Certificate in Building Science
A certificate in the Building Science program will help students understand the interaction of the many different elements and components of a building and its environments as a whole entity. The Building Science Certificate is the only program accredited by the Ontario Building Envelope Council (OBEC) and is a requirement for eligibility for a Building Science Specialist of Ontario (BSSO) designation. We offer a 15% discount to all students in the Building Science Program who are also current members of OBEC. To receive this discount you must register by phone and provide your current OBEC membership number at the time of registration for each and every course. OBEC discounts will not be provided retroactively.
To receive the Building Science Certificate, students must successfully complete the following 6 mandatory courses: Building Science I, Building Science II, Building Envelope Materials, Wall and Window Systems, HVAC Systems and the Building Envelope, and Roof Systems. You must obtain a minimum grade of 65% in all courses in order to obtain a certificate.
Please click here to see our Building Science brochure.
Building Science I is a prerequisite for Building Science II, and Building Science I and II are both prerequisites for the remaining courses
Required Courses
SCS 2339 Building Science I
SCS 2340 Building Science II
SCS 2495 Building Envelope Materials
SCS 2496 Wall and Window Systems
SCS 2347 HVAC Systems and the Building Envelope
SCS 2352 Roof Systems
These courses also qualify for Ontario Architect Association (OAA) Core Learning Hours.
2339 Building Science I
This foundational course deals with the indoor and outdoor climates and the thermal envelope that separates them. Upon completion of Building Science I, the participant will be able to predict the transfer of heat and moisture through thermal envelopes and the interaction of these flows within the envelope materials. Emphasis in the course is on the understanding of the physics associated with relevant processes. Through the use of practical examples, this knowledge will be applied to both new construction as well as to modification of existing designs. The material presented will underscore the importance of improving building performance as we face the challenges of climate change and the decline in use of fossil-fuel energy.
SCS 2340 Building Science II
This course is a continuation of Building Science I and covers the management and movement of moisture in and around buildings, including rain management, moist air movement in buildings and the interaction of solar heating. Principles of life cycle costing will also be presented along with a capstone module which will highlight the principles of building science for both cold and hot climates. Building on the importance of efficient energy use introduced in Building Science I, participants will be presented with examples of responsible buildings practices so that they can design and build tomorrow’s buildings today.
SCS 2495 Building Envelope Materials *NEW COURSE* ( 50% of material from previous “Concrete Structures”)
This course examines the use of various materials used to construct and repair the building envelope. Beginning with the thermal insulation materials, this course looks at a variety of fibrous and rigid insulation products, their properties and their uses. Next, various air barrier materials and air sealing materials will be examined for both new and retrofit construction. Finally, materials and methods used to maintain and repair concrete slab structures such as balconies and parking garages will be examined. Illustrative case studies will be used throughout the course.
SCS 2496 Wall and Window Systems *NEW COURSE* (combining Wall Systems and Curtain Walls)
Recognizing that the building envelope must function as a system, this course examines a range of window and wall systems and the interaction between these systems. The performance of assemblies including: solid masonry walls, cavity walls, EIFS, wood and precast concrete walls and curtain wall systems will be covered. Case studies will be used illustrate issues such as thermal and moisture performance, air leakage resistance, durability, maintenance, life cycle cost, fire safety, environmental impacts and the real life challenges of dealing with these systems as well as best practices currently used in industry. To facilitate the design of low energy buildings, passive solar strategies will also be outlined.
SCS 2347 HVAC Systems and the Building Envelope
This course deals with the interrelationship of the building envelope and environmental control with an emphasis on sustainable building practices. The course will examine thermal comfort and indoor air quality, heating, cooling and moisture regulation, air distribution and pressure regimes, energy usage, solar and internal gains, natural and hybrid ventilation. More “responsible” building practices will be identified and illustrated throughout.
SCS 2352 Roof Systems
This course deals with the design, application and maintenance of flat roofing systems. Special emphasis will be given to investigation of roofing failures, focusing on diagnostic techniques to aid in defining the necessary scope of repairs, and in predicting the probable performance and service life of the roofing system. Specific topics will include alternative roofing systems including green roofs, material selection, design and application considerations, historical perspectives, drainage and penetrations.
