Computer Programming Program at Confederation College

Program Intakes

0180 - Computer Programming

Fall

2 years

Online Live

Apply Now

Curriculum

Semester 1

CP 150 Operating Systems

Operating Systems is a course designed to give the user knowledge of the most popular and powerful operating systems used today. In this course, the student will acquire an understanding of both Linux and Windows operating systems. The student will gain understanding of the major features of an operating system, learn how to control the operating system, create shell script programs and install and manage packages and operating system virtual machines.
CP 160 Web Programming & Design

Students will be introduced to web programming and design. The technical aspects of web development are covered with a focus on HTML and CSS. Beginning with basic HTML and CSS, the student will learn valid markup while focusing on layout and effective site navigation. By the end of the course, the student will know how to create a basic multi-page functional web site.
CP 180 Introduction to Databases

The study of database design and management is essential for the business IT world today. Through this course, the student will be introduced to the concepts of database design and to the entity-relationship diagram (ERD). Using Microsoft SQL Server, the students will then develop SQL skills to query and manipulate data in an existing database. This course is designed to introduce students to databases and to help students manipulate and retrieve data through querying of a database.
CP 190 Programming Fundamentals

In this course, students will be introduced to the concepts of critical thinking, basic Information Technology (IT) concepts, the systems development process commonly used in a business environment and the fundamentals of programming. The student will learn some of the approaches to problem-solving undertaken by an analyst, use some of the tools available in defining a system and begin to write computer programs using a professional editor. With an emphasis on the C# programming language computer programs will be written, tested and debugged, with a focus on the logical structures central to all programming: the sequence, decision and loop.
CS 050 College Writing

In this course, students will be introduced to academic writing styles with a thematic focus on current issues. This course will help students to express themselves clearly and correctly in written form. Students will critically analyse assigned readings and express their thoughts. The course will also focus on the development of an academic paper utilizing the APA style of documentation.
Elective
Elective

Semester 2

CP 220 OOP with Net

Apply object-oriented programming concepts begun in CP140, and construct solutions with the extended features of the C# language. Students will study and practice working with advanced object classes, and programming techniques. Students will use the knowledge gained in this course to tackle more advanced programming problems and gain a broader understanding of what programming languages can accomplish.
CP 240 Advanced Web Applications

Students will continue the study of web programming and design begun in CP160 to build web applications. Students will leverage JavaScript and extensible markup language (XML) to create interactive web applications.
CP 260 User Experience Theory

This course is an introduction to the theory of user experience (UX) design as it applies to software development. Discussions will focus on the basic disciplines of UX process for designing software interfaces, the different aspects of UX and how they apply to design, as well as some of the process tools used by UX designers. Emphasis will be on learning design principles that factor in how the brain interprets, and learns from experiences about the environment around us. These principles will be applied through project work to develop user-centric interfaces. Students will conduct design reviews, and make further design changes by reviewing and interpreting user feedback as part of the design process. Analysis, documentation, and collaboration skills will also be practiced throughout this course.
CP 270 Advanced Database Design & SQL

In this course, the student will design, build and interact with datasets in a relational database system. The entity-relationship diagram (ERD) will be further investigated to aid the student in the development and the creation of tables. With an advanced table structure in place, more complex methods of querying information will be employed, data report generation will be investigated and procedures and parameters will be examined. Concepts in database administration, integrity, security and design will be studied and applied to a practical database in this course.
CP 280 Req Analysis and Process Modelling

The purpose of this course is to introduce students to a methodology designed to elicit and document the business requirements for a computerized system. This approach builds on some of the traditional analysis tools as well as incorporating some new techniques into the analysis process.
CS 219 Communications for Technology

This course emphasizes the importance of oral and written communication in an industrial and business setting. In Communications for Technology, students will work on independent and group projects and apply problem-solving techniques to develop both their individual and team building skills. Students will apply computer-technology and a variety of resources for researching, writing and presenting technical data into a clear and concise format.
MA 115 Applied Math for Technology 1

Applied Math for Technology I provides a foundation in mathematics for students in engineering technology and technician programs. Students will work with numeracy, ratios, systems of measurements, units, and introductory algebra while solving applied problems involving variation, geometry, and right trigonometry. Successful completion of this course (minimum C grade) and MA 215 (minimum C grade) is an equivalent credit to the technology mathematics course, MA 133.

