University of Sydney Handbooks - 2018 Archive

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Master of Architectural Science (Sustainable Design)

This program provides the necessary skills and knowledge to design energy-efficient and environmentally conscious buildings. It addresses the relationship between architecture and current environmental issues, and it explores environmentally sustainable architecture. There is flexibility to study areas of specific interest to each student. Options are available in other related programs offered by the school (e.g. Building Services, Facilities Management, Illumination Design) and elective units may be taken from any other program in the school or from other relevant programs at the University of Sydney.

Unit of study table

Unit of study Credit points A: Assumed knowledge P: Prerequisites C: Corequisites N: Prohibition Session

Sustainable Design Stream

Core Foundational units

DESC9200
Introduction to Architectural Science
6      Semester 1

Core Advanced units

DESC9014
Building Construction Technology
6      Semester 1
DESC9015
Building Energy Analysis
6   
Note: Department permission required for enrolment

Semester 1
DESC9147
Sustainable Building Design Principles
6   
Note: Department permission required for enrolment

Semester 1
DESC9169
Daylight in Buildings
6    N DESC9106
Semester 2
DESC9201
Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ)
6      Semester 2
ARCH9080
Urban Ecology, Design and Planning
6    N PLAN9048
Semester 2

Capstone

DESC9148
Sustainable Building Design Practice
6    P DESC9201
Semester 1
DESC9197
Energy Management and Code Compliance
6    A DESC9015

Note: Department permission required for enrolment

Semester 2

Electives

Electives may be selected from any postgraduate units in the School of Architecture, Design and Planning, or, with the permission of the Program Director, from any other postgraduate course in the University.

Research electives

DESC9300 in combination with either a Report or Dissertation may replace the capstone unit with the permission of the Program Director.
DESC9300
Research in Arch. and Design Science
6    N ARCF9001

Note: Department permission required for enrolment

Semester 1
Semester 2
ARCH9031
Research Report
12   
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
Available to Masters students only.
Semester 1
Semester 2
ARCH9045
Dissertation 1
12    P 48 credit points and a WAM of at least 75
C ARCH9046
N ARCH9031 or PLAN9018 or ARCH9060 or PLAN9010 or PLAN9011

Note: Department permission required for enrolment

Semester 1
Semester 2
ARCH9046
Dissertation 2
12    C ARCH9045
Semester 1
Semester 2

Electives in Sustainable Architecture

MARC4002
Sustainable Architecture Research Studio
12   
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
This studio cannot be taken in the same semester with MARC4001 or MARC4003. Students may incur materials costs in this unit.
Semester 1
Semester 2
DESC9674
Building Information Management
6    P DESC9200 and DESC9014
Semester 1
DESC9675
High Performance Facades
6      Semester 1

Electives in Sustainable Resources

SUST5001
Introduction to Sustainability
6   

This unit of study involves essay-writing. Academic writing skills equivalent to HSC Advanced English or significant consultation via the Writing Hub is assumed.
Semester 1
Semester 2
SUST5003
Energy and Resources
6    C SUST5001


This unit of study involves essay-writing. Academic writing skills equivalent to HSC Advanced English or significant consultation via the Writing Hub is assumed.
Semester 1
PHYS5034
Life Cycle Analysis
6   

Minimum class size of 5 students.
Semester 2
PHYS5033
Environmental Footprints and IO Analysis
6   

Minimum class size of 5 students.
Semester 1
Semester 2

Other electives

DESC9067
Mechanical Services
6      Semester 2
DESC9164
Lighting Technologies
6    N DESC9063
Semester 2
DESC9138
Architectural and Audio Acoustics
6      Semester 1
PLAN9068
History and Theory of Planning and Design
6    N PLAN9031 or ARCH9062 or ARCH9031 or MARC4201

Note: Department permission required for enrolment

Semester 1
Semester 2
PLAN9064
Land Use and Infrastructure Planning
6    A ARCH9100

