Advanced Diploma in Computer Systems Technology

at George Brown College - Casa Loma Campus Canada

The Computer Systems Technology program is designed with extensive input from industry and offers two optional specializations in its third year. The Networking specialization focuses on network security, voice-over-IP (VoIP) and wireless LANs. The Systems specialization focuses on mail server administration, content management systems (Collaboration), database administration and computer security. Both specializations include core courses on infrastructure virtualization (through the VMWare IT Academy) and cloud computing, along with best practices in Information Technology.

The three-year Computer Systems Technology program is designed with extensive industry input and offers two optional specializations in its third year:

The Networking specialization focuses on network security, voice-over-IP (VoIP) and wireless LANs.
The Systems specialization focuses on mail server administration, content management systems (Collaboration), database administration and computer security.
Both specializations include core courses on infrastructure virtualization (through the VMWare IT Academy) and cloud computing, along with best practices in Information Technology (IT).

George Brown College continues to invest in up-to-date networking, wireless, radio frequency, VoIP and security lab equipment, so that all students gain hands-on experience in installation and configuration of equipment ranging from small offices all the way to enterprise-class hardware and software. This investment, along with the hands-on teaching environment, was recognized by Cisco when the college was designated an Area Support Centre and Instructor Training Centre, and became part of a very select group of Cisco Networking Academies in Canada.

In the third year of the program, students will be involved, hands-on, in real-life projects or case studies. These may be completed independently, in conjunction with an industry partner, or George Brown's Office of Research and Innovation, and may include developing proposals and working in teams to plan, set schedules and achieve specific goals in the field of information technology. Through some of these projects, George Brown students have recently helped develop IT solutions for hospitals, large corporations and major IT and telecommunications service providers, including Bell Mobility, Rogers Communications, Cogeco Data Systems and many other well-known companies in the Greater Toronto Area.

This program covers all courses of the official Cisco CCNA Routing & Switching curriculum. The curriculum also prepares students to write several other examinations leading to industry certifications, such as the Certified Wireless Network Administrator (CWNA) and Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate.

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

• Identify, analyze, design, develop, implement, verify and document the requirements for a computing environment.
• Diagnose, troubleshoot, document and monitor technical problems using appropriate methodologies and tools.
• Analyze, design, implement and maintain secure computing environments.
• Analyze, develop and maintain robust computing system solutions through validation testing and industry best practices.
• Communicate and collaborate with team members and stakeholders to ensure effective working relationship.
• Select and apply strategies for personal and professional development to enhance work performance.
• Apply project management principles and tools when responding to requirements and monitoring projects within a computing environment.
• Adhere to ethical, social media, legal, regulatory and economic requirements and/or principles in the development and management of the computing solutions and systems.
• Investigate emerging trends to respond to technical challenges.
• Analyze, plan, design, implement and administer computer systems and cloud solutions.
• Research, design, deploy, configure, troubleshoot, maintain, upgrade and decommission computing system infrastructures.
• Select and apply scripting tools and programming languages to automate routine tasks.
• Install, monitor, optimize and administer a database management system in response to specified requirements.
• Design, implement and administer technical support processes for computing system infrastructures that aligns with industry best practice.

The Building Information Modeling Management graduate certificate program is designed to provide hands-on training to students to enable them to apply and integrate the principles of Building Information Modeling (BIM) to all aspects of a project from conceptualization to operation. Graduates of this program will be able to deploy BIM applications in any organization involved in the procurement, design, construction and operation of building facilities. Successful students will also be able to deploy BIM technologies and BIM Management processes to all phases of a construction project.

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.

The Construction Techniques program covers popular construction trade areas and has three intakes per year.

This program is designed to offer you choices when considering a career in the construction sector. It exposes you to a variety of trades allowing you to determine where your interests lie. The program will prepare you with basic skills that will assist you in taking the next steps in your career path.

• Semester 1: Electrical/Millwrighting
• Semester 2: Sheet Metal/Air Conditioning/Carpentry
• Semester 3: Welding/Steamfitting/Plumbing

Through practical projects interwoven with theoretical learning, you will gain confidence and experience in the individual trade sections, giving you the information necessary to make informed career choices as well as a good understanding of the construction process.

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

• Identify and use strategies to enhance professional growth and ongoing learning in the construction field.
• Identify and adhere to established health and safety practices.
• Perform all construction tasks in compliance with applicable laws, regulations, codes and ethical practices in the construction field.
• Work in accordance with established sustainability practices.
• Collaborate with a range of tradespersons and project stakeholders to maintain effective working relationships.
• Communicate technical information to a variety of clients, supervisors and tradespersons to participate in the successful completion of construction projects.
• Identify and use industry-specific technologies to support construction projects.
• Solve on-site trade-related construction problems using mathematical equations and geometric concepts.
• Select, maintain and safely operate hand and power tools and equipment used in the building construction trades.
• Assist in the preparation of project estimates.
• Assist skilled tradespersons and perform labouring tasks at construction sites.