Semester 3

CP 330 Design Patterns and Testing

The course explores the basics in test methodologies. It also focuses on working with software bugs, creating and managing software tests and even test automation. Students will learn the importance of testing, the place of testing in the software life cycle, various forms of testing and the development and execution of a test plan.
CP 335 Object Oriented Analysis and Design

This course provides students with the essentials of object oriented (O-O) analysis and design technology. Key OO concepts and techniques are explained within the Unified Modeling Language (UML) framework. Tools such as Rational Rose, and Visual Studio Ultimate can be used throughout the O-O iterative life cycle of applications as the modeling tool in planning, analysis, and design and implementation activities. The use case technique is applied to create communication scenarios. Students will complete a group project to demonstrate UML diagrams as they are used in the development cycle for small and middle-size businesses.
CP 345 OOP with JAVA

Increase your knowledge of object-oriented programming by learning Java fundamentals. Learn how to develop, test, debug and deploy robust applications using modern IDEs. Topics will cover Java syntax, object-oriented concepts, exception handling, data structures and GUI programming.
CP 355 Project Management

In this course, students will develop managerial skills to propose, plan, secure resources, budget, and lead project teams to successful completion of projects. Students will also learn why organizations have developed a formal project management process supported by the Project Management Institute (PMI) and its Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) to gain a competitive advantage. The case study approach will be used along with an investigation of software and collaboration tools that aid in carrying out activities of project planning and project execution.
CP 380 ASP.NET

Students will learn to access supporting databases working with web and Microsoft.NET framework technologies to code and enforce business rules. A firm foundation in ASP.NET programming will be developed. ASP.NET allows developers to rapidly develop and deploy n-tier architecture solutions ready for e-commerce.
CP 390 Software Development & Deployment

In this course students will be introduced to processes to allow successful application development in a larger team. Students will explore how Source Code Management (SCM) may be used in solo and in team environments for tracking and controlling small, incremental changes in software. Students will investigate how to package and deliver applications, and will consider impacts of development decisions and how to mitigate those impacts. By combining learned concepts in SCM and deployment processes, students will be able to contribute to a successful evolution and release of a final product.
Elective

Semester 4

CP 430 Mobile Computing

This course provides an introduction to the programming for mobile computing. A new generation of smartphones and mobile based operating systems increase the complexity and rework necessary to deliver native applications to devices. Students will learn the concepts of mobile programming and how to create applications that display a user interface and can store and manage data on the device.
CP 435 Computer Networks

The entire globe is now an interconnected tangle of billions of devices. In this course, students will gain conceptual and practical knowledge of how these devices are connected to and communicate with each other. Students will be introduced to computer network hardware and software technologies. Using the client/server model, students will study and analyze effective solutions for local area networks. The course will explore hardware specifications, network configuration management and system conflict resolution.
CP 440 Major Project

This course introduces Project Management through the delivery of a Major Project. Analysis and development will be woven into the basic theories, techniques, and rationales of project management. Working in teams, students will be engaged in project management activities: meetings, documentation, and writing. These will culminate in a final presentation where students will have to demonstrate a working product, and describe what they have done and why in a project management and information technology context.
CP 445 Data Specialization

Data is the world's most valuable commodity, exists everywhere and is being generated at an unparalleled, extreme, daily rate. In this course, students will investigate two variations of specialized data: big data and geospatial data. Students will be introduced to the fundamentals of geospatial data. With these concepts, the student will explore how to interact with and obtain meaningful information from this geographically oriented data. Students will explore the fundamental concepts of big data, investigate the sources of this data. Throughout the course students will be familiarized with technologies and processes involved in the storage, manipulation and analysis of these specialized forms of data.
CP 455 Ethics and Law

