies. The curriculum prepares graduates with the strong administration, troubleshooting and design skills they need for careers in IT.

As the Information Technology (IT) sector continues to grow in Toronto and our industry partners report skills shortages, George Brown College is helping to meet employer demand by educating IT professionals who understand all aspects of computer systems. Our two-year Computer Systems Technician program provides students with a broad and in-depth technical base, through courses in the high-demand areas of system support, network administration and web technologies. The curriculum prepares graduates with the strong administration, troubleshooting and design skills they need for careers in IT.

George Brown continues to invest in up-to-date networking, wireless and security lab equipment to help students develop hands-on installation, configuration and troubleshooting skills. Students use the NetLab platform, which enables them with 24/7 remote access to Cisco Systems physical equipment. This investment, along with our hands-on teaching environment, was recognized by Cisco when the college was designated an Area Support Centre and Instructor Training Centre.

Graduates of the Computer Systems Technician program are prepared to write several industry certification exams that are in demand by employers.

Program Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

• Identify, analyze, develop, implement, verify and document the requirements for a computing environment.
• Contribute to the diagnostics, troubleshooting, documenting and monitoring of technical problems using appropriate methodologies and tools.
• Implement and maintain secure computing environments.
• Implement robust computing system solutions through validation testing that aligns with industry best practices.
• Communicate and collaborate with team members and stakeholders to ensure effective working relationships.
• Select and apply strategies for personal and professional development to enhance work performance.
• Adhere to ethical, legal and regulatory requirements and/or principles in the development and management of computing solutions and systems.
• Assist with the implementation of computer systems.
• Install, configure, troubleshoot, maintain, upgrade and decommission computing system infrastructures.
• Automate routine tasks using scripting tools and programming languages.
• Provide technical support for computing system infrastructures that aligns with industry best practice.
• Implement the basic concept, principles, and scope of DevOps.
• Apply task automation using configuration management and the Cloud.
• Automate network administrative tasks across distributed clients.

Apparel Technical Designers are the link between design and production as they transform a sketch into a full technical package ready for manufacturing a product in quantity. This one-year Apparel Technical Design graduate certificate program in Toronto prepares fashion designers with apparel technical design skills for positions in the apparel industry.

Graduates will have the skills to design and complete a collection using market research, trend analysis, and computer-aided drafting and product lifecycle management technology. Quality and costing analysis will inform design choices as the full product specification package is completed and collection projects are manufactured using appropriate and efficient manufacturing techniques.

Designers with solid patternmaking, grading, textile, illustration and construction skills will advance their knowledge to manage the complexity of writing detailed technical specifications, refining garment fit and sourcing components in pre-production, to achieve production-ready samples and technical packages. Graduates will attain the expertise required to anticipate and solve manufacturing issues, be able to maximize quality and minimize cost, consider sustainable options and be more prepared to launch future collections through experiencing the full cycle of designing and manufacturing a collection.

This program is part of our School of Fashion and Jewellery.

Your Field Education Options

• Field education is embedded in the program. Students will be required to connect with an industry employer where they can complete 160 hours of field education in semester three.

Program Learning Outcomes

• The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
• Conceptualize and design apparel collections using target market research to prepare for product development aimed at a target consumer.
• Develop production-ready patterns using computer software and grade, alter and create markers to prepare for manufacture of collection samples.
• Manage the steps of a product development process using product lifecycle management tools and software.
• Select source materials and manufacturing techniques to align with collection quality and cost requirements.
• Develop and communicate product specifications to minimize production time, cost and errors.
• Estimate manufacturing resources (e.g., labour, time and materials) to inform design decisions and schedule production timelines.
• Review and correct garment fit and apply adjustments to production patterns to ensure garment appearance and comfort ease allowances are appropriate to target market sizing specifications while maintaining design integrity.