Building Environmental Systems Operator Class II

Building design is increasingly focused on intelligent, energy efficient and high performance technologies that improve energy performance and reduce building operating costs.

  • Enjoy a more personalized learning environment with our small classes
  • Benefit from supportive and experienced faculty who are active in their industry
  • Gain the latest and best industry-specific knowledge and skills to be career-ready upon graduation

Program Availability and Schedule

Availability

Schedule

Given the part-time delivery of this program, there is not a standard schedule for all learners.

Program Summary

Credential

College Certificate (See overview for details)

Program Code

Area of Interest

Construction and Skilled Trades

Based on the concept that buildings are systems this College Certificate covers the functioning of heating, air conditioning, refrigeration, ventilation, electrical power, lighting, water and air supply as connected and interdependent, rather than isolated, systems.

Safety, sustainability and applicable codes, acts, standards and regulations are emphasized throughout the program....(read more)

Overview

Building design is increasingly focused on intelligent, energy efficient and high performance technologies that improve energy performance and reduce building operating costs. Today`s complex building systems require trained operators to maintain and operate commercial, office and residential buildings in a safe, efficient and sustainable manner.

Based on the concept that buildings are systems this College Certificate covers the functioning of heating, air conditioning, refrigeration, ventilation, electrical power, lighting, water and air supply as connected and interdependent, rather than isolated, systems.

Safety, sustainability and applicable codes, acts, standards and regulations are emphasized throughout the program.

To qualify for this certificate, you must complete the program within three years.

SUCCESS FACTORS

This program is well-suited for students who:

  • Have some background in maintenance or interest in how buildings work.
  • Are observant and able to integrate information from a variety of sources.
  • Have analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Enjoy mechanical and technical challenges.
  • Can use and interpret charts, diagrams and schematic plans.
  • Are interested in sustainable practises.

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.

Registration Note:

This program does not have a typical application process. Unless otherwise stated - you can register for courses online directly by clicking on the course title and selecting “Register Online”. Classes can take place online, or on campus in the evenings and weekends using our modern facilities. Different courses may be available each semester so don’t forget to check back regularly.

Courses

Course
Number
HoursCourse Name
BSC551942.0Building Systems OverviewBuilding Systems Overview

There are no classes currently scheduled for this course.

HRA554742.0Air Conditioning SystemsAir Conditioning Systems

There are no classes currently scheduled for this course.

HRA557942.0Air HandlingAir Handling

There are no classes currently scheduled for this course.

BSC553542.0Building Electrical SystemsBuilding Electrical Systems

There are no classes currently scheduled for this course.

HRA554642.0Heating SystemsHeating Systems

There are no classes currently scheduled for this course.

BSC553342.0Building Control SystemsBuilding Control Systems

There are no classes currently scheduled for this course.

BSC551142.0Building Water Treatment SystemsBuilding Water Treatment Systems

There are no classes currently scheduled for this course.

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

HRA5547 - Air Conditioning Systems

Schedule


All sections for this course are in progress.

Description

Students examine the operation and maintenance of refrigeration and cooling systems found in commercial and institutional structures. Topics covered include: development of refrigeration; principles of refrigeration; absorption refrigeration systems; direct and indirect refrigeration systems; compressors and evaporators; condensers, cooling towers, refrigeration controls and accessories; operation and maintenance of compression refrigeration systems; air conditioning systems; air conditioning equipment; and air conditioning components, such as coils, humidifiers and filters.

Notes

This course is being offered remotely. Students are required to download Zoom and have sufficient internet to participate synchronously each week.

PreRequisite(s)

BSC5519

HRA5579 - Air Handling

Schedule

FALL 2021
On Campus - Woodroffe
Section Date(s) Day(s) Time Price  
541 Sep 16 - Dec 16 Thu 7pm - 10pm $523.42 Register Online

Description

Students are prepared to operate and maintain commercial and institutional air handling systems in a safe, cost effective and environmentally sustainable manner. Topics include air flow principles, supply and exhaust systems, ventilation requirements, types of air distribution systems, duct design, blower and fan operation, filter applications, psychrometrics chart applications and indoor air quality issues. Waste management is also covered.

PreRequisite(s)

BSC5533 - Building Control Systems

Schedule


All sections for this course are in progress.

Description

Students learn key concepts for operating and maintaining commercial building pneumatic HVAC controls. Students are introduced to measuring devices, controller devices and final control devices. Topics covered include the purpose of instrumentation and control systems, boiler safety controls, sensing devices used to measure temperature, pressure and humidity in building systems applications, feedwater level regulators, float, thermostatic vapor pressure and two-element systems. The principles and operation of the packaged type boiler programmed control, safety interlocks and controls, and pneumatic, electric and electronic control system applications related to building systems technology are examined.

