Courses may include
These are some of the courses offered in this program. It is not a complete list and courses are subject to change in advance of the academic year.
Recognizing prior learning / transfer credits
If you have previous learning (course, employment, etc...) that's relevant to your program, you may be able to apply to earn credit. Not all programs are eligible. Learn about our recognizing prior learning (RPL) process.
COMM 2245 - Technical Communications II
This course focuses on the interpersonal, written and oral technical communication skills necessary for working independently and as part of a team in a technical environment. Further skill development in written forms of technical documentation required for the workplace as well as report creation and oral presentation skills will continue to be emphasized. Team building principles, group dynamics and collaborative writing will be discussed. Students will participate in meetings and take responsibilities in a group project from its inception to completion and evaluation. Students will continue to enhance and apply their research skills and project management principles will also be introduced. Successful job interviews and the portfolio will be discussed.
PETG 1008 - Power Operations and Maintenance Lab I
Learners will have the opportunity to perform lab projects while safely being introduced to a variety of hand tools. Plant maintenance and equipment tasks such as gauge glass replacement, flue gas analysis and various piping procedures will be carried out. This course will provide the learner with a basis for safety and environmental awareness of power plant and boiler operation. Learners will experience startup and shutdown of a firetube boiler with emphasis on operation of equipment and their functions in the plant cycle. Logging of plant parameters will be carried out.
PETG 1066 - Prime Movers, Lube, Maintenance
Students explore the principles, construction, and operation of major prime movers and mechanical equipment used in industrial and building systems. They examine steam engines, steam turbines, gas turbines, internal combustion engines, pumps, compressors, and cooling towers, focusing on how these devices convert energy and support mechanical processes. Students also study lubrication systems, bearing maintenance, and standard operating and servicing procedures to ensure reliable equipment performance. This course aligns with current industry standards for mechanical operations and maintenance.
PETG 1067 - Math, Mechanics and Thermodynamics
This course includes a review of basic applied mathematics with an introduction to the physical sciences, applied mechanics and thermodynamics. The learners will perform arithmetic operations involving metric conversions, integers, fractions, decimals and per cent, areas, volumes, ratios and proportions. Mechanics introduces the learner to the theory and calculations relative to work, power, energy, mechanical advantage, vectors, velocity and acceleration, forces, pressure, friction, stress and strain, and power transmission. Thermodynamics examines the nature and conversion of heat. Topics include the thermodynamic laws, temperature measuring devices, change of state, properties of steam including an introduction to the steam tables.
PETG 1070 - Power Operations and Maintenance Lab II
Students gain practical experience operating and maintaining boilers, turbines, pumps, and related plant equipment used in industrial settings. They learn how to select, assemble, operate, and troubleshoot valves, steam traps, auxiliary systems, and lab equipment while applying safe work practices and proper lockout procedures. The course emphasizes accurate monitoring, startup, shutdown, and documentation of equipment operation. Training aligns with The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) standards, manufacturer specifications, and applicable Nova Scotia safety regulations.
PETG 1072 - Electricity, Instrumentation, Plants
This course covers the fundamentals of electricity from types of current to distribution systems, as well as instrumentation controls, computer applications and process plants (gas, oil, pulp). Learners will gain knowledge needed to comprehend instrument and controls that are an integral part of these plants.
PETG 1074 - Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
This course examines equipment, fittings and controls for vapour compression and absorption refrigeration systems. The learner will learn startup, operation, shutdown and maintenance requirements for industrial and air conditioning applications.
PETG 1075 - Power Operations and Maintenance Lab III
Students learn to operate and maintain boilers and related pressure equipment safely and efficiently within an industrial setting. The course covers boiler operation, combustion efficiency, water treatment practices, pump operation, and the inspection, testing, and maintenance of boiler components. Students engage with practical procedures such as safety valve testing, burner assembly servicing, water sampling and analysis, and completion of operating logs. Training aligns with The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and Canada Standards Association (CSA) standards as well as Nova Scotia provincial regulations for pressure equipment.
