BURNABY, BC: Two new Master’s level building science programs will be offered in September at the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT), and the programs are receiving a funding boost from the provincial government.
BCIT is introducing Western Canada’s first ever Masters’ degrees in Building Science: aMaster of Engineering and a Master of Applied Science in Building Science. Developed through the Building Science Centre of Excellence (BSCE) in the BCIT School of Construction and the Environment, these programs begin in September, 2011 and will meet industry demands and help students develop the practical skills needed to build durable, healthy, and sustainable buildings.
The Province is providing $50,000 to support leading-edge industry research to be undertaken as part of the Masters’ programs which will focus on advancing building science practice and responding to future industry trends and emerging technologies.
“This is exciting news for British Columbia’s construction industry which needs building science specialists with advanced knowledge,” said Rich Coleman, Minister of Energy and Mines and Minister Responsible for Housing. “The expertise that these industry professionals bring helps to expand our knowledge base and provides innovative solutions to ensure that buildings are well constructed, comfortable and energy efficient environments in which to live and work.”
“The Province is pleased to support leading-edge research and best practices in British Columbia’s residential construction industry to continually improve the quality of buildings and homes for B.C. families,” added Coleman.
Professionals in building science have traditionally met construction industry qualification through on-the-job-training and a combination of educational programs from related disciplines. These new programs will create a pool of highly qualified and experienced professionals helping meet the growing demand as employers pursue future opportunities.
Graduates will be building science professionals capable of systematically and creatively applying their knowledge and advancing their profession in the coming decades. Because building technology is rapidly evolving to respond to economic growth and social and environmental concerns, BCIT’s applied Master’s training and research will help graduates meet the demands of this dynamic industry.
“BCIT is an active participant in applied research, and these Masters’ programs will enable BCIT and the Building Science Centre of Excellence to further contribute to the prosperity of British Columbia,” says Paul Dangerfield, Vice President, Education, Research and International at BCIT. “We appreciate the continued support of the Province, and our industry partners. This achievement is the result of their efforts and the leadership and direction of Wayne Hand and Fitsum Tariku of the BCIT School of Construction and the Environment, as well as the efforts of many faculty, staff, and students.”
The Masters’ degrees in Building Science will provide students with integrated science-based knowledge and the skills necessary to meet the challenges of industry. The curriculum focuses on responding to future trends with particular consideration given to practical applications.
The will be two options: a one-year, full-time Master’s of Engineering degree combining an intensive set of courses with an applied research project; and a full-time Master’s of Applied Science in Building Science requiring a smaller set of courses and a more in-depth fundamental research project over two-years. Both programs can also be taken on a part-time basis.
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For further information, media can contact:
Kelly Friday, Media Relations Manager
British Columbia Institute of Technology
Tel: 604.432.8773
Cell: 604.836.6700
kelly_friday@bcit.ca