Note: Department permission required for enrolment

Semester 2
DESC9153
Graduate Internship
6   
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
Masters students only. Graduate Diploma students with permission of the Program Coordinator. Advanced Standing will not be granted for this unit of study.
Intensive December
Intensive July
Intensive November
Semester 1
Semester 2
DESC9195
Building Economics
6      Semester 2

Unit of study descriptions

Sustainable Design Stream

Core Foundational units

DESC9200 Introduction to Architectural Science

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Christhina Candido Session: Semester 1 Classes: 5-day intensive (9am-5pm) Assessment: Assignment 1 (40%), Assignment 2 (60%) Mode of delivery: Block mode
This unit aims to explore the scientific concepts of heat, light and sound, and from this develops foundational principles and methods applicable to buildings. It is divided into five topics: climate, thermal environment, mechanical services, lighting, and acoustics. Students will gain an understanding of the terminology, physical values and metrics in each of these topics, and how they apply to the design and function of buildings. Theoretical models to predict key physical values in buildings are presented and used in assessments. Learning is supported by measurement exercises. This unit has a focused pedagogy intended for all graduate students in Architectural Science. It is a common core unit for all of the programs (Audio and Acoustics, High Performance Buildings, Illumination Design and Sustainable Design). Students within these programs should undertake this unit in their first semester of study if possible.

Core Advanced units

DESC9014 Building Construction Technology

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Mr Michael Muir Session: Semester 1 Classes: 5-day intensive (9am-5pm) Assessment: Two assignments (1x40%, 1x60%) Mode of delivery: Block mode
This unit covers three related areas of investigation: basic building construction practices, advanced building construction practices and sustainable construction. It begins by introducing a number of recurrent themes in construction in Australia at the present time including the idea of building culture, the various modes of delivery and variety of classifications of buildings and building elements, rational construction and construction detailing from first principles. There follows a review of construction techniques of domestic scaled buildings using, where appropriate, examples of well documented and/or accessible exemplars. The second part of the unit reviews current approaches to building technologies employed in more complex public and commercial scaled buildings, particularly with regard to processes of structural system selection, façade systems design and construction and material performance. The fundamentals of heat transfer and effects of external conditions on indoor comfort, aspects of the National Construction Code and integration of services into the building fabric relevant to building services engineers will also be reviewed. Again, accessible exemplars will be covered. Finally the unit will review current issues related to key attributes of buildings which make them sustainable, particularly with regard to material selection, appropriate detailing for energy and resources conservation and building reuse and recycling.
DESC9015 Building Energy Analysis

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr PC Thomas Session: Semester 1 Classes: 5-day intensive (9am-5pm) Assessment: Assignment 1 (40%), Assignment 2 (60%) Mode of delivery: Block mode
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
The aim of the unit is to acquaint students with the range of analytical and design tools available for low energy building design; to provide the opportunity for students to become proficient at using some of these tools. Among the techniques and tools explored are: climate data analysis; graphical and model techniques for solar studies; steady state and dynamic heat flow analysis; simplified methods for sizing passive solar elements; computer models of thermal performance; modelling ventilation; estimating energy consumption. Emphasis is given to tools which assist the design of the building fabric rather than building systems. At the end of the unit it is expected that students will: be aware of the importance of quantitative analysis in the design of low energy buildings; have an understanding of the theoretical basis of a range of analytical techniques; be familiar with the range of techniques available for building energy analysis; be able to apply many of these to design analysis; be familiar with the range of thermal analysis computer software available; and be able to use a software package to analyse the thermal performance of a typical small scale building. All of the assignments are designed to provide students with hands-on experience of each of the analysis tools.
DESC9147 Sustainable Building Design Principles

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Daniel Ryan Session: Semester 1 Classes: 5-day intensive (9am-5pm) Assessment: Two assignments (1x35%, 1x65%) Mode of delivery: Block mode
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
This unit aims to develop a critical understanding in students of building design principles that reduce the impact of the built environment on energy, water and material resource flows. Students will gain an overview of technical strategies that reduce the environmental impact of buildings and develop an awareness of the benchmarks and metrics used to judge the implementation of environmental design principles. The unit pays particular attention to design principles that relate to the environmental performance of the building fabric and the thermal and hydraulic systems of buildings.
DESC9169 Daylight in Buildings

