Architectural Science
| Degree Awarded: | Bachelor of Architectural Science (BArchSc) |
| Program Website: | arch.ryerson.ca (opens in new window) |
| Administered by: | Department of Architectural Science |
| Program Format: | Full-time, four-year program. Full-time, five-year co-op program. |
The Bachelor of Architectural Science program prepares students for a wide range of professional roles in the construction industry. The program emphasizes studies in design, technology, and management. The long-standing reputation of the program rests in part on this unique emphasis of the curriculum.
O.S.S.D. with six Grade 12 U/M courses, including Grade 12 U courses in: English, Physics (SPH4U) and Mathematics (one of Advanced Functions (MHF4U) or Calculus and Vectors (MCV4U)).
Notes:
- ENG4U/EAE4U is the preferred English.
- The grade(s) required in the subject prerequisites (normally in the 70 percent range) will be determined subject to competition.
- Applicants may be required to attend an on-campus evaluation session, to submit a collection of their own creative work, to complete Admissions Writing and Sketching Exercises and to forward other relevant documentation in support of their application. Further information regarding the above will be communicated by Undergraduate Admissions as part of the admissions process. Visit the Architectural Science program page (opens in new window) for further details about the non-academic requirements.
- Subject to competition, candidates may be required to present averages/grades above the minimum.
Notebook Computer Recommendations
The architectural profession and construction industry extensively use computer technology for design production, building science simulation and construction documentation and management. In addition to Ryerson's e-mail account policy, many courses in the Department of Architectural Science include instruction and assignments relying on software delivery methods. The department recommends students have access to a personal notebook computer while enrolled in the program. Current recommended specifications for notebook computers are available in the Knowledge Base (opens in new window) on the department’s website.
The first three years of the program provide students with a common foundation. The final year offers three different options: Architecture, Building Science and Project Management. The initial years place students in a position to make informed choices of option, and they are encouraged to do so as early as possible.
The curriculum is structured around four themes:
- introduction and context,
- preparation (tools and elements),
- integration, and
- Concentration/specialization/transition.
The first semester provides students with an introduction and sets the context for their education in architectural science. Semesters two, three and four prepare students for advanced studies through an exploration of the tools and elements necessary for further studies. Semesters five and six provide a comprehensive integration of the multiple components of an undergraduate education in architectural science. In the final two semesters, students select from one of the three options available – Architecture, Building Science or Project Management – and undertake intensive work in their chosen specialization. In addition, the program requires a number of courses in liberal studies, as well as a range of professional electives, offered by the Department and other Departments at the University.
The Department offers a competitive co-operative program which provides top-performing students who have completed their third year in the architectural science program, with 16 months of work experience that enhances their acumen in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. Although neither the Department nor the Co-operative Education Office can guarantee a placement, they provide major assistance in locating suitable positions and counselling of students in their search for suitable jobs. This co-operative program enables students to earn competitive wages to offset the costs of a university education. Students will work directly with architects, engineers and other skilled professionals from the AEC industry, gaining experience in several different settings.
The architectural science program promotes an integrated approach to architectural science, through studio and lecture courses. Students have the opportunity to apply theory learned in the lecture courses to studio projects which engage with real-life problems in design, construction, management, and the environment.
As enrolment in each program option may be limited, placement of students in fourth year program options is determined by academic performance to best suit their career goals and academic strengths.
The Architecture Option offers a focus on architectural design principles that incorporate a technical base. Through lectures, seminars, and hands-on studio projects, students learn program planning, design, presentation techniques, and contract documentation.
The Building Science Option offers a more detailed technical base of studies including the selection and design of building construction assemblies, the evaluation of their suitability and performance, and the development of construction and technical drawings.
The Project Management Option examines the managerial and economic aspects of construction projects, including the planning, organization, management, supervision and control of the process.
Graduates of this program will find career opportunities in:
- the design, documentation, and management of projects in architectural, engineering, environmental management, and planning firms
- the production, marketing, sales, research, development, testing, and evaluation of building products or systems in material fabrication, product manufacturing, and construction firms
- office and field supervision in trade and general construction organizations
- development and management of real estate/planning/conservation feasibility studies; environmental and management strategy planning
- local, regional, provincial, federal, and international government agencies
- post graduate education and research
Architectural Science Students - Transfer Credit
Architectural Science applicants cannot expect to receive any transfer credits in architectural science discipline or architectural science related discipline courses if their post-secondary education was not completed at a program accredited by the Canadian Architectural Certification Board (external link, opens in new window) .
Liberal Studies
Students must take three lower level liberal studies courses and three upper level liberal studies courses to graduate. Students must not choose courses that are restricted for their program or major.
Please refer to the liberal studies chapter of this calendar for more information on the Liberal Studies Policy. Further information on liberal studies can also be found at the Faculty of Arts' Liberal Studies website (opens in new window) .
Table A - Lower Level Restrictions
Table B - Upper Level Restrictions
Minors
Students may pursue any Minor offered by Ryerson (with some exceptions). Please refer to the Minors chapter of this calendar for further information on individual Minor requirements and exclusions.
The G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education Certificates
Undergraduate students wishing to pursue a continuing education certificate program should be aware of possible program exclusions. Please refer to the Certificate Registration section of the Curriculum Advising website (opens in new window) for complete details.
Architectural Science - Common First Three Years
1st & 2nd Semester
1st Semester
REQUIRED:
LIBERAL STUDIES: One course from the following:
* ASC 101 has a GPA Weight of 3.00.
