Environmental Building Sciences
- Credential:
- Ontario College Graduate Certificate
- College Code:
- CONS
- School:
- Engineering & Technology
- Program Code:
- 1363
- Accelerated Delivery:
- No
- Campus:
- CA
- Academic Year:
- 2020 / 2021
About the Program
The Environmental Building Sciences program is a one-year graduate certificate designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge to effectively manage indoor environmental conditions throughout the building life cycle encompassing the identification, testing and remediation of problems in the building environment. Students will study building sciences, sustainability and energy management for building design and control, environmental legislation, air and water quality, assessment for communication of risk, hazardous materials assessment and abatement, sampling and testing methodologies, and project management and technical report writing. The program is experiential in nature with the incorporation of exercises, case studies, and practical laboratories in building sciences. In the final term, students will participate in a major project to address a present-day building environmental issue. It was developed in consultation with representatives from the environmental industry.For more information, contact the Program Coordinator at ebs@conestogac.on.ca.
This program is available to be taken on a full-time or part-time basis. Courses will be scheduled in the afternoon and early evening to facilitate students who wish to take the program on a part-time basis while currently employed. Courses may also be scheduled to be delivered on Saturdays. Admission is available in September only.
Program Information
Length: One-year Ontario College Graduate Certificate program (also available part-time)Delivery Sequence: Cambridge - September/2020 - Fall | Winter
Location: Cambridge (Fountain Street)
Start: September
First-Year Capacity: 30
Admission Requirements
- A degree in science, engineering, a health-related field, or another related field from an accredited college or university OR
- A three-year advanced diploma from an accredited college in architecture, mechanical, civil, environmental, or electrical engineering technology
- Applicants will be ranked based on an assessment of academic performance (grades), length and discipline of degree/diploma. Preference may be given to applicants who have successfully completed a biology, physics or chemistry course at the post-secondary level.
Note re: Admission Requirements
- Applicants with documents (transcripts) from an educational institution from a country other than Canada must have their documents evaluated for equivalency at an approved provider of credential evaluation services. Applicants to this program require a Comprehensive or Course-by-Course Report. Please see How to Apply for more information.
- Applicants possessing degrees/diplomas from institutions where the language of instruction was not English will be required to provide test scores as evidence of their English language proficiency. Test scores, if required, would be a minimum of TOEFL iBT 88; IELTS 6.5 with no bands less than 6.0; CAEL 70 with no sub-test band scores less than 60; PTE Academic 58; Conestoga English Language Test (CELT) Band 6; or equivalent scores in other recognized standard tests of English.
- We offer a language program for students whose English language skills are below the standard required for admission but all other admission criteria have been met. You will be eligible for admission to the graduate certificate program after completion of level 4 of the General Arts and Science - English Language Studies (ELS) program with an overall grade average of 80% and no grade less than 75%. Your placement in the ELS program is determined by scores on an in-house English language test or TOEFL or IELTS.
Admission Procedures
- Submit proof of admission requirements.
- Final selection is made following an assessment of the admission requirements.
Tuition & Fees
Tuition fee details for the 2019-2020 year are listed below. Fees for the next academic year are unavailable at this time. Books and supplies are additional.
