Photonics Engineering Technician Program

Niagara College Schools Technology Program Photonics Engineering Technician

About this program

Credential Awarded: 2 Year Diploma
Campus: Welland
Code: 0750 P0750
Delivery Length: 2 Years

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Who are you?

I am a domestic applicant. *
I am an international applicant.

Your education at Niagara College begins with your application. We're here to help make the process easy!

Carefully read the Admission Requirements tab to make sure you meet the program requirements.
Check the Availability tab to see whether or not the program is accepting applications, and what start dates are available.
Complete an application online through ontariocolleges.ca.
Our Admissions Office will acknowledge your application has been received and will provide you with your NC Student ID number and details on your next steps.

Your education at Niagara College begins with your application. We're here to help make the process easy!

Carefully read the Admission Requirements tab to make sure you meet the program requirements. Official, translated high school and/or post-secondary transcripts, proof of graduation and proof of English proficiency will be required.
Check the Availability tab to see whether or not the program is accepting International applications, and what start dates are available.
For next steps in the application process please visit international.niagaracollege.ca/how-to-apply/.
Complete an application online through our Online Application Form.
Niagara College will send you or your agent a confirmation of receipt via email within 48 hours of receiving your application.

* Domestic applicants include Canadian citizens, permanent residents and Convention refugees.

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Overview

Do you want the chance to build a camera that goes into space or is strapped to a helicopter? Perhaps you would rather build a camera for the next movie blockbuster and setup the latest generation laser projector for a red-carpet Hollywood premier?

Maybe you would prefer to work in the bio-medical field, manufacturing diagnostic equipment and lasers used to save lives. From smart phones to self-driving cars; the fibre-optic communications backbone that powers the internet to satellites and sensor technologies that are central to combatting climate change; Optics and Photonics underpin all modern technology. The world needs people like you to make it. Time for you to build the future and make your future in photonics.

Highlights

NC offers Ontario’s only Photonics Engineering Technician program, with graduates in high demand.
Hands-on experiential learning via Canada’s largest undergraduate photonic labs and teaching clean-room facility.
Gain advanced skills in precision optics, electro-optics, fibre-optics and laser technologies.
Graduates may opt for direct workforce entry or complete NC’s Photonics Engineering Technology program with an additional year of study.

Career Opportunities

Aerospace industry
Biomedical sector
Defence sector
Electro-optical technician
Entertainment sector (advanced visualization)
Fibre-optics technician
Laser technician
Optical coating technician
Optical lab technician

Learn more about photonics and optics:

The Optical Society – www.osa.org
International Society for Optics and Photonics – spie.org
Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers – www.ieee.org
Institute of Physics – www.iop.org

Courses

Term one (2024 Fall)
Code	Course Name	Credits
CAPT1011	Computer Programming and Applications	2
COMM1120	Introduction to Writing and Communicating in the Workplace	3
MATH1134	Mathematics I for the School of Technology Studies	4
MMFG1279	Manufacturing Technology for Photonics	3
PHTN1101	Introduction to Lasers and Optics	4
PHYS1220	Physics for Photonics	5
Elective Information
Completion of additional General Education elective 1 course required

Term two (2025 Winter)
Code	Course Name	Credits
ELNC1220	Electrical Principles for Photonics	5
MATH1231	Mathematics II for Technicians and Technologists	4
PHYS1215	Light and Spectroscopy	4
COMM1430	Technical Communications	3
PHTN1230	Photometric Testing	3
CAPT1012	Computer Aided Drafting	3
Elective Information
Completion of additional General Education elective 1 course required

Term three (2025 Fall)
Code	Course Name	Credits
PHTN1300	Lasers	5
ELNC1321	Electronic Principles for Photonics	5
PHTN1334	Fibre Optic Applications	5
CAPT1013	Computer Aided Drafting (3D)	3
COMM1308	Understanding Society: Communication Model	3

Term four (2026 Winter)
Code	Course Name	Credits
PHTN1400	Lasers II	5
PHTN1431	Manufacturing Photonics Components	5
PHTN1432	Vacuum and Thin Film Coating Applications	4
PHTN1304	Supporting Laser Technology	3
PHTN1305	Optical Test and Measure	4
TECH1100	Sustainable and Professional Practices	2

Program Outcomes Term: 1244

Use, construct and maintain laser devices and systems.
Use, construct and maintain Photonic/optical components and systems
Use, construct and maintain electronic systems
Construct and maintain opto-mechanical components and systems
Apply health and safety practices to minimize exposure to unsafe conditions and ensure a safe working environment for oneself and co-workers.
Perform tasks in accordance with relevant law, policies, procedures, standards, regulations and ethical principles.
Apply the principles of mathematics and science to solve technical problems related to photonics technology.
Apply the principles of physical and natural science.
Communicate information effectively, credibly, and accurately for the maintenance, repair and manufacture of a component.
Obtain, analyze and document data.
Work in a team to meet target goals.
Identify systemic problems and apply troubleshooting techniques to address these problems.
Apply strategies for ongoing personal and professional development to enhance performance as a photonics professional.

