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.
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.
Please refer to the course descriptions for course specific learning methods.
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.SIAST may recognize formal learning from other educational institutions.
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
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
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
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
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
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)
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
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)
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)
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
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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
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
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)
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
You will learn how to use gas welding equipment.
1.0
Credit Units
19.0
Other hours
Learning Method(s):
Lecture/Lab
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)