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Refrigeration and Air Conditioning


Location(s):  Saskatoon   

Refrigeration and Air Conditioning is a certificate program. It provides knowledge and skill development in operating and servicing domestic, commercial and industrial refrigeration and air conditioning equipment. You will also learn how to install equipment and test and repair system components.


Length: 34 weeks


Career Opportunities

Graduates are prepared to work as refrigeration mechanics in the refrigeration and air conditioning trade or in allied trades that require installation, service or sales personnel.

Graduates should be physically fit as employment often requires climbing ladders while carrying tools and/or other equipment.

Trade time and academic credit may be available for graduates who find employment in the trade and register as apprentices. Please contact the Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission (SATCC) for further information.

For more information about career opportunities related to this program, contact Student Employment Services at the campus nearest you.

Program Details

Start Date(s): September

Apply Now

Admission Requirements


Mathematics Curriculum Requirement
(Effective July 1, 2013)


  • Any 30-level mathematics
    (no change for this program)

  • All other admission requirements remain unchanged



Applicants who do not possess the academic qualifications for a program may be admitted if evidence of probable success can be established through a special admission assessment. Interested individuals should still apply. Applicants are automatically considered for special admission. However, some specific admission requirements may still need to be met. You must review the details and program specific documentation concerning Special Admission.


The majority of SIAST programs have established ACCUPLACER© cut scores and Post-Secondary Success Requirements. Depending on the program, additional specific admission requirements may still need to be met.


ACCUPLACER ©     

ACCUPLACER© Cut Scores
for this program

65Arithmetic
55Elementary Algebra
70Reading
65Sentence
Post-Secondary Success

Post-Secondary Success Requirements
for this program

One year post-secondary studies


Admission Method

First Qualified/First Admitted

The First Qualified/First Admitted (FQFA) process is used for the majority of SIAST programs. When we determine that you meet the program's admission requirements, you will be offered admission based on the date you fully qualify for the program. The earlier you provide the appropriate documents and information that qualify you for admission to the next intake, the earlier you might begin your studies. Your application, once qualified, is always considered for the next intake.

Applicants to programs with multiple intakes in an academic year remain in the application pool until the last intake for that academic year has begun. Programs using the FQFA process receive applications year round and maintain an application pool for each academic year. Qualified applicants who are not offered a seat must reapply for the next academic year.

Sponsored programs or programs targeted to specific groups do not accept applications year round or maintain an application pool.

Tuition and Fees

  • For complete details on tuition and fees for this program, click here to access the SIAST campus Tuition and Fee Schedules.

Learning Method(s)

SIAST offers a variety of learning methods for course delivery. The following learning methods are available for some of the courses in this program.
      Classroom
      Home Study
      Shop/Lab
      Work Experience

Please refer to the course descriptions for course specific learning methods.


Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) Availability

SIAST recognizes that adults learn in many different ways and through many different means. This includes acquiring knowledge and skills through life and work experience or non-formal training.

Frequently asked questions regarding PLAR for this program are answered in the Fact Sheet.




Transfer Credit and Future Study Options

SIAST may recognize formal learning from other educational institutions.



  • COMM 187  Industrial Communications
  • You will practice job-related interpersonal, oral and written communication skills, and use job search skills.

    2.0 Credit Units
    32.0 Lecture hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Lecture/Lab, Independent Study, Prior Learning, Correspondence

    Equivalent Course(s):   COMM 100    COMM 191   


  • ELEC 138  Basic Electricity 1
  • You will study the fundamentals of electricity. The course content includes an introduction to basic electrical quantities, basic electric circuits and circuit analysis. You will receive hands-on instruction regarding the use of multimeters. You will perform experiments to reinforce the fundamentals of electricity and use multimeters to evaluate the characteristics of basic DC & AC circuits.

    3.0 Credit Units
    48.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab


  • ELEC 139  Basic Electricity 2
  • You will learn the operating principles of transformers, relays, generators, single and three-phase AC motors. You will construct and analyze rectifier and relay control circuits. You will analyze the operation of transformers and test the performance of a variety of AC motors. You will construct and troubleshoot common motor control circuits.

    3.0 Credit Units
    51.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab


  • GRPH 181  Graphics
  • You will develop suitable drafting and blueprint interpreting skills. You will learn how to read blueprints and produce shop drawings as needed in the trade. You will also learn how to take estimates from these drawings.

    4.0 Credit Units
    66.0 Lecture hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory


  • MATH 199  Mathematics
  • You will review basic mathematics and the metric system of measurement. The course content includes percent, ratio, proportion, area, volume and equations. You will then focus on the applications of mathematics in the refrigeration trade. These applications include electrical, pressure, pneumatics and elementary thermodynamics calculations.

    4.0 Credit Units
    66.0 Lecture hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory


  • METL 181  Soldering
  • You will learn soldering and brazing techniques as well as proper use of acetylene equipment. You will also learn how to work with the metals used in refrigeration and air conditioning.

    3.0 Credit Units
    40.0 Lab hours

    Learning Method(s): Lab/Practical

    Prerequisites:
    PIPE 182 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent)


  • PIPE 182  Basic Piping Techniques
  • You will learn basic hand skills and the techniques used for piping and pipe joining. Your training will focus on cutting, reaming, swaging, flaring and bending techniques.

