Electrical Power and Industrial Control Option Full-time/Cooperative Education Diploma of Technology 548cdiplt

Harness Your Power

Note: The September 2013 (Level 1) intake is now closed for new applications. Applications for readmission (Levels 1-4) may be submitted. Advanced Placement is also closed for the September 2013 intake.

The January 2014 intake will start accepting applications on June 1, 2013.

The program

This program builds confidence and broadens knowledge for the student who has previously specialized in microcomputers, telecommunications or instrumentation. A combination of electrical power training and the above specialties improves confidence and employability.

The Electrical Power and Industrial Control Technology Program gives graduates a foundation in The Canadian Electrical Code, electrical power equipment, electrical power generation, industrial electronics, PLC programming and the design of power distribution systems. 

student in a lab

Graduates from the Electrical Power and Industrial Control can obtain a dual diploma (Electrical Power and Industrial Control and Computer Control) by completing Level 4 of Computer Control. Entry to this 2nd option is competitive.

Careers

Graduates work on the design, installation, maintenance, and production of electro-mechanical devices that generate electrical power, including green power. You could design, program, and maintain industrial control systems, working at electrical utilities including independent power producers, consulting engineering firms, electrical contracting ventures, manufacturing operations, or government agencies. You might work in a structured environment doing maintenance or research, or in a fast-paced environment where you solve different technical problems every day, either alone or as part of a team.


Program Entry

Spend-A-Day with us


Want to learn more about our program before you apply? Come spend-a-day with us. You'll meet students and instructors, and get a hands-on feel for what the program is about.
Find out more »

If you have questions regarding the entrance requirements or the application process, visit Admission & Registration or if you want to discuss the program in more detail, contact the Program Head, Ali_Palizban@bcit.ca or call 604.451.6924.

Entrance requirements

Check for acceptable equivalents or upgrading courses taught at BCIT.

Chemistry 11 is recommended. Students are accepted on a competitive basis with preference given to applicants who meet or exceed a (B) average in the required courses. Completion of grade 12 science courses, other post-secondary education and related work experience may enhance the application.

Applicants with minimum entrance requirements achieved more than five years ago will be required to upgrade in math and physics.

Many courses offered by other academic institutions will satisfy the admission requirements. Please submit complete descriptions of the courses that you have completed with your application for admission.

Advanced Placement

Students may, on an individual basis, be admitted with advanced standing in the program if, in the opinion of BCIT, they have acquired elsewhere the knowledge and skills they would have gained in some or all of the courses in Levels 1 and 2 of the Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology program. Applicants may be required to write Prior Learning Assessment Recognition (challenge exams) to assess their competence.

When applying for Advanced Placement, note that there are deadlines for submitting your application and supporting documents.

For more information, view the Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology Advanced Placement information sheet [PDF] for details.

Re-admission Requirements

Where course failures require the student to leave the program, special conditions must be met for re-admission. Please contact the Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology department at 604-451-6892 for more detailed information.

Transfer Credit

Transfer credit may be granted for courses completed at another post-secondary institution where the learning outcomes duplicate those of the BCIT course. The Electrical and Computer Engineering department reserves the right to determine the granting of credit where appropriate.

Transfer credit applied for and granted prior to admission to the program will be completed through the Advanced Placement process. Transfer credit applied for after admission will be completed through Course Credit/Exemption Application forms. Applications will be accepted up to day 14 of the term; an official transcript must be provided (or be on file with BCIT) to process the request. A maximum of two courses per level are eligible for credit through this process. Students who wish to apply for more than this limit must use the advanced placement process.

BC provincial exams

Provincial exam marks are required for English 12, Communications 12, and Technical and Professional Communications 12. BCIT does not require provincial exams for Grade 12 Math and Science courses.

Apply to program

Note: The September 2013 (Level 1) intake is now closed for new applications. Applications for readmission (Levels 1-4) may be submitted. Advanced Placement is also closed for the September 2013 intake.

The January 2014 intake will start accepting applications on June 1, 2013.

