Full-time Programs
BRET - Broadcast Engineering Technology
Program Entry
SEPTEMBER
Program Length
Three-year Ontario College Advanced Diploma
| Contact: | E-mail: |
|---|---|
| Eric Heidendahl | eHeidendahl@loyalistc.on.ca |
On This Page
Highlights
- This one-of-a-kind program was designed with input from the industry, based on today’s requirements and their expectations of future directions.
- Every radio and television broadcasting or satellite distribution system runs on complex systems – hardware and software – creating a high demand for skilled engineering expertise.
- Many broadcast engineers are retiring now and in the next several years, creating a great need for new graduates who are trained on the latest systems.
- Two work placements of 4 and 8 weeks provide students with real-life experience and job contacts.
- This program is recognized by the Society of Broadcast Engineers in the United States.
In The News
Related Links
- My Faculty – Watch the video.
- Broadcast Engineering (video)
- Meet Our Faculty (video)
- On Campus: Demand for Broadcast Engineering Technologists Continues
Career Opportunities
The demand for broadcast engineers is growing daily and fully qualified graduates are not currently available. Positions in radio and television broadcast facilities, cable television operations, specialty channels, post-production facilities, audiovisual systems, satellite distribution systems and equipments manufacturers’ technical field support are available and will continue to grow. Graduates will find work as installation and service technologists, systems integration engineers and field service technologists.
Program Description
The program will train graduates in the hard and soft skills that are required by every employer. Graduates will learn how to design, build and manage broadcast systems, facilities and IT networks. Troubleshooting broadcast equipment to component level, performing routine and preventative maintenance of computer systems and networks, and performing maintenance on all broadcast transmission systems will be within the graduate’s abilities.
The program is roughly divided into three areas of concentration: electronics, IT and dedicated broadcast systems. Graduates will learn to be responsive to production needs and deadlines, will be flexible and adaptable, and will be team players yet also able to work independently. Time management, risk management and technical and non-technical communication skills are also learned.
FIT – Focus on Information Technology Program
Loyalist’s Broadcast Engineering Technology program meets the standards of FIT – an initiative of the federal government that supports the growth of a qualified, motivated and agile information technology workforce. Loyalist is the first community college in Ontario to earn FIT status.
Approximate Cost
Tuition/Ancillary Fees: $3,547 (two semesters)
Consumables Fee: $135; 2nd Year: $390; 3rd Year: $40
Books and Supplies: $600
Additional costs, such as travel and parking, may be incurred during placements, internships and practicums
Admission Requirements
Required academic preparation –
- OSSD/OSSGD or equivalent with courses at the general, advanced, (C), (U), (M) or (O) level, and
- Grade 12 English (C) level or equivalent and Grade 11 Mathematics
OR
Recommended academic preparation –
- A course providing proficiency with word processing and spreadsheet applications.
- Mathematics for College Technology (MCT4C) Grade 12.
Loyalist / University Transfer
Turn your diploma into a degree. Credit transfer agreements are in place with the following institutions as of September 2012:
- Algoma University College
- Athabasca University
- Davenport University
- Griffith University
- Laurentian University
- University of Ontario Institute of Technology
Click here for details. Graduates may contact the university to make individual arrangements. Informal agreements are in place with other institutions and new transfer agreements are added annually.
Curriculum
First Year - Semester One
BRET 1000 Digital Electronic Fundamentals
In this course students will learn the fundamentals of digital logic, Boolean Algebra and the design of basic combinatorial and sequential circuits.
BRET 1002 Electronic Fundamentals Theory
This course provides an introduction to electrical theory and circuit analysis, Ohms Law, Thevenin and Norton’s theory, Kirchoff’s Law and the use of basic test equipment.
BRET 1004 Intro to Audio/Video Tech
This course introduces students to the various systems used in broadcasting including acoustics, audio and video control systems, NLE systems. Students will use the Loyalist media facilities (radio and television) to examine how engineering interfaces with production and operational personnel.
BRET 1006 Mathematics
Students will learn the fundamentals of algebra, exponents and roots, graphing, and logarithms and decibels.
