Course Descriptions
TERM 1
ENGL131: RESEARCH AND COMPOSITION
This course builds on the conventions and techniques of composition through critical reading and writing related to the student’s program of study. Students apply principles of logic, strategic thinking, and synthesis to prepare sound arguments supported by relevant, well-documented research. The culminating activity is a persuasive and analytical paper referencing contemporary issues in technology where individual style and unique thinking are demonstrated. (4 contact hours / 4 credit hours)
MATH131: APPLIED MATHEMATICS 1
This course introduces basic mathematical topics. It proceeds from the elementary math needed for basic electronics applications such as circuit analysis to more specialized applications in electronics technology. Course topics include: basic algebraic operations, definition and properties of trigonometric functions, and complex numbers and their applications. (5 contact hours / 5 credit hours)
EAC115: ELECTRONIC CIRCUIT ANALYSIS I
In this course the atomic structure is introduced and applied to concepts such as charge carriers, current flow, electromotive forces and the expending of energy. Characteristics of circuit elements such as resistance, inductance and capacitance are introduced. Applying circuit theory to analyze DC circuits is detailed. Analysis of RC series and parallel circuits are discussed along with the design of simple resistive and RC circuits. Also discussed are the relationship between magnetism and inductance, sinusoidal AC generation, AC terminology, phasor diagrams and their applications, capacitive and inductive reactance as related to frequency, phase relationship between voltage, current, and impedance, analysis of series and parallel inductor, capacitor, and resistor combinations, characteristics of various passive filters including series and parallel. Relating theoretical analysis to laboratory measurements and troubleshooting circuits are emphasized. Basic and advanced soldering techniques are introduced. Electrical safety regulations are discussed. (13 contact hours / 11 credit hours)
CMP101: COMPUTER APPLICATIONS FOR BUSINESS
Using personal computers and Windows operating systems, this course provides students with basic concepts underlying common office application software and then emphasizes practical experience with those software packages such as web browsers, word processors, spreadsheets, presentation managers and databases. Software covered includes Microsoft Internet Explorer, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access. (3 contact hours / 2 credit hours)
TERM 2
SPCH235: PRESENTATION SKILLS
Building upon skills acquired in ENGL131, this course teaches elements of effective public speaking. Areas of study include audience analysis, organization, language, delivery and nonverbal communication. Practical application is provided through a series of individual and group presentations in a variety of rhetorical modes. (4 contact hours / 4 credit hours)
MATH170: APPLIED MATHEMATICS 2
This course has two parts. The first part is a continuation of the topics of MATH131; these include: powers and roots of complex numbers, applications of complex numbers in AC circuit analysis, trigonometric identities, exponential and logarithmic functions, solving systems of linear equations, and determinants. The second part introduces the applications of differential calculus in the solution of engineering problems with emphasis on circuits. Topics of the second part include: limits, rates of change, rules of differentiation of algebraic and transcendental composite functions, finding maxima and minima of functions and applications of derivatives in electrical circuit analysis. (6 contact hours / 6 credit hours)
EAC125: ELECTRONIC CIRCUIT ANALYSIS II
This course builds on the topics learned in EAC115. Topics include: combinations of series and parallel RLC circuits, combinations of series and parallel resonance circuits and the fundamentals of transformer operation. Design and troubleshooting of various AC circuits, including passive filter circuits, are also discussed. This course also introduces the theory and application of semiconductor devices; topics include: the characteristics of semiconductors and the operation and applications of diodes including special purpose diodes such as Zener, light-emitting, Schottky, varactor and tunnel diodes. Finally, power supply design is detailed. (13 contact hours / 11 credit hours)
TERM 3
MATH215: PROBABILITY AND STATISTICS
This course introduces the fundamentals of the probability theory, statistical methods, and their applications in engineering technology. Topics covered include: descriptive statistics, correlation and regression analysis, probability concepts, and probability distributions. Also included is the application of statistical methods in decision-making and quality control. (4 contact hours / 4 credit hours)
EAC230: ELECTRONIC CIRCUITS AND DEVICES
This course builds on topics introduced in EAC125. Topics include: the bipolar junction transistor, BJT, the analysis and design of bipolar junction transistor (BJT) single and multistage amplifiers, class A, B, and C operations, and the frequency response of amplifiers. The analysis and design of field effect transistor (FET) circuits are detailed including JFET and MOSFET. Further, the analysis and design of circuits built around operational amplifiers are discussed along with some application examples. (13 contact hours / 11 credit hours)
