Computer Science Technology

COMPUTER SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY (420.B0)

Also known as Techniques de l’Informatique

💭 THIS PROGRAM IS FOR YOU IF…

  • You have a passion for technology and innovation
  • You have a logical mind
  • You like helping people
  • You enjoy solving puzzles
  • You want a career that will never be boring

 

Working in IT is fun because it’s challenging, never boring and it allows you to be always on the edge of emerging trends. And there’s no shortage of good jobs either because the number of graduates in the field isn’t sufficient.

DID YOU KNOW…? The CST program is available with a CO-OP option (ATE-COOP) with 2 work sequences during the summer sessions for students meeting eligibility requirements. 

Why choose CST?

Video game created by CST student

A PRACTICAL APPROACH TO MEET TECHNOLOGY CHALLENGES

Modern society is using technology almost every day, everywhere. This brings up many challenges to businesses, governments and people. Technology has to be efficient. It has to help and serve people. It has to be secure. To address these challenges, we need well-trained professionals who can handle the current needs but most importantly, can create new innovative solutions to improve our daily lives, make our systems safer and make technology more useful. Our revised program addresses these issues.

 

Overview

PREREQUISITES

Mathematics 436 or 564406 or 565406 (TS or SN Level 4) or 563504 (CST Level 5)

The Computer Science Technology program is not currently available to International Students.

 

THE PROGRAM

Information Technology (IT) is used in all areas of businesses and industries. This offers incredible career choices to CST graduates. During your studies, you will acquire a comprehensive knowledge of the most up-to-date computer-related skills. You will learn to use a variety of development tools and explore the newest technologies including game programming and connected objects.

 

The program has a practical approach and emphasizes the use of industry-sought structured and object-oriented techniques. Unique to Lennoxville, the program also includes more in-depth coverage of networks, security, game programming, and connected objects. The program concludes with an eight-week full-time stage where you will get a chance to apply your new skills in a real business setting.

 

Note: This program is available in the Fall semester only.

 

OBJECTIVES

At the end of the program, Champlain Lennoxville CST graduates will have developed the conceptual, technical, and personal skills required to enter the job market as an entry-level computer technician.

Conceptual Skills

Graduates will possess:

  1. The knowledge required to efficiently perform the roles, functions, tasks and activities associated with the computer technician career.
  2. The ability and skills to remain up-to-date with current best practices and technological changes.
  3. A good understanding of the technical and technological knowledge and skills in areas such as communication, problem-solving, decision making, ethics, health and safety.
  4. The critical and creative thinking skills to reflect, question, analyze, evaluate and problem solve.

Technical Skills

Graduates will know how to:

  1. Develop computer applications, using various tools and technologies.
  2. Constantly adapt to technological changes throughout their career.
  3. Integrate security measures in the various aspects of their work.
  4. Be able to communicate effectively in spoken and written English.
  5. Be able to communicate functionally in oral and written French.
  6. Write clear, concise, nonjudgmental reports.
  7. Work collaboratively as part of an interdisciplinary team.

Personal Skills

Graduates are people who:

  1. Use communication techniques that encourage collaboration, trust, mutual respect and openness.
  2. Are flexible and adaptable.
  3. Demonstrate integrity and respect the code of ethics.

 

THE COMPREHENSIVE ASSESSMENT

The comprehensive assessment is a ministerial requirement designed to demonstrate that you have integrated all the knowledge and achieved the skills and attitudes developed throughout the program. You must successfully complete the comprehensive assessment in order to graduate.

 

UNIVERSITY STUDIES

Many Quebec universities grant advanced standing (DEC-BAC) in Information Technology related programs to graduates of the CST program. Click here for more information. You can also consult specific universities for details.

 

For instance, Bishop’s University has just signed a DEC-BAC agreement with our College. Click here to access the page (the link will open in a different window).

