Electrical Engineering Technician
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| Location: | Peterborough |
|---|---|
| Program Status: | Accepting applications |
| Program Code: | EE |
| Co-ordinator: | George Seto |
| Credential: | Ontario College Diploma |
| Classes Start: | January 10, 2011 |
| Tuition/ Fees: |
$1,645.25 per semester *
* Tuition and fees subject to change. |
Program Highlights
The four-semester Electrical Engineering Technician program will provide you with a solid foundation in electrical and electronic theory and practices. You will gain knowledge and skills in programmable logic controls (PLCs), electrical and electronic circuits and systems, instrumentation, cabling, network engineering, and electrical machines and controls. Extensive practice labs will provide you with ample opportunity to develop skills required to assume entry level positions or an apprenticeship.
A technical skills shortage is looming both regionally and nationally in Canada. This program has been designed to help fill these technical positions as the manufacturing sector becomes more specialized, the construction industry flourishes, and retirement rates increase.
The Electrical Engineering Technician program is integrated with the one year Electrical Techniques Ontario College Certificate. Since you take the same courses in first year, you can opt to graduate after one year with your Electrical Techniques Certificate, or continue on for an additional year and achieve your diploma as an Electrical Engineering Technician. (If you do not meet the Mathematics admission requirements for the Electrical Engineering Technician program, you must take the Applied Mathematics for Technology I course (Math 18) after successful completion of Mathematics for Electrical Techniques before progressing into the second year.) This pathway will extend your opportunities, thus opening even more doors in the electrical sector.
What it Takes to Succeed
- an interest in skilled trades and technology
- enjoyment of problem-solving and troubleshooting
- manual dexterity
- a degree of mathematical savvy in order to conduct the calculations necessary (assistance for those not yet proficient with Math has been factored into the program curriculum).
Career Opportunities
Electrical Engineering Technicians are required to:
- develop and test power equipment and systems
- troubleshoot industrial process control systems
- set up micro-electronic systems and circuits
- install and commission electrical and electronic equipment and systems
- analyze the performance of electrical and electronic components
A very broad spectrum of career opportunities exist within the electrical industry. Graduates can be employed by electrical utility and power companies, industrial plants, communications companies, and manufacturers of electrical equipment. Consulting firms, construction sites, mining, and transportation industries all hire technicians to design and maintain electrical and electronic systems for use in residential, commercial, institutional, and industrial installations.
Graduates of this program may also choose to apply for apprenticeship and write the Basic Exemption Test for Electrical Apprentice and receive credit for some of the in-school portions of the apprenticeship program. Following graduation, you could seek employment as an industrial, maintenance, or construction electrician apprentice.
Minimum Admission Requirements
Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) with the majority of credits at the College (C) and Open (O) levels, including one Grade 11 or 12 College (C) Mathematics.*
*Note: Workplace (E) level English meets admission requirements.
When (C) is the minimum course level for admission, (U) and (U/C) level courses are also accepted.
Mature Students
If you are 19 years of age or older before classes start, and you do not possess an OSSD, you can write the Canadian Adult Achievement Test to assess your eligibility for admission. Additional testing or academic upgrading may be neccessary to meet specific course requirements for this program.
