Electromechanical Engineering Technology – Building Automation Program (T171)
Program Description
Program Overview
Building automation is an emerging and growing career opportunity, especially in construction and property development. In the three-year Electromechanical Engineering Technology – Building Automation advanced diploma program, we'll give you the skills and knowledge you need for building science, building automation systems, networking and project management, and green building.
Builders and property managers require skilled workers to design and integrate building control systems such as lighting, telephony, security, Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC), Heating Ventilation and Air-Conditioning (HVAC), air quality, energy consumption, and fire and safety. They need technologists familiar with a centralized approach, who can manage and control a building from an interface that provides building-wide efficiency, cost-effective operations, and information-sharing.
As a graduate of this program, you'll be ready for a career in industrial/manufacturing and will have the much-desired skills needed for construction and property development.
Full Description
The Electromechanical Engineering Technology – Building Automation three-year advanced diploma program provides you with the technical skills you need to succeed in the job market.
Building automation systems don't just control the basics: they regulate airflow, monitor energy use, and integrate with security, lighting, and other building systems to deliver comfort, safety, energy efficiency, and sustainability. With buildings becoming more complex, they differ in usage, size, operating hours, and environmental conditions. Whether it's offices, homes, hotels, schools, or other structures, each has its unique needs. The key to optimal building services technology lies in proper system design and integration throughout the planning, construction, commissioning, and operational phases.
In this program, you'll learn to:
- install, program, adjust, and maintain building automation systems
- program and install sensors, actuators, and controllers
- collect data for use in real-time or for archiving in a central server
- work with building software platforms that interconnect different systems
You'll gain a diverse set of skills and abilities that will also prepare you for "green" careers focused on energy efficiency, renewable energy, and the environment. This type of skill set is in high-demand for both the construction industry, and the controls and automation industry.
INDUSTRY SKILLS
- Safety practices in the installation and troubleshooting of HVAC/R systems, including applicable codes and standards of the NEC, ASHRAE, OSHA, EPA, and other regulatory bodies.
- Basic HVAC/R processes and the function, layout, and operation of commercial HVAC/R systems.
- Functions, operating characteristics and applications of the control loops and control modes in digital, analog, and pneumatic commercial control systems.
- Blueprints and manufacturer’s technical instructions for installing or servicing a sensor, controller, actuator, and related relays and power supplies.
- General-purpose software and specific building automation software that monitors and controls HVAC/R and electrical systems.
- Various BAS controls and systems, including DCS, PLC, PAC, and SCADA.
- Functions of network devices and protocols, such as a bridge, router, gateway, hub, firewall, twisted pair, Ethernet, TCP/IP, Zigbee, WiFi, BAS/IP, and BACnet.
- Emerging green technologies, such as solar, wind, and hydronic, and how they integrate into building systems and residential applications.
Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities
Courses
Required Courses
SEMESTER 1
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| EMNG 1001 | Circuit Analysis |
| MENG 1044 | Introduction to Mechanical Engineering Design |
| MENG 1045 | Machining Fundamentals and Metrology |
| MENG 1088 | Occupational Health and Safety |
| GSSC 1027 | Personal Finance |
| MATH 1160 | Mathematics for Engineering Technology 1 |
| COMM 2000 | Communicating Across Contexts** |
SEMESTER 2
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| EMNG 1003 | Engineering Physics |
| EMNG 1013 | Electronic Devices |
| EMNG 1016 | Electro-Pneumatics |
| EMNG 2025 | Electrical Techniques |
| MATH 1171 | Mathematics for Engineering Technology 2 |
| GNED | General Education Elective |
SEMESTER 3
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| EMNG 2001 | Introduction to PLC Systems |
| EMNG 2004 | Digital Electronics |
| EMNG 2006 | Operations Management & Quality Control |
| EMNG 2020 | Sensors and Instrumentation |
| EMNG 2021 | Automation Software Development |
| EMNG 3020 | Blueprint Reading for Buildings |
| GNED | General Education Elective (Select One) |
SEMESTER 4
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| EMNG 2022 | Instrumentation 2 |
| EMNG 2024 | Internet of Things for Homes |
| EMNG 3003 | Network Fundamentals |
| EMNG 3010 | Advanced PLC Systems |
| MENG 2046 | Sustainable Energy Technologies |
| MENG 3006 | Thermodynamics |
SEMESTER 5
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| EMNG 2026 | Applied Project 1 |
| EMNG 3002 | Building Science Fundamentals |
| EMNG 3004 | Building Networks and Protocols |
| EMNG 3006 | Alarm and Video Systems |
| EMNG 3015 | Building Control Systems |
| EMNG 3016 | Fundamentals of HVAC/R Systems |
SEMESTER 6
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| EMNG 2040 | Workplace Preparedness and Technical Writing |
| EMNG 3011 | Building Management and Commissioning |
| EMNG 3013 | Building Sub-Systems and Integration |
| EMNG 3018 | Applied Project 2 |
| EMNG 3019 | Building Operations and Management |
| EMNG 3021 | Connected Homes |
**Based on the results of your placement test, you may be required to take COMM 1000 (Introduction to College Communication) before progressing to COMM 2000. COMM 1000 does not count as a course required for graduation, and you will be charged for this extra course. Please visit Assessment Centre for more information.
Program Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Fabricate and build electrical, electronic and mechanical components and assemblies in accordance with operating standards, job requirements and specifications.
- Analyze, interpret and produce electrical, electronic and mechanical drawings and other related technical documents and graphics necessary for electromechanical design in compliance with industry standards.
- Select and use a variety of troubleshooting techniques and equipment to assess, modify, maintain and repair electromechanical circuits, equipment, processes, systems and subsystems.
- Modify, maintain, and repair electrical, electronic and mechanical components, equipment, and systems to ensure that they function according to specifications and to optimize production.
- Design and analyze mechanical components, processes and systems by applying engineering principles and practices.
- Design, analyze, build, select, commission, integrate and troubleshoot a variety of industrial motor controls and data acquisition devices and systems, digital circuits, passive AC and DC circuits, active circuits and microprocessor-based systems.
- Install and troubleshoot computer hardware and programming to support the electromechanical engineering environment.
- Analyze, program, install, integrate, troubleshoot and diagnose automated systems including robotic systems.
- Establish and maintain inventory, records and documentation systems to meet organizational and industry standards and requirements.
- Select and purchase electromechanical equipment, components and systems that fulfill job requirements and functional specifications.
- Specify, coordinate and apply quality-control and quality-assurance programs and procedures to meet organizational standards and requirements.
- Work in compliance with relevant industry standards, laws and regulations, codes, policies and procedures.
- Develop strategies for ongoing personal and professional development to enhance work performance and to remain current in the field and responsive to emergent technologies and national and international standards.
- Contribute as an individual and a member of an electromechanical engineering team to the effective completion of tasks and projects.
- Design and analyze electromechanical systems by interpreting fluid mechanics and the attributes and dynamics of fluid flow used in hydraulic and fluid power systems.
- Contribute to project management through planning, implementation and evaluation of projects, and monitoring of resources, timelines and expenditures as required.
Tuition & Fees
Domestic Tuition
International Tuition
Additional Costs
* Amounts listed are the estimated total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs starting in Fall 2023. Fees are subject to change for programs starting in Fall 2024 and at later dates. This fee does not include books, which are to be purchased by the student separately.
** Amounts listed are the estimated total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs starting in Fall 2024. Tuition fees are subject to board approval. Material, student service and ancillary fees are estimated based on prior years. All fees are subject to change without notice. This fee does not include books, which are to be purchased by the student separately.
Students are responsible for purchasing CSA standard safety shoes for their protection when working in the laboratories.
