Bachelor of Engineering - Building Systems Engineering
Program details
Credential: 4-Year Bachelor of EngineeringThis program is accredited by Engineers Canada. Graduates are qualified to register as Engineers-in-Training (EIT), part of the process to full licensure as practicing Professional Engineers (P.Eng.).
This unique four-year honours degree program prepares graduates with integrated knowledge and skills in building systems, energy and utilities management, building operations and facility management.
The program content covers lighting, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, energy, water management, controls and building automation, law and building codes - in which students design building systems for new smart buildings, as well as retrofitting and applying new technologies to older buildings. In a project-based learning environment, students develop effective solutions to real-world problems using engineering, environment, business, societal, and other requirements.
As students progress, they develop the theoretical knowledge in mechanical and electrical engineering-based disciplines and apply practical skills required to succeed and advance in the building systems engineering industry.
Co-op work terms are strategically scheduled to allow students to take advantage of the Professional Engineers Ontario pre-graduation work experience towards a professional engineering designation/career.
Student availability & wage data
Conestoga College facilitates recruitment on an ongoing basis - there are no hard deadlines. Typical time frames for work terms are listed below.
Postings are accepted beginning four months before the start of a term until all students have secured employment provided the minimum 12 consecutive weeks of full-time work is met.
Work/Study Sequence
| Year | Fall (Sept - Dec) | Winter (Jan - Apr) | Spring (May - Aug) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | Classes | Classes | |
| Year 2 | Classes | Classes | Work Term 1: $20-28 |
| Year 3 | Work Term 2: $20-30 | Classes | Classes |
| Year 4 | Work Term 3: $20-30 | Classes | Classes |
Conestoga College collects data on hourly wages of co-operative education students and offers suggested ranges as a service to employers for the purpose of establishing fair and competitive compensation.
Our experience has been that employers increase wages as skills increase, particularly when employing students for more advanced work terms. The Co-operative Education Office can provide assistance to employers in establishing appropriate wage rates.
Work term capabilities
Specific skills and abilities that students are typically capable of performing during a given work term are listed below.
Work terms 1 and 2
- Working knowledge of residential design with a focus on energy efficiency and OBC Supplementary Standard SB12
- Apply basic knowledge of Building Science and psychometrics
- Calculate residential heat loss and heat gain using Radiant Time Series Method (RTSM) and HRAI methods
- Design basic residential air-based heating and cooling systems using HRAI methods
- Prepare simple building mechanical and electrical drawings using AutoCAD and Revit
- Use AutoCAD 3-D modeling and REVIT to develop three-dimensional architectural models and renderings
- Apply knowledge of fire and smoke protection for commercial buildings
- Basic design of HVAC systems, plumbing and fire protection systems for commercial and multi-unit residential buildings
- Prepare technical reports
- Assist with coordination with equipment suppliers, contractors and other design disciplines
- Prepare specifications to supplement drawings in project bid packages
- Conduct field evaluations and deficiency assessments
- Support field reviews and answer coordination questions throughout construction
- Work effectively as part of a team
Work term 3
The following skills are in addition to those listed in work term 1 and 2 above:
- Prepare simple building mechanical and electrical drawings using AutoCAD and Revit
- Use AutoCAD 3-D modeling and REVIT to develop three-dimensional architectural models and renderings
- Develop acquisition and installation strategies for building automation systems
- Use and apply Computer Aided Facility Management software
- Conduct property assessments/audits and report findings
- Design and participate in policy development and emergency planning, safety policies and procedures
- Prepare cost estimates for construction and renewal
- Assist with preventative maintenance program development
- Plan and schedule projects using bar charts and Critical Path Management (CPM) methods for an occupied facility experiencing renovation change
- Participate in the policy development for utilities utilization policies
- Design of HVAC systems, plumbing and fire protection systems for healthcare, commercial and multi-unit residential buildings
- Prepare technical reports
- Apply Part 9 and Part 3 of the Ontario Building Code
- Coordination of equipment suppliers, contractors and other design disciplines
- Prepare specifications to supplement drawings in project bid packages
- Conduct field evaluations and deficiency assessments
- Support field reviews and answer coordination questions throughout construction while tracking and managing contractor change-orders
- Work effectively as part of a team
Sample job titles
- Engineering Co-op
- Mechanical Design Student/Assistant
- Junior Mechanical Designer
- Building Systems Designer
- Mechanical EIT
- Electrical EIT
- Specification Writer
- Control System Analyst
- Product Development Designer
- Project Coordinator Assistant
- Facilities Planner Assistant
- Facilities Coordinator Assistant
- Project Manager Assistant
- Asset Management Specialist
- Grounds and Building Maintenance Coordinator
Program courses
To see a typical course list for this program, see the current program course information.
Post a co-op job now
Setup an account or login to Conestoga's MyCareer to post a job.
Contact information
Do you need help developing a recruitment plan or job posting, accessing wage information, or connecting with a talented co-op student? Contact:
Hemant Chauhan, P.Eng., MCPM
Employer Relations Consultant
hchauhan@conestogac.on.ca
226-898-1242