Program and Course Search

ADMN 230 Project Management is designed as a first course in project management. Building foundation skills in project management is of value to anyone who is currently facing project planning and management challenges at work or to students in Business Administration Professional Management or technology programs. ADMN 230 Project Management gives you the foundation, experience, techniques and tools to: - Learn the 10 Project Management Knowledge Areas - plan a project effectively and successfully - manage each stage of the project life cycle successfully - work with organizational constraints - set goals and objectives tied directly to stakeholder needs - get the most from your project management team - utilize state-of-the-art project management tools to get the work done on time, within scope and on budget.

ADMN 286 Human Resource Management is an examination of how to most effectively utilize and manage the human element in work organizations including staffing, training and development, appraisal and compensation, industrial relations and human resources planning.

ADMN 293 Electronic Commerce for Professional Management majors in the Business Administration diploma program. This course may also be of interest to students who are interested in learning about implementing e-commerce strategies in an organization. ADMN 293 Electronic Commerce is an introduction to the business models, strategies, marketing design and analytic systems of electronic commerce business solutions. The role of electronic commerce in changing society is also an important topic. The primary aim of ADMN 293 Electronic Commerce is to identify key management considerations required in implementing e-commerce business solutions.

ADMN 296 International Business offers an in-depth review of basic concepts, institutional practices and developments in the global business environment. The course also offers an introduction to international business management. Core management topics will be examined within an international framework.

COMM 220 Principles of Organizational Behaviour is an introduction to the behaviour, relationships, and performance of individuals and groups in work organizations as well as the nature of organizational structure and processes. Organizational dynamics are examined with a view to creating an effective working environment from a human perspective.

ADMN 399 Directed Studies Business involves students engaging in independent study, research, and practice related to a topic in business under faculty supervision.

ADMN 265 Operations Management studies business operations fundamentals such as demand management, forecasting, inventory control, the EOQ model, scheduling, project management, aggregate planning, materials management, value analysis, supplier management, quality management and service center management. The concepts of sustainability and sustainable business practices will be integrated into the different topics.

BUS 388 Personal Finance explores key personal financial management concepts with a goal of creating an effective personal financial plan. Major concepts include consumer credit, asset management, the time value of money, investments, tax strategies, retirement planning, and estate planning.

BUS 389 Retail Management is a demanding and complex business, which is facing extensive changes and challenges due to factors like: e-commerce, globalization, changing consumer preferences, and more. Skilled retail managers are required to help companies navigate their new environment.

This course provides an introduction to retail management and will provide a foundation for those students who plan to work in retailing or related disciplines. Topics will focus on key functional areas in the retail business, including merchandising, HR, financial strategy, sales, customer service, marketing and more.

BUS 415 Leadership examines the theory and practical application of leadership. It covers the latest thinking in leadership theory and contemporary practices at work within organizations in a global economy. Topics such as motivation, strategic planning, team building and negotiation will be explored.

ADMN 269 Information Systems is an introductory course that covers the use of computer-based information systems in management and accounting. After completing this course, students will have the knowledge required to make informed decisions about the applications of information technology. (Adapted from CPA).

ADMN 255 Corporate Finance introduces you to finance concepts and provides you with essential knowledge of various tools used in corporate finance. You will examine the corporate financial environment and its impact on decision-making, introductory finance concepts (including the time value of money, investing and risk management) and distribution of earnings. In addition, you will look at capital budgeting techniques and short-, medium- and long-term financing decisions* (adapted from CPA).

ADMN 399 Directed Studies Business involves students engaging in independent study, research, and practice related to a topic in business under faculty supervision.

BUS 388 Personal Finance explores key personal financial management concepts with a goal of creating an effective personal financial plan. Major concepts include consumer credit, asset management, the time value of money, investments, tax strategies, retirement planning, and estate planning.

BUS 392 Professional Sales Skills. No matter the industry, nor the state of the economy, businesses are almost always on the search to find enthusiastic, entrepreneurial, and effective sales people. Upon successful completion of this course, students will understand and demonstrate the core skills of professional selling, with a focus on the common tools and processes used in the field. Relationship-building and needs-satisfaction are fundamental components of the process. Strong English language verbal communication skills are needed to be successful in this course.