As computers have a central, and growing, role in all aspects of society, computer programmers will find themselves in situations where they will be required to make informed legal and ethical decisions. In this course, students will be introduced to provincial, federal and international legislation that will inform them in areas of privacy, data protection, cybersecurity and cybercrime. The computer programming student will explore professional ethics and code of conduct as laid out by professional computer organizations. Through research papers, case studies, reflective assignments and discussions, students will explore this challenging world of the legal and the ethical impacts of computers, software and their very own decisions.
CP 465 Systems Security

Computer systems and networks form the core of our modern information age and are increasingly being targeted by malicious actors. In this course, students will investigate the various ways that computer systems are being compromised and the impacts of a security breach. With this knowledge, concepts will be explored with the objective of protecting these systems against intrusion, information theft, data corruption and other forms of damage. This course will look at different methods, the implementation and potential impacts of increased system security.
CP 470 Open Source Programming

Server-Side programming enables websites to deliver fast, dynamic data to their users. PHP is an open source language supporting rapid database and e-commerce solutions. The MYSQL database is a lightweight (in terms of server resources), yet powerful enough tool to meet small and medium size database requirements. Approximately sixty percent of the web server market is hosted by Apache Web Servers. PHP, MySQL and Apache come packaged with most distributions of the Linux operating system and form what is commonly called LAMP. Students in this course will learn how the four work together to solve most web application requirements.

Fees

Cost Details for Year 1

Domestic Students

Academic Fees

Total Tuition Fees: $2,688.00
College Service Fee: $832.00
Health Fee: $280.00
Bus Fee: $268.00

Total Academic Fees: $4,068.00

International Students

Academic Fees

Total Tuition Fees: $15,161.00
College Service Fee: $832.00
Health Fee: $681.00
Bus Fee: $268.00

Total Academic Fees: $16,942.00

Ancillary Fees

Municipal Levy: $75.00
Student Fees: $300.00
Recovery Fee: $750.00

Total Ancillary Fees: $1,125.00

Cost Details for Year 2

Domestic Students

Academic Fees

Total Tuition Fees: $2,688.00
College Service Fee: $822.00
Health Fee: $280.00
Bus Fee: $268.00

Total Academic Fees: $4,058.00

International Students

Academic Fees

Total Tuition Fees: $15,161.00
College Service Fee: $822.00
Health Fee: $681.00
Bus Fee: $268.00

Total Academic Fees: $16,932.00

Ancillary Fees

Municipal Levy: $75.00
Student Fees: $300.00
Recovery Fee: $750.00

Total Ancillary Fees: $1,125.00

0179 - Computer Programming

Winter

2 years

Online Live

Apply Now

Curriculum

Semester 1

CP 150 Operating Systems

Operating Systems is a course designed to give the user knowledge of the most popular and powerful operating systems used today. In this course, the student will acquire an understanding of both Linux and Windows operating systems. The student will gain understanding of the major features of an operating system, learn how to control the operating system, create shell script programs and install and manage packages and operating system virtual machines.
CP 160 Web Programming & Design

Students will be introduced to web programming and design. The technical aspects of web development are covered with a focus on HTML and CSS. Beginning with basic HTML and CSS, the student will learn valid markup while focusing on layout and effective site navigation. By the end of the course, the student will know how to create a basic multi-page functional web site.
CP 180 Introduction to Databases

The study of database design and management is essential for the business IT world today. Through this course, the student will be introduced to the concepts of database design and to the entity-relationship diagram (ERD). Using Microsoft SQL Server, the students will then develop SQL skills to query and manipulate data in an existing database. This course is designed to introduce students to databases and to help students manipulate and retrieve data through querying of a database.
CP 190 Programming Fundamentals