PROGRAM GRID ➡️ Certificate Holders

Total courses: 41
Total credits: 91 2/3

Semester 1

College English 603-101-MQ
Physical Education 101 109-101-MQ
Computer Skills for IT 420-110-LE
Humanities – Knowledge 345-101-MQ
Programming 1 420-120-LE
Mathematics for IT 201-110-LE
Working with People 350-110-LE
Install and Manage Computers 420-130-LE

Semester 2

Physical Education 102 109-102-MQ
Humanities – World Views 345-102-MQ
French – General 602-10?-MQ
Programming 2 420-220-LE
Help Desk 420-230-LE
Website Design and Coding 420-210-LE
Object Oriented Programming 1 420-240-LE
Deploy Local Networks 420-250-LE

Semester 3

English for AMT and CST 603-BEC-LE
Complementary COMPL-1
French – Specific 602-BE?-LE
Client Web Applications 420-330-LE
Deploy Intranet Servers 420-310-LE
System Design 420-320-LE
Object Oriented Programming 2 420-340-LE
Using Databases 420-350-LE

Semester 4

Ethics for AMT and CST 345-BEC-LE
English 102 603-102-MQ
Transactional Web Applications 1 420-430-LE
Security in the IT World 420-410-LE
Internet of Things 1 420-420-LE
Database Application Development 420-450-LE
Game Programming 1 420-440-LE

Semester 5

Physical Education 103 109-103-MQ
English 103 603-103-MQ
Complementary COMPL-2
Mobile Applications 420-510-LE
Transactional Web Applications 2 420-530-LE
Game Programming 2 420-540-LE
Internet of Things 2 420-520-LE
Explore New Technologies 420-550-LE

Semester 6

Integrative Project 420-610-LE
Internship 420-620-LE

PROGRAM GRID ➡️ Non-Certificate Holders

Total courses: 41
Total credits: 91 2/3

Semester 1

College English 603-101-MQ
Physical Education 101 109-101-MQ
Computer Skills for IT 420-110-LE
Humanities – Knowledge 345-101-MQ
Programming 1 420-120-LE
Mathematics for IT 201-110-LE
Working with People 350-110-LE
Install and Manage Computers 420-130-LE

Semester 2

Physical Education 102 109-102-MQ
Humanities – World Views 345-102-MQ
Oeuvres narratives et écriture 602-UF0-MQ
Programming 2 420-220-LE
Help Desk 420-230-LE
Website Design and Coding 420-210-LE
Object Oriented Programming 1 420-240-LE
Deploy Local Networks 420-250-LE

Semester 3

English for AMT and CST 603-BEC-LE
Complementary COMPL-1
Poésie, théâtre et écriture 602-UF1-MQ
Client Web Applications 420-330-LE
Deploy Intranet Servers 420-310-LE
System Design 420-320-LE
Object Oriented Programming 2 420-340-LE
Using Databases 420-350-LE

Semester 4

Ethics for AMT and CST 345-BEC-LE
English 102 603-102-MQ
Transactional Web Applications 1 420-430-LE
Security in the IT World 420-410-LE
Internet of Things 1 420-420-LE
Database Application Development 420-450-LE
Game Programming 1 420-440-LE

Semester 5

Physical Education 103 109-103-MQ
English 103 603-103-MQ
Comparaison d’oeuvres littéraires 602-UF2-MQ
Mobile Applications 420-510-LE
Transactional Web Applications 2 420-530-LE
Game Programming 2 420-540-LE
Internet of Things 2 420-520-LE
Explore New Technologies 420-550-LE

Semester 6

Integrative Project 420-610-LE
Internship 420-620-LE

COURSE GRID WITH PREREQUISITES

COURSES

First semester
420-110-LE Computer Skills for IT 1-3-3 (2 1/3 cr.) 60 hrs

This course introduces students to the variety of careers available to them upon graduation, as well as to some of the tools used in this field such as word processor, spreadsheet, presentation and diagramming software, and tools used for sharing and synchronizing documents. While examining the various IT job titles, professional and work ethics, current laws governing the IT professions will be reviewed. Through examination of work functions in the main career areas of software, hardware, networks and support services, students will also learn the fundamental concepts and vocabulary of Information Technology.

