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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:

  1. ENG4U/EAE4U is the preferred English.
  2. The grade(s) required in the subject prerequisites (normally in the 70 percent range) will be determined subject to competition.
  3. 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.
  4. 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

ITM 277, MEC 110, BMS 150 and IRL 100 are not available for credit.

In Semester 1, students are required to enrol into one of the following liberal studies courses: ENG 101, ENG 104, ENG 112, ENG 201, ENG 203 or ENG 212. Students may take only one additional English course for credit.

Table B - Upper Level Restrictions

CHY 583, CPS 650 and IRL 500 are not available for credit.

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:

ACS 104 Ideas that Shape the World
ASC 101* Communications Studio
ASC 102 The Built World
ASC 103 The Built Context
PCS 107 The Natural Context

LIBERAL STUDIES: One course from the following:

ENG 101 Laughter and Tears: Comedy and Tragedy
ENG 104 The Short Story
ENG 112 Zap, Pow, Bang: Pop Lit
ENG 201 Myth and Literature
ENG 203 The Literature of Native Peoples
ENG 212 Cultures in Crisis

* ASC 101 has a GPA Weight of 3.00.

2nd Semester

REQUIRED:

ASC 200 Sustainable Practices
ASC 201* Design Studio I
ASC 202 The Building Project
ASC 203 Structures I
ASC 205 Collaborative Exercise I
ASC 206 Ideas, Tech and Precedents I

* ASC 201 has a GPA Weight of 3.00.
ASC 205 is graded on a pass/fail basis.

  

3rd & 4th Semester

3rd Semester

REQUIRED:

ASC 301* Design Studio II
ASC 302 Envelope Systems
ASC 303 Structures II
ASC 304 The Construction Project
ASC 306 Ideas, Tech and Precedents II

LIBERAL STUDIES:
One course from Table A - Lower Level Liberal Studies.

* ASC 301 has a GPA Weight of 3.00.

4th Semester

REQUIRED:

ASC 401* Design Studio III
ASC 402 Bodily Comfort Systems
ASC 403 Site Development and Planning
ASC 405 Collaborative Exercise II
ASC 406 Ideas, Tech and Precedents III
CVL 407 Structures III

* ASC 401 has a GPA Weight of 3.00.
ASC 405 is graded on a pass/fail basis.
;

  

5th & 6th Semester

5th Semester

REQUIRED:

ASC 520* Integration Studio I
ASC 522 Project Economics
ASC 621 Tectonics and Materiality
PLX 599 The Human World

LIBERAL STUDIES:
One course from Table A - Lower Level Liberal Studies.

* ASC 520 has a GPA Weight of 3.00.

6th Semester

REQUIRED:

ASC 521 Light/Sound in Architecture
ASC 605 Collaborative Exercise III
ASC 620* Integration Studio II
ASC 622 Documentation and Construction Contract
ASC 623 Principles of Detailing

LIBERAL STUDIES:
One course from Table B - Upper Level Liberal Studies.

* ASC 620 has a GPA Weight of 3.00.
ASC 605 is graded on a pass/fail basis.

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:

ARC 820*† Architecture Studio
ASC 805 Collaborative Exercise IV

LIBERAL STUDIES:
One course from Table B - Upper Level Liberal Studies.

PROFESSIONAL AND PROFESSIONALLY-RELATED:
Three courses from Table I.

* ARC 720 and ARC 820 have a GPA Weight of 3.00.
† Students may take an upper-level Interior Design Studio course in place of ARC 720 or ARC 820 with permission of the Department.
¶ This course is graded on a pass/fail basis.

  

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:

ARC 820*† Architecture Studio
ASC 805 Collaborative Exercise IV

LIBERAL STUDIES:
One course from Table B - Upper Level Liberal Studies.

PROFESSIONAL AND PROFESSIONALLY-RELATED:
Three courses from Table I.

* ARC 720 and ARC 820 have a GPA Weight of 3.00.
† Students may take an upper-level Interior Design Studio course in place of ARC 720 or ARC 820 with permission of the Department.
¶ This course is graded on a pass/fail basis.

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:

BSC 720* Building Science Studio I
BSC 721 Theory/Performance I: Existing Buildings
BSC 722 Sustainable Environmental Control Systems

LIBERAL STUDIES:
One course from Table B - Upper Level Liberal Studies.

PROFESSIONAL AND PROFESSIONALLY-RELATED:
One course from Table I.

8th Semester

REQUIRED:

ASC 805 Collaborative Exercise IV
BSC 820* Building Science Studio II
BSC 821 Theory/Performance II
BSC 822 Advanced Envelopes/Components

LIBERAL STUDIES:
One course from Table B - Upper Level Liberal Studies.

PROFESSIONAL AND PROFESSIONALLY-RELATED:
One course from Table I.

† This course is graded on a pass/fail basis.
* BSC 720 and BSC 820 have a GPA Weight of 3.00.

  

7th & 8th Semester

7th Semester

REQUIRED:

BSC 720* Building Science Studio I
BSC 721 Theory/Performance I: Existing Buildings
BSC 722 Sustainable Environmental Control Systems

LIBERAL STUDIES:
One course from Table B - Upper Level Liberal Studies.

PROFESSIONAL AND PROFESSIONALLY-RELATED:
One course from Table I.

8th Semester

REQUIRED:

ASC 805 Collaborative Exercise IV
BSC 820* Building Science Studio II
BSC 821 Theory/Performance II
BSC 822 Advanced Envelopes/Components

LIBERAL STUDIES:
One course from Table B - Upper Level Liberal Studies.

PROFESSIONAL AND PROFESSIONALLY-RELATED:
One course from Table I.

† This course is graded on a pass/fail basis.
* BSC 720 and BSC 820 have a GPA Weight of 3.00.

  

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:

PMT 720* Project Management Studio I
PMT 721 Economics for Project Management
PMT 722 Information Systems

LIBERAL STUDIES:
One course from Table B - Upper Level Liberal Studies.

PROFESSIONAL AND PROFESSIONALLY-RELATED:
One course from Table I.

8th Semester

REQUIRED:

ASC 805 Collaborative Exercise IV
PMT 820* Project Management Studio II
PMT 821 Construction Practices and Management
PMT 822 Procurement and Const Management

LIBERAL STUDIES:
One course from Table B - Upper Level Liberal Studies.

PROFESSIONAL AND PROFESSIONALLY-RELATED:
One course from Table I.

* PMT 720 and PMT 820 have a GPA Weight of 3.00.
ASC 805 is graded on a pass/fail basis.

  

7th & 8th Semester

7th Semester

REQUIRED:

PMT 720* Project Management Studio I
PMT 721 Economics for Project Management
PMT 722 Information Systems

LIBERAL STUDIES:
One course from Table B - Upper Level Liberal Studies.

PROFESSIONAL AND PROFESSIONALLY-RELATED:
One course from Table I.

8th Semester

REQUIRED:

ASC 805 Collaborative Exercise IV
PMT 820* Project Management Studio II
PMT 821 Construction Practices and Management
PMT 822 Procurement and Const Management

LIBERAL STUDIES:
One course from Table B - Upper Level Liberal Studies.

PROFESSIONAL AND PROFESSIONALLY-RELATED:
One course from Table I.

* PMT 720 and PMT 820 have a GPA Weight of 3.00.
ASC 805 is graded on a pass/fail basis.

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)  .