BRET 1010 Digital Concepts
In this course, students will be provided with a concise, comprehensive introduction to computers and how they work. They will explore the most up-to-date technology, software, and applications, and the use of the Internet in business and the broadcast industry.
COMM 1002 Technical Communications 1
Develops communication skills for the presentation of technical information in business documents that meet the needs of clients and customers. Documents and presentations are produced in Word and PowerPoint.
MEDI 1015 Volunteering in the Community
This course is designed to give the students valuable experience volunteering in the community with the objective of emphasizing the importance of this commitment to society at large. Working with faculty, each student will find a suitable location and set up a schedule that works for them.
First Year - Semester Two
BRET 1012 Introduction to Electrical Diagrams and CAD Design
Students will learn basic mechanical panel drafting and how to produce electrical diagrams using AutoCAD
BRET 1014 AC/DC Electronics Theory
In this course students will explore the theory and use of capacitors, inductors, transient response, sinusoidal signals, power, resonance, diode circuits and transformers.
BRET 1016 Electronic Devices
In this course students will learn about semiconductor theory, and explore the theory and use of diodes, transistors. Students will learn transistor amplifier design, EWB simulation. Class A and B amplifier, gain and power.
BRET 1018 Broadcast Facility Maintenance
In this course students will learn the set-up and management of preventative maintenance programs for studio and field-based systems. They will be introduced to the interpretation of block and schematic diagrams and the set-up of parts and inventory databases.
BRET 1020 Digital Concepts II
This course provides an introduction to Networking and Network Operating System (i.e. Windows, Macintosh / Linux). Emphasis will be placed on networking the operating systems so that can co-exist in a heterogeneous environment. The applied aspects of this course will include building of network cables and RF cables, building and modifying circuits to test cables, troubleshoot hardware and software for each network operating system installed, and configuring a client-server system.
MEDI 1005 Introduction to Canadian Media
This course will provide an overview of the development of the Media in Canada across all sectors.
Second Year - Semester Three
BRET 2000 RF Systems 1
Students will learn the basic elements of communication circuits (oscillators, RF amps, mixers) and explore the theory, application, characteristics and equipment relating to amplitude modulation and frequency modulation.
BRET 2002 Digital Systems
In this course students will explore the theory and applications pertaining to complex combinatorial circuits, multiplexers, decoders, sequential circuits, counters, shift regulators and PLD’s.
BRET 2004 Solid State Devices
Students will study the theory and application of voltage regulation, JFET’s and MOSFET’s, OP-Amps and OP-amp applications, bandwidth, gain and passive and active filters.
BRET 2008 Broadcast Shop Techniques and Safety
In this course students will learn basic wood construction using appropriate tools, basic wiring using CSA approved methods and tools, basic shop tools, power tools and safety and basic generator/engine operation. Students will identify, define and correct safety hazards in the broadcast workplace, become aware of WSIB and WHMIS safety guidelines and procedures, and issues pertaining to the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
BRET 2010 RF for Broadcasting 1
Students will learn CRTC and FCC rules and regulations for transmission of radio and television signals. They will learn the theory and application of analog and digital transmitters, receivers and transmission lines and antennas, spectrum analysis, fibre optics, antennas and 3-phase power systems, satellite and microwave transmission, input signals (analog/digital), phasing, interference and intermods and RF spectrum assignments.
BRET 2012 Comp Network Service & Support
Students will learn the installation of network hardware devices for all operating systems, networking and connectivity, network structures including LAN, WAN and data transmission and communication protocols.
BRET 2014 Microprocessor/Microcontrollers
This course will involve the study of the theory and application of polling and interrupts, basic I/O control and message formatting.
Second Year - Semester Four
BRET 2016 RF Systems 2
This course is a continuation of RF Systems 1, and involves further study of transmission lines, radio-wave propagation, antennas, microwave devices and satellite communication.
BRET 2018 Electronic Shop Techniques
This course will involve the study of the use of advanced test equipment (spectrum analyser, DSO, distortion analyser) as well as exploring advanced prototyping of components, and the use of electronic CAD, and PCB design.
BRET 2020 Broadcast Test and Measurement Instruments
This course covers an introduction to waveform and vectorscope theory, analog and digital test and measurement of audio and video signals, Vu and PPM metering, dB, dBM, and dBMV measurements.