DIG210: DIGITAL CIRCUITS I
This course introduces the fundamentals of digital circuit analysis and design. Topics covered include; number systems and codes, the characteristics of basic and derived logic gates along with the operational characteristics of various logic families. Boolean algebra applications in the analysis and design of combinational logic circuits are detailed. The characteristics and operation of encoders/decoders, multiplexers and demultiplexers, and arithmetic circuits are introduced along with their applications. (8 contact hours / 7 credit hours)
TERM 4
PROW200: PROFESSIONAL WRITING
This course extends composition and research principles to writing in a career context. Students apply principles of economy and clarity to create business documents that are informative and persuasive. While the course focuses on all business correspondence, the capstone of this course is a formal research proposal or investigative report. Studies include electronic communication and oral reporting. (4 contact hours / 4 credit hours)
MATH250: APPLIED CALCULUS 1
This course introduces integral calculus. Topics include: anti-derivative and indefinite integrals, rules of Integration, definite integrals, substitution method of integration, and integration by parts. Applications of integration in electronics are also discussed. (4 contact hours / 4 credit hours)
COMM220: ANALOG COMMUNICATIONS
This is the first course in the communications sequence. Topics include: the theory and applications of modulation and demodulation, the design and operation of modulators, oscillators, and mixers. This is followed by the introduction of the concept of heterodyning. Amplitude modulation (AM) process, the automatic gain control system (AGC), and the AM transmitter and receiver circuits are detailed. Fourier analysis application and the analysis of noise communication systems are introduced. (5 contact hours / 4 credit hours)
DIG250: DIGITAL CIRCUITS II
This is the second course in the digital sequence. It builds on the combinational logic circuits discussed in DIG210 by the introduction of hardware description language (HDL)and programmable logic devices (PLDs). It addresses IC technologies (Bipolar and MOS), their DC, AC and interfacing characteristics. Sequential circuits are then introduced. Logic state and timing analysis of latches and flip-flops is covered. The design and analysis of counters and shift registers is detailed using state machine, discrete ICs, and PLDs. (8 contact hours / 7 credit hours)
CPROG210: INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER PROGRAMMING USING C++
This course is aimed at a wide range of Engineering Technology students. The course teaches the essence of C++ programming while building a strong foundation of computer science fundamentals. A variety of mathematical and engineering related programming projects allows students to apply what they learned to real-world problems. Steps of programming process from source code to a finished product, as well as structured designs are emphasized. Topics include algorithm design, data types, variables, math operators, strings, screen I/O, control structures, functions, arrays, and pointers. (4 contact hours / 3 credit hours)
TERM 5
PHYS230: PHYSICS
This course covers several important topics in physics while emphasizing their applications in technology. Topics include vectors, laws of motion, work, energy, power, momentum, rotation, and simple machines. Also covered are fundamental concepts of electricity and magnetism and their applications, principles of optics and related applications, properties of fluids, basic thermodynamics, and selected topics in modern physics. (7 contact hours / 6 credit hours)
COMM250: DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS
This course builds on what was learned in the first course in the communication sequence. It introduces the design and analysis of single-side band (SSB) modulator circuits, crystal filters, and frequency multiplexers. Frequency modulation (FM) is introduced. FM transmitter and receiver circuits are analyzed, and FM and AM operations are compared. Digital modulation such as: Pulse Amplitude Modulation (PAM) and Pulse Code Modulation (PCM) are the introduced. Telephone systems including cell phones are discussed. (6 contact hours / 5 credit hours)
DIG260: DIGITAL SYSTEMS
This course begins with a treatment of multivibrators (e.g. 555 Timer) as timing devices and their applications in digital systems. It progresses to introductory concepts of Digital Signal Processors (DSP devices). It details the fundamentals of digital to analog converters (DACs) and analog to digital converters (ADCs). Memory devices (SRAM, DRAM, and ROM – including Flash) are discussed. The course concludes with introductory concepts of microcontrollers: Architecture (including memory organization), addressing modes, programmers’ model, and high and low level languages. (8 contact hours / 7 credit hours)
CPROG220: INTERMEDIATE C++ PROGRAMMING
This course expands upon the fundamentals covered in CPROG210. It covers object oriented programming concepts using C++. Topics include: program specification, design of abstract data types and classes, inheritance and compositions, virtual functions, overloading and templates, and encapsulation. Fundamentals of microcontroller programming using C language are also discussed. (4 contact hours / 3 credit hours)