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Assoc Prof Wendy Davis Session: Semester 2 Classes: 5-day intensive (9am-5pm) Prohibitions: DESC9106 Assessment: Group Report (30%), Individual Assignment (70%) Mode of delivery: Block mode
Daylight can be used in buildings to reduce the energy spent on electric lighting and create aesthetically appealing interiors. Design decisions that affect the success of daylighting in a building span every phase of the design process, from site selection to the application of interior finishes. This unit discusses the role of daylight in indoor illuminated environments. Calculations to predict the quantity and distribution of daylight in spaces and predict the effects of shading devices are covered. Students learn about the local and global variables that influence daylight availability, recognize the challenges and opportunities with daylight in interior spaces, and the appropriate use of daylighting technologies. Modelling tools (Radiance based) will be used in order to assess the efficacy of selected daylight strategies.
DESC9201 Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ)

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Prof Richard de Dear Session: Semester 2 Classes: 5-day intensive (9am-5pm) Assessment: Lab-based assignment (40%); Exam (60%) Mode of delivery: Block mode
Humans' thermal, visual, auditory and olfactory senses determine the perceived quality of a built environment. This unit analyses built environments in context of these human factors. This unit relates human experience of buildings to the main dimensions of Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ): thermal, acoustic, lighting and indoor pollution. This understanding of human comfort perceptions is contextualised by an understanding of the various approaches to the evaluation of built environmental performance. You will study post-occupancy evaluation tools and workplace productivity metrics. Regulations from Australia and abroad will be explored to understand their impact on acoustics, thermal comfort, lighting, indoor air quality and ventilation. The unit also pays particular attention to sustainability rating tools from around the world, including GreenStar, NABERS, LEED and BREEAM. This unit gives students extensive hands-on experience in laboratory- and field-based methods of IEQ research and building diagnostics. A recurring theme will be instrumental measurements of indoor environments, and how they can be analysed in relation to perceptual and behavioural data collected from occupants of those environments.
ARCH9080 Urban Ecology, Design and Planning

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Adrienne Keane Session: Semester 2 Classes: 3 hrs lectures/tutorials/wk Prohibitions: PLAN9048 Assessment: Two assessments, each 50%; both assessments may comprise group and individual work. Peer assessment of group tasks may be required. Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit will introduce the conceptual bases for sustainable development and explore how principles of sustainability can be introduced into land use planning and urban design, including environmental management and multi-criteria evaluation methodologies in three modules. The unit will examine the evolution of urban areas in relation to their biophysical setting. This will lead to an understanding and appreciation of the urban ecology of a city in terms of the flows of materials, resources and energy, and the challenges presented by climate change and peak oil. The principles of sustainability and the history and development of concepts of urban sustainability will be demonstrated through case studies. Assessments will explore a student's learning of the methods and frameworks for evaluating and measuring sustainability that are introduced in this unit.

Capstone

DESC9148 Sustainable Building Design Practice

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Daniel Ryan Session: Semester 1 Classes: 5-day intensive (9am-5pm) Prerequisites: DESC9201 Assessment: Two assignments (1x40%, 1x60%) Mode of delivery: Block mode
Assessing building performance and integrating environmental building systems and construction forms the core of sustainable building design practice. This advanced unit explores the methods, workflows and regulatory frameworks to design best-practice sustainable buildings. It develops your ability to work as a sustainable building consultant. You will learn how to evaluate and critique the environmental performance of real-world projects and set targets and apply strategies to improve designs. The unit also reviews working methods for integrated design and will develop your ability to communicate environmental performance to other design team members.
DESC9197 Energy Management and Code Compliance

