Advanced Diploma in Electromechanical Engineering Technology - Building Automation

at George Brown College - Casa Loma Campus Canada

The program covers installation, testing, maintenance, analysis and troubleshooting of specified electrical circuits, equipment and systems under the supervision of a qualified person. Throughout the program, students will learn to apply health and safety standards to their work, and perform tasks in accordance with the standards of the Canadian Electrical Code.

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

• Assist in the interpretation and preparation of electrical drawings including other related documents and graphics.
• Analyze and solve simple technical problems related to basic electrical systems by applying mathematics and science principles.
• Use and maintain test and instrumentation equipment.
• Assemble basic electrical circuits and equipment to fulfill requirements and specifications under the supervision of a qualified person.
• Assist in the installation and troubleshooting of basic electrical machines and associated control systems under the supervision of a qualified person.
• Assist in testing and troubleshooting electrical and electronic circuits, equipment, and systems by using established procedures under the supervision of a qualified person.
• Assist in the troubleshooting of control systems under the supervision of a qualified person.
• Use computer skills and tools to solve basic electrical related problems.
• Assist in conducting quality assurance procedures under the supervision of a qualified person.
• Assist in the preparation and maintenance of records and documentation systems.
• Install and assist in testing telecommunication systems under the supervision of a qualified person.
• Apply health and safety standards and best practices to workplaces.
• Perform tasks in accordance with relevant legislation, policies, procedures, standards, regulations, and ethical principles.
• Apply basic electrical cabling requirements and install and test system grounding for a specified number of applications under the supervision of a qualified person.
• Identify problems and troubleshoot electrical systems under the supervision of a qualified person.
• Assist in the selection of electrical equipment, systems and components to fulfill the requirements and specifications under the supervision of a qualified person.

The Jewellery Methods program provides you with the skills and abilities necessary to succeed in this demanding profession as a goldsmith/bench jeweller. The essential skills of measuring, sawing, filing, soldering and finishing are stressed early in the program. These skills are built upon through the introduction and practice of many traditional and contemporary techniques. Once essential skills are achieved, you study more advanced goldsmithing techniques, jewellery repair, gemsetting and model making, as well as jewellery elective subjects.

Jewellery history, technical drawing, gemmology and an overview of the industry are included to provide you with a broad knowledge of the jewellery field.

Program Learning Outcomes

• The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
• Create jewellery items in copper, brass, silver and gold, using fundamental goldsmithing skills for entry-level employment in the jewellery industry.
• Create wax models using hand-carving techniques.
• Set gemstones in simple settings to industry standards.
• Repair jewellery to industry standards and to meet customer satisfaction.
• Produce multiple reproductions of jewellery using the lost wax casting process.
• Incorporate polishing techniques to produce market ready jewellery items.
• Differentiate gemstones and their properties as required in the jewellery industry.
• Contextualize jewellery according to historical and stylistic qualities to assess provenance, materials and method of production.
• Use technical drawing techniques to communicate jewellery designs as required.
• Follow ethic, security and business practices consistent with jewellery industry standards.
• Employ jewellery tools, equipment and materials in a confident and safe manner.
• Use computer software (CAD) skills to produce 2D drawings and 3D models of complex jewellery forms.
• Produce a professional portfolio that documents attained skills for employment applications.
• Construct finished jewellery pieces according to given designs.

The evolution of information and communication technologies is transforming the health-care system and creating new ways of accessing and exchanging information that will impact the health-care sector. Health-care and information systems professionals currently employed or with experience in a health-care or technology environment, or who have an interest in the advancement of information technologies in the health-care delivery sector, will be interested in this program.

The Health Informatics graduate certificate program brings together professionals in health-related and information technology sectors to develop specialists in health informatics who can respond to the current and emerging needs of health-care systems. This intensive program is designed for IT, health-care or related professionals who aspire to enter into a health informatician/analyst role, or practitioners who wish to enhance their experience with formal education. Participants will be engaged and supported by a team of health informatician/business system analyst professionals and faculty in developing critical skills and competencies in the areas of:

• Health-care systems, technologies and trends
• Ethical, professional, legal and policy implications of health information systems technologies and health information standards
• Problem identification and analysis
• Documenting and analyzing health-care organization, health-user and solution requirements
• Process, workflow and system/solution modelling
• Project management
• Technical writing
• Leadership and management
• Business and system analysis techniques and core-professional competencies such as analytical thinking and problem solving, communication and facilitation, and interactional skills.