CSA Safety glasses are provided, but students who wish to use prescription safety glasses will be responsible for purchasing those separately.
International Students
Visit the International Fees and Related Costs page for more information.
Financial Assistance
This program is approved for OSAP funding, provided the applicant meets OSAP eligibility criteria.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this website is subject to change without notice. It should not be viewed as a representation, offer or warranty. Students are responsible for verifying George Brown College fee requirements.
Admission Requirements
Applicants are selected on the basis of their academic achievement, including the required courses, and any other selection criteria outlined below.
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent**
- grade 12 English (C or U)
- grade 11 Math (M or U) or grade 12 (C or U)
** Mature student status (19 years of age or older and no OSSD)
Mature students may take the Admissions Assessment for English and Math, OR may consider upgrading to achieve the credit(s) needed in English and Math.
Please note that George Brown is committed to ensuring that applicants will succeed in their program of choice and meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission to the program. Applicants may be required to have grades higher than the minimum requirements stated.
Course exemptions
College or university credits may qualify you for course exemptions. Please visit Transfer Guide for more information.
International Students
Visit the International Admissions page for more information regarding country specific admission requirements.
How to Apply
Domestic students should apply through Ontario Colleges.
International Students
Visit the How to Apply page for more information on how and when to apply.
International students should apply through the George Brown College Online Application System.
Contact Us
School of Mechanical Engineering Technologies
Phone: 416-415-5000, ext. 4365
Email: engineeringtech@georgebrown.ca
Our office hours are 8 a.m. – 4 p.m., room D305
For more information about George Brown College, you may also call the Contact Centre at 416-415-2000 (TTY 1-877-515-5559) or long distance 1-800-265-2002.
Contact one of our international recruitment representatives specializing by country of origin by either booking a virtual meeting or submitting an inquiry. For more information visit the International Contact Us page
Visit Our Campus
Do you have questions about this program or your career options? Join us for an on-campus information session. You'll have the opportunity to meet our friendly instructors and staff, ask questions and experience what it's like to be in a George Brown College classroom.
Electromechanical Engineering Technology – Building Automation Program (T171)
Program Description
Program Overview
Specialization in building automation is an emerging and growing employment opportunity, especially in the construction and property development sector. We will provide the skills and knowledge you need for building science, building automation systems, networking and project management and green building. Upon graduation, you will be prepared for jobs in the industrial/manufacturing sector and will have the skill set expected by the construction and property development sector.
Builders and property managers require people to design and integrate building control systems such as lighting, telephony, security, Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC), Heating Ventilation and Air-Conditioning (HVAC), air quality, energy consumption and fire and safety. They need technologists familiar with a centralized approach, who can manage and control a building from an interface that provides building-wide efficiency, cost-effective operations and information-sharing.
Full Description
Building automation systems don't just control the basics: they regulate airflow, monitor energy use and are integrated with security, lighting and other building systems to deliver comfort, safety, energy efficiency and sustainability. Today’s buildings are increasingly complex, and they differ in use and size, but also in operating hours, comfort levels and environmental conditions. Offices, residences, hotels, schools and administrative buildings all have different requirements. Optimal building services technology is the result of appropriate systems design and integration during planning, construction, commissioning and operation.
This advanced diploma program in Building Automation provides students with the technical skills they need for success in the job market. Students learn to:
- install, program, adjust and maintain building automation systems
- program and install sensors, actuators and controllers
- collect data for use in real-time or for archiving in a central server
- work with building software platforms that interconnect different systems
Graduates will have a diverse set of skills and abilities that will also prepare them for "green" careers focused on energy efficiency, renewable energy and the environment. This program provides a skill set that is in high demand in both the construction industry and the controls and automation industry.
INDUSTRY SKILLS
- Safety practices in the installation and troubleshooting of HVAC/R systems, including applicable codes and standards of the NEC, ASHRAE, OSHA, EPA and other regulatory bodies.
