Instrumentation & Control Engineering Technician - Industrial Automation

ICTN
City: Sarnia
Two-Year Ontario College Diploma
Sep Suspended

Overview

Mesh your hands-on skills and your love for technology and discover the limitless opportunities within the field of automation and instrumentation.

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

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)

Grade 12 Mathematics Requirement

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.


Mature Student Assessment for this program is available in the subject of English for the purpose of demonstrating proficiency in this required admission subject. For all other admission requirements, applicants must complete the required course(s) as listed above. For more information, please contact counselling@lambtoncollege.ca. Review the Mature Student Admission process.

Academic admission requirements can be obtained through Academic Upgrading and the Pre-Technology & Trades (PTEC) program at Lambton College.

Women in Technology & Trades

Female students, alumni, staff, and faculty of the technology and trades programs at Lambton College meet once a month to:

  • Network and support each other
  • Share experiences
  • Build a sense of community

Each year, the group attends a final retreat at Camp Ak-O-Mak. Learn more by emailing Nikki Noble or Erin Soeder.

Women standing from a sign posing for photo outside.

Costs

  • Year 1 $4,045.93
  • Year 2 $3,965.54

Please Note: These fees apply to the 2023-2024 academic year and are subject to change. Fees do not include books (unless specifically noted), supplies or living costs.

Additional Fees

  • Lab Coat
    $40.00
  • Calculator
    $40.00
  • Safety Shoes
    $150.00
  • Safety Glasses
    $20.00

Technology Requirements

In order to keep pace with the requirements of each and every course in your program, Lambton College requires that each student have access to a laptop while studying at our college.

Labs & Equipment

Courses

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 & Writing

In this writing course, students respond to current issues and news articles via various styles of paragraphs and essays. Students practice thinking critically and organize and hone their writing to ensure clarity and correctness in their messages. Students explore different perspectives, and through synthesis, analysis, and response, strive for clarity of message and diplomatic expression of opinion based on fact. One of the pillars of Lambton College is a commitment to sustainability and equity, diversity, and inclusion, including Indigenization of the curriculum; where appropriate, readings in this course will reflect this commitment. 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 II

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 & 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 & 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 & Success

This course provides student with skills and knowledge to help support their career search and succeed in the workplace. Students align their personal skill set and goals to guide them on their career paths. They will learn how to effectively conduct a job search, build a professional and well-tailored resume and cover letter, and develop and practice interview techniques. Students will also develop their personal brand to help support effective career networking and aid in their job search. Teamwork and collaboration in the workplace are also discussed. Self-reflection is used to inspire insight and support their professional career journey.

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 & 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.

Loading...

Have Questions?

If you have any questions about this program, the application process, or anything about studying at Lambton College, reach out to us.

* Indicates Required Field

How would you like to receive information?
I consent to the Lambton College Marketing & Recruitment team sending me electronic messages.

Contact

Program Information

1-844-LAMBTON

Applied Science, Engineering Technology & Trades

After Graduation

Employment Opportunities

ICECT students in industrial lab posing for photo.

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.

Pathways

Transfer to Programs outside of Ontario

Atlantic Technological University - Ireland

More Information

Technology Requirements

It is recommended that students purchase a laptop with a Windows operating system.

Internet Speed Requirements

For best performance for students learning remotely, an internet connection with a minimum of 40 Mbps download and 10 Mbps upload speed is recommended in order to effectively use video conferencing and remote lecture delivery software as well as, other online resources remotely. Due to the large area over which students may be dispersed, we are unable to recommend a specific provider, so you will need to inquire around your area to find one that best suits your needs.

Minimum Laptop Requirements

In order to access the internet and virtually-delivered software and courseware, student laptops should include the following at a minimum. By meeting the following specifications, students will be equipped to access software and courseware on their laptop through the internet:

  • Intel i3 Processor or equivalent
  • 4 GB of RAM or more
  • 100 GB HDD or more
  • HD Graphics
  • Webcam with a microphone
  • Wireless 802.11n/ac 5ghz capable
  • Windows Operating System (Windows 10)

Software

To ensure students are getting the most our of their classroom experience, some software will be required.

Lambton College has made this software easily accessible online. Students can leverage our Microsoft Office 365 software packages and services. In addition, much of the software you require for your courses will be available on demand for use on any device - on or off campus.