SIAST logo

Instrumentation Engineering Technology


Location(s):  Moose Jaw   

Instrumentation Engineering Technology is a diploma program.
It provides knowledge and skill development in understanding and applying the instrumentation used to measure, record and control process variables (such as flow, temperature, level and pressure). The Canadian Council of Technicians and Technologists' (CCTT) Canadian Technology Accreditation Board (CTAB) accredits the program at the Engineering Technologist level.

After two years of suitable industrial experience, graduates are eligible for membership in the Saskatchewan Applied Science Technologists and Technicians (SASTT) as Applied Science Technologists.

Graduates also receive advance credit standing for apprenticeship training in the Industrial Instrument Mechanic trade.

Length: 77 weeks

Five academic semesters and three four-month paid Co-operative Education work terms

More Links

Career Opportunities

Graduates are prepared to work in the pulp and paper industry, engineering firms, petrochemical plants, mining industry, sales and service companies, oil refineries, gas plants or consulting firms.

For more information about career opportunities related to this program, contact Student Employment Services at the campus nearest you.


  • control technicians
  • engineering technologists
  • instrumentation technologists
  • technical representatives

Program Details

Start Date(s): September

Apply Now

Admission Requirements


Note

  • Colour blindness may hinder laboratory performance and certain employment opportunities.


*Revised Mathematics Curriculum Requirement
(Effective July 1, 2013)

  • Minimum of 60% in Pre-Calculus 30
    (replacing Math B30 and C30 above)

  • All other admission requirements remain unchanged



Applicants who do not possess the academic qualifications for a program may be admitted if evidence of probable success can be established through a special admission assessment. Interested individuals should still apply. Applicants are automatically considered for special admission. However, some specific admission requirements may still need to be met. You must review the details and program specific documentation concerning Special Admission.


The majority of SIAST programs have established ACCUPLACER© cut scores and Post-Secondary Success Requirements. Depending on the program, additional specific admission requirements may still need to be met.


ACCUPLACER ©     

ACCUPLACER© Cut Scores
for this program

85Arithmetic
40College Level Math
80Elementary Algebra
75Reading
75Sentence
Post-Secondary Success

Post-Secondary Success Requirements
for this program

One year post-secondary studies with Physics 30 and a minimum of 60% in the mathematics requirement


Admission Method

First Qualified/First Admitted

The First Qualified/First Admitted (FQFA) process is used for the majority of SIAST programs. When we determine that you meet the program's admission requirements, you will be offered admission based on the date you fully qualify for the program. The earlier you provide the appropriate documents and information that qualify you for admission to the next intake, the earlier you might begin your studies. Your application, once qualified, is always considered for the next intake.

Applicants to programs with multiple intakes in an academic year remain in the application pool until the last intake for that academic year has begun. Programs using the FQFA process receive applications year round and maintain an application pool for each academic year. Qualified applicants who are not offered a seat must reapply for the next academic year.

Sponsored programs or programs targeted to specific groups do not accept applications year round or maintain an application pool.

Tuition and Fees

  • For complete details on tuition and fees for this program, click here to access the SIAST campus Tuition and Fee Schedules.

Learning Method(s)

SIAST offers a variety of learning methods for course delivery. The following learning methods are available for some of the courses in this program.
      Classroom
      Co-operative Education
    • Co-operative Education is mandatory.
      Home Study
      Online
      Shop/Lab

Please refer to the course descriptions for course specific learning methods.

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) Availability

SIAST recognizes that adults learn in many different ways and through many different means. This includes acquiring knowledge and skills through life and work experience or non-formal training.



Transfer Credit and Future Study Options

Graduates are eligible for admission to the Bachelor of Technology Program offered at the Memorial University of Newfoundland. Graduates will be required to complete 13 courses (39 credit hours) to fulfill the degree requirements. The courses are available through distance delivery using Internet-based technology.

Semester 1
expand/contract all

  • ELTR 117  Basic Electronics

    • Your studies will focus on the principles of electronic circuits. You will study DC and AC circuits, and solid state devices. Circuit analysis techniques will be emphasized throughout the course.

    4.0 Credit Units
    64.0 Lecture hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory

    Corequisites:   ELTR 118    MAT 100   

  • ELTR 118  Basic Electricity Lab

    • Using laboratory experiments and practice, you will illustrate and verify the electrical theory learned in ELTR 117 (Electronics Theory).

    4.0 Credit Units
    64.0 Lab hours

    Learning Method(s): Lab/Practical

    Corequisites:   ELTR 117   

  • INST 102  Instrument Measurement Theory

    • You will study the principles and measurement of pressure, level, temperature and flow. The theory presented will be reinforced by practical applications in INST 103 (Instrument Measurement Lab).

