Radiation Safety

The Radiation Safety program at Algonquin College in the Ottawa Valley provides students with the radiation protection training that employers in the nuclear industry require. Our curriculum has been developed in consultation with experts in the nuclear industry, and includes a number of general academic subjects that provide students with a broader knowledge base to assist them in their career.

Ontario College Certificate
1 Year(s)

Program Code:: 1211X03FPM

Academic Year:: 2011/2012

Our Program

This one-year Ontario College Certificate program prepares students to work as radiation protection personnel in nuclear facilities. Understanding the regulations that govern nuclear facilities, techniques for ensuring safety in nuclear facilities and emergency preparation are important components of the program.

Through a combination of classroom lectures, simulated labs, online activities and visits to nuclear facilities, students learn the theory related to atomic structure of matter, the science of radioactivity, the effects of radiation on living matter, and how to detect and measure radiation levels using various instruments. At the end of the second term, students may participate in a paid co-op experience at a licensed nuclear facility.

Graduates of the program have the technical background, theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to complete radiation safety assignments and to perform radioactive work planning.

SUCCESS FACTORS

This program is well-suited for students who:

Enjoy working as a team member.
Possess good communication skills and interpersonal abilities.
Enjoy working with mathematical problems.
Possess critical-thinking skills.
Value the importance of safety in the workplace.

Your Career

Graduates may find employment with nuclear power plants, private industry, nuclear research facilities and labs associated with nuclear radiation.
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Courses

Programs at Algonquin College are delivered using a variety of instruction modes. Courses may be offered in the classroom or lab, entirely online, or in a hybrid mode which combines classroom sessions with online learning activities. Upon registration, each full-time student is provided an Algonquin email account which is used to communicate important information about program or course events.

Level: 01		Hours
DAT7669	Microcomputer Applications for Radiation Safety This course covers computer skills that students need to succeed in college and in the field of radiation safety. Students gain experience using the College standard elearning software Blackboard. Topics covered include effective use of email, word processing, effective Internet searching and effective use of presentation software. The management of data using spreadsheets, as well as the application of typical software used in radiation safety are discussed in depth.	30.0
ENL7777	Communications I Communication remains an essential skill sought by employers, regardless of discipline or field of study. Using a practical, vocation-oriented approach, students focus on meeting the requirements of effective communication. Through a combination of lectures, exercises, and independent learning, students practise writing, speaking, reading, listening, locating and documenting information, and using technology to communicate professionally. Students develop and strengthen communication skills that contribute to success in both educational and workplace environments.	45.0
MAT7709	Mathematics for Radiation Safety I Students develop the basic math skills and practice math fundamentals that are deemed necessary of a radiation safety professional. They are able to analyze and solve basic math problems involving scientific notation, basic equations, logarithms, geometry and graphing.	45.0
SAF7602	Radiation Protection In order to be able to protect workers in the nuclear industry, radiation protection personnel need to know the risks posed by various doses of radiation, and how radiation damages living organisms, especially the human body. In this theory course, students examine the measurement of radiation dosage. Students investigate and evaluate dosage levels with reference to both natural background radiation and humanly produced sources of radiation. Students also explore the biological effects of radiation, including acute and chronic risk.	45.0
SAF7603	Instrumentation I In this course, students examine instruments used to detect and measure radiation levels. Instruments considered include ionization chambers, proportional and geiger counters, scintillation counters and dosimeters. For each type of instrument, students explore, among other aspects, technical and electronic design, operating techniques and calibration.	45.0
SAF7604	Radiation Safety Workplaces with nuclear facilities must comply with the Nuclear Safety and Control Act, as well as the Occupational Health and Safety Act. In this course, students learn the workplace application of these acts and regulations. In addition, students are introduced to radiation emergency response planning for various events and emergencies both onsite and offsite.	45.0
SCI7615	Sciences for Understanding Radiation Theory Students learn the scientific grounding in radiation principles that are applied throughout the program. This introductory course introduces students to the historical development of our understanding of ionizing radiation. Students learn the theory behind the chemistry, physics and nuclear reactions leading to the understanding of radiation and nuclear reactor operations.	60.0

Level: 02		Hours
ENL7643	Literature and the Environment In this general education course, students examine the relationship between humans and their environment as portrayed in short stories, poetry, essays and visual media. Through readings, research and discussions with their peers, students explore the following themes: human oneness with nature, nature as enemy, humans as exploiters and humans as caretakers. Students also have an opportunity to create their own artistic work on a environmental theme.	45.0
MAT7711	Mathematics for Radiation Safety II Students take the basic math concepts previously learned and apply these to practical applications used in radiation safety practices, instrumentation, statistics, physics and general science. Prerequisites: MAT7709	42.0
SAF7613	Instrumentation II Students gain hands-on experience using typical portable and fixed radiation measuring instruments. Students learn standard documentation practices including survey posting and reporting requirements. Students learn about the various considerations to obtain accurate readings from typical measuring devices. Prerequisites: SAF7603 and SCI7615	42.0
SAF7616	Contamination Control This course gives students the practical skills and theoretical knowledge to protect themselves and others in a workplace containing radioactive contamination. Students learn the personnel movement and contamination control measures used in industry. Students demonstrate their ability to use various radiation instruments, protective clothing, respirators, control at the source techniques, response to contamination incidents and basic decontamination practices. Prerequisites: SAF7603 and SCI7615	42.0
SAF7617	Site Systems and Work Planning Students learn the basic nuclear systems in a typical CANDU reactor, the various radiation hazards to anticipate from these systems and the factors that can cause these hazards to change. Students demonstrate their understanding of the overall radioactive work planning process by developing a radioactive work plan that includes practical ALARA applications. Prerequisites: SAF7602 and SCI7615	42.0
SSC7628	Human Performance and Interpersonal Skills Successful human performance is critical for the safe and efficient operation of nuclear facilities. This course reviews the tools and processes used in the industry to help reduce the likelihood of human error. Students learn effective three-way communication skills, conflict management, the importance of conservative decision making, the phonetic alphabetic and other human performance tools. Students also engage in problem solving, group decision making, building group cohesiveness and radiation safety pre-job briefings.	42.0
WKT7105	Preparation for Work in Radiation Safety Students learn job search skills necessary to obtain employment in radiation protection. This course also includes resume writing skills, interviewing techniques, aptitude testing and employment information in the nuclear industry.	14.0

