Computer Engineering Technology

Program Description

Seneca’s Computer Engineering Technology program provides you with a sound inter– disciplinary foundation in electronics and communications systems, as well as computer hardware, software and programming, and networking. The School of ECET incorporates curriculum and content from a number of widely–recognized companies and organizations, including CompTIA (A+ and Network+) and CISCO (the School is a recognized CISCO Academy). In addition, ECET supports strong ties with major companies in Information and Engineering Technology, including Microsoft, Redhat, Rogers, Altera, and Agilent. These linkages are critical to providing pathways for you to gain exposure to current practices in Computer Engineering Technology, and also offer opportunities that can lead to key industry certifications such as CCNA, A+, Network+, and MCSE. In addition, option subjects in upper semesters allow you to specialize in your career field of interest, with courses which address current industry trends. As a graduate, your knowledge of both relevant equipment and its use will enhance your career opportunities in the computer and information processing fields.

Program Learning Outcomes:

This Seneca College program meets the system-wide standards as set by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities.

As a graduate, you will be prepared to reliably demonstrate the ability to:

• Diagnose, solve, troubleshoot, and document technical problems involving computing devices using appropriate methodologies.
• Integrate multiple software and hardware components using appropriate network architecture.
• Participate in analyzing, planning, designing, and developing the architecture of computing devices and systems.
• Plan, install, configure, modify, test, and maintain a variety of computer systems to meet functional requirements.
• Apply principles of digital and analog circuits to the implementation of embedded computing devices.
• Analyze, build, test, implement, and maintain applications.
• Evaluate and document security issues associated with a variety of computing devices and propose alternatives to increase product reliability.
• Articulate, defend, and conform to workplace expectations found in technology environments.
• Contribute to the successful completion of the project applying the project management principles in use.

Essential Employability Skills:

Graduates of this program are also expected to demonstrate the essential employability skills learning outcomes as outlined on the Ministry of Training, College and Universities website.

Admission Requirements

Program Eligibility:

• Ontario Secondary School Diploma with a majority of senior credits at the College Preparation (C), University Preparation (U) or University/College Preparation (M) level or Mature Student Status (age 19 or older)
• Grade 12 English: ENG4(C) or ENG4(U)
• Grade 12 Mathematics*: MCT4(C) Mathematics for College Technology (recommended grade 60% or over) or Grade 12 (U) Mathematics, MHF4(U) (Advanced Functions) or MCV4(U) (Calculus and Vectors)

Applicant Selection:

• Applicant grades in pre–requisite subjects (or their equivalents) may be used as a basis for the selection of candidates.

* Seneca may also consider applicants with good grades in MAP4(C) (80% or over recommended) or MCR3(U) (70% or over). Students with grades lower than these recommended benchmarks and who test below the appropriate level in the skills assessment can expect to be placed into a preparatory mathematics course or will be counselled to enroll in the Applied Science and Technology Fundamentals Certificate Program.

Note: All applicants who are offered admission to programs in the Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering Technology will have an English and Mathematics skills assessment. The assessments are used for academic placement in English and Mathematics courses that are appropriate to the student’s skill level. In the event a preparatory course is required before enrolling in the standard first semester English or Mathematics, students will automatically be timetabled into the appropriate preparatory course.

Graduates of the Seneca College two–year Electronics Engineering Technician program, with a minimum grade point average of 2.8, will be required to take additional credit subjects in order to make the transition to the three–year Computer Engineering Technology program. For specific credit requirements, please refer to the Computer Engineering Technology program description on our website, or seek advice from a program co–ordinator. It is recommended that Technician students considering such a transition investigate current requirements prior to the end of their first year in the Technician program.

The Importance of Learning Skills:

Student success in college requires well developed learning skills (such as being able to work independently, participate in a team, be well–organized, develop good work habits, and show initiative). These skills are as important as prior academic achievement. While it is expected that applicants would have developed these skills through previous education and life experiences, Seneca offers support to assist students with further development of these important skills. Seminars, workshops and tutoring are available at Seneca's Learning Centres.

