Certificate in Film Arts - Directing

at Langara College Canada

Collecting large amounts of biological data is becoming easier and more affordable and as a result biology has become a data science. Examples of biological data include genetic sequences, genomes, epigenomes, proteomes, metabalomes and microbiomes. These large data sets require specialized and powerful computational and statistical tools for analysis. Bioinformatics is an interdisciplinary science that applies computational and statistical methods to biological information in order to make new discoveries and to solve complex biological problems.

The discovery of thousands of disease-causing genes since the completion of the Human Genome Project in 2003 exemplifies the power of early bioinformatics methods. Bioinformatics tools are now routinely used to study the underlying cause of disease and to find more effective treatments as well as to study biological patterns and develop biological and chemical models.

The Diploma in Arts and Science requirements allow for considerable flexibility in the choice of courses that a student may complete.  Students can design their curriculum to meet their own needs or interests or to meet the requirements for further study.  In addition to the general Arts and Science Diploma, Langara College offers Arts and Science Diplomas with the following concentrations:

•     Aboriginal Studies
•     Asian Studies
•     Biology
•     Canadian Studies
•     Classical Studies
•     Commerce
•     Environmental Studies
•     Family Studies
•     Health Sciences (Arts)
•     Health Sciences (Science)
•     Latin American Studies
•     Peace and Conflict Studies
•     Women's Studies

Peace and Conflict Studies (PACS) is an interdisciplinary field of study which is concerned with the problem of human conflict, especially violent and destructive conflict, and the means by which it can be constructively and nonviolently resolved. Its interdisciplinary approach to analysis draws on the perspectives of the social sciences, history, and philosophy. Guest lecturers from these academic disciplines, as well as guests from the active world of conflict resolution, politicians, and peace leaders, will enhance the Associate Degree/Diploma and core courses, POLI 1145 ( PCCN 1201) and PCCN 1202. Each of the courses listed as requirements for the Associate Degree and Diploma Programs in Peace and Conflict Studies adds to an understanding of this most complex and pressing human issue.

A specialization in this field can lead to further academic study in Peace and Conflict, a growing area in graduate programs in North American universities. Peace and Conflict Studies is also an appropriate preparation for the following career areas: politics and diplomacy; international relief and development; community and social services; public and private administration; counselling; law and corrections; and education.

We have published authors in both academic and creative areas, but with our small classes and dedication to the needs of individual students, instruction has always been our department’s priority.

The English Department offers you reading and writing skills which will help you to:

• Enter a profession or trade career with practical communication skills
• Arrive at the university with experience and training in academic writing 
• Navigate future career opportunities which you haven't yet thought about
• Critically explore current society which will be interesting in its own right
• Help you to be a more engaged doctor, nurse, teacher or business person 
• Be an aware and critical citizen

We offer courses in the following areas:

• Literature: Most of our courses have a strong literature component because we are convinced that an appreciation for literature will not only open your mind to explore the various forms and genres of literature but also enable you to gain insights into the human condition. Whether you are confronted with the ever-changing world of technical innovation or the daily pressures of life, literature can provide models for reflection and action. 
• Creative Writing: Some of our faculty are published and acclaimed authors and editors. They will share their talents with you in creative writing classes that explore creative writing in workshop situations.
• Communications: Learn to express yourself professionally in the workplace in our communications courses. Whether you are fulfilling a degree requirement (for the BBA) or want to upgrade your communications skills, the presentation skills we teach you will contribute to your future success. Furthermore, the discussion of moral dilemmas as they occur in the workplace is a favourite feature of our communications courses.
• ESL & Academic Preparation: Whether you are a recent immigrant and non-native speaker or a native speaker who feels the need to upgrade your English skills, our ESL & Academic Preparation courses will bring your reading and writing skills up to speed in order to go on to our university transfer courses. Our academic preparation courses have especially small class sizes (20 students max) that allow the instructors to work very closely with you to improve your English skills.

Knowledge of our past is critical to our sense of identity as a community. The study of history makes us aware of different values and perspectives and teaches us sensitivity to other viewpoints. College level history is not simply a listing of facts and dates, rather it is an explanation of real lives lived in the past. Without an understanding of where we have been, how can we know where we are headed?

