Computer Engineering Technician

Program Title – Computer Engineering Technician

Credential Earned
Ontario College Diploma

Delivery
Full Time

Program Length
4 Semesters

Program Status
Open
Bring Your Own Device

The BYOD initiative allows you to have access to tools and resources. Review BYOD information prior to the start of your program to ensure you have a system that meets requirements.
Tuition and Fees Second Career Career Coach

Program Codes
Program codes are for September intakes except those that are indicated differently.
NORT-T100 (PC) Timmins Campus
NORT-T103 (KL) Kirkland Lake Campus

Program Description
Computers and network systems are everywhere: in industry, business, vehicles, law enforcement, laboratories and homes. Computer engineering technicians are needed to support them! This program addresses many applications for computers including business analysis, networking and system security. Computer Engineering Technicians maintain software, systems and networks to improve life for society. This program prepares students to write exams for certifications such as Cisco (CCNA), CCNA Security, Networks +, A+ Certification, Server+ and Linux + Certification.

Career Opportunities
Northern College graduates are able to develop and maintain networks, systems and programs for both business and industry. Graduates can expect to find employment in the following fields/positions:

Programmer / Analyst
System / Network Administrator
Telecommunications
Municipalities
Boards/organizations

Contact Information
Hal Akulik
705-235-3211 ext. 2144 | akulickh@northern.on.ca

Admission Requirements
Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)
Grade 12 English (C, U)
Grade 12 Math (C, U)

Or equivalent

Or mature student status (an applicant who does not have a high school diploma or equivalent, and will have reached the age of 19 years on or before the start of the program). Mature students must undergo academic testing prior to admission into a program. Call the Admissions Office at 705-235-7222 for more details. Academic prerequisites for this program may be obtained free of charge through Academic Upgrading.

Semester 1
CM1903 Communications I – Model A
GN1033 Health and Safety
IN1104 IT Essentials I
IN3263 Embedded Programming and Networks
IN3324 Cisco Networking I
MA1100 Mathematics I

Semester 2
CM2903 Communications II – Model A
IN2104 IT Essentials II
IN3045 Intermediate Programming I
IN4324 Cisco Networking II
EE4013 Data Cabling
MA2104 Mathematics II

Semester 3
GN2133 Law and Ethics
IN2105 Markup Languages
IN3193 Database Management
IN3244 Operating Systems I
IN5324 Cisco Networking III
EL1003 Elective I

Semester 4
IN2004 Systems Security
IN4105 Internet Programming
IN4254 Operating Systems II
IN6003 Systems Analysis
IN6324 Cisco Networking IV

Semester 1

CM1903 Communications I – Model A
Communications I is a practical course designed to help strengthen both oral and written skills. Students will be exposed to a variety of learning methods and communication formats. Emphasis will be placed on the use of appropriate structure, writing conventions and style. Students will also develop discipline-specific documents as well as learn the basics of portfolio assembly and presentation.

GN1033 Health and Safety
This course is an introduction to the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations. Topics include the Act and several related regulations. The student will also complete a valid WHMIS certification course during the semester.

IN1104 IT Essentials I
This course presents an in-depth exposure to computer hardware and operating systems. Students learn the functionality of hardware and software components as well as suggested best practices in maintenance, and safety issues. Through hands on activities and labs, students learn how to assemble and configure a computer, install operating systems and software, and troubleshoot hardware and software problems. In addition, chapters on networks and communication skills are included. This course helps students prepare for CompTIA’s A+ certification.

IN3263 Embedded Programming and Networks
The first part of this course introduces the learner to the fundamentals of computer and how they are networked. Topics include a basic overview of computer/network equipment, networking fundamentals and standards, and network design. The second part of the course provides the learner with an introduction to computer programming using embedded systems. Topics covered include syntax, variables, equations, data types, loops, conditional statements, logical statements, and ADC interfacing.

IN3324 Cisco Networking I
A computer network is a collection of interconnected computers and network devices. The network provides a path for the communication of device control information and user data. This course is an introduction to computer networks with an emphasis on Cisco-supported networking technologies. This is the first course in a series of four courses designed to give the student all the material, information and hands-on experience required to write the Cisco CCNA exam. In this first course the student will be introduced to basic electronics, computer and network theory. The course material is delivered through both lecture and hands on lab work.

MA1100 Mathematics I
This course covers basic algebra properties, graphing the straight line, basic geometry and trigonometry, factoring and solving a system of equations algebraically and by determinants.

Semester 2

CM2903 Communications II – Model A
Communications II is a continuation of Communications I and is designed to strengthen practical written and oral presentation skills. Students will apply the appropriate principles and formats to job-related documents and will continue to review grammatical structures and apply editing strategies.

IN2104 IT Essentials II
The goal of this course is to lay a foundation of the basic information required for network operating system administration and other network administration tasks. It is designed to follow the IT Essentials I course to further prepare students to pass the Server+ certification exam. . The course is intended for students who want to pursue a career in information technology or who want to have knowledge about how a computer works, how to administer Windows Server 2008 and Linux Debian Linux Operating Systems, and how to troubleshoot operating system issues. Prerequisite: IN1104 IT Essentials I with a minimum grade level of “C”.