    3.0 Credit Units
    45.0 Lab hours

    Learning Method(s): Lab/Practical


  • RFRG 150  Refrigerants
  • You will learn about the different types of refrigerants and environmental regulations, and receive chlorofluorocarbon training.

    2.0 Credit Units
    24.0 Lecture hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory

    Prerequisites:
    RFRG 181 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent)


  • RFRG 151  Accessories
  • You will learn about system flow controls, basic cycling controls, piping and evacuation.

    2.0 Credit Units
    24.0 Lecture hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory

    Prerequisites:
    RFRG 184 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent)


  • RFRG 180  Fundamentals of Refrigeration
  • You will study temperature and temperature measurement, pressure and pressure measurement, and heat and heat transfer.

    2.0 Credit Units
    25.0 Lecture hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory


  • RFRG 181  Basic Refrigeration Cycle
  • You will study heat transfer in the basic cycle, pressure-temperature relationships, the refrigerant condition in the refrigeration system components and the basic cycle components.

    2.0 Credit Units
    25.0 Lecture hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory

    Prerequisites:
    RFRG 180 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent)


  • RFRG 184  Basic Refrigeration System Components
  • You will study the operation and design of compressors, condensers, evaporators and metering devices.

    4.0 Credit Units
    55.0 Lecture hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory

    Prerequisites:
    RFRG 181 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent)


  • RFRG 186  Hermetic Compressor Motors
  • You will receive training on single-phase motors, motor starting equipment, motor protection and motor troubleshooting.

    2.0 Credit Units
    31.0 Lecture hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory

    Prerequisites:
    RFRG 184 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent)


  • RFRG 187  Defrost Systems/Piping
  • You will learn about defrost methods, defrost control systems and defrost wiring.

    2.0 Credit Units
    25.0 Lecture hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory

    Prerequisites:
    RFRG 184 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent)


  • RFRG 188  Refrigeration Load Calculation
  • You will learn how to calculate refrigeration heat loads and to select refrigeration equipment.

    2.0 Credit Units
    25.0 Lecture hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory

    Prerequisites:
    RFRG 184 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent)


  • RFRG 189  Enthalpy and Psychrometrics
  • You will learn how to use pressure enthalpy diagrams and psychrometric charts.

    2.0 Credit Units
    25.0 Lecture hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory

    Prerequisites:
    RFRG 184 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent)


  • RFRG 190  Capacity and Head Pressure Control
  • You will locate and describe the different types and operations of a refrigeration unit capacity control. You will also analyze and describe the different systems of head pressure control used for refrigeration systems.

    1.0 Credit Units
    19.0 Lecture hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory

    Prerequisites:
    RFRG 184 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent)


  • RFRG 191  Basic System Installation
  • You will complete a bench project involving the installation of a small refrigeration system. Once you have completed the installation you will install the gauge manifold, check for leaks then evacuate and charge the system.

    4.0 Credit Units
    61.0 Lab hours

    Learning Method(s): Lab/Practical

    Prerequisites:
    METL 181 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent) and PIPE 182 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent) and RFRG 184 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent)


  • RFRG 192  System Design and Operation
  • You will set up a system using a refrigerated fixture. You will also set the controls, install a pump-down system, shut-down defrost and the control wiring. You will have to set the expansion valve and solve common service problems.

    4.0 Credit Units
    60.0 Lab hours

    Learning Method(s): Lab/Practical

    Prerequisites:
    METL 181 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent) and PIPE 182 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent) and RFRG 184 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent)


  • RFRG 193  System Design and Installation
  • You will design and install a low temperature unit using an air cooled unit and refrigerated fixture. You will also design and install the control system including defrost timer, defrost termination, fan delay, defrost heaters, evaporator fans and the condensing unit.

    4.0 Credit Units
    60.0 Lab hours

    Learning Method(s): Lab/Practical

    Prerequisites:
    METL 181 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent) and PIPE 182 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent) and RFRG 184 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent)


  • RFRG 197  Electrical Control Systems
  • You will learn how to use electrical test meters, wiring diagram symbols and schematic diagrams. You will also design basic electrical circuits.

    3.0 Credit Units
    40.0 Lecture hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory


  • SFTY 116  Safety
  • You will learn about the hazards associated with the refrigeration and air conditioning trade. You will also learn safe working practices and receive Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) training.


    1.0 Credit Units
    18.0 Lecture hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory


  • SHOP 184  Mechanical and Electrical Skills
  • You will learn how to disassemble and reassemble a compressor, set controls and learn troubleshooting skills using simulators. Your training will also include troubleshooting and repair of domestic refrigerators.

    3.0 Credit Units
    42.0 Lab hours

    Learning Method(s): Lab/Practical

    Prerequisites:
    METL 181 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent) and PIPE 182 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent) and RFRG 184 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent)


  • TOOL 188  Basic Hand Tools
  • You will study theory and practice of bench work operations applicable to the refrigeration and air conditioning trade.

    1.0 Credit Units
    20.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab


  • WELD 289  Welding
  • You will learn how to use gas welding equipment.

    1.0 Credit Units
    19.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab


  • WORK 114  Work Experience
  • You will participate in a work placement to further your understanding of industry requirements. Your training will be provided by a journeyperson.


    0.0 Credit Units
    30.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Work Experience - Group

    Prerequisites:
    METL 181 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent) and PIPE 182 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent) and RFRG 184 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent)



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