Overview
The Mechanical Engineering Technology, Mechanical Systems option prepares you for the jobs of the future by teaching you about designing and installing environmental systems in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. Graduates will be equipped with skills to apply them at work in the rapidly evolving green economy.
About the program
Start your career with the specialty diploma in Mechanical Engineering Technology, Mechanical Systems option. This program option concentrates on providing comprehensive engineering skills that can be applied in:
- Heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC)
- Plumbing and fire protection systems
- Energy management
- Energy conversion
These systems provide comfortable, healthy, safe environments for buildings that are energy-efficient and cost-effective.
Entrance Requirements
Find out more about getting started in the program!
If the Mechanical Systems program interests you, review the entrance requirements. If you have questions regarding the entrance requirements and equivalents, please contact Program Advising.
If you qualify, you may want to attend an information session or spend-a-day exploring the program. You’ll meet students and instructors, and get a hands-on feel for what the program is about.
Application processing
Open to applications beginning October 1st (or next business day).
Entrance requirements
Applicants must meet all entrance requirements and will be accepted on a first qualified basis as long as space remains.
- English language proficiency: Category 2 – English Studies 12 (67%) or equivalent
- Physics 11 (73%)
- Chemistry 11 (67%)
- Math: one of the following:
- Pre-Calculus 12 (73%) or
- Other acceptable BC and Yukon courses
Continuation requirements
The Mechanical Engineering Technology diploma and the Mechanical Engineering degree share a common first year. Near the end of first year, students rank their preferences for the next year(s) of the program:
- Diploma (one additional year) options are:
- Mechanical Design
- Mechanical Manufacturing
- Mechanical Systems
- Degree (three additional years)
- Bachelor of Engineering
The number of positions in the degree and in each of the diploma options is limited. When demand exceeds capacity, entry is competitive and based on GPA in the first year of the program. See each program page for additional requirements.
International applicants
This program is available to international applicants. A valid study permit is required prior to starting the program.
Students enrolled in this program must complete the mandatory work component to qualify for graduation. A co-op work permit is required prior to starting the work component.
Apply to program
All applicants should apply to Mechanical Engineering Technology, Diploma (Levels 1 – 4).
To submit your application:
- Include proof of meeting all entrance requirements.
- Convert all transcripts and supporting documents to PDF files.
- Have a credit card ready to pay the application fee.
Apply Now
Technology entry
The Technology Entry (TE) program is a full-time, day school program which provides academic upgrading to students wishing to enroll in Computing, Engineering, Electronic, and Health Sciences programs at BCIT.
The TE program provides courses in chemistry, communication, mathematics, and physics that meet program prerequisites for selected programs at BCIT. The TE program also includes an introductory course in computer applications and a learning skills course. The program is supportive to those who require English-language training.
myCommunication
Within two business days of submitting your completed application, BCIT will send a message to your personal and myBCIT email addresses. All correspondence regarding your application will be posted to your online myCommunication account at my.bcit.ca. We will send you an email when a new message is posted. It is important to watch for these emails or regularly check your account online.
You can expect to receive communication concerning the status of your application within four weeks.
Advanced Placement
Conditions
You may be eligible to apply to an advanced level of the program through either re-admission or direct entry. Please note that applications are considered based on:
- Complete applications: you must show proof that you have completed (or are registered in) all requirements to be considered.
- Competitive entry: if the number of applicants exceeds available seats, BCIT will accept those deemed to have the best opportunity for success.
- Seat availability: confirmation may not be available until approximately one week before the term begins.
Re-admission
You may apply for re-admission if you:
- Have completed part of this program at BCIT but discontinued without finishing
- Have completed one option of the diploma program and want to complete a second diploma option or the degree
Submit the Technology Re-admission Form [PDF] with your application.
Applications are accepted throughout the year. However, to be considered for the September entry of the degree program, you must submit your application by April 15.
Ready to submit your application? Apply now.
Direct entry
You can apply for direct entry if you:
- are a new applicant to this program but already completed an equivalent part of it at BCIT or elsewhere and
- want to apply to an advanced level.
