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Master's Degree Programme in Building Services Engineering

Degree:
Master of Engineering

Degree title:
Insinööri (ylempi AMK), Master of Engineering

Credits:
60 ects

Degree studies

The pedagogic basis of the education is student orientation, working life orientation, multi-disciplinary approach and development of group work. The student should take responsibility of the

planning of the studies as well as working according to the plans in timely manner. The students are encouraged to share their working life experiences with the group, and to evaluate the situations with others, thus enhancing the common understanding. Working life orientation is especially important in master’s thesis projects that are research and development oriented. The master’s thesis process is started at an early stage of the studies. Looking at the ideas and developing one of the to the thesis topic, planning of the research methods, performing the project as well as reporting are scheduled in order to help the student to work efficiently.

Xamk - the students' university of applied sciences

Master’s degree programmes at Xamk are provided by Master School. Master School is a multidisciplinary, international and change-oriented learning and RDI environment. You can choose from a number of different learning paths to develop your expertise and skills and promote your career.

Graduates from Master School are experts in understanding and recognising changes in work environments. At Master School, you have the opportunity to study in multidisciplinary learning and development environments that are closely linked to work-related development and innovation. You can flexibly choose courses from the selection offered by Xamk’s Master School.

Your teachers provide guidance and counselling, encouraging critical thinking, argumentation and generation and application of new knowledge.

Quality evaluation and development

Xamk values quality and the improvement of quality is integral part of the work of all staff and students. Xamk continuously improves the quality of teaching, guidance, learning environments and degree programmes.

The feedback collected on a regular basis from students, staff and stakeholders is very important for the quality improvement work. As a student, you have a central role in the continuous development of quality at Xamk. During your studies, you will be asked to answer a number of quality surveys. Course feedback, the entry and development surveys carried out during your studies and the feedback collected at the graduation stage constitute part of our quality assurance system.

Staff and students process quality feedback together on various collaboration forums, deciding on new methods and discussing the effects of previous development measures. These forums provide an efficient channel for students to express their views on performance and planned measures. The figure below illustrates the path of course feedback.

Student Teacher Director of Education

COURSE FEEDBACK

RESPONSE TO FEEDBACK

SUMMARY

PERFORMANCE REVIEW

Our quality assurance system is based on the so-called circle of continuous development, or quality circle: Plan – Do – Check – Act. For more information about quality assessment and improvement, see the Student intranet.

Curriculum objectives

The general and programme-specific learning outcomes and the process of students’ professional growth and learning are specified in the curriculum of the university of applied sciences. The curriculum is based on the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) and National Qualifications Framework (NQF). Level 7 corresponds to the knowledge and skills achieved by completing a Master’s degree. The curriculum is based on the needs and development of the world of work and the overall strategic choices of Xamk.

The competence-based curriculum consists of the programme’s learning outcomes, modules and courses. The objectives, contents, teachers, learning and teaching modes, arrangements, work required, timetables and evaluation methods for courses are specified in implementation plans. The implementation plans provide the foundation for students’ personal study plans (‘HOPS’ in Finnish) and individual choices. In addition, they provide the basis for fruitful co-operation between students representing different fields of study.

Learning environments

Xamk offers excellent facilities to support your learning. A significant part of studies take place outside the classroom. Innovation and project environments (e.g. Xinno, Xentre, CampusIT and Logistiikkaverstas Logistics Workshop), different kinds of simulation environments and teaching restaurants, eLearning environments and working-life and RDI projects will facilitate your learning. You can also conduct your studies in two authentic local environments: in the forest and at sea.

Degree programme learning outcomes

The objective of the building services programme is to deepen the knowledge in the energy efficiency of buildings, and also the development of the built environment. The programme includes the definitions of nearly zero-energy building concept, guidelines and regulations, and also technical solutions. Different technical solutions are studied and compared with the help of a dynamic simulation programme and students learn to calculate energy consumption, power demands and energy indicator (E -number) of nearly zero-energy building. You will learn to evaluate the outcomes of energy efficiency measures to the indoor climate in the building. You will be able to look at the buildt environment at various levels and from different perspectives and you will have good capabilities to develop product, process and service innovations that fulfill the principles of sustainable development.

The competence developed through the degree programme is divided into core competence and supplementary competence.

