THE FUNDAMENTALS OF HVAC DIRECT DIGITAL CONTROL: PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS & DESIGN

The Only HVAC DDC Book You’ll Ever Need!

Master HVAC Design & Control with Author Frank Shadpour

Learn HVAC Design from the Expert Who Wrote the Book — Literally, 100% Online.

Offered by UC San Diego Extended Studies, the HVAC Systems Design and Control Certificate Program provides an in-depth exploration of the theory, codes, calculations, and hands-on applications behind high-performance HVAC systems. It’s a comprehensive, career-focused program built for those who want to lead in the evolving world of energy-efficient building design.

What truly sets this program apart? You’ll learn directly from Frank Shadpour, PE, ASHRAE Fellow — a nationally recognized HVAC expert and the author of the required course textbook, The Fundamentals of HVAC Direct Digital Control: Practical Applications and Design (4th Edition). Frank doesn’t just teach from the book — he wrote it. And now he brings his decades of experience to life with practical insights, real-world case studies, and field-tested strategies you won’t find anywhere else.

This fully online certificate is tailored for working professionals, recent engineering graduates, facility engineers, and anyone looking to specialize in HVAC system design and DDC controls. The curriculum emphasizes energy analysis, cost-effective design, and performance-based contracting, equipping students with the tools to make informed, sustainable, and budget-conscious decisions in real-world projects.

Whether your goal is to boost your technical expertise, prepare for more advanced roles, or stand out in a competitive industry, this program delivers a powerful combination of academic depth and industry relevance, straight from the source.

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This online certificate program is organized into five courses that may be taken in any order:

AMES-40170 | HVAC DDC Basics: Introduces the core principles of HVAC DDC design, including system components, control fundamentals, and integration with building automation and sustainability standards.
AMES-40021 | HVAC System Design: Covers essential HVAC system design concepts, focusing on components, air and water systems, and energy-efficient technologies.
AMES-40000 | HVAC DDC System Design: Provides hands-on training in DDC system design, including control components, practical applications, and team-based development of HVAC control specifications.
AMES-4001 | HVAC Design Calculations: Focuses on fundamental HVAC load calculations and energy analysis using industry standards, rule-of-thumb checks, and software tools, with a collaborative design project.
AMES-40139 | HVAC DDC Networking:
Explores advanced HVAC technologies and DDC networking, emphasizing system selection, emerging energy strategies, and practical applications for commercial buildings.

What Students are Saying

Frank is the best! His textbook really outlines everything I needed to know about the DDC topics. I appreciated the lectures that went over the more important topics and it was good to see in the labs the practical applications of what we are learning.
I liked how all the basics of DDC were touched upon. It was a good intro class for someone getting into the program without an extensive background in HVAC DDC.
I really liked how the material was presented - in a "practical, real-world experience" type of way. Frank does an excellent job of presenting information based on his years of experience rather than theory of the industry, and this helped and helps me in my day-to-day work! So, thank you, Frank and team!
I liked the incredible number of real-world examples he had for everything Frank presented. Tons of information, and since I know little about HVAC in general, I say this course was a perfect start.
This course is very useful, providing you with the foundation of several types of HVAC system designs. It also encourages students to research and explore new technologies, current information, and practice designing HVAC systems on the final project. A lot of information based on real-life design experience was provided.
Formatting has made for a very simple review of key principles. Thank You! Wonderful Work.
I really enjoy the detail and information in the textbook and the work provided to us. I am learning about things that I have never encountered in the field.
I enjoyed the book very much. The material was clear and topical, and gave a good overview.

The Only HVAC DDC Book You’ll Ever Need!

Master HVAC Design & Control with Author Frank Shadpour

Learn HVAC Design from the Expert Who Wrote the Book — Literally, 100% Online.

What Students are Saying

Frank is the best! His textbook really outlines everything I needed to know about the DDC topics. I appreciated the lectures that went over the more important topics and it was good to see in the labs the practical applications of what we are learning.

I liked how all the basics of DDC were touched upon. It was a good intro class for someone getting into the program without an extensive background in HVAC DDC.

I liked the incredible number of real-world examples he had for everything Frank presented. Tons of information, and since I know little about HVAC in general, I say this course was a perfect start.

Formatting has made for a very simple review of key principles. Thank You! Wonderful Work.

I really enjoy the detail and information in the textbook and the work provided to us. I am learning about things that I have never encountered in the field.

I enjoyed the book very much. The material was clear and topical, and gave a good overview.