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Architectural Engineering (AE)

45 undergraduate courses in the 2026–27 Undergraduate Calendar, and 1 graduate course in the Fall 2026 Graduate Calendar.

Undergraduate

AE 100 Concepts Studio0.75 units

An introduction to the fundamental engineering methods, principles and skills, design and communication in architectural engineering. Techniques in analytical sketching, orthographic drawing, construction documentation, problem definition, and scaled model building will underlie the collaborative development of (a) small-scale design project(s). Students will become familiar with the language and anatomy of buildings, the studio environment and culture of peer evaluation and juried work critique, and the fundamental conventions of design. Introduction to report writing, documentation, and fundamental two-dimensional computer-aided design (2D CAD) software and tools.

Prerequisites

Calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2026Course outlines

AE 101 History of the Built Environment0.50 units

A complementary studies course that provides a broad history of technology as it relates to buildings, towers, bridges, etc. Social, cultural, and economic influences on technological products will be discussed while surveying icons of architectural engineering.

Calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2026Course outlines

AE 104 Mechanics 10.25 units

Newtonian mechanics. Force systems; vectors, forces, and moments; equilibrium and free body diagrams. Mechanics of simple structures.

Prerequisites
Antirequisites
  • Not completed nor concurrently enrolled in any of the following:

Calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2026Course outlines

AE 105 Mechanics 20.50 units

Distributed forces, centroids, and moment of inertia. Basic structural analysis (plane trusses, frames, machines). Three-dimensional force systems, moments, couples, and resultants. Three-dimensional equilibrium problems. Stress-strain-temperature relationships. Behaviour of members in tension, compression, and bending. Friction.

Prerequisites
Antirequisites
  • Not completed nor concurrently enrolled in any of the following:

Calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2026Course outlines

AE 115 Linear Algebra0.25 units

Linear systems of equations, matrices, and determinants. Introduction to the eigenvalue problem. Applications.

Prerequisites
Antirequisites
  • Not completed nor concurrently enrolled in any of the following:
    • CIVE115 - Linear Algebra (0.25)
    • MATH114 - Linear Algebra for Science (0.50)
    • MATH115 - Linear Algebra for Engineering (0.50)
    • MATH136 - Linear Algebra 1 for Honours Mathematics (0.50)
    • MATH146 - Linear Algebra 1 (Advanced Level) (0.50)

Calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2026Course outlines

AE 121 Computational Methods0.50 units

Introduction to computer programming, examples of efficient numerical algorithms for basic scientific computations. Programming and problem-solving concepts introduced in the course will be incorporated into projects involving architectural engineering applications. The language of instruction will be Matlab.

Prerequisites
Antirequisites
  • Not completed nor concurrently enrolled in any of the following:
    • BME121 - Digital Computation (0.50)
    • CIVE121 - Computational Methods (0.50)
    • ECE150 - Fundamentals of Programming (0.50)
    • MTE121 - Digital Computation (0.50)
    • SYDE121 - Digital Computation (0.50)

Calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2026Course outlines

AE 123 Electrical Circuits and Instrumentation0.50 units

Charge, current, and voltage. Voltage and current sources, resistors, capacitors, and inductors. Ohm's Law, Kirchhoff's Laws, nodal analysis, instrumentation amplifier circuits, impedance. Function and characteristics of basic electrical transducers. Resolution, precision, and accuracy. Basics of data acquisition.

Prerequisites
Antirequisites
  • Not completed nor concurrently enrolled in any of the following:
    • GENE123 - Electrical Circuits and Instrumentation (0.50)
    • ME123 - Electrical Engineering for Mechanical Engineers (0.50)
Cross-listed
CIVE 123, ENVE 123, GEOE 123

Calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2026Course outlines

AE 125 Structural Design Studio0.50 units

Development of design and communication skills through application in projects involving various building or bridge types. The role of structure in the built environment is explored, including issues of materiality and technology. Exposure to three-dimensional (3D) modelling and model building.

Prerequisites
  • Complete all of the following

Calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2026Course outlines

AE 199 Seminar

General seminar.

Prerequisites

Calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2026Course outlines

AE 200 Enclosure Design Studio0.50 units

Development of design and communication expertise through studio projects involving various building enclosure types. Exposure to building enclosure materials, systems, applications, and methods of representation. Emphasis placed on critical evaluation, problem solving, and design synthesis. Introduction to industry standard three-dimensional computer-aided design (3D CAD) software.

Prerequisites
  • Complete all of the following

Calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2026Course outlines

AE 204 Solid Mechanics 10.50 units

Simple and compound bending and shear stresses in beams. Beam deflection. Torsion of shafts and thin-walled closed sections. Shear, bending moment, and deflection diagrams for beams. Design concepts.

