The BASc in Digital Technologies is a unique program designed to equip graduates with the skills required for a successful career in the digital technologies sector. It aims to address skill gaps across digital industries through a combination of degree-level education and workplace learning. First of its kind in Canada, this work-integrated learning program enables learners to spend most of their time doing a full-time job while studying for their degree through a combination of online and on-campus sessions. The program will deliver a curriculum in line with an Occupational Standard that has been specified with the help of employers representing a wide range of industries, including: Ceridian, CGI, Cinchy Inc., Cisco Canada, Connected (Connected.io, Now part of Thoughtworks), EY Canada, General Motors of Canada Company, IBM Canada, mimik Technology Inc., RBC, Saa Dene Group, Shopify Inc., TELUS Health, Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat and TribalScale Inc.
Approach
This program entails a common two years to build fundamental knowledge and skills before the learner pursues one of three specializations to gain precise skills needed to excel in their chosen field:
Software Developer
Cybersecurity Analyst
Data Scientist
Only one of these specializations will apply to each learner. The specialization will be decided depending on the employment role within each learner’s workplace before starting the program. To ensure that learners can balance degree-level studies with full-time work over four years, the program is designed to deliver:
Academic-only courses: where learning objectives are met through a blend of classroom, synchronous and asynchronous learning activities.
Academic & workplace courses: where learning objectives are met through a blend of classroom, synchronous and asynchronous learning, and workplace experience.
Learners will receive continuous support & guidance from a Course Director, responsible for providing academic oversight; and a Professional Skills Coach, responsible for keeping abreast of the student’s learning in the workplace.
Courses
First Year
Course Code
Credits
Course Title
LE/DIGT 1161
2.00
Teamwork and Communication in Software Development
LE/DIGT 1101
4.00
Introduction to Computational Problem Solving
SC/MATH 1516
3.00
General Mathematics for Software Development
AP/ADMS 1000
3.00
Introduction to Business
LE/DIGT 1271
1.00
Technology Leadership and Professional Reflection 1
LE/DIGT 1201
8.00
Object-Oriented Problem Solving
LE/DIGT 1302
3.00
Web Development Basics
SC/NATS 1505
3.00
Understanding Cyberspace
LE/TECL 1000
3.00
Disruptive Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Course Code
Credits
Course Title
LE/DIGT 1161
2.00
Teamwork and Communication in Software Development
LE/DIGT 1101
4.00
Introduction to Computational Problem Solving
SC/MATH 1516
3.00
General Mathematics for Software Development
AP/ADMS 1000
3.00
Introduction to Business
LE/DIGT 1271
1.00
Technology Leadership and Professional Reflection 1
LE/DIGT 1201
8.00
Object-Oriented Problem Solving
LE/DIGT 1302
3.00
Web Development Basics
SC/NATS 1505
3.00
Understanding Cyberspace
LE/TECL 1000
3.00
Disruptive Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship
By the end of Year One, the learner has developed foundational technical skills, encountered the tools of the trade (computer languages and systems, and common development platforms and tools) as well as development methodologies including teamwork and communication. Learners have built some simple software artifacts with an awareness of correctness, testing, and security. These technical skills and knowledge have been acquired through both academic and workplace learning.
In addition, the learner understands common business organisation and structure, basic management strategies, and basic competitive and productivity drivers. They have recognised the potential contribution of technology solutions to such business processes. This contextual knowledge has led the learner to an awareness that effective communication of technical solutions at all levels of the organisation is a crucial ability they will need to develop. Thus, they have a nascent awareness of the scope of their future learning objectives. Learners will be able to participate in code reviews, user and acceptance testing, contribute to product documentation and automate simple tasks through scripting. Year One sets the stage for future technical learning and to operate better as a unit within the context of their workplace.
Second Year
Course Code
Credits
Course Title
LE/DIGT 2271
1.00
Technology Leadership and Professional Reflection 2
LE/DIGT 2103
4.00
Introduction to Computer Organization & Systems
LE/DIGT 2102
8.00
Data Structures, Algorithms and Analysis
LE/DIGT 2107
3.00
Practice of Software Development
LE/DIGT 2307
3.00
Principles of Operating Systems
LE/DIGT 2206
3.00
Computer Networks
LE/DIGT 2302
3.00
Security Fundamentals
LE/DIGT 2201
3.00
Introduction to Data Science
Course Code
Credits
Course Title
LE/DIGT 2271
1.00
Technology Leadership and Professional Reflection 2
LE/DIGT 2103
4.00
Introduction to Computer Organization & Systems
LE/DIGT 2102
8.00
Data Structures, Algorithms and Analysis
LE/DIGT 2107
3.00
Practice of Software Development
LE/DIGT 2307
3.00
Principles of Operating Systems
LE/DIGT 2206
3.00
Computer Networks
LE/DIGT 2302
3.00
Security Fundamentals
LE/DIGT 2201
3.00
Introduction to Data Science
In Year Two, the learner continues to grow their skills in software development, with a stronger understanding of computer systems, networks, and data organization, as well as experience in team-based development methodologies by explicitly incorporating at the same time security awareness. These technical skills include developing competency in applying testing strategies for supporting the correctness of software products.
