Program Information

The Computer Software & Database Development program is an Ontario College Graduate Certificate that offers students the opportunity to study the most current trends in software development. This intensive, two-year program concludes with a work term for eligible students. Read more about the 7-1-7 delivery model.

Software development includes three tiers - user interface, business logic, and database. Full Stack Software Developers have experience in front-end web development that includes the user interface (UI) for browsers and mobile devices and back-end development that includes developing software containing the business logic that accesses databases. Simply, full stack developers have an understanding of the presentation tier, business logic tier, and data tier of software development.

Front-end languages and technologies include HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, jQuery, Bootstrap, React and others to develop user interfaces. Back-end development includes the business logic and database layers. The business logic uses server-side programming languages and frameworks such as Java, C# .NET, Python, Node.js and others. The database layer includes SQL and NoSQL database management systems (DBMS), such as Oracle, DB2, MySQL, and MongoDB. Additionally, DevOps tools such as Git, GItHub, Integrated Development Environments (IDEs), and Continuous Integration and Continuous Delivery (CI/CD) pipelines are essential to build and release high quality software in a time efficient manner.

Students demonstrate their knowledge and skills by developing solutions to real world three-tier (client, server, and database) problems. Major term projects are assigned that span entire terms allowing students to actively engage in the evaluation, design, and implementation of real world software applications. As a result, students develop deep content knowledge as well as critical thinking, collaboration, creativity and communications skills.

The widespread use of computer technology in all industries, from manufacturing, transportation, construction, education, health and financial institutions means that full stack software developers are the key people shaping the solutions of today and tomorrow. Graduates use their problem solving and critical thinking skills to analyze business and industry requirements and design, develop and implement real life, database driven, enterprise web applications.

See Course List

Admission Requirements

A university degree in the information technology field.


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

CSD-1103: Front End Web Development I

Students integrate modern web technologies to (1) create web pages using HTML; (2) implement Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) to format web pages; and (3) design and publish a website. As a term project, students complete all phases of website development and publish their website to an IBM cloud server.

CSD-1133: Problem Solving/Problem Logic

Programming logic and problem solving - without them, software development skills are learned but soon forgotten. A language-independent approach introduces students to various components common to all programming languages without assuming any previous programming experience. Students (1) design, test, and debug programs using a top-down modernized approach; (2) control the flow of a program with decision and repetitive structures and functions; (3) implement array processing; and (4) develop programs that process data from files including control break processing. Students develop software solutions using pseudocode and flowchart software tools with an emphasis on problem solving and structured programming techniques.

CSD-1233: Python Programming

This course uses the Python programming language to reinforced programming logic and problem solving skills taught in CSD 1133, Problem Solving/Program Logic. Students implement Python programs to (1) design, test, and debug programs using a top-down modernized approach; (2) control the flow of a program with decision and repetitive structures and functions; (3) implement array processing; and (4) develop programs that process data from files including control break processing.

CSD-2206: Database Design and SQL

An introduction to relational database design and Structured Query Language (SQL). Students (1) analyze user requirements and construct data models using entity-relationship diagrams (ERD); (2) use Data Definition Language (DDL) to create and modify the structure of database objects; (3) use Data Manipulation Language (DML) to add, delete, and modify data in a database; (4) prepare technical documentation for a database project; (5) develop single-table and multiple-table database queries; (6) implement views and indexes; and (7) develop three-tier database applications using the MVC architecture that employs multiple-table views. As a term project, students design and implement a multiple-table database based on typical business requirements.

CSD-3423: Introduction to Project Management

This course provides a fundamental knowledge to manage people, workflows, and costs in project management. Students (1) analyze the project management landscape; (2) apply the project management knowledge areas, process groups, and traditional methods to IT projects; (3) apply agile methods to IT projects; and (4) use project management software to conduct project analysis, develop reports, and manage changes to IT projects. The group assignment and term project provides students an opportunity to incorporate and apply project management skills to solve real-world problems.

CSD-2103: Front End Development II

As a continuation of Front-End Web Development I, JavaScript and jQuery are introduced. Students (1) implement JavaScript and jQuery to enrich the user experience; (2) employ AJAX to allow server-side requests to exchange data with a Web server; (3) employ JSON as an over-the-network data format; and (4) implement APIs from popular websites to enhance a web page. Students add to their term project from Front-End Web Development I by designing and implementing MVC applications that includes client-side, server-side, and database processing.

CSD-2354: Programming C# .NET

The C# programming language is introduced. Students (1) create, test, and debug programs using a top-down modernized approach; (2) implement decision and repetitive structures and functions to control program flow; (3) formulate object-oriented designs using classes, instance variables and methods and constructors; (4) evaluate, create and analyze objects including strings and arrays. Microsoft Visual Studio is used for program development.

CSD-3464: Programming Jave SE

Various components of the Java object-oriented programming language are introduced. Students (1) develop solutions using data types, I/O, and control structures; (2) use arrays and collections to store and work with single and multidimensional data; (3) create programs that adhere to the object-oriented paradigm; and (4) build standalone GUI applications that interface with a database.

CSD-4203: Database Programming

Students explore SQL and PL/SQL database programming as it relates to the Oracle database environment. Students (1) create PL/SQL blocks that include program control structures, embedded SQL, cursors, and exception handling; (2) create stored procedures and functions; (3) create packages; and (3) implement database triggers. Oracle Application Express (APEX) is used for PL/SQL development. Concepts relating to the Oracle PL/SQL certification exam have been incorporated into this course for those students wishing to pursue certification.

CSD-4523: Python II

This course is a continuation of Python programming. Students (1) develop applications using Object-Oriented Python; (2) access databases with Python; and (3) use Python libraries and frameworks.