PETG 1076 - Applied Mechanics
This course examines mathematical concepts including algebraic operations, logarithms, trigonometry and problem solving. Mechanics investigates problems including forces and friction, work, power, and energy, linear and angular motion, strength of materials, bending of beams, simple machines, pressure, density, and flow. Learners will enhance their skills and knowledge base used to solve problems encountered in power plant operation.
PETG 1077 - Thermodynamics and Applied Science
Thermodynamics is the branch of physics that deals with heat and the conversion of heat into other forms of energy or visa versa. The power engineer is involved in heat transfer in many ways: the burning of fuel in a boiler to change water to steam, the burning of fuel in an internal combustion engine or even the withdrawal of heat from a substance to be cooled as in the case of refrigeration. Applied sciences include the fundamental principles of chemistry, the applications and developments of materials and the formation and methods of corrosion control.
PETG 1078 - Safety, Codes, Combustion, Piping
Pursuant to the certificate level program, this course examines industrial legislation including codes, acts and regulations related to Power Engineering. Fuels, combustion and flue gas analysis are covered. Piping systems, steam traps and separators as well as valves and actuators are also examined. Occupational Health and Safety, WHMIS and fire protection are also included in this course. The learner should be able to enhance their skills and knowledge base used in routine power plant operation and maintenance.
PETG 1079 - Electrotechnology
Students develop foundational knowledge of industrial electrical power and control systems used in modern facilities. The course covers direct and alternating current principles; the design and operation of generators, motors, and transformers; and the components and behaviour of industrial power distribution, instrumentation, and control systems. Students apply electrical laws, solve Alternating Current/Direct Current (AC/DC) circuit problems, and explain the operation of pneumatic, electronic, and digital control loops and measurement instruments. Content aligns with industry standards and practices relevant to industrial electrical and process control environments.
PETG 1081 - Power Operations and Maintenance Lab IV
Students gain hands-on experience preparing, maintaining, and operating fire tube boilers, steam turbines, refrigeration systems, and related plant equipment found in industrial environments. They learn to perform annual preventative maintenance on boilers, feedwater systems, turbines, and auxiliary equipment, as well as complete required operating checks, documentation, and equipment synchronization procedures. Training emphasizes safe startup, operation, and shutdown practices for refrigeration and power equipment. The course aligns with Nova Scotia provincial regulations, manufacturer specifications, and applicable industry codes.
PETG 1082 - Boilers
This course examines details of watertube boiler design, construction and heat transfer components. High-pressure boiler fittings, burner systems, draft and flue gas equipment, and boiler control systems are included in this course. Learners should be able to enhance their skills and knowledge base in routine boiler operation.
PETG 1083 - Boiler Operations, Water Treatment, Pumps, Welding
This course examines details of boiler commissioning, operation, lay-up, cleaning and water treatment. Power plant pumps, welding, and construction of pressure vessels are included in this course. Learners should be able to enhance their skills and knowledge base in routine operation and maintenance of high-pressure steam plants.
PETG 1084 - Prime Movers
Pursuant to the certificate level program, this course examines construction and operation details of the steam turbine and auxiliaries. The gas turbine and internal combustion engine as well as methods of cogeneration are included in this course. Learners should be able to enhance their skills and knowledge base in routine operation of steam turbines and other prime movers.
PETG 1085 - Air Compression, Refrigeration, Auxiliary Systems
Students develop foundational knowledge of industrial compression, refrigeration, heat transfer, and associated utility systems used in processing facilities. The course covers the theory and operation of air and gas compressors; compressed air and instrument air systems; industrial refrigeration cycles and equipment; heat exchangers, cooling systems, and direct- and indirect-fired heaters; and wastewater treatment processes. Students also examine maintenance practices, system safety, environmental management, and operational documentation required in industrial settings. Content aligns with current industry practices and expectations for safe and efficient operation of industrial utility equipment.
PETG 1086 - Work Experience II
The work experience component provides the learner with an opportunity to apply 3rd class Power Engineering skills and concepts appropriate for entry level positions within the occupation. Learners will assess their own performance and be evaluated by an industry partner. Learners will identify personal outcomes they wish to attain during the work experience and will keep a journal.