420-120-LE Programming 1 1-3-2 (2 cr.) 60 hrs

This is the first programming course. Students will learn to translate an algorithm into a current structured programming language and develop user interfaces using a subset of the controls available in the Integrated Development Environment (IDE). They will also learn how to write algorithms and develop these algorithms using the three programming control structures: sequence, selection and iteration. Finally, they will learn how to track down and correct errors.

201-110-LE Mathematics for IT 2-3-2 (2 1/3 cr.) 75 hrs

This course will cover how to correctly formulate, simplify and verify logic functions, produce truth tables and use Boolean algebra appropriately. Students will also learn how to represent numbers in different bases (decimal, binary, octal, hexadecimal) and convert them from one base to another as well as understand the limits and precision of various data types. They will learn how to calculate basic statistics (average, median, variance and standard deviation) as well as how to graphically represent data and analyse the results using a spreadsheet. Finally, they will learn how to represents two-dimensional figures on a digital image.

350-110-LE Working with People 1-2-3 (2 cr.) 45 hrs

This course allows students to learn about interpersonal relationships and communication techniques in the workplace. Emphasis will be placed on establishing and maintaining relationships, using listening and speaking skills, non-verbal communication, conflict resolution, teamwork, and ethical behaviour in the workplace. Other topics will also include discrimination, motivation, office politics and stress. A practical approach will be taken regarding the process of job-hunting including cover letters, resumes and interviewing. Students will also learn to become more self-aware to assess their personal techniques with the aim of improving their communication skills in the professional world and adapting their interactions to different clients.

420-130-LE Install and Manage Computers 1-3-2 (2 cr.) 60 hrs

This course will teach students to prepare and install workstations under various operating systems. Students will also learn how to install applications and perform maintenance tasks.

Second semester
420-220-LE Programming 2 1-3-2 (2 cr.) 60 hrs

This course continues the study of programming. Building on the knowledge gained in the Programming 1 course, students will learn to design and write programs of increasing complexity in a different programming language. The use of proper programming style and current programming standards will be emphasized throughout the course. Implementing a functional test plan is also covered.
(Prerequisite: 420-120-LE)

420-230-LE Help Desk 1-3-2 (2 cr.) 60 hrs

This course will teach students the fundamentals of organising and working at help desks. Through simulated and actual work with users, students will learn the skills needed to help novice and intermediate users solve problems they encounter when using computers. They will also learn about the tools used to document and to track problem reports, and will prepare a short tutorial or workshop on a computer-related topic.

420-210-LE Website Design and Coding 1-3-2 (2 cr.) 60 hrs

This course will introduce students to the creation of non-transactional Web pages. They will learn to prepare their environment and install the required software. Next, they will be introduced to HTML language, the use of style sheets, proper integration of images and other useful basic techniques required to build web pages.

420-240-LE Object Oriented Programming 1 1-4-2 (2 1/3 cr.) 75 hrs

This course teaches students the fundamental concepts of Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) language. They will be introduced to the notions of class, object and data encapsulation, which constitute the core of the OOP approach to program development. This will be followed by a study of the different types of relationship between classes. In particular, the inheritance mechanism will be studied and will serve to implement the concept of code reuse.
(Prerequisite: 420-120-LE)

420-250-LE Deploy Local Networks 1-3-3 (2 1/3 cr.) 60 hrs

This course examines how networks can be used to support the information needs of the organisation. Students will examine the features and functions of network hardware, software and data organisation. They will also learn how to install and configure a local network and its services.

