Bachelor of Science (Building Science) (Honours)(Co-op) Pathway for Construction and Civil Engineering

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.

  • Only program of its kind in Canada - responding to a critical need for professionals with an understanding of building physics and how to optimize buildings working as a system
  • The Algonquin Centre for Construction Excellence (ACCE) offers access to an integrated learning and applied research environment and an industry hub to train, inspire and collaborate
  • More hands-on work than traditional theory based degree programs (25% hands-on projects, 25% computer modelling applications/practice)

Program Availability and Schedule

Availability

Schedule

Coming soon - a schedule that will show when each Level of the program will be delivered. See the Courses tab for further details on the Levels within this program.

Program Summary

Credential

Honours Degree (4 Years)

Program Delivery

Program Code

Area of Interest

Construction and Skilled Trades

School

Algonquin Centre for Construction Excellence

Campus

Ottawa
Yes

Eligible graduates of the Construction Engineering Technician Ontario College Diploma program or the Civil Engineering Technology Ontario College Advanced Diploma program can apply to this pathway program and receive credit for 22 courses in the degree, reducing the time to degree completion to three years.

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....(read more)

Overview

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.

Eligible graduates of the Construction Engineering Technician Ontario College Diploma program or the Civil Engineering Technology Ontario College Advanced Diploma program can apply to this pathway program and receive credit for 22 courses in the degree, reducing the time to degree completion to three years.

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 generalists 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 building scientists, architectural or construction project managers, energy consultants or building inspectors. You may also find employment as a researcher, junior analyst, entrepreneur or as technical staff with engineering firms or government agencies.

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 virtual 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.

Careers & Pathways

Careers

Graduates may work in architect offices, engineering firms, contracting companies and government agencies and departments as researchers, junior analysts, project officers, building specialists, technical staff, architectural and construction project team leaders and consultants.

Pathways

Please use our Pathways tool to search for pathway options.

Learning Outcomes

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

  1. Integrate sustainable building practices and alternative energy solutions and present options that balance client specifications, site conditions, and human factors.
  2. Use sound, acceptable scientific and engineering principles for the solution and documentation of situations encountered during the construction or rehabilitation of buildings.
  3. Communicate effectively with all project stakeholders.
  4. Read, interpret, and, with direction, modify documents related to building plans, including working drawings that involve structural, electrical, and mechanical features.
  5. Formulate strategies for the efficient and effective commissioning and operation of buildings and building systems.
  6. Evaluate the practical applications of primary and secondary theoretical research related to existing and emerging construction methods, equipment, and materials.
  7. Analyze, test, and comment on the functionality of alternative structural, mechanical, and electrical solutions proposed for integration in both new projects and renovations.
  8. Contribute to the on-going economic viability of construction and engineering projects through the application of principles of estimating, accounting, and cost controls.
  9. Facilitate partnerships and productive interactions within project teams that involve knowledge-workers and skilled trade workers.
  10. Ensure work, activities, and practice are in compliance with established ethical and professional standards, as well as local, provincial, and national legislation.
  11. Adapt to changes in employment requirements through the development, implementation, and updating of professional and personal development plans.
  12. Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.

Tuition & Fees

Get an idea of how much each semester will cost with our Tuition and Fee Estimator.

2026/2027 Academic Year

Tuition and related ancillary fees for this program can be viewed by using the Tuition and Fees Estimator tool at www.algonquincollege.com/fee-estimator

Further information on fees can be found by visiting the Registrar's Office website at www.algonquincollege.com/ro

Fees are subject to change.

Additional program related expenses include:
Books and supplies cost approximately $1200 per academic term and can be purchased from the campus store. For more information visit www.algonquincollege.com/coursematerials

Students are expected to purchase CSA-approved safety footwear and safety glasses, which are required at the start of the term.

Admissions Requirements

All applicants must satisfy both College Eligibility and Program Eligibility requirements.

Program Eligibility

Graduates from the Construction Engineering Technician Ontario College Diploma or the Civil Engineering Technology Advanced Diploma with Grade Point Averages of 2.7 are eligible to enter this degree program.

