Diploma - Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technician

Level: 01

• DAT2004

• Computer Applications

• Knowledge of common computer applications is crucial in any modern workplace. Students examine the essentials of the computer operating system and use current software packages to perform practical workplace tasks. Tasks incorporate file management, file sharing, email and electronic calendars, documents with graphical illustrations, spreadsheets and presentations. Assignments are linked to vocationally-specific problems and projects. 

• ELE8131

• Electrical Fundamentals

• Students are provided with both theoretical and practical concepts of basic electricity and electrical circuits that are related to heating, air conditioning and refrigeration systems and applications. Students also cover use and application of basic electrical test meters. Lab exercises reinforce both basic circuit design and meter usage.

• Co-requisites: HRA8141 

• ENL1813T

• Communications I

• Communication remains an essential skill sought by employers, regardless of discipline or field of study. Using a practical, vocation-oriented approach, students focus on meeting the requirements of effective communication. Through a combination of lectures, exercises, and independent learning, students practise writing, speaking, reading, listening, locating and documenting information and using technology to communicate professionally. Students develop and strengthen communication skills that contribute to success in both educational and workplace environments. 

• GED2012

• Achieving Success in the 21st Century

• Rapid changes in technology have created new employment and business opportunities that challenge each of us to find our place as citizens in the emerging society. Life in the 21st century presents significant opportunities, creates potential hazards and demands that we face new responsibilities in ethical ways. Students explore the possibilities ahead, assess their own aptitudes and strengths, and apply critical thinking and decision-making tools to help resolve some of the important issues present in our complex society with its competing interests. 

• HRA8141

• Heating System Fundamentals

• A theoretical and practical introduction to the fundamental principles of natural gas, propane and fuel oil heating systems is provided. Students are introduced to government codes and regulations regarding the industry and to the principles of combustion. Safety requirements, use and selection of various tools, instruments and fasteners are also studied in both theory and lab environments. The fundamental principles required to plan and install different types of piping for a variety of heating appliances are also covered.

• Co-requisites: ELE8131 

• SCI8510

• Math and HRAC Science

• The heating, refrigeration and air conditioning industry has a long and rich history based on many scientific principles, from thermodynamics and the law of conservation of energy, to the expansion of solids due to temperature changes. Students first develop the skills to efficiently add, subtract, multiply and divide, as well as calculate distances, areas, and volumes in both metric and U.S. customary units. Students explore exponents and algebra to assist them in solving equations for unknown variables. They also study the properties of matter, and the gas laws. 

Level: 02

• ELE8132

• Control Fundamentals

• An overview of building electrical service and basic circuits is provided. Students learn principles and applications of electromechanical and electronic controls and control circuits that are used in heating, air conditioning and refrigeration systems. Skills in interpreting, designing, and applying different types of wiring diagrams are practiced and developed throughout the course.

• Prerequisites: ELE8131

• Co-requisites: HRA8142 and HRA8143 

• HRA8140

• Climate Control and the Environment

• The heating and cooling systems that we use to stay comfortable affect our environment. Students examine the alternatives to fossil fuels and refrigerants, as well as historical, contemporary and future technologies. Through a combination of online assignments, discussions and activities, students focus on the human contribution to global warming and climate change, and learn about the effects of, and alternatives to, current climate control technologies. 

• HRA8142

• Gas Heating Systems

• Students are introduced to gas and propane fired water heaters, forced warm air heating systems, and other gas appliances in both classroom and lab environments. Theoretical and practical application of cylinders, tanks, gas meters and regulators are also covered along with code requirements. Students learn how to determine venting and combustion air requirements for propane and natural gas fired heating systems, and the installation and application of conversion burners.

• Prerequisites: HRA8141

• Co-requisites: ELE8132 and HRA8143 

• HRA8143

• Oil Heating Systems

• Theoretical and hands-on activities in relation to familiarization, installation, wiring, start-up, and troubleshooting of oil fired furnaces and water heaters are provided. Students also perform annual maintenance and combustion efficiency testing on oil fired equipment along with sizing venting systems and applying proper venting practices. The concept of the building as a system is also studied.

• Prerequisites: HRA8141

• Co-requisites: ELE8132 and HRA8142 

• SCI8511

• Advanced HRAC Science

• The heating, refrigeration and air conditioning industry has a long and rich history based on many scientific principles from thermodynamics and the law of conservation of energy to the expansion of solids due to temperature changes. Students develop the skills to appropriately explain the concepts of heat, temperature, freezing and boiling, as well as convert between the temperature scales. Students determine the changes in length, area or volume of objects when undergoing a temperature change. They investigate heat transfer methods and calculate the rate of heat transfer through walls. Students use Ohm's law to solve for current, voltage and resistance in parallel, series and mixed circuits.

• Prerequisites: SCI8510 

• Choose one from equivalencies:

• GED0590

• General Education Elective

• Visit the general education electives site for details about how to select these courses.

• Students choose one course, from a group of general education electives, which meets one of the following five theme requirements: Arts in Society, Civic Life, Social and Cultural Understanding, Personal Understanding, and Science and Technology.

• Equivalencies: ARC9001 or DSN2001 or ENV0002 or FAM1218 or FIN2300 or GED5200 or GED5300 or GEN1957 or GEN2000 or GEN2003 or GEN2007 or HIS0001 or HIS2000 or HOS2228 or LIB1982 or MGT7330 or MVM8800 or RAD2001 or SOC2003 or GED6022 or GED5005 or GED5002 or GED5006 or GED1896 or GED5009 or PSI0003 or GED5003 

Level: 03

• ELE8133

• Advanced Controls

• This course is a continuation of the interpretation and use of various wiring diagrams along with developing an understanding of control terms and concepts. Learners add to their troubleshooting skills and increase their knowledge in motors and motor applications.

• Prerequisites: ELE8132

• Co-requisites: HRA8139 and HRA8144 

• ENL2003

• Communications II for Technicians

• Communicating effectively in the workplace is a key component of career advancement and essential skills development. The ability to read, understand, reframe and deliver technical information to varied audiences is critical in a competitive marketplace. Students are exposed to a variety of common communication challenges related to working in their field of study. To meet these challenges, students are required to do basic research and data gathering, to summarize and reframe written, oral and visual information and to present their findings to a defined audience in an appropriate medium or media.

• Prerequisites: ENL1813T 

• HRA8130

• Refrigeration Concepts

• Students are introduced to heat transfer and thermodynamics related to air conditioning and refrigeration. The basic refrigeration cycle and its components are also covered along with installation, service and troubleshooting skills for basic refrigeration systems. Lab exercises are used to reinforce the theoretical aspects along with teaching basic hand tool usage, soldering, brazing and other piping and tubing practices. Installation and use of manifold gauges, vacuum pumps and other specialty tools are also taught in the class along with hands-on practice in the lab. 

• HRA8139

• Forced Air Systems

• Students acquire the theoretical and practical background required to install, maintain and service air handling systems including high efficiency gas furnaces. Students also learn about add-on devices, such as humidifiers, filters, electronic air cleaners and the installation of add-on air conditioning systems.

• Prerequisites: HRA8142 and HRA8143

• Co-requisites: ELE8133 and HRA8144 

• HRA8144

• Hydronics and Space Heating

• Students acquire the theoretical and practical background for the service, installation, and maintenance of water heaters, combination systems and hydronic heating systems. Installation, maintenance, and service of a variety of vented and non-vented appliances are also covered in theory and lab classes.

• Prerequisites: HRA8142 and HRA8143

• Co-requisites: ELE8133 and HRA8139