Prerequisites
Antirequisites
  • Not completed nor concurrently enrolled in any of the following:

Calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2026Course outlines

AE 205 Solid Mechanics 20.50 units

Deflections of beams and trusses, energy methods, principle of virtual work. Introduction to frames, arches, and suspended structures. Analysis of stress and strain, plane problems, theories of failure, buckling of columns.

Prerequisites
Antirequisites
  • Not completed nor concurrently enrolled in any of the following:

Calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2026Course outlines

AE 221 Advanced Calculus0.50 units

Calculus of functions of several variables. Differentiation: partial derivatives of implicit and explicit functions, applications including optimizations. Integration: multiple integrals in various co-ordinate systems with applications; Vector calculus: vector fields, line integrals, surface integrals, and applications. Numerical integration and differentiation.

Prerequisites
Antirequisites
  • Not completed nor concurrently enrolled in any of the following:
    • CIVE221 - Advanced Calculus (0.50)
    • MATH217 - Calculus 3 for Chemical Engineering (0.50)

Calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2026Course outlines

AE 223 Differential Equations and Balance Laws0.50 units

An introduction to ordinary differential equations with applications to mass and energy balance problems in engineering. Standard methods of solution of first and second order linear equations with constant coefficients. Numerical methods for solving ordinary differential equations. Partial differential equations.

Prerequisites
Antirequisites
  • Not completed nor concurrently enrolled in any of the following:
    • CIVE222 - Differential Equations (0.50)
    • MATH218 - Differential Equations for Engineers (0.50)

Calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2026Course outlines

AE 224 Probability and Statistics0.50 units

Role of probability in architectural engineering and decision-making under uncertainty. Basic probability concepts. Probability distributions. Functions of random variables. Data analysis. Confidence intervals and hypothesis testing. Introduction to regression analysis. Introduction to design of experiments and statistical quality control.

Prerequisites
Antirequisites
  • Not completed nor concurrently enrolled in any of the following:
    • CIVE224 - Probability and Statistics (0.50)
    • ENVE224 - Probability and Statistics (0.50)

Calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2026Course outlines

AE 225 Environmental Building Systems Studio0.50 units

Environmental performance of buildings studied via physical investigations, demonstrations, case studies, and design exercises with a focus on building mechanical and electrical systems and lighting. Embodied energy and life-cycle implications will be introduced.

Prerequisites
  • Complete all of the following

Calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2026Course outlines

AE 265 Structure and Properties of Materials0.50 units

A basic course in structure, behaviour, and uses of engineering materials. Topics include monotonic and cyclic stress-strain behaviour of metals, and the mechanical properties of irons, steels, copper, and aluminum. Structure and mechanical properties of wood, masonry, cements, concrete, polymers, and fiber-reinforced polymers. Fracture, fatigue, corrosion, decay, moisture, and radiation damage functions.

Prerequisites
Antirequisites
  • Not completed nor concurrently enrolled in any of the following:
    • CIVE265 - Structure and Properties of Materials (0.50)

Calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2026Course outlines

AE 279 Energy and the Environment0.50 units

Fundamentals of thermodynamic analysis. Internal energy, enthalpy, and specific heats of solids, liquids, and gases. Energy transfer with heat, work, and mass flow. Energy balances for control-mass and control-volume systems. Heat engines, refrigerators, and heat pumps. Overview of selected renewable and non-renewable energy technologies, including photovoltaics. Environmental implications of energy use.

Prerequisites
Antirequisites
  • Not completed nor concurrently enrolled in any of the following:
    • BME384 - Biomedical Transport: Biofluids and Mass Transfer (0.50)
    • CHE330 - Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics (0.50)
    • ENVE279 - Energy and the Environment (0.50)
    • ME250 - Thermodynamics 1 (0.50)
    • MTE309 - Introduction to Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer (0.50)
    • SYDE381 - Thermodynamics (0.50)

Calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2026Course outlines

AE 280 Fluid Mechanics and Thermal Sciences0.50 units

An introduction to fluid mechanics and thermal sciences. Aspects of heat transfer via conduction, convection, and radiation. Fluid properties. Fluid statics. Bernoulli equation. The momentum equation and applications. Laminar and turbulent flow. Dimensionless numbers. Closed conduit flow. Pipe network analysis. Steady flow in pipes.

Prerequisites
Antirequisites
  • Not completed nor concurrently enrolled in any of the following:

Calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2026Course outlines

AE 298 Seminar

General seminar.

Prerequisites

Calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2026Course outlines

AE 299 Seminar

General seminar.