Apply directly to the Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology Diploma program. This program shares a common first year. Option selection is competitive, undertaken after successful completion of the first year.

Submit an application: online or by mail [PDF].

You can check the status of your application online at any time using the Student Information System.

Scheduled intakes

September and end of January each year.

Technology entry

The Technology Entry (TE) program is a full-time, day school program which provides academic upgrading to students wishing to enrol in Computing, Engineering, Electronic and Health Sciences programs at BCIT.

The TE program provides courses in chemistry, communication, mathematics and physics that meet program prerequisites for selected programs at BCIT. The program also includes an introductory course in computer applications and a learning skills course. The program is supportive to those who require English-language training.

Application processing

September intake: Nov 15* of the previous year until the program fills.

January intake: June 1* of the previous year until the program fills.

Applications are considered for a specific intake.

Advanced Placement deadlines:

For the September intake, applications must be submitted by March 15* and all supporting documents by April 15*

For the January intake, applications must be submitted by October 15* and all supporting documents by November 15*

*Or next business day

myCommunication

Within 2 to 3 weeks of applying to a program, you will be sent a letter in the mail confirming receipt of your application. The letter will identify your student number, BCIT e-mail address and instructions on how to login to your myBCIT account.

All official BCIT correspondence will be sent to your myBCIT account. Check myCommunication often during the application process and throughout your studies at BCIT.

You can expect to receive communication concerning the status of your application within 2 to 8 weeks.

Costs & Supplies

Find out how much you will need to complete your diploma in Electrical and Computer Engineering!


The information below will help you determine the cost of taking the program and assist you in developing a budget for your two years of study. If you have concerns about being able to afford the program, please visit Financial Aid to learn how you may benefit from financial assistance.

Tuition fees

Please see the Fees, Payments and Refunds section of the website for more information on full-time tuition fees.

Books and supplies

Level 1: $680; Level 2: $457; Level 3: $1,150; Level 4: $514
(general estimated cost, and subject to change)

Ownership of a personal computer is strongly recommended.

Financial assistance

Financial assistance may be available for this program. For more information, please contact Student Financial Aid and Awards.

Courses

Program matrix

Level 1 Credits
  COMM 1143 Technical Communication 1 for Electrical and Computer Engineering 3.5
  ELEX 0304 Learning Skills for Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology 0.0
  ELEX 1105 Circuit Analysis 1 7.0
  ELEX 1110 Electronic Manufacturing Processes 5.5
  ELEX 1115 Digital Techniques 1 4.5
  MATH 1431 Technical Mathematics for Electronics 8.0
  PHYS 1143 Physics for Electronics 1 5.5
 
Level 2 Credits
  ELEX 2105 Circuit Analysis 2 5.5
  ELEX 2115 Digital Techniques 2 5.5
  ELEX 2120 Electronic Circuits 1 7.0
  ELEX 2125 C Programming for Electronics 4.5
  MATH 2431 Calculus for Electronics 7.0
  PHYS 2143 Physics for Electronics 2 5.5
 
Level 3 Credits
  ELEX 3120 Electronic Circuits 2 7.0
  ELEX 3305 Microcontroller Systems 1 7.0
  ELEX 3310 Pulse Techniques 5.5
  ELEX 3318 PC Architecture using C Programming 5.0
  ELEX 3325 Electrical Equipment and PLC's 5.0
  ELEX 3330 Programmable Logic Devices 2.0
  MATH 3431 Transform Calculus for Electronics 2.0
 
Level 4 Credits
  COMM 2443 Technical Communication 2 for Electrical and Computer Engineering 3.5
  ELEX 0404 Technologist Code of Ethics 0.0
  ELEX 4320 Industrial Electronics 7.0
  ELEX 4405 Industrial Systems 8.0
  ELEX 4410 Power Systems Analysis 7.0
  ELEX 4415 Electrical Equipment and PLC's 7.0
  ELEX 4430 PLC Projects 2.5
 
