Students who enjoy hands-on automation and process control will appreciate the strong training and technical foundation provided in the Instrumentation & Control Engineering Technology - Industrial Automation program.
Instrumentation, final control elements and process computer control systems in any manufacturing process environment are broken down into sequential logical steps, analyzed and control is implemented. In industry, measured variables are then monitored
and controlled. Examples of these variables include pressure, flow, temperature, level, motion, force and chemical composition.
Topics of study include signal conditioning, transmitters, analyzers, controllers, control systems, and final control elements such as control valves, dampers, and electric motors. These are components of automated control loops. Typical process industries
that utilize this technology include petrochemical, pharmaceutical, food processing, pulp and paper, automotive, and mining. Alongside the maintenance requirements of these industries there are other career options available including engineering,
sales, and service providers/maintainers.
Students enrolled in this program will train in Lambton College’s newly renovated Centre of Excellence in Energy & Bio-Industrial Technologies. The Centre offers state-of-practice technology laboratories and infrastructure to support learning and research
in next-generation technologies in collaboration with industry. Numerous hands-on laboratories are designed to enable participants to install, configure, calibrate, troubleshoot, and maintain instruments (pneumatic, analog, digital) and control systems
in a variety of industrial-replicated settings.
Graduates of this program are eligible to receive credit for all three levels of Ontario's Instrumentation and Control Technician (447A) in-school apprenticeship training.
This program can be taken in an accelerated format.
Everyday Examples of Instrumentation
Instrumentation and control is used in everyday devices. An example of instrumentation would be the speedometer in your car or the low fuel light. An example of process control would be cruise control. The speed is monitored and controlled by your car's
computer which ultimately asks for more of less drive train power to control your speed.
Instrumentation and control technicians and technologists not only work on physical devices, but they work on software too. Algorithms similar to apps in your phone are used to provide outcomes that are desired to different requirements.
Experiential Learning Opportunities
Students in this program have a co-op. While co-ops are not guaranteed or required, they provide real life interviewing situations and opportunities to meet with industry leaders. There are often research opportunities within the college and capstone
programs that highlights skills that are required in real life situations.
Fall 2023 Delivery Format
Term 1 classes will be delivered in person and students will be required to be on campus for the duration of the term. The 2023 Fall term begins on September 6. Students must be on campus to join in-person classes starting September 6, 2023. No exceptions will be made.
See Course List
Admission Requirements
O.S.S.D. or equivalent with:
- Grade 12 English C or U
- Grade 12 Mathematics C or U
- Grade 11 or 12 Chemistry C or U
-or-
Grade 11 or 12 Physics C or U (both recommended, only one required)
Please Note: Grade 12 Mathematics for College Technology or any Grade 12U mathematics is recommended; Grade 12 Foundations for College Mathematics (MAP4C) minimum final grade is 60%. If the program is highly competitive, students with Grade 12 Mathematics
for College Technology or any Grade 12U mathematics will be given preference. Applicants will be expected to communicate electronically and to use computer applications as required in their programs on a course by course basis.
The admissions process is competitive and meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee admission.
Lambton College reserves the right to alter information including admission requirements and to cancel at any time a program or course; to change the location and/or term in which a program or course is offered; to change the program curriculum as necessary
to meet current competencies or changes in the job market; to change the pathways third-party certification bodies; or to withdraw an offer of admission both prior to and after its acceptance by an applicant or student because of insufficient applications
or registrations or over-acceptance of offers of admission. In the event Lambton College exercises such a right, Lambton College’s sole liability will be the return of monies paid by the applicant or student to Lambton College.
English Language Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate language proficiency by submitting one of the following scores:
- IELTS of 6.5
- TOEFL iBT 79
- Passed Lambton Institute of English placement test
Please Note: IELTS is the only proficiency score accepted by the Study Direct Stream (SDS) program. Additional country-specific requirements may also be applicable.
Meeting the minimum English requirements does not guarantee admission. Students with higher English proficiency scores will receive priority in the admission assessment process.
Technology Requirements
In order to keep pace with the requirements of each and every course in your program, it is mandatory to own a reliable laptop to complete tests and assignments.
Course List
ICS-1302: Fundamentals of Instrumentation I
This is an introductory course in process instrumentation and safety. Topics will include WHIMS and an introduction to industrial hazards, Job Safety Analysis, and Work Permits. Basic instrumentation and control loop concepts, instrument signalling, wiring, and calibration techniques will be studied. Pressure measurement will be covered in greater detail. The reading and interpretation of Process and Instrumentation Diagrams will be addressed. The laboratory component will expose the student to the correct use and operation of calibration devices, pressure sensors and measuring instruments.
