Building Systems Engineering Technician (BTS)

Work Term Option (BTSC)

Starts in January, September

PGWP-eligible Program

Campus

Newnham

Delivery

Hybrid

Duration

4 Semesters (2 Years)

Study Option

Full-time

Credential

Ontario College Diploma

School

School of Environmental & Civil Engineering Technology

Courses

Delivery: At Seneca, courses are delivered in four formats: online, in-person, hybrid (an online, in-person combination) or flexible (offered in-person and online at the same time).

The chart below outlines the delivery options available for each course in this program. For some academic terms, there may be more than one delivery option available. You’ll be able to choose your preferred options when you select classes to build your course schedule. Selection for preferred course delivery will be considered on a first come, first served basis.

International students: The impact of studying from outside of Canada and Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility differs significantly based on when you start your program. Please review the PGWP eligibility before choosing your program and course delivery.

Semester 1

Course Code	Course Name	Winter	Summer	Fall
BES700	Building Systems: Overview	Flexible	Not offered	Flexible
	This practical subject is designed to offer an overview of building systems, enabling students to relate to the operation of a building in a safe, energy efficient and environmentally conscious manner.
BGD117	CAD Fundamentals	Flexible	Not offered	Flexible
	This is an introductory course in technical drawing that focuses on the fundamental concepts and use of computer aided drafting and design technology (CAD) in mechanical engineering and building systems. Lectures are designed to deliver to the student the skills, techniques and commands used in the creation of building mechanical drawings that meet industry standards. For the production of their drawings, students will be using the latest release of todays most widely used CAD system.
BGS161	Building a Sustainable Future	Flexible	Not offered	Flexible
	A practical overview and brief history of global environmental problems, and how they can be understood and addressed through a broad-based understanding of sustainability; how individual and collective acts can move society towards a sustainable future; how the design and management of the built environment is critical to achieving a sustainable future.
COM101 or COM111	Communicating Across Contexts or Communicating Across Contexts (Enriched)	Hybrid Online In-person	Hybrid Online In-person	Hybrid Online In-person
	COM101: This course introduces students to the core concepts of communication. Students will cultivate an awareness of these concepts by analyzing how they are used in a variety of texts and contexts, and they will apply these concepts strategically in their own writing. Through a variety of writing tasks centred on these core concepts of communication, students will develop the transferrable reading and writing skills essential for success in their post-secondary studies, workplaces, and communities. COM111: This course introduces students to the core concepts of communication. Students will cultivate an awareness of these concepts by analyzing how they are used in a variety of texts and contexts, and they will apply these concepts strategically in their own writing. Through a variety of writing tasks centred on these core concepts of communication, students will develop the transferrable reading and writing skills essential for success in their post-secondary studies, workplaces, and communities. COM111 is six hours per week in order to offer students extra language and reading support.
EBE161	Introduction to Engineering and the Built Environment	Flexible	Not offered	Flexible
	This course has been designed to introduce the student to Building Systems Technology programs. This includes identifying core concepts as well as addressing key gaps in fundamental skills that have been identified as being common to many students entering the program. Sound problem solving skills are foundational to all areas of the program.
MTH147	Mathematics with Foundations	Flexible	Not offered	Flexible
	This course provides students with understanding of fundamental mathematical concepts. Topics include calculations and applications with algebraic expressions, systems of linear equations, expanding and factoring algebraic fractions, trigonometry and sinusoidal wave forms. The objective of the course is to provide the students with a uniform competency in mathematical fundamentals and to thus facilitate the further learning of other technical subjects and more advanced courses in mathematics.

Semester 2

Course Code	Course Name	Winter	Summer	Fall
BES221	Applied Heating	Flexible In-person	In-person	Not offered
	In this course, you will review the fundamental physics and thermodynamic principles behind heat transfer, the key factors creating heating load in buildings, combustion equipment, hydronic and steam boilers, distribution systems and terminal devices. Illustration gives way to physical touch. You will experience some of the equipment that you may eventually be responsible for in a building and see the relationship to the mechanical equipment that is used to condition the environment of your building. You will look at the impact of advancing technology in the design, operation and control of heating systems. It includes additional studies in the properties of water and steam, boiler chemistry and the environmental impact of heating system operation.
BES222	Applied Air Conditioning and Refrigeration	Flexible In-person	In-person	Not offered
	Applied Air Conditioning and Heating
BES802	Site Management and Building Safety	Flexible	Flexible	Not offered
	This subject deals with the building envelope, its maintenance, and its relationship to indoor environmental conditions and energy efficiency concerns. Issues related to barrier free access, parking, and landscaping are examined. Environmental measures such as waste management, recycling and hazardous waste handling are discussed. Various health and safety issues, including security and emergency planning, are also included.
BGL261	Electricity Fundamentals	In-person	In-person	Not offered
	This subject covers all the fundamental elements of electricity in both lecture and lab settings. Students acquire an understanding of electrical principles and are able to systematically evaluate electrical AC and DC circuits while learning the purpose of resistance, conductors and power supplies found in various circuits and electrical construction. In order to accomplish this, students must have a practical working knowledge of a digital multi-meter, power supplies, resistors, capacitors and ?bread boards?. Multi-meters are used extensively in the labs. This subject also familiarizes students with proper safety procedures as they relate to the Canadian Electrical Code. Students are required to follow all safety rules and regulations when working in the labs.
IPS255	Interpersonal Skills in the Engineering Workplace	Hybrid	Hybrid	Online
	This subject provides an opportunity for students to gain an appreciation for, and an understanding of, the importance of dealing effectively with others. The course introduces students to the need for effective interpersonal skills to enhance their career success and contribute to creating a positive workplace environment. It also addresses the fundamentals of engineering ethics, as well as the impact of engineering on society and the environment.
MTH217	Mathematics II	Flexible	Flexible	Not offered
	This subject continues the development of mathematical skills important to technology. Areas of study include geometry, graphing (logarithmic and semi logarithmic), logarithmic functions, and quadratic equations. Engineering applications are stressed.
WTP100	Work Term Preparation	Online	Not offered	Not offered
	This Work Term Preparation course is designed to empower students with the tools, skills, and strategies needed to navigate the modern job market and achieve long-term career success. Through self-assessment, career exploration, helping students to identify and leverage skills from their existing experiences, students will develop a deep understanding of their personal strengths, values, personality, interests and goals. The course covers essential topics such as crafting professional résumés and cover letters, mastering interview techniques, and building a strong personal brand, including an online presence. Students will learn how to research career pathways, evaluate job market trends, and create actionable career plans tailored to their aspirations. Emphasis is placed on professional communication, networking, workplace readiness, and adapting to diverse organizational cultures. Additionally, the course provides insights into negotiating job offers, managing career transitions, and professional growth. With a focus on lifelong learning and continuous improvement, this course equips students with the confidence and resources to pursue fulfilling careers while remaining adaptable in a dynamic and competitive workforce. Ideal for students preparing to enter the job market or those seeking to refine their career trajectory, this course fosters self-awareness, professional readiness, and strategic career planning.
WTP100 - Work-Integrated Learning option only

