Program overview
In simple terms, this major is about studying how to make buildings like houses, shopping malls, subways, and airports warm in winter, cool in summer, with fresh air, while saving electricity and gas. You will learn about heating systems (e.g., central heating in northern China), gas supply (how to design urban gas pipeline networks), ventilation (how to circulate indoor air), and air conditioning (principles and equipment for cooling and heating). Core courses include Engineering Thermodynamics, Heat Transfer, Fluid Mechanics, Building Environment, and HVAC System Design. It is suitable for students who enjoy hands-on work and are interested in buildings and energy. If you were good at physics in high school, especially thermodynamics and mechanics, you will find it easier. Chinese universities have unique strengths in this field—for example, Tsinghua, Tongji, and Harbin Institute of Technology have strong labs and real engineering projects. Many professors have participated in the HVAC design of landmark buildings like Beijing Daxing International Airport and Shanghai Tower, giving you access to real-world cases.