- Basic HVAC/R processes and the function, layout and operation of commercial HVAC/R systems.
- Functions, operating characteristics and applications of the control loops and control modes in digital, analog and pneumatic commercial control systems.
- Blueprints and manufacturer’s technical instructions for installing or servicing a sensor, controller, actuator and related relays and power supplies.
- General-purpose software and specific building automation software that monitors and controls HVAC/R and electrical systems.
- Various BAS controls and systems, including DCS, PLC, PAC and SCADA.
- Functions of network devices and protocols, such as a bridge, router, gateway, hub, firewall, twisted pair, Ethernet, TCP/IP, Zigbee, WiFi, BAS/IP and BACnet.
- Emerging green technologies, such as solar, wind and hydronic, and how they can be integrated into building systems and residential applications.
Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities
Courses
Required Courses
SEMESTER 1
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| EMNG 1001 | Circuit Analysis |
| EMNG 1004 | Metrology |
| MENG 1002 | Engineering Drawing |
| MENG 1087 | Machining Fundamentals |
| MENG 1088 | Occupational Health and Safety |
| GSSC 1027 | Personal Finance |
| MATH 1160 | Mathematics for Engineering Technology 1 |
| COMM 2000 | Communicating Across Contexts** |
SEMESTER 2
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| EMNG 1003 | Engineering Physics |
| EMNG 1012 | Introduction to Mechanical CAD |
| EMNG 1013 | Electronic Devices |
| EMNG 1015 | Motors & Controls |
| EMNG 1016 | Electro-Pneumatics |
| MATH 1171 | Mathematics for Engineering Technology 2 |
| GSSC 1100 | Small Business Plan and Operation |
SEMESTER 3
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| EMNG 2001 | Introduction to PLC Systems |
| EMNG 2004 | Digital Electronics |
| EMNG 2006 | Operations Management and Quality Control |
| EMNG 2020 | Sensors & Instrumentation |
| EMNG 2021 | Automation Software Development |
| EMNG 3020 | Blueprint Reading for Buildings |
| GNED | General Education Elective |
SEMESTER 4
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| EMNG 2022 | Measurement and Final Control Elements |
| EMNG 2024 | Internet of Things for Homes and Buildings |
| EMNG 2025 | Electrical Techniques |
| EMNG 3003 | Network Fundamentals |
| MENG 2046 | Sustainable Energy Technologies |
| MENG 3006 | Thermodynamics |
| GNED | General Education Elective |
SEMESTER 5
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| EMNG 2026 | Applied Project 1 |
| EMNG 3002 | Building Science Fundamentals |
| EMNG 3016 | Fundamentals of HVAC/R Systems |
| EMNG 3004 | Building Networks and Protocols |
| EMNG 3006 | Alarm and Video Systems |
| EMNG 3015 | Building Control Systems |
SEMESTER 6
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| EMNG 2040 | Workplace Preparedness and Technical Writing |
| EMNG 3011 | Building Management and Commissioning |
| EMNG 3013 | Building Sub-Systems and Integration |
| EMNG 3018 | Applied Project 2 |
| EMNG 3019 | Building Operations and Management |
| EMNG 3021 | Connected Homes |
**Based on the results of your placement test, you may be required to take COMM 1000 (Introduction to College Communication) before progressing to COMM 2000. COMM 1000 does not count as a course required for graduation, and you will be charged for this extra course. Please visit Assessment Centre for more information.
Program Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Fabricate and build electrical, electronic and mechanical components and assemblies in accordance with operating standards, job requirements and specifications.
- Analyze, interpret and produce electrical, electronic and mechanical drawings and other related technical documents and graphics necessary for electromechanical design in compliance with industry standards.
- Select and use a variety of troubleshooting techniques and equipment to assess, modify, maintain and repair electromechanical circuits, equipment, processes, systems and subsystems.
