Dec 12, 2024  
PUBLISHED 2024-2025 Credit Catalog 
    
PUBLISHED 2024-2025 Credit Catalog

Instrumentation Engineering Technology

Location(s): In Person (Main Campus)


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The Instrumentation Engineering Technology program is designed to give you comprehensive theoretical and hands-on training in the operation and maintenance of automated process control and measurement systems.

Instrumentation and control engineering systems are essential in producing a range of commodities, offering various career opportunities.

In this program, you will:

  • gain proficiency in managing automated process control systems that are pivotal in modern manufacturing and production
  • acquire skills to install, troubleshoot, calibrate and repair electrical/electronic measurement and control instruments
  • delve into pneumatic devices, control valves, electronic instruments, digital logic devices and computer-based process controls
  • learn to design robust control systems, including Fieldbus™ SCADA, PLC and distributed control systems
  • master interfacing industrial microcomputer control systems with actual processes for seamless operation
  • carry out pilot-scale or trial-run processes within modern laboratory facilities, including a fully equipped control room
  • become an adept technician in personal computer applications relevant to instrumentation and process control systems.

As a graduate, you can pursue a career in control engineering, engineering design, instrumentation sales and industrial process plants across sectors such as power production, oil and gas, fertilizer production, petrochemicals, food processing and more.

With an impressive employment rate for graduates, the program opens doors to a prosperous career in instrumentation and control engineering technology.

This program spans over two years, with each academic year comprising two 15-week semesters. It’s offered exclusively full-time. We recommend attending an information session to learn more about the curriculum, meet instructors and understand the career pathways available after graduation.

Embrace the opportunity to become a skilled professional in a field integral to the efficiency and success of the industrial sector.

Traits, skills and aptitudes


Those working in instrumentation engineering tend to be objective, innovative and methodical.

You need:

  • aptitude in math, chemistry and physics
  • the ability to visualize 3D objects from 2D drawings
  • persistence
  • speaking and listening skills
  • people skills to work in teams
  • hands-on mechanical skills to troubleshoot equipment in the field.

You should enjoy doing precise work, analyzing test results, finding innovative solutions and taking a methodical approach to your work. 

Practicum, co-op and work integrated learning opportunities


You’ll complete a capstone project to prepare you to work with all project elements, from managing and planning, to work breakdown structures and scheduling.

Accreditations, designations or certifications


This program is nationally accredited by Technology Accreditation Canada (TAC) at the Engineering Technologist level.

Students and graduates are eligible to join the Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals in Alberta (ASET) and the International Society of Automation (ISA). 

Credential


After successfully completing this program, you’ll receive a SAIT Instrumentation Engineering Technology diploma.

Program length


2 years 

Accepts international applicants - not-PGWP eligible


This program is open to international applicants; however, program availability may be limited. This program does not meet the eligibility criteria for the Post-Graduation Work Permit program

Not eligible for CAJG


This program is not eligible for the Canada Alberta Job Grant

Related careers


Our graduates may work in the following occupations. Some careers require additional experience and education.

Potential careers (NOC):

  • Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians (22301)
  • Industrial instrument technicians and mechanics (22312)

Admission requirements - Applicants educated in Canada


All applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency and meet the following requirements or equivalents:

  • at least 60% in Math 30-1 or 75% in Math 30-2, and
  • at least 60% in English Language Arts 30-1 or 75% in English Language Arts 30-2, and
  • at least 60% in Physics 20, and
  • at least 60% in Chemistry 20.

SAIT accepts high school course equivalents for admission for applicants educated outside Alberta.

Admission requirements - Applicants educated outside of Canada


All applicants who were educated outside of Canada must demonstrate English language proficiency and provide proof they meet the program admission requirements with an international document assessment. Find accepted educational documents and assessment options

SAIT may also accept courses completed at certain international post-secondary institutions.

Program outline


The Instrumentation Engineering Technology diploma requires 60 credits (23 courses) to complete.

The program spans two years, with two semesters each year.

Suggested schedule of study


Progression


You must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better each semester and pass the prerequisite courses to progress through the program.

To qualify for graduation, you must pass all courses, attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better and complete course requirements within the prescribed timelines.

Review our grading and progression procedure > 

Books and supplies


Books and supplies are approximately $1,000 - $1,500 per full-time year.

This is a bring-your-own-device program with a standard computer hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page.

Find your booklist on the SAIT Bookstore’s website. The booklist will be available closer to the program start date.

Can’t find your program or course? The bookstore didn’t receive a textbook list. Contact your program directly to determine if they’re still refining course details or if you’re in luck; no textbook purchase is required this term.

Required equipment/tools

You’ll require a scientific calculator capable of performing linear regression.

Required personal protective equipment (PPE)

The industry-approved PPE you’ll need will be discussed during your first few days of classes. 

PPE is required in various labs. You’ll need CSA-approved (green triangle) protective footwear and CSA Z94.3 (class 1) safety glasses with side shields.

Energy program advising


For any questions or to set up an advising appointment, please contact our MacPhail School of Energy.

Phone: 403.284.8451
Email: macphail.students@sait.ca 

Program outcomes


  1. Demonstrate safety best practices in the instrumentation workplace.
  2. Act in an ethical and professional manner.
  3. Communicate and collaborate effectively within a multi-disciplinary work environment.
  4. Apply instrumentation related math, science, computer and electrical skills.
  5. Apply instrumentation-related standards, codes and procedures.
  6. Apply instrumentation skills to gather, interpret, and manage application information to design instrumentation and process control systems.
  7. Evaluate (specify/select), size, and operate instruments.
  8. Develop and implement a scalable control system utilizing various hardware, media and protocols.
  9. Demonstrate instrumentation calibration/configuration, maintenance and installation competencies.
  10. Incorporate problem solving skills to identify, resolve and document  instrumentation related problems.
  11. Participate in a team project to demonstrate acquired technical and project management skills.
  12. Analyze process characteristics to design automated basic and advanced control strategies.

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