Estimated fees based upon the previous academic year (2019 / 2020) for Environmental Building Sciences - Program # 1363
| Description | Fall 2019 | Winter 2020 |
|---|---|---|
| Recreation/Athletics Fee | $70.50 | $70.50 |
| Technology Enhancement Fee | $135.00 | $135.00 |
| Capital Development Fee | $74.83 | $74.83 |
| Program Tuition Fee (ACR) | $2767.50 | $2767.50 |
| CSI Health Plan Fee | $295.00 | $0.00 |
| ONE Card Fee | $7.00 | $7.00 |
| CSI Legal Protection | $28.00 | $0.00 |
| CSI Advocacy Fee | $12.50 | $12.50 |
| CSI Event Fee | $40.00 | $40.00 |
| CSI Student Clubs | $3.50 | $3.50 |
| Locker Fee | $5.00 | $5.00 |
| Alumni Services | $5.00 | $5.00 |
| Student Spaces | $10.00 | $10.00 |
| Graduation fee | $15.00 | $15.00 |
| Academic Support Fee | $18.00 | $18.00 |
| CSI Academic Support Fee | $5.00 | $5.00 |
| Health and Wellness Fee | $20.00 | $20.00 |
| CSI Health and Wellness Fee | $10.00 | $10.00 |
| Career Services Fee | $10.00 | $10.00 |
| CSI Career Services Fee | $10.00 | $10.00 |
| Session Total | $3541.83 | $3218.83 |
| Year Total | $6760.66 |
International Fees
Estimated International fees based upon the previous academic year (2019 / 2020) for
Environmental Building Sciences - Program # 1363
| Description | Fall 2019 | Winter 2020 |
|---|---|---|
| International Program Tuition | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Recreation/Athletics Fee | $70.50 | $70.50 |
| Technology Enhancement Fee | $135.00 | $135.00 |
| Capital Development Fee | $74.83 | $74.83 |
| CSI Health Plan Fee | $295.00 | $0.00 |
| ISR | $375.00 | $375.00 |
| ONE Card Fee | $7.00 | $7.00 |
| CSI Legal Protection | $28.00 | $0.00 |
| CSI International Health Fee | $500.00 | $0.00 |
| Grad. Cert. Program Tuition | $6500.00 | $6500.00 |
| CSI Advocacy Fee | $12.50 | $12.50 |
| CSI Event Fee | $40.00 | $40.00 |
| CSI Student Clubs | $3.50 | $3.50 |
| Locker Fee | $5.00 | $5.00 |
| Alumni Services | $5.00 | $5.00 |
| Student Spaces | $10.00 | $10.00 |
| Graduation fee | $15.00 | $15.00 |
| Academic Support Fee | $18.00 | $18.00 |
| CSI Academic Support Fee | $5.00 | $5.00 |
| Health and Wellness Fee | $20.00 | $20.00 |
| CSI Health and Wellness Fee | $10.00 | $10.00 |
| Career Services Fee | $10.00 | $10.00 |
| CSI Career Services Fee | $10.00 | $10.00 |
| Session Total | $8149.33 | $7326.33 |
| Year Total | $15475.66 |
Financial Assistance
The Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) is a needs-based program designed to help Ontario students cover the cost of post-secondary education. Funded by the federal and provincial governments, OSAP is intended to promote equality of opportunity for post-secondary studies through direct financial assistance for educational costs and living expenses. These interest-free loans are intended to supplement your financial resources and those of your family. The majority of students apply for loan assistance via the OSAP website. Students can also print the application booklet through the OSAP website.For more information, please visit Financial Services/Awards.
Graduate Opportunities
Graduates of this program will be well-suited to careers within the expanding facilities management, industrial/occupational safety, and testing and abatement fields managing the indoor building environment.On average, 67% of graduates from the last three years (2015 to 2017) found employment within six months of graduation.
For more details on related occupations, job market information and career opportunities, see the Government of Canada website: https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/home
Pathways & Credit Transfer
Conestoga pathways enable students to build on their academic achievements in order to earn a degree or additional credential. Pathways are formed through agreements between Conestoga programs or partner institutions.Often applicants have earned credits from another college or university that may allow a student to be granted advanced standing or exemption. Learn more about credit transfer opportunities at Conestoga.
Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)
Conestoga recognizes prior learning of skills, knowledge or competencies that have been acquired through employment, formal and informal education, non-formal learning or other life experiences. Prior learning must be measurable at the required academic level and meet Conestoga standards of achievement for current courses. Challenge exams and portfolio development are the primary methods of assessment. Other methods of assessment may be available depending upon the nature of the course objectives. Successful completion of the assessment results in an official course credit that will be recorded on the student's Conestoga transcript. PLAR cannot be used by registered Conestoga students for the clearance of academic deficiencies, to improve grades or to obtain admission into a program.Learn more about PLAR.
