Diploma in Software Development

at Red Deer Polytechnic Canada

Students who complete the Bachelor of Applied Arts in Animation and Visual Effects will be well prepared for entry level jobs in mid to large sized animation studios, and they will also possess the skills and attributes to collaborate with others in the creative arts to develop independent projects that serve the animation and visual effects needs of local industry.

The program is built on a foundation of communication, storytelling, and traditional art skills, such as sculpting in clay and life drawing. Students are introduced early in the program to concepts of storyboarding, layout, color and light that will be applied to character animation in 3D software, digital sculpting, digital texture painting, compositing, and visual effects. In the 4th year of the program, students will be guided and supported in the creation of their own demo reels. Business and entrepreneurial skills will also be taught in the program.

The unique nature of this program ensures that Animation and Visual Effects students will be well grounded in studio animation processes, and they will also have scheduled opportunities to work collaboratively on projects with other students in the School of Creative Arts.

Program Outcomes:

• Develop stories through the visual medium of animation
• Develop and demonstrate a foundation for executing the creative process
• Develop and demonstrate fundamental artistic skills
• Apply the principles of acting for animators within animation assignments
• Apply technical knowledge using a variety of animation industry relevant software
• Construct animations, following a current and typical animation production pipeline with a focus on techniques
• Demonstrate a high level of proficiency in a chosen area within the animation pipeline (character animator, modeler, lighter, texture artist)
• Create pre-visualizations in 3D software for a variety of industries
• Compose drawings, with a wide variety of media, to serve different stages of the animation industry
• Recognize and discuss work and gender cultural diversity (aboriginal/global/gender perspectives/awareness)
• Develop a personal portfolio/demo reel—at an industry accepted level—showcasing a combination of: completed animation scenes; and/or visual effects shots; and/or animated shorts; and/or textured 3D models; and/or scenes lit in 3D software; and/or pre-visualization
• Demonstrate teamwork, time management, self-direction, self-motivation and self-evaluation, to be able to respond appropriately to feedback
• Apply entrepreneurial skills in order to seek out and create meaningful career opportunities locally and globally in pre-existing, as well as new, personally created areas of animation

If you are fascinated by the words and images that we see every day in traditional mass media and social media, and you’re looking for an opportunity to work in a fast-paced career that requires maturity and excellent writing skills, consider the Media Studies and Professional Communication diploma at RDC.
 
In this program, you’ll study how mass media such as television, advertising and even video games influence, and are influenced by, society; you’ll also gain valuable knowledge to help you succeed in a variety of careers that require superior strategic communication skills. The combination of media studies and professional communication will allow you to adapt to an ever-changing job market by giving you strong critical thinking skills, and the tools to create effective messaging for your employer.

Completing the diploma program will open doors to employment in corporate, government, and not-for-profit organizations; graduates can also transfer to several universities to complete a Bachelor’s degree in Communications Studies or another discipline.

Our program offers

• Small class sizes with dynamic learning activities
• A blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills
• An interdisciplinary approach that equips you to evolve in your career
• Dedicated instructors who will help you succeed
• A practicum placement that will give you experience in the communications field

Program Outcomes

• Demonstrate the oral and written skills necessary to communicate clearly, concisely and persuasively while adapting to different audiences and purposes.
• Employ current qualitative and quantitative research methods in addressing both complex theoretical questions and concrete professional challenges.
• Explain the history and application of communication theories related to topics such as mass media production, new media literacy, intercultural and interpersonal relations.
• Identify historical and contemporary trends and implications of various forms of mass media and technology.
• Apply critical media theory to oral, written and audiovisual communications in order to appraise sociocultural messaging, power dynamics, and bias.

The Mechanical Engineering Technology (MET) diploma program is designed to prepare students for high-demand careers in the rapidly growing manufacturing, petroleum, and infrastructure design industries in Central Alberta. Students will use both hands-on and theoretical approaches to learn mechanical engineering fundamentals including mathematics, solid mechanics, thermal-fluid sciences, and kinematics, blended with industry-focused topics such as automation, control, lean and computer integrated manufacturing, and reliability. Based on National Technology Benchmarks for Mechanical Engineering Technology, this program, coupled with industry experience, will lead to the Certified Engineering Technologist (CET) and Professional Technologist (PTech) designations.

