Agricultural Automation Technician - Greenhouse System Controls

Fundamentals of Instrumentation

This introductory course in process instrumentation and safety includes instrumentation handling safety, work safety, electrical and mechanical shop practices, blueprint reading, overview of instruments, and wiring. The use and operation of equipment associated with sensors and measuring instruments and the fundamentals of process variables such as temperature, pressure, and level measuring instruments are introduced. Other topics include primary sensing devices, terminology and symbols, and test equipment usage including calibration procedures. The laboratory portion of the course allows students to become familiar with various types of test equipment, connection of instruments to sense process variation, apply calibration standards, and learn troubleshooting skills.

Boiler & HVAC Systems

This is an introductory course to Boiler and HVAC systems, which will give a general overview of process equipment, systems, and techniques. The codes and regulations that apply will be discussed. Emphasis will be placed on safety concerns such as WHMIS, plant safety, protective equipment, fire protection and extinguishing equipment, and environmental impacts. Process drawing fundamentals, basic process equipment such as steam traps, relief valves, piping systems, and lubrication systems will be studied.

Greenhouse Tools & Equipment

Maintaining and protecting greenhouses is vitally important to ensure good yields. This course covers the fundamentals of hand and power equipment, measuring tools, materials, and maintenance practices used in Canadian greenhouse operations. Students select and use references, tools, methods, and procedures, to alter various mechanical components to given specifications. The concept and importance of maintenance plan schedules are also introduced. including routine inspections of greenhouse structures, frames, doors, floors, paneling, ventilation, fans, heating, and boilers are introduced and discussed.

Electrical Fundamentals

This course introduces electrical principles that are fundamental to the operation and control of industrial equipment. Topics include: safe practices, electrical terminology, symbols, AC and DC circuit analysis principles, introduction to transducers, transformers and how DC and AC electric motors operate and are controlled. A laboratory component runs concurrently with the lectures. Lecture and laboratory are designed and scheduled to supplement and reinforce the learning outcomes of the course.

Introduction to Sustainable Development

This course introduces the concept of sustainable development to a broad audience. Students are presented with the factors that affect the environmental, economic and social sustainability of our communities. The course investigates the development of human populations and how their need for resources (e.g. energy, food, water) has compromised the natural ecosystems. Social and economic factors are explored in the context of social equality and sustainability in the local and global economy. The effects of individual lifestyle changes on the sustainability of communities are also examined.

General Education Elective

Work Term (Full-Time)

Co-operative education provides students with the opportunity to apply classroom learning to the workplace, undertake career sampling and gain valuable work experience that may assist students in leveraging employment after graduation.

Capstone Preparation

The capstone project in the final term is designed to consolidate student learning with valuable hands-on experiences to help develop them into well-prepared, well-rounded and employment-ready graduates. This course is designed to prepare students for the skills and competencies necessary for a successful capstone project. Students focus on research methodology, communication, leadership and collaboration skills necessary for success. Utilizing the technical capabilities applied throughout the program and how these may be integrated in managing successful project, including fundamental roles and tasks used to solve real-world problems within industry are introduced. In addition, students focus on required maintenance necessary for sustainable operations of interconnected greenhouse systems.

Greenhouse Horticulture

This course will introduce common practices and the theory behind plant production science in greenhouses. Students will learn the importance of environmental factors such as light, temperature and water management on plant growth. Considerations for managing plant growth for building a finishing schedule and concepts of integrated pest management will be introduced.

Data & Technology for Digital Farming Systems

In this course, students will apply various technologies to collect, manage and share data from a variety of sources for analysis. In the lab, students operate data collection equipment and plan experiments utilizing hardware and software applications.

Controlled Environment Agriculture Systems

Pneumatics & Hydraulics

This course develops an understanding of the basic principles and applications of pneumatics and compressed air safety as it relates to pneumatic systems. Basic hydraulic principles and the ability to perform pertinent hydraulic calculations, install, maintain and troubleshoot components will also be covered. Valves are used extensively in pneumatics, hydraulics and throughout all sections of industry. Knowledge of valve types, purposes and correct selection for specific systems will be covered. The operation, function and maintenance of ventilation, dust collection and cooling towers will also be included.

Introduction to Digital Logic & Programmable Logic Controllers

This course is designed to give technology students a thorough understanding of digital techniques and logic circuits, as applied to Industrial Control Circuits and to Processor Based Control Systems. The foundation of the course begins with a study of digital logic gates and functions and expands to include combinational and sequential logic, culminating with a study of the architecture and functioning of microprocessor-based systems such as computers, programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and industrial control systems.

Remote Communication & Data Integration

Modern Canadian agricultural operations have the equipment and know-how to remotely collect and manage information from the field. The capturing of data from equipment, and then transferring the data in real time is the basis for this course. Students study cellular and satellite systems that transfer data directly to computers for immediate access to improve overall efficiency in agricultural operations.

General Education Elective

Sustainable Food Production

This course is an introduction to the field of sustainable food production. With the rise in advanced agricultural practices that use fewer materials and energy, generate less waste and cause less negative environmental impact, sustainable agriculture creates increased efficiency, food security and reduced operational costs. Students study a systems approach for agricultural food production that considers the cultural and environmental factors required to manage soils, plant diseases, insect problems and crop quality. Application to organic commercial food production as well as urban food production are also discussed.

Integrated Pest Management

In this course, students are introduced to Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Students learn to investigate the importance of sustainable processes that combine biological, cultural, physical and chemical tools to identify, manage and reduce risk from a variety of pests. Students also select pest management tools and strategies in a way that minimizes environmental risks in controlled environments.

Robotics & Automation

With the arrival of industry 4.0, automated systems have become more powerful than ever before. Robotic and PLC systems are now commonly placed in most of today's industries. This integrated lecture/laboratory course will introduce learners to the fundamentals of industrial automated systems. Students will be required to write PLC programs in ladder logic that will perform tasks and control equipment. Students will also learn how to program and operate robots in a safe manner by studying the various safety systems that are a major component of automated robotic cells.

Agricultural Automation & Controls

In this course, students learn about software controls of greenhouse systems automation and robotic systems used in agricultural operations and equipment. Students learn to control systems and connect them in order to generate meaningful data to be used in a variety of agricultural applications.

Preventative Maintenance for Controlled Environment Agriculture

Building upon the fundamental skills learned in AGT 2013/ Greenhouse Tools and Equipment, students apply their knowledge to common greenhouse maintenance issues pertaining to various ventilation, fans, heating, and boilers. Maintenance plan schedules, including routine inspections of greenhouse structures, frames, doors, floors, paneling, ventilation, fans, heating, and boilers are discussed. This hands-on course provides students the opportunity to troubleshoot a variety of basic machinery used in the greenhouse environment in an effort to maintain and in some cases, extend the life of equipment.

Capstone - Smart Greenhouse

In this culminating capstone project, students work collectively to integrate a variety of technologies to efficiently and effectively monitor and control greenhouse operations.

General Education Elective