The Mechanical Systems associate certificate offers a selection of courses related to the design of heating, air conditioning and ventilation (HVAC) systems for buildings. Students learn to calculate HVAC loads for various types of buildings using industry standard methods and computer-aided techniques. Alternative energy sources and strategies emphasized. The associate certificate in mechanical systems consists of six required courses and two elective courses. Four of the required courses provide an introduction to mechanical systems for buildings, methods for calculating heating and cooling loads in buildings as well as the design of heating and air conditioning systems. A fifth course examines renewable energy alternatives. The sixth required course is a project course. The two electives provide an opportunity to obtain greater depth in topic areas such as heating systems and air conditioning or to broaden one’s skills in a related topic. Please note: This program has more online courses then in-person courses and may affect student's PGWP eligibility.