Application Information

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (BUILDING SCIENCE)(HONOURS)
Program Code 1512E03FWO

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

Applications are available online at www.ontariocolleges.ca

Applications 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 please visit this link for application process information: https://algonquincollege.my.site.com/myac360/s/

For further information on the admissions process, please visit:
Admissions - Registrar's Office https://algonquincollege.com/ro/admissions/

Additional Information

Program Resources

Algonquin College has been granted consent by the Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities to offer this applied degree for a seven-year term starting February 5, 2021. The College shall ensure that all students admitted to the above-named program during the period of consent have the opportunity to complete the program within a reasonable timeframe.

CO-OP INFORMATION
Co-operative education (Co-op) provides students with the opportunity to integrate classroom learning with real-world experience through paid, program-related work terms. Two academic terms before their first co-op work term, students must actively participate in and complete a self-directed co-op preparation course, including required readiness activities and workshops.

Students are responsible for conducting a guided, self-directed job search and securing approved, paid co-op employment related to their program of study. Co-op students compete for positions alongside students from Algonquin College and other Canadian and international colleges and universities. While Algonquin College's Co-op & Career Centre supports students by developing co-op opportunities and providing guidance throughout the process, employment is not guaranteed. Co-op work opportunities may require students to relocate. All costs associated with participation-including travel, accommodation, work permits, visa applications, and other related expenses-are the responsibility of the student.

Co-op work terms are typically 14 weeks in duration and are completed during academic terms when students are not enrolled in classes. For details about the number and timing of co-op work terms in your program, please refer to the Courses tab on your program's webpage.

Successful completion of all required co-op work terms listed on the program page is mandatory for graduation. Students are expected to remain on schedule and participate in co-op work terms as planned. Failure to complete a co-op work term as scheduled may result in an unscheduled break in studies, which can delay graduation and may have implications for immigration status for international students.

International students who experience an unscheduled break in studies due to academic progression issues beyond their control may be eligible for an authorized leave. In such cases, consultation with the International Education Centre is required before the scheduled start of the co-op work term to review potential academic and immigration implications.

International students are responsible for ensuring they meet all co-op work permit requirements before participating in a co-op work term. Additional information is available at: www.algonquincollege.com/international/student-handouts

For more information about co-op programs, expectations, and general and program-specific co-op eligibility criteria, visit: www.algonquincollege.com/coop-career-centre

TRANSFER CREDIT RECOGNITION
Applicants with degrees or degree level courses from Canadian institutions empowered to award degrees and from other degree granting institutions recognized by the Ontario Ministry of Colleges and Universities (MCU) are assessed on a case-by-case basis. To receive a course credit, a minimum grade of C (65%) is required. Official transcripts and course descriptions/outlines must be presented with the application for credit recognition. Applicants with degrees or degree level courses from countries other than Canada or from postsecondary institutions not recognized by the MCU must have their degrees evaluated by a recognized Canadian public or private institution that specializes in the evaluation of international degree programs. MCU must have their degrees evaluated by a recognized Canadian public or private institution that specializes in the evaluation of international degree programs.

ADVANCED STANDING
Graduates of related Ontario College Diploma or Ontario College Advanced Diploma programs may be eligible for advanced standing into the degree program. Please visit the degree program listing or speak to the Program Coordinator for more information and to confirm eligibility.

DEGREE ELECTIVE INFORMATION
Students may choose from a variety of breadth courses. Courses from a range of disciplines are offered within the humanities, social sciences, sciences, global cultures and mathematics. Elective offerings vary from semester to semester.

Contact

Stephen Vardy

Program Coordinator

vardys@algonquincollege.com

613-727-4723, ext. 5042

Room CA519

View Bio

Stephen Vardy

Program Coordinator

vardys@algonquincollege.com

613-727-4723, ext. 5042

Stephen is a Professor and Coordinator for the Bachelor of Science (Building Science) program at Algonquin College. He has been teaching at the College since 2011 (Part-Time until 2016, and Full-Time since). In addition, Stephen has taught previously at Queen’s University, St. Lawrence College and in the Architecture and Civil/Construction Engineering programs at Algonquin College.

Prior to joining Algonquin College full time, Stephen acquired 6 years of industry experience in the consulting industry as a Structural Engineer and Sustainability Consultant, working on a variety of large projects in the Ottawa area, including the Algonquin Centre for Construction Excellence. Stephen has also been involved more recently with the Centre Block Rehabilitation project, working with the Joint Venture (CENTRUS) in a part-time structural engineering role. Stephen holds a Bachelor of Science in Engineering (Civil Engineering) from Queen’s University, and a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering also from Queen’s University. His Ph.D. research focused on the structural performance of natural building materials.

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