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Prof Jianlei Niu Session: Semester 2 Classes: 5 wks lecture, lab, tutorial; 7 hrs additional tutorials Assumed knowledge: DESC9015 Assessment: Assignment 1 (40%); Assignment 2 (60%) Mode of delivery: Block mode
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
Objectives of this unit are to give students an understanding of energy consumption issues in buildings against the backdrop of escalating energy and carbon emission reduction targets for the built environment. In order to meet these targets, new design and operational management techniques are needed, including energy auditing, retrofitting and energy efficiency optimisation techniques. This unit is primarily concerned with energy management in buildings and Code compliance in Australia. The unit will expose students to the processes and considerations involved in undertaking an energy audit in buildings. Active energy systems and their fundamentals may be reviewed. Finally, methods of assessing energy performance will be covered, with emphasis on energy simulation. Understanding and application of Australian standards and rating schemes such as NCC/Section J, NABERS Energy, GBCA¿s Green Star, Living Building Challenge, etc., will also be explored.

Electives

Electives may be selected from any postgraduate units in the School of Architecture, Design and Planning, or, with the permission of the Program Director, from any other postgraduate course in the University.

Research electives

DESC9300 in combination with either a Report or Dissertation may replace the capstone unit with the permission of the Program Director.
DESC9300 Research in Arch. and Design Science

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Assoc Prof William Martens Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 5 workshop sessions (1 hr/wk for first five weeks) followed by individual student supervision by an appropriate staff member, and returning for the final oral report (in-class presentation) in week 13 of the semester. Prohibitions: ARCF9001 Assessment: Individual project based: 1x1500wd research proposal (30%); 1x3500wd final written report (50%); final oral report (20%) Mode of delivery: Block mode
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
This unit aims to prepare students for undertaking a research project in the various sub-disciplines of Architectural and Design Science. It begins with the workshop-based presentation of foundations of experimental science relevant to research projects within these sub-disciplines. It highlights principles of experimental design and methods of data collection and analysis. Examples of previous projects undertaken by graduate students in Design Science will be presented, as appropriate, in any of the following areas: Audio and Acoustics, Building Services, Facilities Management, Illumination Design and Sustainable Design). Although this unit has a focused pedagogy intended for all graduate students in Design Science, enrollment may be expected by other coursework students within the Faculty of Architecture, Design and Planning, such as those undertaking the Master of Interaction Design and Electronic Arts (M.IDEA).
ARCH9031 Research Report

Credit points: 12 Teacher/Coordinator: Program Director Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: Independent research under academic supervision. Assessment: Research proposal (10%), 10,000 to 15,000 word Report (90%). Final reports due by the end of the first week of the formal examination period. Mode of delivery: Supervision
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
Note: Available to Masters students only.
The report is a substantial piece of research conducted over one semester. It takes the form of a report (between 10,000 and 15,000 words) on an approved subject of your choice. The report is an opportunity to advance your knowledge and skills in a particular area. The objective of the report is to allow you to develop research and analytic skills by undertaking an in-depth study of your own selection. The expected learning outcomes of the report include the ability to think critically about a problem and develop an appropriate research methodology or analytical approach to address it; identify and access appropriate sources of information, research and literature relevant to the issues; undertake relevant primary and secondary research; and present your findings in a way that demonstrates academic and professional competence. A report generally includes a literature review to delineate a problem; a statement of research aims or objectives, as well as research questions; an explanation of research methods; presentation and analysis of data; and discussion of conclusions. Permission to continue the Report may be subject to a satisfactory research proposal being approved by your supervisor by week 3 of semester. Reports are due at the end of the first week of exams for the semester in which you are enrolled. The assessment is based solely on the submission of your report. The report is generally marked by two examiners, neither of whom is your supervisor.
ARCH9045 Dissertation 1

