Find Out What You Could Learn During Your Architectural Engineering Degree College Course
This article will explain what you should expect to learn if you study for a bachelor degree in Architectural Engineering, which is sometimes referred to as Building Engineering. There is an important difference between architects and architectural engineers. Architectural engineers are trained to use engineering principles as they apply during the design and construction of buildings. An architectural engineering degree is recognized as an excellent qualification fitting a person for a career in this branch of engineering.
You may be confused about the difference between an architect and an architectural engineer. An architect is interested in designing buildings, and he may be more interested in the aesthetic qualities of the building rather than in its methods of construction. Whereas an architectural engineer is trained to use engineering principles, techniques and technologies to ensure that the building is fit for purpose.
A degree level course in architectural engineering will start to educate the new engineer in the technologies applicable to buildings. Electrical, mechanical, structural and civil engineering branches will all be studied. Students will also learn about CAD (Computer Aided Design) techniques and tools.
Under the topic of structural engineering the student will learn about the strengths and properties of different materials, and different structures. He will learn how to choose the best materials for his building, and how to analyze the ability of the structure to withstand the stresses faced in the environment. These will include the force of gravity (no-one will want a building which falls down under its own weight!), wind loads, and even earthquake loads.
As well as ensuring that the building does not fall down the architectural engineer will be responsible for planning the services which are necessary for the correct functioning of the building. Heating and lighting systems, plumbing and air-conditioning systems must all be designed and installed. Knowledge of many disciplines is needed by the architectural engineer. For instance thermodynamics, fluid mechanics and electrical engineering are all relevant when designing an HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning) installation.
In the United States and Canada formal education for architectural engineering is widespread. Architectural engineering is recognized in North America as a distinct engineering discipline and degrees in architectural engineering are offered by more than 50 colleges. A bachelors degree will offer good employment prospects. Like all engineering degrees a strong school background in mathematics and science is important if you wish to succeed. Degrees which are certified by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) will provide the best prospects for subsequent employment.
If you are interested in architectural engineering as a career then at school you will need to concentrate on science, especially physics, and mathematics. All engineering courses require good mathematical knowledge and architectural engineering is no exception.
During the degree course students are advised to seek out co-op or intern opportunities. Many colleges will have intern programs and these will be a great help in gaining real life engineering experience. This intern experience will make a useful addition to the resume of any student, and will help when job hunting after graduation.
You should expect to put in a lot of hard work over the four (or more) years of your architectural engineering degree course. If you succeed, then you should find many interesting career options ahead of you.
Looking for more information on what you will be studying in an Architectural Engineering Degree college course? Get the low down now in our comprehensive Degree in Architectural Engineering review.