Courses Architectural and Engineering Technology
Two-year diploma starting in fall 2024
Year 1 Fall (18 credits)
ARET 1102 – Architectural Graphics (0,3,0)
Credits: 3 creditsDelivery: Campus
This course introduces students to the fundamental drawing conventions and techniques required in building technology. These drawing techniques are applied using hand drawing and computer aided drafting (CAD) to the creation of various types of two-dimensional and three-dimensional drawings and computer models. Note: Students will only receive credit for one of ARET 1100 and ARET 1102.
ARET 1102 Educational Objectives/Outcomes
- Generate hand sketches to effectively communicate ideas.
- Prepare a basic set of architectural drawings based on a case study house, including plans, sections, and elevations.
- Apply graphic standards to architectural drawings including dimensioning and annotation.
- Identify and apply the appropriate architectural scales to drawings.
- Effectively use appropriate line weights and types to convey information on drawings.
- Create a three-dimensional computer model of a building and render with realistic materials and shading.
- Identify and create different pictorial drawing types, such as isometric and perspective.
ARET 1302 – Architectural Technology 1 (3,0,0)
Credits: 3 creditsDelivery: Campus
Students will learn about the materials and techniques used in modern building construction. The course will cover the manufacturing, usage, and disposal of various materials, including their sustainability impact. Additionally, students will participate in field trips to gain real-life examples of how these materials are utilized. Note: Students will only receive credit for ARET 1200, ARET 2200 and ARET 1302.
ARET 1302 Educational Objectives/Outcomes
- Identify various building materials and how they are used in construction.
- Compare different materials with the same use and evaluate their performance.
- Interpret and analyze the sustainability of various building materials.
- Describe the various components of wood frame construction and their application.
- Compare construction details of different building assemblies.
- Construct a scale model of a simple building, showing how the materials are installed in the correct sequence.
ARET 1502 – Building Electrical and Lighting Design (3,3,0)
Credits: 4 creditsDelivery: Campus
Students will gain a foundational understanding of the process of designing electrical and lighting systems for residential and commercial buildings. The course will cover Canadian Electrical Code and Illuminating Engineering Society standards, and students will utilize industry-standard software to apply these concepts to their designs. Additionally, students will learn how to integrate sustainable and renewable energy sources into building design for a more eco-friendly approach to electrical systems. Note: Students will only receive credit for one of ARET 1500, ARET 1510 and ARET 1502.
ARET 1502 Educational Objectives/Outcomes
- Calculate the electrical requirements of buildings in accordance with the Canadian Electrical Code.
- Calculate the lighting requirements of a building in accordance with Illuminating Engineering Society standards.
- Select the appropriate electrical and lighting components and calculate the building electric loads.
- Analyse wiring diagrams and circuits.
- Create electrical systems drawings and lighting systems layouts for a building using industry-standard software.
- Identify the principles of operation of various types of electric motors used for different applications.
- Develop a basic system equipment schedule for the electrical and lighting systems of a building.
- Reduce the environmental impacts of light pollution through more sustainable lighting system design.
ARET 1602 – Structural Technology 1 (3,3,0)
Credits: 4 creditsDelivery: Campus
Students will acquire knowledge of the fundamental principles of structural technology. Critical topics covered include force, friction, moment, equilibrium, frames, static structures, circular motion, simple machines, energy, stress, strain, safety criteria, vibration, as well as fluid properties. Note: Students will only receive credit for one of PHYS 1510, PHYS 1610, and ARET 1602.
ARET 1602 Educational Objectives/Outcomes
- Convert between standard and metric unit systems, forms of vector notation, and multiple coordinate systems.
- Create free body diagrams illustrating the forces acting on individual bodies or the member forces in a solid frame.
- Calculate the internal forces in the members of a framed structure using given external forces, structure geometry and the methods introduced in the course.
