Applied and Technical Studies

Automation and Robotics Technician diploma

This diploma program builds on the Electronics Technician certificate to prepare students for careers in applied automated industries and control system applications. Graduates from this program are skilled trained technicians with abilities and confidence in building, maintaining, calibrating, and integrating automation and control systems in a wide variety of sectors, including agriculture, industrial manufacturing, and the oil and gas industry. The UFV program utilizes agricultural settings as a platform to introduce students to real-world automation and control systems applications. This program complies with national and international technology accreditation guidelines, and provides a balance between academic and practical technical experience.

Students who have completed the Electronics Technician certificate are given registration priority.

Entrance requirements

Option 1

Successful completion of the Electronics Technician certificate (or equivalent, by permission of the Electronics department).

Applicants must meet the Degree/diploma level English language proficiency requirement. For details on how this requirement may be met, see the English language proficiency requirement section of the calendar.

Option 2

One of the following:

• Successful completion of other relevant post-secondary education (such as pre-electrical engineering, electrical engineering or physics courses), as evidenced by educational transcripts; or
• Training experience and documented workplace hours in a related discipline.

Students applying for admission to the program under Option 2 will also be required to attend an interview with representatives of the Electronics department to assess the following:

• Electronics theoretical knowledge of analog, digital, and microcontroller components.
• Circuit analysis methods and skills.
• Communication skills: ability to listen and articulate ideas.
• Hands on demonstration of basic practical methods of troubleshooting, circuit construction, assembly, and soldering.
• Personal and work commitments in relation to assuming the demands of an applied academic program of studies.

Successful completion of ELS Advanced Speaking/Listening, and Writing course sequence may be required for applicants for whom English is not a first language.

Applicants must meet the Degree/diploma level English language proficiency requirement. For details on how this requirement may be met, see the English language proficiency requirement section of the calendar.

When to apply

Applications are accepted for entrance to the Fall semester only. For application deadlines, see Specific intake application process.

How to apply

1. Apply online at ufv.ca/admissions/apply. Applicants will be asked to submit an application fee, which can be paid by a variety of online methods.
2. Prior to classes starting, applicants will be notified by telephone or email of the registration procedures. Applicants who cannot be reached after three attempts will be removed from the wait list.

Basis for admission decision

Applicants who meet the entrance requirements will be admitted in order of their application date. This date is set when an application, all required documentation, and the application fee have been submitted.

Fees and additional costs

See the Fees and Other Costs section.

Program duration

30 credits are taken over two semesters.

Location

Courses are offered at the Chilliwack Trades & Technology Centre campus.

Program outline

Program continuance

Continuance will be calculated on all program-specific courses taken prior to, or after, admission to the program. To remain in the program, students must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.00 in all program-specific courses. The Advisory Committee may grant exceptions under extenuating circumstances.

Undergraduate continuance

Students enrolled in undergraduate courses (courses numbered 100 or above) must maintain an undergraduate Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of at least 2.00 to remain enrolled in Good Academic Standing at UFV. Students in Good Academic Standing will have no registration limits placed on them. Failure to meet the minimum CGPA requirement will result in restrictions on registration and may eventually lead to academic suspension from undergraduate studies at UFV. Students on Academic Warning or Academic Probation are limited to registering in 10 credits. For further details, see the Academic standing and undergraduate continuance section of the academic calendar. Academic standing is governed by UFV's Undergraduate Continuance policy (92).

Withdrawal

Student-initiated withdrawal (discontinuing)

If a student wishes not to continue, they will need to initiate a withdrawal at the Office of the Registrar.

Required to withdraw

Failed grades may result in withdrawal from the program. Students may be required to withdraw from a course or program for failing to comply with attendance, conduct, or program policies, or UFV policies including: Attendance policy (62), Student Academic Misconduct policy (70), Safe Student Learning Community policy (204).

Upgrading

The upgrading program allows those currently or recently employed in the industry to complete their certificate requirements or to become proficient in specific processes or techniques.

An upgrading student will be enrolled for no more than 13 weeks. Upgrading students will not displace anyone registered in the next intake.

Upgrading students are expected to meet program prerequisites through previous enrolment or proof of industry experience approved by the program instructor.

Course repetition

See UFV's Course Repeat policy (86).

Readmission

Readmission to the program is subject to space availability.

Residency

Students must complete at least 50% of the required second-year credits for the diploma at UFV.

Graduation requirements

It is the student’s responsibility to ensure all program requirements are met. This should be done by regular consultation with the program coordinator. To be eligible to graduate, students must achieve a minimum GPA of 2.00 in all program-specific courses.

Students must apply for graduation by completing the Graduation Request form available at ufv.ca/registrar/forms, or from the Office of the Registrar. This should be done in the first month of the final semester. The final deadline for students who wish to attend the June Convocation ceremony is April 1 of each year, with all program requirements completed by the Winter semester grade deadline (see Important Registration Dates) of each year.

Maximum length of time to complete program

The diploma is designed to be completed in one year following successful completion of the Electronics Technician certificate. Students must complete the program requirements within three years.

Course listings

For complete details on courses see the course descriptions section.