PETG 1087 - High Pressure Boilers I
This course presents the fundamentals of boiler design types, construction, fittings, combustion, as well as operational fundamentals. Additionally, the learner is introduced to welding equipment and methodology, as well as piping, piping components and piping systems. A comprehensive overview of valves is provided.
PETG 1088 - High Pressure Boilers II
This course offers an in-depth examination of boiler safety devices, boiler operations, water treatment and energy plant maintenance.
PETG 1089 - Safety, Codes, Environment
This course provides learners with an overview of the Power Engineering profession and the regulations by which it is governed. Relevant codes and standards are discussed, along with plant safety practices and procedures. The course also examines the relationship between the environment and plant operation, and covers methods used to monitor and control gaseous, solid,
liquid, and noise pollutants.
PETG 1100 - Work Experience
The work experience component provides the learner with an opportunity to apply skills and concepts appropriate for entry level positions within the occupation. Learners will assess their own performance and be evaluated by an industry partner. Learners will identify personal outcomes they wish to attain during the work experience and will keep a journal.
PETG 1250 - Plant Communications I
This course offers an overview of communication skills required for work in a plant environment. You will practice reading and research techniques, interpret legal and procedural documents, analyze common drawings and sketches, and review the verbal and written communication skills necessary for work in the industry.
PETG 1251 - Plant Communications II
The fundamentals of clear, concise writing and presenting are reviewed and refined. You will develop skills in organizing, writing and presenting technical information along with career development skills and portfolio preparation. You will also learn how to collect appropriate work samples and documentation.
SAFE 1000 - Introduction to WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information Systems)
This course offers learners basic overview of WHMIS principles and establishes a solid foundation to support workplace-specific training on the safe storage and handling of controlled/hazardous products. Upon successful completion of the course, students receive basic WHMIS certification.
SAFE 1019 - Safety and Sustainability Basics
This course provides an overview of your rights and responsibilities as a student, as well as those in the workplace under the NS Occupational Health and Safety Act. Topics such as duties and precautions, accident reporting, as well as personal and campus safety and sustainability initiatives will be explored.
SAFE 1020 - Safety Basics – Restricted Spaces
The learner is introduced to the basic requirements and procedures involved with working in restricted spaces. The definition and potential hazards of restricted spaces are discussed The course material is infused throughout the curriculum and may be delivered in the classroom, shop or other opportunity as designed and developed by the instructor.
SAFE 1021 - Safety Basics – Hazard Identification
The learners are introduced to the types of hazards encountered in workplaces and the approach that should be followed when recommending and implementing appropriate controls. Two key elements of Hazard Identification are addressed: Hazard Assessment and Inspection. The Nova Scotia Occupational Health and Safety Act is discussed. The course material is to be infused throughout the curriculum and may be delivered in the classroom, shop or other opportunity as designed and developed by the instructor.
SAFE 1022 - Safety Basics – Working at Heights
The student is introduced to hazards and responsibilities concerned with working at heights in the workplace. Guardrails, travel restraints, roof work, fall arrest components will be discussed. The course material is to be infused throughout the curriculum and may be delivered in the classroom, shop or other opportunity as designed and developed by the instructor.
SAFE 1023 - Safety Basics – Lock-out Tag Out
Lock-out Tag Out introduces students to the hazards related to energized systems and procedures to ensure worker safety. Related legislation and risk management is discussed and the student is exposed to the various types of lock-out devices. The course material is to be infused throughout the curriculum and may be delivered in the classroom, shop or other opportunity as designed and developed by the instructor.
SAFE 1024 - Safety Basics – Respiratory Protection
This course introduces students to the potential of atmospheric hazards in the workplace and the available personal protection and control methods to maintain a safe work environment. Discussion topics include identification and testing for atmospheric hazards and workplace respiratory programs. The course material is to be infused throughout the curriculum and may be delivered in the classroom, shop or other opportunity as designed and developed by the instructor.
WORK 1100 - Workplace Mentoring I
This unit of instruction is designed to assist learners in managing their learning as an apprentice in the workplace. Learners will study their own experiences with learning new skills and identify their own learning preferences as an aid to developing learning strategies.