- Show how energy is converted to other forms using the principle of conservation of energy
- Describe circular motion and centripetal acceleration for the kinematics from the form and energy of a rotating body.
- Determine the efficiency of simple machines.
- Calculate the stress/strain applied to a variety of standard construction materials.
- Calculate the stress produced from tension, compression, shear, torsion and bending forces with the concept of factor of safety.
- Calculate the properties of oscillators using wave mechanics.
MATH 1542 – Technical Mathematics (3,3,0)
Credits: 4 creditsDelivery: Campus
This course introduces students to fundamental mathematical concepts that are relevant to architecture, design, and engineering. Topics include trigonometry, an introduction to two- and three-dimensional vectors, functions and graphs, solving linear and quadratic equations, matrix manipulation, coordinate geometry, introductory calculus, and elementary statistics and probability. Applications to architecture and engineering are explored. Prerequisite: Admission to the Architectural and Engineering Technology program.
MATH 1542 Educational Objectives/Outcomes
- be familiar with scalene, isosceles, equilateral, and similar triangles along with Hero’s formula and Pythagorean Theorem,
- to recall the definition of a function, apply the vertical line test, solve quadratic equations by factoring, completing the squares, and the quadratic formula,
- be familiar with the definition of trigonometric functions using right triangles and be able to determine the trigonometric functions of any given angle,
- be able to find the area of a sector of a circle as well as the angular velocity of an object moving around a circle,
- be familiar with vector components and vector addition, subtraction, and scalar multiplications,
- understand the basic concepts of statistics, construct various frequency tables for data, and graphically and numerically summarize and present data,
- choose, calculate, and interpret measures of tendency and relative frequencies (using the normal distribution), and find simple and multiple linear regression.
- solve systems of two/three linear equations in two/three unknowns graphically, algebraically, and by determinants,
- calculate the limit of a function and determine the continuity of a function at a point,
- evaluate the slope of the secant and tangent to a curve and write the equation of the tangents and normal lines to a curve,
- find the derivative of polynomials, products, quotients, and quotients of polynomials.
Year 1 Winter (23 credits)
ARET 1312 – Architectural Technology 2 (3,3,0)
Credits: 4 creditsDelivery: Campus
This course covers the design, basic construction drawings, and detailing of a single-family residence. Part 9 of the British Columbia Building Code will be studied and applied to the design. Sustainable design techniques and technologies will be investigated and employed. Prerequisite: ARET 1302 Note: Students will only receive credit for one of ARET 1300 or ARET 1312.
ARET 1312 Educational Objectives/Outcomes
- Produce a basic set of design and construction drawings (site plan, floor plans, building sections, elevations, wall sections and details) for a single-family residence.
- Apply pertinent sections of Part 9 of the British Columbia Building Code.
- Apply basic detailing requirements of wood-frame construction.
- Dimension and annotate construction drawings according to industry graphic standards.
- Prepare presentation drawings and models for a client.
- Analyze different elements of construction and evaluate their performance.
- Compare different sustainable design techniques and technologies and incorporate them into a building design.
- Apply the principles of building science to construction details.
- Critique building designs based on function.
ARET 1402 – Civil Technology 1 (3,3,0)
Credits: 4 creditsDelivery: Campus
Students will learn about surveying computations for traverse and curve settings. They will gain knowledge on designing and analyzing urban and rural roadway systems in accordance with TAC manuals. The course will cover topics such as design philosophy, roadway classifications, standard street cross-section requirements, and vertical and horizontal geometric design parameters. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to generate a subdivision plan and basic corridor model using Autodesk Civil 3D software. Note: Students will only receive credit for one of ARET 1400 and ARET 1402.
ARET 1402 Educational Objectives/Outcomes
- Calculate traverse and traverse corrections.
- Describe and apply the geometric design philosophy to roads.
- Apply transportation classification system to transportation planning and geometric design.
- Determine horizontal alignment parameters and calculate horizontal curve survey data.
