Major: COPA

Length: 3 Years

Delivery: 6 Semesters, plus 3 work terms

Credential: Ontario College Advanced Diploma, Co-op

Effective: 2009-2010

Location: Barrie

Start: Fall + Winter

Other:

Program Fees

Program Availability (ontariocolleges.ca link will require a search for COPA)
Description

This program is designed to meet the academic needs of all students, whether a recent secondary school graduate, college or university graduate, or a mature student.

Students may elect to complete different levels of development:

Graduating with the two-year diploma as a Computer Programmer;

Completing this three-year diploma as a Computer Programmer Analyst; or

Transferring to a post-diploma after completing the 2-year or 3-year diploma; or

Completing this three-year diploma and transferring to university to complete a degree in Computer Science or Information Technology.

As students progress through the three years, the courses they take will help them gain insight and experience in the fields in which they may choose to apply their computer skills after graduation.

A structured approach to problem solving, effective oral and written communications, and attention to standards and documentation are stressed throughout.

Industry trends and requirements are continually monitored to ensure curriculum remains current and relevant.
Career Opportunities

Graduates with programming interests/skills will be prepared to work independently or as a member of a team to analyze, design, enhance, and maintain application systems, as well as participate in the management of the activities and personnel involved in an application development project in many types of organizations, including government.

In addition, graduates may be employed in related areas such as the marketing of computer products, information centers and help desks, business analysis, project management, operating systems support, education, computer operations, database design/management/administration, data communications and networking, technical support specialist, network administration, office automation, consulting, technical writing, and web page design/development.
Program Learning Outcomes

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

* communicate clearly, concisely and correctly in the written, spoken, and visual form that fulfills the purpose and meets the needs of the audience;
* interact with others in groups and teams, use critical thinking skills to evaluate and solve problems, communicate confidently in a variety of situations, and demonstrate technological fluency;
* analyze and resolve software-related problems through the application of systematic approaches;
* analyze and define the specifications of a system based on user requirements;
* analyze, design, develop, implement, maintain, and integrate a variety of application programs;
* apply knowledge of the design, modeling, and implementation of a database;
* apply knowledge of connectivity issues to support the development and maintenance of application systems;
* use relevant methodologies to develop applications;
* apply principles of project management;
* participate as an effective individual and member of a team;
* interpret, produce, and present work-related documents and information effectively and accurately;
* identify and implement strategies to improve job performance and promote personal and professional growth;
* demonstrate a basic understanding of business concepts;
* demonstrate effective communication and interpersonal skills;
* employ generic skills for personal and professional growth;
* demonstrate an awareness of organizational and team behaviour;
* demonstrate an awareness of ethical issues within a multicultural and global business environment;
* participate in society as an informed citizen and pursue an enriched professional and personal life through life-long learning.
* In addition to the skills attained as a Computer Programmer graduate, students will have reliably consolidated their computing, business, generic, and interpersonal skills through the completion of a major team project and specialized in their computer studies depending on their choices of computer studies electives. As well, students may have, based on their selection of options created additional career paths for themselves as defined in the Graduate Profiles from each of these programs.
* Curriculum objectives are achieved through a combination of lectures, labs, practical assignments, and co-op placements. Program Learning Outcomes are geared towards developing the skills necessary to design, develop, implement and audit computerized information systems, and toward developing initiative and self motivation

The descriptions that follow provide brief outlines of the courses. Please note that some courses have prerequisite and/or corequisite requirements not shown here, that need to be met in order to enroll in the course. You will be advised of any requisite requirements during the registration process, or you can contact the academic area for further details.
Practical Experience

Co-operative Education is a mandatory component of all Co-op programs at Georgian College; it has been designed as a process by which students integrate their academic education with paid work experience related to their program of study. This integration affects much more than simply earning a salary, including the adjustment to the work environment and the development of professionalism. It also reinforces skills and theory learned during academic semesters, develops professional contacts, job knowledge and career path, improves human relations and communication skills and promotes personal maturity and financial independence.

Students are requested to register, attend and participate in their scheduled co-operative education classes. These classes are scheduled for all first year students and are expected to be completed in order to proceed successfully to their first co-op work experience. To ensure students are eligible to proceed onto any co-op work experience students should refer to Promotional Status and Eligibility for Co-op as outlined in the College Calendar.

Georgian College follows the Co-operative Education guidelines set out by the Canadian Association for Co-operative Education (CAFCE) and Education at Work Ontario (EWO) by supporting the learning outcomes designed for the program specific graduate profile and curriculum as set out by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities.
Program Progression

Fall Intake

Sem 1 - Fall 2009

Sem 2 - Winter 2010

Work Term 1 - Summer 2010

Sem 3 - Fall 2010

Work Term 2 - Winter 2011

Sem 4 - Summer 2011

Work Term 3 - Fall 2011

Sem 5 - Winter 2012

Sem 6 - Summer 2012

Winter Intake

Sem 1 - Winter 2010

Sem 2 - Summer 2010

Sem 3 - Fall 2010

Work Term 1 - Winter 2011

Sem 4 - Summer 2011

Work Term 2 - Fall 2011

Sem 5 - Winter 2012

Sem 6 - Summer 2012

Work Term 3 - Fall 2012