Computer Programmer
CIP Code: 11.0201
Overview
Shape the solutions of today and tomorrow in the field of computer programming. Discover a career in almost any industry with the widespread use of information technology.
The Computer Programmer, two-year diploma program with an optional co-op term, offers students the opportunity to study current trends in software development. This intensive program concludes with a work term for eligible students.
Web technology topics include HTML5, CSS5, JavaScript, jQuery, Bootstrap, React and others to develop user interfaces. Students work with server-side programming languages including Microsoft C#.NET, Python and Java. In the database components, students perform all aspects of database design and work with SQL/NOSQL on several database management systems (DBMS). Students demonstrate their knowledge and skills by developing solutions to real world, three tiered (client, server, database) problems.
Major coursework is assigned as term projects that span entire terms allowing students to actively engage in the evaluation, design and implementation of real world software applications. As a result, student develop deep content knowledge as well as critical thinking, collaboration, creativity and communication skills.
In addition, general education, business, math and communication courses help students expand their organizational, critical thinking and communication skills.
The widespread use of computer technology in all industries, from manufacturing, transportation, construction, education, health and financial institutions means that computer programmers are the key people shaping the solutions of today and tomorrow.
Admission Requirements
O.S.S.D. or equivalent with a minimum grade of 60% in the following:
- Grade 12 English C or U
- Grade 11 or 12 Mathematics C or U
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 a program or course at any time; to change the program curriculum as necessary to meet current competencies or changes in the job market; to change the pathways to 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
- IELTS of 6.0
-or-
IELTS of 5.5 + Completion of EAP-3106 (English for Academic Purposes) during the first term of study
- or -
- TOEFL iBT 69
-or-
ITOEFL 60 + Completion of EAP-3106 (English for Academic Purposes) during the first term of study
- or -
- Passed Lambton Institute of English placement test
Meeting the minimum English requirements does not guarantee admission. Students with higher English proficiency scores will receive priority in the admission assessment process. Not all students will qualify for EAP-3106 in place of the required IELTS or TOEFL test scores.
Costs
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.
Courses
Front-End Web Development I
Through a blend of theoretical concepts and practical applications, students master the creation of dynamic and engaging websites. Using a hands-on approach, students integrate modern web technologies to (1) design and implement well-structured and semantically meaningful web pages using HTML; (2) implement Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) to enhance the visual appeal of web pages, including techniques for layout, formatting, and responsive design; (3) incorporate JavaScript that adds interactivity, dynamic content, and functionality to web pages; and (4) design and publish a comprehensive and fully functional website.
Problem Solving & Program Logic
Programming logic and problem solving - without these foundational skills, software development knowledge may be quickly lost. 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.
Python Programming
This course uses the Python programming language to reinforce 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.
Database Design & 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), normalization, and relational data models; (2) use Data Definition Language (DDL) to create and alter database objects and implement database constraints; (3) use Data Manipulation Language (DML) to add, delete, and modify data in database tables; (4) develop single-table and multiple-table database queries; (5) implement views and indexes; and (6) prepare technical documentation for a database project. As a term project, students design and implement a multiple-table database based on typical business requirements.
Workplace Communications Application & Analysis
In today's management and administration workplace, having strong computer skills is essential. This course provides students with resources and guidance to develop skills in Microsoft Office applications, focusing on three key areas: Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. While learning about these programs, students develop skills in time management, accountability, and their ability to follow direction.
Front-End Development II
As a continuation of CSD 1103, Front-End Web Development I, this course prepares students with the essential knowledge and hands-on skills needed to create dynamic and interactive web applications using JavaScript. Students (1) implement core programming concepts including variables, data types, operators, functions, conditional statements, loops, and arrays to build the logic and structure of JavaScript programs; (2) debug and troubleshoot JavaScript code using browser developer tools and structured error handling methods; (3) manipulate and interact with the Document Object Model (DOM), validate forms, utilize event handling, and apply object-oriented programming principles, including working with objects and classes; and (4) develop event-driven web applications using APIs, AJAX, and jQuery.
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.
Programming Java 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.
Database Programming
A comprehensive journey into SQL and PL/SQL database programming within the dynamic Oracle database environment. Using a hands-on approach, students (1) create robust PL/SQL blocks that incorporate program control structures, embedded SQL statements, powerful cursors for data manipulation, and exception handling routines; (2) leverage the power of stored procedures and functions to design efficient, reusable code that scales easily in database development; (3) create packages that encapsulate and organize related PL/SQL objects, fostering modularity, scalability, and maintainability in database projects; (4) create database triggers that automate database actions and enforce data integrity constraints, ensuring database reliability and consistency. This course, combined with added study materials, prepares students for the Oracle PL/SQL certification exam.
General Mathematics I
This general course in mathematics reviews and enhances topics in arithmetic, algebra, linear graphs, measurement, and statistics. A problem solving approach is used throughout the course, and there are many practical applications.
Workplace Communications
In this course, students write and speak in response to realistic workplace scenarios to build practical communication skills. They produce, revise, and edit written communication geared to the workplace and practice the oral communication and effective listening skills that will help them succeed in professional environments.
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.
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.
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.
DevOps Tools & 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.
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
Introduction to Project Management
Project management has become essential to the operations of modern organizations. This course will allow students to gain the fundamental knowledge in managing IT projects and learn to solve real-world problems using both predictive and adaptive approaches, industry best practices, cutting-edge tools, and software. Students will prepare for the Project Management Institute (PMI) exams to achieve a Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) certification, setting a strong foundation for a career in Project Management.
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.
Cloud Computing
Traditionally, software applications were deployed on physical servers owned and maintained by the organization developing the software; however, over the past decades, 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.
General Education Elective (Select 2)
Work Term - Full-Time
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.
Contact
Centre for Global Engagement
LAMBTON COLLEGE SARNIA
1457 London Road
Sarnia ON N7S 6K4
After Graduation
Employment Opportunities
A wide variety of rewarding career opportunities that are dynamic and challenging, offering a competitive rate of compensation are available to graduates. Courses prepare graduates for careers as computer programmers, software developers, web developers, programmer analysts, application developers, systems analyst, information system specialist, client/server applications developers, systems programmers, and application support analysts. Graduates acquire sufficient foundation to allow them to advance in a variety of career paths appropriate to their interests and abilities.
Co-op
About Co-op
Students in this program have the opportunity to gain valuable work experience by applying classroom learning during co-op experiences.
Learn more about co-op terms and the roles and responsibilities of students and co-op advisors.
More Information
Technology Requirements
It is recommended that you use a Windows laptop for your coursework. While other devices like MacBooks or Chromebooks might work for some tasks, they may not support all the software required for your program. If you're unsure, check with your professors before buying.
Internet Speed Requirements
To get the best experience while learning online, we recommend having an internet connection with at least 40 Mbps download speed and 10 Mbps upload speed. This will help you use video calls, attend online lectures, and access other learning tools smoothly.
Because students live in many different areas, we can't suggest a specific internet provider. You'll need to check with local companies to find one that works best for you.
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 i5 8th Gen Processor or equivalent
- 8GB of RAM
- 100 GB HDD or more
- Webcam with a microphone
- Wi-Fi capable (802.11n/ac 5GHz)
- Windows 11 operating system
Mobile Device
Students will require a mobile device (smartphone) for:
- Accessing your digital student ID
- Using campus applications and services
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.