Work-Integrated Learning Term

Course Code	Course Name	Winter	Summer	Fall
BTS441	Building Systems Engineering Technology, Work Term	Not offered	Hybrid Online In-person	Not offered
BTS441 - Work-Integrated Learning option only

Semester 3

Course Code	Course Name	Winter	Summer	Fall
BES703	Air Handling	Not offered	Not offered	In-person
	The Air Handling subject (incorporating waste management) is designed to prepare students to operate air handling systems in a safe, energy efficient, and environmentally conscious manner as well as to manage waste in a safe, efficient, cost effective and environmentally friendly manner.
BES704	Electrical	Not offered	Not offered	In-person
	Covers the design, operation and maintenance of electrical systems in buildings in a safe, energy efficient, economical and environmentally responsible manner.
BES706	Water Treatment	Not offered	Not offered	In-person
	This subject covers the key concepts in the field of water treatment as applied to the protection and operation of building mechanical systems.
BGD361	Building Systems CAD	Not offered	Not offered	In-person
	This subject will cover advanced drafting skills with AutoCAD as well as creation of 3-dimensional relational building database using Building Information Modelling software (BIM). The topics will include architectural drafting standards, modelling of HVAC systems and as project documentation.
BGM361	Codes and Regulations	Not offered	Not offered	In-person
	This course is an overview of sections of the Ontario Building Code relevant to heating, ventilation and air conditioning; Boiler and Pressure Vessels Act; and the Mechanical Refrigeration Code.
BGP361	Plumbing and Pipe Systems	Not offered	Not offered	In-person
	This course will introduce the various systems collectively referred to as ¿plumbing¿. We will define what the systems are, how they work, how they are interconnected, maintenance issues and what can potentially go wrong so that we can better manage this system as part of the building asset.
plus: General Education Course (1)

Semester 4

Course Code	Course Name	Winter	Summer	Fall
BES705	Controls	In-person	Not offered	Not offered
	This subject covers the key concepts of commercial building pneumatic HVAC controls.
BES709	Hospital Building Systems	Flexible	Not offered	Not offered
	This subject is an introduction to building systems associated with hospital buildings and the types of equipment necessary to operate a hospital.
BES710	Energy Efficiency - Large Buildings	Flexible	Not offered	Not offered
	Students learn to analyze all aspects of large building operations and from these analyses suggest changes complete with realistic capital expenditure proposals that include payback periods. These changes are designed to improve utility consumption within that building.
BES910	Energy Auditing - Large Buildings	Flexible	Not offered	Not offered
	This course introduces the student to the critical role that detailed energy audits play in creating more energy efficient buildings. Energy Audits are a component of Facility Condition Assessments, and include not only an audit of energy-consuming components of building systems, but also an assessment of system design, automation and controls, opportunities from recommissioning, and detailed analysis of historical energy and maintenance / operations records. The course emphasizes a practical approach and utilizes state of the art tools to assist in quantifying savings opportunities and identifying the environmental impact of energy conservation measures. It builds on the foundations learned in studying BES701 through BES706, and BES715 and so you should have a good understanding of the basic principles of operation of the systems covered in those courses. In this course, you will understand the context for energy audits from both engineering and a business perspective. You will study and use common instrumentation used in auditing, as well as software that supports your analysis. You will revisit the building systems studied so far with an eye to effectively assess operation and develop conservation measures.
BGB561	Fire Protection Systems and Procedures	Flexible	Not offered	Not offered
	This subject provides a general understanding of fire alarm protection systems. It discusses the purpose and specific application of the different codes and standards that regulate the industry. It introduces the student to architectural considerations regarding fire containment. Information about testing laboratories, their procedures, testing methods and how listed/approved materials achieve greater degrees of life safety are covered. Other topics include: the nature of fire, extinguishing methods, fire alarm testing methods, interpretation of drawings, specifications and other contract documents.
TEC400	Technical Communications	Flexible Online	Flexible Online	Flexible Online
	Using a variety of technical writing techniques and placing emphasis on brevity, clarity, conciseness, unity and coherence, this subject introduces the application of technical writing through a series of writing assignments. Basic research, effective oral communications and/or collaborative skills are also covered.
plus: General Education Course (1)

Program Learning Outcomes

Learn more about program learning outcomes for this program.

Archived Program & Course Information

To find details on programs or courses from prior academic years, browse our archive of program information.