Fees

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Your Career

The six–semester Computer Engineering Technology advanced diploma program prepares you for a successful career in the computer and information processing fields. After graduation, you may pursue a career in computer and computer network design, installation, and support. Specific roles include: programmer, network analyst and/or network installer, systems analyst, network designer, software specialist, product development or in– process control technologist support. You’ll find employment opportunities in both small and large organizations serving many sectors.

Areas of Study

Mathematics provides a basis for the study of electronics, data communications, and digital signaling. You’ll gain extensive training in programming, including structured programming techniques using, C and C++, Assembler, Visual Basic, and Java. In addition, you’ll study the Microsoft family of operating systems (from DOS to Windows 7) in addition to UNIX, LINUX, and AS400. PC hardware assembly and trouble-shooting, as well as computer network design, installation, and support, including CISCO router implementation, are addressed.

Common First Year

In the School of Information and Communications Technology, all electronics and computer engineering diploma programs (ECT, ELCB, ELCC, ELCM, ELM, ELN) have the first two semesters in common, facilitating easy transfer between programs before second year.

FAST TRACK into Semester 3

If you already have a post–secondary education in Electronics Engineering, Computer Engineering, or directly related technology disciplines, you may qualify to FAST TRACK your studies and be given direct entry into the second year of this program. The granting of credits beyond semester two is possible in exceptional cases. FAST TRACK entry may, at the discretion of the department, be offered to partially qualified candidates, in conjunction with requirements to complete additional subjects from semesters one or two.

Co-operative Education Option

All Computer Engineering Technology students who meet the requirements are eligible to apply for co–operative education work–terms. Students may apply to co–op as early as semester two. After completion of the third academic semester, you'll have the opportunity to begin your first work–term with co–operative employers in a position related to your field of study. The final two work–terms alternate with the three remaining semesters. This co– operative program allows you to gain valuable work–related experience, develop an effective job search strategy and to establish employer contacts – useful when seeking permanent employment.

Students in the co–op option will take CPP100 (Co–op Professional Practice) in the semester preceding their first work–term and CPP 200 in the semester following their first work–term. Students must successfully complete CPP100, CPP200 and at least 2 co–op work–terms to graduate from the co–op option. For further information about co–op, please refer to www.senecacollege.ca/coop.

CTAB Nationally Accredited Program

The Computer Engineering Technology program has met national technology accreditation requirements as mandated by the Canadian Council of Technicians and Technologists (CCTT) and has received national accreditation status by the Canadian Technology Accreditation Board (CTAB) and the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists (OACETT).

• www.cctt.ca
• www.oacett.org

Recognition as a Certified Engineering Technologist

OACETT (The Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists) recognizes the Computer Engineering Technology program as meeting all the academic requirements for certification in the Technologist category. Application and additional requirements (i.e. work experience and qualifying professional practice exam, etc.) to become certified are available from OACETT.

Affiliations and Associations

• Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE)
• Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists (OACETT)
• York Technology Association (YTA)
• Association Connecting Electronics Industries (IPC)
• CISCO Academy
• Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association (CWTA)

Recognition as a Certified Engineering Technologist

OACETT (The Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists) recognizes the Computer Engineering Technology program as meeting all the academic requirements for certification in the Technologist category. Application and additional requirements (i.e. work experience and qualifying professional practice exam, etc.) to become certified are available from OACETT.

Diploma to Degree... and Beyond

Through transfer agreements and institution partnerships, graduates of this Seneca College program may be eligible for credit at the following post-secondary institution(s):

Toronto

Ontario

Canada

U.S.

International

Curriculum

* Must be taken in either semester 5 or semester 6.

Professional Options

A broad range of professional option courses in the areas of Communications, Computer Networking, Programming, and Embedded Systems are available. In addition, a course preparing you for the OACETT Professional Practice exam is offered twice per year. You may also receive Professional Option credit for selected courses offered through the Faculty of Business – please consult a student advisor or co–ordinator for more information.

Course offerings in a given semester are subject to change. It is suggested that you check our web page for more information (www.senecacollege.ca/electron, Curriculum, then ECT Options for pre–requisites and current offerings, OR ECT Curriculum and select a Professional Option in the list to see course outlines). For additional details, please consult with a program co–ordinator.

Note: Two required semester–six subjects, OLS655 and NSP655 are considered "floating options" and may be taken during either semester 5 or semester 6 dependent on the options desired in semester 6.

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