- Modify, maintain, and repair electrical, electronic and mechanical components, equipment, and systems to ensure that they function according to specifications and to optimize production.
- Design and analyze mechanical components, processes and systems by applying engineering principles and practices.
- Design, analyze, build, select, commission, integrate and troubleshoot a variety of industrial motor controls and data acquisition devices and systems, digital circuits, passive AC and DC circuits, active circuits and microprocessor-based systems.
- Install and troubleshoot computer hardware and programming to support the electromechanical engineering environment.
- Analyze, program, install, integrate, troubleshoot and diagnose automated systems including robotic systems.
- Establish and maintain inventory, records and documentation systems to meet organizational and industry standards and requirements.
- Select and purchase electromechanical equipment, components and systems that fulfill job requirements and functional specifications.
- Specify, coordinate and apply quality-control and quality-assurance programs and procedures to meet organizational standards and requirements.
- Work in compliance with relevant industry standards, laws and regulations, codes, policies and procedures.
- Develop strategies for ongoing personal and professional development to enhance work performance and to remain current in the field and responsive to emergent technologies and national and international standards.
- Contribute as an individual and a member of an electromechanical engineering team to the effective completion of tasks and projects.
- Design and analyze electromechanical systems by interpreting fluid mechanics and the attributes and dynamics of fluid flow used in hydraulic and fluid power systems.
- Contribute to project management through planning, implementation and evaluation of projects, and monitoring of resources, timelines and expenditures as required.
Tuition & Fees
Domestic Tuition
International Tuition
Additional Costs
* Amounts listed are the total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs starting in Fall 2022. Fees are subject to change for programs starting in Fall 2023 and at later dates.
** Amounts listed are the total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs starting in Fall 2023. Fees are subject to change for programs starting in Fall 2024 and at later dates.
Students are responsible for purchasing CSA standard safety shoes for their protection when working in the laboratories.
CSA Safety glasses are provided, but students who wish to use prescription safety glasses will be responsible for purchasing those separately.
International Students
Visit the International Fees and Related Costs page for more information.
Financial Assistance
This program is approved for OSAP funding, provided the applicant meets OSAP eligibility criteria.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this website is subject to change without notice. It should not be viewed as a representation, offer or warranty. Students are responsible for verifying George Brown College fee requirements.
Admission Requirements
Applicants are selected on the basis of their academic achievement, including the required courses, and any other selection criteria outlined below.
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent**
- grade 12 English (C or U)
- grade 11 Math (M or U) or grade 12 (C or U)
** Mature student status (19 years of age or older and no OSSD)
Mature students may take the Admissions Assessment for English and math, OR may consider upgrading to achieve the credit(s) needed in English and math.
Please note that George Brown is committed to ensuring that applicants will succeed in their program of choice and meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission to the program. Applicants may be required to have grades higher than the minimum requirements stated.
Course exemptions
College or university credits may qualify you for course exemptions. Please visit Transfer Guide for more information.
International Students
Visit the International Admissions page for more information regarding country specific admission requirements.
How to Apply
Domestic students should apply through Ontario Colleges.
International Students
Visit the How to Apply page for more information on how and when to apply.
International students should apply through the George Brown College Online Application System.
Contact Us
School of Mechanical Engineering Technologies
Phone: 416-415-5000, ext. 4365
Email: engineeringtech@georgebrown.ca
Our office hours are 8 a.m. – 4 p.m., room D305
For more information about George Brown College, you may also call the Contact Centre at 416-415-2000 (TTY 1-877-515-5559) or long distance 1-800-265-2002.
Contact one of our international recruitment representatives specializing by country of origin by either booking a virtual meeting or submitting an inquiry. For more information visit the International Contact Us page
Visit Our Campus
Do you have questions about this program or your career options? Join us for an on-campus information session. You'll have the opportunity to meet our friendly instructors and staff, ask questions and experience what it's like to be in a George Brown College classroom.