| Course | Hours |
| Semester 1 | |
| Technology Career Essentials | 45.00 |
| Applied Mathematics for Technology I | 60.00 |
| Basic Electrical Installations | 45.00 |
| Electrical Theory I | 45.00 |
| Introductory Computing | 45.00 |
| Network Cabling | 45.00 |
| Technical Communications | 60.00 |
| Semester 2 | |
| Technology Teams | 45.00 |
| Electrical Concepts | 60.00 |
| Electronic Circuits | 45.00 |
| Fluid Power and Controls | 45.00 |
| Installation Practices | 75.00 |
| Safety and Electrical Code I | 60.00 |
| Semester 3 | |
| Alternating Current Theory | 60.00 |
| Applied Mathematics for Technology II | 45.00 |
| Drafting Applications and AutoCAD | 45.00 |
| Law and Ethics in the Electrical Sector | 30.00 |
| Power Electronics and Theory | 60.00 |
| Technical Programming | 45.00 |
| General Education Elective | |
| Semester 4 | |
| Building Systems Automation and Integration | 45.00 |
| Energy Generation and Distribution | 45.00 |
| Managing Technical Projects | 45.00 |
| Motor and Control Drives | 45.00 |
| Programmable Logic Controllers | 75.00 |
| Safety and Electrical Code II | 45.00 |
| General Education Elective | |
Semester 1
Technology Career Essentials
Course Number: GNED058
Employers hire people who are successful in demonstrating important social, emotional and essential employment skills. This course allows you to understand and further develop positive social and emotional learning, and how to manage yourself and others now and in your careers in today's technology world. You learn emotional intelligence including self awareness, successful self-management, interpersonal awareness and relationship management to help you interact with others including teams. It also includes effective learning techniques, dealing with a diverse individual and global workplace, methods to appreciate and develop a positive work ethic and an innovative problem solving and adaptable mind. These skills are taught with an individual, team, business and customer focus. These success skills are what technology employers are looking for in their employees and this course can help you towards being triumphant in your technology career.Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00
Applied Mathematics for Technology I
Course Number: MATH018
This course is designed to prepare the student mathematically for a variety of technical areas. The intention is that students successfully completing the course: will make accurate calculations of applied problems involving approximate numbers using accepted engineering rules; perform basic algebraic operations involving fundamental concepts in order to properly manipulate algebraic formulae; recognize and solve technical problems requiring the concepts of ratio and proportion; identify mathematical functions and use EXCEL to prepare graphs of those functions; apply a basic routine to solve linear equations emphasizing the solutions of linear formulae; recognize and solve technical problems requiring quadratic equations. Emphasis will be placed on appropriate use of computer spreadsheets as a problem-solving tool.Units: 60.00
Hours: 60.00
Basic Electrical Installations
Course Number: ELCT071
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to demonstrate the operation of common hand and power tools, install common switching devices, outlets and enclosures, correctly terminate conductors, and demonstrate the application of non-metallic sheathed cable and armoured cable through the installation and testing of fundamental domestic circuits. The student will be able to represent these skills, knowledge, and experience, realistically for personal and employment purposes.Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00
Electrical Theory I
Course Number: ELCT072
This course covers the explanation of the fundamentals of electrical theory, from the molecular structure of matter to the laws that govern the calculation of power in DC circuits. Topics will include the relationships between voltage, current, resistance, and power including Ohm's and Kirchof's laws. Calculations will be made on series, parallel and combination circuits and current flow and power consumption in 2-wire and 3-wire systems will be analyzed.Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00
Introductory Computing
Course Number: COMP345
Working in the Windows XP environment, this computer course introduces the student to computer basics (computer terminology, e-mail, file management) and the application and use of word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software using Microsoft Office 2007. Through the extensive use of hands-on activities, students will gain sufficient knowledge and experience to make productive use of computers as a tool in both college and workplace environments. Students will have the opportunity to attain the International Computer Driving Licence (ICDL) Start Certification if they attain 75% or more on each of the four ICDL Start Certification tests.Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00
Network Cabling
Course Number: ELCT074
This course serves to introduce network cabling concepts, trade safety, codes/standards, and installation methods. In this course, the student will gain the knowledge and skills to safely and effectively, install, operate and maintain building electronic systems. These systems include structured cabling, AV, telecommunications, network and security wiring in residential buildings.Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00
Technical Communications
Course Number: COMM032
This course, designed specifically for students in technology-based programs, stresses the development of technical communication as it applies to workplace and academic needs. Students will prepare a variety of technical documents and in the process learn to apply standard rules of usage. Key applications include lab reports, proposals, research reports, documenting sources, editing and proofreading strategies, and spoken presentations.Units: 60.00
Hours: 60.00
Semester 2
Technology Teams
Course Number: SOCI124
Learn about the movement towards getting work done through teams in organizations, and develop the knowledge and skills to thrive in this area. This course deals with both virtual teams as well as face-to-face teams. You will increase your skills in communication, problem solving, conflict resolution, meeting management and reporting, as well as dealing with diverse team behaviours and cultures. Accountability and recognition among other team skills will be learned to help move teams forward in a positive manner. This course meets the General Education requirements primarily in the areas of Work and the Economy and Social Understanding, as well as touching Civic Life, Personal Development, and Cultural Understanding.Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00
