The curriculum of this program is currently under review

Offered at Newton

Start date: August

Description

The automation/robotics industry is a branch of the electronics field and is one of the fastest growing areas of our national and international high technology economy. It combines the fields of

electronics, electrical, and mechanics and includes the interaction and control of motors, computers, pneumatics, hydraulics and other processes used in manufacturing.

The program prepares students to work as automation and robotics engineering technologists in all phases of industry where the control of production, distribution and/or manufacturing is conducted by an automated process.

Graduates of the program may develop and test industrial process control systems, supervise the building and testing of prototypes, or supervise and conduct the installation and operation of such systems. They may calibrate operating systems and components, or write specifications, schedules and reports in addition to controlling schedules and budgets. They may carry out research under the direction of scientists or engineers, or set up and operate specialized test equipment to test, diagnose and analyze performance. They may troubleshoot and offer suggestions for improvement and functionality of automated control systems.

The first year of this program is common to the Electronics Engineering Technology program.

Career Opportunities

Automation/Robotics Engineering Technology graduates find careers in industries using computers and electronics to control industrial operating systems. They can develop, manufacture and maintain instrumentation and control (analog and digital) systems that emphasize automation and robotics applications. Employment opportunities are found with industries or corporations that utilize automation and robotics in the control of a particular production or manufacturing process, or in smaller companies providing contract service to such companies. According to provincial and federal employment studies, the demand for automation and robotics engineering technologists exceeds the number of qualified graduates from college and institute engineering technology programs.

Salaries, on average, are higher than for other two-year technology programs, and in some cases can be quite lucrative (see Compensation Survey at www.asttbc.org).

The field of automated control and robotics is in a continuous state of development, evolvement and change. Ongoing education is essential in the form of short-term upgrading courses, symposiums or seminars. Some technologists, however, may wish to further their education towards an engineering, information technology or business degree. See Transfer paragraph.

Student Profile

The program attracts high school graduates and mature student applicants with work experience and/or post-secondary schooling. Advanced standing is given to the students who have achieved specific program learning outcomes through related work experience or through appropriate course completion. Applicants require an aptitude for the application of mathematics, and a keen eye for detail. They must be able to work well with others, and to work independently and take initiative as required.

Admission Requirements

• C or better in English Language Arts 12 (English 12) or Technical and Professional Communications 12*
• C+ or better in Principles of Mathematics 12 or Applications of Mathematics 12
• C+ or better in Principles of Physics 11 or Applications of Physics 11

* Applicants whose English competencies are less than what is required to enroll in the program's language (communication) course will be offered suggested pathways to reach the required level.

Direct Entry

Applicants may have met the above prerequisites in secondary school or through post-secondary courses and programs offered by Kwantlen and other adult educational facilities.

Mature Student Entry

Applicants may have gained both academic and related technology skills in a less formalized way and are considered on an individual basis. An applicant's educational background and/or work experience may be accepted as part of the admission requirements. An interview or appropriate tests may be required to determine the applicant's placement level. Kwantlen offers academic and vocational upgrading programs. Call Admissions for more information.

Content

This is a two-year program with limited enrolment that begins every August.

Semester 1

ELTN 1111 Electric Circuits I

ELTN 1112 CAE Graphics and Fabrication

ELTN 1113 Computer Applications

ELTN 1114 Engineering Mathematics I

ELTN 1115 Applied Physics I

CMNS 1140 Business and Technical Communication -
Theory and Application

Semester 2

ELTN 1211 Electric Circuits II

ELTN 1214 Engineering Mathematics II

ELTN 1215 Applied Physics II

ELTN 1217 Electronic Circuits I

ELTN 1218 Digital Systems I

ELTN 1219 Communications I

Semester 3

AUTO 2312 Advanced Manufacturing

AUTO 2315 C++ Programming

AUTO 2319 Data Networking

AUTO 2320 Fundamentals of Control Systems

ELTN 2318 Digital Systems II

ELTN 2320 Engineering Economics I

ELTN 2321 Electrical Machines

Semester 4

AUTO 2417 Circuit Applications

AUTO 2420 Industrial Processes

AUTO 2421 Instrumentation/PLC

AUTO 2422 Robotics

AUTO 2423 Hydraulics and Pneumatics

ELTN 2414 Differential Equations

ELTN 2418 Advanced Microprocessors

ELTN 2420 Engineering Economics II

ELTN 2425 Work Project

Transfer

Graduates of the Automation/Robotics Engineering program are eligible to enter, either directly or at a later stage in their career, into bridging programs to third year of engineering at Lakehead University or the University of Victoria. They may also qualify for entry to third year of a Bachelor of Technology in Electronics or in Management at BCIT, or with minor bridging to a Bachelor of Business Administration in Entrepreneurial Management or a Bachelor of Technology in Information Technology at Kwantlen.

Accreditation

The Association of Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of British Columbia (ASTTBC) has accredited this program as meeting the Canadian Technology Standards at the technology level. ASTTBC, the professional association for the province's technologists and technicians, is mandated with the role of certifying technologists and technicians, as well as accrediting technician and technology programs offered by the colleges and institutes. Program accreditation provides assurance of high education standards through a review process that is nationally and increasingly internationally recognized. Program accreditation also permits graduates to be certified as technologists in their profession; a credential sought by many employers, and allows instant recognition of qualification for positions across Canada, the United States, and elsewhere.

Graduation

Upon successful completion of the program, students are awarded a Diploma of Technology in Automation/Robotics Engineering.