In this course, students will be introduced to the concepts of critical thinking, basic Information Technology (IT) concepts, the systems development process commonly used in a business environment and the fundamentals of programming. The student will learn some of the approaches to problem-solving undertaken by an analyst, use some of the tools available in defining a system and begin to write computer programs using a professional editor. With an emphasis on the C# programming language computer programs will be written, tested and debugged, with a focus on the logical structures central to all programming: the sequence, decision and loop.
CS 050 College Writing

In this course, students will be introduced to academic writing styles with a thematic focus on current issues. This course will help students to express themselves clearly and correctly in written form. Students will critically analyse assigned readings and express their thoughts. The course will also focus on the development of an academic paper utilizing the APA style of documentation.
Elective
Elective

Semester 2

CP 220 OOP with Net

Apply object-oriented programming concepts begun in CP140, and construct solutions with the extended features of the C# language. Students will study and practice working with advanced object classes, and programming techniques. Students will use the knowledge gained in this course to tackle more advanced programming problems and gain a broader understanding of what programming languages can accomplish.
CP 240 Advanced Web Applications

Students will continue the study of web programming and design begun in CP160 to build web applications. Students will leverage JavaScript and extensible markup language (XML) to create interactive web applications.
CP 260 User Experience Theory

This course is an introduction to the theory of user experience (UX) design as it applies to software development. Discussions will focus on the basic disciplines of UX process for designing software interfaces, the different aspects of UX and how they apply to design, as well as some of the process tools used by UX designers. Emphasis will be on learning design principles that factor in how the brain interprets, and learns from experiences about the environment around us. These principles will be applied through project work to develop user-centric interfaces. Students will conduct design reviews, and make further design changes by reviewing and interpreting user feedback as part of the design process. Analysis, documentation, and collaboration skills will also be practiced throughout this course.
CP 270 Advanced Database Design & SQL

In this course, the student will design, build and interact with datasets in a relational database system. The entity-relationship diagram (ERD) will be further investigated to aid the student in the development and the creation of tables. With an advanced table structure in place, more complex methods of querying information will be employed, data report generation will be investigated and procedures and parameters will be examined. Concepts in database administration, integrity, security and design will be studied and applied to a practical database in this course.
CP 280 Req Analysis and Process Modelling

The purpose of this course is to introduce students to a methodology designed to elicit and document the business requirements for a computerized system. This approach builds on some of the traditional analysis tools as well as incorporating some new techniques into the analysis process.
CS 219 Communications for Technology

This course emphasizes the importance of oral and written communication in an industrial and business setting. In Communications for Technology, students will work on independent and group projects and apply problem-solving techniques to develop both their individual and team building skills. Students will apply computer-technology and a variety of resources for researching, writing and presenting technical data into a clear and concise format.
MA 115 Applied Math for Technology 1

Applied Math for Technology I provides a foundation in mathematics for students in engineering technology and technician programs. Students will work with numeracy, ratios, systems of measurements, units, and introductory algebra while solving applied problems involving variation, geometry, and right trigonometry. Successful completion of this course (minimum C grade) and MA 215 (minimum C grade) is an equivalent credit to the technology mathematics course, MA 133.

Semester 3

CP 330 Design Patterns and Testing

The course explores the basics in test methodologies. It also focuses on working with software bugs, creating and managing software tests and even test automation. Students will learn the importance of testing, the place of testing in the software life cycle, various forms of testing and the development and execution of a test plan.
CP 335 Object Oriented Analysis and Design

This course provides students with the essentials of object oriented (O-O) analysis and design technology. Key OO concepts and techniques are explained within the Unified Modeling Language (UML) framework. Tools such as Rational Rose, and Visual Studio Ultimate can be used throughout the O-O iterative life cycle of applications as the modeling tool in planning, analysis, and design and implementation activities. The use case technique is applied to create communication scenarios. Students will complete a group project to demonstrate UML diagrams as they are used in the development cycle for small and middle-size businesses.
CP 345 OOP with JAVA

