Computer Information Systems Technology
New for September 2024!
Do you like solving problems? Do you look forward to the launch of new technology and computer systems? Do all your friends and family turn to you when they have technology issues? If so, our two-year diploma program in Computer Systems Technology may be the perfect fit for you! This program is designed to equip graduates with software, programming, and hardware skills needed to support the systems that are commonly used in businesses and organizations everywhere.
Program Overview
This 2-year full-time, 60 credit program provides the knowledge, skills, and training required to prepare students for a career as a Computer Systems Technologist.
Program Design
Year 1 – Fall
Course | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
CIST-101 | Computer Systems Administration | 4 |
CIST-102 | Introduction to Programming | 4 |
CIST-103 | Website Development | 3 |
CIST-104 | Introduction to Database Management Systems (DBMS) | 4 |
Total | 15 |
Year 1 – Winter
Course | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
CIST-105 | Introduction to Data Communication and Networking | 3 |
CIST-106 | Programming in C++ | 3 |
CIST-107 | Introduction to Internet Programming and Web Applications | 3 |
CIST-108 | Software Analysis and Design | 3 |
CIST-109 | Windows Programming | 3 |
Total | 15 |
Year 2 – Fall
Course | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
CIST-201 | Introduction to Client-Server Computing | 3 |
CIST-202 | User Interface Design | 2 |
CIST-203 | Algorithm Analysis and Data Structures | 3 |
CIST-204 | Windows Interactive Application Programming | 3 |
CIST-205 | Introduction to Cloud Computing | 3 |
Total | 14 |
Year 2 – Winter
Course | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
CIST-206 | Introduction to Computer Security | 3 |
CIST-207 | Advanced Internet Programming and Web Applications | 3 |
CIST-208 | Mathematics for Programmers | 2 |
CIST-209 | IT Development Project | 4 |
CIST-210 | Career Path Search | 1 |
CIST-211 | Emerging Technologies | 3 |
Total | 16 |
Course Descriptions
Year 1 – Fall
CIST-101 – Computer Systems Administration
This course introduces students to the computer (PC) as a system, both hardware and software. Students learn PC hardware and peripheral components: their role, how to connect, install, configure, and troubleshoot issues. This also includes basic safety and operational procedures. For software, students will gain knowledge of the fundamentals of Operating Systems (OS). They will acquire the skills needed to install and configure desktop computers and other devices in a business environment. Topics include OS architecture, file and disk management, BIOS and UEFI, multi-boot, virtual machines, software installation/removal, performance tuning, backing up and protecting data, and troubleshooting. The basics of networking, security, virus protection, and firewalls are also covered. Students will be introduced to the basics of other major OS such as Linux and Apple’s iOS. Theoretical knowledge will cover the Microsoft 70-698 Installing and Configuring Windows 10 course.
- Minimum Credits: 4
- Length: 80 hours
- Prerequisites: Admission to the Computer Information Systems Technology Diploma Program
- Delivery Method: ? Blended
- Cost: $909.16
- Course Outline
CIST-102 – Introduction to Programming
This is an introductory course on programming. Learners will develop problem-solving skills through the use of detailed algorithms and be introduced to structured and object oriented design techniques. The course content includes standard program syntax, variable types, operators, input/output statements, decision and loop control structures, methods, encapsulation, instantiating and using objects. The course is taught in Python to keep the focus on programming language-neutral.
- Minimum Credits: 4
- Length: 80 hours
- Prerequisites: Admission to the Computer Information Systems Technology Diploma Program
- Delivery Method: ? Blended
- Cost: $909.16
- Course Outline
CIST-103 – Website Development
This course covers the fundamentals of website development and design using Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), and JavaScript. Students will learn how to create structured websites using HTML; how to use the most up to date CSS styles to create responsive, visually-interesting pages and captivating graphical designs; and how to implement client-side script using basic concepts in JavaScript to access Document Object Model (DOM) elements, to validate web forms, and to perform site management.
