Building Automation Management Course

Lesson 1 • Introduction to Building Automation

Defines building automation, its historical evolution, and business drivers. Sets the conceptual baseline for all subsequent technical content.

Lesson 2 • Controllers and Control Logic Basics

Introduces programmable controllers, input/output modules, and basic control logic. Prepares students to configure simple control sequences.

Lesson 3 • Sensors and Actuators Fundamentals

Covers sensor types, measurement principles, and actuator mechanisms used in BAS. Provides the hardware literacy needed for system configuration.

Lesson 4 • Core System Architecture Overview

Maps the three-tier BAS architecture: field devices, controllers, and supervisory systems. Connects hardware layers to management functions.

Lesson 1 • LonWorks and Other Open Protocols

Introduces LonWorks network variables, KNX, and other open protocols used in commercial buildings. Broadens interoperability knowledge beyond BACnet.

Lesson 2 • Networking Fundamentals for BAS

Reviews IP networking, OSI model layers, and LAN/WAN concepts as applied to building networks. Grounds protocol study in practical network infrastructure.

Lesson 3 • BACnet Protocol Deep Dive

Examines BACnet object model, services, and transport options including BACnet/IP and MS/TP. Enables students to configure and verify BACnet communication.

Lesson 4 • Network Security for BAS

Addresses cybersecurity threats specific to building networks and mitigation strategies. Establishes secure network design as a professional responsibility.

Lesson 1 • Chiller and Boiler Plant Sequencing

Covers chiller staging, condenser water control, and boiler lead-lag sequencing. Connects plant-level automation to energy efficiency outcomes.

Lesson 2 • Zone-Level Control Strategies

Examines VAV box control, fan coil unit sequences, and occupancy-based setback. Links zone control to occupant comfort and energy savings.

Lesson 3 • Control Sequences for Air Handling Units

Details supply air temperature reset, economiser, and mixed-air control sequences. Students translate sequence-of-operations documents into controller logic.

Lesson 4 • PID Tuning and Loop Optimization

Teaches proportional-integral-derivative tuning methods and loop performance diagnostics. Equips students to eliminate hunting and improve control stability.

Lesson 1 • Access Control and Security Integration

Introduces card reader systems, door hardware, and alarm panel integration with BAS. Enables students to link access events to HVAC and lighting sequences.

Lesson 2 • Lighting Control System Fundamentals

Covers occupancy sensors, daylight harvesting, and lighting control panel programming. Connects lighting automation to energy codes and occupant experience.

Lesson 3 • Elevator and Vertical Transport Monitoring

Explains elevator controller data points, fault monitoring, and energy reporting integration. Adds vertical transport to the student's integrated systems view.

Lesson 4 • Unified Supervisory Interface Design

Covers graphic display design, alarm prioritisation, and navigation standards for integrated dashboards. Prepares students to build operator-friendly supervisory screens.

Lesson 1 • Database Configuration and Tag Management

Covers point database structure, tag naming conventions, and engineering unit assignment. Ensures consistent, maintainable data organisation across the platform.

Lesson 2 • SCADA and BMS Platform Architecture

Compares SCADA, BMS, and IBMS platform architectures and deployment models. Frames platform selection criteria for different facility types.

Lesson 3 • Alarm Management Configuration

Configures alarm limits, priorities, suppression rules, and notification routing in the platform. Reduces alarm fatigue and improves operator response time.

Lesson 4 • Trending, Reporting, and Historian Use

Sets up trend logs, historian queries, and automated report generation for operational data. Enables data-driven facility management decisions.

Lesson 1 • Renewable Energy and Storage Integration

Covers solar PV monitoring, battery storage dispatch logic, and grid interaction sequences within BAS. Prepares students for modern sustainable facility management.

Lesson 2 • Demand Management Strategies

Teaches peak demand monitoring, load shedding sequences, and demand response programme participation. Connects BAS capabilities to utility cost reduction.

Lesson 3 • Energy Metering Infrastructure

Covers electrical, gas, water, and thermal meters and their integration into BAS via pulse or protocol. Establishes the data foundation for energy management.

Lesson 4 • Energy Benchmarking and KPIs

Defines energy use intensity, benchmarking methods, and key performance indicators tracked in BAS. Enables students to set and monitor energy targets.

Lesson 1 • Commissioning Process and Documentation

Outlines the commissioning phases, required documentation, and roles of the commissioning team. Establishes a professional framework for system verification.

Lesson 2 • Functional Performance Testing

Designs and executes functional tests for HVAC sequences, alarms, and interlocks. Validates that installed systems meet the sequence-of-operations specifications.

Lesson 3 • Retro-Commissioning Existing Systems

Adapts commissioning methods to existing buildings to recover performance degraded over time. Identifies low-cost operational improvements through systematic review.

Lesson 4 • Diagnostic Tools and Techniques

Covers multimeters, protocol analysers, data loggers, and BAS diagnostic software. Builds a practical toolkit for field troubleshooting.

Lesson 1 • BAS Lifecycle Assessment

Evaluates system age, obsolescence risk, and remaining useful life for BAS components. Provides the analytical foundation for capital replacement planning.

Lesson 2 • Organisational Governance and Policies

Establishes change management policies, user access governance, and documentation standards for BAS operations. Reduces risk from unauthorised changes and knowledge loss.

Lesson 3 • Capital Planning and Budget Development

Builds multi-year capital plans, cost estimates, and funding justifications for BAS upgrades. Connects technical needs to financial planning cycles.

Lesson 4 • Vendor and Contract Management

Covers service contract types, performance metrics, and vendor evaluation criteria for BAS support. Ensures sustained system performance through effective procurement.