Computer Programmer
Overview
Shape the solutions of today and tomorrow in the field of computer programming. Discover a career in almost any industry with the widespread use of information technology.
The Computer Programmer, two-year diploma program offers students the opportunity to study current trends in software development. This intensive, two-year program concludes with a work term for eligible students.
Web technology topics include HTML5, CSS5, JavaScript, jQuery, Bootstrap, React and others to develop user interfaces. Students work with server-side programming languages including Microsoft C#.NET, Python and Java. In the database components, students perform all aspects of database design and work with SQL/NOSQL on several database management systems (DSMS). Students demonstrate their knowledge and skills by developing solutions to real world, three tiered (client, server, database) problems.
Major coursework is assigned as term projects that span entire terms allowing students to actively engage in the evaluation, design and implementation of real world software applications. As a result, student develop deep content knowledge as well as critical thinking, collaboration, creativity and communication skills.
In addition, general education, business, math and communication courses help students expand their organizational, critical thinking and communication skills.
The widespread use of computer technology in all industries, from manufacturing, transportation, construction, education, health and financial institutions means that computer programmers are the key people shaping the solutions of today and tomorrow.
Toronto - A Great Place to Study
Hear from our staff and students about why our Toronto campus gives you a great, well-rounded education in a bustling city centre.
Achieve your goals while immersing yourself in Canadian culture.
This Lambton College program is licensed to and delivered by Cestar College (PDF), a licensed private career college in Toronto, Ontario. Students who are registered at are students of a public college and as such, will receive full credit from Lambton College for all Lambton College courses completed at the Cestar College campus in Toronto. Students who meet program graduation requirements will graduate with a credential from Lambton College. Students may be scheduled to have classes on Saturdays.
Admission Requirements
O.S.S.D. or equivalent with a minimum grade of 60% in the following:
- Grade 12 English C or U
- Grade 11 or 12 Mathematics C or U
The admissions process is competitive and meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee admission.
Lambton College reserves the right to alter information including admission requirements and to cancel a program or course at any time; to change the program curriculum as necessary to meet current competencies or changes in the job market; to change the pathways to third-party certification bodies; or to withdraw an offer of admission both prior to and after its acceptance by an applicant or student because of insufficient applications or registrations or over-acceptance of offers of admission. In the event Lambton College exercises such a right, Lambton College's sole liability will be the return of monies paid by the applicant or student to Lambton College.English Language Requirements
- IELTS of 6.0
-or-
IELTS of 5.5 + Completion of EAP-3106 (English for Academic Purposes) during the first term of study
- or -
- TOEFL iBT 69
-or-
ITOEFL 60 + Completion of EAP-3106 (English for Academic Purposes) during the first term of study
- or -
- Passed Lambton Institute of English placement test
Please Note: IELTS is the only proficiency score accepted by the Study Direct Stream (SDS) program. Additional country-specific requirements may also be applicable.
Meeting the minimum English requirements does not guarantee admission. Students with higher English proficiency scores will receive priority in the admission assessment process. Not all students will qualify for EAP-3106 in place of the required IELTS or TOEFL test scores.
Costs
- Term 1 $8,480.00
- Term 2 $7,780.00
- Term 3 $8,400.00
- Term 4 $7,700.00
- Co-op Term $900.00
Total Cost of Program
Tuition fees are estimates and are subject to change each academic year. Fees do not include books (unless specifically noted), supplies or living costs.
Lambton College reserves the right to alter information including admission requirements and to cancel at any time a program or course; to change the location and/or term in which a program or course is offered; to change the program curriculum as necessary to meet current competencies or changes in the job market; to change the pathways third-party certification bodies; or to withdraw an offer of admission both prior to and after its acceptance by an applicant or student because of insufficient applications or registrations or over-acceptance of offers of admission. In the event Lambton College exercises such a right, Lambton College’s sole liability will be the return of monies paid by the applicant or student to Lambton College.