- Determine vertical alignment parameters and calculate vertical curve data and elevations.
- Calculate areas and volumes and apply shrinkage, swell, and curve corrections to volumes and estimate the quantities.
- Produce a subdivision plan, horizontal and vertical alignments, profiles and basic corridor model of roads using Autodesk Civil 3D software.
ARET 1512 – Building Plumbing Design (3,3,0)
Credits: 4 creditsDelivery: Campus
Students will gain knowledge about designing plumbing and natural gas systems. The course will utilize the B.C. Plumbing Code and the Natural Gas and Propane Installation Code to provide a detailed guide for designing drainage, venting, domestic water piping systems, and natural gas piping in buildings. Furthermore, the course will equip students with the skills to use industry-standard software. Note: Students will only receive credit for one of ARET 1512 and ARET 2500
ARET 1512 Educational Objectives/Outcomes
- Identify the plumbing requirements of buildings in accordance with B.C. Plumbing Code.
- Design the components of a plumbing system including drainage systems, venting systems, and domestic water systems.
- Identify the requirements of a building in accordance with the Natural Gas and Propane Installation Code.
- Design gas piping systems for residential and commercial buildings.
- Identify the principles of operation of components utilized in plumbing and natural gas piping systems.
- Select equipment and outline specifications for plumbing and natural gas piping systems.
- Create detailed drawings for plumbing and natural gas piping systems of a building using industry-standard software.
- Develop a basic system equipment schedule for a building plumbing system.
ARET 1612 – Structural Technology 2 (3,3,0)
Credits: 4 creditsDelivery: Campus
Students will delve into the principles of static equilibrium, strength of materials, and building code requirements as they relate to basic structural and mechanical design problems. The course covers topics such as force analysis of trusses and frames, centroids, moments of inertia, and shear force and bending moment diagrams. Additionally, students will study the stress and strain effects of axial, torsional, bending, and shear forces, and will learn how to calculate the deflections of beams and the effect of slenderness on columns. The course also provides an introduction to fundamental concepts outlined in Part 4 and Part 9 of the British Columbia Building Code. Prerequisite: ARET 1602 Note: Students will only receive credit for one of ARET 1612 and ARET 2600.
ARET 1612 Educational Objectives/Outcomes
- Analyse trusses using the method of joints, the method of sections and using Maxwell diagrams;
- Analyse plane statically determinate structures;
- Calculate centroids and moments of inertia of composite structural sections;
- Calculate and plot diagrams of shear forces and bending moments in simply supported beams and cantilevers with concentrated and/or distributed loads and moments;
- Solve problems of stress analysis in structural members subjects to axial, shear, bending, and torsion;
- Calculate stress concentration factors for torsion, axial and bending problems and design members to reduce stress concentrations to acceptable levels;
- Calculate allowable stresses in structural materials such as safe design stresses and ultimate stresses;
- Calculate deflection of beams with various support methods and loadings;
- Calculate loadings applied to structures due to the structure self-weight;
- Calculate loadings from wind, snow, rain, seismic and other regional considerations as defined by applicable codes;
- Calculate relevant allowable loading combinations as identified by the British Columbia Building Code.
- Present calculations in an orderly engineering manner.
CMNS 1290 – Introduction to Professional Writing (3,0,0)
Credits: 3 creditsDelivery: Campus
Students study the theories and practice of professional organizational communication, learning the importance of effective communication to meeting goals, developing and maintaining relationships and the overall facilitation of work. Students develop skills in evaluating communication scenarios, designing communication strategies that meet goals and audience need, including requests, information sharing and persuasion. In addition, students learn to employ writing techniques and editorial skills relevant to professional communication contexts. Note: Students cannot receive credit for more than one of CMNS 1290, CMNS 1291, CMNS 1810, CMNS 1811
CMNS 1290 Educational Objectives/Outcomes
- Write with grammar and style suitable to a professional context
- Analyze communication scenarios and design appropriate professional communication documents that are responsive to goal, context and audience need
- Explain the best practice strategies for producing rhetorically and stylistically effective communication documents
- Explain the purpose of and produce different communication strategies, including request, response, information sharing, and persuasion.
