Student Experience
The Science and Technology Foundations program is an exploratory one-year Ontario Certificate that introduces students to Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) fundamentals in only 2 semesters. The program is designed to allow students to develop their academic skills and abilities, in preparation for a future post-secondary program in the Science and Technology areas, but does not prepare students for direct entry into the workforce. Graduates of this program are generally expected to proceed onwards into another post-secondary program.
Benefits of the Science and Technology Foundations program include;
- Students have better insights into which science, engineering or technology programs they’re most interested in doing next.
- The development of math, communications and life skills in this program.
- For select programs, graduates may be able to receive credit recognition for some of their courses in their next Algonquin program.
- Time to develop new relationships and to understand how to be successful in college, making the next program that much better.
Some of the experiences students can expect to have in the program are:
- The chance to work on laboratory experiments, developing laboratory skills and expertise in solution preparation, use and care of equipment and the safe handling and disposal of chemicals and biological samples.
- Hands-on learning with electronics, including experimenting with digital multimeters, oscilloscopes and signal generators to create and measure circuit characteristics.
- Career discovery in exploring potential careers through a variety of tools. Using that knowledge, students are better able to figure out which programs might be best for their next steps.
- You’ll get to interact with professors and staff who are passionate about what they do and want to help you succeed.
“I liked the theory of the program, especially the science part. I am a person who is fascinated with technological innovation. Since I didn’t have a lot of previous knowledge about physics and chemistry this program was a great way to get started with those fields. Being a slightly older student at 22, I don’t fully remember everything I was taught in high school and so getting a refresher with this program was a good bridge to more in-depth stuff and continuing my education.”
Edward, Graduate
“I wasn’t exactly sure which path I should take in my education and with the help of this program, and a couple of my classmates, I realized what I want to do in my education and career. I was new to most of the subjects and courses here since I came from a different country, and I had no idea what it would be like. This program helped me overcome my uneasiness about future College programs.
I liked the electronics and mathematics classes most of all. Going back to the basics was a really good reminder for my math skills. As for electronics, it was difficult at first to comprehend but in the end, I enjoyed that class and the professors were kind and patient. ”
– Alexandrea, Graduate
Discover more about this program by viewing the video below.