The Algonquin College of Applied Arts and Technology

Bachelor of Science (Building Science) (Honours) (Co-op)

This four-year Bachelor of Science (Building Science) (Honours) degree prepares you to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to analyze and problem-solve in optimizing the performance of buildings by bridging all facets of building design, construction, human comfort, and sustainability.

Opportunities for applied and hands-on experiences with building materials, components, and systems are woven throughout the program of study. The program integrates theoretical and applied learning environments to provide opportunities for you to experience current and emerging technologies that support both the construction and operation of buildings.

This program responds to a critical need to prepare professionals with a better understanding of building physics, which is the core of the program. Throughout the program, you will develop the scientific mindset required to engage in scientific inquiry, reason in a scientific context, and provide evidence-based approaches and solutions. You will also hone the skills and abilities needed to optimize buildings working as a system and address the fact that buildings are becoming ever-increasingly more complex. This is driven by the continuously growing demand for increased energy efficiency, comfort, structural durability, and healthy environments.

You will develop abilities to recognize, forecast, and document both successful and poor building performance as well as analytical skills to evaluate the impact of each component in the system and identify potential problems before they become hazards or potential opportunities for improved performance.

Given that the complexity of working in a multidisciplinary industry requires group success, you will collaboratively conceive, develop, and implement solutions as a team using holistic approaches. You will emerge as a generalist able to handle these complexities through integrated construction practices. Algonquin Centre for Construction Excellence (ACCE) offers access to an integrated learning and applied research environment. ACCE provides an industry hub to train, inspire, and collaborate with construction industry partners.

Interactive and dynamic courses encourage the development of personal and interpersonal skills that position you for success in your future employment.

Students also gain real-world experience through a paid co-operative education (co-op) work term(s) (see Additional Information for more details). Please note that places in the co-op work term(s) are subject to availability and academic eligibility. Please note admission to a co-op program does not guarantee a co-op placement.

Industry trends and market analyses are indicative of employment opportunities for graduates. With the knowledge learned in this program, you may be able to find work as a building scientist, architectural or construction project manager, energy consultant, or building inspector. You may also find employment as a researcher, junior analyst, entrepreneur, or technical staff with engineering firms or government agencies.