Course description
Semester 1 (core courses)
BTE301: Statistical Analysis
This course is designed to formalize the student's understanding of statistics so that they will be able to apply best statistical practice in the technological applications they encounter.
BTE321: Critical Reading and Writing
Much of the course consists of a structured, disciplined study of various forms of literature and film media as a basis for evaluating and critiquing business, environmental, and global issues and concepts. The writing component of the course focuses on high-level writing skills including direct, concise, expressive, and persuasive forms of communication, as well as on advanced research, documentation and presentation skills. Course delivery and evaluation is in the form of lectures, group discussions, films, case studies and formal written assignments.
BTE342: Project Management
To ensure all projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the satisfaction of all the stakeholders, it is essential that project managers apply appropriate soft skills to gain participants’ trust and commitment while applying hard technical skills to initiate, plan, execute, monitor & control, and close-out projects. Equivalent Course: MGMT 220
BTE343: Financial Accounting
Choose 1 from Elective "A" list (below)
Semester 2 (core courses)
BTE300: Applied Research Methods
This course will provide underlying theory and practical skills for the student in conducting applied research activities including methodological approaches, information collection and literacy, proposal writing and presentation, and numeracy. These skills will prepare the student for conducting the capstone project as well as future applied research activities in their careers.
BTE302: Recent Advances in Technology
This course focuses on major issues and new technology trends that affect business and industry every day. Students will research and analyze current and future technological trends, and present out their findings on how companies evaluate new technologies to solve business and industry problems.
BTE320: Ethics and Society
Ethics and Society supports the degree requirements of students through its high-level focus on personal, social, business, environmental, and international ethics in preparation for their professional career. Students prepare themselves to face ethical dilemmas by developing a personal code of ethics based on extensive reading and consideration of the works of acknowledged experts in the field from the past to the present. In keeping with the focus and objectives of the degree program, students apply their code of ethics to contemporary social issues; to the application of business practices in Alberta and Canada; to environmental and natural resource issues affecting business and society; and toward a global, international business perspective. Students also review and critique existing codes of ethics as published by a variety of provincial and federal technical organizations. Course material is delivered using lecture, class discussion, film, and case studies.
BTE341: Human Resources Management
Choose 1 from Elective "A" list (below)
Semester 3 (core courses)
BTE495A: Capstone Project Part 1
Choose 1 from Liberal Studies Electives (below)
Choose 1 from Technology Management Electives (below)
Choose 2 from Elective "B" list (below)
Semester 4
BTE495B: Capstone Project Part 2
The Capstone Project is a concluding course of study designed to allow participants to integrate and apply skills and knowledge gained from a number of previous courses of study taken in the B. Tech. These skills are used to complete an applied design project on a real world challenge presented by a sponsor.
Choose 1 from Liberal Studies Electives (below)
Choose 2 from Technology Management Electives (below)
Choose 1 from Elective "B" list (below)
Electives A
BTE310: Advanced Calculus
A variety of technologically relevant problems will be solved using one-dimensional integration and differentiation, including areas, length, volume, mass, and surface area. Problems involving polar and spherical coordinates, vectors, power and Taylor series, and first order differential equations will also be solved.
BTE311: Systems Reliability Analysis
This is an introductory course in reliability theory and practice which covers the Product Life Cycle, calculating reliability for individual components and complex systems, and constructing reliability testing plans. The relationship between reliability, availability, and maintainability will be covered.
BTE312: Linear Algebra
Linear algebra is applicable to a variety of technological applications. The student will be taught how to employ vector and matrix representations of various problems, and to solve them. To accomplish this, standard topics covering matrix algebra, equations of lines and planes, determinants, orthogonality, Gram-Schmidt processes, eigenvalues and eigenvectors in real and complex numbers will be taught.
BTE313: Quality Control System
Every project should be conceived and managed so that it meets or exceeds customer requirements. This module addresses quality approaches that should be used by all project managers, especially for quality planning, quality assurance, and quality control.
BTE314: Principles of workplace education
Electives B
BTE441: Evidence-based Practice in Healthcare
With health practice becoming increasingly evidence-based, there is an increased demand for research skills and knowledge for all professionals. This course will first assist in the evaluation of research from a variety of sources. Then, students will propose a research project to address a patient-care issue, with a plan for workplace implementation.
BTE314: Principles of workplace education
Using a thorough review of the principles of adult education as a foundation, this course will enable the student to develop, execute, and evaluate training experiences specifically designed for the workplace. The concept of life-long learning will also be explored as a motivator for compliance with mandated education, as well as provide encouragement for staff personal and professional development.