Co-op Work Term Courses (Optional)
to be completed after Level 2 and prior to Level 4
Credits
  ELEX 2990 Cooperative Education Workterm 1 19.0
  or
  ELEX 2991 Cooperative Education Workterm 1 14.0

  ELEX 3990 Cooperative Education Workterm 2 19.0
  or
  ELEX 3991 Cooperative Education Workterm 2 14.0

  ELEX 4990 Cooperative Education Workterm 3 19.0
  or
  ELEX 4991 Cooperative Education Workterm 3 14.0

  ELEX 5990 Co-operative Education Workterm 4 19.0
  or
  ELEX 5991 Cooperative Education Workterm 4 14.0
 
Total Credits: 137.5

Transfer credit

Do you have credits from another BC/Yukon post-secondary school? Do you want to know if they transfer to courses here at BCIT? Check out BCIT's Transfer Equivalency Database to find out.

Program Details

In all of our technology diploma programs you will spend an average of 30 hours per week in lectures and labs, split approximately 50/50.  This balanced approach gives you time to apply the theory in a practical lab environment.  In addition, you should expect an additional 30 hours per week preparing for labs, completing assignments and studying. If you need to work while going to school, the majority of our courses are offered in both the September and January terms so that you can tailor your school workload to your other commitments.

We have 21 well equipped labs to support the practical aspect of your education. In almost every lab each student has their own individual work station.

In this program you will learn to use software and microprocessor technology in an electrical application, such as electrical power generation, and transmissions as well as industrial control. You will also learn to write software for microprocessors and programmable logic controllers. A comprehensive knowledge of the Canadian Electrical Code is developed.

Program length

Two years, full-time, beginning in September and the end of January each year. However, we provide the option of course-by-course registration, allowing for program completion over a longer period of time. BCIT strongly recommends that students plan to complete the academic portion of the program (exclusive of co-op) within three years.

Accreditation

Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology (Electrical Power and Industrial Control Option) is accredited by the Canadian Technology Accreditation Board (CTAB) for the Canadian Council of Technicians and Technologists (CCTT) as a technologist program. Full-time students may apply for student membership with the Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of British Columbia (ASTTBC). Graduates are eligible for Graduate Technologist (ASTTBC) membership and may apply for registration as an Applied Science Technologist after completing a minimum of two years of relevant experience.

Program location

Burnaby Campus
3700 Willingdon Avenue
Burnaby, BC

Continue your education

Degree Completion

Graduates of the Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology (ECET) program, or equivalent, may pursue a Bachelor of Technology in Electronics. This part-time degree program is delivered by the ECET department and is specifically designed for ECET diploma graduates who wish to pursue a degree while working full-time in the electrical, electronics, automation and telecommunications industries.

BCIT also offers a full-time degree program entitled Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical Engineering. This degree shares a common first year with the diploma program.

ECET diploma graduates who wish to continue their full-time studies external to BCIT may explore external bridging programs, which allow graduates to enter into the third-year of engineering programs at the University of Victoria or Lakehead University. Alternatively, transfer credit to UBC and SFU degree programs is available on an individual basis.

Note: Degree completion, bridging opportunities and external transfer credits are all subject to change. Students should check detailed program requirements at the time of registration.

Co-operative education

Cooperative Education, providing paid work experience, is an optional part of the Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology programs. Students who successfully complete a minimum of two and a maximum of four work periods will earn an additional 19.0 credits per coop term (or 14.0 credits per coop term if taken during the spring/summer term), and will receive a Cooperative Education Endorsement on their Diploma of Technology. The paid work periods with an employer in the Electronics industry are of three to four months' duration and must be taken after completion of level two and prior to completion of level 4 of the academic program. Work periods may be taken consecutively or they may alternate between academic terms. The industrial experience gained in the co-op component of the program gives an added advantage in securing a position after graduation.

Students are encouraged (but are not required) to participate in Cooperative Education. Please visit the Centre for Workplace Education (Co-op) for more information.

Graduating & Jobs

 
An edge in the job market

A BCIT diploma shows potential employers that you are accomplished, focused, and serious about your chosen career path. Our programs and courses provide both fundamental theoretical knowledge and hands-on practical skills to help you "hit the ground running" in a new job. Graduates say that BCIT helped them fully prepare for employment.

