With the increase in use of automated equipment across all major industry sectors, the need for qualified instrumentation and control engineering technicians is evident.
The Instrumentation & Control Engineering Technician program provides the necessary training and technical hands-on skills to operate and maintain control systems field instruments that incorporate digital, pneumatic and hydraulic processes. Instruments are used in the industry to measure and transmit signals to control the quality of products in oil and gas, petrochemical, pharmaceutical, food processing, and manufacturing plants. They are also used in controlling environmental conditions in a variety of industrial and commercial buildings.
Within the program, students will acquire the technical skills and knowledge to carry out maintenance, troubleshooting, configure, calibrate and maintain measurement and indicating instrumentation (pneumatic, analog, digital, etc.) in a variety of replicated industrial settings.
Students will enhance their in-class training through hands-on learning in Lambton College’s Centre of Excellence in Energy & Bio-Industrial Technologies which contains complex lab and pilot plant facilities. This Centre replicates a real-life manufacturing environment and the technologies developed can easily be scaled-up and transferred to an actual operating unit.
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.
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.
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.
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 as instrument technician trainees and are involved with the installation, maintenance and repair of pneumatic and electronic instrumentation. Opportunities for employment as an instrument technician exist in the following
industries: chemical, petroleum refining, food processing, auto manufacturing, steel production, and pulp and paper.