Graduates will develop knowledge and skills enabling the learner to:-

• Employ relevant industry health and safety standards, codes, policies and procedures in accordance with current legislation, regulations and organizational policy.
• Prepare, analyze, evaluate and modify mechanical engineering drawings and other related technical documents.
• Analyze and specify the requirements for product and manufacturing operations to optimize manufacturability.
• Apply and demonstrate knowledge of material and engineering principles to manufacturing operations and processes to produce components according to required specifications.
• Analyze and solve complex technical problems by applying principles of advanced mathematics and science.
• Design, analyze, specify, interface, program, and maintain computer integrated manufacturing systems.
• Apply the principles and practices of project management.
• Research, analyze, prepare, author, and communicate in written, verbal, nonverbal, and presentation formats, technical documentation appropriate for a variety of audiences.
• Identify, develop, and demonstrate strategies for maintaining continuing competency and practice standards associated with global industry trends and practices.
• Design, specify, and analyze mechanical components and equipment by applying the fundamentals of mechanical engineering.
• Design, specify, deploy, and maintain mechanical systems; and apply principles of facilities management.

Instrumentation engineering and associated technologies are rapidly changing and expanding in virtually every industrial and commercial sector. Current and future demand for Instrumentation Engineering Technologists (IETs) in this multi-disciplinary field is exceptionally high. Instrumentation systems form the monitoring and control nervous system of a broad spectrum of industries and applications. Thanks to such systems, commodities like oil, gas, electric power, wood products, clean drinking water, food products, and a wide variety of consumer goods find their way to market.

Program Outcomes
Possessing a unique blend of focused theoretical and practical training, graduates of this program will be able to:

• Employ relevant industry, health and safety standards, codes, policies and procedures in accordance with current legislation, regulations and organizational policy;
• Analyze and troubleshoot instrumentation control systems, including electrical, electronic, electromechanical (pneumatic and hydraulic), analog, and digital systems;
• Design, analyze and maintain (specific configuration and modification of) computer-based systems and hardware including electronic and computer-based controllers, to optimize the performance of process control systems;
• Analyze and solve complex technical problems by applying principles of advanced mathematics and science;
• Evaluate wireless and wired control systems applying mathematical, scientific, electrical, electronic and digital principles;
• Demonstrate and apply the elements of leadership in a multidisciplinary engineering environment;
• Appraise the installation and deployment of a control system as a supervisory member of a multidisciplinary team;
• Assess the need for maintenance, reliability and life cycle management of equipment;
• Apply the principles and practices of project management;
• Research, analyze, prepare, author, and communicate in written, verbal, nonverbal, and presentation formats, technical documentation appropriate for a variety of audiences;
• Identify, develop, and demonstrate strategies for maintaining continuing competency and practice standards associated with global industry trends and practices in instrumentation.

The program persistently challenges students to critically think through planning and troubleshooting situations, apply methodologies to solve problems, and to communicate effectively (both oral and written) to any audience.

Students who complete the Bachelor of Applied Arts in Film, Theatre, and Live Entertainment will be well prepared for entry level work as performers, directors, producers, or technicians in mid to large sized theatres, film sets, and production companies, and they will also possess the skills and attributes to collaborate with others in the creative arts to develop independent projects that serve the film, theatre, and live event needs of local industry.

Built on a foundation of communication, storytelling, and business and entrepreneurial skills, the program offers the choice of three majors:

• Acting
• Film Production
• Live Entertainment Production

Throughout the program, students are given the opportunity to apply their learning through projects, live theatre productions, and short films. Students will also have scheduled time to work collaboratively on projects with other students in the School of Creative Arts, including those studying Visual Art and Animation and Visual Effects.

The 4th year of the program is dedicated to mentored work-related experience where students can work in a relevant industry or on independent projects.

Program Outcomes:-
Acting Major

•  Practice teamwork and professionalism throughout the performance process. 
• Employ creativity and problem solving skills in the process of performance. 
• Communicate effectively in a verbal, written and physical manner within accepted acting industry based parameters. 
• Evaluate script information and performance requirements. 
• Employ acting industry safety procedures.
• Employ acting industry standard language and terminology.
• Practice stage and set standard ethics and workplace etiquette. 
• Practice career, entrepreneurial and life management skills with growing confidence (networking, creative vision, marketing). 
• Analyze own and others’ work in order to provide and appropriately respond to feedback. 
• Recognize and discuss work of cultural and gender diversity (aboriginal/global/gender perspectives/awareness). 
• Demonstrate depth and breadth of technical skills and techniques in theatre and film. 
• Practice performance skills within existing and emerging technologies. 

