Electronics Engineering Technology - Communications

Program Description

Your studies will encompass a broad background in analog/digital electronics, software development, and modern communications.

You’ll benefit from a comprehensive investigation of such areas as electronic circuitry, diagnostic techniques, applied mathematics, process control, and computer systems/networks. During the final year of the program, you’ll focus on applying learned principles to the design and testing of projects in electronic communications. In addition, you’ll study advanced communication topics including digital and data communications, the characteristics of signals and transmission media, HDTV, satellite, microwave, PCS and cellular wireless systems, as well as broadband to the home.

This program provides you with relevant hands-on laboratory work to ensure that you’re well prepared for practical aspects of the global telecommunications system, and of electronic communications in general.

Program Learning Outcomes

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

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

• analyze, interpret, modify, design and produce electrical and electronics drawings, layouts and reports.
• analyze and solve technical problems related to electronics engineering by applying principles of advanced mathematics and science.
• apply appropriate troubleshooting techniques to electronic circuits or systems and generate and perform test procedures.
• design, build, test and troubleshoot electronic circuits, equipment, systems and subsystems in accordance with job requirements, functional specifications and relevant standards.
• modify, maintain, repair and recommend electronic equipment and systems in accordance with relevant operational guidelines.
• determine, select, recommend and justify the purchase of electronic equipment, components and systems in accordance with code, standards and job requirements and functional specifications.
• design, modify, analyze and troubleshoot logic and digital circuits, and embedded microprocessor-based and microcontroller-based systems, including assembly and high-level language programs.
• design, analyze and troubleshoot circuits consisting of passive components by applying appropriate measurement techniques.
• design, analyze and troubleshoot circuits consisting of low power, high power, active and electromechanical components, and analog integrated circuits.
• design, analyze and troubleshoot control systems.
• design, analyze, troubleshoot and repair analog and digital communication systems.
• apply relevant shop practices in compliance with safety policies and current regulations for electronics engineering workplaces.
• collaborate in selecting, co-ordinating and conducting quality control and quality assurance programs and procedures.
• complete work in compliance with relevant legislation, established standards, policies, procedures and regulations, and ethical principles.
• contribute to the planning, implementation, management and evaluation of team projects by applying project management principles.

Essential Employability Skills

• Essential Employability Skills (link to information on Ministry of Training, Colleges 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)

* 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 counseled 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 semester one English or Mathematics, students will automatically be timetabled into the appropriate preparatory course.

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.

Applicant Selection:

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

Your Career

Complete your advanced diploma in Electronics Engineering Technology – Communications and you’ll be prepared for a career as an Electronics Technologist in a wide range of fields involving the sale, design, maintenance, servicing, testing, or installation of electronic equipment. You’ll find that your career-focused education in electronics can expand your employment opportunities to such diverse areas as telephone, internet, and cable service providers, wireless and satellite communications companies, as well as many communications support service companies, communications instrument manufacturers, optical fiber, broadband cable, and PCS/cellular network installation and maintenance contractors.

FAST TRACK into Semester Three

With your existing diploma or degree 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 the ELM 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.

Note: Graduates of the Seneca College 2-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 3- year Electronics Engineering Technology (Communications) program. For specific credit requirements, please refer to the Electronics Engineering Technology (Communications) 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.

CTAB Nationally Accredited Program

The Electronics Engineering Technology - Communications 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

Co-operative Education Option

In your third semester, you’ll be eligible to apply for co-op, a valuable opportunity to gain meaningful work experience with our industry partners. Employers are committed to providing you with relevant work assignments. Upon graduation, you may have acquired up to 12 months of paid employment experience while spending only four or eight months longer to achieve your diploma. You must achieve and maintain above average academic standards for acceptance and progression in co-op.

Students in the co-op option will also take CPP100 (Co-op Professional Practice) in the semester preceding their first co-op work term, and CPP200 (Co-op Professional Practice) in the semester following their first co-op work term. Students must successfully complete CPP100, CPP200 and at least two co-op work terms to graduate from the co-op option. For more information, please visit the Co-op page at  www.senecac.on.ca/co-op.

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)
• Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association (CWTA)

Common First Year

In the School of Electronics and Computer Engineering Technology, the three-year programs have a common first year, i.e. semester one and semester two.

Recognition as a Certified Engineering Technologist

OACETT (The Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists) recognizes the Electronics Engineering Technology - Communications 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.

Canadian Forces Accreditation

This program has been accredited by the Canadian Forces – eligible students may receive full tuition and living expense support, as well as a salary while attending school. Work commitment to the Canadian Forces following graduation will vary. Please refer to the website at http://www.forces.ca/en/page/paideducation-96#paidcollege-2.

General Education

One of the general education subjects must be a literature subject (from any category) for which EAC150 is a pre-requisite.

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

Professional Options

A broad range or professional option courses in the areas of Communications, Computer Networking, Programming, and Embedded Systems are available. In addition, a course preparing students for the OACETT Professional Practice exam is offered every semester. Students may, under certain circumstances, be eligible to receive Professional Option credit for select courses offered through the Faculty of Business.

Course offerings in a given semester are subject to change. It is suggested that students check our web page for more information (www.senecac.on.ca/electron).

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