- Explain best practice strategies for and produce effective visual support for professional communication documents.
- Explain the purpose of and produce properly formatted emails, memos, letters and short reports
- This course meets the Communication criteria. See attached foci tool demonstrating the match.
ARET 1412 – Construction Surveying (3,3,0)
Credits: 4 creditsDelivery: Campus
Students will gain a fundamental understanding of surveying and its application in modern engineering and construction practices. The course emphasizes surveying theory and practical skills needed to carry out specific survey tasks. Students will gain hands-on experience utilizing contemporary surveying equipment and techniques to produce survey information essential for construction and engineering projects. Students will use MicroSurvey Field Genius and Autodesk Civil 3D software for surveying computation and plotting based on field notes. Prerequisite: ARET 1402 (taken concurrently) Note: Students will only receive credit for one of ARET 1412 and ARET 1410.
ARET 1412 Educational Objectives/Outcomes
- Practice the use and care of standard surveying equipment.
- Generate and record survey data in a field book in an ethical and professional manner.
- Measure horizontal distance using Chaining and Pacing.
- Complete a close differential levelling circuit using Auto Level.
- Build a field circular curve profile and cross-section.
- Use a Total Station to complete a closed traverse field exercise.
- Conduct a topo survey to generate a Civil 3D surface from field notes.
Year 2 Fall (20 credits)
ARET 2302 – Architectural Technology 3 (3,3,0)
Credits: 4 creditsDelivery: Campus
Students will explore various design theories applicable to building design. The course covers a range of topics, including site analysis, conceptual and mass modeling, environmental sustainability, architectural history, building sections, and elevations. Students will be able to apply these concepts to their term project, which will serve as a foundation for a more comprehensive set of working drawings in ARET 2312 Architectural Technology 4. Prerequisite: ARET 1312 Note: Students will only receive credit for one of ARET 2302, ARET 3300 and ARET 2100.
ARET 2402 – Civil Technology 2 (3,3,0)
Credits: 4 creditsDelivery: Campus
Students will gain knowledge of on-site planning and land development, with a specific emphasis on organizing and managing traffic flow. They will also examine the connection between land usage, regulations, and transportation. The course covers essential topics such as planning principles, sustainable site design, zoning bylaws, site layout and organization, parking layout, landscaping, and site amenities. Prerequisite: ARET 1402 Note: Student will only receive credit for one of ARET 2402 and ARET 2400.
ARET 2502 – Building Services Theory (3,3,0)
Credits: 4 creditsDelivery: Campus
Students will acquire knowledge of the fundamentals of heat transfer in both residential and commercial buildings. By utilizing the principles of thermodynamics, students will obtain a comprehensive understanding of how to calculate the necessary heating and cooling loads for designing energy-efficient HVAC systems. Additionally, students will be introduced to industry-standard software to document their designs. Note: Students only receive credit for one of ARET 2502 and ARET 3500.
ARET 2602 – Structural Technology 3 (3,3,0)
Credits: 4 creditsDelivery: Campus
Students develop a foundational understanding of structural analysis and the design and construction of wood structures. The course topics include load path analysis, load combinations, arches, cable structures, buckling, and combined stresses from bending and shear, statically indeterminate beams. Students will also learn wood material properties for sustainable and durable construction, purlins, beams, girders, pin-ended columns and glulam. Finally, students will learn how to design connections using nails, bolts, lag screws, and timber rivets. Note: Students will only receive credit for one of ARET 2602 and ARET 3600.
