Instrumentation and Control Engineering Technology

Program Overview

The Instrumentation and Control Engineering Technology program at St. Lawrence College equips students with expertise in controlling, maintaining, and designing equipment. The program combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience, preparing graduates for in-demand careers in industries such as process control, automation, and manufacturing. Graduates are equipped for roles such as Instrumentation Field Technician, Controls Technician, and Measurement Technician.

Program Outline

Degree Overview

This program focuses on developing expertise in controlling, maintaining, and designing various types of equipment and devices. The curriculum is designed to blend practical, hands-on experience in labs alongside theoretical knowledge, equipping graduates with a robust understanding in both areas.

• Addresses industry skills shortage: Graduates can pursue sought-after careers with consistent job availability.
• Focuses on real-world application: Students gain valuable hands-on experience through labs, project-based learning, and potential industry placements.
Students can expect:

Semester 1:

• Technical Communications: developing communication skills in various formats for technical settings.
• Technical Math: building fluency and conceptual depth in algebra and trigonometry.
• Electrical Fundamentals 1, Code and Drawing, Installation Methods, Renewable Energy: establishing core skills and knowledge in electricity, drawing methodologies for systems, installing electrical devices and understanding renewable sources of energy.

Semester 2:

• Electrical Fundamentals 2: expanding upon electrical principles for advanced systems.
• Code, Prints, & AutoCAD: learning to interpret codes for electrical designs and utilizing AutoCAD software in drafting precise schematics and plans.
• Electro-Mechanical Systems: studying the principles, components & uses of electromechanical systems across disciplines.
• Instrumentation: gaining expertise in measuring various physical parameters through sensors and associated technologies.
• Electronics, Workplace Practices, Wind power in Canada: learning the fundamentals of electronics, implementing safety and equipment operation procedures in professional contexts and gaining insights into wind-power technologies.
• General education coursework in each semester adds further context and breadth of study to the technical subjects

Assessment

Assessment methods in the program are designed to evaluate both theoretical comprehension and practical skills development, ensuring a thorough grasp of the curriculum. This may involve the use of :

• Examinations: assessing theoretical comprehension of key technical subjects.
• Assignments and Lab work: demonstrating problem-solving abilities through practical application in simulated and real-world situations.
• Projects : applying theoretical understanding and technical skills for a more in-depth analysis, design & development of a chosen topic, often culminating in a final comprehensive project or thesis.

Teaching

The teaching approach blends traditional lecture-style sessions with interactive workshops, hands-on laboratory experimentation and utilization of industry-like equipment, encouraging active engagement and deeper knowledge retention in the learning processes. The teaching faculty comprises highly qualified instructors and industry-experienced experts, offering students access to significant expertise. Guest speaker sessions from professionals in the field further enrich the educational experience.

Careers

Graduates are equipped for diverse career pathways in the Instrumentation and Control Engineering field, with potential roles such as:

• Instrumentation Field Technician: responsible for maintaining, calibrating and troubleshooting various instrumentation equipment.
• Controls Technician: specializing in managing control processes, automation equipment and related software in industries like automation or manufacturing.
• Measurement Technician: focusing on accurate measurements, data collection analysis in sectors requiring precise measurements, such as medical research labs.
• SCADA Technician and Operator, responsible for overseeing and controlling systems in industries like water/wastewater treatment facilities.
The demand in this field is consistently increasing, with opportunities available across industries such as process control and automation, power generation facilities, municipal services like water management, research and development sectors and various manufacturing companies.