Increase your knowledge of object-oriented programming by learning Java fundamentals. Learn how to develop, test, debug and deploy robust applications using modern IDEs. Topics will cover Java syntax, object-oriented concepts, exception handling, data structures and GUI programming.
CP 355 Project Management

In this course, students will develop managerial skills to propose, plan, secure resources, budget, and lead project teams to successful completion of projects. Students will also learn why organizations have developed a formal project management process supported by the Project Management Institute (PMI) and its Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) to gain a competitive advantage. The case study approach will be used along with an investigation of software and collaboration tools that aid in carrying out activities of project planning and project execution.
CP 380 ASP.NET

Students will learn to access supporting databases working with web and Microsoft.NET framework technologies to code and enforce business rules. A firm foundation in ASP.NET programming will be developed. ASP.NET allows developers to rapidly develop and deploy n-tier architecture solutions ready for e-commerce.
CP 390 Software Development & Deployment

In this course students will be introduced to processes to allow successful application development in a larger team. Students will explore how Source Code Management (SCM) may be used in solo and in team environments for tracking and controlling small, incremental changes in software. Students will investigate how to package and deliver applications, and will consider impacts of development decisions and how to mitigate those impacts. By combining learned concepts in SCM and deployment processes, students will be able to contribute to a successful evolution and release of a final product.
Elective

Semester 4

CP 430 Mobile Computing

This course provides an introduction to the programming for mobile computing. A new generation of smartphones and mobile based operating systems increase the complexity and rework necessary to deliver native applications to devices. Students will learn the concepts of mobile programming and how to create applications that display a user interface and can store and manage data on the device.
CP 435 Computer Networks

The entire globe is now an interconnected tangle of billions of devices. In this course, students will gain conceptual and practical knowledge of how these devices are connected to and communicate with each other. Students will be introduced to computer network hardware and software technologies. Using the client/server model, students will study and analyze effective solutions for local area networks. The course will explore hardware specifications, network configuration management and system conflict resolution.
CP 440 Major Project

This course introduces Project Management through the delivery of a Major Project. Analysis and development will be woven into the basic theories, techniques, and rationales of project management. Working in teams, students will be engaged in project management activities: meetings, documentation, and writing. These will culminate in a final presentation where students will have to demonstrate a working product, and describe what they have done and why in a project management and information technology context.
CP 445 Data Specialization

Data is the world's most valuable commodity, exists everywhere and is being generated at an unparalleled, extreme, daily rate. In this course, students will investigate two variations of specialized data: big data and geospatial data. Students will be introduced to the fundamentals of geospatial data. With these concepts, the student will explore how to interact with and obtain meaningful information from this geographically oriented data. Students will explore the fundamental concepts of big data, investigate the sources of this data. Throughout the course students will be familiarized with technologies and processes involved in the storage, manipulation and analysis of these specialized forms of data.
CP 455 Ethics and Law

As computers have a central, and growing, role in all aspects of society, computer programmers will find themselves in situations where they will be required to make informed legal and ethical decisions. In this course, students will be introduced to provincial, federal and international legislation that will inform them in areas of privacy, data protection, cybersecurity and cybercrime. The computer programming student will explore professional ethics and code of conduct as laid out by professional computer organizations. Through research papers, case studies, reflective assignments and discussions, students will explore this challenging world of the legal and the ethical impacts of computers, software and their very own decisions.
CP 465 Systems Security

Computer systems and networks form the core of our modern information age and are increasingly being targeted by malicious actors. In this course, students will investigate the various ways that computer systems are being compromised and the impacts of a security breach. With this knowledge, concepts will be explored with the objective of protecting these systems against intrusion, information theft, data corruption and other forms of damage. This course will look at different methods, the implementation and potential impacts of increased system security.
CP 470 Open Source Programming

Server-Side programming enables websites to deliver fast, dynamic data to their users. PHP is an open source language supporting rapid database and e-commerce solutions. The MYSQL database is a lightweight (in terms of server resources), yet powerful enough tool to meet small and medium size database requirements. Approximately sixty percent of the web server market is hosted by Apache Web Servers. PHP, MySQL and Apache come packaged with most distributions of the Linux operating system and form what is commonly called LAMP. Students in this course will learn how the four work together to solve most web application requirements.