The Health Informatics program provides breadth and depth of applied knowledge in the field of health informatics. A key characteristic that sets this graduate certificate program apart is the applied nature of the curriculum. Students will be immersed in the process of health informatics/analysis through case studies, industry projects, and practical work experience, and will be responsible for developing solutions. The uniqueness of this program is in creating graduates with work-ready skills built through applied, hands-on experience.

Graduates of the program will have acquired knowledge, skills and competencies relevant to professional certification programs in Health Informatics/Information and Management Systems.

Graduates will be able to:

• Formulate change strategies to implement appropriate health information systems technologies (HIST) within the health-care setting.
• Apply business and system analysis techniques to evaluate the effectiveness of health information systems technologies within a health-related setting.
• Integrate relevant standards and professional, ethical and legislative requirements with the appropriate health information system technologies.
• Design training and education for the effective use of HIST.

Program Learning Outcomes

• The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
  • Assess organizational requirements for health information system technologies (HIST).
  • Formulate strategies for the selection and implementation of HIST.
  • Design and deliver educational/training strategies for end-users.
  • Evaluate the impact of HIST on business/clinical processes, and on health services delivery.

The Jewellery Essentials program provides you with the skills and techniques necessary to begin a career in the jewellery industry. You will learn to saw, file, solder, grind, polish and finish metals including copper, brass, silver and gold. Fabrication and centrifugal casting techniques will be used to create jewellery pieces to high standards.

Design can change the world. Architectural technologists are key members of a project team and play a vital role in turning conceptual design ideas into technical construction documents and practical, buildable solutions. This three-year program provides you with the essential knowledge base and fundamental skills required to work as an architectural technologist within the many companies and sectors of the architectural and construction industry. Performing tasks of a technical nature, you will be part of a team of professionals and tradespeople involved in the building design, construction and management process.

The Civil Engineering Technology advanced diploma program is a three-year program that focuses on the planning, design and construction of roads, bridges, tunnels, sub-divisions, buildings, municipal services and heavy infrastructure. Students learn to ensure projects are functional, economical and meet standards and codes. There is a blend of lectures, laboratories and tutorials, with a focus on real drawing sets. There is an option for co-op.

The Civil Engineering Technology advanced diploma program includes:

• Designing reinforced concrete structures, storm, water and sanitary systems, roads and steel-framed structures.
• Interpreting construction drawings and specifications for various types of projects through extensive practical training from project drawing sets.
• Estimating, bidding, scheduling and managing/supervising projects using the latest software.
• Health and safety, site management and quality management on construction sites.
• Risk analysis and value analysis for construction projects.
• Types of contracts used by the construction industry as well as the legal aspects of construction.
• Business management techniques to pre-qualify projects based on expected returns, to create and manage a construction company and to understand the financial statements involved in running a construction business.

Program Learning Outcomes
The graduate demonstrates the ability to:

• Develop and use strategies to enhance professional growth and ongoing learning in the civil engineering field.
• Comply with workplace health and safety practices and procedures in accordance with current legislation and regulations.
• Complete duties and monitor that work is performed in compliance with contractual obligations, applicable laws, standards, bylaws, codes and ethical practices in the civil engineering field.
• Promote and carry out sustainable practices in accordance with contract documents, industry standards and environmental legislative requirements.
• Facilitate collaboration and interaction among the project team and project stakeholders to support civil engineering projects.
• Collect, process, analyze and coordinate technical data to produce written and graphical project-related documents.
• Use industry-specific electronic and digital technologies to support civil engineering projects.
• Participate in the design and modelling phase of civil engineering projects by applying engineering concepts, technical mathematics and principles of science to the review, production and/or modification of project plans.
• Contribute to the scheduling, coordination and cost estimation of civil engineering projects and monitor their progression by applying principles of construction project management.
• Coordinate and perform quality control testing and evaluate equipment, materials and methods used in the implementation and completion of civil engineering projects.
• Apply teamwork, leadership, supervision and interpersonal skills when working individually or within multidisciplinary teams to complete civil engineering projects.