BTE400: Numerical Analysis for Electrical Engineering
This course covers the numerical analysis and methods used to solve typical problems. Topics covered are: major sources of errors in numerical methods, polynomial interpolation, least square methods, solution of a system of equations, numerical differentiation and integrations.
BTE401: Applied Power Electronics
This course is an advanced lecture-based technical elective that presents modern applications of power electronic devices and circuits in industry. The material presented in this course will assist the student in managing and supervising industry projects involving switching power supplies, motor drives, electrical utility interfaces and power systems. Computer simulations will be used, where appropriate, to illustrate the operation of power electronic devices, circuits and systems. Material covered in the course includes various types of power electronic devices, motor drives, power-control circuitry, and calculation techniques pertaining to power electronics. Elements of control systems theory are used to evaluate implementation constraints and dynamic system performance. Typical power electronic applications are discussed such as hybrid power systems (solar and wind power), battery chargers, and motor drives for both DC and AC motors. International standards for line-current harmonics and electromagnetic interference are presented.
BTE402: Simulation Software Tools
This course is an introduction to computer simulation in Electrical and Electronics Engineering. The course will consist of introductions to software packages, demonstrations and electronics-oriented computer simulation assignments. Both component and functional-level simulation will be dealt with. As well, limitations and recommended uses for each type of software package will be discussed. Computer simulation will focus on small-signal analog electronics, discrete switching circuits, digital circuitry and electro-mechanical control systems. Types of simulation packages to be considered in this course are analog electronic simulation; digital electronic simulation; and mathematical and control-system simulation.
BTE403: Introduction to Digital Signal Processing
This course on digital signal processing (DSP) aims to introduce the student to elementary signal characteristics and signal analysis tools, such as statistical analysis, frequency domain filtering, and frequency spectrum analysis, with the purpose of extracting or enhancing information from available signals. These topics are explored with representative audio files, using such popular tools as Matlab, Scilab, and LabView. Theory addressed in lectures is subsequently explored with assignments and computer exercises. The evaluation and enhancement processing of signals, in order to extract information of optimal quality, is foundational to the overall exercise of information and risk management, and thus requires a proper assessment of signal characteristics, and hence the process of extracting the valued information that they carry.
BTE404: Power Generation and Distribution
This advanced course will enable the student to study different aspects of the electrical power distribution systems employed in North America. Computer simulations will reinforce lectures introducing technical aspects of the electrical systems which provide power for most technological endeavours. The student will evaluate alternate sources of “green” energy as to their suitability for different applications. The pros and cons of deregulation of electrical power supply will be analyzed. Techniques of optimization of energy generation, transmission, distribution and utilization will be developed and compared. The application of state-of-the-art monitoring, control and protection systems will be explained. Through research, discussion and debates the student will develop the skills to assess technologies used in electrical power systems.
BTE405: Industrial Communications
This course will discuss common data communication protocols and models and examine how they are applied in industrial control systems. Students will be required to discuss and design various types of communication networks and their applications. Software tools will be used to aid design where applicable. The course delivery consists of lectures with research assignments and a design project to be submitted.
BTE410: Industrial Health & Safety Management
This course is under development
BTE411: Environmental Chemistry
Sources, reactions, transport, fate and effects of chemical species in the environment will be examined. Biochemical, organic, inorganic and physical chemistries will be utilized to explain these processes. Emphasis will be focused on air, water and soil contamination characteristic of major industry activity. A variety of physical, chemical, and biological control and remediation technologies and their application will be investigated. Curriculum delivery will be primarily lecture.
BTE412: Economics of Natural Resource Development
Economic analysis is applied to natural resource industries such as the hydrocarbons, forestry and mining. The criteria for determining the most favorable resource usage strategy under various market situations (commodity prices) will be covered. The economic factors associated with environmental aspects of resource management and pollution control will also be covered. This course requires an understanding of micro-and macroeconomics.
BTE413: Global Energy Development and Society
This course will give the student a global perspective of the role that hydrocarbon resources play in the world society and economy. The strategic role that fossil fuels have played in major social, economic and military events in the 20th and 21st century will be covered. This course also includes an examination of the social, cultural and economic impacts of the current and future oil and gas exploration and production activities in developed and underdeveloped regions of the world and the role that the Kyoto Accord has played in this development. An examination of alternate energy sources will be included and the socio-economic impact associated with the development of alternative energy sources. Students will use and enhance research skills and critical thinking in this course to expand their understanding of the global energy industry. Group discussion and debate will utilized to enhance the learning process.