As we advance further into this increasingly digital world, Artificial Intelligence and Data Science will revolutionize most industries by optimizing business processes and automating decision-making in many white-collar jobs. The Applied A.I. Solutions Development program will instill graduates with the skills needed to provide existing businesses and emerging startups with the tools required to thrive in the digital revolution.

This three-semester graduate certificate program uses a hands-on, applied approach to the field of A.I., giving students the broad range of skills needed to excel in this rapidly growing industry.

It teaches the development and application of Machine Learning/Deep Learning models and provides a fundamental understanding of the underlying mathematical algorithms that power them. This combination of knowledge and skills will allow graduates to identify and select appropriate algorithms for a given use, build and fine-tune models, and visualize and effectively communicate the resulting data, thereby bridging the traditional roles of Data Scientist, Machine Learning Engineer and Business Translator.

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

• The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
  • Identify, evaluate and manage relevant data sources to support data analytics and to meet organizational needs.
  • Recommend different systems, architectures and data storage technologies to support data-driven solutions.
  • Develop and deploy complete Machine Learning/Deep Learning production systems for a variety of industry use cases that meet the needs of a specific operational/business process.
  • Assess and apply appropriate mathematical models, algorithms, tools and frameworks to develop A.I.-enabled, industry-specific solutions.
  • Design and present A.I. solutions effectively to stakeholders through the use of data visualizations.
  • Apply legal, ethical, privacy and security-related standards and considerations in data science projects in a manner that protects privacy and confidentiality, addresses data bias and transparency, and ensures data integrity.
  • Implement artificial intelligence systems on time and budget using best practices and strategies in design thinking, project management and lifecycle management.
  • Design artificial intelligence (A.I.) systems through the application of systematic approaches and methodologies to meet growing organizational needs.

In the Child and Youth Care (CYC)(Accelerated) program, you will have the opportunity to learn how to support at-risk children, youth and families by developing therapeutic skills and abilities. Over the course of 12 consecutive months (three semesters), you will learn how to build therapeutic relationships with clients and collaborate with a professional team as you develop skill sets to create a professional identity as an agent of change.

Scope of practice includes:

• Assessing risk and developmental needs of vulnerable children and families
• Designing and implementing therapeutic intervention
• Crisis intervention and safety planning with children, youth and their families
• Developing therapeutic relationships within challenging contexts
• Applying group and systems theories in milieu work
• Fostering resilience and applying a strength-based approach to assessment and intervention

This program starts in May and is delivered over 12 consecutive months (three consecutive semesters).
Students are required to successfully complete a Ministry-approved crisis intervention training certificate in their third semester.
In preparation for the field or clinical placement, students will be required to work in multiple small and large groups within classes and community settings.

Your Field Education Options
Students gain valuable hands-on experience through two supervised field placement opportunities. Each placement lasts four consecutive months and runs four days a week.
Field placement opportunities take place in agencies and institutions that offer services to the community within the Greater Toronto Area. The CYC program also offers international placement experiences when possible. 

Typical placement sites include:

• Group homes
• Schools
• Hospitals
• Youth shelters
• Community outreach programs
• Youth justice

Students are expected to work both day and evening shifts (not overnight) and may be requested to work on some weekends.

Program Learning Outcomes

• The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
  • Develop and maintain relationships with children, youth and their families applying principles of relational practice and respecting their unique life space, cultural and human diversity.
  • Assess and respond to the strengths and needs of children and youth, including complex responses impacted by developmental, environmental, physical, emotional, social and mental health challenges in order to promote positive change.
  • Analyze and evaluate the impact of the inter-relationship among family, social service, justice and community systems on children, youth and their families and use this information in the planning of holistic care and in the reduction of systemic barriers.
  • Plan, implement and evaluate interventions using evidence?informed practices in the areas of therapeutic milieu and programming, and group work to promote resiliency and to enhance development in children, youth and their families.
  • Advocate for the rights of children, youth and their families and maintain an anti-oppression perspective and cultural competence in diverse cultural contexts.
  • Apply communication, teamwork and organizational skills within the interprofessional team and with community partners to enhance the quality of service in child and youth care practice.
  • Develop and implement self-care strategies using self-inquiry and reflection processes to promote self- awareness and to enhance practice as a child and youth care practitioner.
  • Use evidence-based research, professional development resources and supervision models to support professional growth and lifelong learning.

The Construction Engineering Technician program studies the characteristics of various building types with an appreciation for the latest energy and environmental technologies. The program also focuses on areas that include:

• Interpretation of construction documents
• On-site building engineering and safety
• Quantity surveying (estimating labour, materials, and equipment required for a project)
• Building codes and construction contracts
• Site management practices

Laboratory courses provide practical building layout surveys and quality control testing of various building materials. You will also gain extensive computer experience, working with general business and Building Information Modeling (BIM) software and specialized construction management and estimating software.

