Electrical Engineering – Smart Grid specialization

General information

Electrical engineering is a broad field with many engineering applications and has been proven to be among the most popular of all engineering disciplines. The university’s Electrical Engineering program teaches students to apply knowledge through analysis, design and implementation of electrical, power, control, electronic, biomedical, photonic, and wireless systems. The program of study includes courses in the areas of electronics, telecommunications, computers, control, and power systems. The curriculum assists students in understanding and applying the principles of electrical engineering and of the Canadian electrical engineering industry.

The specialization in Smart Grid leverages communications and networking technology to move our aging power grid into the 21^st century.  Students will study all aspects of the smart grid, including networking and security, smart metering, electric energy storage systems, power quality, and transportation electrification.

Admission requirements

Admission is competitive. The specific average or standing required for admission varies from year to year. Students are selected by taking into consideration a wide range of criteria including school marks, distribution of subjects taken, and performance in subjects relevant to the academic program. Possession of the minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance. Preference will be given to applicants with the best qualifications.

Current Ontario secondary school students must complete the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) with six 4U or 4M credits including English (ENG4U) with a minimum average of 60 per cent, Advanced Functions (MHF4U), Calculus and Vectors (MCV4U), Chemistry (SCH4U), and Physics (SPH4U). In addition, a combined minimum 70 per cent average in math and science courses is required, with no grade below 60 per cent. All other applicants should refer to admissions  for the requirements for their specific category of admission.

Work placement/internship/co-op opportunities

The university’s proximity to some of the largest automotive, electrical, manufacturing and software companies in Canada provides many opportunities for work placements. In addition, a 12- to 16-month optional Engineering Internship program is available for students completing third year, and students may participate in two- to four-month work placements through the Engineering Co-op program. See course descriptions for ENGR 0998U – Engineering Internship Program  and ENGR 0999U – Engineering Co-op Program  for details.

Professional designation

All of our undergraduate engineering programs in the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science have been fully accredited by the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board. (Note: The new Mechatronics Engineering program will be reviewed for accreditation in 2019-2020, to coincide with the first graduating class, as per CEAB requirements.) Each graduate is eligible to apply for licensing as a professional engineer (PEng) in any province or territory in Canada.

Program details and degree requirements

To be eligible for an honours Bachelor of Engineering degree in Electrical Engineering – Smart Grid specialization, students must successfully complete 132 credit hours, including all courses outlined here.  For elective options, see the following list.

All courses in Year 1, except SSCI 1470U , are prerequisites to all non-elective courses in Year 3.

All courses in Years 1 and 2, except SSCI 1470U , are prerequisites to all non-elective courses in Year 4.

Approved students may undertake a co-op work term at any time before completing the program, and do so by registering in the course  ENGR 0999U – Engineering Co-op Program .

Although reasonable efforts will be made to adhere to the order and timing of courses as indicated, course requirements and term offerings may change. For the most up-to-date list of course offerings, please visit the faculty website at engineering.uoit.ca. 

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 4

*Electives

Liberal Studies electives

Complementary studies, including courses in humanities, social sciences, arts, management, engineering economics, ethics and communication, are included in engineering programs to complement the technical content of the curriculum and thereby provide graduates with a broader perspective of their role in society. Inclusion of complementary studies also satisfies several accreditation criteria of the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board. Courses or parts of courses covering engineering economics, ethics, and the impact of technology on society, as well as courses that develop the student’s capability to communicate orally, visually and in writing, are essential to the education of an engineer and therefore are included in all of our engineering programs.

Liberal studies electives are included in each engineering program to ensure adequate coverage of subject matter that deals with central issues, methodologies and thought processes of the humanities and social sciences. Such material is required in the education of an engineer. Liberal studies electives can include, but are not limited to, courses dealing with cultural analysis; historical analysis; literature and the arts; knowledge, cognition, and moral reasoning; and social and behavioural analysis.

Foreign language and business courses may not be used as liberal studies. Courses can be approved as liberal studies electives for students in engineering programs at the university by the dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science (or designate), in accordance with these principles.

Courses selected for the liberal studies electives must be approved by the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science. Liberal studies electives are subject to change. An updated list of liberal studies electives will be maintained online at engineering.uoit.ca.