Technology Requirements
In order to keep pace with the requirements of each and every course in your program, Lambton College requires that each student have access to a laptop while studying at our college.
Labs & Equipment
Computer Labs & Software Access
Students in this program have access to fully equipped computer labs and open learning areas. In addition, students have full access to Amazon web-based cloud servers.
On-campus computers are equipped with today's leading operating systems - Windows, i5.OS, and Linux. Students have a computer access account and have remote access to Lambton's extensive computer services.
Courses
Front-End Web Development I
Through a blend of theoretical concepts and practical applications, students master the creation of dynamic and engaging websites. Using a hands-on approach, students integrate modern web technologies to (1) design and implement well-structured and semantically meaningful web pages using HTML; (2) implement Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) to enhance the visual appeal of web pages, including techniques for layout, formatting, and responsive design; (3) incorporate JavaScript that adds interactivity, dynamic content, and functionality to web pages; and (4) design and publish a comprehensive and fully functional website.
Problem Solving & Program Logic
Programming logic and problem solving - without them, software development skills are learned but soon forgotten. A language-independent approach introduces students to various components common to all programming languages without assuming any previous programming experience. Students (1) design, test, and debug programs using a top-down modernized approach; (2) control the flow of a program with decision and repetitive structures and functions; (3) implement array processing; and (4) develop programs that process data from files including control break processing. Students develop software solutions using pseudocode and flowchart software tools with an emphasis on problem solving and structured programming techniques.
Python Programming
This course uses the Python programming language to reinforced programming logic and problem solving skills taught in CSD 1133, Problem Solving/Program Logic. Students implement Python programs to (1) design, test, and debug programs using a top-down modernized approach; (2) control the flow of a program with decision and repetitive structures and functions; (3) implement array processing; and (4) develop programs that process data from files including control break processing.
Database Design & SQL
An introduction to relational database design and Structured Query Language (SQL). Students (1) analyze user requirements and construct data models using entity-relationship diagrams (ERD), normalization, and relational data models; (2) use Data Definition Language (DDL) to create and alter database objects and implement database constraints; (3) use Data Manipulation Language (DML) to add, delete, and modify data in database tables; (4) develop single-table and multiple-table database queries; (5) implement views and indexes; and (6) prepare technical documentation for a database project. As a term project, students design and implement a multiple-table database based on typical business requirements.
Workplace Communicaitons Application & Analysis
In today's management and administration workplace, having strong computer skills is essential. This course provides students with resources and guidance to develop skills in Microsoft Office applications, focusing on three key areas: Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. While learning about these programs, students develop skills in time management, accountability, and their ability to follow direction.
Front-End Development II
As a continuation of Front-End Web Development I, JavaScript and jQuery are introduced. Students (1) implement JavaScript and jQuery to enrich the user experience; (2) employ AJAX to allow server-side requests to exchange data with a Web server; (3) employ JSON as an over-the-network data format; and (4) implement APIs from popular websites to enhance a web page. Students add to their term project from Front-End Web Development I by designing and implementing MVC applications that includes client-side, server-side, and database processing.
Programming C#.NET
The C# programming language is introduced. Students (1) create, test, and debug programs using a top-down modernized approach; (2) implement decision and repetitive structures and functions to control program flow; (3) formulate object-oriented designs using classes, instance variables and methods and constructors; (4) evaluate, create and analyze objects including strings and arrays. Microsoft Visual Studio is used for program development.
Programming Java SE
Various components of the Java object-oriented programming language are introduced. Students (1) develop solutions using data types, I/O, and control structures; (2) use arrays and collections to store and work with single and multidimensional data; (3) create programs that adhere to the object-oriented paradigm; and (4) build standalone GUI applications that interface with a database.