TERM 6
SPR320: APPLIED SIGNAL PROCESSING I
This course introduces the fundamental concepts of analog signal processing. It starts with a review of operational amplifiers (Op Amps) and first-order filter circuits. Analog signals and their representation in time-, frequency-, and s-domain are discussed. Transfer functions, step response, frequency response, pole-zero maps and stability analysis of analog systems are detailed. The analysis and design of second-order systems are introduced. The use of MATLAB in the analysis and design of analog systems is emphasized. (6 contact hours / 5 credit hours)
COMM350: DATA COMMUNICATIONS
This course introduces applications related to the digital communication (transmission and reception of data). Topics covered include: digital encoding (Unipolar, polar and bipolar) and digital modulation and demodulation techniques: ASK (Amplitude Shift Keying), PSK (Phase Shift Keying), FSK (Frequency Shift Keying) and QAM (Quadrature Amplitude Modulation), hardware of PSTN (public switched telephone network), Serial interfaces and buses, modems, and the UART (universal asynchronous receiver transmitter). Communication protocols, error detection and correction, data compression and encryption, packet switched networks, ISDN (integrated services digital network), xDSL (all types of digital subscriber line), frame relay, ATM (asynchronous transfer mode) technologies, and SONET (synchronous optical network) are also discussed. The services and hardware of the Internet are introduced as well. (5 contact hours / 4 credit hours)
DIG310: INTRODUCTION TO MICROCONTROLLERS
This course provides a review of microcontroller systems fundamentals and their programming techniques. Assembling (or Compiling), linking, running, and basic troubleshooting procedures are addressed. It details architecture, system components, interrupt structure, serial and parallel input/output (I/O) interfacing, and memory system expansion. Several I/O port applications are implemented. (6 contact hours / 5 credit hours)
NET320: INTRODUCTION TO NETWORKING
The purpose of this course is to provide students with an understanding of the characteristics of communications media and the principles of networking. Topics covered include: OSI (open systems interconnect) reference model, frame relay, LAN (local area network) equipment, internetworking technologies, wireless network topologies, TCP/IP (transmission control protocol/Internet protocol) protocol suite, IP routing fundamentals and WAN (wide area network) technologies. Students are expected to be able to recommend, configure and upgrade scalable networking equipment to meet the needs of small to medium corporations. (7 contact hours / 5 credit hours)
TERM 7
PSYC300: PSYCHOLOGY
This course provides a foundation for the understanding, prediction and direction of behavior. Organized within a framework encompassing foundations, general topics and applications, the course provides an understanding of how psychological principles and concepts relate to professional and personal life. Using psychology to specifically improve the quality of our lives, the students examine the various schools of psychology in their application to research methods, learning, memory, sensation and perception, personality, human development, stress, and psychological disorders. In a collaborative and dynamic learning environment, the students complete cases studies, conduct basic research, and evaluate findings. (4 contact hours / 4 credit hours)
MATH340: APPLIED CALCULUS 2
This course builds on topics introduced in MATH250 to introduce mathematical concepts and techniques for more advanced applications in electronics. Topics include: Laplace transform and Fourier analysis of periodic waveforms. The applications of both Laplace transform and Fourier analysis in electronics are also discussed. (4 contact hours / 4 credit hours)
SPR330: APPLIED SIGNAL PROCESSING II
This is the second course in the sequence of signal processing. It introduces digital systems and signals. The course starts with a review of some of the fundamental concepts of signal processing. Comparisons between digital and analog systems are presented. Possible applications of digital signal processing are introduced. The z-transform and its applications, discrete transfer functions, pole-zero maps in the z-domain and their applications are discussed. The types and characteristics of digital filters are outlined. The use of MATLAB in the analysis and design of digital systems is emphasized. (6 contact hours / 5 credit hours)
CTL320: CONTROL SYSTEMS I
This course introduces fundamentals of control systems. It starts with the analysis of the basic building blocks of control systems. The analysis of systems using block diagrams is then introduced followed by a discussion of controllers, sensors, motors, actuators, and other components and their applications in control systems. (4 contact hours / 3 credit hours)
DIG370: EMBEDDED PROCESSORS APPLICATIONS
This course introduces the hardware of the embedded processors and its operation system principle, in addition to their programming techniques. Topics covered include: registers, stack, floating point unit, interrupt architecture, memory map, memory management, bridge, fixed priority and dynamic scheduling, and interfacing application. (6 contact hours / 5 credit hours)