Learners will have contributed to the design and implementation of a system for which they can articulate the business case, thereby demonstrating their growing awareness of the business context for digital technology solutions. Articulating the business case has likely included professional presentations to both a technical and non-technical audience. Teamwork skills include the ability not only to effectively contribute technically but also to support others in the team as appropriate. Equity and inclusion, particularly with respect to diversity, are key values that the learner will demonstrate. By the end of Year 2, the learner will be able to participate in technical design meetings and engage in the implementation of small yet key software modules in the workplace.
Third Year
Course Code
Credits
Course Title
LE/DIGT 3171
9.00
Digital Technologies project
LE/DIGT 3271
1.00
Technology Leadership and Professional Reflection 3
LE/DIGT 3101
3.00
Software Development Lifecycle
LE/DIGT 3206
3.00
Security and Privacy: Awareness and Governance
LE/DIGT 3107
3.00
Data Management Systems
LE/DIGT 3203
3.00
Distributed Systems
LE/DIGT 3261
3.00
Introduction to Project Management
Course Code
Credits
Course Title
LE/DIGT 3141
3.00
Software I: Software Design and Architecture
LE/DIGT 3241
3.00
Software II: Software Testing and Quality Assessment
Course Code
Credits
Course Title
LE/DIGT 3121
3.00
Network Security
LE/DIGT 3221
3.00
Security By Design
Course Code
Credits
Course Title
LE/DIGT 3131
3.00
Theoretical Foundations of Data Science
LE/DIGT 3231
3.00
Data Science and Applications
Year Three allows the learner to gain a well-developed understanding and practice in software development as the foundation for their specialisation, either software development itself, security or data science. They are capable of planning and managing the execution of projects with awareness of broader implications such as ethics, privacy, and legal issues. Depending on their chosen path the learner has begun to develop deeper specialised knowledge and skills in one of the areas of software development, security or data science. They have developed a significant system, or a component of a system, in one of these areas, utilising their domain-specific skills and their nascent project management knowledge. The project has also honed their communication skills through presentations designed to garner support by demonstrating the business significance and persuading stakeholders of its feasibility. These experiences have allowed the learner to demonstrate initiative and the ability to acquire new knowledge and skills specific to the project.
By the end of Year Three, students have selected their path of study and have deeper technical knowledge in their field. In the workplace, students will be able to guide and support junior members of the team.
Common 3000-level courses
Course Code
Credits
Course Title
LE/DIGT 3171
9.00
Digital Technologies Project
LE/DIGT 3271
1.00
Technology Leadership and Professional Reflection 3
LE/DIGT 3101
3.00
Software Development Lifecycle
LE/DIGT 3206
3.00
Security and Privacy: Awareness and Governance
LE/DIGT 3107
3.00
Data Management Systems
LE/DIGT 3203
3.00
Distributed Systems
LE/DIGT 3261
3.00
Introduction to Project Management
Software Development Stream
Course Code
Credits
Course Title
LE/DIGT 3141
3.00
Software I: Software Design and Architecture
LE/DIGT 3241
3.00
Software II: Software Testing and Quality Assessment
Cybersecurity Stream
Course Code
Credits
Course Title
LE/DIGT 3121
3.00
Network Security
LE/DIGT 3221
3.00
Security By Design
Data Science Stream
Course Code
Credits
Course Title
LE/DIGT 3131
3.00
Theoretical Foundations of Data Science
LE/DIGT 3231
3.00
Data Science and Applications
Fourth Year Courses
Course Code
Credits
Course Title
LE/DIGT 4271
1.00
Technology Leadership and Professional Reflection 4
LE/DIGT 4101
3.00
Artificial Intelligence
LE/DIGT 4102
3.00
Auditing and Governance of Information Systems
LE/DIGT 4201
3.00
Cloud computing: infrastructure and software
LE/DIGT 4103
3.00
User Interface development
Course Code
Credits
Course Title
LE/DIGT 4142
3.00
Software Development I: Software Requirements
LE/DIGT 4143
3.00
Software Development II: Model-Driven Engineering and Model Verification
LE/DIGT 4241
3.00
Software development III: DevOps and Software Reliability Engineering
LE/DIGT 4141
9.00
Software Development Synoptic Project
Course Code
Credits
Course Title
LE/DIGT 4122
3.00
Threat Management and Protection of Systems
LE/DIGT 4221
3.00
Digital Forensics
LE/DIGT 4123
3.00
Security Development and Operations
LE/DIGT 4121
9.00
Security Synoptic Project
Course Code
Credits
Course Title
LE/DIGT 4132
3.00
Machine Learning and Applications
LE/DIGT 4231
3.00
Advanced Machine Learning
LE/DIGT 4133
3.00
Big Data and Data Mining Applications
LE/DIGT 4131
9.00
Data Science Synoptic Project (Capstone Project)
By the end of Year Four, the learner, irrespective of their specialisation, has a clear understanding of software development practices, data modelling and analysis, as well as machine learning techniques, including theory, limitations, and social implications. Two other key areas of importance to business and digital technology development, namely cloud computing and user driven development round out their core competencies.