Database Programming
A comprehensive journey into SQL and PL/SQL database programming within the dynamic Oracle database environment. Using a hands-on approach, students (1) create robust PL/SQL blocks that incorporate program control structures, embedded SQL statements, powerful cursors for data manipulation, and exception handling routines; (2) leverage the power of stored procedures and functions to design efficient, reusable code that scales easily in database development; (3) create packages that encapsulate and organize related PL/SQL objects, fostering modularity, scalability, and maintainability in database projects; (4) create database triggers that automate database actions and enforce data integrity constraints, ensuring database reliability and consistency. This course, combined with added study materials, prepares students for the Oracle PL/SQL certification exam.
General Mathematics I
This general course in mathematics reviews and enhances topics in arithmetic, algebra, linear graphs, measurement, and statistics. A problem solving approach is used throughout the course, and there are many practical applications.
Workplace Communications
This course focuses on skills required in any organization or position: writing business documents, responding to realistic scenarios, and speaking in an organized and vibrant manner. Students will practice professional and inclusive communications skills by producing, revising, and editing short business documents and engaging in verbal interactions and presentations.
Full Stack JavaScript
As a continuation of Web Technologies II, students design and implement component-based web applications using JavaScript and JavaScript frameworks. This course introduces students to the MERN (MongoDB, Express, React, Node) web stack. Students (1) develop software using modern JavaScript standards (ES6+); (2) develop web applications that maintain a NoSQL database; (3) implement applications adhering to the microservice architectural pattern by developing web API endpoints, and (4) develop applications that run on a variety of computing platforms. Students add to their term project in Web Technologies II by designing and implementing component-based applications that include client-side, server-side, and database processing.
Web Applications using C#.NET
The C# programming language is expanded upon and ASP.NET is introduced. Students (1) implement web applications that follow the MVC architecture pattern by leveraging the ASP.NET MVC framework; (2) build web applications that interface with databases through the use of Entity Framework; (3) manage project dependencies with NuGet package manager; and (4) test applications with unit tests.
Programming Java EE
As a continuation of Programming Java SE, students (1) manage databases using Java; (2) build two- and three-tier client-server applications; and (3) refine industry-standard coding practices. Students build a complete Web-based application that incorporates three-tier development including client-side, server-side, and database processing.
DevOps Tools & Practices
Modern software development is done with a high degree of velocity, often with software changes being released multiple times daily or weekly. This course introduces students to industry-standard tools and techniques that help manage the development and release of such software using Agile methodologies and DevOps principles. Students (1) evaluate technical and business background details related to DevOps;(2) evaluate Cloud platforms as a deployment option for applications; (3) evaluate responsibilities of operations teams and get familiar with their day-to-day operations;(4) evaluate CI/CD pipelines and their components and discuss micro-service architecture;(5) evaluate containers and containerization as the most up-to-date application delivery method. Throughout the term, students work in teams on a term project, to develop and deploy software with evolving requirements. Students will document these changes based on Software Requirement Specification standards.
Job Search & Success
This course provides student with skills and knowledge to help support their career search and succeed in the workplace. Students align their personal skill set and goals to guide them on their career paths. They will learn how to effectively conduct a job search, build a professional and well-tailored resume and cover letter, and develop and practice interview techniques. Students will also develop their personal brand to help support effective career networking and aid in their job search. Teamwork and collaboration in the workplace are also discussed. Self-reflection is used to inspire insight and support their professional career journey.
General Education Elective
Introduction to Project Management
This course provides a fundamental knowledge to manage people, workflows, and costs in project management. Students (1) analyze the project management landscape; (2) apply the project management knowledge areas, process groups, and traditional methods to IT projects; (3) apply agile methods to IT projects; and (4) use project management software to conduct project analysis, develop reports, and manage changes to IT projects. The group assignment and term project provides students an opportunity to incorporate and apply project management skills to solve real-world problems.
Python II
This course is a continuation of Python programming. Students (1) develop applications using Object-Oriented Python; (2) access databases with Python; and (3) use Python libraries and frameworks.