MTH-1904: Mathematics for Technology I
This course reviews and develops concepts in algebra, trigonometry, complex numbers, and vectors with technical applications.
ELE-1055: Electric Circuits I
This is an introductory course in electricity consisting of fundamental electric principles together with an analysis of simple electric circuits. Emphasis throughout the course is on problem solving. Laboratory exercises complement the material covered in class.
CHM-1304: Introductory Applied Chemistry
This course introduces the student to chemical aspects relevant to students in the ICET program. It includes a review of fundamental chemical principles including atomic structure and stoichiometry. Based on these foundations, applications of the ideal gas law and electrochemistry are investigated. This course is delivered as three lecture hours per week and an associated two hour biweekly lab. The laboratory portion applies theoretical concepts to a selection of physicochemical processes and allows students to develop skills of careful manipulation and observation.
COM-1013: Critical Thinking and Writing
In this writing course, students respond to current issues and news articles via various styles of paragraphs and essays. Students strive for clarity of message and diplomatic expression of opinion based on fact. Students practice thinking critically and organize and hone their writing to ensure clarity and correctness in their messages. Critical Thinking and Writing lays the foundation for a subsequent research-writing course.
GED-XXX3: General Education Elective
ICS-2303: Fundamentals of Instrumentation II
This course consists of an introduction to some of the fundamentals of process variables such as temperature, pressure, and level measuring instruments. Topics include primary sensing devices, terminology and symbols, and test equipment usage including calibration procedures. The laboratory portion of the course allows the student to become familiar with various types of test equipment, connection of instruments to sense process variation, apply calibration standards, and learn troubleshooting skills.
MTH-2904: Mathematics for Technology II
This course contains elements of algebra, and introduces the concept of functions including graphing. It also introduces differential and integral calculus with basic applications.
ELE-2055: Electric Circuits II
This course is designed to extend the student's knowledge and experience in the areas of DC network theorems and alternating current RC, and LCR networks. Emphasis throughout the course is on problem solving. These concepts are supported and reinforced in the laboratory portion of the course.
PHY-2204: Physics
An introductory course in physics covering mechanics and heat. This course consists of six units of theory and six laboratory assignments. The theory unit topics are measurements; motion; fluids; heat energy; force; and work, energy and power. The laboratory component provides the learners with hands-on experience in exercises, which complement the lecture material.
COM-2043: Communications for Technology
Technical writing differs from most student writing; therefore, it is necessary for students to learn the structure, nuances, and style of technical writing to be successful in completing labs, summaries, and reports. Through research writing and documentation, and through oral presentations, successful students will gain important transferrable skills that provide the basis for technical communication required in their other coursework and the workplace.
GED-XXX3: General Education Elective
ICS-3305: Process Instrumentation I
This is an intermediate level course in Instrumentation for those going into the field of Instrumentation & Control. Students will develop an understanding of Instrumentation terminology, symbology, and elements of Instrument systems. Methods of flow measurement and installation aspects of devices will be covered in detail. Final control elements such as solenoids, electric motors, and control valves will be covered in detail. The laboratory portion of the course allows the student to become familiar with various types of test equipment, connection of instruments to sense process variation, apply calibration standards and learn troubleshooting skills.
STA-1903: Statistics for Technology
This course contains descriptive statistics, basic probability, and regression analysis. The course also includes binomial distribution, normal distribution, Student's t-distribution and F-distribution. The statistical ideas of sampling, confidence intervals, and hypothesis testing are introduced. This course also includes elements statistical process control, and system reliability.
ELE-3505: Electronic Devices and Circuits I
This course, intended for Instrumentation and Control Engineering Technology students, investigates the characteristics, basic circuits, and biasing techniques of semiconductor diodes, transistors, thyristors, and linear integrated circuits. Operational amplifiers are examined and various applications of Op-Amps to instrumentation and control are explored. The student's knowledge and understanding of electric circuits will grow through the use of lectures and labs.
ICS-3204: Introduction to AutoCAD for Instrumentation and Control
This is an introductory course on the use of AutoCAD 2019 Computer Assisted Design and Drafting software. Students learn to access AutoCAD commands for preferences, drawings modifying, dimensioning, applying text and plotting, to produce 2-D drawings. The use of Computer Assisted Design as a drafting and design tool that is used extensively in many industries locally and throughout the world. An individual who learns understands and can apply this program, has little difficulty transferring those skills to other CAD programs. AutoCAD is introduced as a valuable tool that could be used by any technologist, with a focus on electrical, process control and instrumentation.
