Software Development - Apprenticeship Style draft

Program Overview

This apprenticeship-style Software Development program combines classroom learning with part-time industry experience, preparing learners for careers in web development, application development, mobile application development, database administration, and agile project management. The program also emphasizes practical skills development through work terms, where learners apply their knowledge and contribute to real-world projects.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Software Development - Apprenticeship Style program prepares learners for related employment in the technology industry. Learners in the program will gain practical experience in the software development industry by working-part time in a company on real-industry projects while completing an accredited college diploma. Learners gain exposure to industry standards in planning, developing, and quality assurance testing. A structured approach to problem solving, effective communications, and attention to development standards and documentation will be stressed throughout the program. Graduates will be ready for careers in full-stack web development, application development, mobile application development, database administration, and agile project management.

Outline:

Term 1

• DATA1251 - Introduction to Database (3 Credits): This course introduces learners to the process of planning, creating, and managing a relational database using Structured Query Language (SQL) statements and other database languages.
The emphasis of this course is on data extraction and manipulation using SQL queries.
• SODV1251 - Web Programming Basics and Node.js (6 Credits): Learners will build foundational programming knowledge and skills for web application development.
Using industry-standard web technology, learners plan, design, and build modern interactive web applications with Node.js. In this course, learners will use server and client-side JavaScript programming to develop enterprise-level architecture and front-end applications with HTML, CSS, Node.js, and npm (node package manager). They will manage performance gains and use DevOps and testing methodologies.
• SODV1252 - Programming in C# (6 Credits): Learners will develop programming logic and style for writing code that addresses stakeholder needs.
They will create flowcharts and descriptive pseudocode while solving basic programming challenges to create entry-level programs. Learners will use data structures and control flow techniques while learning to write functions, debug, and test programs within a collaborative team. Learners will be also introduced to the basis of object-oriented programming techniques.

Term 2

• CLCM1151 - Introduction to Cloud (3 Credits): The course will introduce the fundamentals of cloud computing and cover the topics of cloud infrastructures, virtualization, software-defined networks and storage, cloud storage, and programming models.
Upon completion of this course, learners will know how to interface with cloud services, such as SaaS (software as a service), PaaS (Platform as a Service), IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service), and BPaaS (Business Process as a Service).
• SODV1253 - Web Programming - REACT (3 Credits): Learners explore JavaScript-based front-end application development using the React library.
Learners observe React working principle, create controlled forms, build reusable code, process, and manage data on the front end and back end. Also, learners are able to test their code and deploy it to the cloud.
• SODV1254 - Object Oriented Programming Concepts (3 Credits): Learners will build upon principles of design, logic, and structure to applications using object-oriented programming principles such as encapsulation, inheritance, and polymorphism.
Using design patterns, SOLID principles, and software architecture, learners will employ advanced techniques for writing clean and maintainable code. Further, they will implement defensive programming techniques, define classes and objects based on real-world problems, and use evidence-based practices, automated unit tests, and documentation to deliver scalable software.
• SODV1255 - Web Programming - ASP.NET (3 Credits): In this course, learners define, store, and edit information in the ASP.NET web app using databases, models, and LINQ.
Learners use C# and .NET frameworks to create dynamic websites. Learners will be competent in building modern web apps and services.
• SODV1951 - Software Development Immersive Industry Experience - I (3 Credits): The work term provides learners with professional work experience during which they apply the practical skills, knowledge, and attitudes developed in the program.
In consultation with a faculty advisor, each learner conducts a job search and secures a part-time position in the industry. Learners will work as part of a team, and advance their technical skills as junior developers.

Term 3

• SODV2251 - Mobile Application Development I (3 Credits): Learners approach application development with a mobile-first and mobile-only lens, expanding avenues to reach users.
Learners create mobile apps that answer real-world problems by using standard industry tools, mobile aspects of programming languages, and frameworks while working both independently and in groups.
• SODV2451 - Full Stack Web Application (6 Credits): In this course, learners use industry-standard programming frameworks ASP.net and REACT to create a dynamic, functional web application.
Learners will also learn the agile project management methodology and scrum agile project development framework, through practical examples.
• SODV2452 - Application Development (3 Credits): In this course, learners are taught advanced concepts such as threads and event handling that potentially lead to the creation of sophisticated applications.
The knowledge and skills in this course apply to the areas like database manipulation and network connectivity. This course introduces programming techniques supported by a visual rapid application development environment including forms, controls, user-defined classes, and objects. Learners examine the framework provided by the platform that supports visual programming to build graphical user interface (GUI) applications. The skills in this course can be applied to building data-driven applications.
• SODV2951 - Software Development Immersive Industry Experience - II (3 Credits): The work term provides learners with professional work experience during which they apply the practical skills, knowledge, and attitudes developed in the program.
In consultation with a faculty advisor, each learner conducts a job search and secures a part-time position in the industry. Learners will work as part of a team, and advance their technical skills as junior developers.

Term 4

• DATA2251 - Advanced Database Concepts (3 Credits): In this course, learners use Structured Query Language (SQL) on commercial databases to implement advanced concepts like stored procedures, functions, and triggers.
Using SQL and SQL procedural language, learners create and manage a relational database, addressing data integrity and security. In addition, learners explore the relationship between database administration and software development
• SODV2453 - Mobile Application Development II (6 Credits): Learners get a wide range of skills that are applicable to developing, testing, and deploying mobile applications.
• TECH2451 - Cloud Development (3 Credits): In this course, learners will be taught to design, develop and support Cloud-Native applications and API development using various services API Gateway, Lambda, and DynamoDB.
In addition, the students will be focusing on designing and building fault-tolerant systems by leveraging asynchronous communication patters.
• SODV2952 - Software Development Immersive Industry Experience - III (3 Credits): The work term provides learners with professional work experience during which they apply the practical skills, knowledge, and attitudes developed in the program.
In consultation with a faculty advisor, each learner conducts a job search and secures a part-time position in the industry. Learners will work as part of a team, and advance their technical skills as junior developers.

Careers:

Graduates will be ready for careers in full-stack web development, application development, mobile application development, database administration, and agile project management.

Other:

• Laptop specifications:
• Intel quad core CPU (i7 or i9)
• 16GB RAM (32GB recommended)
• 15-inch 1080p screen
• a dedicated graphics card with 2GB of VRam
• 512GB solid state hard drive (1TB recommended)
• Windows 10 or later
• MAC OS is not supported in School of Technology
• IDEs or software specifications:
• Visual Studio IDE
• Dev C++/ Code Blocks
• Visual Studio Code
• Microsoft SQL Server
• Xcode and Android Studio
• Additional course specific software may be required
• Apprenticeship:
• The apprenticeship learning model allows students to engage in real-world projects alongside employers starting from Term 2.
• To be eligible for the apprenticeship, students must simply register for all courses in a term and achieve a passing grade.
• It is also important to have a good understanding of the prerequisites and co-requisites for each course in every term.
• If students find the apprenticeship program too demanding, they can transition to the regular Software Development diploma program.
• The College will help students find an apprenticeship employer.
• Apprenticeships are paid positions.
• The apprenticeship will start in the second term.
• Course equivalencies:
• A list of course equivalencies between the regular diploma program and the apprenticeship program is available.
• Completing all remaining courses in the regular program is necessary to meet graduation requirements.