Film Production Major:-

• Practice teamwork and professionalism throughout the film pre-production, production, and post-production process. 
• Employ creativity and problem solving skills in the process of filmmaking. 
• Communicate clearly in verbal, written and visual forms within accepted film industry based parameters addressing diverse audiences.  
• Evaluate film production information and requirements. 
• Employ film production industry safety procedures.
• Employ film production industry standard language and terminology. 
• Practice film production industry standard ethics and set etiquette. 
• Practice career, entrepreneurial and life management skills with growing confidence (networking, creative vision, marketing). 
• Analyze own and others’ work in order to provide and appropriately respond to feedback. 
• Recognize and discuss work of cultural and gender diversity (aboriginal/global/gender perspectives/awareness). 
• Demonstrate depth and breadth of skills in film (pre-production, production, post-production). 

Live Entertainment Production Major:-

• Practice teamwork and professionalism throughout the development and production process. 
• Employ creativity and problem solving skills throughout the process of producing a live event. 
• Communicate effectively in a verbal, written and visual manner within accepted live entertainment industry based parameters. 
• Evaluate production information and requirements for live entertainment. 
• Employ standard production safety procedures in producing live events. 
• Employ standard production language and terminology in producing live events. 
• Practice live entertainment industry etiquette standards in various workplace environments. 
• Use best practices for environmental sustainability. 
• Practice ethical behavior throughout the live production process. 
• Practice career, entrepreneurial and life management skills with growing confidence (networking, creative vision, marketing). 
• Examine your work and the work of others to disseminate and discuss process and workflow. 
• Recognize and discuss work of cultural and gender diversity (aboriginal/global/gender perspectives/awareness). 
• Demonstrate depth and breadth of technical skills for live entertainment production.

Graduates of the four-year Bachelor of Education program (University of Alberta) and the five-year combined degree program (University of Alberta and The University of Lethbridge) are eligible to apply for Teacher Certification in the Province of Alberta and all other provinces. RDC offers up to two years (60 credits) of transferable coursework in these programs.

Your educational experience is further enhanced through active participation in the Education Undergraduate Society (EUS). Membership in this society entitles you to attend conferences, conventions and other activities of the Alberta Teachers' Association.

RDC offers courses that range from Shakespeare to Indigenous literature, expository to creative writing, national literatures to popular genres, allowing you to learn practical skills while acquiring cultural knowledge.

Covering many elements, including: coding, databases, system administration, security, data communications and web development, gain the training you need to become a leader in this thriving industry!

Prepare for employment in entry-level developer or tester roles in a range of organizational contexts, or use this opportunity as a foundation for further study. Designed for students seeking to focus on one or more application domains, such as Web, VR/AR and Mobile Applications Development, graduates are perfectly positioned to begin their career as a Computer Programmer, Web Developer, Software Tester, Mobile Application Developer and many more!

This program is designed for students who work full-time and study part-time. The Certificate permits part-time students to earn a college credential. Students can also be admitted to the Management Certificate on a full-time basis. You must complete eight business courses as outlined below to be awarded the certificate. To meet graduation requirements, students must complete all courses with a minimum grade of "D" and a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.00 (62%).

Program Content

• One Accounting Course (except ACCT 075) ACCT 102 Recommended
• One Computing Course (3 or 4 credits) BADM 207 or BADM 210 Recommended
• BUS 303 - Organizational Behaviour
• One Economics Course ECON 101 Recommended
• Four Business Options

Courses are to be selected from those listed under "Business Options" under "Program Content" for the Business Administration Diploma.

RDC Continuing Education course work may be used for up to two-course equivalents. Generally, forty-five hours of approved Continuing Education courses will be considered equivalent to one three credit Business Option course. For students planning to ladder into the Business Administration Diploma, Continuing Education courses will not be accepted for credit. Exceptions to the above are to be approved by the Department.