BRET 2022 Video Systems 1
This course provides a detailed evaluation of video standards and formats. NTSC video signal is analysed in detail related to RS-170M specs through the detailed test and measurement of video signals and the use of waveform and vectorscopes to identify video levels and impairments.
BRET 2024 Audio Systems 1
This course will provide an introduction to sound as a transmission media and provide for the study of sound principles and acoustics. Topics will include the measurement of sound (linear/logarithmic), mic, line, impedance and power, and the principles of audio recording.
BRET 2025 Introduction to ATV/HDTV
In this course students will learn about advanced television theory, digital broadcast technologies and ATSC system requirements and standards.
BRET 2026 RF For Broadcasting 2
Topics in this course will cover the major transmission systems used in the broadcast industry, including transmitter sites for radio and television, microwave technologies as applied to TV and radio, transmitter installations and power systems and grounding for high power transmitters.
BRET 2028 Microprocessos/Controllers 2
In this course students will study the elements of a microcomputer, including a programming model, assembly language and data manipulation and arithmetic operation.
INTN 2030 Internship 1
Students have the opportunity to spend four weeks in a professional environment where they can apply the skills they have learned. This provides them with a greater understanding of where their education can take them. The course begins with the research and selection of an internship location, and creating an impressive curriculum vitae.
Third Year - Semester Five
BRET 3000 Audio Systems 2
In this course students will gain a deeper understanding of all aspects of audio systems used in radio and television. They will explore topics including the topography of audio consoles and interface to studio systems, proper techniques for studio wiring and grounding, multi-channel sound, telephone interfaces and intercom systems, impedance matching, distribution and routing of audio signals.
BRET 3002 Video Systems 2
In this course students will study the range of storage devices and servers, digital video recording, the distribution and monitoring of digital signals within the broadcast plant, quality control, and methods for troubleshooting video signals.
BRET 3004 Systems Integration 1
In this course students will learn to design and construct facilities for both radio and television. They will learn to prepare wire run lists and block diagrams using VidCAD design software. They will work with a team to design, plan and present a complete studio system taking into account technical, production, business and ergonomic considerations.
BRET 3006 Digital Video & Audio Systems
This course will provide an introduction to the full range of digital technical standards for audio and video, audio and data rate reduction, video compression and digital video processing, codecs and compression ratios and conversion methods, as well as an introduction to automation systems for radio and television.
BRET 3008 Broadcasting Computer Systems
In this course students will learn the theory and applications relating to computer hardware systems of synchronous serial communication, network topographies, high performance busses for connecting mass digital storage, and the configuration of high-speed network systems using Ethernet and fibre optics
BRET 3010 Project Management
The Project Management course will take the learner through the theory and best practices for planning, monitoring, controlling and adjusting a project. This course will also develop literacy in the use of software tools for managing projects.
BUSI 3000 Entrepreneurship
This course will be a careful examination of the process of entrepreneurship. Students examine various sources of collective wisdom and experience of many small business owners, and the characteristics and attitudes necessary to be a successful entrepreneur.
Third Year - Semester Six
BRET 3012 Systems Integration 2/Project
In this course students will research, design and construct a radio and/or television facility. Faculty will take the role of client and will meet with the students on a weekly basis. The final project will include all documentation, models, and project schedules.
BRET 3014 Electronic Major Project
Students will research, design and construct an electronics project used in either radio or TB broadcast facilities through the application of proper shop techniques. Final project will include all documentation, models, and project schedule.
BRET 3016 Computer Systems Major Project
Students will research, design and construct an IT network to be used in either a radio or television broadcast facility. The final project will include all documentation, models and project schedule.
BRET 3018 Interpersonal Communications
This course provides students with theory and practice in communication principles that will improve their ability to communicate effectively with clients, superiors and peers. Topics include listening, verbal and non-verbal communication, conflict management, assertiveness, self-disclosure, cross-cultural communication and critical thinking.
INTN 3020 Internship 2
As a prerequisite for graduation, the student must spend eight weeks working in a professional media environment. Student researches and selects an internship location and updates their curriculum vitae. The career begins here.