Core competence (must know) comprises the knowledge, skills and aptitude required of graduates by employers. All graduates should possess this competence. In addition to this, supplementary competence is necessary for deepening or expanding the core competence. Core competence is developed through programme-specific advanced professional studies and the Master’s thesis. In degree programmes of 90 and 60 credits, core competence accounts for 60 and 50 credits, respectively. The thesis (30 credits) is included in core competence. Core and supplementary competences are specified at the module level.

Supplementary competence (should know) deepens and/or expands core competence. Supplementary competence allows students to specialise in a certain area. Supplementary competence is acquired through advanced professional studies that are common for all degree programmes in Master School. In degree programmes of 90 and 60 credits, supplementary competence accounts for 30 and 10 credits, respectively.

The curriculum consists of programme-specific core studies (30 credits), supplementary studies common for all programmes (30 credits) and a Master’s thesis (30 credits), which is a development project.

In accordance with your personal study plan (HOPS), you may choose supplementary competence courses as follows:

1) courses common for all Master School students, including research and development studies, leadership studies, entrepreneurship studies, Russian studies, communication skills training and courses on topical themes

2) core competence courses from other Master’s degree programmes (specifically agreed)

3) courses corresponding to Level 7 provided by other higher education institutions.

Common Master School courses are provided as online courses, courses taught in English, intensive courses and on a blended learning basis. Student groups are multidisciplinary, which promotes the development of your networking skills.

The Master’s thesis (30 credits) is a research or development project. You will study topical questions associated with your field of study and produce development data through research. Thus, the Master’s thesis is always a project that aims to develop the work environment, workplace or field of industry/business.

The degree programme is built on the European (EQF) and National (NQF) Qualifications Frameworks. Master School is Xamk’s multidisciplinary, international and change-oriented learning and RDI environment.

The studies that develop core competence are specifically designed for each degree programme. This work is led by the person in charge for the program. In building services program the contact person is principal lecturer Marianna Luoma (phone 040 565 8958) together with Taru Potinkara (phone 040 0200 216), who is the head of the degree programme.

The supplementary courses provided are common for all Master’s degree programmes. Xamk’s Master School team together with the persons in charge of the degree programmes are responsible for designing these studies. See the Student intranet for the composition of the team and the persons in charge.

The core competence in the building services engineering programme is energy efficiency of buildings (nearly zero-energy buildings, simulation of building energy efficiency) and the indoor climate.

Common competence map, Master’s degree programmes

Competence map for Master’s programmes

* Learning skills

o can systematically assess and improve their expertise in multiple ways

o can find, process, produce and evaluate information critically and from perspectives of different fields of business/industry

o can take responsibility for the promotion of goal-oriented learning within the organisation

* Ethical competence

o can take responsibility for the operations of the organisation and their consequences

o can apply the principles of professional code of conduct as an expert and developer of the workplace

o can make decisions while taking into account the perspectives of the individual and the organisation

o can promote the principles of equality in the workplace community

o can promote the principles of sustainable development and corporate social responsibility

o can lead socially influential operations adhering to ethical values

* Workplace community skills

o can improve the functioning of the workplace community and promote well-being at work

o can develop multidisciplinary communication and interaction at work

o can utilise information and communication technology at work

o can create networks and partnerships

o can work as a leader and improve operations in complex environments and unforeseen circumstances

o can manage demanding expert, leader or entrepreneur jobs

* Innovation skills

o can generate new knowledge and improve working methods by combining skills from different fields of business/industry

o can lead projects

o can lead research, development and innovation projects and knows research and development methods

o can develop customer-driven, sustainable and profitable business

* Internationalisation skills

o can manage international communication at work and when developing the operations

o can work in international environments

o can anticipate effects of internationalisation and related opportunities in his/her field of business/industry

Assessment

Competence-based curricula require competence-based evaluation.

Your degree programme applies Xamk’s common evaluation criteria for Master’s programmes, from which course-specific evaluation criteria have been derived. Students receive grades for courses in accordance with the degree regulation. Course-specific evaluation criteria can be found in the course description.

The most important objective of evaluation is to inform students of the level of their knowledge and skills and help them to improve their skills. Various assessment methods are used for the evaluation of learning, including course- and module-specific evaluation by the teacher, peer evaluation and evaluation by the employer. In addition, students evaluate themselves. Self-evaluation is part of the process of professional growth which is promoted through guidance discussions between the group tutor and the student.