Credit points: 12 Teacher/Coordinator: An academic supervisor is required. Discuss with your program coordinator. Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: Research under academic supervision Prerequisites: 48 credit points and a WAM of at least 75 Corequisites: ARCH9046 Prohibitions: ARCH9031 or PLAN9018 or ARCH9060 or PLAN9010 or PLAN9011 Assessment: 15,000 to 25,000 word dissertation (100%) Mode of delivery: Supervision
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
ARCH9045 and ARCH9046 Dissertation 1 and 2 are only available to candidates with permission from an appropriate supervisor. Planning students should take PLAN9010 and PLAN9011 Planning Dissertations 1 and 2. Students enrol either full time over one semester (ARCH9045 and ARCH9046) or part time over two semesters (ARCH9045 then ARCH9046). The units are not assessed separately - a single dissertation is required. The appointment of a supervisor will depend on the topic chosen for the dissertation by the student. Students and their supervisors should complete an Independent Study Approval form and return it to the Student Administration Centre to effect enrolment. The aim of the dissertation is to train the student in how to undertake advanced study. The student should learn how to examine published and unpublished data, survey and experimental results, set objectives, organise a program of work, analyse information, evaluate this in relation to existing knowledge and document the work; and to allow the student to pursue an area of interest in greater depth than is possible in coursework or to investigate an area of interest which is not covered in coursework. The dissertation will normally involve a critical review of published material in a specified subject area, but it may also be an experimental or theoretical investigation, a feasibility study, a case study, a computer program, or other work demonstrating the student's analytical ability. The dissertation should be 15,000 to 25,000 words in length. The dissertation should contain a literature review, a research methodology, analysis of data, a discussion of results and conclusions. The dissertation will be judged on the extent and quality of the student's work, and in particular on how critical, perceptive and constructive the student has been in assessing his or her own work and that of others. Three typed A4 sized copies of the dissertation are required to be presented for examination. These may be in either temporary or permanent binding. If in temporary binding they must be able to withstand ordinary handling and postage. The preferred method is "perfect binding"; spring back, ring back or spiral binding is not permitted. Students are required to submit one copy in permanent binding on acid free paper for the library, including any emendations recommended by the examiners. For more details see the requirements for the PhD thesis in the Postgraduate Research Studies Handbook. Dissertations are due at the end of the first week of exams for the semester in which you are enrolled for Dissertation 2. The assessment is based solely on the submission of your dissertation. The dissertation is generally marked by two examiners.
ARCH9046 Dissertation 2

Credit points: 12 Teacher/Coordinator: An academic supervisor is required. Discuss with your program coordinator. Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: Research under academic supervision. Corequisites: ARCH9045 Assessment: 15,000 to 25,000 word dissertation (100%) Mode of delivery: Supervision
ARCH9045 and ARCH9046 Dissertation 1 and 2 are only available to candidates with permission from an appropriate supervisor. Planning students should take PLAN9010 and PLAN9011 Planning Dissertations 1 and 2. Students enrol either full time over one semester (ARCH9045 and ARCH9046) or part time over two semesters (ARCH9045 then ARCH9046). The units are not assessed separately - a single dissertation is required. The appointment of a supervisor will depend on the topic chosen for the dissertation by the student. Students and their supervisors should complete an Independent Study Approval form and return it to the Student Administration Centre to effect enrolment. The aim of the dissertation is to train the student in how to undertake advanced study. The student should learn how to examine published and unpublished data, survey and experimental results, set objectives, organise a program of work, analyse information, evaluate this in relation to existing knowledge and document the work; and to allow the student to pursue an area of interest in greater depth than is possible in coursework or to investigate an area of interest which is not covered in coursework. The dissertation will normally involve a critical review of published material in a specified subject area, but it may also be an experimental or theoretical investigation, a feasibility study, a case study, a computer program, or other work demonstrating the student's analytical ability. The dissertation should be 15,000 to 25,000 words in length. The dissertation should contain a literature review, a research methodology, analysis of data, a discussion of results and conclusions. The dissertation will be judged on the extent and quality of the student's work, and in particular on how critical, perceptive and constructive the student has been in assessing his or her own work and that of others. Three typed A4 sized copies of the dissertation are required to be presented for examination. These may be in either temporary or permanent binding. If in temporary binding they must be able to withstand ordinary handling and postage. The preferred method is "perfect binding"; spring back, ring back or spiral binding is not permitted. Students are required to submit one copy in permanent binding on acid free paper for the library, including any emendations recommended by the examiners. For more details see the requirements for the PhD thesis in the Postgraduate Research Studies Handbook. Dissertations are due at the end of the first week of exams for the semester in which you are enrolled for Dissertation 2. The assessment is based solely on the submission of your dissertation. The dissertation is generally marked by two examiners.

