ENGI79001
Building Systems: A Practical Overview		 Sheridan
 
  I: Administrative Information   II: Course Details   III: Topical Outline(s)  Printable Version
 

Land Acknowledgement

Sheridan College resides on land that has been, and still is, the traditional territory of several Indigenous nations, including the Anishinaabe, the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, the Wendat, and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. We recognize this territory is covered by the Dish with One Spoon treaty and the Two Row Wampum treaty, which emphasize the importance of joint stewardship, peace, and respectful relationships.

As an institution of higher learning Sheridan embraces the critical role that education must play in facilitating real transformational change. We continue our collective efforts to recognize Canada's colonial history and to take steps to meaningful Truth and Reconciliation.
Section I: Administrative Information
  Total hours: 39.0
Credit Value: 2.5
Credit Value Notes: N/A
Effective: Spring/Summer 2021
Prerequisites: N/A
Corequisites: N/A
Equivalents: N/A
Pre/Co/Equiv Notes: N/A

Program(s): Building Environmental Systems
Program Coordinator(s): Cec Colbourne
Course Leader or Contact: N/A
Version: 20210517_00
Status: Approved (APPR)

Section I Notes: Access to course materials and assignments will be available on Sheridan's Learning and Teaching Environment (SLATE). Students will need reliable access to a computer and the internet.
 
 
Section II: Course Details

Detailed Description
This course provides an introduction to, and an overview of building systems, enabling students to relate to the operation of a building in a safe, energy efficient and environmentally conscious manner.

Program Context

 
Building Environmental Systems Program Coordinator(s): Cec Colbourne
This is a mandatory course within the Building Environmental Systems Operator Class 1 and 2 Programs.


Course Critical Performance and Learning Outcomes

  Critical Performance:
By the end of this course, students will have demonstrated the ability to:
 
Learning Outcomes:

To achieve the critical performance, students will have demonstrated the ability to:

  1. Discuss what is involved in making a building sustainable.
  2. Identify heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems within a building complex with a special emphasis on safety practices.
  3. List and briefly describe the main components of the building envelope.
  4. Describe the basic refrigeration cycle and chiller operation, including evaporators, condensers and cooling towers.
  5. Describe the operation and components of an air-handling unit, illustrating the types of AHU's in various systems.
  6. Identify various heating systems with emphasis on boiler operation, safety, heat transfer equipment and hydronic systems.
  7. Describe the operation of various building system controls, including electric, electronic and pneumatic systems.
  8. Develop knowledge of basic electrical distribution in buildings, with discussion of transformers, panels, diesel generation, transfer switches and emergency power.
  9. Identify the water services in large buildings, with discussion of water supply, waste systems and cross contamination of water systems.
  10. Describe the importance and necessity of the fire protection system with a discussion of fire safety principles, detection devices, sprinkler systems and suppression agents.
  11. Analyze basic computer equipment for control of a building environment to maintain comfort conditions and energy conservation.
  12. Identify various ways by which you can optimize the efficiency of your heating, air conditioning, air handling, electrical and water systems.

Evaluation Plan
Students demonstrate their learning in the following ways:

 Evaluation Plan: ONLINE
 Assignments50.0%
 Mid-Term Exam25.0%
 Final Exam25.0%
Total100.0%

Evaluation Notes and Academic Missed Work Procedure:
TEST AND ASSIGNMENT PROTOCOL The following protocol applies to every course offered by Continuing and Professional Studies. 1. Students are responsible for staying abreast of test dates and times, as well as due dates and any special instructions for submitting assignments and projects as supplied to the class by the instructor. 2. Students must write all tests at the specified date and time. Missed tests, in-class/online activities, assignments and presentations are awarded a mark of zero. The penalty for late submission of written assignments is a loss of 10% per day for up to five business days (excluding Sundays and statutory holidays), after which, a grade of zero is assigned. Business days include any day that the college is open for business, whether the student has scheduled classes that day or not. An extension or make-up opportunity may be approved by the instructor at his or her discretion.



Evaluation Plan: IN-CLASS
 Assignments50.0%
 Mid-Term Exam25.0%
 Final Exam25.0%
Total100.0%

Evaluation Notes and Academic Missed Work Procedure:
TEST AND ASSIGNMENT PROTOCOL The following protocol applies to every course offered by Continuing and Professional Studies. 1. Students are responsible for staying abreast of test dates and times, as well as due dates and any special instructions for submitting assignments and projects as supplied to the class by the instructor. 2. Students must write all tests at the specified date and time. Missed tests, in-class/online activities, assignments and presentations are awarded a mark of zero. The penalty for late submission of written assignments is a loss of 10% per day for up to five business days (excluding Sundays and statutory holidays), after which, a grade of zero is assigned. Business days include any day that the college is open for business, whether the student has scheduled classes that day or not. An extension or make-up opportunity may be approved by the instructor at his or her discretion.