Notes

Course materials are included in tuition fees and will be supplied in class.
We encourage students to register early to ensure that you have your course materials for your first class, as they traditionally take 5-7 business days to arrive.

PreRequisite(s)

BSC5519

BSC5535 - Building Electrical Systems

Schedule


All sections for this course are in progress.

Description

Students are prepared to operate and maintain electrical systems in buildings in a safe, energy efficient, cost effective manner. Topics include electricity and the design of electrical circuits, the flow of electricity, units of measurement, conductors and insulators, voltmeters, ammeters, wattmeters, voltage current and resistance relationships, function of fuses in electrical circuits, electrical power and mechanical work relationships, generation of electrical current, operation of AC and DC motors and the safe operation of motors and electrical circuits.

Notes

This course is being offered remotely. Students are required to download Zoom and have sufficient internet to participate synchronously each week.

PreRequisite(s)

BSC5519

BSC5519 - Building Systems Overview

Schedule

FALL 2021
On Campus - Woodroffe
Section Date(s) Day(s) Time Price  
521 Sep 7 - Dec 7 Tue 7pm - 10pm $529.56 Register Online

Description

Students must successfully complete this course before enrolling in all other courses in the Building Environmental Systems (BES) Operator program. An overview of all building systems is covered including mechanical, heating and cooling, electrical, fire and waste management systems, air handling, water treatment and building controls. Students also review thermodynamics, mechanics of materials and chemistry and engineering concepts that relate to building systems technology.

BSC5511 - Building Water Treatment Systems

Schedule


All sections for this course are in progress.

Description

Students examine the terminology, operation and application of water treatment techniques in building systems. Topics include domestic water systems, chemical emissions, lubrication systems and the combustion process, as well as the treatment of boiler feed systems, hot and chilled water systems and humidification systems. Chemistry is also covered as it applies to conditions found in commercial and institutional structures.

Notes

Course materials are included in tuition fees and will be supplied in class.
We encourage students to register early to ensure that you have your course materials for your first class, as they traditionally take 5-7 business days to arrive.

PreRequisite(s)

BSC5519

HRA5546 - Heating Systems

Schedule


All sections for this course are in progress.

Description

Students develop the technical understanding required for efficient operation of heating systems to maintain comfortable and appropriate temperatures in large buildings. Students also learn both theoretical and practical applications of low-pressure steam and hydronic boiler construction and components, boiler fittings, auxiliary systems, heat loss and heat gain, as well as combustion efficiency.

Notes

This course is being offered remotely. Students are required to download Zoom and have sufficient internet to participate synchronously. We encourage students to register early to arrange pick-up/delivery of course materials in time for your first class.

PreRequisite(s)

BSC5519

Careers & Pathways

Careers

Graduates may find employment in building operations for commercial and public buildings, hospitals, malls, residential complexes and recreational facilities. The BES courses may also benefit energy auditors, building contractors, technical sales representatives and maintenance staff who wish to expand their skills portfolio. Students may also wish to pursue additional online courses to obtain their BES Operator Class I certificate and further industry designations.

Pathways

Please use our Pathways tool to search for pathway options.

Tuition & Fees

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

2022/2023 Academic Year

Fees are subject to change.

Fees for part-time programs are charged on a course-by-course basis and are published on each individual course page.

For questions related to fees, please call the Registrar`s Office at 613-727-0002.

Graduation Fee
Once you have completed all the courses in the program, it is the responsibility of the student to complete a certificate/diploma application (https://www.algonquincollege.com/online/certificationgraduating/). A graduation fee of $22 will be charged when the application is submitted. When your certificate/diploma application has been approved, you will be invited to Spring or Fall Convocation.

Admissions Requirements

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

College Eligibility

  • Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, OR
  • Mature Student status (19 years of age or older and without an OSSD).

Application Information

Registration Note:

This program does not have a typical application process. Unless otherwise stated - you can register for courses online directly by clicking on the course title and selecting “Register Online”. Classes can take place online, or on campus in the evenings and weekends using our modern facilities. Different courses may be available each semester so don’t forget to check back regularly.

Additional Information

Program Resources

It is recommended that students be employed in building operations, although not mandatory.

Each course includes a textbook which is included in the tuition fee and will be provided for the first class.

For more information please contact cetrades@algonquincollege.com.

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