Electives in Sustainable Architecture

MARC4002 Sustainable Architecture Research Studio

Credit points: 12 Teacher/Coordinator: Semester 1 Mr Michael Muir, Semester 2 Mr Daniel Ryan Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: Lecture and studio contact (technical consultants and demonstrations as required), plus self-directed preparation and assignments, for a minimum total student commitment averaging 18 hours per week. Assessment: Preliminary research, design development, interim reviews (40%); Final project and portfolio review (60%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
Note: This studio cannot be taken in the same semester with MARC4001 or MARC4003. Students may incur materials costs in this unit.
MARC4002 Studio B Sustainable Architecture will focus on the theories, technologies and techniques that promote the creation of a sustainable built environment. The studio projects will directly explore the interdependent issues of environmental, social and economic sustainability. The studio will prompt students to develop critical positions in regard to sustainability and to research, extend and explore those positions through the architectural design process.
MARC4001 Urban Architecture Research Studio, MARC4002 Sustainable Architecture Research Studio and MARC4003 Digital Architecture Research Studio are all available in both Semesters 1 and 2. Students may enrol or pre-enrol freely, but some will be asked to swap to create equal groups. After three semesters each student will have done each of the studios. The studios examine the relationships between architecture and urbanism; architecture and sustainability; and architecture and digital design. Each is based around one or more design projects which address a specialised area of study, supported by lectures and seminars which introduce the relevant theory, knowledge and design precedents. Studios require the investigation of key technical issues and systems, and their innovative integration in the design, with the preparation of appropriate documentation. On the successful completion of these units, students will have demonstrated: an ability to formulate, interpret and communicate appropriate concepts derived from the study of brief and site; an ability to extend those starting points into a working design proposal; an ability to develop the design proposal in response to critique, and produce a building design which demonstrably embodies understanding of the principles associated with the specialised study area; an ability to communicate the design ideas effectively through appropriate graphic and three-dimensional means using architectural conventions; and an ability to cohesively design and execute a comprehensive presentation of the project. These units are core to the Master of Architecture.
DESC9674 Building Information Management

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Prof Richard de Dear Session: Semester 1 Classes: 5-day intensive (9am-5pm) Prerequisites: DESC9200 and DESC9014 Assessment: Assignments (1x40%, 1x60%) Mode of delivery: Block mode
This unit will introduce students to the theory and practice of building information management and modelling. The unit starts with building management, which brings knowledge and skill on how to operate buildings to optimise performance. It also introduces Building Information Modelling (BIM), which is a digital representation of physical and functional characteristics of a facility. Building information models are shared knowledge resources about a facility, forming a reliable basis for decisions during its life-cycle from earliest conception to demolition. The unit explores the wider use of building information models not only in design but also in construction management, facility management, post construction evaluation, and retrofitting. By bringing together the building management and the information modelling, the unit responds to emergent requirements within the building sector for new tools and practices to offset the growing complexity in the design and construction of high performance buildings.
DESC9675 High Performance Facades

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Prof Richard de Dear Session: Semester 1 Classes: 5-day intensive (9am-5pm) Assessment: Assignments (1x40%, 1x60%) Mode of delivery: Block mode
This unit explores advanced building façades and their role in reducing environmental impacts while simultaneously enhancing indoor environment quality for building occupants. Advanced façades are those that are designed, analysed, procured and operated as a system. Optimisation of the often conflicting performance criteria of cooling load, lighting and daylighting, sound isolation, occupant comfort, costs and aesthetics requires an integrated approach from the whole team including architects, project managers, suppliers and engineers, from the earliest stages of the advanced façade design process. Specific topics to be covered in this unit include the integrated design approach to façades, the fundamental building physics determiningfaçadeperformance, structural façade typologies, solar control façades, daylighting façades, double-skin façades, ventilated façades and dynamicfaçadesystems. Variousanalyticalprocedures and simulation tools for the evaluation of high performancefaçadedesigns will also be examined.Costs and benefits of various design approaches will also be assessed from both owner and occupant perspectives.