Student counseling

Guidance provided by the lecturers helps the student to achieve the individual goals and to progress the career path. The student should also be independent and take responsibility of the studies.

The tutor lecturer will help the students to choose most appropriate courses and to do the personal study plan. The thesis process is guided by the principal lecturer in general and the supervisor in more detail during the whole thesis process.

It is also important that the student searches help in Student and contacts the students’ affairs office if necessary.

Employment and career opportunities

Master’s degree in building services engineering is working life oriented degree the aim of which is to provide sufficient knowledge and skills to be able to work as a specialist or expert in the technical field. Today’s working life poses various demands for specialists in technical field and the degree programme in building services engineering gives the students many capabilities to be able to meet the needs in national and international level. The aim of the programme is to provide the students with many sided specialization in building energy sector, in indoor climate questions and also in tasks that demand special attention to the sustainability of technical solutions and processes. The degree meets the requirements of higher university degree in public organisations.

Building Services Engineering, master studies
Code
(TTMI21SY)

Building Services Engineering, master studies
Code
(TTMI23SY)
Enrollment

04.08.2023 - 03.09.2023

Timing

28.08.2023 - 31.12.2023

Number of ECTS credits allocated

5 op

Mode of delivery

Contact teaching

Unit

Department of Electrical Engineering, Building Services and Material Technology

Campus

Mikkeli Campus

Teaching languages
  • Finnish
Seats

20 - 40

Degree programmes
  • Master's Degree Programme in Environmental Technology
  • Master's Degree Programme in Building Services Engineering
Teachers
  • Mika Kuusela
Groups
  • TTMI23SY
    Building Services Engineering, master studies

Objective

You will be able to observe changes and development in the built environment.
You will be able to create and define the research issues related to the development of the built environment, living environment, and energy efficiency.
You will be able to use relevant literature in research and development project planning. You will be able to critically evaluate the reliability of reference material.
You know how to plan project plan in your own field.
You will be able to do research and development project in a way that the results of the reliability and recoverability will be compromised.
You will be able to report research and development project in the field of built environment, living environment and energy efficiency according the rules but having also high professional competence

Content

What kind of changes and development can be seen in the built environment?
What is a good project plan and thesis?
How does your thesis contribute to your organization's activities?
What kind of data collection methods is the use?
What kind of research methods is in use and what are the general principles of them?
How to implement applied research?
How the research results are evaluated reliability?
How do you report your research in your organization?

Evaluation scale

Approved/Failed

Qualifications

A Bachelor’s degree in a suitable field

Enrollment

04.08.2023 - 03.09.2023

Timing

28.08.2023 - 31.12.2023

Number of ECTS credits allocated

5 op

Mode of delivery

Contact teaching

Unit

Department of Electrical Engineering, Building Services and Material Technology

Campus

Mikkeli Campus

Teaching languages
  • Finnish
Seats

20 - 40

Degree programmes
  • Master's Degree Programme in Building Services Engineering
Teachers
  • Johanna Arola
Groups
  • TTMI23SY
    Building Services Engineering, master studies

Objective

You know the concepts, definitions and characteristics of carbon neutral building.
You are familiar with the legislation and general quidance concerning carbon neutral building.
You know how different building materials and forms of energy affect the carbon dioxide emissions of a particular building.
You know how to calculate a building’s carbon dioxide emissions.
You understand the interconnections between carbon neutral building, energy efficiency and healthy and safety indoor climate.

Content

What is carbon neutral building?
What regulations guide carbon neutral building?
How do different building materials and forms of energy affect a building’s carbon dioxide emission?
How to calculate a building’s carbon dioxide emissions?
What requirements do the principles of carbon neutral building set on design, construction procedures and proper use/maintenance?
What is the relationship between carbon neutral building and a building's energy efficiency and healthy and safety indoor climate?
What is carbon handprint?

Evaluation scale

Approved/Failed

Qualifications

The course of Indoor climate of buildings must be completed prior to participation in this course. Also, the participant must hold a bachelor's degree in applicable studies and have a basic understanding of different heating and ventilation systems.