Prerequisites

Calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2026Course outlines

AE 300 Architectural Engineering Studio 10.50 units

Comprehensive mid-sized community building design project(s) in collaboration with the School of Architecture. Integration of structure, systems, and architecture explored with case studies. Preparation of construction drawings and specifications.

Prerequisites
  • Complete all of the following
    • Must have completed the following:
      • AE225 - Environmental Building Systems Studio (0.50)
    • Students must be in level 3A or higher
    • Enrolled in H-Architectural Engineering

Calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2026Course outlines

AE 301 Building Enclosure Systems0.50 units

A review of the functions of the building enclosure, and materials, systems and sub-systems used in modern building construction of new and retrofit of existing buildings. Interaction of the enclosure, mechanical systems, and structure, the importance of construction process and quality control, as well as the implications to sustainability will be considered.

Prerequisites
  • Must have completed the following:
    • AE300 - Architectural Engineering Studio 1 (0.50)

Calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2026Course outlines

AE 303 Structural Analysis0.50 units

Analysis of statically indeterminate structures using force and displacement methods. Influence lines for determinate and indeterminate structures. Introduction to the matrix stiffness method. Computer applications using commercial structural analysis software.

Prerequisites
Antirequisites
  • Not completed nor concurrently enrolled in any of the following:
    • CIVE303 - Structural Analysis (0.50)

Calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2026Course outlines

AE 310 Introduction to Structural Design0.75 units

Introduction to structural systems. Systems for carrying gravity and lateral loads in buildings. Structural design concepts. Analysis and design of concrete beams and one-way slabs. Design of steel beams and tension members. Comparison of steel and concrete framing systems.

Prerequisites
Antirequisites
  • Not completed nor concurrently enrolled in any of the following:
    • CIVE310 - Introduction to Structural Design (0.75)

Calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2026Course outlines

AE 311 Introduction to Structural Design0.50 units

Introduction to structural systems for buildings and fundamental design concepts. Analysis and design of reinforced concrete beams and one-way slabs, and common steel frame members such as beams and axially loaded members.

Prerequisites
Antirequisites
Cross-listed
CIVE 311

Calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2026Course outlines

AE 315 Building Structural Systems0.50 units

A review of different structural systems and materials with a focus on constructability, sustainability, economy, and performance. Concrete, steel, wood, masonry, and polymer materials, as well as framed, hybrid, shear wall, cable stayed, tension, and inflatable systems will be covered. The selection of systems as a function of occupancy, scale, labour, economy, geography, and climate will be introduced.

Prerequisites
  • Must have completed the following:
    • AE200 - Enclosure Design Studio (0.50)

Calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2026Course outlines

AE 325 Architectural Engineering Studio 20.50 units

Comprehensive large multi-storey building design project(s) in collaboration with the School of Architecture. Integration of structure, systems, and architecture explored with case studies. Preparation of construction drawings and specifications.

Prerequisites
  • Complete all of the following
    • Must have completed the following:
      • AE300 - Architectural Engineering Studio 1 (0.50)
    • Students must be in level 3B or higher
    • Enrolled in H-Architectural Engineering

Calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2026Course outlines

AE 353 Soil Mechanics and Foundations0.50 units

An introduction to soil mechanics principles including state of stress, ground water flow, consolidation and shear strength. An introduction to design of shallow and deep foundations. Earth pressure theories and design of retaining walls.

Prerequisites

Calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2026Course outlines

AE 377 Structural Timber Design0.50 units

An introduction to the behaviour of wood as an engineering material and design of timber structures based on limit states design principles. Topics include materials behaviour, selection and design of structural timber members and systems, including beams, joists, columns, connections, shearwalls, and diaphragms.

Prerequisites

Calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2026Course outlines

AE 392 Economics and Life Cycle Cost Analysis0.50 units

Project financing, life-cycle cost analysis, time value of money, sensitivity analyses, tax, financial implications of infrastructure projects, quantitative decision-making, financial aspects of a business plan.

Prerequisites
Cross-listed
CIVE 392, ENVE 392, GEOE 392

Calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2026Course outlines

AE 398 Seminar

General seminar.

Prerequisites

Calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2026Course outlines

AE 399 Seminar

General seminar.

Prerequisites

Calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2026Course outlines

AE 400 Project Studio 10.50 units

Students undertake a team-based architectural engineering design project during two terms of their program. The purpose of the project is to demonstrate students' abilities to practice in their chosen area of expertise, using knowledge gained from their academic and employment experiences. Projects integrate all relevant aspects (e.g., structure, constructability, mechanical, and enclosure) within appropriate defined social, economic, environmental, political, and technical constraints. Project management and sustainability considerations will be emphasized.

