Power Engineering Techniques - 3rd Class

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Courses - September 2025

Level 1

Course details

Chemistry, Metallurgy and Corrosion
CHEM1150

Description:

This course will cover basic chemistry and metallurgy. The student will learn to explain the fundamental principles in the structure, formation and interaction of chemical compounds and the importance of chemistry in industrial operations. Production, properties, and applications of metallic and non-metallic materials are fundamental topics in this course. Students will also explore the mechanisms that cause corrosion and the methods used to monitor and control corrosion.

  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Conestoga 101
CON0101

Description: This self-directed course focuses on introducing new students to the supports, services, and opportunities available at Conestoga College. By the end of this course, students will understand the academic expectations of the Conestoga learning environment, as well as the supports available to ensure their academic success. Students will also be able to identify on-campus services that support their health and wellness, and explore ways to get actively involved in the Conestoga community through co-curricular learning opportunities.
  • Hours: 1
  • Credits: 0
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Industrial Drawing
DRWG1785

Description:

This course will further the students’ knowledge of engineered industrial drawings and the components to a Third Class Power Engineering level. They will advance their interpretation and drawing skills of PFDs, P&IDs and equipment layout drawings. Students will be introduced to material balance drawings and construction drawings. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to effectively use and sketch the mentioned industrial drawings as tools to support accurate communication, volumetric accounting and an encompassing understanding of processes in Power Engineering applications.

  • Hours: 14
  • Credits: 1
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Electrical and Instrumentation
ELEC1845

Description:

This course will cover the production of DC and AC electrical power, the equipment used to produce it and the instrumentation used in the operation of power plants. Concepts of production of electricity and the design and characteristics of electrical machines as well as the operation and components of control loops are covered. The students will perform simple calculations involving DC and AC power circuits and demonstrate the concepts learned in lab assignments.

  • Hours: 84
  • Credits: 6
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Applied Mathematics and Mechanics
MATH1835

Description:

This course will cover mathematics including mensuration, elementary algebra, trigonometry, and elementary applied mechanics. Students will learn and utilize these concepts to solve various applied mechanics problems. At the end of this course, students will be able to solve problems involving material stresses, bending of beams, simple machines, mechanical advantage, velocity ratios, and fluid flow.

  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Piping, Fittings Welding and Pressure Vessels
MECH1750

Description:

This course will cover piping, fittings, welding processes and pressure vessel design. The student will be able to explain pipe materials, piping support, pressure vessel design and code requirements. Through practical exercises the student will be able to show the designs, configurations and operations of the common piping components, the testing of welds and joints and welding procedures.

  • Hours: 56
  • Credits: 4
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Applied Science
SCIE1270

Description:

This course will cover introductory thermodynamics as they apply to typical Power Engineering applications. Students will be able to explain concepts of heat transfer, thermal expansion of solids and liquids, and concepts of perfect gases. During this course, students will perform heat transfer calculations for steam production, thermal expansion, and expansion and compression of gases. This course will give students the skillset to utilize steam tables and knowledge of sensible and latent heat to perform change-of-state calculations for individual substances and mixtures.

  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Level 2

Course details

Industrial Legislation, Codes, Maintenance, Administration and Safety
MECH1760

Description: This course will cover the general content of the legislation and ASME codes that pertain to the design and operation of boilers and related equipment, legislation and programs that manage safety in the industrial workplace. The student will be able to calculate the design thickness and pressure of boiler tubes drums, piping, and the capacities of pressure relief valves. The student will be able to explain the typical components of fire suppression, maintenance and administration programs
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Boilers
MECH1770

Description:

This course will cover high-pressure steam boiler design, operation, and maintenance. The code requirements, purpose, location, design, and operating conditions of large watertube boilers will be explored. Students will gain knowledge of auxiliary equipment operation associated with high-pressure boilers. Students will understand the various fuel-firing methods and control mechanisms utilized in large-scale boiler plants.

  • Hours: 70
  • Credits: 5
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Water Treatment and Pumps
MECH1780

Description:

This course will give students a strong knowledge base of internal and external boiler water treatment. Students will gain an understanding of many common wastewater treatment systems used in power plants and large industrial facilities. Students will extend their knowledge of common pumps used in industry, including operation and maintenance. Students will be hands-on performing water testing, inspections, and pump maintenance.