Third semester
420-330-LE Client Web Applications 1-3-2 (2 cr.) 60 hrs

This course will teach students the technology needed to develop a successful and efficient non-transactional Web application. They will program the application, ensure its quality through extensive testing, and produce technical and user documentation.
(Prerequisite: 420-210-LE)

420-310-LE Deploy Intranet Servers 1-3-2 (2 cr.) 60 hrs

This course will teach students how to deploy various intranet servers and different services such as authentication, directory, printing, file sharing, etc. They will also learn how to reinforce the servers’ security and produce relevant documentation.
(Prerequisite: 420-250-LE)

420-320-LE System Design 2-2-3 (2 1/3 cr.) 60 hrs

This course will teach students the concepts, tools and techniques needed to analyse, design and document information systems using the structured development approach. Students will learn to use appropriate CASE (computer-aided system engineering) tools to create data models and process models. The course will also cover the theory and techniques required in a Systems Analysis project.

420-340-LE Object Oriented Programming 2 1-3-2 (2 cr.) 60 hrs

This course continues the study of object oriented language programming. Students will concentrate on programming more complex classes, documenting their code and applying the procedures for managing versions of a program. Students will be introduced to Object-Oriented Design and will learn to create and gradually refine an Object Model for an application using the Unified Modeling Language (UML) standard. They will also learn to correct faulty programs by analysing a program's behaviour to identify the nature of the problem and to determine appropriate code modifications.
(Prerequisite: 420-240-LE)

420-350-LE Using Databases 1-3-3 (2 1/3 cr.) 60 hrs

This course will allow students to learn how to use a database management system. From analysing the data model and creating the database, they will move on to formulating queries to read, insert, update or delete data. They will also learn how to ensure data confidentiality and consistency. Next, they will learn how to automate certain data processing operations. Finally, they will learn how to backup and restore a database for added protection.

Fourth semester
420-430-LE Transactional Web Applications 1 1-4-3 (2 2/3 cr.) 75 hrs

This first course of a series of two will introduce students to the technologies needed to develop a successful and efficient transactional Web application. Using current tools, students learn how to install and configure their development environment. They will then learn how to prepare the database and program the Web interface including forms, images and so on.
(Prerequisite: 420-330-LE)

420-410-LE Security in the IT World 1-2-2 (1 2/3 cr.) 45 hrs

This course will introduce students on how to secure workstations, networks and applications from various security threats. Students will learn the various techniques used to identify potential threats, evaluate potential solutions and apply the chosen solution.

420-420-LE Internet of Things 1 1-4-2 (2 1/3 cr.) 75 hrs

This course will introduce students to the concepts of connected objects, also known as the Internet of things. Using small-scale programmable hardware, students will learn how to interact with these objects and control their operation. Debugging the objects and making sure they work as planned will also be covered.

420-450-LE Database Application Development 1-4-2 (2 1/3 cr.) 75 hrs

This course will allow students to develop, implement, test, and document a small desktop database application. They will perform the analysis, design, and data modeling for a simple database system. Students will then develop the user interface, program the application, perform quality assurance tests, and produce the program documentation.
(Prerequisite: 420-350-LE)

420-440-LE Game Programming 1 1-4-2 (2 1/3 cr.) 75 hrs

This course is an introduction to the field of game programming. Building on the knowledge gained in the previous programming courses, students will learn to develop casual games for mobile devices. Topics covered will include getting familiar with the chosen mobile platform, developing a simple animation framework, image management and manipulation, sound effects and music.
(Prerequisite: 420-340-LE)

Fifth semester
420-510-LE Mobile Applications 1-3-2 (2 cr.) 60 hrs

This course will allow students to learn how to create applications for mobile devices. Emphasis will be put on keeping the applications device-independent to ensure the largest possible distribution of the finished application. Students will learn how to program applications using emulators, how to transfer the application into a smart phone or other mobile device and how to test it once it is installed.
(Prerequisite: 420-430-LE)