Program Overview

Develop Your Own Killer App

Ever look at a phone app or other piece of software and wonder if you could do that? Chances are, you can – and Confederation College can help!

Confederation College’s Computer Programming two-year diploma program will give you the technical skills you need and help to develop your own creativity. You’ll learn how to program in various languages such as HTML5, JavaScript, C#, Java, and SQL. You’ll also gain experience with the art of application design, design patterns, user experience strategies, design techniques, several languages, non-language specific development, deployment, and testing for a host of devices and environments.

Designed to help you prepare to engage in self-employed scenarios and learn to work globally, this program features a strong focus on building Full Stack development skills.

Experiential Learning:

Fundraising & Events: A final-semester project where students conduct a fundraising campaign from start to finish, planning, executing, and evaluating their campaign as well as planning and implementing an event to support a local initiative.
Field Work: Practical work conducted outside the classroom where students apply their knowledge and skills to real-world problems or research questions. It allows students to showcase their expertise, critical thinking, and creativity while making a meaningful contribution to their field of study.
Integrated Marketing Communications: Students will work in collaboration with a local industry partner and develop a comprehensive IMC plan to design effective creative strategies.

Top Highlights

An optional Co-op placement between semesters 2 and 3 allows you to apply your new skills in a real-world job position.
Program is designed to expose students to different aspects of programming to help them find what areas appeal most.
Learn how to work as part of a team and as a self-employed programmer.
Develop, test, and launch your own apps onsite and in the cloud using your laptop (a program requirement – see specific details under the Requirements To Be Completed Prior to Attending Classes section).

Learning Outcomes

Support the analysis and definition of software system specifications based on functional and non-functional requirements.
Contribute to the development, documentation, implementation, maintenance, and testing of software systems by using industry-standard software development methodologies, based on defined specifications and existing technologies/frameworks.
Apply one or more programming paradigms such as object-oriented, structured, or functional programming, and design principles, as well as documented requirements, to the software development process.
Model, design, implement, and maintain basic data storage solutions.
Contribute to the integration of network communications into software solutions by adhering to protocol standards.
Identify, analyze, develop, implement, verify, and document the requirements for a computing environment.
Contribute to the diagnostics, troubleshooting, documenting, and monitoring of technical problems using appropriate methodologies and tools.
Implement and maintain secure computing environments.
Implement robust computing system solutions through validation testing that aligns with industry best practices.
Communicate and collaborate with team members and stakeholders to ensure effective working relationships.
Select and apply strategies for personal and professional development to enhance work performance.
Apply project management principles and tools when working on projects within a computing environment.
Adhere to ethical, legal, and regulatory requirements and/or principles in the development and management of computing solutions and systems.

Employment Opportunity

Graduates of this program go on to work in web development, desktop software development, mobile application development, database administration, business analytics, system analysis and design, customer technical support, information technology, and other areas of computer programming.

Explore Careers in this field

Admission Requirements

Program Requirements for Domestic Students

19 years of age or older
OR
Ontario Secondary School Diploma (or equivalent) with courses from the College (C), University (U), University/College (U/C), or Open (O) preparation levels with Grade 12 English (C/U) Level.
Successful completion of the Mature Student Assessment.
Successful completion of the General Education Development Test (GED).
Appropriate credits from the Academic and Career Entrance program (ACE).

Other Courses Recommended

Grade 12 Mathematics.

Program Requirements for International Students

This program is not currently available for international students.

Alternative Pathways:

If you do not meet the entrance requirements, we encourage you to apply for the Pre-Technology - Technology/Aviation program to facilitate success in your technology path.