BCIT accepts complete applications from:
- February 1st* to October 31st* for level 2 (January start)
- October 1st* to March 31st* for level 3 (September start)
*or next business day
Submit the following with your online application:
- Proof of meeting all general entrance requirements
- Course-by-Course Self-Assessment Form [PDF] showing that you have completed (or are registered in) all level 1 courses (applicants to level 2 or 3) and all level 2 course (applicants to level 3 only) or equivalents*
- Official transcripts and course outlines for all previous education
Applicants who completed post-secondary studies outside of Canada, United States, United Kingdom, Australia or New Zealand will require a comprehensive evaluation of their credentials by the International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES). Credential evaluation reports from other Canadian services may be considered. These reports must include course-by-course evaluations and GPA calculations. - Resume, outlining previous education and work experience
*Details provided for equivalent courses must outline course descriptions, learning outcomes, and topics covered. Generally, to qualify for credit, the equivalent course(s) must have been completed within five years with a minimum of 65%, and have 80% or more commonality in the topics covered at a level that is comparable or higher. If relevant education was completed more than five years prior, substantial related work experience is required.
Ready to submit your application? Apply now.
Direct entry FAQs
- When should I apply?
- What if I don’t receive credit for all courses in the preceding term?
- Can I appeal the assessment of equivalency?
- What will happen if I cannot complete all required courses before the term starts?
- When will I be accepted?
- What do I do if I have already completed a level 2 or 3 course?
- When will I get my timetable?
- When can I buy my books?
It is recommended that you apply when you have met all of the entrance requirements. If you are currently registered in a course(s), please indicate this on the self-assessment form.
The program may suggest BCIT flexible learning (part-time studies) courses that need to be completed prior to term start. In some circumstances, the program may identify courses that can be taken concurrently. Most students are required to make up one or more courses.
You may appeal in writing. Be prepared to supply addition information or clarification to your original submission. You have 10 days to accept or appeal (in writing) the ‘Second Assessment’ that you receive by email.
All courses must be completed prior to term start unless the program has identified a course that can be taken concurrently or that can be deferred until a later term.
Once your application has been assessed and has been approved for direct entry, a seat must become available in the program you have selected. The Admissions department must wait until the current students obtain their final grades in either December, May, or August to determine how many seats will become available for direct entry applicants.
If you have already completed a course either at another institution or through part-time studies at BCIT, you must apply for course credit/exemption as soon as you have been accepted to the program. You should attend classes until you receive formal written notice that you have been granted course credit. Please note that this will not reduce your tuition fees.
Print your timetable one day prior to class start by logging into my.bcit.ca and going to Student Self-Service. You must be registered in your courses in order to access this feature.
It is recommended that you wait until the first week of classes before buying textbooks. Your instructors will tell you which books to buy.
To register for a Flexible Learning (Part-time Studies) course, visit Register for Flexible Learning courses or contact Student Information and Enrolment Services.
Still have questions? Review the Admissions FAQ or contact Program Advising.
Costs & Supplies
Find out how much you will need to complete your diploma in Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Systems option!
The information below will help you determine the cost of taking the program and assist you in developing a budget for your two years of study. If you have concerns about being able to afford the program, please visit Financial Aid to learn how you can benefit from financial assistance.
Tuition fees
Use our tuition estimator to find tuition and fees for this program.
For more information on full-time tuition and fees, visit:
Books & supplies
Level 1: $680; Level 2: $280; Level 3: $285; Level 4: $260
(general estimated cost as of 2020, and subject to change)
Financial assistance
Financial assistance may be available for this program. For more information, please contact Student Financial Aid and Awards.
Courses
All the Mechanical Engineering programs share a common first year of studies. In the first year of the program, emphasis is put on building the foundations of engineering in topics such as communications, mathematics, applied and natural science. Other courses introduce 2D and 3D computer-aided design, machine shop practice and computing.
In the second year of the program, there is an emphasis on learning key engineering concepts and how those concepts may be applied to solving real-life problems. You will be challenged with higher-level problems and applications in mechanical engineering, culminating in a final project that encompasses many topics that you have learned.
Mechanical term structure
Each year of the program is divided into two terms. The first term runs from September to December (about 15 weeks), and the second term runs from January to the end of May (about 20 weeks), with a one week break in the middle.
The program matrix below will show how courses are structured over terms and you will be able to access course descriptions and course outlines.