BUS 389 Retail Management is a demanding and complex business, which is facing extensive changes and challenges due to factors like: e-commerce, globalization, changing consumer preferences, and more. Skilled retail managers are required to help companies navigate their new environment.

This course provides an introduction to retail management and will provide a foundation for those students who plan to work in retailing or related disciplines. Topics will focus on key functional areas in the retail business, including merchandising, HR, financial strategy, sales, customer service, marketing and more.

BUS 415 Leadership examines the theory and practical application of leadership. It covers the latest thinking in leadership theory and contemporary practices at work within organizations in a global economy. Topics such as motivation, strategic planning, team building and negotiation will be explored.

ECON 104 Economic Analysis for Small Business is designed to engage students with contemporary global and Canadian issues, and with some of the region's competitive markets. Students will survey contemporary news publications and other data sources, analyzing their contents to identify economic concepts and management implications. Focus will be on identifying the economic impacts on business resulting from the cloud of seemingly chaotic global events.

EASL 066 College Preparation - Research Writing is an advanced writing course that focuses on various forms of writing that can be found in the academic and the work world. In addition to formal academic research techniques, this course will also explore practical technical writing skills needed for clear, timely, concise and accurate communication. The writer must focus on the purpose and audience as well as the form, style and organization. In this class, students will produce a variety of practical and academic forms of writing, including correspondence, summaries, instructions, proposals, reports etc.

ECCE 186 Child Health and Safety is on personal wellness and the planning, establishment and maintenance of a safe and healthy environment in programs for children from birth to school age. Topics include: food preparation and handling; planning nutritious snacks and meals; universal precautions; diapering and toileting; accident prevention and hazard identification; medication; illness management, assessment and reporting; modelling healthy practices and utilizing community health resources.

HSER 174 Interpersonal Communications provides the student with an opportunity to examine personal goals, values and attitudes; develop and practice listening and responding skills, and become more aware of personal strengths and limitations. This course is designed to help students gain self-understanding in order to be more effective in working with people.

ECCE 178 Professional Practice I provides an overview of the field of early childhood education from a theoretical perspective influenced by both historical and current contexts. Learners will have the opportunity to engage with a variety of program models and structural components such as the BC Childcare Licensing Regulation, the Early Learning Framework of BC and the Occupational Standards for Early Childhood Educators. Using these guiding frameworks and theories learners will demonstrate an understanding of standards of practice and childcare administration.  

ECCE 168 Observing and Reflecting Practicum I is an experiential course with field placements and lectures integrating theories and practices in the early years. Through engagement with early childhood educators in practicum learners will participate in professional practice; plan and evaluate a developmentally appropriate program that meets the observed needs of children. Learners will explore how pedagogical narrations inform practice through observing, collecting traces, collaborating and reflecting. Utilizing a ‘common world’s’ framework, including indigenous world views, learners will have opportunities to explore the interrelationship of living and non-living things.

ECCE 179 Professional Practice II examines early childhood care and education in a historic and current cultural context. Using a variety of theories, including the bioecological approach learners will reflect on the impact of their personal values and attitudes on their professional practice.

The principles of inclusive practice when working with young children and families will be examined, and the importance of play in learning will be identified through exploring the theory and its benefits. By the end of the course learners will have gained a sense of professionalism and will be able to advocate for the profession of early childhood care and education. Current frameworks and theories will be used to develop positive, compassionate and ethical professional values.

ECCE 188 Planning with Young Children I provides opportunities to learn about warm, caring, responsive relationships and emotionally safe, child-centered environments. The course focuses on application of theories, planning experiences and environments to support children’s development. Students explore the areas of art, music, movement, literature, and drama within the conceptual frameworks of developmentally appropriate practice, the competent child, diversity, child-centred environments, sensory motor exploration, emergent curriculum and creativity.

ECCE 193 Child Centered Partnership I, learners reflect on values, beliefs and attitudes toward building warm relationships with children. Understanding of self within the guiding relationship is developed. With the use of problem-solving techniques, students learn the skills of guiding and caring for children and creating emotionally safe, respectful environments that are empowering and that enhance friendships, responsibility, self-discipline, self-worth, and maximize potential.

