Master of Engineering - Integrated Wood Design

Students come from a variety of undergraduate programs from British Columbia, Canada, and all over the world to develop the knowledge and design skills that will contribute to the evolution and innovation occurring in the construction industry.

Five Pillars of Instruction:

1. Wood Mechanics & Timber Structures - Students gain a deep understanding of wood. Starting with an understanding of the supply chain, students come to appreciate the sustainable nature of wood, its unique structure, its living nature, and its strengths and weaknesses, in relationship to other commonly used building materials.

2. Building Science - Students will learn how to evaluate and design modern buildings, focusing on fire, acoustics, energy efficiency, healthy living and durability.

3. Sustainability - Students study and come to appreciate a range of state-of-the-art sustainable designs and how those designs fit within the broader social and political context of sustainability.

4. Hands-on Experience - The only way to experience wood is to work with it, as it is one of the most complex building materials. Students build small-scale structures to explore the versatility and complexity of wood structures. Community or industry internships may be included.

5. Team Work - At the core of successful design teams is the ability to communicate effectively and integrate different points of view. Students undertaking this program are immersed in the science and art of design team work. Multi-disciplinary teams work together throughout the program to build effective communication skills by working with individuals with diverse backgrounds and a wide range of experts such as technical experts, professional engineers, architects, and community members.