420-530-LE Transactional Web Applications 2 1-3-2 (2 cr.) 60 hrs

This course will teach students how to program more complex transactional Web applications. Building on the previous course content, students will explore the server and client side logic programming, learn how to control the quality of the application and prepare its deployment on the Web. They will also learn how to prepare useful documentation on their project.
(Prerequisite: 420-430-LE)

420-540-LE Game Programming 2 1-3-2 (2 cr.) 60 hrs

This second course on game programming builds on the skills learned in the first level course. Students will program more complex game logic, control the quality of their games and participate in the deployment of the game.
(Prerequisite: 420-440-LE)

420-520-LE Internet of Things 2 1-4-2 (2 1/3 cr.) 75 hrs

This team-based course will allow students to collaborate on the project design and programming of a small, connected object. Using techniques learned in the Internet of Things 1, System Design and previous programming courses, students will work together on a small scale device.
(Prerequisite: 420-420-LE)

420-550-LE Explore New Technologies 1-3-3 (2 1/3 cr.) 60 hrs

This course will introduce students to emerging information technologies and their use in everyday situations. While this course will tend to be research based, it will also allow students to interact with real-world technologies.

Sixth semester
420-610-LE Integrative Project (7 weeks intensive) 2-7-2 (3 2/3 cr.) 135 hrs

This course will serve as a wrap-up of technical skills and some soft skills learned throughout the program. Its goal is both to prepare students for their stage but also serves as part of the Comprehensive Assessment evaluation. In a controlled environment, students will have to work in teams around projects proposed by the teacher. This controlled environment will allow the teacher to better assess the level of competency achieved by the students.
(Prerequisites: 201-110-LE, 350-110-LE, 420-110-LE, 420-130-LE, 420-220-LE, 420-230-LE, 420-310-LE, 420-320-LE, 420-410-LE, 420-450-LE, 420-510-LE, 420-520-LE, 420-530-LE, 420-540-LE, 420-550-LE)

420-620-LE Internship (8 weeks intensive) 1-19-2 (7 1/3 cr.) 300 hrs

The internship is the final course of the program where students actually go out on the job market. The objective of this course is to prepare students for the real world by allowing them to work as an IT technician in a real-life environment. Ideally, the internship will also open doors for them towards a future career.
(Prerequisites: 201-110-LE, 350-110-LE, 420-110-LE, 420-130-LE, 420-220-LE, 420-230-LE, 420-310-LE, 420-320-LE, 420-410-LE, 420-450-LE, 420-510-LE, 420-520-LE, 420-530-LE, 420-540-LE, 420-550-LE)

NOTE: SOME COURSE TITLES MAY DIFFER SLIGHTLY ON STUDENTS' TRANSCRIPTS; PLEASE REFER TO COURSE NUMBERS.

💭 WHAT CAN I DO WITH A DEC IN CST?

Opportunities after completing the program:

  • Database Administrator
  • Industrial IT Advisor
  • Computer Operator
  • Programmer
  • Application Programmer
  • Business Computer Programmer
  • Analyst Programmer
  • Programmer-Analyst
  • Administrative Technician in Computerized Management
  • Computer Technician
  • Computer Technologist
  • Webmaster
  • Website Programmer
  • Industrial Computer Technician
  • IT Network Administrator
  • Computer Network Technician

Workplace opportunities:

  • Self-employed
  • Hospital Centers
  • Insurance Companies
  • Computer Service Companies
  • Public Utility Companies
  • Educational Institutions
  • Computer Consulting Firms
  • Business Management Consulting Firms
  • Federal and Provincial Governments
  • Financial Institutions
  • Municipalities
  • Trust Companies
  • Investment, Investment, and Fund Management Companies

DID YOU KNOW…?

Students targeted by the DEC-BAC in Computer Science must have passed Secondary 5 Technico-Sciences or Natural Sciences or the mathematics prerequisite 068-526 or 068-536 depending on the University.

 

This training is covered by the Perspective Québec scholarship program. For more information, see  https://www.quebec.ca/education/aide-financiere-aux-etudes/bourses-perspective