Electrical Concepts
Course Number: ELCT073
Pre-requisites
Units: 60.00
Hours: 60.00
Electronic Circuits
Course Number: ELCT105
Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00
Fluid Power and Controls
Course Number: ELCT075
This course introduces common pneumatic and hydraulic devices and their applications in industry. Fluid power components, fluid power symbols and diagrams, controls and programming techniques will be covered. Students will also be introduced to the use of logic in switching sequences, ladder diagrams, and pneumatic circuits. Methods of controlling them ('air' logic, relay logic and PLC) will be introduced as well as the use of diagrams (fluid power schematic diagrams, ladder logic diagrams and others) to assemble, maintain and troubleshoot fluid power circuits.Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00
Installation Practices
Course Number: ELCT097
Pre-requisites
Units: 75.00
Hours: 75.00
Safety and Electrical Code I
Course Number: ELCT077
Upon successful completion of this course, the learner will be able to apply the requirements of the Canadian Electrical code - Part 1 (CEC) to; identify and interpret the general requirements of the CEC; identify and interpret the CEC requirements for conductor ampacity including free air, above and underground installations, grounding and bonding, wiring methods, class 1 and 2 circuits, receptacles and lighting in residential occupancies, single-dwelling and dwelling units, pools, tubs and spas, and temporary installations; and be able to calculate the service requirements for a residential occupancy, single-dwelling and row-housing.Units: 60.00
Hours: 60.00
Semester 3
Alternating Current Theory
Course Number: ELCT087
This course will provide the student with a broad based foundation in alternating current (AC) theory and analysis. Through the application of technical mathematical concepts, students will learn to analyze the full spectrum of alternating current. AC power and power factor in modern generation and distribution systems will be explored. The analysis, design, and testing of electrical distribution systems will be studied. Practical application of AC in various circuit configurations and components will be conducted.Units: 60.00
Hours: 60.00
Applied Mathematics for Technology II
Course Number: MATH037
Pre-requisites
Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00
Drafting Applications and AutoCAD
Course Number: ELCT090
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to: lay out commercial distribution and service equipment and wiring; lay out branch circuit for lighting and equipment; prepare a material take off using drawings and specifications; prepare sketches to solve and document construction problems and solutions; prepare as-built drawings; and, develop basic single line, schematic, and wiring diagrams using AutoCAD.Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00
Law and Ethics in the Electrical Sector
Course Number: ELCT089
This course will introduce students to the legislative and regulatory bodies influencing the practice of the professional Electrical Engineering Technologist. Both federal and provincial associations monitoring and governing the practice will be discovered. The array of professional issues that impact the practice of the technician will be explored. Students will be prepared to successfully challenge the Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologist (OACETT) Professional Practice Examination to become a Certified Technician.Units: 30.00
Hours: 30.00
Power Electronics and Theory
Course Number: ELCT088
This course provides the foundational theory required to understand electronic circuits with AC and DC sources. The learner will acquire the theoretical and practical knowledge necessary to install, maintain, and troubleshoot circuits which employ discrete semiconductor components. Electronic components and circuits such as diodes, SCRs, Triacs, Triggering systems, bipolar junction transistors, field effect transistors, solid state switching devices, and photosensitive devices will all be explored.Units: 60.00
Hours: 60.00
Technical Programming
Course Number: COMP460
This course in technical programming emphasizes problem-solving strategies, debugging methods, and program documentation. This course uses the microcontroller and the C programming language to expose the students to various fundamental programming and interfacing techniques. Analytical and troubleshooting skills are further developed through lab experiments involving input/output operations, interrupts and data transfer for data acquisition.Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00
Semester 4
Building Systems Automation and Integration
Course Number: ELCT094
Pre-requisites
Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00
Energy Generation and Distribution
Course Number: ELCT092
This course will introduce the student to the diverse sources of electrical power generation and the logistics of electrical distribution to the end user. Both traditional and emerging sources of energy will be examined. Strategies and calculations designed to minimize power loss in the grid system of distribution will be explored. Students will learn about national and international regulations, agreements, and practices in the generation and distribution of electrical power.Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00
Managing Technical Projects
Course Number: ELCT020
Pre-requisites
Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00
Motor and Control Drives
Course Number: ELCT093
This course will enable students to assess basic control systems and their functionality measurement and control feedback. Installation, configuration, and programming of motor control and speed control devices utilized in industry will be explored. Testing and troubleshooting of DC drives, frequency drives, and inverters will be conducted in the lab.Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00
Programmable Logic Controllers
Course Number: ELCT095
Pre-requisites
Units: 75.00
Hours: 75.00
Safety and Electrical Code II
Course Number: ELCT091
Pre-requisites
Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00