  • Hours: 56
  • Credits: 4
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Advanced Power Plant Simulation
MECH1790

Description:

This course will provide students with a power plant control experience utilizing simulation software replicating a human-machine interface that operators will manipulate in industry. Students will be exposed to real-time process feedback, trending capabilities, controls, and power plant equipment alarms. Pre-start, start-up, and shutdown exercises and procedures will be executed while responding to simulated failure conditions.

  • Hours: 28
  • Credits: 2
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Gas Compressors and Heat Exchangers
MECH2340

Description:

This course provides an in-depth exploration of the world of industrial equipment, with a primary focus on air, gas, and refrigeration compressors, heat exchangers, as well as direct-fired and indirect-fired natural draft process heaters. By the end of this course, students will have developed a deep understanding of the design, components, operation, and applications of these critical systems, enabling them to excel in various industrial settings.

  • Hours: 56
  • Credits: 4
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Prime Movers
MECH2350

Description: This course will cover the following prime movers: steam turbines, gas turbines and internal combustion engines and their controls. The students will learn about the designs, operating principles, major components and support auxiliaries of prime movers. Common operational, control and maintenance procedures for prime movers are also covered.
  • Hours: 56
  • Credits: 4
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Safety in the Workplace
OHS1320

Description: This course focuses on developing awareness and skills for the student to safely manage and conduct him or herself within a variety of employment settings. Through the units of the course, participants will have the opportunity to enhance their understanding and knowledge of general Health and Safety guidelines, including WHMIS, Fire Safety and Workplace Violence. The unit on Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act will instruct the student on the requirements for Accessible Customer Service and Integrated Accessibility Standard Regulations. General information on Safe Driving, Privacy of Information and Hand Washing will be addressed as well. The course also provides participants with critical information regarding their insurance coverage (WSIB or other) while employed. As well as guidelines to follow in the event of an injury. Participants will receive a printable Record of Completion upon successful conclusion of this course, in order to demonstrate awareness of safe working practices to their employers.
  • Hours: 14
  • Credits: 1
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Level 3

Course details

Field Placement (Power Engineering Techniques - 3rd Class)
FPLT2055

Description: This month-long work placement provides an opportunity for students to apply their knowledge and skills in a power plant environment. The student will apply the skills taught in the in-class and lab components of the program and will demonstrate effective and safe work habits.
  • Hours: 160
  • Credits: 6
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Advanced Power Engineering Studies
MECH1560

Description:

This course provides students with knowledge of evolving non-core Power Engineering technologies that Operating Engineers may be involved with during their careers. Topics of instruction include an introduction to solar, photovoltaic, wind power, geothermal, heat pumps, hydrogen fuel, and nuclear power generation. Students will study techniques for effectively troubleshooting operational issues within industrial environments. This course also covers study techniques and practice questions for Operating Engineering regulatory examinations.

  • Hours: 56
  • Credits: 4
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Program outcomes

  1. Diagnose, troubleshoot, and solve various power operating system problems by using problem-solving and critical thinking skills and strategies and by applying fundamental knowledge of power operation, components, and their interrelationships.
  2. Select and use a variety of troubleshooting techniques and test equipment to assess and control fuels and combustion, electronic circuits, boiler control systems, feed water treatment, pumps, piping, power systems, and subsystems.
  3. Apply knowledge of electrical calculations, applied mechanics, thermodynamics, and applied science to the code calculation, testing and analysis of power systems and subsystems.
  4. Diagnose, troubleshoot, test and service boiler and control instrumentation systems in climate control systems in compliance with manufacturers' recommendations and Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) regulations.
  5. Diagnose, troubleshoot, test and service wastewater and feed water treatment component parts and systems in compliance with manufacturers' recommendations and Ministry of Environment and Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) regulations.
  6. Diagnose, troubleshoot, test and service refrigeration components and compression and absorption and specialty systems in compliance with manufacturers' recommendations and Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) regulations.
  7. Diagnose, troubleshoot, test and service compressor components and systems in compliance with manufacturers' recommendations and Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) regulations.
  8. Diagnose, troubleshoot and test turbine components and pressure vessel systems in compliance with manufacturers' recommendations and Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) regulations.
  9. Disassemble and assemble components to required specifications by applying workshop skills and knowledge of basic shop practices.
  10. Apply safe working practices to maintain and operate plants effectively, including fire protection systems, responsibly and with accountability to appropriate standards and in compliance with Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) regulations.
  11. Complete all assigned work in compliance with occupational, health, safety, and environmental law; established policies and procedures; codes and regulations and industrial legislation; and in accordance with ethical principles.