Electives in Sustainable Resources

SUST5001 Introduction to Sustainability

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Professor Philip McManus Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: One 2 to 2.5 hour interactive lecture per week with up to four hours per week spent on a combination of additional (e.g. on-line) learning tasks, small group sessions and consultation with lecturers. Assessment: Essays, oral presentations, short written assignments (100%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Note: This unit of study involves essay-writing. Academic writing skills equivalent to HSC Advanced English or significant consultation via the Writing Hub is assumed.
This unit of study will introduce students to the concepts and multidisciplinary nature of sustainability, starting with the physical basis of climate change and its impact on the environment and human development. This will be followed by several case studies covering Energy, Health, Development and Environment. The case studies will be presented by industry professionals and will illustrate sustainability issues currently before Australia- their origins, impacts and industry responses. The unit of study will provide students with a holistic systems lens through which to view their learning throughout the Masters program. This will underpin understanding of the integrated nature of sustainability and facilitate the challenging of silo-based assumptions- their own and those of others. The intention is to ground understanding of complex systems in the real world through the use of case studies that will demonstrate organisational change and problem solving in a world with competing values and conflicting views of what it means to live sustainably. Students completing the unit of study will have a "sustainability tool kit" to apply to sustainability issues in their professional and community activities.
SUST5003 Energy and Resources

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Professor Tony Vassallo Session: Semester 1 Classes: One 2 to 2.5 hour interactive lecture per week presented in an intensive format with up to four hours per week spent on a combination of additional (e.g. on-line) learning tasks, small group sessions and consultation with lecturers. Corequisites: SUST5001 Assessment: Essays, classroom presentations, short written assignments (100%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Note: This unit of study involves essay-writing. Academic writing skills equivalent to HSC Advanced English or significant consultation via the Writing Hub is assumed.
This unit will examine the critical roles that energy and resource usage play in global, national and local sustainability. The need for developed economies to decarbonise their energy supply and for developing countries to have access to clean energy and sustainable resources will require major changes in technology, policy and business systems. This unit of study will cover the fundamentals of energy and resource supply; sustainable supply and use of energy for industry, business and consumers; life cycle analysis; energy security and alternative energy systems. Students will gain an understanding of: different sources of energy and their uses; the economic, environmental and societal contexts of energy and resource use; the need and scope for a transition from conventional energy sources; sound principles for analysing different resource and energy supply options; the role of international agreements and federal policy in influencing resource and energy use.
PHYS5034 Life Cycle Analysis

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Arunima Malik Session: Semester 2 Classes: 2.5-hour lecture interspersed with hands-on exercises per week Assessment: Essay, presentation and comprehensive diary/notes from lectures (100%). Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Note: Minimum class size of 5 students.
This unit of study covers philosophy, techniques, applications and standards of Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA). It introduces methods from engineering (Process Analysis) and economics (Input-Output Analysis), and discusses current popular LCA tools. The unit places imporance on practical relevance by including real-world cases studies and business applications as well as global standards such as the GHG Protocol for accounting for scopes -1, -2 and -3 emissions and ISO standards. The unit of study will culminate with practical exercises using current software tools to provide students with hands-on experience of preparing a comprehensive Life-Cycle Assessment of an application of their choice. Students will also benefit from also enrolling in PHYS5033 for a sound understanding of input-output analysis as the basis of hybrid LCA methods.
PHYS5033 Environmental Footprints and IO Analysis