CHM-2812: Introduction to Industrial Chemical Processes
This course, specifically designed to support students involved in Process Technology and related technology programs, examines the development of industrial complexes, refining and petrochemical and petroleum products, plastics and rubbers (polymers), and the manufacture of ammonia, steel and aluminum. Basic principles of industrial chemistry process units and energy production, with particular focus on nuclear power, are reviewed and applied to typical processes drawn from a variety of industry sectors. This course also includes a brief overview of the general factors which lead to the development of a petrochemical complex, with particular emphasis on the history and subsequent development of the Sarnia-Lambton industrial complex.
JSS-1001: Job Search and Success
This course is designed to give the student an understanding of how to conduct a job search and how to succeed in the work place. This includes self-reflection, effectively designing a cover letter and resume, online job searches utilizing social media, behavioural based interviewing as well as marketing oneself effectively in a job interview. Job safety, successful work strategies and harassment and discrimination plan of action is also discussed.
GED-XXX3: General Education Elective
ICS-4305: Process Instrumentation II
This course is a continuation of ICS-3305. Topics will include: principles of measurement of additional process variables such as weight, density, and humidity; control valve technologies; panel instruments; sizing and application of control valves; instrument air systems; hazardous area classifications; electrical wiring practices and interpretation of loop wiring diagrams; overview of digital communications network structures and protocols; and an introduction to fiber optics technology. A series of laboratory experiments will illustrate the measurement principles, calibration and installation techniques for a variety of sensors and control valves.
ELC-3744: Digital Logic
This course is designed to give technology students a thorough understanding of digital techniques and logic circuits, as applied to Industrial Control Circuits and to Processor Based Control Systems. Theory is presented in a two-hour weekly lecture schedule supported and supplemented by a two-hour weekly laboratory, which is designed to reinforce the lecture materials. The foundation of the course begins with a study of digital logic gates and functions and expands to include combinational and sequential logic, culminating with a study of the architecture and functioning of microprocessor based systems such as computers, programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and industrial control systems.
ICS-5305: Process Control Systems
This course consists of an introduction to process control and control systems. Topics include process characteristics, Proportional-Integral-Derivative(PID) modes of control, On/Off control, PID tuning, batch/continuous control, multivariable control and non-linear control. Applications are presented in each case. The laboratory portion of the course allows the student to operate many types of single loop and multi-loop control systems, with the primary emphasis on controller tuning.
ELE-3155: Electrical Systems and Control
This course is designed to extend the student's knowledge and experience into the areas of single-phase and balanced three-phase alternating current systems. The terminal properties of AC and DC motors, generators and transformers are thoroughly investigated, and the student is introduced to the control strategies and devices most commonly used with these machines. Emphasis throughout the course is on problem solving. These concepts are supported and reinforced in the laboratory portion of the course.
MTH-3903: Mathematics for Technology III
This course is a continuation of differential and integral calculus, including trigonometric, logarithmic and exponential functions. The course also contains partial differentiation, methods of integration, and advanced applications of derivatives and integrals.
CPL-1049: Co-op Work Term I - Four Months
Co-operative education provides students with the opportunity to apply classroom learning to the workplace, undertake career sampling and gain valuable work experience that may assist students in leveraging employment after graduation. For further information regarding co-op, please refer to: https://www.lambtoncollege.ca/co-op_and_career/
CPL-2049: Co-op Work Term II - Four Months
Co-operative education provides students with the opportunity to apply classroom learning to the workplace, undertake career sampling and gain valuable work experience that may assist students in leveraging employment after graduation. For further information regarding co-op, please refer to: https://www.lambtoncollege.ca/co-op_and_career/
ICS-6405: Process Analyzer Systems
This course is a study of industrial, continuous operation process stream analyzers that measure process conditions directly. The course focuses on analyzer theory of operation, application, installation, programming and calibration of on-line analyzers. Analyzers studied include gas chromatographs, pH, electrolytic conductivity, IR, oxygen, gas detectors as well as process stream sample systems. These analyzers monitor feedstock and product composition and quality, give insight into process efficiency, and are often the first line of defence for worker health and safety and environmental protection. This course will also give insight into their use for closed loop process control.
MTH-4903: Mathematics for Technology IV
This course contains the analysis and applications of arithmetic, geometric, and power (Maclaurin and Taylor) series as well as the construction and application of trigonometric (Fourier) series. Methods of solving first and second order differential equations are introduced, including the use of Laplace transform.
