Are you looking to make your mark on the world? Gain the hands-on experience required to make a difference, while learning how to manage buildings successfully and sustainably in a multitude of sectors. The Building Systems Engineering Technician program is a two-year diploma program that prepares you with the skills and knowledge required to work in the building systems industry. Throughout this two-year program, you will learn to use various software tools, including AutoCAD and Revit, to model and design building systems. You will also be introduced to energy modelling software which is used to analyze building energy performance and efficiency.
In addition to practical skills, you will also learn about heating, air conditioning, refrigeration, air handling and control systems. You will gain an understanding of the principles of energy efficiency, including how to recommend energy-efficient solutions, as well as the exploration of emerging renewable energy technologies, which are a key component of the program.
Upon completion of the program, you will be equipped with the practical skills and theoretical knowledge necessary to excel in the field of building systems engineering and be prepared for a variety of career paths in the industry.
This program has a bring your own device policy. While laptops are not a mandatory purchase, it is recommended that all students have access to a laptop prior to their course start date in order to effectively complete the course materials.
Ontario College Diploma
4 Semesters (2 Years)
January, September
This program is offered in Seneca's hybrid delivery format with some courses available in Seneca's flexible delivery format. Some coursework is online and some must be completed in person. Students will need to come on campus to complete in-person learning requirements. For courses offered in the flexible delivery format, professors use innovative learning spaces and technology to teach students in a classroom or lab and broadcast in real time to students attending remotely. In flexible courses, students have the choice of coming on campus or learning online.
Throughout this program you will develop the following skills:
Students meeting all academic requirements may have the opportunity to complete an optional work term(s) in a formal work environment. The work term(s) is similar in length to an academic semester and typically involves full-time work hours that may be paid or unpaid. In programs with limited work term opportunities, additional academic requirements and a passing grade on a communication assessment may be required for eligibility. Eligibility for participation does not guarantee a work position will be secured. Additional fees are required for those participating in the optional work term stream regardless of success in securing a work position.
Review eligibility requirements for work-integrated learning
Graduates of the program can explore the following career options:
You will be eligible to pursue certificates in:
In one of the following areas:
These certificates are recognized by the Toronto Building Managers and Operators Association (TBMOA). The Operator Class I certificate is recognized by the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA).
The program is accredited by Technology Accreditation Canada (TAC)
| Course Code | Course Name | Weekly Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | ||
| BES700 | Building Systems: Overview | 3 |
| BGD117 | CAD Fundamentals | 4 |
| BGS161 | Building a Sustainable Future | 3 |
| COM101 | Communicating Across Contexts | 3 |
| or COM111 | Communicating Across Contexts (Enriched) | |
| EBE161 | Intro. to Engineering and the Built Environment | 3 |
| MTH147 | Mathematics with Foundations | 6 |
| Semester 2 | ||
| BES221 | Applied Heating | 4 |
| BES222 | Applied Air Conditioning and Refrigeration | 4 |
| BES802 | Site Management and Building Safety | 3 |
| BGL261 | Electricity Fundamentals | 4 |
| IPS255 | Interpersonal Skills in the Engineering Workplace | 3 |
| MTH217 | Mathematics II | 3 |
| WTP100 | Work Term Preparation * | 1 |
| Work-Integrated Learning Term | ||
| BTS441 | Building Systems Engineering Technology, Work Term * | 30 |
| Semester 3 | ||
| BES703 | Air Handling | 3 |
| BES704 | Electrical | 3 |
| BES706 | Water Treatment | 3 |
| BGD361 | Building Systems CAD | 4 |
| BGM361 | Codes and Regulations | 3 |
| BGP361 | Plumbing and Pipe Systems | 2 |
| plus: General Education Course (1) | 3 | |
| Semester 4 | ||
| BES705 | Controls | 3 |
| BES709 | Hospital Building Systems | 3 |
| BES710 | Energy Efficiency - Large Buildings | 3 |
| BES910 | Energy Auditing - Large Buildings | 3 |
| BGB561 | Fire Protection Systems and Procedures | 3 |
| TEC400 | Technical Communications | 3 |
| plus: General Education Course (1) | 3 | |
Work-Integrated Learning option only
This Seneca program has been validated by the Credential Validation Service as an Ontario College Credential as required by the Ministry of Colleges and Universities.
As a graduate, you will be prepared to reliably demonstrate the ability to:
Canadian citizens and permanent residents may satisfy the English and/or mathematics requirements for this program through successful Seneca pre-admission testing.
International admissions requirements vary by program and in addition to English requirements, programs may require credits in mathematics, biology, and chemistry at a level equivalent to Ontario’s curriculum, or a postsecondary degree or diploma, equivalent to an Ontario university or college. Program-specific pre-requisite courses and credentials are listed with the admission requirements on each program page. To review the academic requirements please visit: Academic Requirements - Seneca, Toronto, Canada (senecapolytechnic.ca).
As a leader in academic pathways, we offer a range of options that will allow you to take your credential further in another Seneca program or a program at a partner institution.
To learn more about your eligibility, visit the Academic Pathways web page.
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