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

This program has been developed to address the current and future needs of the heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC/R) industry. In the first two years you will study residential and some light commercial systems. In the third year there is an additional focus on commercial systems.

You will develop a firm understanding of the factors involved in designing, building, controlling and maintaining energy-efficient building environmental systems for a wide variety of requirements.

The program covers the basics of air system and hydronic (water) system theory, required to design distribution systems and select appropriate fans, pumps, heating and cooling plants, and system controls for larger buildings.

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.

Program Learning Outcomes

• The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
• Relate effectively to heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration supervisors, coworkers and customers.
• Comply with applicable acts, regulations, legislation, and codes to maintain personal and public safety.
• Solve scientific, mathematical, and engineering problems related to designing, operating, and installing energy systems for commercial and industrial complexes.
• Prepare and analyze detailed drawings, and compile technical specifications for energy systems.
• Design, operate, and install energy systems for commercial and industrial complexes.
• Develop strategies for ongoing personal and professional development that lead to enhanced work performance and career opportunities, and keep pace with industry changes.

Building automation systems don't just control the basics: they regulate airflow, monitor energy use and are integrated with security, lighting and other building systems to deliver comfort, safety and energy efficiency. Today’s buildings are increasingly complex, and they differ in use and size, but also in operating hours, comfort levels and environmental conditions. Offices, residences, hotels, schools and administrative buildings all have different requirements. Optimal building services technology is the result of appropriate systems design and integration during planning, construction, commissioning and operation.

This advanced diploma program in Building Automation provides students the technical skills they need for success in the job market. Students learn to:

• Install, program, adjust and maintain building automation systems
• Program and install sensors, actuators and controllers
• Collect data for use in real-time or for archiving in a central server
• Work with building software platforms that interconnect different systems

Graduates will have a diverse set of skills and abilities that will also prepare them for "green" careers focused on energy efficiency, renewable energy and the environment. This program provides a skill set that is in high demand in both the construction industry and the controls and automation industry.

Industry Skills

• Safety practices in the installation and troubleshooting of HVAC/R systems, including applicable codes and standards of the NEC, ASHRAE, OSHA, EPA and other regulatory bodies.
• Basic HVAC/R processes and the function, layout and operation of commercial HVAC/R systems.
• Functions, operating characteristics and applications of the control loops and control modes in digital, analog and pneumatic commercial control systems.
• Blueprints and manufacturer’s technical instructions for installing or servicing a sensor, controller, actuator and related relays and power supplies.
• General-purpose software and specific building automation software that monitors and controls HVAC/R and electrical systems.
• Various BAS controls and systems, including DCS, PLC, PAC and SCADA.
• Functions of network devices and protocols, such as a bridge, router, gateway, hub, firewall, twisted pair, Ethernet, TCP/IP, Zigbee, WiFi, BAS/IP and BacNet.
• Emerging green technologies, such as solar, wind and hydronic, and how they can be integrated into building systems and residential applications.

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

• Fabricate and build electrical, electronic, and mechanical components and assemblies in accordance with operating standards, job requirements, and specifications.
• Analyze, interpret, and produce electrical, electronic, and mechanical drawings and other related technical documents and graphics necessary for electromechanical design in compliance with industry standards.
• Select and use a variety of troubleshooting techniques and equipment to assess, modify, maintain, and repair electromechanical circuits, equipment, processes, systems, and subsystems.
• Modify, maintain, and repair electrical, electronic, and mechanical components, equipment, and systems to ensure that they function according to specifications and to optimize production.
• Design and analyze mechanical components, processes, and systems by applying engineering principles and practices.
• Design, analyze, build, select, commission, integrate, and troubleshoot a variety of industrial motor controls and data acquisition devices and systems, digital circuits, passive AC and DC circuits, active circuits and microprocessor-based systems.
• Install and troubleshoot computer hardware and programming to support the electromechanical engineering environment.
• Analyze, program, install, integrate, troubleshoot and diagnose automated systems including robotic systems.
• Establish and maintain inventory, records, and documentation systems to meet organizational and industry standards and requirements.
• Select and purchase electromechanical equipment, components, and systems that fulfill job requirements and functional specifications.
• Specify, coordinate, and apply quality-control and quality-assurance programs and procedures to meet organizational standards and requirements.
• Work in compliance with relevant industry standards, laws and regulations, codes, policies, and procedures.
• Develop strategies for ongoing personal and professional development to enhance work performance and to remain current in the field and responsive to emergent technologies and national and international standards.
• Contribute as an individual and a member of an electromechanical engineering team to the effective completion of tasks and projects.
• Design and analyze electromechanical systems by interpreting fluid mechanics and the attributes and dynamics of fluid flow used in hydraulic and fluid power systems
• Contribute to project management through planning, implementation and evaluation of projects, and monitoring of resources, timelines, and expenditures as required.