- Minimum Credits: 3
- Length: 60 hours
- Prerequisites: Admission to the Computer Information Systems Technology Diploma Program
- Delivery Method: ? Blended
- Cost: $681.87
- Course Outline
CIST-104 – Introduction to Database Management Systems (DBMS)
In this course students will learn how to manage SQL database systems, including performing basic database administration. Students will learn how to configure a database to support different applications and to perform tasks such as creating users and database schema, applying constraints, setting up access control, assigning memory, defining storage structures and manipulating data. Since database administration does not end after the database is created, students will learn the importance of backup and recovery strategy. Students will become familiar with fundamental concepts in the field such as transnational operations, ACID property, backup and redundancy, data integrity, various database roles (database admin, database programmer, database designer), database normal forms, join operations, and how to perform queries.
- Minimum Credits: 4
- Length: 80 hours
- Prerequisites: CIST 102
- Delivery Method: ? Blended
- Cost: $909.16
- Course Outline
Year 1 – Winter
CIST-105 – Introduction to Data Communication and Networking
In this course learners will study the fundamentals of computer networking, protocols, components, major networking technologies and systems of modern networks, and will be able to configure, manage, and troubleshoot modern networks. The topics include TCP/IP protocol suite, multiplexing/switching techniques, basic error detection and correction, elementary data link protocols, flow control and an introduction to routing and congestion control issues, multiple access protocols, networking and internet-working devices, LANs and WANs. This course presents content required in the objectives of the CompTIA Network+ certification exam. Basics of Cloud computing and network security will be presented as well.
- Minimum Credits: 3
- Length: 60 hours
- Prerequisites: CIST 101
- Delivery Method: ? Blended
- Cost: $681.87
- Course Outline
CIST-106 – Programming in C++
This is an intense hands-on course on the most popular system and app development language: C++. Students (equipped with the basics of programming from CSTP 1105) go on to cover the basics of C++ and its powerful features. Topics include classes, object life cycle, memory management and smart pointers, program execution life-cycle, an introduction to the Standard Template Library (STL), the basics of exception handling, and finally the basics of threads and processes in C++. The main goal of this course is for students to become fully familiar with the landscape of programming with C++ and to be comfortable using its common and modern features as well as to have the confidence to debug, optimize, and restructure existing code in a general application development context.
- Minimum Credits: 3
- Length: 60 hours
- Prerequisites: CIST 102
- Delivery Method: ? Blended
- Cost: $681.87
- Course Outline
CIST-107 – Introduction to Internet Programming and Web Applications
In this course students learn how to design and develop a software application that works through browsers or the internet. Students will learn about various web application development technologies, and how to create a web application using a modern MVC (Model-View-Controller) framework which communicates with an Apache server. In a small team of 2-4, students will build a robust Representational State Transfer (REST)ful web app back-end to complement their chosen projects. The team will collaborate using a shared Git repository and Gitflow workflow.
- Minimum Credits: 3
- Length: 60 hours
- Prerequisites: CIST 102 and CIST 103
- Delivery Method: ? Blended
- Cost: $681.87
- Course Outline
CIST-108 – Software Analysis and Design
In this course students are exposed to the pillars of the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC). Students explore and apply the concepts required to analyze, design, create, install and document a systems project through individual and team exercises. Learners will be exposed to key project management concepts and practices. Using Object Oriented Design (OOD), students learn how to identify classes and build the domain model. Additionally, learners are introduced to an industry standard modeling graphical language: Unified Modeling Language (UML). Students learn the features of various Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) patterns such as the Agile iterative model and the WaterFall model. Learners will learn the key players and stakeholders in a typical project and their roles. Various testing types such as unit testing, feature testing, regression testing, user acceptance testing, smoke test, and functional testing are also introduced.
- Minimum Credits: 3
- Length: 60 hours
- Prerequisites: CIST 102
- Delivery Method: ? Blended
- Cost: $681.87
- Course Outline
CIST-109 – Windows Programming
In this course students will become familiar with the basics of Windows in general and specifically Windows 10 capabilities from a developer’s point of view. Students learn to develop applications with Windows 32 Bit (Win32) Application Programming Interface (API) using C or C# programming language. Later they will learn how to integrate Win32 calls into C# by creating unmanaged C# applications. Topics include Windows messaging, input from keyboard and mouse, timers, menus and resources, dialog boxes, clipboard, graphics, threading, accessing the microphone and speakers, and working with dynamic link libraries.
