Instrumentation & Control Engineering Technician - Industrial Automation

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

General Education Elective

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

General Education Elective

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.