While students can choose from a wide range of history courses, they will develop a common core of essential skills. Students will learn to read with understanding so they can critically evaluate conflicting evidence. In an increasingly complex world it is imperative that students/citizens know how to evaluate data, to understand the importance of context in shaping events and attitudes, and to think and reason in a logical manner. Through regular written assignments and discussion students will refine their communication skills as they learn about other worlds.

In a time of increasing globalization, where human activity is now seen to have far reaching, often adverse, implications for the worlds ecosystems it is essential to have the awareness, knowledge, skill and experience to address these issues.  Environmental understanding, protection and remediation are significant, growing concerns in today’s society.  Environmental Studies at Langara College is an interdisciplinary program within the Department of Interdisciplinary Studies. It draws from four critical study areas - biology, chemistry, english, geography – as well as including a number of specific environmental courses.  Elective courses are chosen from a wide range of subjects to suit a particular student’s interests.  A one-week field school is conducted at the end of the second year. 

The Aboriginal Studies Program is an integrated university-transferable program that addresses historic and contemporary Aboriginal issues in Canada. The Aboriginal Studies Program is unique and comprehensive. The program welcomes all Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal students.

The program strives to empower its students through education. The program encourages each student to reach their full potential through a unique, diverse and comprehensive approach to post-secondary education.

The curriculum content provides students with a thorough understanding of the historic and current circumstances of Aboriginal life in Canada and internationally and looks to the future at such issues as Aboriginal self-government and economic self-sufficiency. Equal emphasis is placed on developing analytical skills, critical thinking and communication skills, as well as laying a solid foundation for additional educational pursuits.

A unique and integral aspect of the Aboriginal Studies Program is the seminar component. Program students and faculty participate in the seminars equally. The purpose of these seminars is to expose the students to and stimulate discussion on topics that may or may not be covered in the classroom. The seminars also promote and foster a sense of community among students and faculty. This sense of community provides support for the student on many levels and provides an atmosphere for frank and open discussion.

Langara College's Aboriginal Education Policy
To increase the success rates of Aboriginal students and to increase the representation and retention of Aboriginal students, Langara College implemented the first formal Aboriginal Education Policy in British Columbia. The policy sets in motion an education and employment equity program which:

• Is committed to increasing the participation and success rate of Aboriginal Learners to the National Average (a provincial advisory committee reported (1989) that 3% of the Aboriginal Population pursues post-secondary education, compared with 15% of the general population);
• will ensure the involvement of Aboriginal representatives in any decisions affecting Aboriginal Education;
• will provide full opportunity and support for Aboriginal students to achieve their academic potential;
• recognize the need to recruit and employ Aboriginal personnel in faculty, staff and administrative positions.

The four Langara College programs in Health Sciences offer an interdisciplinary approach to the study of health, illness, and disease in human communities. Health is one of the largest employment sectors in the country, and is anticipated to grow at a faster than average rate. Employment options are diverse, and extend far beyond serving as doctors or nurses.  Upon successful completion, students of Health Sciences programs will have gained a strong basic background in this rapidly changing field.

Students may pursue programs in either an Arts or Science stream, and earn a Diploma or an Associate Degree. After completing an Associate degree program, students may continue their studies at Simon Fraser University’s Faculty of Health Sciences or the University of Victoria’s Health & Community Services program, transferring seamlessly into third year studies.

 Students may also transfer the Diploma or Associate Degree to university in order to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Science or in a related discipline.

The Post-Degree Diploma in Accounting (PDD-A) is for students who hold a bachelor's degree and wish to pursue a career in accounting. Applicants who do not hold a degree in business or commerce are advised that this is a very rigorous program. It meets the requirements for entry-level education of the Chartered Professional Accountants Professional Education Program (PEP).

Graduates of this program will meet the entry requirements for further education/certification with the Chartered Professional Accountants Professional Education Program (PEP). Some of the many areas with career opportunities include:

• Public Practice Accounting
• Public Sector Accounting
• Private Sector Accounting
• Banking, Financial Services and Planning

The Associate of Science Degree in Food and Nutrition provides a broad education in arts and sciences with an emphasis on food, nutrition, and health subject areas. It is designed to meet the requirements of the food and nutrition programs at the different universities across Canada.

The Associate of Science, Food and Nutrition is a common entry for both of Langara's transfer programs to UBC nutrition programs. Students wishing to apply to UBC Dietetics should consider applying to the Food Nutrition and Health Transfer program at the end of first year, according to the requirements listed on that program website.