    4.0 Credit Units
    64.0 Lecture hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory

    Corequisites:   INST 103    MACH 120    MAT 100    PHYS 120   

  • INST 103  Instrument Measurement Labs

    • You will apply the principles studied in INST 102 (Instrument Measurement Theory) to the operation, selection, sizing and specification of primary sensors and secondary instruments.

    4.0 Credit Units
    64.0 Lab hours

    Learning Method(s): Lab/Practical

    Corequisites:   INST 102    MACH 120    MAT 100    PHYS 120   

  • MACH 120  Machine Shop

    • You will learn how to use basic hand and power tools. The course content includes layout, threading, precision measurement and operating oxy-acetylene equipment.

    2.0 Credit Units
    32.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

  • MAT_ 100  Mathematics for Instrumentation Engineering Technology

    • You will learn basic algebra and trigonometry from the technical perspective. Your studies will focus on instrumentation standards and specifications, and algebraic and transcendental mathematics that are the foundation of a variety of instrumentation applications.

    5.0 Credit Units
    80.0 Lecture hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory

  • PHYS 120  Physics 1

    • You will study the principles of fluid mechanics, thermometry and calorimetry, thermal properties of matter and vector addition.

    3.0 Credit Units
    48.0 Lecture hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory

  • SEM_ 101  Technology Seminars

    • You will receive an orientation to your program and learn where and how the technician/technologist fits into the workplace and society. You will become familiar with the role of technicians/technologists in society, study and time management skills, increasing diversity in the workplace, principles of sustainability, the impact of technology on society and workplace safety requirements.

    1.0 Credit Units
    16.0 Lecture hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Prior Learning

    Equivalent Course(s):   ENGM 181    ETHC 183    ORTN 120   

  • TCOM 102  Communication in Technology

    • Your studies will focus on the basic skills required of the technologist in the workplace. You will examine the communication process and interpersonal and workplace communication techniques. The course content includes technical writing and job search skills.

    3.0 Credit Units
    48.0 Lecture hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Learn Linc, Prior Learning, Online/Blackboard

    Equivalent Course(s):   JOBS 288    JOBS 290    TCOM 120    TMGT 180   

    Semester 2

  • CHEM 221  Chemistry

    • Your studies will focus on the chemistry laboratory, structure of the atom, mole relationship, nomenclature, stoichiometry and gases. Laboratory exercises will supplement the lectures.

    3.0 Credit Units
    48.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Correspondence

  • COAP 122  Computer Applications

    • You will be introduced to microcomputer concepts and components. Your studies will cover Windows workstation operating system software, network operating system software, system and data file management and maintenance, and various applications software. The applications software includes word processing, workbook processing (spreadsheet), database, presentation and Internet navigation. You will integrate the various applications software to demonstrate the ideas of document-centric and object-based solutions.

    3.0 Credit Units
    44.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

  • DGTL 225  Digital Logic

    • You will study the principles of digital logic and digital logic components (such as logic gates and flip-flops). Using number systems, truth tables and Karnaugh maps, you will design and analyze basic logic circuits.

    4.0 Credit Units
    60.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Corequisites:   DGTL 226   

    Prerequisites:
    ELTR 117 Minimum Grade of 60 and ELTR 118 Minimum Grade of 60

  • DGTL 226  Digital Logic Labs

    • You will illustrate and verify the principles of digital logic that are covered in the theory component of DGTL 225 (Digital Logic).

    4.0 Credit Units
    60.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Corequisites:   DGTL 225   

    Prerequisites:
    ELTR 117 Minimum Grade of 60 and ELTR 118 Minimum Grade of 60

  • ENG_ 120  Codes and Standards

    • You will study codes and standards related to industrial process measurement and control. You will also study design and construction practices.

    2.0 Credit Units
    32.0 Lecture hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory

    Prerequisites:
    ELTR 117 Minimum Grade of 60 and ELTR 118 Minimum Grade of 60 and INST 102 Minimum Grade of 60 and INST 103 Minimum Grade of 60

  • INST 221  Final Control Elements

    • You will study control valves and pressure relief devices. Evaluating, selecting, sizing, specifying and testing final control elements will be emphasized. Laboratory experiments will provide opportunities for you to verify theory concepts and practice maintaining, calibrating and installing control valves.

