Course description

Through this course, the student will be introduced to the concept of the building as a living entity. The variety of systems within a building will be examined in relation to the problems which can result when these systems are poorly designed or do not function as intended. Physical factors that influence good design for performance, durability, health efficiency and sustainability of buildings will be studied. Common building design/construction problems that result in poor performance, expensive repairs, litigation, etc., their causes and solutions will be explored through studying famous, infamous and vernacular buildings, materials, details, etc. The principles of building science will be utilized to establish the appropriate performance characteristics of the systems as well as the preventative/corrective actions which could be prescribed when things go wrong.

Course details

Hours: 56
Credits: 4
Prerequisites: SCIE8001
Corequisites: None

Build courses into a credential

This course is part of the following program(s):


Credit transfer

Have you taken this course or an equivalent course? Contact the Credit Transfer Office.

Registration dates

Not all courses are offered each term.

Fall 2024 registration opens July 22, 2024. Winter 2025 registration opens November 4, 2024.

Delivery options

In person: classes held in person on a campus/site in a classroom/lab/shop/studio for the course duration

Online - Asynchronous: ​100% online delivery, no scheduled day or time course requirements with the instructor, assigned due dates

Online - Synchronous: 100% online delivery, scheduled day and time course requirements with the instructor, assigned due dates

Hybrid: any combination of in person, timetabled, on campus, online, and hyflex delivery