- Minimum Credits: 3
- Length: 60 hours
- Prerequisites: CIST 106 (taken prior or concurrently)
- Delivery Method: ? Blended
- Cost: $681.87
- Course Outline
Year 2 – Fall
CIST-201 – Introduction to Client-Server Computing
In this course students are introduced to the fundamentals of developing a distributed computer system based on the client/server paradigm. The challenges, the tools and techniques, and various characteristics of mobile vs desktop environments with respect to the Client-Server application model are analyzed. Students will develop distributed applications using sockets, datagrams, pipes and FIFO buffers, using low-level tools such as C++ or windows API (Application Programming Interface) such as COM (Common Object Model), RPC (Remote Procedure Call), and various web technologies, based on the experience and preferences of the instructor.The goal for this course is to make students aware, through hands-on work, of the challenges of a networked application, such as performance, delays, reliability, scalability, and security issues.
- Minimum Credits: 3
- Length: 60 hours
- Prerequisites: CIST 105 and CIST 106
- Delivery Method: ? Blended
- Cost: $681.87
- Course Outline
CIST-202 – User Interface Design
This hands-on course is an introduction to User experience/User Interface (UX/UI) for websites, mobile applications, and information systems. Students will plan and create a small website or a UI-centericmobile app following UI/UX best practices, analyzing website requirements and user interaction. Using those requirements and following usability guidelines, learners will design a site that works well on both desktop and mobile devices applying responsive web design. Students will choose and create appropriate media for website content.
- Minimum Credits: 2
- Length: 40 hours
- Prerequisites: CIST 103
- Delivery Method: ? Blended
- Cost: $454.58
- Course Outline
CIST-203 – Algorithms Analysis and Data Structures
Students learn the fundamentals of algorithm design and analysis through hands-on practice with various popular algorithms and data structures used in software development. Students learn how to analyze the time and space complexity of an algorithm and learn how to test and choose the right solution for a non-trivial programming problem. The emphasis is on developing practical skills as well as the conceptual mastery of efficient algorithm selection. Important data structures covered in this course include: Arrays and Vectors, Trees and Graphs. Popular algorithms and design strategies covered include: Recursion vs Iteration, Divide and Conquer, Greedy Techniques and basic sorting algorithms.
- Minimum Credits: 3
- Length: 60 hours
- Prerequisites: CIST 108
- Delivery Method: ? Blended
- Cost: $681.87
- Course Outline
CIST-204 – Windows Interactive Application Programming
In this hands-on course students will build upon their previous generic programming courses to build graphical user interfaces and design Windows application software. The Windows platform is the predominant OS (Operating System) and it has a complex ecosystem for developing advanced GUI (Graphical User Interface)-based applications. Students will program with C# using .NET framework, XAML (eXtensible Application Markup Language), and Windows Forms to build industry standard GUIrich applications with interesting and sophisticated backends. It is important that students use modern programming constructs and well-known patterns such as classes and objects, interfaces, observers, abstract factories in their projects in this course.
- Minimum Credits: 3
- Length: 60 hours
- Prerequisites: CIST 109
- Delivery Method: ? Blended
- Cost: $681.87
- Course Outline
CIST-205 – Introduction to Cloud Computing
In this course, learners gain a wider knowledge and deeper understanding of installing, configuring, and managing cloud infrastructure for an organization. Students are introduced to the cloud as a platform to acquire and use various resources which are traditionally used on a local hardware. This includes: cloud deployment models, cloud platform architectures, cloud computing platforms and comparative analysis Cloud computing is comprised of virtual machine instances, load balancers, auto scaling groups, snapshots, and cloud networking. Students gain experience working with virtual private clouds (VPC), cloud storage and content delivery through cloud-hosted databases. Cloud security models are also covered including user identity, access management, and resource security. This course is a mixture of lecture and hands-on, with students practicing in the lab using services from various cloud providers such as Microsoft, VMWare, Google, and Amazon.