FAM 180 Family Dynamics is designed to provide students with a variety of theoretical perspectives to understanding families. It considers the diversity of families through the lenses of the life course perspective and political policies. Family formation, parenting, separation and divorce and aging are all examined. Family issues are also considered, including marriage and death rituals, work and poverty, same sex relationships, disabilities and immigrants. Policies that affect families are explored through an examination of violence in the family and political trends. The course is intended to be a foundation for further study of families.

PSYC 100 Introductory Psychology I is an introduction to the methods, theory and practice of psychology as a science. Among others, topics will include motivation and emotion, learning and memory, biological foundations, sensation and perception. Other topics are added at the discretion of the individual instructor. Class demonstrations and activities are used to illustrate concepts. Teaching methods and resources in the course vary with the instructor.

ECCE 169 Observing and Reflecting Practicum II is designed to integrate theories and practices in the ECCE field. Students will observe and participate in regional early childhood programs off campus. The clinical practicum provides opportunities to practice observing and recording children's individual abilities and interests over time, and, reflective practice and professional conduct.

ECCE 189 Planning with Young Children II builds on the concepts and theories of ECCE 188 with an emphasis on play theory, social relationships and skills, and creative and cognitive processes in children ages three to six years. Learners examine the interface of adults and children in a child-centred environment. Learners study ways of supporting and extending the interests, understandings and problem-solving abilities of young children in the areas of mathematics, science and social studies. The focus will extend to the programming context with a holistic approach to the practitioner as planner and adult within the play environment and address variations in development, abilities, issues, and risk factors.

ECCE195 Practicum I provides the learner with practical experience in an early childhood centre. Students integrate learning and demonstrate skills in interpersonal communication, observing and recording children's responses and abilities, program planning, guiding and caring and growing professional awareness. Seminars are scheduled for reflective discussion of practicum learning.

ECCE 293 Child-Centred Partnerships II, concepts and skills of ECCE 193 are further developed and enhanced; for example, understanding of self within the guidance relationship, creating emotionally safe and respectful environments and enhancing autonomy. Students examine guiding relationships and apply principles and skills to complex situations. Students will also have the opportunity to learn about the various community partners and their role in supporting young children.

PSYC 240 Child Development is an introduction to normal child development; this course explores selected aspects of the physical, cognitive, emotional, and moral development of children from birth to middle childhood; and examines the major theories of child development.

ECCE 294 Practicum II, students synthesize learning with practical application. The focus is on collaboration with families and community in the creation of inclusive, responsive, culturally-sensitive child-centered environments for young children. Learners continue to engage in the process of self-reflection and individual goal setting regarding exemplary professional practice. Seminars are scheduled for reflective discussion of practicum learning.

ECCE 200 Infant Growth and Development. This course will explore child development from theoretical perspectives and will examine ways of enhancing young children's development. Conceptual themes to be addressed include: developmentally appropriate practice, the competent child, diversity, responsive caring, relationships, child centered environments, emotional safety, and creativity.

ECCE 260 Health Care in Infant and Toddler Programs includes the planning, establishment and maintenance of a safe and healthy environment regarding: food preparation and handling, planning nutritious snacks and meals, diapering/toileting, accident prevention and hazard identification, medication, illness management and assessment, modelling healthy practices and utilizing community health resources.

ECCE 285 Practices with Infants and Toddlers. This culmination course is designed to prepare the student to work as an Early Childhood Educator with children under three years. Emphasis will be on professional decision making; designing and implementing a safe nurturing inclusive program. This course builds on and expands knowledge from the basic ECCE program regarding early childhood theory, philosophies, historical approaches and high quality care.

ECCE 282 Infant/Toddler Observation Practicum provides the student with opportunities for supervised practical experience and directed observation of individual infants and toddlers as well as group settings designed for infants and toddlers. Ten hours of individual child observations may be done in homes, family day care, or other informal settings. The forty hours of Infant-Toddler Centre observations will be arranged in a variety of locations.