Program matrix
| Level 1 (15 weeks) |
Credits | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Common Core: Levels 1 and 2 are common to all Mechanical Engineering options. |
|||
| CHSC 1105 | Engineering Materials 1 | 4.0 | |
| COMM 1169 | Technical Communication 1 for Mechanical Engineering | 3.0 | |
| MATH 1491 | Basic Technical Mathematics for Mechanical | 5.0 | |
| MECH 1001 | Introduction to Mechanical Engineering | 1.5 | |
| MECH 1102 | Engineering Graphics 1 | 6.0 | |
| MECH 1141 | Statics | 4.0 | |
| MECH 1171 | Computer Applications and Programming | 4.0 | |
| Level 2 (20 weeks) | Credits | ||
| CHSC 2205 | Engineering Materials 2 | 5.5 | |
| MATH 2491 | Calculus for Mechanical | 6.5 | |
| MECH 1210 | Manufacturing Processes | 5.5 | |
| MECH 2202 | Engineering Graphics 2 | 6.5 | |
| MECH 2240 | Strength of Materials | 5.5 | |
| MECH 2241 | Dynamics | 5.5 | |
| PHYS 2149 | Physics for Mechanical | 5.5 | |
| Level 3 (15 weeks) | Credits | ||
| ELEX 2845 | Electrical Equipment | 4.0 | |
| MATH 3494 | Statistics for Mechanical Technologists | 4.0 | |
| MECH 3325 | Fluid Mechanics | 4.0 | |
| MECH 3360 | Engineering Management | 4.0 | |
| MSYS 3381 | Drafting for Mechanical Systems | 4.0 | |
| MSYS 3382 | Heat/Cool Load Analysis | 4.0 | |
| MSYS 3386 | Heating Systems | 7.0 | |
| Level 4 (20 weeks) | Credits | ||
| COMM 2269 | Technical Communication 2 for Mechanical Engineering | 4.0 | |
| MECH 0460 | Ethics for Technologists | ||
| MECH 4422 | Thermal Engineering | 5.5 | |
| MSYS 4450 | Instrumentation and Controls* | 3.5 | |
| MSYS 4475 | Building Construction and Project Management | 4.0 | |
| MSYS 4480 | Air Conditioning Systems | 6.5 | |
| MSYS 4486 | Energy Management* | 2.5 | |
| MSYS 4489 | Plumbing and Fire Protection Systems | 6.5 | |
| MSYS 4490 | Systems Projects | 5.5 | |
| * denotes a half-term course | |||
| Total Credits: | 137.0 | ||
Transfer credit
Do you have credits from another BC/Yukon post-secondary school? Do you want to know if they transfer to courses here at BCIT? Check out BCIT's Transfer Equivalency Database to find out.
Program Details
Mechanical Systems
Learn how to design energy-efficient and economically practical equipment in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. The Mechanical Systems option focuses on providing comfortable, healthy, safe environments using heating, ventilating, air conditioning, plumbing, environmental controls, and fire protection systems.
How will I learn?
Your studies will be a blend of classroom lectures and practical laboratory sessions using the latest software and equipment. Small-group tutorials guide you through real-world examples and teach you how to solve problems.
Most of our labs offer individual computer-equipped workstations with specialized applications installed. The labs also provide test equipment, measurement instruments, experiment platforms, and sample industrial components.
All students participate in a final project in the second year of the program. The project is an integral program component and incorporates many of the topics you have learned. You may be required to participate in work experience activities at an industry sponsor’s regular place of business.
Program length
Two years, full-time beginning in September each year.
Safety requirements
Your safety is our priority. Students will be required to use a variety of machinery and abide by safety requirements including wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety footwear, safety eye and face protection, respiratory protection, protective clothing, and other protective equipment as required. To protect from entanglement, students will have to remove jewelry such as rings, bracelets, necklaces, and watches and secure loose clothing and hair. Details will be covered in the program.Additional program options
Accreditation
Students may apply for student membership with the Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of British Columbia (ASTTBC). Graduates may apply to ASTTBC for registration as an Applied Science Technologist (AScT).
Program delivery
In person: This program is delivered on campus.
Program location
Burnaby Campus
3700 Willingdon Avenue
Burnaby, BC
Continue your education
Graduates of the diploma program have several options for completing a degree:
- The Mechanical Engineering program at BCIT reserves several positions for graduates of BCIT’s Mechanical Engineering diploma programs.
