Bachelor of Science in Building Sciences

The bachelor of science in building sciences program is suspended and currently not accepting new students.

John Loercher, Program Director

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PROGRAM OVERVIEW

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Today’s expectations of building performance in relation to climate change, social justice, health, well-being and indoor environment quality is changing. Designed to transform and propel building science education to meet 21st century challenges and global climate change goals, Rensselaer’s new Building Sciences program beginning in the Fall of 2022 offers a comprehensive curriculum comprising integrated design, history/theory, technology and data literacy courses as a preparation for graduates to become leaders in the rapidly changing field.

The four-year undergraduate Bachelor of Science in Building Sciences program seeks applicants who thrive at the intersection of Construction, Ecology and the Built Environment and are driven by a life-long commitment to investigation. The methods embedded in the Building Sciences studios are rooted in interdisciplinary design methods including investigative learning, data storytelling, material testing, information mapping and impact driven-design.

Rensselaer’s focus on the integration of theoretical and practical knowledge in the Building Sciences program prepares students for leadership in response to existing and emerging global challenges in the design and construction of the built environment. The program prepares graduates for diverse careers in building science, architecture, engineering and construction industry and a broad range of design careers. Students are well-prepared to enter specialized Masters of Science Programs or the Master in Architecture Program where they can pursue a professional degree in Architecture accredited by NAAB.

As a polytechnic with a long and substantial history of ‘applying science to the common purposes of life’ the Rensselaer education and research setting is uniquely situated for a progressive Building Science Degree program. Rensselear’s focus on the integration of theoretical and practical knowledge in the Building Science program prepares students for leadership n response to existing and emerging global challenges in the design and construction of the built environment.

[1] U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 1989. Report to Congress on indoor air quality: Volume 2. EPA/400/1-89/001C. Washington, DC.

Contact: 

John Loercher, Building Science Program Director,

The new curriculum offered in the Fall of 2021, consists of: 

FIRST YEAR

Fall [Semester 01]

ARCH 2xxx – History and Theory of Building Sciences. Credit Hours: 3

ARCH 2xxx – Building Sciences Media. Credit Hours: 2

ARCH 2510 – Materials and Design. Credit Hours: 2

ARCH 2xxx – Digital Constructs for Building Sciences. Credit Hours: 2

ARCH 2800 – Architectural Design Studio 1- Building Sciences. Credit Hours: 5

MATH 1500 – Calculus for Architecture, Management, and HASS. Credit Hours: 4

Semester Credits Hours: 18

Spring [Semester 02]

ARCH 2370 – Energy, Comfort, and Ecology. Credit Hours: 2

ARCH 2850 – Building Performance Studio 1. Credit Hours: 5

ARCH 4090 – Architectural Case Studies. Credit Hours: 2

PHYS 1050 – General Physics. Credit Hours: 4

HASS Elective Inquiry Course [communication Intensive] . Credit Hours: 4

Semester Credits Hours: 17

SECOND YEAR

Fall [Semester 03]

ARCH xxxx — Lighting for Intelligent Spaces. Credit Hours: 3

ARCH 2330 – Structures 1. Credit Hours: 3

ARCH 2350 – Construction Systems. Credit Hours: 2

ARCH 2860 – Building Performance Vertical Studio. Credit Hours: 5

ARCH 4560 – Materials and Enclosures. Credit Hours: 2

Semester Credits Hours: 15

Spring [Semester 04]

ARCH 6890 – Aural Architecture. Credit Hours: 3

MATH 1520 – Mathematical Methods in Management and Economics. Credit Hours: 4

ARCH 2360 – Environmental and Ecological Systems. Credit Hours: 4

ARCH 4550 – Professional Practice 2. Credit Hours: 2

ARCH 4740 – Building Systems and Environment. Credit Hours: 4

Total Semester Credits: 18

THIRD YEAR

Summer [Semester 05]

Science Core Elective. Credit Hours: 4

Free Elective. Credit Hours: 4

HASS Core Elective. Credit Hours: 4

HASS Core Elective. Credit Hours: 4

Semester Credits Hours: 16

Fall [Semester 06]

ARCH 2860 – Building Performance Vertical Studio. Credit Hours: 5

ARCH Professional Elective. Credit Hours: 2

Science Core Elective. Credit Hours: 4

ARCH 4330 – Structures 2. Credit Hours: 3

ARCH 4510 – Construction Industry Seminar 1. Credit Hours: 2

Semester Credits Hours: 16

SPRING AWAY [NO OPTION FOR FALL AWAY]

FOURTH YEAR

Fall [Semester 07]

ARCH xxxx – Building Science Capstone Seminar. Credit Hours: 3

Free Elective. Credit Hours: 4

HASS Core Elective. Credit Hours: 4

HASS Core Elective. Credit Hours: 4

Semester Credits Hours: 15

Spring [Semester 08]

ARCH 4530 – Building Sciences Capstone Studio (Life Cycle Studio). Credit Hours: 5

Free Elective. Credit Hours: 4

HASS Core Elective. Credit Hours: 4

ARCH 4520 – Construction Industry Seminar 2. Credit Hours: 2

Semester Credits Hours: 15

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Footnotes:

• ARCH 2330 Structures 1 is required for Fall Third or Fall Fourth year on campus.
• ARCH 4510 Construction Industry Seminar 1 required for Fall Third or Fourth year on campus.
• The All Institute Arch requirements must be fulfilled with a grade of ‘S’ in order to graduate.
• Students granted an ARCH exception or exemption must provide a report to the Arch office documenting their activities and receive a “S” in order to graduate.

THE DEGREE REQUIRES 130 CREDIT HOURS.

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Image credits:

above: “Daylighting and Material systems” Capstone Studio, Charlotte Bosworth, 2020

below:  “Toaster Studio” AD1 Building Sciences Studio, Hailey Washington, 2019.