CPS-1001: Co-op Preparation and Success

This course provides students with an introduction to work-integrated learning paths (Co-op and WIL Project) and assists with the preparation for successful transitioning from the classroom to the professional workplace. Students are introduced to the services and support systems available through the Co-op and Career Services Department as well as the Work Integrated Learning Policy. The process of career planning and development is introduced with a focus on the design of preliminary job search strategies. Emphasis is placed on valuable self-assessment and reflection that allows for skills discovery and personal development. Topics including teamwork, interpersonal expectations, intercultural communication as well as navigating conflict in the workplace are introduced to assist in the development and enhancement of in-demand soft skills. Learners will develop marketing materials including a cover letter and resume, and practice interview techniques.

Academic Break

CSD-3103: Full Stack JavaScript

As a continuation of Web Technologies II, students design and implement component-based web applications using JavaScript and JavaScript frameworks. This course introduces students to the MERN (MongoDB, Express, React, Node) web stack. Students (1) develop software using modern JavaScript standards (ES6+); (2) develop web applications that maintain a NoSQL database; (3) implement applications adhering to the microservice architectural pattern by developing web API endpoints, and (4) develop applications that run on a variety of computing platforms. Students add to their term project in Web Technologies II by designing and implementing component-based applications that include client-side, server-side, and database processing.

CSD-3354: Web Applications Using C#.NET

The C# programming language is expanded upon and ASP.NET is introduced. Students (1) implement web applications that follow the MVC architecture pattern by leveraging the ASP.NET MVC framework; (2) build web applications that interface with databases through the use of Entity Framework; (3) manage project dependencies with NuGet package manager; and (4) test applications with unit tests.

CSD-4464: Programming Java EE

As a continuation of Programming Java SE, students (1) manage databases using Java; (2) build two- and three-tier client-server applications; and (3) refine industry-standard coding practices. Students build a complete Web-based application that incorporates three-tier development including client-side, server-side, and database processing.

CSD-4503: DevOps: Tools and Practices

Modern software development is done with a high degree of velocity, often with software changes being released multiple times daily or weekly. This course introduces students to industry-standard tools and techniques that help manage the development and release of such software using Agile methodologies and DevOps principles. Students (1) evaluate technical and business background details related to DevOps;(2) evaluate Cloud platforms as a deployment option for applications; (3) evaluate responsibilities of operations teams and get familiar with their day-to-day operations;(4) evaluate CI/CD pipelines and their components and discuss micro-service architecture;(5) evaluate containers and containerization as the most up-to-date application delivery method. Throughout the term, students work in teams on a term project, to develop and deploy software with evolving requirements. Students will document these changes based on Software Requirement Specification standards.

CSD-4553: Cloud Computing

Traditionally, software applications were deployed on physical servers owned and maintained by the organization developing the software; however, over the past decade, there has been a shift from companies of all sizes towards leveraging cloud computing platforms over in-house servers due to a variety of economic and technical reasons. In this course students will (1) evaluate technical and fundamentals topics of cloud computing, (2) analyze various methods for cloud management, (3) evaluate cloud platform solutions including infrastructure as a service (IaaS) to install and configure virtual resources on the cloud platforms, (4) evaluate storage provisioning, networking, testing and deploying cloud technologies, (5) discuss cloud computing standards, security, the business in cloud computing and methods of planning for cloud integration, and last but not least, (6) discuss cloud deployment options and cloud DevOps.

CPS-2001: Co-op Preparation and Success

This course enhances the foundational concepts learned to effectively engage in an active job search, develop networking strategies, and fine-tuning a cover letter, resume and interviewing techniques. As learners embark on the transition from student to professional employee, the course introduces learners to and supports them in demonstrating key employability skills to be successful in their work-integrated learning experience. Topics include professional and interpersonal expectations and competencies in the workplace, as well as workplace communications skills for success. Students will develop a strong foundation for career planning decisions with an emphasis placed on investigating and analyzing personality self-assessments, career goals and planning.

CPL-1049: Co-op Work Term *

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/

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CPL-5559: WIL Project

Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Project is aimed at enriching students by connecting different program areas of study, cutting across subject-matter lines, and emphasizing unifying concepts. The focus of the WIL Project is to make connections between study and industry by engaging students in relevant and meaningful activities that are connected to and practiced within the professional workplace. WIL Project allows students to enhance and strengthen their employability prospects post-graduation by fine tuning skills and knowledge and meeting the expectations of today's employers. Students are required to attend the scheduled shifts in the WIL office, reporting to the WIL Supervisor. Weekly real-world challenges are presented in the WIL office, designed by industry professionals. In addition to the weekly assigned deliverables, students are also offered professional development sessions, and exposed to industry guest speakers, enhancing their opportunity to develop their professional network.

*In order to be eligible to participate in a full-time Co-op Work Term (CPL-1049) students must have a GPA of 2.8 or greater.

Failing to do so will require the students to enroll in CPL-5559 WIL Project at an additional cost to the student.

See the Costs tab for current fees.

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

Graduates may expect a wide variety of rewarding career opportunities that are dynamic and challenging while offering a competitive rate of compensation. Courses in the program are part of the rapidly emerging technologies that prepare graduates for careers such as computer programmer, software developer, programmer analyst, mobile application developer, information systems specialist, web developer, client/server applications developer and support specialist. Graduates acquire sufficient foundation to advance in a variety of career paths appropriate to their interests and abilities.

For information about post-graduate work eligibility for international students, please review the Post-Graduate Work Permit Program information.

For more information, please contact the appropriate campus:

Sarnia/Main Campus
international@lambtoncollege.ca
Toronto
416-485-2098
lambton@cestarcollege.com
Mississauga
905-890-7833 x 222
lambton@queenscollege.ca
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