Provincial Context
The course meets the following Ministry of Colleges and Universities requirements:

 

Essential Employability Skills
Essential Employability Skills emphasized in the course:

  • Communication Skills - Communicate clearly, concisely and correctly in the written, spoken, visual form that fulfills the purpose and meets the needs of the audience.
  • Communication Skills - Respond to written, spoken, or visual messages in a manner that ensures effective communication.
  • Numeracy - Execute mathematical operations accurately.
  • Critical Thinking & Problem Solving - Apply a systematic approach to solve problems.
  • Information Management Skills - Analyze, evaluate, and apply relevant information from a variety of sources.
  • Information Management - Locate, select, organize and document information using appropriate technology and information systems.
  • Interpersonal Skills - Show respect for the diverse opinions, values, belief systems, and contributions of others.
  • Interpersonal Skills - Interact with others in groups or teams in ways that contribute to effective working relationships and the achievement of goals.
  • Personal Skills - Manage the use of time and other resources to complete projects.
  • Personal Skills - Take responsibility for one's own actions, decisions, and consequences.

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition
PLAR Contact (if course is PLAR-eligible) - Office of the Registrar
Students may apply to receive credit by demonstrating achievement of the course learning outcomes through previous relevant work/life experience, service, self-study and training on the job. This course is eligible for challenge through the following method(s):

  • Challenge Exam
    Notes:  
 
 
Section III: Topical Outline
Some details of this outline may change as a result of circumstances such as weather cancellations, College and student activities, and class timetabling.
Instruction Mode: In-Class
Professor: Multiple Professors
Resource(s):
 TypeDescription
RequiredTextbookBES700 Building Systems: A Practical Overview, Seneca College, Seneca College, 2020, Students order directly from Seneca Online Bookstore: https://www.bkstr.com/senecacollegestore/home

Applicable student group(s): Continuing and Professional Studies Students.
Course Details:

SUSTAINABLE BUILDING 

  • Sustainability in the Urban Environment
  • How Can Buildings be "Sustainable"
  • Sustainable Design Criteria
  • LEED Certification of Buildings
  • Health, Safety and Indoor Air Quality

BUILDING AS A SYSTEM 

  • Introduction to "Systems"
  • An Inventory of Building (Sub) Systems
  • The Building Envelope
  • The HVAC System
  • Electrical Systems
  • Building Control Systems
  • Water Systems
  • Fire Protection Systems

BUILDING ENVELOPE 

  • Heat Transmission through the Building Envelope
  • Air Flow into and out of the Building
  • Insulation
  • Air Sealing

SPACE HEATING 

  • Introduction to Heating Systems
  • Burners
  • Furnaces
  • Boilers
  • Distribution Systems
  • Heating Terminals
  • Alternative Heating Systems

AIR CONDITIONING AND REFRIGERATION 

  • Introduction to Refrigeration
  • Refrigerants
  • Mechanical Refrigeration Systems
  • Chillers

AIR HANDLING SYSTEMS 

  • Introduction to Air Handling Systems
  • System Layouts
  • System Components
  • System Maintenance and Efficiency Issues

ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS

  • The Building Electrical Distribution System
  • Lighting Systems
  • Electric Motors
  • Other Building Electrical Systems

BUILDING CONTROL SYSTEMS

  • Introduction to Control Systems
  • The Components of Control Systems
  • Computerized Control Systems

WATER SYSTEMS 

  • Overview of Building Water Systems
  • Domestic Water Systems
  • Water Treatment
  • Water Efficiency

FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS 

  • Introduction to Fire Protection Systems
  • Fire Alarm and Sprinkler Systems
  • Smoke Exhaust Systems 

Sheridan Policies

It is recommended that students read the following policies in relation to course outlines:

  • Academic Integrity
  • Copyright
  • Intellectual Property
  • Respectful Behaviour
  • Accessible Learning
All Sheridan policies can be viewed on the Sheridan policy website.

Appropriate use of generative Artificial Intelligence tools: In alignment with Sheridan's Academic Integrity Policy, students should consult with their professors and/or refer to evaluation instructions regarding the appropriate use, or prohibition, of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools for coursework. Turnitin AI detection software may be used by faculty members to screen assignment submissions or exams for unauthorized use of artificial intelligence.

Course Outline Changes: The information contained in this Course Outline including but not limited to faculty and program information and course description is subject to change without notice. Nothing in this Course Outline should be viewed as a representation, offer and/or warranty. Students are responsible for reading the Important Notice and Disclaimer which applies to Programs and Courses.
[ Printable Version ]

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