Admission Requirements

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), or equivalent including the following required course(s):

English – any Grade 12 (C) or (U), or equivalent
Mathematics – any Grade 12 (C) or (U), or equivalent

Recommended Courses and/or Skills:

These courses and skills may help you succeed academically in this program, but they are not required for admission.

Physics – Grade 11 (U) or Grade 12 (C) or (U)

Program Requirements

Computer/Technology Requirements

Students are responsible for ensuring that they have a Microsoft Windows 10 based desktop or laptop system that meets or exceeds the following general personal computer technology requirements:

A desktop or laptop system running on an updated Microsoft Windows 10 operating system.
Minimum 256GB SSD storage and 8 GB memory.
An integrated or peripheral video camera, microphone and speaker system.
Reliable internet connectivity with Broadband capabilities (a minimum download speed of 5 Mbps) is recommended.
Successful installation and activation of both AutoCAD and Multisim found on the Blackboard Homeroom page (after timetable selection).

Niagara College will not be able to provide support for systems different than the above specifications. Any provided software may not operate properly. Academic software for your courses (supported under the Microsoft Windows 10 operating system) will be made available for download and remote use. Access will also be provided to remote high performance computer labs if software downloads are not feasible.

Note: There is no support for Chromebooks or Apple products for this program.

All costs associated with program requirements are the responsibility of the student.

Availability

Domestic Applicants Apply

International Applicants Apply

Legendfor intake status table

Open

Accepting applications

Waitlisted

Eligible applications will be placed on a waiting list

Closed

Not accepting applications

Suspended

No longer offered this term

Tuition

The below is a tuition fees estimate ( what's this?) for the indicated start term. Tuition fees are set in accordance with the Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities fee guidelines.

Year: 2023-2024

Start Term: Fall

Expand each level below for a fee breakdown.

Year 1

Level one $2,862.44

Fee Breakdown for Level one
Fee Type	Fee Cost
Tuition	$1,357.49
Ancillary Fees	$1,104.95
Material Fees	$400.00
Level one Total	$2,862.44

Level two $2,114.44

Fee Breakdown for Level two
Fee Type	Fee Cost
Tuition	$1,357.49
Ancillary Fees	$756.95
Material Fees	$0.00
Level two Total	$2,114.44

Year 1 Total: $4,976.88

Year 2

Level three $2,453.44

Fee Breakdown for Level three
Fee Type	Fee Cost
Tuition	$1,357.49
Ancillary Fees	$1,036.95
Material Fees	$59.00
Level three Total	$2,453.44

Level four $2,505.44

Fee Breakdown for Level four
Fee Type	Fee Cost
Tuition	$1,357.49
Ancillary Fees	$716.95
Material Fees	$431.00
Level four Total	$2,505.44

Year 2 Total: $4,958.88

Estimated Program Total: $9,935.76

We're helping make your NC dreams a reality.

To help fund your education access $1.5 million in scholarships and awards made available by our generous donors. You will be automatically considered for some awards, however other awards will require an application.

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Advanced Tuition Tool

The tuition amounts provided are an estimate only ( what's this? ).

To generate a detailed fees calculation, which includes tuition, ancillary, and material fees for this or a different start term, please access the Advanced Tuition Tool.

Generate My Fees

The below is a tuition fees estimate ( what's this?) for the indicated start term. Tuition and estimated fees for International students are based on program type.

Year: 2023-2024

Start Term: Fall

Expand each level below for a fee breakdown.

Year 1

Level one $9,574.95

Fee Breakdown for Level one
Fee Type	Fee Cost
Tuition	$7,325.00
Ancillary Fees	$1,849.95
Material Fees	$400.00
Level one Total	$9,574.95

Level two $8,246.95

Fee Breakdown for Level two
Fee Type	Fee Cost
Tuition	$7,325.00
Ancillary Fees	$921.95
Material Fees	$0.00
Level two Total	$8,246.95

Year 1 Total: $17,821.90

Year 2

Level three $9,165.95

Fee Breakdown for Level three
Fee Type	Fee Cost
Tuition	$7,325.00
Ancillary Fees	$1,781.95
Material Fees	$59.00
Level three Total	$9,165.95

Level four $8,637.95

Fee Breakdown for Level four
Fee Type	Fee Cost
Tuition	$7,325.00
Ancillary Fees	$881.95
Material Fees	$431.00
Level four Total	$8,637.95

Year 2 Total: $17,803.90

Estimated Program Total: $35,625.80

We're helping make your NC dreams a reality.

Access over $200,000 in scholarships and awards.

Explore & Apply

Advanced Tuition Tool

The tuition amounts provided are an estimate only ( what's this? ).

To generate a detailed fees calculation, which includes tuition, ancillary, and material fees for this or a different start term, please access the Advanced Tuition Tool.

Generate My Fees

Costs and Dates

General information about other costs, due dates, refund policy, housing costs, and more can be found on the Niagara College International website.

Faculty

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The Niagara photonics program offers the tools needed to help prepare students to be successful in this field. Combined with theoretical lectures and hands-on training with lasers, optics and vacuum technologies, the photonics program gives every student invaluable learning experiences that are not offered anywhere else.

Shelley Fong, program graduate

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