A solid grounding in engineering sciences and practical hands-on experience in mechanical shops and computer assisted design laboratories provide the combination of applied and theoretical knowledge that employers expect in today’s integrated work environments.

In the third year of the program, teams plan and craft their own creations that require the application of all of the knowledge accumulated throughout the program. Once built, projects such as medical devices, entertainment equipment, solar-powered products and automotive accessories are often put on display and form an important part of the student assessment. More importantly, graduates learn to work in teams while solidifying their mechanical engineering knowledge and skills.

Note: If you enrol in the program in January, you must complete semester 2 in the summer (May to August) of the same year.

Your Field Education Options
Field study in the form of applied research is provided to all students.

Some students will also have the opportunity to complete a Co-op term. 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:
  • Communicate clearly and concisely in written, graphic and oral form using appropriate formal and informal vocabulary and formats.
  • Display appropriate responsible attitudes.
  • Carry out established design procedures, making use of handbooks, catalogues, specifications, and codes. He/she should be able to recognize problems and apply established engineering practice to arrive at practical solutions.
  • Prepare and interpret detail drawings, assembly drawings and compile technical specifications.
  • Inspect, conduct tests, and compare and compile data in accordance with standard formats and procedures.
  • Assist in the planning, operation, control, and improvement of manufacturing and production processes.
  • Participate in the installation and maintenance of equipment and systems.

This program is designed to teach you new construction and building renovation skills from both an applied perspective and a management perspective, including carpentry techniques and new materials applications while providing a solid understanding of the renovation-related trades.

Hands-on training takes place in fully equipped labs where students practice current techniques related to renovations and new home construction, using sustainable design principles. The third year of the program focuses on project management skills required to work in a supervisory role. You will also have an introductory exposure to the business skills that can be adapted to starting and running a renovation, custom home building or general contracting business.

Practical applications include:

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

Business skills include:

• Business management
• Marketing
• Client relations
• Project management
• Site management
• Scheduling
• Controlling, estimating and bookkeeping
• Budgeting and financial management
• Inspections

You will also learn how to use and apply computer software and technology currently used in the construction industry, including spreadsheets, computer-aided design, estimating, project management and presentation tools.

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.

This program is unique in Ontario.

Your Field Education Options
This program requires the successful completion of two semesters of field placement. 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 and monitor health and safety practices and procedures in accordance with current legislation and regulations.
  • Prepare quotes and monitor that work is completed 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 building construction and renovation field.
  • Promote and maintain sustainability practices in the implementation of building construction and renovation projects.
  • Facilitate collaboration and interaction among a range of tradespersons and project stakeholders to support timely completion of building construction and renovation projects.
  • Review and interpret project plans and produce technical sketches and documents to support building construction and renovation projects.
  • Use technologies to obtain, analyze, organize and communicate building construction and renovation information.
  • Analyze and solve technical problems related to the design and implementation of building construction and renovation projects by applying the principles of advanced 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.
  • Evaluate the methods employed and the use of equipment and materials involved in the completion of building construction and renovation projects.
  • Schedule, coordinate and monitor the progression of building construction and renovation projects by applying principles and strategies of project management.
  • Design and implement business strategies to develop home building, renovation and re-development enterprises.
  • Apply leadership, supervision and interpersonal skills to manage building construction and renovation projects.