Bachelor of Science (Building Science)

Algonquin College’s four-year Bachelor of Science (Building Science) (Honours) degree prepares students 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 students to experience current and emerging technologies that support both the construction and operation of buildings.

Throughout the program, students will develop the scientific mindset required to engage in scientific inquiry, reason in a scientific context and provide evidence-based approaches and solutions. Students 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. Students 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.

What You’ll Learn

• Integrate sustainable building practices and alternative energy solutions and present options that balance client specifications, site conditions, and human factors.
• Use sound, acceptable scientific and engineering principles for the solution and documentation of situations encountered during the construction or rehabilitation of buildings.
• Read, interpret, and, with direction, modify documents related to building plans, including working drawings that involve structural, electrical, and mechanical features.
• Evaluate the practical applications of primary and secondary theoretical research related to existing and emerging construction methods, equipment, and materials.
• Analyze, test, and comment on the functionality of alternative structural, mechanical, and electrical solutions proposed for integration in both new projects and renovations.