Enrollment

06.11.2023 - 17.11.2023

Timing

01.01.2024 - 31.05.2024

Number of ECTS credits allocated

5 op

Mode of delivery

Contact teaching

Unit

Department of Electrical Engineering, Building Services and Material Technology

Campus

Mikkeli Campus

Teaching languages
  • Finnish
Seats

20 - 40

Degree programmes
  • Master's Degree Programme in Building Services Engineering
Teachers
  • Teemu Lahikainen
Teacher in charge

Teemu Lahikainen

Groups
  • TTMI23SY
    Building Services Engineering, master studies

Objective

You can acquire, process, produce and critically evaluate information related to low carbon energy. You are also able to account for the perspectives of different fields of expertise.
You can evaluate and develop your expertise in the field of low carbon energy in buildings.
You understand individuals’ and the society’s different views on low carbon energy production.
You promote sustainable development with your own expertise and know how to assess the effects of choosing a heating source both locally and more widely.

Content

How is heat produced with non-combustion solutions?
What is waste heat and how does it relate to low carbon energy production?
How do heat storages relate to low carbon energy production?
How do hybrid systems relate to low carbon energy?
How does the electrification of society affect heat production?
How do governance measures affect to low carbon energy production and the assessment of profitability?

Evaluation scale

1-5

Qualifications

None

Enrollment

06.11.2023 - 17.11.2023

Timing

01.01.2024 - 31.05.2024

Number of ECTS credits allocated

5 op

Mode of delivery

Contact teaching

Unit

Department of Electrical Engineering, Building Services and Material Technology

Campus

Mikkeli Campus

Teaching languages
  • Finnish
Seats

20 - 40

Degree programmes
  • Master's Degree Programme in Building Services Engineering
Teachers
  • Anna Forsström
Teacher in charge

Anna Forsström

Groups
  • TTMI23SY
    Building Services Engineering, master studies

Objective

You know the essential concepts in sustainable technology and know how to apply them.
You know how to connect information management to the operations of and management tasks in a company or organization.
You are familiar with the measures and concepts related to the quality management and quality work of a company or organization.
You know how to develop product, process, and service innovations in accordance with the principles of sustainable development.

Content

What is the role of sustainable technology in business? How are the research and development activities of companies composed? How to acquire and manage new technological information in business?
What are the basic principles of sustainable technology? What kind of technology is needed to achieve the goals of sustainable development? What is the role of sustainable technology in research, education, and management? How do companies develop products and services in the field of sustainable technology?
What is quality and how is quality measured and evaluated? How are continuous quality and competence development implemented in a company?
What is the significance of information in an organization? What does the concept of information management entail?
How is sustainable development defined? What does responsible business entail? How do companies take sustainability into account in their business?
Where can funding be searched for research and development projects?

Content scheduling

You know the essential concepts in sustainable technology and know how to apply them.

You know how to connect information management to the operations of and management tasks in a company or organization.

You are familiar with the measures and concepts related to the quality management and quality work of a company or organization.

You know how to develop product, process, and service innovations in accordance with the principles of sustainable development.

Evaluation scale

1-5

Assessment methods and criteria

The students are able to
a) find, study, produce and evaluate critically multidisciplinary data in your field of expertise
b) solve demanding problems in RDI functions
g) communicate proficiently and systematically in your spoken and written native language and in one foreign language

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree from applicable studies.

Enrollment

18.03.2024 - 28.03.2024

Timing

06.05.2024 - 02.09.2024

Number of ECTS credits allocated

5 op

Virtual portion

5 op

Mode of delivery

Distance learning

Unit

Pulse, Open UAS and Continuing education

Campus

Ecampus

Teaching languages
  • English
Seats

1 - 10

Degree programmes
  • Open University of Applied Sciences
  • Master's Degree Programme in Building Services Engineering
Teachers
  • Anna Forsström
Teacher in charge

Anna Forsström

Groups
  • VV2023-2024
    Optional studies 2023-2024

Materials

All the material needed for the course can be found on the learning platform.

Teaching methods

Performing tasks independently.

Employer connections

Work-based learning tasks.

Exam schedules

No exam.

Student workload

Student workload averages 135 hours.

Content scheduling

You know the essential concepts in sustainable technology and know how to apply them.

You know how to connect information management to the operations of and management tasks in a company or organization.

You are familiar with the measures and concepts related to the quality management and quality work of a company or organization.

You know how to develop product, process, and service innovations in accordance with the principles of sustainable development.

Evaluation scale

1-5

Assessment methods and criteria

The students are able to
a) find, study, produce and evaluate critically multidisciplinary data in your field of expertise
b) solve demanding problems in RDI functions
g) communicate proficiently and systematically in your spoken and written native language and in one foreign language