3rd & 4th Semester
5th & 6th Semester
The first three years of the program provide students with a common foundation. Students must select one of the following options for their final year.
Architecture Option
The Architecture Option offers a focus on architectural design principles that incorporate a technical base. Through lectures, seminars, and hands-on studio projects, students learn program planning, design, presentation techniques, and contract documentation.
7th & 8th Semester
7th Semester
REQUIRED:
| ARC 720*† | Architecture Studio |
LIBERAL STUDIES:
One course from Table B - Upper Level Liberal Studies.
PROFESSIONAL AND PROFESSIONALLY-RELATED:
Three courses from Table I.
8th Semester
REQUIRED:
LIBERAL STUDIES:
One course from Table B - Upper Level Liberal Studies.
PROFESSIONAL AND PROFESSIONALLY-RELATED:
Three courses from Table I.
7th & 8th Semester
7th Semester
REQUIRED:
| ARC 720*† | Architecture Studio |
LIBERAL STUDIES:
One course from Table B - Upper Level Liberal Studies.
PROFESSIONAL AND PROFESSIONALLY-RELATED:
Three courses from Table I.
8th Semester
REQUIRED:
LIBERAL STUDIES:
One course from Table B - Upper Level Liberal Studies.
PROFESSIONAL AND PROFESSIONALLY-RELATED:
Three courses from Table I.
Co-operative Work Terms
The following table shows the sequence of academic and work terms for this program.
WKT courses are graded on a pass/fail basis.
Students are expected to follow the sequence prescribed for their program. Deviation from the sequence requires the submission of a formal request to the Co-op Faculty Advisor and approval from the School. With permission from the School/Department, students may be allowed to graduate with the co-op endorsement with fewer than the prescribed work terms.
Building Science Option
The Building Science option offers a more detailed technical base of studies including the selection and design of building construction assemblies, the evaluation of their suitability and performance, and the development of construction and technical drawings.
7th & 8th Semester
7th Semester
REQUIRED:
LIBERAL STUDIES:
One course from Table B - Upper Level Liberal Studies.
PROFESSIONAL AND PROFESSIONALLY-RELATED:
One course from Table I.
7th & 8th Semester
7th Semester
REQUIRED:
LIBERAL STUDIES:
One course from Table B - Upper Level Liberal Studies.
PROFESSIONAL AND PROFESSIONALLY-RELATED:
One course from Table I.
Co-operative Work Terms
The following table shows the sequence of academic and work terms for this program:
WKT courses are graded on a pass/fail basis.
Students are expected to follow the sequence prescribed for their program. Deviation from the sequence requires the submission of a formal request to the Co-op Faculty Advisor and approval from the School. With permission from the School/Department, students may be allowed to graduate with the co-op endorsement with fewer than the prescribed work terms.
Project Management Option
The Project Management option examines the managerial and economic aspects of construction projects, including the planning, organization, management, supervision and control of the process.
7th & 8th Semester
7th Semester
REQUIRED:
LIBERAL STUDIES:
One course from Table B - Upper Level Liberal Studies.
PROFESSIONAL AND PROFESSIONALLY-RELATED:
One course from Table I.
8th Semester
REQUIRED:
LIBERAL STUDIES:
One course from Table B - Upper Level Liberal Studies.
PROFESSIONAL AND PROFESSIONALLY-RELATED:
One course from Table I.
7th & 8th Semester
7th Semester
REQUIRED:
LIBERAL STUDIES:
One course from Table B - Upper Level Liberal Studies.
PROFESSIONAL AND PROFESSIONALLY-RELATED:
One course from Table I.
8th Semester
REQUIRED:
LIBERAL STUDIES:
One course from Table B - Upper Level Liberal Studies.
PROFESSIONAL AND PROFESSIONALLY-RELATED:
One course from Table I.
Co-operative Work Terms
The following table shows the sequence of academic and work terms for this program:
WKT courses are graded on a pass/fail basis.
Students are expected to follow the sequence prescribed for their program. Deviation from the sequence requires the submission of a formal request to the Co-op Faculty Advisor and approval from the School. With permission from the School/Department, students may be allowed to graduate with the co-op endorsement with fewer than the prescribed work terms.
A Program Advisory Council (PAC) is a group of volunteers that provides expert advice to a school or department on program related matters such as curriculum, program review, technology and trends in the industry, discipline or profession. For more information, see (PDF file) Senate Policy #158 (Program Advisory Councils).
Tom Emodi (Chair)
Principal
TEAL Architects
Tania Bortolotto
Principal
Bortolotto Design Inc.
Roberto Chiotti
Principal
Larkin Architecture
Paul H. Cocker
Chairman & CEO
McKay-Cocker Construction
Cliff Harvey
VP, Planning
North York General
Paul Hastings
Paul Hastings Architect
Mark Jones
Principal Director
Turner & Townsend cm2r, Principal
Derrick Lai
Director
PROP
Alice Liang
Principal
Montgomery Sisam Architects Inc.
Jamie Lee
Associate
WZMH Architects
Ian MacDonald
Ian MacDonald Architect Inc.
Michael Miller
Professor Emeritus, Architecture
Ryerson University
Sheila Penny
VP, Facilities Management
Toronto Community Housing
Adrian Piccolo
Chief Architect
TTC Engineering Department
Daniel Teramura
Partner
Moriyama & Teshima Architects
Further information is available on the departmental PAC webpage (opens in new window) .