ECCE 286 Infant Toddler Practicum experience is designed to provide the student, under supervision, with opportunities to apply and consolidate knowledge and skills in working with infants and toddlers in group settings. Five weeks in length, this block practicum places each student in an early childhood setting for children under age three.

HSER 267 Leadership in Human Services provides a basic introduction to leadership concepts. Students self-reflect as they explore the concepts of emotional intelligence, leadership style, and the qualities and attributes of an effective leader. Students create a plan for developing personal leadership skills and have opportunities to improve their leadership performance in managing conflict, overcoming obstacles, and establishing a constructive climate.

ENVR 150 Hydrology I is an introductory study of water in our environment including its properties, the natural processes which affect it, and climate and weather. Students will gain practical experience in the collection and analysis of field and laboratory data using standard techniques and equipment.

ENVR 160 Surveying and Field Measurements is an introduction to the practical use of common survey instruments and techniques used by Environmental technicians. As well, the course will introduce the student to various sampling methods used to collect, assess, classify, and evaluate field data. Emphasis is placed on the proper care and use of basic surveying and measurement tools and the skills involved in collecting and interpreting precise and accurate field data.

ENVR 162 Applied Botany and Ecosystem Classification is an introduction to the principles of Botany and Ecosystem Classification. Botany lectures will focus on plant classification, botanical terms, plant morphology, and plant physiology. Topics include: plant cell structure, plant tissue function and structure, photosynthesis and respiration, transpiration and translocation. Botany labs will focus on learning to identify about 100 native plants commonly found in the West Kootenay Region of B.C., specifically key indicator species. Ecology lectures will focus on ecosystem classification using the Biogeoclimatic Ecosystem Classification System (BEC) of B.C. Other key topics include the study of climatic factors, disturbance and succession, landscapes and stand structure. Ecology labs focus on classifying ecosystems (including soils, site and vegetation) to site series using BEC. Labs are mainly field based.

ENVR 164 Soil and Earth Sciences will cover the identification of common rocks and minerals, landforms and soils of British Columbia. Learners will be introduced to the study of physical geology and geomorphology in relation to management of the forest environment and landscape. Learners will gain skills and knowledge in rock and mineral identification, description of the physical and chemical qualities of soils, and identification and classification of landforms and terrain. Skills will also be developed with respect to interpretation of geology, landforms and soils for environmental management.

ENVR 190 Computer Applications in Natural Resource Management. This introductory course builds on students' basic computer skills, focusing on applications relevant to careers in the environment and geomatics sectors. Students will learn to organize and manage files, create presentations and graphics, and develop spreadsheet skills. The course also covers formatting professional documents, setting up data collection on tablets, and transferring data between systems. Emphasis is placed on applying these skills to real-world tasks and demonstrating professionalism in digital work.

MATH 160 Technical Math Review is a mathematical review course for first-year students in the School of Environment and Geomatics (SEG) diploma programs. This course will provide a review of mathematical concepts which you will need for your other SEG courses. Materials to be covered include: unit conversions, trigonometry, exponentials and logarithms, problem solving, slope calculations, distance and direction calculations.

TWC 150 Introduction to Technical Writing and Communications I is an introduction to general principles in written technical communication and their application to environmental concerns and workplace communication. Classroom sessions focus on developing writing skills, the organization and presentation of data, basic report formats, and job search techniques.

ENVR 158 Introduction to Geomatics is an introduction to applied mapping and geographic information systems (GIS) theory and applications. The first half of the course will be focused on introducing basic uses of remotely sensed imagery and exploring applied mapping technologies, including Google Earth and Internet Mapping websites. The second half of the semester will be focused on learning basic Geographic Information System concepts and applying GIS technologies to environmental, renewable resource management, and planning fields. Emphasis will be placed on how geographic data is represented, collected, managed, analyzed, and displayed using GIS tools. Hands-on experience will be developed with desktop GIS software, ESRI's ArcGIS for Desktop.