Co-op: 01		Hours
WKT7116	Co-Op Education Work Experience For students who qualify academically and where placements exist, there is an opportunity to enhance their diploma with an officially recognized co-op designation. This designation is achieved by successfully completing a paid co-op educational employment experience. This experience gives students the chance to gain valuable work experience, network, make contacts in the industry and assess their skills and weaknesses in a real work environment.	0.0

Fees & Expenses

Approximate 1st Year Costs

Tuition/Fees: $ 3,159
Books/Supplies: $ 1,200
Incidental Fees: $ 0
Total: $ 4,359

Tuition Fees listed are in effect for the 2011-2012 academic year.

Tuition Fees: $1,212.20 per term.

Information Technology Fee: $62 per term. *

Student Activity/Sports Fee: $190.50 per term.

Student Centre Building Fee: $17.50 per term.

Health Service Fee: $10 per term.

Health Plan Fee: $114.50 paid once annually. **

A $35 graduation fee is payable in the final term.

A $25 transcript fee is payable in the first term a student attends Algonquin College.

International Students pay all relevant Canadian fees plus an International Premium of $4,400 per term.

* Students paying the Information Technology fee are provided with a network account, an email address, and Internet access. For more information please visit our website at www.algonquincollege.com/its/services/it_fee.htm

** Students who have coverage with another plan can request a refund by supplying the Students' Association with documentation supporting the
request. This request will have to be made annually.

Co-op Fee: $465 payable in two installments in the term preceding each work term. The first installment of $100 is payable at the time of registration for co-op and is non-refundable. The second installment of $365 is payable on the standard fees due date. Students on a co-op work term will pay 10% of the Student Activity and Building Fees. Co-op students on work term in the Fall will pay the Health Plan Fee.

Books, supplies and mandatory safety equipment cost approximately $1,200.
The cost of travel and accommodation associated with the paid Co-op is the responsibility of the student.

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Admission Requirements

College Eligibility

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent. Applicants with an OSSD showing senior English and/or mathematics courses at the Basic Level, or with Workplace or Open courses, will be tested to determine their
eligibility for admission; OR
Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) certificate; OR
General Educational Development (GED) certificate; OR
Mature Student status (19 years of age or older and without a high school diploma at the start of the program). Eligibility may be determined by academic achievement testing for which a fee of $40 (subject to change) will be charged.

Program Eligibility

English, Grade 12 (ENG4C or equivalent) with a grade of 60% or higher.
Mathematics, Grade 12 (MAP4C or equivalent) with a grade of 60% or higher.
* Physics, Grade 12 (SPH4C or equivalent) with a grade of 65% or higher OR Chemistry, Grade 12 (SCH3C or equivalent) with a grade of 65% or higher.
Should the number of qualified applicants exceed the number of available places, applicants will be selected on the basis of their proficiency in English, mathematics, physics or chemistry.

Criminal Records Check Documentation:

Agencies that provide co-op opportunities require you to have a clear Criminal Records Check (CRC). Your acceptance for co-op is at the discretion of the agency.

Co-op Eligibility:

To be eligible for co-op, you must be 18 years or older and able to obtain a clear Criminal Records Check. You will be required to supply information for the facilities to complete their own CRC and security clearances. In some cases, you will be responsible for obtaining a clear CRC from your local Police Department.

Please note that for health and safety reasons, agencies may have restrictions on accepting pregnant women, women who are breastfeeding and students who are under the age of 18 for the co-op experience.

Co-op participating agencies may have specific employment hiring standards which may include academic and aptitude testing. Students wishing to
participate in the co-op experience must meet these requirements.

Application Information

Applications to full-time day programs must be submitted with official transcripts showing completion of the academic admission requirements through:

ontariocolleges.ca
60 Corporate Court
Guelph, Ontario
N1G 5J3
1-888-892-2228

Students currently enrolled in an Ontario secondary school should contact their Guidance Office to apply. For all other applicants, applications are available online at ontariocolleges.ca. A $95 fee applies.

Applications for Fall Term, Winter Term and Spring Term admission received by February 1 will be given equal consideration. Applications received after February 1 will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis as long as places are available.

International applicants applying from out-of-country can obtain the
International Student Application Form at
https://xweb.algonquincollege.com/FormIE/index.aspx or by contacting the Registrar's Office.

For further information on the admissions process, contact:

Registrar's Office
Algonquin College in the Ottawa Valley
315 Pembroke Street East
Pembroke, ON K8A 3K2
Telephone: 613-735-4700 ext. 2708
Toll-free: 1-800-565-4723

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Additional Information

This Full-time program is offered only at the Pembroke Campus. Please note that some classes may be offered in the evening or on weekends.

For more information, contact Angela Woollam, Program Coordinator, at
613-735-4700 ext. 2733 or woollaa@algonquincollege.com. You can also visit our website at www.algonquincollege.com/pembroke/programs/radiation.

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