ICS-5354: Programmable Logic Control
An integrated lecture/laboratory course where learners are introduced to the fundamentals of programmable logic control design. Applications of programmable logic controllers are stressed. This course will allow the learner to study control systems which use discrete components and continuous/analog systems operated in well defined sequential steps to bring about a desired result. Using the unique control features afforded by PLC's, and by judicious application of PLC fundamentals, the learner will also demonstrate an ability to bring process systems under control.
ICS-5703: Systems Automation
This course is an introduction to automation systems and robotics technology. Canada's robotics safety code will be examined and interpreted. Automation hardware components such as industrial robotic arms, tooling, controllers, teach pendants, industrial sensors, vision systems, conveyors and safety systems will be utilized. The programming of industrial robots to efficiently accomplish assignment objectives is an integral part of the course. Hands on lab exercises will permit students to illustrate their knowledge and competency in achieving a reliable solution to various automation objectives.
ICS-6233: Process Instrumentation Project Management and Documentation
The course deals with the instrumentation and process automation project design, sizing, calculations, documentation and selection of instruments, within the scope of applicable codes, standards and regulations. An instrumentation design and implementation is prepared for realistic equipment normally used in many processes. Course activities include design and documentation of complete instrument loops with additional focus on control valves, orifice plates, pressure relief valves and many other types of instrumentation for flow, pressure, level etc. Cost estimating, purchasing of equipment and project management are an intricate part of this course. Students will utilize CAD systems and other software as required. The course enriches student experience and integration of knowledge and skills learned from other courses in the instrumentation and control program curriculum.
CPL-3049: Co-op Work Term III - Four Months
Co-operative education provides students with the opportunity to apply classroom learning to the workplace, undertake career sampling and gain valuable work experience that may assist students in leveraging employment after graduation. For further information regarding co-op, please refer to: https://www.lambtoncollege.ca/co-op_and_career/
ICS-6715: Control System Architecture and Data Communication
This course is an introduction to industrial process control systems, hardware architecture, and industrial data communications. Techniques and tools utilized for troubleshooting process control loop problems, and data communication systems are examined. The need for Instrumented Safety Systems is investigated and various system architectures are examined and evaluated using traditional qualitative and quantitative analysis techniques. Laboratory exercise involve the programming of traditional operator interfaces, implementing, integrating, and troubleshooting industrial communication systems, safety instrumented systems, and processes.
ELE-6154: Electrical Systems and Controls II
This is an introductory course in the study of electric power generation, transmission, distribution and utilization as it applies in industrial, commercial and residential settings. Students will learn about single-phase and three-phase systems, emphasizing the study of voltage drops and fault current analysis leading to calculation of cable and conductor sizing and specification of coordinated protective device systems. This is a hybrid course which combines weekly two-hour lectures with two-hour labs. The lab sessions support and reinforce the lectures and are conducted in a dedicated lab which includes an integrated voltage, current and power monitoring system with a data acquisition and display system. The students will extend their knowledge through additional on-line learning assignments.
ICS-6309: Advanced Process Control
This course is a continuation of ICS5306. Students will study advanced aspects of process control including: use of distributed control systems; feedforward control; multi-loop control; process control applications for chemical process unit operations such as distillation, steam generation (boiler) etc. The laboratory component will require students to design and configure control systems using the distributed control systems located in the college's pilot plant facilities.
ICS-6204: Instrumentation and Control Capstone Project
A capstone course provides an opportunity for students to demonstrate all that has been learned during their studies and co-op work experience. Capstone experiences are superior examples of engagement through the integration of learning, knowledge, and application. This course provide the opportunity, space and resources for the instrumentation and control engineering technology students to innovate and create engineering projects that address today's automation and manufacturing challenges. Student will develop ideas into workable engineering projects, create a project statement of work that identify deliverables, needed resources, and milestones. In addition, they will provide complete design concepts with the appropriate documentation; flow diagram, instrument loops, technical drawings, installation procedures and operational manuals. Students will learn to work within the scope of the applicable codes and standards needed to implement a functional engineering system.
Program Maps
Students are required to follow their prescribed program map and are not allowed to take unscheduled breaks for any reason.
Current Students
Current students can view program maps from previous years on the mylambton website.
You will need to login with your C# and password in order to access your program map.
Employment Opportunities
Our graduates find employment in a wide variety of areas in the instrumentation and control field. Technologist opportunities for employment exist in the chemical, petroleum refining, food processing, automotive manufacturing, steel production, and pulp and paper industries. Typical positions include: process analyzer specialist, instrument designer, control systems technologist, instrument technologist, instrument technician, and process control.