Building services engineering is a challenging and interdisciplinary profession. It involves the specification, design, installation and management of all the engineering services associated with the built environment. With the growing complexity of engineering services in modern buildings and the significance of energy conservation and pollution control, the role of the building services engineer is becoming more and more important.

The aim of this programme is to respond to the growing demand for building services engineers who are required to possess a sound knowledge of engineering principles and the ability to apply this knowledge to the complex situations in the building industry. The philosophy of the programme is to underpin the knowledge base of engineering with a rigorous and relevant programme of studies of the fundamental principles and their applications. Students will develop transferable skills and knowledge through guided technical courses, laboratory studies, workshop practice, industrial training, design and research projects. The credit-based curriculum encourages flexible learning and includes complementary studies and elective courses to broaden the students' experience and thinking.

To establish a strong grounding in engineering sciences, this programme has a common first year with the mechanical engineering programme in this University and shares many courses in the two curricula. At present, the programme covers the fundamental elements of mechanical engineering, building services systems design, project and technology management. It also provides a background in fields such as automatic control, energy and environment, material sciences, electrical and electronic engineering. The main emphasis is on the art of applying and integrating engineering principles, intelligent technology and critical system thinking to the innovative design and effective management of building services systems.

To develop good communication skills and the ability to interact and collaborate effectively with other professionals, a unique interdisciplinary design project is implemented in the final year of study and is jointly organised by the Departments of Architecture, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Real Estate and Construction (http://www.hku.hk/bse/interdisciplinary/). This project-based course provides an excellent opportunity for our students to develop experience and skills in teamwork, communication, graphics and problem-solving in a real-life situation.

Students who want to learn more about business-related subjects can take a minor option in Business, Economics or Finance.

There is also a double degree arrangement with the Faculty of Business and Economics whereby students study four years to get a Bachelor of Engineering degree and a Bachelor of Business Administration degree.

PROFESSIONAL RECOGNITION

The degree programme is accredited by the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers. Graduates can, with proper training and working experience, obtain the status of Registered Professional Engineer. This professional status is recognised through the Washington Accord by the signatories of engineering organisations in Australia, Canada, Chinese Taipei, Ireland, Japan, Korea, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, UK and USA.

CAREER PROSPECTS

Building services engineers are in high demand by industry and employment prospects are good. This degree programme provides the academic base for a professional career with various types of employers in the private and public sectors, including consulting and contracting firms, construction companies, equipment manufacturers and suppliers, building developers and owners, facility and property management companies, power and utilities companies, and government departments (such as Architectural Services Department, Electrical & Mechanical Services Department, and Housing Authority). The analytical and problem solving skills learnt from the programme are also useful in many other areas, including other engineering disciplines, finance, business management, and information technology. This will enable graduates to pursue broader career interests and become highly adaptable.

Some graduates may consider further study through postgraduate degree programmes leading to a master or doctoral degree. The curriculum will provide them with the necessary foundation to pursue higher degree studies locally or overseas.