IN3045 Intermediate Programming I
This course covers more advanced programming concepts such as object-oriented programming (OOP), data structures, graphical user interface (GUI) design and event-driven programming. Students will apply these concepts in a series of small to medium sized programming projects. Modularization of code and proper planning and documentation will be emphasized as the students learn to develop increasingly complex applications. Prerequisite: IN1105 Introduction to Programming.

IN4324 Cisco Networking II
This is the second course in a series of four courses designed to give the student all the material, information and hands-on experience required to write the Cisco CCNA exam. CISCO II expands upon the material in CISCO I by covering WAN technologies in more detail. Router hardware, set-up and configuration are covered in depth. IP addressing, routing / routing protocols and network troubleshooting will also be explored. The course material is delivered through both lecture and hands on lab work. Prerequisite: IN3324 – Cisco I with a min. grade level of C.

EE4013 Data Cabling
This course is designed to provide the student with a basic understanding of communication networks, telecommunication cabling, communication standards, and how to properly install and test an F connector and RJ45 jack.

MA2104 Mathematics II
This course is a prerequisite for MI3053, MI6044, MA3033, and MA4013. This course covers exponents and radicals, the quadratic equation, ratio, proportion and variation, exponentials and logarithms, and vector addition by components and by the cosine and sine laws. Prerequisite: MA1100 Mathematics I.

Semester 3

GN2133 Law and Ethics
This course provides a basis for legal and ethical issues of importance to graduates and specifically covers torts, professional liability and contract law. Its goal is to begin preparing the student for professional designations and/or examinations.

IN2105 Markup Languages
This involves the study of markup languages as applied to designing & building Web sites. Students will learn to design and administer an enterprise level Web site and will gain experience in the use of Internet technologies such as X/HTML, CSS, XML and RSS. Students will be introduced to client-side web scripting. Students will learn and apply techniques for professional Web design, maintenance and search engine optimization.

IN3193 Database Management
This course will introduce the student to many features & applications of MS Access 2010. Access terminology, the Access 2010 Window, & the basic characteristics of a database will be followed by topics as creating, querying, maintaining, & presenting a database. Procedures for converting an Excel worksheet to an Access database will be studied.

IN3244 Operating Systems I
This course comprises a study of the software that manages the resources of modern computing systems. Topics include: Debian Linux command line, system administration, application management, system configuration, process and module management, system maintenance and networking. Prerequisite: IN2104 IT Essentials II with a minimum grade level of “C”.

IN5324 Cisco Networking III
This is the third course in a series of four courses designed to give the student all the material, information and hands-on experience required to write the Cisco CCNA exam. CISCO III expands upon the material in CISCO II by covering the OSI model and how routing relates to the models various layers. LAN switching, VLANS and LAN design will also be introduced in this course. More information regarding routing protocols will be studied as well as Access Control Lists (ACLs), and general network management tasks. The course material is delivered through both lecture and hands on lab work. Prerequisite: IN4324 – Cisco II with a min. grade level of C.

EL1003 Elective I
Students may choose a post secondary course from a program they are working towards or a regular General Arts and Science course as an elective. Notes: Students cannot take post-secondary courses which require prerequisites. Certain programs such as, BSc. Nursing, Law Clerk and others, have predetermined electives. A list of eligible elective courses for these programs will be provided by the program coordinator at the beginning of each semester in which an elective is required.

Semester 4

IN2004 Systems Security
This course is an introduction to network security. The following will be covered, methods used to attack or infiltrate computers, network devices and the networks these items are attached to. Software used to determine where vulnerabilities exist, if an attack is taking place or just happened will be discussed. Practical work will include a number of labs that allow the student to apply the theory learned during the discussion of the above mentioned items. Prerequisite: IN5324 – Cisco Networking III with minimum “C” Grade Level.

IN4105 Internet Programming
This course provides a hands-on introduction to web application development. Students will design and implement a series of projects that reflect the current trends in web applications. Sample projects include shopping cart systems, blogs and content management systems. Students will gain experience with web scripting languages and enabling database-driven content.

IN4254 Operating Systems II
This course expands on Operating Systems I by configuring Windows 2000 and Red Hat Linux v8.0 to be both network servers and clients. Installation and configuration of the system utilities required to allow these two operating systems to be able to interconnect on the same LAN will be covered in both lectures and hands on labs. Prerequisite: IN3244 Operating Systems I.

IN6003 Systems Analysis
This course provides an overall examination of systems analysis as it applies to all phases of the Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC). The actual components of these phases, in theory and in practice, are explored in relation to completing assigned projects. The projects will involve the planning, analysis, & design of a system. As an integral part of this course, students will be expected to produce & deliver both oral & written presentations discussing assigned projects. Prerequisite: IN4254 Operating Systems II.

IN6324 Cisco Networking IV
This is the final course in a series of four courses designed to give the student all the material, information and hands-on experience required to write the Cisco CCNA exam. CISCO IV expands upon the material in three previous courses with more in depth information regarding WANs and WAN design. The WAN technologies such as Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP), Integrated Services Digital Network and Frame Relay will be covered in depth. Additional material regarding network management is also offered. Finally, a Network Certification Exam review and CCNA Exam review will be completed. The course material is delivered through both lecture and hands on lab work. Prerequisite: IN5324 – Cisco Networking III with a min. grade level of C.