ENVR 163 Terrestrial Ecology and Biology builds upon the concepts from ENVR 162 with further studies of local forest ecosystems. Students will identify key forest structural components and study the role that disturbance (such as fire), environmental gradients, and competition play in defining a species' niche. Participants will also examine the role of primary and secondary growth, nutrient uptake, reproduction, and survival mechanisms for plants. Winter plant identification, ecosystem form and function, and plant adaptations to timberline will also be examined. A practical field based assignment will form a major portion of the term assessment. This project includes collecting the data in the field, entering and analyzing the data in the computer lab, and presenting the data in a written scientific report.

ENVR 170 Fish and Wildlife Ecology is designed to introduce students to the general ecological principles, taxonomy and management of fish and wildlife in British Columbia.

MATH 190 Resource Statistics I is an introductory applied statistics course for environment and geomatics students. Topics include: types of data, descriptive statistics, probability and random variables, discrete probability distributions, continuous probability distributions, confidence intervals, sample size, and hypothesis testing.

TWC 151 Introduction to Technical Writing and Communications II is an introduction to general principles in written scientific communication, research strategies, and oral presentations. Lectures and in-class writing focus upon research strategies, the formal report, technical style, and graphic illustration. Students practice delivery techniques for oral presentations and learn research skills for research report preparation.

PGFS 101 HTML and CSS introduces students to Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), web standards and web accessibility. Students will use best practices and follow web standards set by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) to create content that looks appropriate and functions correctly on all devices. Using the mobile first method, students will apply the skills learned to design and build a standards compliant website from conception through completion.

PGFS 102 Programming Fundamentals with JavaScript introduces students to techniques commonly used in programming web pages with interactive content to enhance user experience. Students will explore fundamental programming concepts through various aspects of JavaScript programming language, including variables, functions, objects, events, data types, operators and conditional logic. Hands-on in-class tasks support students to apply these programming concepts and build upon their existing front-end development experience to create simple dynamic website applications.

PGFS 103 Introduction to Front End Application Development provides an in-depth introduction to the fundamentals and concepts of app development including DOM manipulation, event handling, front-end frameworks and browser-based technologies. Students will create responsive and interactive web apps using HTML, CSS, JavaScript and learn how to test and troubleshoot using popular debugging techniques.

PGFS 104 Internet Communication and Infrastructure provides students with an overview of internet protocols and operations. It covers the key principles and practices of internet communication, including the underlying infrastructure and protocols that enable internet connectivity, data transmission, and network security. The course also covers the basics of internet governance and the role of internet service providers.

PGFS 105 Application Infrastructure and Architecture introduces students to the underlying framework and structural design that support the development, deployment, and management of software applications. The course covers the hardware and software components necessary to run applications effectively including server architecture, database management, network protocols, and security measures. Students will design, deploy, and maintain a robust and scalable web application.

PGFS 106 Development Environment provides students with the current industry context, standards and fundamental tools required to dive into back-end web developing. Students will be introduced to the back-end environment by setting up a web server, setting up a virtual host, running an https and creating sandboxes. Best practice in version control will be emphasized as students utilize open source distributed version control systems and incorporate thorough testing and debugging practices into their development projects.

PGFS 107 Database Fundamentals and Design introduces the core principles of database systems, guiding student through the intricacies of different database types, data modeling, and normalization techniques.

The course focuses on key SQL skills, including query writing, data manipulation, and database structuring. Students will design and implement a database, from initial planning to final deployment.

PGFS 108 Web Application Development challenges students to showcase their acquired skills and knowledge by designing and developing a fully functional web application. The course emphasizes the application of modern programming languages and frameworks, integrating front-end, back-end, and database technologies to create comprehensive web solutions.

PGFS 201 Web Application Frameworks and Technologies introduces the libraries, tools, and conventions that provide the foundation for developing web applications. Students will design, develop, test, and deploy web applications using a wide range of popular server-side and client-side frameworks.

PGFS 202 Application Architecture and Security further explores the different layers of application architecture, including front-end, back-end, and database layers and the security vulnerabilities inherent in each layer. Students will critically assess these vulnerabilities and apply advanced security measures to mitigate risks effectively.