BTE414: Environmental Management Systems
One of the keys to success in today’s industry, and its future, is an organization’s ability to use technology through a systems approach to address and continually improve its environmental performance. Environmental management systems (EMS) are a central part of overall management addressing the environmental components of operations leading to sound environmental performance and a process of continual improvement in sustainable practices. Students will develop a working understanding of the different elements of an EMS (auditing, environmental impact assessment, life cycle analysis, and environmental performance reporting), the range of tools available for implementation (e.g., ISO 14000 and other software), and the benefits gained in implementing these systems (e.g., better risk management, cost savings, regulatory compliance, reduced footprint). Students will be expected to familiarize themselves with the appropriate techniques and methods, and apply them through specific exercises and projects. [hide detail]
BTE415: Data Security
Every organization has a responsibility to ensure that data collection, storage, and utilization is protected, kept safe and accessed by authorized personnel. This course examines the systems required to ensure data is secure and safe from corruption and their evaluation. Policies for data backup, hardware and software requirement including risk analysis to an organization will also be explored. Students will also learn the encryption techniques and cryptography methods for securing and restricting unwanted access. Mathematical techniques of Number Theory concepts used for data encryption algorithms will also be examined as well as cost/benefit analysis of different data security strategies using practical examples.
BTE416: Industrial Ecology
Industrial ecology involves an interdisciplinary framework whereby industrial systems are designed as living systems that are interdependent with natural systems. In this course, the shifting of industrial processes from “open loop” systems, where resources and capital are consumed and by-products treated as waste, to “closed loop’ systems such that the waste from one process becomes the raw material for another process, will be examined. Using the concept of ecosystem design, whereby natural systems recycle waste as part of natural capital, students will be encouraged to engage in “out of the box” thinking to explore new models and designs for sustainable industrial processes and systems.
BTE417: System Theory and Analysis
Systems theory is based on the framework that the individual components in a hierarchy of larger systems work together in unison to create an output. In industrial processes and even within social organizations, however, individual component parts of systems, which act differently when the system relationship is removed, are often analyzed in isolation. This course examines how these systems can be viewed in a holistic manner, recognizing the dynamic inter-relationship of interdependent components on each other. Practical applications will also be explored including identifying bottlenecks from a system perspective to improve the overall performance of industrial and organizational systems.
BTE420: Productivity Improvement
The course provides the student with a working knowledge of the Productivity Improvement principles, including the effects of quality on production, service, and our ability to compete globally. The course includes an overview of the quality system, the economics of quality, CQI philosophies, planning and organizing for quality assurance, quality improvement and problem solving, human resource management in the CQI environment, and employee involvement in a participative management environment.
BTE421: Plant Facility Layout
The course builds on concepts learned in Productivity Improvement I and further develops process improvement skills. In addition, the students learn method & time study techniques, plant layout, and project planning & control. Students are required to design a single-product production plant including all space requirements for staffing, office space requirements, receipt of raw materials, warehousing, production lines, paint line, final assembly, finished goods storage, and final shipping. The final plant layout complete with a detailed project report are submitted at the end of the course.
BTE422: Quality Assurance
This course introduces the student to quality assurance concepts and tools including the differences between quality assurance, quality control, quality and grade, control versus prevention, and basic engineering statistics relevant to the technical areas of statistical process control (SPC).
BTE423: Operations Management
Systematic approaches to effective operation of production systems are presented. Principles, procedures and techniques for effective planning and control are applied to practical problems in forecasting, capacity planning, scheduling and inventory management. The course includes a study of the role and functions of management.
BTE424: Lean Manufacturing
Lean Manufacturing, sometimes called Just-In-Time (JIT) or World Class or Agile Manufacturing, is an operating strategy that seeks to maximize operational effectiveness by creating value in the eyes of the end customer. The focus is not on a department, area or process, but on the optimization of the entire value stream -- the series of processes between receipt of customer order and delivery of finished product. It generally relates to those best processes and practices, which optimize resources and yield the best products in the fastest manner and at the lowest cost.
BTE425: Six Sigma
Six Sigma has been a popular management philosophy for years. Motorola first made Six Sigma popular in the 1980’s. AlliedSignal embraced it in the early 1990’s and then General Electric made it the most popular management philosophy in history. Six Sigma is a comprehensive and flexible system for achieving, sustaining, and maximizing business success. Six Sigma is uniquely driven by close understanding of customer need, disciplined use of facts, data, and statistical analysis, and diligent attention to managing, improving, and reinventing business processes.
BTE430: Environmental Impact Assessment
An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) examines the biological, economic, and social impacts that are commonly associated with development activities and the means used to predict, evaluate, and mitigate impacts in human and natural environments. This course is designed to give students a thorough grounding in the theory and practices associated with an EIA including assessment of the environmental impacts of development projects, plans, and policies on the decision-making process.