TERM 8
ECON320: PRINCIPLES OF ECONOMICS
This course introduces the field of economics and shows how a system-level understanding of the interaction between micro- and macroeconomics greatly improves the quality of one’s analysis. Microeconomic concepts, such as supply and demand and the theory of the firm, serve as foundations for analyzing macroeconomic issues. Macroeconomic topics include gross domestic product (GDP), fiscal and monetary policies, and international topics such as global trade and exchange rates. The course also shows how human behavior and decision making translate into observable economic-system measures of performance. Emphasis is placed on interpreting economic variables and events, using fundamental analytical methods, and applying these to real-world issues. (4 contact hours / 4 credit hours)
MATH450: MATHEMATICAL ANALYSIS
This course builds on the basic knowledge of calculus to introduce various methods of integration including: algebraic substitution, partial fraction methods, and trigonometric Integrals. The course also introduces the solutions of linear and nonlinear differential equations. MacLauren and Taylor series and their applications in electronics and physics are also introduced. (4 contact hours / 4 credit hours)
CTL340: CONTROL SYSTEMS II
This course builds on what was introduced in CTL320. Transfer functions are revisited along with the concept of controllers. Stability analysis techniques are detailed. The design and analysis of PID controllers are detailed. Motor characteristics and performance are analyzed. Implementation considerations along with case studies are introduced. (4 contact hours / 3 credit hours)
COMM390: TRANSMISSION LINES AND ANTENNAS
This course discusses the media of communications. Topics include: analysis of both transmission lines and fiber optics systems. Time-domain reflectometry (TDR) and its applications in transmission line and optical fibers are introduced. Then, the analysis of antennas is detailed including radiation patterns and polarization of various types of antenna. (6 contact hours / 5 credit hours)
DIG380: PERIPHERAL DEVICES OF MICROCONTROLLERS
This course focuses on the design, analysis, controlling, and troubleshooting input/output (I/O) devices that are interfaced or embedded with microcontroller based system. Topics covered include: analog to digital converters (ADCs), pulse width modulation (PWM), input capture (IC), serial peripheral interface (SPI), controller area network (CAN), universal serial bus (USB) and Joint Test Action Group (JTAG) protocol. (6 contact hours / 5 credit hours)
TERM 9
SPR410: APPLIED SIGNAL PROCESSING III
This is the third course in the sequence of signal processing. It starts with review of fundamental concepts of digital signal processing along with the applications of MATLAB. The analysis of finite impulse response (FIR) filters and infinite impulse response (IIR) filters is detailed along with various design techniques of both filter types. Multi-rate digital signal processing and adaptive digital filters are introduced along with their applications. Hardware selection issues are then discussed. Finally, neural networks and their applications are introduced. (6 contact hours / 5 credit hours)
COMM420: HIGH FREQUENCY COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUES
This course introduces RF (radio-frequency) circuit design and analysis. High frequency impedance matching techniques are detailed including the use of transformers, transmission line stubs, quarter wavelength transformers (QWT), Maxwell’s equations, Z- and S- parameters are introduced. (6 contact hours / 5 credit hours)
DIG430: EMBEDDED WIRELESS SYSTEMS
The main objective for this course is analyzing, designing, programming and using the embedded wireless system. It includes detailed analysis of high frequency integrated circuit devices, electromagnetic wave radiation and detection, embedded surface mount antenna design and implementation, spread spectrum, and wireless protocols. Applications such as cell phone, IEE802.11protocol, and Zigbee protocol are introduced. (6 contact hours / 5 credit hours)
PROJ410: PROJECT MANAGEMENT I
This course emphasizes basic principles of project management and its associated tools, laying the foundation for students to complete a senior project. Topics covered include project planning, feasibility analysis, scheduling, and progress monitoring using tools such as PERT (program evaluation and review technique) charts, critical path method (CPM), Gantt charts, CBA (cost benefit analysis) methods, project expediting, and project management software. The course also addresses current industry issues such as ISO certification, TQM (total quality management), and risk management. (3 contact hours / 3 credit hours)
GENERAL EDUCATION COURSE
(4 contact hours / 4 credit hours)
TERM 10
CARD420: CAREER DEVELOPMENT
Career-planning strategies and resources are explored to prepare students for a successful job search and to develop effective methods for career advancement. Activities include critical self-evaluation, goal setting, company research, personal marketing plans, resume and cover letter preparation, and interviewing practice. A career development portfolio is assembled highlighting achievements, career goals, and professional development strategies. (3 contact hours / 3 credit hours)