PGFS 203 Design and User Experience (UX) introduces students to the process of designing products with a focus on usability, accessibility, and enjoyable interactions for the end-users. Students will explore the fundamentals of design, as well as the importance of user research, information architecture, and usability testing. Through hands-on projects, students will gain practical experience with design and UX tools and techniques and learn how to apply these skills to create effective, accessible, and user-centred web experiences.

PGFS 204 Object-Oriented Programming introduces the concept of writing programs that organize software design around data, or objects, rather than functions and logic. Students will learn how to design, develop and deploy object-oriented programs using industry-standard tools and trending programming languages. The course covers object-oriented principles such as inheritance, encapsulation, polymorphism, and abstraction. Students also learn how to work with collections, exceptions, and file input/output.

PGFS 205 API Development introduces the concept of creating useful connections between different software platforms using industry-standard tools and technologies. Students learn how to design, develop, and deploy Application Programming Interfaces and work with current web data formats, authenticate and authorize API users, and use API testing tools to ensure the quality of their APIs.

PGFS 206 Project Management and Entrepreneurship introduces students to the skills necessary to effectively manage and execute projects using agile principles. The course covers project planning, team building, risk management, and essential agile project management concepts. Students will explore the unique challenges and opportunities associated with entrepreneurship and develop tools to evaluate business ideas based on emerging trends.

PGFS 207 AI System Fundamentals & Architecture offers an in-depth look at the mechanisms behind intelligent machine behavior including its historical development, core applications, and evolving trends. The course examines the main elements of AI architecture, such as data processing, algorithms, and computing infrastructure. Students will apply their skills and understanding to real-world scenarios.

PGFS 208 Full Stack Developer Capstone Project provides students with the opportunity to employ their cumulative skills and talents to develop a full-stack web application. Each student must choose an area of focus and plan and complete a series of scheduled tasks to create a unique and custom portfolio-ready web application product.

HCA 100 Program Foundations introduces learners to the Health Care Assistant Program structure and how to navigate the learning management system and other pieces of technology utilized in the program. An overview of the curriculum, teaching and learning approaches and strategies are introduced and discussed. Students are introduced to the function of the BC Care Aid and Community Support Worker Registry and supported by instructors in learning threshold concepts to prepare them for the course requirements.

HCA 101 Concepts for Practice provides students with the opportunity to develop a theoretical framework for practice. Students will be introduced to the philosophical values and theoretical understandings that provide a foundation for competent practice as an HCA. The course focuses on concepts of caring and person-centred care; basic human needs and human development; and family, culture, and diversity as they relate to health and healing. Students will also be introduced to a problem-solving model that will be critical to their practice.

HCA 102 Introduction to Practice provides an introduction to the role of the HCA within the British Columbia health care system. Students will be introduced to the health care team and the roles and functions of HCAs within the team. Students will also have opportunities to develop self-reflective skills required for competent practice and will be introduced to effective job-finding approaches.

HCA 103 Interpersonal Communication focuses on the development of self-awareness, increased understanding of others, and development of effective interpersonal communication skills that can be used in a variety of caregiving contexts. Students will be encouraged to become more aware of the impact of their own communication choices and patterns. They will have opportunities to develop and use communication techniques that demonstrate personal awareness, respect, and active listening skills.

HCA 104 Lifestyles and Choices introduces students to a holistic concept of health and the components of a health- enhancing lifestyle. Students will be invited to reflect on their own experience of health, recognizing challenges and resources that can impact lifestyle choices. Students will be introduced to a model that can be applied in other courses to understand the multi-faceted aspects of health and healing.

EACS 155 Foundations of Practice introduces students to the theory and philosophical perspectives necessary for working with individuals who are challenged by a disabling condition. Values regarding service delivery are explored through an historical review of the disability movement and an examination of new initiatives and trends. This course also examines the role of unions, advocacy and policy and procedures in support services and introduces students to professionals from various professional infrastructure sectors including licensing and ministry personnel. Through personal reflection and research, the roots of person centered support will be explored and students will develop their own personal and professional philosophy of support work.

HCA 105 Common Health Challenges introduces students to the normal structure and function of the human body and normal bodily changes associated with aging. Students will explore common challenges to health and healing in relation to each body system. Students will also be encouraged to explore person- centred practice as it relates to the common challenges to health and, in particular, to end-of-life care.