ARET 2210 – Construction Management (2,1,0)
Credits: 3 creditsDelivery: Campus
Students will gain knowledge about construction management and project leadership. They will learn about on-site management and inspection, construction safety, construction laws and labor relations, contract and construction administration, and planning, scheduling, and controlling of construction projects within a team setting. The course's objective is to help students comprehend the basic aspects of planning, scheduling, problem-solving, and decision-making in the context of construction work. The class will cover various topics, such as facilities planning, the Critical Path Method in project planning, scheduling, control, and management functions, work evaluation techniques applied to job site planning and cost control, value engineering, staff and material resource allocation, time cost analysis, and computer applications.
CMNS 2840 – Applied Research Project Planning (1,0,0)
Credits: 1 creditDelivery: Campus
Students are supported in the completion of their Applied Research Project. In the seminar, students focus their research topics, develop an applied research question, and prepare a comprehensive project proposal and literature review. Students are guided through the research and analysis phases of their project, developing skills in defining an applied topic, determining scope and methodology, conducting and writing up research for a literature review, conducting primary research, experimentation and analyses, and managing project development and progress. Prerequisite: CMNS 1850 OR ENGL 1100 Note: students cannot receive credit for both CMNS 2840 and ARET 2220
Year 2 Winter (19 credits)
ARET 2312 – Architectural Technology 4 (3,3,0)
Credits: 4 creditsDelivery: Campus
Students will gain knowledge on how to produce comprehensive and advanced architectural working drawings that consist of reinforced concrete, masonry, curtain wall, metal stud, and structural steel construction. The term project will require students to generate a collection of drawings for a moderately-sized commercial, institutional, or multi-residential building that abides by Part 3 of the British Columbia Building Code. Prerequisite: ARET 2302 Note: Students will receive credit for one of ARET 3310, ARET 2120 and ARET 2300.
ARET 2412 – Civil Technology 3 (3,3,0)
Credits: 4 creditsDelivery: Campus
Students gain an understanding of municipal piping design, layout, and analysis. They will learn how to create detailed designs for storm, sanitary sewer systems, and water-distribution piping systems. The course covers important concepts such as fluid hydraulic principles, pressure piping design considerations, gravity piping analysis, storm and wastewater flow computation, and service design plan preparation. Using industry-standard software, students develop a subdivision plan and layout of a municipal piping network. Prerequisite: ARET 1402 and ARET 1602 Note: Students will only receive credit for one of ARET 2412 and ARET 3400.
ARET 2512 – Building HVAC Design (3,3,0)
Credits: 4 creditsDelivery: Campus
Students will acquire fundamental knowledge of HVAC systems and their components. They will learn how to design hydronic heating piping, properly size vent flues, and create ductwork systems using industry-standard software. Moreover, the course will delve into general terminology and product knowledge relevant to heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning design. Note: Students will only receive credit for one of ARET 2512 and ARET 3510
ARET 2612 – Structural Technology 4 (3,3,0)
Credits: 4 creditsDelivery: Campus
Students will gain knowledge of the fundamental concepts involved in designing and constructing steel and reinforced concrete structures. The steel portion of the course will cover topics such as the material properties relevant to steel construction, as well as the design of purlins, beams, girders, girts, pin-ended columns, beam columns, and connections. The reinforced concrete portion of the course will focus on concrete properties, moment resistance, shear resistance, column strength, anchorage, and foundation. Note: Students will only receive credit for one of ARET 2612, ARET 3610 and ARET 3630.
CMNS 2850 – Advanced Occupational Writing for ARET (3,0,0)
Credits: 3 creditsDelivery: Campus
Students in ARET build on CMNS 1850, learning skills needed to complete a formal technical research report at industry-level standard. Students produce a major analytical report based on their summer research projects. Students develop abilities to plan and organize a major project, conduct and analyze research, and write and design visuals for a professional context. Prerequisites: Admission to the Architectural and Engineering Technology program and ENGL 1100 or CMNS 1290 or CMNS 2290 or CMNS 1850 or Permission of the instructor Note: Students cannot receive credit for both CMNS 2850 and ENGL 2850