Cloud Computing
Traditionally, software applications were deployed on physical servers owned and maintained by the organization developing the software; however, over the past decade, there has been a shift from companies of all sizes towards leveraging cloud computing platforms over in-house servers due to a variety of economic and technical reasons. In this course students will (1) evaluate technical and fundamentals topics of cloud computing, (2) analyze various methods for cloud management, (3) evaluate cloud platform solutions including infrastructure as a service (IaaS) to install and configure virtual resources on the cloud platforms, (4) evaluate storage provisioning, networking, testing and deploying cloud technologies, (5) discuss cloud computing standards, security, the business in cloud computing and methods of planning for cloud integration, and last but not least, (6) discuss cloud deployment options and cloud DevOps.
General Education Elective (Select 2)
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. For further information regarding co-op, please refer to: https://www.lambtoncollege.ca/co-ops-placements
Contact
Centre for Global Engagement
LAMBTON COLLEGE SARNIA
1457 London Road
Sarnia ON, N7S 6K4
After Graduation
Employment Opportunities
Graduates use their problem solving and critical thinking skills to analyze business and industry requirements and design, develop and implement real life database-driven enterprise web applications.
A wide variety of rewarding career opportunities that are dynamic and challenging, offering a competitive rate of compensation are available to graduates. Courses prepare graduates for careers as computer programmers, software developers, programmer analysts, mobile application developers, information systems specialists, web developers, client/server applications developers and support specialists. Graduates acquire sufficient foundation to allow them to advance in a variety of career paths appropriate to their interests and abilities.
Pathways
Transfer to Programs outside of Ontario
- Bachelor of Science in Computing in Software Development - enter third year of three-year program
- Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Software Development - enter third year of four-year program
Looking for Support After Graduation?
The International Graduate Services & Support Centre (GSSC) is a place dedicated to assisting International alumni as they seek employment and settle into Canadian life following graduation.
Co-op
About Co-op
Students in this program have the opportunity to gain valuable work experience by applying classroom learning during co-op experiences.
Learn more about co-op terms and the roles and responsibilities of students and co-op advisors.
More Information
Student Responsibilities
- Course and program delivery schedules are proposed and subject to change for each intake.
- Students are required to bring their own laptop with wireless capability.
- Students are advised to bring an official copy of their most recent police clearance, driver's license, and vaccination record from their home country.
Transferring to Sarnia Campus
Students can transfer to the main campus in Sarnia before or during the first 10 days of any term, dependent on course and seat availability.
Special permission from the Dean, International Education must be granted after receiving a written request by email listing the following:
- Student's Name
- Lambton ID
- Reason for requesting the transfer
Transfers during a co-op term are not permitted.
Technology Requirements
It is required that students purchase a laptop with a Windows operating system.
Internet Speed Requirements
For best performance for students learning remotely, an internet connection with a minimum of 40 Mbps download and 10 Mbps upload speed is recommended in order to effectively use video conferencing and remote lecture delivery software as well as, other online resources remotely. Due to the large area over which students may be dispersed, we are unable to recommend a specific provider, so you will need to inquire around your area to find one that best suits your needs.
Minimum Laptop Requirements
In order to access the internet and virtually-delivered software and courseware, student laptops should include the following at a minimum. By meeting the following specifications, students will be equipped to access software and courseware on their laptop through the internet:
- Intel i5 8th Gen Processor or equivalent
- 16 GB of RAM (with a minimum of 8 GB)
- 100 GB HDD or more
- HD Graphics
- Webcam with a microphone
- Wireless 802.11n/ac 5ghz capable
- Windows Operating System (Windows 11)
Software
To ensure students are getting the most our of their classroom experience, some software will be required.
Lambton College has made this software easily accessible online. Students can leverage our Microsoft Office 365 software packages and services. In addition, much of the software you require for your courses will be available on demand for use on any device - on or off campus.