Your Field Education Options

• Purpose and Definition of Field Experience
  • Field experience combines classroom learning with hands-on work experience structured to meet specific curricular outcomes. This approach to education relies upon a three-way partnership: the student, the institution and industry. Success depends upon the co-operative efforts of each party. It forms the basis for students’ experiential learning which is achieved when the cycle of experience, reflection, and learning is completed. It is a mandatory component of the T161 Construction Engineering Technician program. Field experience positions can be paid or unpaid. Both fulfill the academic requirement as well as strengthen students’ resumes, positioning them more effectively for future employment.
  • The field experience requires students to accumulate 100 hours of construction industry-related experience over the course of their third and fourth semesters. The field experience is facilitated through the Angelo DelZotto (ADZ) School of Construction Management, via collaborative efforts from the academic supervisors, program coordinators, and the chair.

Program Learning Outcomes

• The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
  • Develop and use strategies to enhance professional growth and ongoing learning in the construction engineering field.
  • Comply with workplace health and safety practices and procedures in accordance with current legislation and regulations.
  • Complete duties in compliance with contractual obligations, applicable laws, standards, bylaws, codes and ethical practices in the construction engineering field.
  • Carry out sustainability practices in accordance with contract documents, industry standards, and environmental legislative requirements.
  • Collaborate with and facilitate communication among project stakeholders to support construction projects.
  • Collect, process and interpret technical data to produce written and graphical project-related documents.
  • Contribute to the collecting, interpreting and applying of survey/geomatics and layout information to implement construction projects.
  • Identify and use industry-specific electronic and digital technologies to support the design and construction of projects.
  • Contribute to the resolution of technical problems related to the design and implementation of construction projects by applying engineering concepts, basic technical mathematics, and building science.
  • Assist in the scheduling and monitoring of the progression of construction projects by applying principles of construction project management.
  • Assist in the preparation of accurate estimates of time, cost, quality and quantity, tenders and bids.
  • Perform quality control testing and monitoring of equipment, materials, and methods involved in the implementation and completion of construction projects.
  • Apply teamwork, leadership and interpersonal skills when working individually or within multidisciplinary teams to complete work on construction projects

The Fashion Business Industry two-year diploma program at George Brown College's School of Fashion and Jewellery in Toronto gives students an introduction to all aspects of the fashion industry, from product knowledge to marketing and small business management.

The small to medium-sized business enterprise is a flourishing sector of the fashion industry and represents a great opportunity for entry into the fashion world. Smaller companies require employees who possess a variety of management skills to manage a business from the start-up stage to more developed business models. Students will be prepared for the roles and develop skills essential for the operation of a successful small fashion business. The entrepreneurial aspect of this program guides students through the process of developing a comprehensive business plan, which is essential to start a new business or manage an existing business.

Students will gain an understanding of textiles, garment construction, quality criteria and apparel merchandising. They will also learn to apply marketing, accounting, financial and other business concepts necessary for the decision-making they will encounter in their future careers.

Program Learning Outcomes

• The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
  • Use basic apparel drafting and construction skills and industrial sewing machines to complete apparel products.
  • Use standard fashion industry computer software for business and for design development.
  • Manage daily operations, resources, visual merchandising and customer relationships to ensure profitability in a retail enterprise.
  • Develop a business and finance plan for a small apparel enterprise that reflects awareness of market conditions, resources required and cash flow.
  • Apply appropriate buying, merchandising and accounting practices to support small business operations in the fashion industry.
  • Apply supply chain management and logistics to operate a successful fashion business.
  • Develop, communicate and implement a marketing plan by combining marketing research, strategies and tactics.
  • Analyze economic, fashion and industry trends to make business decisions in small and medium-sized apparel enterprises.
  • Evaluate products by applying quality control processes to meet appropriate standards.
  • Identify textile materials, asses their suitability and compatibility, and select accordingly for end use.

The three-year Interior Design Technology advanced diploma program prepares you to be an Interior Design Technologist. You will be a valuable member of the design team for building retrofits, renovations and new construction, contributing to the technical design of building interiors by design development of plans, elevations, renderings and 3D models.

Learning in state-of-the-art interior design studios with the most up-to-date equipment and software, you will develop a thorough knowledge of interior design and technical design skills.

Through the application of interior design theory, you will learn how to effectively communicate the applied and technical principles of interior design. As a graduate, your area of specialization might include, but is not limited to, the following:

• Bathroom and kitchen design/build
• Commercial, retail or manufacturing technical sales
• Fitments, colour or texture finishes selection and consultations
• 2D and 3D computer drawing, design, rendering and modeling
• Sustainable interior design practices for commercial, retail and residential

Note: If 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:
  • Analyze a client's needs and goals by using research methodology and techniques.
  • Prepare a design proposal.
  • Analyze design components by using the creative process.
  • Prepare an appropriate design concept of three-dimensional form which meets the criteria of a given design project by using the creative process.
  • Execute appropriate presentation techniques to communicate the design concept.
  • Prepare a design which reflects the concept by using current and relevant information.
  • Communicate to the client the proposed design solution for approval.
  • Prepare documentation needed for the implementation of the design.
  • Collaborate as part of the management team, as the client's agent, in the implementation of a design project to ensure that the project reflects the design solution.
  • Evaluate completed design solutions.

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.