- Minimum Credits: 3
- Length: 60 hours
- Prerequisites: CIST 107 and CIST 201
- Delivery Method: ? Blended
- Cost: $681.87
- Course Outline
Year 2 – Winter
CIST-206 – Introduction to Computer Security
In this course students will learn the fundamentals of computer security. Students learn the principles of computer and information security in general, and become familiar with the fundamentals of designing a secure system both from a hardware and software point of view. Students will become familiar with security policies, the principles of cryptography, the basics of authentication, data protection concepts, how access control systems work, and software security. In general, learners will become familiar with the principles, practices, and analysis of developing secure software systems. Additionally, students will learn to recognize several areas of security attacks, examine current security measures and evaluate techniques to enhance existing measures.
- Minimum Credits: 3
- Length: 60 hours
- Prerequisites: CIST 101 and CIST 105
- Delivery Method: ? Blended
- Cost: $681.87
- Course Outline
CIST-207 – Advanced Internet Programming and Web Applications
In this course students will learn about advanced web technologies which provide the possibility of building fully dynamic web-centric applications. This is an intensive, hands-on, project-based, teamoriented course in which students in a team of 2-4 become familiar with “full stack” web development. This course introduces new database models such as NoSQL or MongoDB in the context of developing an end-to-end web application development using MVC architecture.The technologies used focus on a current modern stack, such as MEAN (MongoDB, Express.js, AngularJS), LAMP (Linux, Apache, MySQL, Python), and others. This course requires students to learn to program in Javascript in various environments. By the end of this course, students will be able to participate in the development of secure data-driven business web applications in various domains.
- Minimum Credits: 3
- Length: 60 hours
- Prerequisites: CIST 107 and CIST 202
- Delivery Method: ? Blended
- Cost: $681.87
- Course Outline
CIST-208 – Mathematics for Programmers
This course deals with discrete mathematics, probability and statistics. Topics include the basics of Boolean logic, introduction to vector and matrix algebra, set theory, counting, and selected topics in combinatorics such as Graph theory and Coding theory. This results in students having basic familiarity with data distribution, probability of a situation out of all possible outcomes, and how basic statistical modeling, analysis, and computations are performed for real-life applications.
- Minimum Credits: 2
- Length: 40 hours
- Prerequisites: Admission to the Computer Information Systems Technology Diploma Program
- Delivery Method: ? Blended
- Cost: $454.58
- Course Outline
CIST-209 – IT Development Project
This is a group project course which will expose students to all aspects of project development. Students work in a team of 3 to 6 to design, develop, manage, and deliver an IT software application project to an external (real or simulated) client. Students will study and employ the practical and theoretical concepts obtained in the first year systems analysis and design courses by building an IT system. Learners will work as part of a development team on an IT problem for an external industry client. The project will include the production and demonstration of the functioning components of the system for each release within deadlines set out in the project management documentation. Students will present the final product to the client.Students will also practice project management, documentation, meeting and presentation skills. As a contributor to a computer system development project, learners will prepare for and participate in project meetings, prepare project management documentation, adapt project management processes as required, manage progress using project management techniques and manage storage of project documentation.
- Minimum Credits: 4
- Length: 80 hours
- Prerequisites: CIST 204 and CIST 207
- Delivery Method: ? Blended
- Cost: $909.16
- Course Outline
CIST-210 – Career Path Search
In this course students will prepare a career path portfolio based on their accumulated skills, qualifications, demo apps, and accomplishments. Students will revise their resume and cover letter to target an IT job posting. In a simulated job interview, students will answer behavioral questions and demonstrate the use of a career path portfolio.
