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
ASP310: ANALOG SIGNAL PROCESSING
This course introduces the fundamental concepts of analog signal processing. Operation amplifiers applications and basic filters are reviewed. Concepts and applications of time-, frequency-, and s-domain analysis are introduced. Transfer functions, step response, frequency response, pole-zero maps and stability analysis of analog systems are discussed, and then second-order systems are introduced. (5 contact hours / 4 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)
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)
TERM 7
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)
DSP320: INTRODUCTION TO DIGITAL SIGNAL PROCESSING
This course introduces digital systems and their analysis. Fundamental concepts of signal processing are reviewed. Digital systems are introduced along with comparisons with analog systems. Some applications of digital signal processing are discussed. Discrete transfer functions, pole-zero maps in the z-domain and their applications are discussed. The types, characteristics, and applications of digital filters are outlined. (4 contact hours / 3 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)
COMM370: TELECOMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY I
This course introduces of transmission lines and their applications, antenna analysis and design, optical fiber and fiber optics systems. It also introduces time-domain reflectometry (TDR) and its applications in the analysis of the operations of in transmission lines and optical fibers. (5 contact hours / 4 credit hours)
DIG320: MICROCONTROLLERS AND RELATED TOPICS
This course introduces RISC (reduced instruction set computer) devices and their applications. Topics covered include the architecture, memory organization, interrupts, timers, and input/output interface. Programming and applications design using microcontrollers are emphasized. Also introduced are programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and their applications. (5 contact hours / 4 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)
SPRO310: SENIOR PROJECT I
This is the first course in a sequence of two courses devoted to technical projects. In this course, students focus on step-by-step design and implementation of individual and team projects. This includes calculations, testing, troubleshooting, and prototyping of the various stages of the final product, in addition to the analysis of the work done. Students learn and practice developing projects and working in teams. (3 contact hours / 3 credit hours)
TERM 8
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)
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)
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)
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)
COMM380 :TELECOMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY II
This course focuses on microwave communications using waveguides. It discusses the electromagnetic wave propagation inside waveguides, different modes of propagation, and waveguide components and systems. Microwave oscillators, amplifiers, and antennas are discussed. Radar systems and satellite communications are introduced. (6 contact hours / 5 credit hours)
SPRO320: SENIOR PROJECT II
This is the second course in a sequence of two courses devoted to technical projects. It involves the continuation of the design, implementation, testing, and then the 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 demonstrate their work to their project supervisors and to the public. They also write an individual technical report based on their role in the projects. Students are required to include detailed specifications, appropriate mathematical analysis, and test results in their technical reports. (5 contact hours / 5 credit hours)