BTE431: Regional Planning and Urban Development
This course will provide the learner with an understanding of how planning has evolved in Canada and will explore the manner in which land use is regulated in Alberta and in other jurisdictions. The various acts and regulations affecting land use and land use planning will be explored, as will the methods of conducting site plan analyses prior to land development. Other topics will include a discussion and application of the criteria commonly used to design residential subdivisions and the process involved in the approval and registration of subdivision plans. General environmental issues that are related to land development will also be discussed in this course.
BTE432: Safety and Loss Management
This course will apply the principles and practices of providing a safe work environment in the construction industry. Key areas of study involve Alberta Health and Safety legislation; Hazard Assessment and Control; and Incident Investigation and Reporting. Relevant parts of the occupational health and safety acts, regulations, and codes will be reviewed. This lab/lecture course will focus on the processes for identification, assessment and control of hazards in the workplace. Learners will also analyze the requirements for investigating and documenting workplace incidents according to new health and safety legislation.
BTE433: Risk Analysis and Management
This course will focus on the types of risks encountered on typical engineering projects within the construction industry and their effect on budgets, project scheduling, and quality. Understanding these relationships will aid in assessing risk and determine strategies that allow managers to make effective decisions. Key topics include identifying and analyzing different types of risk from the point of view of owners, consultants, and contractors; the main phases of construction projects and their relationship with construction risks; and the tracking and assessing of construction risks during the course of a project.
BTE434: Engineered Structural Products
The purpose of this course is to provide the student with a working knowledge of engineered products used in structural applications. As technology improves and raw material becomes scarce or too costly, new methods are developed to optimize the use of materials by improving structural performance and reducing waste. The student will learn about engineering materials, components and related construction practices. Other considerations are cost competitiveness, environmental concerns and code requirements.
BTE435: Construction Jobsite Controls
This lab/lecture course provides students with the knowledge and skills to manage a construction jobsite. Students will become familiar with jobsite layout and the management and coordination of tools, equipment, documents, materials, labor and sub-trades. The role of the project manager with respect to the on-site control of projects will be the course’s primary focus. The general structure of a typical construction company will be presented. The roles and relationships between the company and the on-site manager will be explored.
BTE440: Collaborative Patient-Centered Practice
As the healthcare workforce shrinks, governments are looking to patient-care teams comprised from many health professions as alternatives to traditional healthcare delivery models. In a case-based format, this course will have various disciplines learning and planning together in a healthcare team environment to provide patient-centred care. Students will holistically plan for the care of patients/clients with a variety of conditions and diseases, while the team explores each others’ professions, issues, and how best to work collaboratively.
BTE442: Healthcare Delivery in Canada
Armed with knowledge about the structure, legislation, and demographics that affect Canada’s healthcare system, students will discuss the stressors and challenges of the system today. Comparisons will be made with the healthcare systems in other countries. Recommendations by experts will be analyzed and debated on the future of our healthcare system.
BTE443: Health Promotion
A novel way to decrease the upward spiraling cost of healthcare is to change the focus and funding of our efforts to disease prevention and health promotion. First, theories and models of communication, behavioural change, and health promotion will be explored. Second, a plan will be created to deliver a health promotion program to a particular client/patient population/group.
BTE444: Introduction to health informatics
A general knowledge of how computers help health professionals store and retrieve patient data is essential for today’s leaders in healthcare. This new realm of healthcare is called health informatics. Topics covered include: information technology’s impact; security and privacy measures; data management systems (electronic health record, clinical information systems, and decision support systems); use of Telehealth; and use of health informatics in creation of practice and policy. [hide detail]
BTE445: Issues in Healthcare Study
Electives -- Liberal Studies
BTE480: Social Scientific Method of Enquiry
This course introduces students to the Social Scientific Method of Inquiry and techniques to ask the difficult questions facing business in a dynamic society. Learners will explore the mechanics of language, custom, and belief, and examine the role that cultural changes in Alberta, over the past millennium, played in urban and rural development. Learners will explore the many roles that business plays in leading and shaping society and urban development. Learners will debate the merits of quantitative and qualitative research, conduct primary and secondary research, and perform critical case analysis using newspapers, books, periodicals, film, and electronic media. Learners will evaluate the social impact of businesses operating in Alberta, Canada, and around the world by exploring underlying factors of social and cultural relationships and communication. Based on their primary and secondary research learners will make and explore the outcomes and consequences of their decisions, and the daily decisions made by Alberta Business.