- The Engineering Bridge program at Camosun College enables students to complete their engineering degrees at the University of British Columbia or the University of Victoria.
- Lakehead University offers engineering degree completion opportunities for graduate engineering technologists.
Graduating & Jobs
Explore the great opportunities in Mechanical Systems!
A great future awaits you when you complete your education and training in Mechanical Systems. As a technologist, you will have a real edge in the job market working for a broad range of excellent employers.
What’s in it for you?
A rewarding job as a technologist
A BCIT diploma opens the door to an exciting job as a technologist – a technical expert who helps others by solving a wide range of technical problems. Technologists are respected as hard-working, creative, and knowledgeable people.
An edge in the job market
A BCIT diploma shows potential employers that you are accomplished, focused, and serious about your chosen career path. Our programs and courses provide both fundamental theoretical knowledge and hands-on practical skills to help you “hit the ground running” in a new job. Graduates say that BCIT was extremely helpful in preparing them for employment.
A broad range of employment possibilities
The job market for mechanical engineering technologists is great. Almost every major economic sector needs people with these skills. Qualified technologists are well-paid and in high demand. Graduates can work in technical sales, project management, technical communication, and many other fields in addition to the traditional engineering areas.
Some of the many employers of BCIT’s Mechanical Engineering Technologist Graduates include:
Graduate employment outcomes
The BCIT student outcomes report presents summary findings from the annual survey of former students administered by BC Stats one to two years after graduation. These reports combine the last three years of available results for the 2021-2023 BCIT Outcomes Surveys of 2020-2022 graduates and for Degree 2019-2021 graduates. The reports are organized into three-page summaries containing information on graduates’ labour market experiences and opinions regarding their education. More detailed information can be accessed at the BC Student Outcomes website.
To view these results, you may need to have the Adobe Acrobat Reader installed in your Web browser.
Faculty, Advisors & Staff
A team of committed educators, staff and industry advisors work hard to help make students successful in their Mechanical Engineering Technology program.
You will learn from experienced instructors, many who are professional mechanical engineers with advanced degrees. Our faculty come from a wide spectrum of industrial backgrounds and continue to maintain close ties with industry.
Faculty
Skai Edwards, MSc, P.Eng.
Program Head, Mechanical Systems
Tel: 604-432-8541
Email: skai_edwards@bcit.ca
Mohammad Alemi, PhD, P.Eng.
Program Head, Mechanical Manufacturing
Tel: 604-456-8044
Email: malemi3@bcit.ca
Vahid Askari, PhD, P.Eng.
Faculty
Tel: 604-431-4906
Email: vaskari@bcit.ca
Tayfun Aydin, PhD, P.Eng.
Faculty
Tel: 604-432-8926
Email: Tayfun_Aydin@bcit.ca
Henry Chang, PhD, P.L.Eng
Faculty
Tel: 604-432-8923
Email: Henry_Chang@bcit.ca
Olivian Ciobanu, PhD, P.Eng.
Faculty
Tel: 604-451-6831
Email: ociobanu@bcit.ca
Johan Fourie, PhD, P.Eng.
Faculty
Tel: 604-453-4013
Email: Johan_Fourie@bcit.ca
Shervin Jannesar, PhD, P.Eng.
Program Head, Mechanical First Year
Tel: 604-456-1252
Email: sjannesar@bcit.ca
Lee McClelland, BASc
Faculty
Tel: 604-456-8032
Email: lee_mcclelland@bcit.ca
Koorosh Nikfetrat, PhD, P.Eng.
Faculty
Tel: 604-451-6829
Email: Koorosh_Nikfetrat@bcit.ca
Cyrus Raoufi, PhD, P.Eng.
Program Head, Mechanical Design
Tel: 604-432-8331
Email: Cyrus_Raoufi@bcit.ca
Martin Strange, BEng, P.Eng.
Program Head, BEng, Mechanical Engineering
Tel: 604-432-8332
Email: mstrange@bcit.ca
David Stropky, PhD, P.Eng.
Faculty
Tel: 604-451-6827
Email: David_Stropky@bcit.ca
Mehrzad Tabatabaian, PhD, P.Eng.