Program Courses
| Course Code | Course Title and Description |
|---|---|
| Level 1 | |
| CON0101 | Conestoga 101
Description: This self-directed course focuses on introducing new students to the supports, services, and opportunities available at Conestoga College. By the end of this course, students will understand the academic expectations of the Conestoga learning environment, as well as the supports available to ensure their academic success. Students will also be able to identify on-campus services that support their health and wellness, and explore ways to get actively involved in the Conestoga community through co-curricular learning opportunities. |
| CONS8090 | Building Construction
Description: This course explores aspects of building construction helpful to understanding the built environment and deals with the intrinsic connection between conceptual design and technological aspects of a building's structural materiality: reinforced concrete, precast and pre-stressed concrete, steel framing systems; building envelop: building science, curtain walls, window walls, glazing and roofing systems; fire protection design and the evolution of an industrialized method of designing and assembling buildings. The course studies materials and methods as applied to renovation projects and building additions. The course includes preservation and enhancement of existing materials and construction assemblies as well as the study of the juxtaposition of new materials and assemblies with those of the existing building. Studies are based on a variety of facets including visual, cost, climate, code and environment. |
| ENVR8110 | Air and Water Quality
Description: The origin, measurement and control of various types of air and water pollutants are studied in this course. The course reviews the fundamental gas laws and units used to measure air pollution. The origin of various types of air pollutants is outlined. Aspects of indoor air quality and noise will also be introduced. |
| ENVR8120 | Field Methods I
Description: This is a practical hands-on course that provides students with experience in using the latest field methods for work in indoor environmental sciences. In this first course, students will learn the foundations of sample collection – accepted protocols, equipment selection and use, sample preservation and transportation, safety, and methodological limitations. This course compliments the course themes explored in Air and Water Analysis, Building Sciences, and Hazardous Materials Assessment. |
| LAW8260 | Indoor Environmental Legislation
Description: This course provides a working knowledge of relevant environmental legislation at the federal, provincial, and municipal levels as related to indoor environments. Emphasis will be placed on the application of environmental laws and regulations to actual situations encountered by consultants, planners, municipalities, industry and contractors. |
| MGMT8470 | Project Management
Description: This course will provide an introduction to the principles and methodology of Project Management and the tools used to monitor and control projects. The relationships amongst the various players of a project will be explored, focusing on the role of the Project Manager. Fundamental project management topics will be explored including: project participants and stakeholders, organizing and managing projects, project chronology and related activities, project costing and scheduling, and project management controls. |
| SCIE8000 | Scientific Principles
Description: This course offers an introduction to the general concepts of chemistry and physics for those interested in pursuing careers in the indoor environmental science field. The foundational principles of atomic structure, chemical bonding, properties of gases, liquids and solutions, chemical kinetics and equilibrium are covered. Real world environmental building issues are surveyed through the study of the chemistry of everyday materials (drugs, cleaning chemicals, etc.), and toxins. This course includes a laboratory component. |
| Level 2 | |
| CONS8100 | Building Systems
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. |
| ENVR3070 | Hazardous Waste Site Worker Training
Description: Most environmental consulting firms and environmental contractors require field personnel to receive health and safety training. This course provides comprehensive health and safety training for work on hazardous waste sites. The training will be provided by a qualified instructor and will meet OSHA 29 CFR 1910.120 40 hours training requirements. |
| ENVR8130 | Energy and Sustainable Design
Description: This course centers on issues surrounding the integration of Sustainable and Energy Conservation Design principles into conceptual and practical architectural design. Topics include: solar geometry, climate/regional limitations, vernacular architecture, lighting, and energy efficient design and sustainability initiatives. Projects will be used extensively as a vehicle to discuss the success/failure of ideas and their physical applications. |
| ENVR8140 | Risk Assessment and Communication
Description: This course provides the student with an understanding of environmental risk pertaining to the built environment. The student will develop a working knowledge of the processes, components, data requirements, and methodology required for assessing indoor environment building risks and how to manage, document and communicate these. |
| ENVR8150 | Field Methods II
Description: This course expands on the Field Methods I course and provides in-depth exposure to other indoor environmental concerns. Students will continue to learn about building environments through hands-on use of equipment and sampling methodologies. This course compliments the course themes explored in Energy & Design, and Building Sciences. With foundational knowledge in air, water and other substances sampling, students will learn how to test and analyze for other environmental hazards and parameters. They will learn about the waste management process and how to measure building efficiency systems, such as heat flow and leakage, noise, and lighting. Students will also be exposed to special considerations in various airborne contaminants and infection control. |
| ENVR8160 | Project and Technical Report Writing
Description: Students will complete this course in their final semester of the program using the skills learned in this course and other courses within the program to plan and execute a major project, present their project, and submit a technical report. The project, will be an extension of the concepts covered throughout the program, work experience and independent research, and will tackle relevant problems experienced in the built environment. Students are expected to apply their knowledge and provide workable solutions to case study projects, including addressing the technical, regulatory, social and economic elements of the issue. Students will learn how to create a detailed proposal identifying the scope of work, technical approach, project team, schedule, and budget. |
Program Outcomes
- Evaluate building specifications and drawings to facilitate the design, construction and maintenance of buildings that are environmentally sound and provide a healthy indoor atmosphere.
