The Bachelor of Science in architectural engineering program learning outcomes (PLOs) align with the ABET accreditation requirements for architectural engineering and with the architectural engineer’s Professional Engineer test requirements. The Bachelor of Science in architectural engineering has 16 PLOs targeting foundational, technical, and professional competencies that students acquire upon degree completion.
Foundational Program Learning Outcomes
- Apply knowledge of mathematics through differential equations to architectural engineering problems.
- Apply knowledge of physical sciences to architectural engineering problems.
- Recognize and incorporate cultural, historical, and social behavior considerations, including human performance, as well as knowledge of contemporary issues, in the development, analysis, and evaluation of solutions to engineering and societal problems.
Technical Program Learning Outcomes
- Analyze and solve problems in engineering sciences, including mechanics of materials, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and electricity.
- Select and conduct engineering laboratory and field experiments, and analyze and evaluate resulting data.
- Design a system or process in at least one of the design specialties to meet desired needs within realistic constraints, including building codes and regulations, sustainability, health and safety, comfort, ethical, environmental, constructability, economic, and social.
- Apply relevant knowledge, techniques, skills and modern engineering tools to identify, formulate and solve engineering problems, including problems in: a) designing, building, and operating mechanical systems; b) designing and building structural systems; d) designing, building and operating electrical power and lighting systems.
- Recognize and explain architectural design and history concepts, and incorporate considerations to solve architectural engineering problems.
- Apply basic principles of project management and construction management to the design, construction and operation of building systems, according to building regulations and standards.
- Identify and articulate the importance of sustainability to architectural engineering and apply its principles, including those related to high-performance buildings, energy efficiency, materials selection, and embedded systems, to the design of building systems.
- Solve architectural engineering problems by integrating knowledge from at least two of the design specialties – mechanical, structural, or electrical – with knowledge of architectural design and/or construction management.
Technical Specializations
- Structural Building Systems Track: Analyze, design and evaluate structural elements and systems according to the IBC model building code, using loads from the ASCE/SEI Standard ASCE/SEI-7 and specific material codes such as the ACI Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete and the AISC Steel Construction Manual.
- Mechanical Building Systems Track: Analyze and design HVAC and plumbing systems and controls for buildings, including interface with renewables and energy performance, according to building codes and standards specifications, such as ASHRAE’s, using the principles of engineering, fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, and building energy simulation.
Professional Program Learning Outcomes
- Organize and deliver effective verbal, written, quantitative and graphical communications, including through architectural drawings.
- Function in interdisciplinary teams for the design and construction of buildings and apply best practices of leadership to direct such teams to solve problems.
- Explain the need for continuous learning and demonstrate the ability for self-directed study without formal instructions.
- Explain the role of professional licensure, globalization, business and ethics, which govern engineering practice.