BTE481: Society, Environment and Sustainability
This course introduces students to the Social Scientific Method of Inquiry and Techniques to ask the difficult questions facing business in a dynamic society. Learners will explore the mechanics of language, custom, and belief, and examine the role that cultural changes in Alberta, over the past millennium, played in urban and rural development. Learners will analyze case studies which explore the many roles that business plays in leading and shaping society. Learners will conduct primary and secondary research and perform critical case analysis using newspapers, books, periodicals, films, and electronic media. Learners will evaluate the social impact of business operating in Alberta, Canada, and around the world by exploring the underlying factors of social and cultural relationships.
BTE482: Business Law
The course will provide students with an understanding of how the Canadian legal system works, how business decisions should take into consideration relevant legal and ethical issues, and how a manager or business owner should determine and assess these issues when making decisions. The course examines who makes law, how laws are made and how laws are enforced. Students will be introduced to the Alberta court system, with an emphasis on the procedures to commence, or defend, a lawsuit in small claims court. Students will be exposed to different types of alternative dispute resolution, including negotiation, mediation and arbitration. Students will compare and contrast the different forms of business organizations, including sole proprietorships, partnerships and corporations. Students will become familiar with several areas of law that impact on Alberta businesses, including human rights law, tort law, insurance law, employment law and contract law. The course will require students to read and analyze legal information, as well as relevant cases and legislation; they will learn how to find relevant legal information on online sources. At the end of this course, students will be empowered to succeed in business as their knowledge of the law and the legal system will enable them to make better business decisions. Equivalent Course: BLAW 162
BTE483: Risk Choice and Rationality
Course is under development
BTE484: Issues in Technology, Experts & Society
This course is a critical examination of the introduction and adoption of new technologies and the rise of expert knowledge. Specific historical examples of modern technologies will be considered in order to explore the relationship between society and technology. It is strongly recommended that you have taken one of either BTE320 or BTE321 before taking this course.
BTE485: Leadership Development
Electives -- Technology Management
BTE466: Managerial Accounting
Managerial accounting is an introduction to accounting techniques used by managerial decision-makers. Students will learn to apply cost-volume-profit analysis, performance evaluation, pricing methods, budgeting, and relevant cost analysis. Through practical case studies, students gain experience in applying the managerial accounting skills learned. Students will also learn how to screen capital investment projects. Equivalent Course: ACCT121
BTE460: Energy and Environmental Management
Given the importance of energy in our everyday lives and industry, this course provides the student with an understanding of energy and its manifestation from various sources, transformations, energy-matter relationships; and how it can be managed to environmentally and economically optimize energy systems, processing, building and safety technology, and complex technology systems. The student will also gain practical experience in the effective handling of resources including air, water, and other operating materials; as well as developing solutions for managing waste in industrial applications and as part of building technology systems
BTE461: Engineering & Sustainable Development
This course is under development.
BTE462: Enterprise Resource Planning
Every business needs to interact with advanced Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software at some point – either within the company itself, or with the firm’s customers and suppliers. This course examines the business purpose of ERP systems and examines some of the major business processes commonly found within an ERP system – Financial, Human Resource, Customer Relationship Management and Supply Chain Management. These business processes will be examined at a reasonably broad level, with specific components within those processes being implemented within an actual ERP system. The students will use the ERP system to learn some standard “best practices” within these complex business processes and how to extract appropriate and useful management reports. The students will also examine the general method of how these systems get customized within an organization, and will create customized management reports that can help resolve business issues. This course will use lecture, practical lab work, business videos and guest speakers to provide the student with a very practical and realistic business learning experience.
BTE463: Innovation & Change Management
Technology innovation refers to changes in thinking, processes or things which increase value to customers and producers. Innovation leads to positive change and increased productivity. However, innovation often creates changes in organization which can create stress in individuals. Hence, students will explore change management and its approaches to transition organizations from current state to desired future state; shift in behaviors and attitudes in people to adopt and embrace change with regards to innovation.
BTE464: Issues in International Business
This course addresses issues that arise in global management such as parent-subsidiary management; cross-cultural problems; new challenges; policies and practices employed in international business and problems of international payments, trade, and investment with special emphasis on integrating managerial dimensions with related economic principles. This course is based on case studies.
BTE465: Entrepreneurial Studies
The emphasis in this course is on applying and synthesizing concepts and techniques from the functional areas of accounting, finance, managerial economics, marketing, operations management, and organization behaviour in the context of new venture development. The class sessions are designed to familiarize students with the many dimensions of entrepreneurship and new venture development. Equivalent Course: MGMT 102
BTE467: Issues in Management
