The Bachelor of Architectural Studies, Honours Architecture academic program includes eight terms of study, six four-month co-op work terms (of which five are required to graduate), and one "off-term." The work terms must be pre-approved by Co-operative Education.
Note
The "off-term" in the Bachelor of Architectural Studies academic program follows the first two terms of study (from September to April) in Year One. Students may use the "off-term" as a vacation period or they may seek temporary employment. Any employment arrangements made for the "off-term" are the student's own responsibility. If architecture related employment is obtained during the "off-term" following 1B, it will not be considered as a replacement for any subsequent work term requirement.
Students wishing to take time off from school or going on an exchange opportunity must complete a Study/Work Sequence change form.
Although co-op begins in 2A, admission is made at the time of the initial application to the University.
Professional Development - Architecture
There are a total of five Professional Development courses, four Professional Development for Architecture (PDARCH) courses, and one Professional Development course (PD) required for the Bachelor of Architectural Studies (BAS) degree. These courses are normally taken during work terms and students are expected to enrol in one such course each off or work term until the requirement has been completed.
In the event that a student has taken a PDARCH course in each work term, but has failed the most recent PDARCH course, the student may request permission to repeat in a subsequent academic term the PDARCH course that was failed. Students should contact their advisors to determine if they qualify for this alternative. Failed PDARCH and PD courses contribute towards the accumulated fail count.
It is recommended that the PDARCH courses be taken in the sequence set out in the chart below. In the instance of the fifth Professional Development course, students are permitted to enrol in one of the following WatPD elective courses that deal with issues directly relevant to the architectural workplace: Communication (PD 3), Teamwork (PD 4), Project Management (PD 5), Problem Solving (PD 6), Conflict Resolution (PD 7), Intercultural Skills (PD 8), Ethical Decision Making (PD 9), Professional Responsibility in Computing (PD 10), or Reflection and Learning in the Workplace (PD 12).
| Term |
Co-op and Professional Development Requirements |
| 1A Fall |
Academic study |
| 1B Winter |
Academic study |
| Spring |
PDARCH 1: Portfolio Development |
| 2A Fall |
Academic study
PDARCH 2: Co-op Fundamentals for Architects |
| Co-op 1 Winter |
PDARCH 3: Electronic Communications and Web Design |
| 2B Spring |
Academic study |
| Co-op 2 Fall |
PDARCH 4: Writing, Editing and Research |
| 3A Winter |
Academic study |
| Co-op 3 Spring |
Select one from: PD 3, PD 4, PD 5, PD 6, PD 7, PD 8, PD 9, PD 10, or PD 12
WKRPT 103 (Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB) Criteria) |
| 3B Fall |
Academic study |
| Co-op 4 Winter |
WKRPT 203 (Firm Case Study) |
| Co-op 5 Spring |
Not applicable |
| 4A Fall |
Academic study (Rome) |
| Co-op 6 Winter |
WKRPT 303 (Canadian Experience Record Book) |
| 4B Spring |
Academic study |
Professional Development courses are online offerings. It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that they have adequate internet access during work terms to complete course requirements.
Objectives of the Work Term
The co-operative work terms are designed to provide students with knowledge of present day practice in architecture and to allow them to acquire skills essential for the practice of architecture. The School of Architecture encourages students to acquire a wide range of work experience, including international opportunities.
Work opportunities are available in private architectural firms, construction and development companies, public agencies, corporations, design-related enterprises, and research institutes. Drafting and computing skills, methods of construction, division of sub-trades, construction supervision, real problem solving, and the disciplines of time and money are some of the specific areas of knowledge normally acquired through co-op.
At the completion of the work terms the student who has taken full advantage of the opportunities offered will have a thorough understanding of the current methods and procedures used in the design and construction of a building, and sufficient ability and the maturity and judgment to assume responsibility for any medium-sized building project.
Work Reports
The work report is intended to illustrate the understanding and experience that co-op students have acquired during employment and to record and assess their educational and work experience, tracked against two sets of criteria, the Student Performance Criteria established by the Canadian Architectural Certification Board and the Canadian Experience Record used by the provincial licensing bodies. To graduate with a Bachelor of Architectural Studies (BAS), Honours degree, a student must successfully complete three acceptable work reports as per the table showing the requirements above. If students do not secure work-term employment, they may still submit a work report for credit. The Faculty of Engineering must first approve the topic. The work report will be evaluated as a professional document. Each work report will be specific to the level of the work term. All work reports will be evaluated in the Faculty of Engineering, School of Architecture.
For more information on Work Report Requirements, see the School of Architecture Co-op web page, under Work Reports.
Additional information on the School of Architecture Work Report Requirements is available from the School's undergraduate student services co-ordinator.