CTL430: INDUSTRIAL CONTROL SYSTEMS I
This course builds on the concepts discussed in CTL340. It introduces numerous concepts and applications related to industrial process control, robotics, and automation. Topics include robotics fundamentals, and controller design aimed at improving the response of systems and minimizing the effect of external factors on industrial processes. Motor control in industrial systems is presented and motor selection criteria are detailed. Computer integrated manufacturing (CIM) is also introduced. (4 contact hours / 3 credit hours)
COMM430: MICROWAVE COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS
This course covers microwave communications systems using waveguide. It analyzes electromagnetic propagation inside a waveguide. Microwave oscillators, amplifiers, antennas are analyzed. Radar systems, MIMO (multiple input multiple output) and satellite communications are introduced. (6 contact hours / 5 credit hours)
DIG440: ADVANCED TOPICS IN EMBEDDED SYSTEMS
This course introduces various topics in embedded systems. Topics would vary from term to term. At present the course addresses Embedded Intelligent Systems. Current topics include: the principles of recognition, estimation, detection and optimization methods. The course also covers programming methods to embed the algorithms into processors. (6 contact hours / 5 credit hours)
PROJ420: PROJECT MANAGEMENT II
This course introduces the principles and the techniques involved in the design and the prototyping of electronic printed circuit boards (PCBs). Topics include: introduction of suitable design tools, drawing schematics, labeling, libraries, board layout, design considerations, and PCB prototyping. Every student is required to design and produce working electronic circuit boards. The course provides a prelude to the construction of the student’s technical project. (2 contact hours / 2 credit hours)
SPRO410: SENIOR PROJECT I
This is the first course in a sequence of two courses devoted to the development and implementation of the senior project. In this course, students focus on step-by-step design and implementation of their individual and team project. This includes designing, testing, troubleshooting, and prototyping different stages of the final product. Students are required to write a report describing and analyzing all of the stages of their projects. The main objective is for students to develop their own senior project and to practice working in teams. (3 contact hours / 3 credit hours)
TERM 11
LAW410: LAW AND ETHICS
This course introduces students to the fundamental legal principles applicable to businesses in Canada. Students will gain an understanding of the Canadian legal system, dispute resolution, contract law, business torts, property law, employment law, intellectual property law, as well as the key distinctions between civil and criminal law. Students will apply legal theory in a practical manner through case scenarios and case analyses. Students will also examine ethical issues in law. Ethics will be integrated throughout the course by discussing ethics frequently and by providing an ethical perspective in each case analysis. The Code of Ethics of professional organizations such as OACETT and PEO will be discussed. After successfully completing this course, students may apply for exemption from OACETT ’s Professional Practice Examination. (4 contact hours / 4 credit hours)
HUMN420: TECHNOLOGY, SOCIETY AND CULTURE
In this capstone course, the relationship between society and technology is investigated through readings, reflection, research, and report writing. The course identifies conditions that have promoted technological development and assesses the social, political, environmental, cultural, and economic effects of current technology. Ethical issues are emphasized. Class discussions and students’ reports (oral and written) draw together students’ prior learning in technical and general education courses. (4 contact hours / 4 credit hours)
TECHR410: TECHNICAL REVIEW
In this weekly workshop students learn marketing strategies for their senior technical projects and review report-writing guidelines as they prepare their formal technical project reports. (1 contact hours / 0 credit hours)
CTL440: INDUSTRIAL CONTROL SYSTEMS II
This is the second course on industrial control systems; it builds on what was discussed in CTL430. It introduces industrial process modeling and simulation and associated controller design methods. Dynamic properties of multi-degree of freedom systems, including robotics applications, are examined and their control strategies are analyzed. Programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and their industrial
applications are introduced. (4 contact hours / 3 credit hours)
SPRO420: SENIOR PROJECT II
This is the second course of the sequence devoted to the development of senior projects. It again involves design, implementation, testing, and formal demonstration of solutions realized using hardware or software or both. The ultimate objective is for students to demonstrate what they can do on their own. Students work in teams of two or three with each student contributing significantly to all stages of the project. Students design, evaluate and present a prototype of the projects to their project supervisors and to the public. They also write an individual technical report based on their project. (5 contact hours / 5 credit hours)