- Minimum Credits: 1
- Length: 20 hours
- Prerequisites: Admission to the Computer Information Systems Technology Diploma Program
- Delivery Method: ? Blended
- Cost: $227.29
- Course Outline
CIST-211 – Emerging Technologies
In this course students will study new and emerging technologies, and will examine how these technologies can change existing markets and development environments. Students will gain experience in working with software and/or hardware that can be classified as part of the emerging technology paradigm. This may include cloud computing, machine learning, virtualization technologies, or simulation technologies.
- Minimum Credits: 3
- Length: 60 hours
- Prerequisites: CIST 106 and CIST 107
- Delivery Method: ? Blended
- Cost: $681.87
- Course Outline
Admission Requirements
Academic Requirements:
- Minimum 60% in either English Studies 12, English First Peoples 12, ENGL 090, or equivalent. (Refer to Course Equivalency information).
- Minimum 60% in either Foundations of Mathematics 11, Pre-Calculus 11, Computer Science 11, MATH 080 or equivalent.
Basic computer literacy skills are expected, including Windows operating system and file management skills, the ability to use word processing software, and the ability to communicate, research, exchange and download files using web browsing and email software.
For students for whom English is a second language, students must meet the College’s English Language proficiency requirements.
Your Costs
Tuition and Fees for Domestic Students:
For the 2024/25 academic year (2024/SU, 2024/FA, 2025/WI, 2025/SP)
Tuition Year 1: | $6,818.70 |
Tuition Year 2: | $6,818.70 |
Application Fee: | $30.00 |
Student Association Fee: | $138.00 |
Bus Pass Fee: | $177.60 |
Health and Dental Fee: | $480.00 |
Total | $14,463.00 |
*These prices are for domestic students and may not be 100% accurate. However, these estimates will give you an adequate idea of tuition and fees for our programs. These prices do not include textbook costs. All prices are subject to change. Tuition fees include an alumni fee, student activity fees, and a student technology fee. In certain cases a materials and supply fee may also be included. For more information, visit: Tuition and Fees.
Tuition and Fees for International Students:
For the 2024/25 academic year (2024/SU, 2024/FA, 2025/WI, 2025/SP)
Tuition Year 1: | $16,385.10 |
Tuition Year 2: | $16,385.10 |
Application Fee: | $100.00 |
International Fee: | $100.00 |
Student Association Fee: | $138.00 |
Bus Pass Fee: | $177.60 |
Health and Dental Fee: | $480.00 |
Guard.me Insurance: | $270.00 |
Total | $34,035.80 |
*These prices are for international students and may not be 100% accurate. However, these estimates will give you an adequate idea of tuition and fees for our programs. These prices do not include textbook costs. All prices are subject to change. Tuition fees include an alumni fee, student activity fees, and a student technology fee. In certain cases a materials and supply fee may also be included. For more information, visit: Tuition and Fees.
Career Info
Computer systems technologists solve computer-related issues for businesses, government agencies, utilities, law enforcement agencies, health services providers, educational institutions and more.
Why Consider a Career in Computer Systems Technology?
The Computer Systems Technology (CST) Diploma will prepare you for a career in computer systems and software implementation and support. Such careers are well paying and expected to continue in high and growing demand in the region and across the Province. As a graduate, you will be able to provide solutions and support for businesses, government agencies, utilities, law enforcement agencies, health services providers, educational institutions and more. With experience and further training, you may become eligible for advancement opportunities as well.
Your Diploma prepares you for entry-level positions such as:
- Computer Network Technician
- Web Technician
- Deskside Support Technician
- User Support Technician
- IT Coordinator Applications
- IT Coordinator Cloud Systems
- Systems Architect
- Systems Analyst
- Systems Administrator
- Helpdesk Analyst
- Web Developer
- Network Administrator
- Programmer
- Network Systems Analyst
Program Details
Delivery Method:?
Blended
Credential:
Diploma
Categories:
Industry & Trades Training, Technology
Interests:
Office, Start or Run Your Own Business, Technology, Work With My Hands
Contact Details
Cranbrook
2700 College Way,
Box 8500, Cranbrook, BC, V1C 5L7
Phone: 250-489-2751
Toll-free: 1-877-489-2687
Email: info@cotr.bc.ca