    4.0 Credit Units
    60.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Prerequisites:
    INST 102 Minimum Grade of 60 and INST 103 Minimum Grade of 60 and PHYS 120 Minimum Grade of 60 and MACH 120 Minimum Grade of 60

  • MAT_ 221  Differential Calculus for Instrumentation Engineering
    Technology

    • You will study analytical geometry, derivatives of algebraic and transcendental functions, integrals of algebraic functions and areas under curves. The application of the principles and techniques of differential and integral calculus to relevant problems in the instrumentation engineering field will be emphasized.

    5.0 Credit Units
    80.0 Lecture hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory

    Prerequisites:
    MAT 100 Minimum Grade of 60

  • PHYS 221  Physics 2

    • Your studies will focus on the principles of linear and curvilinear motion, accelerated motion, work, energy and power, translational and rotational equilibrium, torques, friction, electric forces, electric fields, electric potential and magnetism.

    3.0 Credit Units
    48.0 Lecture hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory

    Prerequisites:
    PHYS 120 Minimum Grade of 60

  • TCOM 103  Workplace Communication

    • Building on the skills you developed in TCOM 102 (Communication in Technology), you will apply basic research skills to create workplace documents. Your studies will focus on the workplace skills of creating effective client relations, conducting meetings and giving presentations.

    3.0 Credit Units
    48.0 Lecture hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online/Blackboard

    Equivalent Course(s):   COMM 181    COMM 190    TCOM 123    TCOM 190   

    Prerequisites:
    TCOM 102 Minimum Grade of 60

    Co-operative Education Paid Work Term

    Semester 3

  • CADD 222  Computer Aided Drafting

    • Following the fundamental principles of drafting, you will use AutoCAD to draw various instrument diagrams (such as loop and installation). You will apply the industrial process symbols you studied in ENG 120 (Codes and Standards).

    4.0 Credit Units
    64.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Prerequisites:
    ENG 120 Minimum Grade of 60 and ELTR 117 Minimum Grade of 60 and ELTR 118 Minimum Grade of 60 and INST 221 Minimum Grade of 60

  • CHEM 222  Chemistry

    • You will study solution chemistry, equilibrium and acid-base chemistry. Laboratory experiments will supplement the lectures. Basic principles and applying them to problem solving situations will be emphasized.

    4.0 Credit Units
    64.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Prerequisites:
    CHEM 221 Minimum Grade of 60

  • COAP 136  Visual Basic Programming

    • The course focuses on problem solving using the computer. You will study computer program logic and problem solving through program design and documentation using flowcharts. You will implement problem solutions using the logical structures, data types and objects in Visual Basic.NET. Programming techniques and practices you may encounter in instrumentation technology will be emphasized.

    3.0 Credit Units
    48.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Prior Learning

    Prerequisites:
    COAP 122 Minimum Grade of 60

  • ENGE 224  Logic Control

    • You will study the operation and applications of electro-mechanical relays. Your studies will focus on the concepts of normally open, normally closed, instantaneous and time-delay relay contacts and coils. As an introduction to programmable logic controllers (PLCs), you will design logic control circuits using electro-mechanical relays and mini PLCs.

    4.0 Credit Units
    64.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Prerequisites:
    INST 221 Minimum Grade of 60 and ENG 120 Minimum Grade of 60 and DGTL 225 Minimum Grade of 60 and DGTL 226 Minimum Grade of 60

  • INST 220  Instrument Control

    • You will study the principles and applications of process control algorithms, cascade control, ratio control and feed-forward control. The course content includes the analysis of open loop responses to PID controllers, the analysis of effects of non-linear control elements and the selection and application of controller tuning techniques.

    5.0 Credit Units
    80.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Prerequisites:
    INST 221 Minimum Grade of 60 and ENG 120 Minimum Grade of 60 and ELTR 117 Minimum Grade of 60

  • INST 224  Instrument Measurement

    • You will study the conventional electronic and smart instruments used to measure process variables, and the software and communicators designed for configuration and diagnostics. Operating, evaluating, sizing, installing and wiring will be emphasized. Your studies will include developing electrical loop wiring diagrams and practical lab exercises.

    5.0 Credit Units
    80.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Prerequisites:
    INST 221 Minimum Grade of 60 and ENG 120 Minimum Grade of 60 and ELTR 117 Minimum Grade of 60 and ELTR 118 Minimum Grade of 60 and MAT 221 Minimum Grade of 60 and PHYS 221 Minimum Grade of 60 and TCOM 103 Minimum Grade of 60

  • MAT_ 229  Integral Calculus for Instrumentation Engineering
    Technology

    • You will review the rules of the differentiation and integration of algebraic functions and then apply them to linear motion, areas, volumes, moments, work, fluid pressure, average value, arc length and surface area. You will study the integration of transcendental functions, techniques of integration and their applications in areas of interest to instrumentation engineering.