HCA 106 Cognitive and/or Mental Health Challenges builds on content from other courses to assist students to explore concepts and caregiving approaches that will allow them to work effectively with individuals experiencing cognitive and/or mental health challenges. The emphasis in this course is on supporting clients with dementia, recognizing responsive behaviours, and identifying person-centred intervention strategies.

EACS 170 Augmentative Communication explores the alternative forms of communications for people with little or no speech. Non-speech communication programming is examined through review of normal and disordered language and the strengths and weaknesses of various augmentative communication systems. Communication systems studied include sign language and other manual systems, pictogram/ideogram communication and electronic systems.

HCA 107 Personal Care and Assistance is a practical course that offers students the opportunity to acquire personal care and assistance skills within the parameters of the HCA role. The course comprises class and supervised laboratory experiences, which assist the student to integrate theory from other courses to develop caregiver skills that maintain and promote the comfort, safety, and independence of clients in community and facility contexts.

HCA 108 Practice Experience in Home Support, Assisted Living, and/or Group Home Setting is a practice course that provides students with an opportunity to apply knowledge and skills from all other courses with individuals and families in a community setting. Opportunity will be provided for students to become more familiar with the role of the HCA within a home support agency, assisted living facility, or a group home to gain abilities that will prepare graduates for employment in these settings. It is important that students understand the philosophy of community care settings and the importance of client choice and independence.

HCA 109 Practice Experience in Multi-Level and/or Complex Care is a supervised practice experience provides students with an opportunity to apply knowledge and skills from all other courses in the program with individuals in a multi-level or complex care setting. A portion of this clinical experience will be devoted to working with individuals with dementia. Opportunity will be provided for students to gain expertise and confidence with the role of the HCA within a complex care facility.

EACS 156 Support Strategies focuses on support strategies used with individuals who have disabilities. The analysis and understanding of behaviour as a means of communication is explored. Strategies are learned and practiced in context to support individuals with the development of pro-social skills, life, vocational, and academic skills. An awareness of issues related to healthy sexuality and the ethics of touch are explored. Emphasis is placed on the ethics of support work and effective implementation of strategies to support individuals with disabilities to be as independent as possible.

EACS 161 Person-Centered Planning focuses on the need for planning, advantages and disadvantages of planning and the key elements of the planning process. The course examines how to identify and obtain information relevant to planning, formulation of long and short-term objectives, prioritization of objectives, and translation of objectives into action. Emphasis is placed on viewing, planning as a dynamic process, and analysis of human interaction as part of the planning process. Models for structuring positive interaction of all planning team members are reviewed.

EACS 165 Health and Wellness is designed to introduce the essential concepts of health and wellness with emphasis on six dimensions of wellness including: emotional, intellectual, spiritual, occupational, social and physical. Students will examine health and wellness from two perspectives. The first includes the examination of wellness in the students' lives with emphasis on developing strategies to increase resiliency and well being in the work place. The second dimension will focus on ways in which the wellness of others can be enhanced in a respectful, person-centred way that values personal choice and preferences. The course will emphasize the importance of lifestyle changes being self-directed and on understanding ways in which we can support change in others and ourselves. Lecture, interactive exercises and group discussions will be used to explore a variety of topics including: stress management, diet and nutrition, ageing, intimacy and relationships, immunity, safety, lifestyle, developing relationships and quality of life. The importance of professional accountability and authenticity in supporting the wellness of others will be emphasized.

FAM 180 Family Dynamics is designed to provide students with a variety of theoretical perspectives to understanding families. It considers the diversity of families through the lenses of the life course perspective and political policies. Family formation, parenting, separation and divorce and aging are all examined. Family issues are also considered, including marriage and death rituals, work and poverty, same sex relationships, disabilities and immigrants. Policies that affect families are explored through an examination of violence in the family and political trends. The course is intended to be a foundation for further study of families.

HSER 174 Interpersonal Communications provides the student with an opportunity to examine personal goals, values and attitudes; develop and practice listening and responding skills, and become more aware of personal strengths and limitations. This course is designed to help students gain self-understanding in order to be more effective in working with people.