Job opportunities

Graduates of the program may work with electrical utility companies such as BC Hydro; consulting engineering companies or resource industries such as electrical power and control system designers or construction supervisors; manufacturers such as control system designers, technical sales representatives or performing on-site commissioning; inspection agencies such as CSA and with other agencies such as Translink, GVRD or the Ministry of Transportation and Highways, in working design as well as maintenance.

Companies which have hired our graduates include:

Graduate employment outcomes

The following link takes you to graduate outcome survey results containing mostly labour market results from the 2010-2012 BCIT Outcomes Surveys of 2009-2011 Graduates.
Note: The survey results will be displayed in a separate browser window. To view these results, you need to have the Adobe Acrobat Reader installed in your Web browser.

Faculty, Advisors & Staff

The The Electrical Power and Industrial Control Technology program is supported by a team of committed educators, staff and industry advisors who work hard for students' success.

Faculty and staff

  • Jamil Ahmed, PhD, MBA, PEng, Program Head, Bachelor of Technology
  • Rich Beketa, DiplT, AScT 
  • Gino Carrese, MEng
  • Neil Cox, PhD, PEng, Program Head, Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical Engineering
  • John Dian, PhD, PEng 
  • Andrew Dunlop, DiplT, BA, Coordinator, Part-time Studies
  • Kiefer Elliott, PhD, PEng
  • Dwayne Finlayson, DiplT
  • Kulwant Gandham, MSc
  • James Gascoyne, DiplT, AScT
  • Bob Gill, MEng, PEng, Program Head, Telecommunications & Networks
  • Chris Goetz, DipIT 
  • Todd Jelstad, DiplT
  • Diane Kennedy, PhD, PEng
  • Ernie Kenward, BSc
  • Joselito Laguio, MEng, PEng
  • Mark Lane, BASc
  • David Leversage, BEng, PEng
  • Jeff Maidens, DiplT
  • Kathy Manson, BSc, BASc, PEng
  • Andrew Mokrzycki, MSc, AScT
  • Bob Nicholson, MSc, PEng
  • Ali Palizban, Phd, PEng,Program Head, Electrical Power & Industrial Control, and Computer Control
  • Glenn Pellegrin, BASc, MET, PEng, Program Head, Automation & Instrumentation Technology
  • Dorothy Rogers, BEng, PEng, Program Head, First Year 
  • David Romalo, MASc, PEng
  • Ian Ross, BSc (Hons)
  • Rosmund Russell, BASc, PEng
  • Kavita Sharma, Administrative Assistant
  • Colin Shaw, DiplT, BBA
  • Chris Siu, MSEE, PEng
  • Stephan Smolar, BA, MEd, AScT
  • Robert Trost, MEng, PEng
  • Lewis Tsao, BEng
  • David Verner, BASc, MEng 
  • Kelly Voros, Program Administrator
  • Amir Yousefi, PhD, PEng
  • Craig Cowan, BASc, PEng, Associate Dean
  • Trevor Williams, BSc, MSc (Mech Eng), PEng, Dean, School of Energy

Advisory committee

  • Steve Charlton, Kongsberg Mesotech Ltd.
  • Marek Dutkiewicz, Polycom
  • Harminder Gill, Ledcor Technical Services
  • Dave Johnson, Davetek Marketing Inc.
  • Parm Sandhu, Telus Mobility
  • Rick Sevenhuysen, BC Hydro
  • Gordon Verrall, Allied Controls

Contact Us

Spend-A-Day with us


Want to learn more about our program before you apply? Come spend-a-day with us. You'll meet students and instructors, and get a hands-on feel for what the program is about.
Find out more »

If you have questions regarding the entrance requirements or the application process, visit Admission & Registration or if you want to discuss the program in more detail, contact the Program Head, Ali_Palizban@bcit.ca or call 604.451.6924.

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Electrical Power and Industrial Control