Prerequisites
  • Complete all of the following
    • Must have completed the following:
      • AE325 - Architectural Engineering Studio 2 (0.50)
    • Students must be in level 4A or higher
    • Enrolled in H-Architectural Engineering

Calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2026Course outlines

AE 405 Building Performance Measurement Lab0.50 units

Introduction to the framework and techniques for measuring the performance of buildings during construction, commissioning, and occupancy. Assessment methods and testing standards for topics such as structural damage, stiffness and vibration, durability, rain penetration, air leakage, hygrothermal performance, HV AC system performance, indoor environmental quality, and energy performance will be discussed.

Prerequisites
  • Must have completed the following:
    • AE280 - Fluid Mechanics and Thermal Sciences (0.50)

Calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2026Course outlines

AE 425 Project Studio 20.50 units

The course is a continuation of AE 400. The final design of the major architectural engineering project proposed in AE 400 will be undertaken. The purpose of this phase of the project is to carry out a detailed team-based technical design of the project defined and initiated in AE 400. Requirements of this part of the two-term project include a symposium presentation and a final report.

Prerequisites
  • Complete all of the following

Calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2026Course outlines

AE 450 Building Service Systems0.50 units

Heating, ventilating, cooling, filtration, plumbing, lighting, transport, data transmission, security, control, and life safety systems in buildings will be studied, in terms of function, performance, economics, construction, renovation, regulation, and sustainability. The interaction of systems, especially the environmental control systems, with the enclosures and structural systems in design and construction will be specifically considered.

Prerequisites
  • Must have completed the following:
    • AE279 - Energy and the Environment (0.50)

Calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2026Course outlines

AE 491 Engineering Law and Ethics0.50 units

Background (Charter of Rights and Freedoms), contracts, torts (negligent malpractice), forms of carrying on business, professional practice (Professional Engineers Act, joint practice rules, professional misconduct and sexual harassment), alternate dispute resolution, construction liens, intellectual property (patents, trade marks, copyrights and industrial designs), labour relations and employment law, environmental law.

Prerequisites
Antirequisites
  • Not completed nor concurrently enrolled in any of the following:
    • CIVE491 - Engineering Law and Ethics (0.50)

Calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2026Course outlines

AE 495 Design Intensive Special Topics in Architectural Engineering0.50 units

A special topics course on design intensive advanced topics in architectural engineering is offered from time to time, when resources are available. For the current offering, inquire at the Department.

Calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2026Course outlines

AE 497 Special Topics in Architectural Engineering0.50 units

A special topics course on advanced topics in architectural engineering is offered from time to time, when resources are available. For the current offering, inquire at the Department.

Calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2026Course outlines

AE 498 Seminar

General seminar.

Prerequisites

Calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2026Course outlines

AE 499 Seminar

General seminar.

Prerequisites

Calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2026Course outlines

AE 572 Building Energy Analysis0.50 units

Introduction to whole-building energy analysis. Energy auditing, benchmarking, and simulation. Review of relevant concepts in heat transfer and thermodynamics, including introductory psychrometrics. Interactive effects of building elements, systems, and occupant behaviour. Economic and environmental impacts of building energy use.

Prerequisites
Cross-listed
ME 572

Calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2026Course outlines

AE 573 HVAC Systems, Equipment, and Energy Efficiency0.50 units

Selected topics in HVAC systems design with focus on energy-efficiency and environmental-sustainability. Heating and cooling distribution using air-, water-, and refrigerant-based systems. Constant- and variable-flow systems. Heat- and energy-recovery systems. Vapour-compression refrigeration and heat-pump systems (including air- and geothermal-source heat pumps).

Prerequisites
Cross-listed
ME 573

Calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2026Course outlines

AE 585 Air Quality Engineering and Impacts0.50 units

This course introduces air quality, design of engineering solutions, and associated health and economic impacts. It includes topics focused on the indoor environment, the outdoor environment, or both, such as air pollution sources, emission estimation, control strategies, measurement, modelling methods, health impact assessment, cost-benefit analysis, technical policy analysis, and co-impacts with climate change.

Prerequisites
Cross-listed
ENVE 585

Calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2026Course outlines

Graduate

From the Fall 2026 Graduate Calendar.

AE 601 Comprehensive Building Design Studio0.50 units

This Comprehensive Building Design Studio is in collaboration with the School of Architecture. Integration of structure, systems, and enclosure assemblies is explored in the process. Preparation of construction drawings and specifications with a concern for technical material, environmental and legal aspects of architecture will be addressed.

Antirequisites
  • Not completed nor concurrently enrolled in:

Calendar entryRequirements, Fall 2026Course outlines