    3.0 Credit Units
    48.0 Lecture hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory

    Prerequisites:
    MAT 221 Minimum Grade of 60

  • PHYS 225  Physics 3

    • You will examine uniform circular motion, the rotation of rigid bodies, simple machines, simple harmonic motion, wave motion, elasticity, reflection and the refraction of light.

    2.0 Credit Units
    32.0 Lecture hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Correspondence

    Corequisites:   MAT 229   

    Prerequisites:
    PHYS 221 Minimum Grade of 60 and MAT 221 Minimum Grade of 60

    Co-operative Education Paid Work Term

    Semester 4

  • CHEM 223  Chemistry

    • You will study buffers, electrochemistry, nuclear chemistry and organic chemistry. Developing an understanding of chemistry principles and applying them to problem solving situations will be emphasized. Laboratory exercises will supplement the lectures.

    4.0 Credit Units
    60.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Prerequisites:
    CHEM 222 Minimum Grade of 60

  • CIRC 222  Automation Circuits

    • You will study the analysis, design and trouble-shooting of automation equipment. You will gain insight into microprocessor applications in industrial measurement and control.

    5.0 Credit Units
    72.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Corequisites:   INST 240   

    Prerequisites:
    DGTL 225 Minimum Grade of 60 and DGTL 226 Minimum Grade of 60 and ENGE 224 Minimum Grade of 60 and INST 220 Minimum Grade of 60

  • INST 228  Instrument Measurement

    • You will calibrate and configure HART smart microprocessor-based instruments used for the measurement of flow, level, temperature and pressure.

    4.0 Credit Units
    60.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Prerequisites:
    INST 224 Minimum Grade of 60 and INST 220 Minimum Grade of 60 and CADD 222 Minimum Grade of 60 and COAP 136 Minimum Grade of 60

  • INST 230  Analytical Instruments 1

    • You will study the implementation and purpose of analytical measurements systems. The course content includes the specifications, calibration and operation of pH, Oxidation-Reduction Potential (ORP), conductivity, humidity, mass spectrometers and density analysers. The course is continued as INST 234 (Analytical Instruments 2) in Semester 5.

    3.0 Credit Units
    52.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Corequisites:   CHEM 223   

    Prerequisites:
    CHEM 222 Minimum Grade of 60 and INST 224 Minimum Grade of 60 and INST 220 Minimum Grade of 60 and PHYS 221 Minimum Grade of 60

  • INST 240  Instrument Control

    • Configuration software and process simulation will be used to help you learn how to design, analyze and evaluate various control strategies. The course content includes various process control applications (such as boiler, distillation column, compressor and heat exchanger controls).

    3.0 Credit Units
    48.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Prerequisites:
    INST 220 Minimum Grade of 60 and INST 224 Minimum Grade of 60 and ENGE 224 Minimum Grade of 60 and ELTR 117 Minimum Grade of 60 and ELTR 118 Minimum Grade of 60

  • MGMT 205  Management

    • You will receive an introduction to the four functions of management and other key concepts of general management theory. You will learn how to use project management techniques and apply the concepts to manage engineering projects.

    2.0 Credit Units
    24.0 Lecture hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory

    Prerequisites:
    TCOM 103 Minimum Grade of 60

  • STAT 200  Statistics for Instrumentation Engineering Technology

    • Your studies will focus on the basic statistical concepts and techniques used in engineering technology. The course content includes the collection, presentation, analysis and interpretation of data, frequency distributions, measures of central tendency and dispersion, probability, probability distributions, normal distribution, samples and sampling distributions, prediction, simple linear regression and correlation, and tolerance and control charts.


    2.0 Credit Units
    36.0 Lecture hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory

    Prerequisites:
    MAT 100 Minimum Grade of 60

    Co-operative Education Paid Work Term

    Semester 5

  • CNTR 225  Process Applications

    • You will analyze the interrelationships and interdependencies of plant or process operations and their associated instrumentation components and systems. The course content includes industry settings (such as power plants, potash operations, pipeline systems, pulp and paper industry, refineries and chemical plants). Tours to some of these industries will form an integral part of the course.