Faculty
Tel: 604-456-1104
Email: Mehrzad_Tabatabaian@bcit.ca
Rageey Youssef, PhD, P.Eng.
Faculty
Tel: 604-432-8638
Email: Rageey_Youssef@bcit.ca
Assistant instructors
Ranbir Ajji, DiplT
Assistant Instructor
Tel: 604-432-8663
Email: ranbir_ajji@bcit.ca
Brian Ennis, BTech, MEd
Assistant Instructor
Tel: 604-451-6830
Email: Brian_Ennis@bcit.ca
Paul Lee, BEng
Assistant Instructor
Tel: 604-432-8755
Email: paul_lee@bcit.ca
Ali Mohammad-Vali, BEng, P.Eng.
Assistant Instructor
Tel: 604-432-8971
Email: ali_mohammad_vali@bcit.ca
Maejor Sidhu, MEng, P.Eng.
Assistant Instructor
Tel: 604-451-6708
Email: maejor_sidhu@bcit.ca
Technical staff
Christopher Townsend, DipIT
Technician
Tel: 604-451-6724
Email: ctownsend@bcit.ca
Staff
Jeanie Chan, P.Eng, MASc, BEMP
Associate Dean
Tel: 604-432-8280
Email: Jeanie_Chan@bcit.ca
Courtney Neish
Administrative Assistant
Tel: 604-432-8274
Email: Courtney_Neish@bcit.ca
Melissa Hart
Program Assistant
Tel: 604-451-6868
Email: Melissa_Hart@bcit.ca
Advisory committee
An advisory board of experts in this field, from some of B.C.’s top companies, helps us keep our program and courses up to date with the latest research and industry trends.
Ron Braun
Flow Consulting Group
Dan Lee
Williams Engineering Canada Ltd.
Greg Lee
WSP Engineering
John Makepeace
Jadewest Engineering Co. Ltd.
Gordon McDonald
Introba
Mike Vesterback
National Hydronics Group
Baxter Wong
Rocky Point Engineering Ltd.
Testimonial
Leendace Perez, graduate of Mechanical Engineering – Systems
“Upon graduating high school, I knew that BCIT was where I wanted to do my post-secondary studies. My older sister did her education at BCIT and I saw the opportunities it brought to her, so it made my decision to enter the institute even easier. I also recognized that BCIT was known for giving students practical knowledge and hands-on experience.
When I finally settled on applying to the Mechanical Engineering program, I knew that the hands-on experience I would experience at BCIT would further develop my knowledge in Mechanical Engineering.
The Mechanical Engineering program at BCIT offers students different paths to take. One path leads to a bachelor’s degree and the rest will lead students to a diploma.
When I first started my education at BCIT, I wanted to pursue a degree, but as time went on, I found myself questioning if that was the path for me.
At the beginning of my second semester of first year, the CSME club held an industry night. This was the perfect chance to see what each path leads to after graduation.
I saw a booth and it looked like the company worked on buildings. I’ve always loved buildings and architecture, so I went to check it out. While I was at the booth, I got to learn more about what projects the company pursues and I was instantly drawn in. I ended up spending the whole night there.
To cut a long story short, going to that booth solidified my decision to take the Mechanical Systems option and graduate with a diploma. One of the people at the booth graduated from BCIT with his diploma. He made it very clear that the Systems option was intensive, but it gave students a good stepping stone for transitioning to work in the industry.
The Systems option has specific courses that dial down on the most important aspects of HVAC and Plumbing design. Courses like Load Analysis and Plumbing & Fire Protection prepare students for what’s to come when they are in the industry. Throughout all of second year, the students are exposed to AutoCAD and Revit. Knowing how to use these programs gives students a big advantage when they enter the workforce.
Furthermore, students in the Systems option are guaranteed a project sponsor for their Capstone. In my opinion, the Capstone project was what prepared me the most for the industry. It challenged me to work with an assigned partner, coordinate our designs, schedule meetings, and communicate with our sponsor.
Finding a job in the HVAC and Plumbing industry after graduating from BCIT with a Mechanical Systems Diploma was not hard. The industry is rapidly growing, and employers recognize that the students who graduate from the Systems option will easily tackle what is put in front of them.”
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