The software development specialist can carry out a project using rigorous requirements, development, and testing methodologies, including explicit business case analysis and alignment with business priorities.
Similarly, the security specialist has a deep understanding of security strategies, from technical architecture to organisational posture, and of explicit technologies to control access, detect and respond to issues, and recover from actual events. This has been demonstrated through a significant workplace project that has developed some aspect of the existing organisational security posture.
The data science specialist can develop technical architectures for large scale data storage, as well as retrieve meaningful information of relevance to business priorities for analysis and presentation.
All specialisations encompass a workplace project that allows students to demonstrate their personal initiative, leadership, advanced communication skills, well-developed interpersonal skills, as well as their understanding of business priorities and their role in achieving those priorities. Graduates are able to convey to others the relevance and viability of a project in relation to the business context.
Common 4000-level courses
Course Code
Credits
Course Title
LE/DIGT 4271
1.00
Technology Leadership and Professional Reflection 4
LE/DIGT 4101
3.00
Artificial Intelligence
LE/DIGT 4102
3.00
Auditing and Governance of Information Systems
LE/DIGT 4201
3.00
Cloud Computing: Infrastructure and Software
LE/DIGT 4103
3.00
User Interface Development
Software Development Stream
Course Code
Credits
Course Title
LE/DIGT 4142
3.00
Software Development I: Software Requirements
LE/DIGT 4143
3.00
Software Development II: Model-Driven Engineering and Model Verification
LE/DIGT 4241
3.00
Software Development III: DevOps and Software Reliability Engineering
LE/DIGT 4141
9.00
Software Development Synoptic Project
Cybersecurity Stream
Course Code
Credits
Course Title
LE/DIGT 4122
3.00
Threat Management and Protection of Systems
LE/DIGT 4221
3.00
Digital Forensics
LE/DIGT 4123
3.00
Security Development and Operations
LE/DIGT 4121
9.00
Security Synoptic Project
Data Science Stream
Course Code
Credits
Course Title
LE/DIGT 4132
3.00
Machine Learning and Applications
LE/DIGT 4231
3.00
Advanced Machine Learning
LE/DIGT 4133
3.00
Big Data and Data Mining Applications
LE/DIGT 4131
9.00
Data Science Synoptic Project (Capstone Project)
Skill Development
Technical skills: Creation of software solutions using industry-standard methodologies, development of digital technology infrastructure, security and data privacy principles & methodologies, data and information management & analytics.
Soft skills: Critical analysis, stakeholder management, agility, business communication, teamwork, conflict resolution, leadership and project management.
Delivery Model
Flexible learning activities allow for learning development to occur, integrating theory, understanding, practice and reflection over the year at a pace that best suits the learner and the work environment. The program begins with a three-week induction for the learners. Later on, the delivery becomes blended, where the learner is allowed a weekly half-day release from work to allow for self-study using a synchronous virtual platform (webinar, lecture, tutorial) interspersed with regular (e.g., every 6 weeks) 5-day blocks to attend campus. At the same time, learners will continue skill development by fulfilling their workplace tasks and duties. In addition, learners will need added time for independent study, assignments, reflection and preparation.
Assessment
The strategy for assessment is driven by industry norms. Formative assessment will be used throughout and takes a wide variety of forms, including interaction in class, peer feedback on in-class presentations, workshop activity with feedback, online quizzes, and tutor feedback on project work. The program has a mandatory requirement for the completion of a portfolio that covers all four years. The portfolio will be used to document progress towards personal and professional objectives set within the host company and to document the learner’s progress towards proficiency in the learning outcomes, as defined within the Digital Technologies program.
Benefits for Employer Partners
Develop your staff for your organization’s future success
Increase job satisfaction and retention rates
Enhance your recruitment pool with new, motivated, highly competent candidates