    2.0 Credit Units
    32.0 Lecture hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory

    Corequisites:   CNTR 227    INST 234    INST 236    TCOM 104   

    Prerequisites:
    INST 230 Minimum Grade of 60 and INST 228 Minimum Grade of 60 and INST 240 Minimum Grade of 60

  • CNTR 227  Logic Control Systems

    • You will study the design and implementation of logic control systems using microprocessor-based programmable logic controllers (PLCs). The course content includes using graphical programming languages. You will configure, select and study the installation of PLCs. Practical lab applications will include programming timers, counters, math instructions and other advanced techniques.


    4.0 Credit Units
    64.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Prerequisites:
    ENGE 224 Minimum Grade of 60 and INST 220 Minimum Grade of 60 and INST 240 Minimum Grade of 60 and INST 228 Minimum Grade of 60 and ELTR 117 Minimum Grade of 60 and ELTR 118 Minimum Grade of 60

  • CNTR 229  Advanced Controls

    • Your studies will focus on feedback control systems, basic tools and yardsticks that a technologist uses to design and analyze control systems. You will learn how to mathematically model a process, select best applications of field devices and control hardware to fit the applications.

    2.0 Credit Units
    32.0 Lecture hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory

    Corequisites:   MAT 247   

    Prerequisites:
    INST 240 Minimum Grade of 60 and PHYS 225 Minimum Grade of 60 and ELTR 117 Minimum Grade of 60 and ELTR 118 Minimum Grade of 60

  • COMP 238  Data Communications and Networks

    • You will design, analyze, install and evaluate digital data communication systems. The course content includes digital communication concepts, industrial networks, local area networks and wide area networks. The laboratory components will provide practical experience.

    4.0 Credit Units
    64.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Corequisites:   CNTR 227    INST 236   

    Prerequisites:
    CIRC 222 Minimum Grade of 60 and COAP 122 Minimum Grade of 60 and ENGE 224 Minimum Grade of 60 and INST 228 Minimum Grade of 60

  • INST 234  Analytical Instruments 2

    • Building on the knowledge gained in INST 230 (Analytical Instruments 1), you will study other analytical devices (such as sampling systems, gas chromatographs, dissolved oxygen, humidity, turbidity, IR and UV spectroscopic analyzers, combustibles and toxic gas measurements).

    4.0 Credit Units
    64.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Corequisites:   CNTR 225   

    Prerequisites:
    CHEM 223 Minimum Grade of 60 and INST 230 Minimum Grade of 60 and PHYS 225 Minimum Grade of 60

  • INST 236  Distributed Systems

    • You will configure a distributed control system (including graphics displays to provide for the manual or automatic sequence operation of a process incorporating HART field devices). The course content includes PID (proportional, integral, derivative), cascade, feedforward, output tracking, discrete and sequence function tables.

    6.0 Credit Units
    96.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Corequisites:   COMP 238   

    Prerequisites:
    INST 228 Minimum Grade of 60 and CIRC 222 Minimum Grade of 60 and INST 240 Minimum Grade of 60 and COAP 136 Minimum Grade of 60

  • MAT_ 247  DEs and Transforms for Instrumentation Engineering
    Technology

    • You will investigate first-order and second-order differential equations as models for mechanical, electrical, thermal and fluid physical systems. You will learn how to formulate those models and solve them using LaPlace transformation theory.

    3.0 Credit Units
    48.0 Lecture hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory

    Equivalent Course(s):   MAT 237   

    Prerequisites:
    MAT 229 Minimum Grade of 60

  • PROJ 225  Applied Research Project

    • You will integrate and apply the knowledge you gained throughout the program in a teamwork environment. Working in a group, you will be assigned a unique project. You will design plans for the project and construct a prototype of the design.

    3.0 Credit Units
    48.0 Lab hours

    Learning Method(s): Lab/Practical

    Corequisites:   CNTR 227    INST 234    INST 236    TCOM 104   

    Prerequisites:
    INST 230 Minimum Grade of 60 and INST 228 Minimum Grade of 60 and INST 240 Minimum Grade of 60

  • TCOM 104  Applied Research in Technology

    • You will develop a technical proposal and apply advanced research skills to a technical problem. You will use the technical problem-solving process in an applied research project and present your research findings in a written report and oral presentation.

    2.0 Credit Units
    34.0 Lecture hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory

    Equivalent Course(s):   COMM 115    COMM 182    COMM 290   

    Prerequisites:
    TCOM 103 Minimum Grade of 60


    Year 1
  • Semester 1 - September to December
  • Semester 2 - January to April
  • Work Term - May to August

    Year 2
  • Semester 3 - September to December
  • Semester 4 - May to July

    Year 3
  • Work Term - September to December
  • Semester 5 - January to April

    • More Information


    © Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology | webmaster | Last Modified: September 02, 2010 09:46AM