- Apply regulations and control processes to address the major sources of chemical, biological, and physical hazards within building environments.
- Make recommendations to address potential hazards to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements governing the indoor built environment encompassing environmental and industrial guidelines, government codes, and standards.
- Manage risk by identifying and assessing sources of contamination in the building environment while ensuring timely, ongoing and appropriate communications to stakeholders.
- Provide recommendations to the design team incorporating the principles of sustainability and green architecture into building design.
- Apply the principles of building science to achieve occupant comfort, energy management and operational objectives during the life cycle of the building.
- Apply sample collection and field measurement techniques using appropriate testing equipment to ensure compliance with industry and government standards and guidelines.
- Analyze and interpret results from sample collection and field measurement data in order to support recommendations for environmental improvements.
- Solve environmental building technical problems using the principles of mathematics and science.
- Organize data and information to prepare and deliver technical reports and specifications according to applicable standards and guidelines.
- Manage technical projects and teams using appropriate methods and tools to support achievement of project goals.
- Design solutions to address environmental building science problems based upon stakeholder requirements and in compliance with environmental standards.
Program Advisory Committees
The College appoints Program Advisory Committee members for diploma, degree, certificate and apprenticeship programs. Committees are composed of employers, practitioners and recent program graduates. College representatives (students, faculty, and administrators) are resource persons. Each committee advises the Board on the development of new programs, the monitoring of existing programs and community acceptance of programs.For a list of the current members, please visit our Program Advisory Committees.
Program Handbook
Apply Now
Domestic students should apply online at www.ontariocolleges.ca or by phone at 1-888-892-2228.ONTARIOCOLLEGES.CA
60 Corporate Court
Guelph, Ontario
Canada N1G 5J3
Detailed steps on the application process may help you to apply.
International students should apply online using the Ontario Colleges.ca International applicant portal. Please note that not all programs are open to international students; check the list of open programs on our International Student Programs web page before applying.
Disclaimer
The College reserves the right to alter information including requirements and fees and to cancel at any time a program, course, or program major or option; to change the location and/or term in which a program or course is offered; to change the program curriculum as necessary to meet current competencies in the job market or for budgetary reasons; or to withdraw an offer of admission both prior to and after its acceptance by an applicant or student because of insufficient applications or registrations, over-acceptance of offers of admission, budgetary constraints, or for other such reasons. In the event the College exercises such a right, the College’s sole liability will be the return of monies paid by the applicant or student to the College.
Students actively registered in cohort delivered programs who take longer than the designed program length of time to complete their studies are accountable for completing any new or additional courses that may result due to changes in the program of study. Unless otherwise stated, students registered in non-cohort delivered programs must complete the program of study within seven years of being admitted to the program.
| Start Date | Campus | Status** |
|---|---|---|
| SEP, 2020 | Cambridge | Open |
Program status for international students
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