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Arunima Malik and Prof Manfred Lenzen Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 2-hour lecture interspersed with hands-on exercises per week Assessment: Comprehensive diary/notes from lectures, including a quantitative example (100%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Note: Minimum class size of 5 students.
This unit of study will provide students with both the theoretical understanding and the practical skills needed to carry out their own environmental footprint and impact analyses. This unit uses state of the art economic input-output theory and input-output analysis, and focuses on contemporary environmental applications such as carbon footprints and life-cycle assessment. The unit first explores national and global economic and environmental accounting systems and their relationships to organisational accounting. Second, it will present cutting-edge techniques enabling the global analysis of environmental impacts of international trade. Third, it offers hands-on instruction to master the basic input-output calculus conceived by Nobel Prize Laureate Wassily Leontief, and provide a step-by-step recipe for how to undertake boundary-free environmental footprinting by integrating economic and environmental accounts, and by applying Leontief's calculus to data published by statistical offices. Students will walk away from this unit equipped with all skills needed to calculate footprints, and prepare sustainability reports for any organisation, city, region, or nation, using organisational data, economic input-output tables and environmental accounts. Students will also benefit from also enrolling in PHYS5034 for a sound understanding of the role of input-output analysis within the field of Life-Cycle Assessment.

Other electives

DESC9067 Mechanical Services

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Prof Richard de Dear Session: Semester 2 Classes: 5-day intensive (9am-5pm) Assessment: Assignment (90%); participation (10%) Mode of delivery: Block mode
This unit reviews the need for and application of Mechanical services in the built environment - in particular commercial buildings. Mechanical services are responsible for significant portion of energy and water consumption in buildings. Thus they have become important components of most modern building complexes, with a strong influence on other services and the architecture. This unit provides an introduction to these services by experienced presenters, including from the industry, for recent graduates or diplomats in mechanical engineering and an understanding of fundamental principles and practice for people from backgrounds other than mechanical engineering. Students will acquire skills in appreciation of impact of mechanical services on the environment, including recent mandatory regulations, together with estimating ventilation, cooling and heating requirements, design of simple ventilation, air conditioning and smoke hazard management systems, combined with an overview of water, refrigerant, ducted systems, with applicable equipment, energy, noise, human comfort, air quality criteria. Principles of heat transfer and fluid flow are applied to applications of mechanical ventilation, air conditioning and smoke hazard magagement, to satisfy regulations and standards, occupant and community expectations. The practical basis of the programme leads to a design assignment involving selecting equipment and systems to provide mechanical services in a building.
DESC9164 Lighting Technologies

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Ms Wenye Hu Session: Semester 2 Classes: 5-day intensive Prohibitions: DESC9063 Assessment: Two assignments (2x50%) Mode of delivery: Block mode
This unit covers the technologies employed in generating, distributing, and controlling light in illuminated environments. Students learn the advantages and disadvantages of different hardware options for various lighting applications. A brief history of lighting technologies and the physical processes involved with electrically generating light are included in this unit. Practical characteristics of currently popular lamp types, as well as emerging lighting technologies, are presented. The effects of integral luminaires and other light fittings on the resulting illumination are covered, as are the electrical requirements of different lighting technologies. This unit also includes calculation techniques for predicting the illumination in spaces from lighting products. The selection, operation, and implications of lighting control options are discussed. The underlying principles and practical consequences of the different characteristics of various lighting technologies are emphasised to enable students to independently evaluate future innovations in lighting technologies.
DESC9138 Architectural and Audio Acoustics

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Assoc Prof Densil Cabrera Session: Semester 1 Classes: Lecture 3 hrs/wk Assessment: Exercise-based assignments (1x30%, 1x70%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit introduces the fundamental concepts and issues of audio and architectural acoustics, with an emphasis on theory. The unit introduces topics such as: basic acoustical concepts, quantities and units; principles of sound radiation and propagation; sound absorption and room acoustics; psychological acoustics; noise measurement and specification; speech intelligibility; and principles and specification of airborne sound insulation. Acoustics theory involves mathematics, and this unit aims to provide knowledge and skills so that such theory can be applied, with the help of spreadsheets and computer programs. Teaching is supported by demonstrations and tutorials. By completing this unit students will be able to understand acoustical terminology, and perform calculations and analysis applicable to sound in the environment, in buildings, and in audio contexts. They will have the ability to critically assess claims of acoustical performance. This unit provides the theoretical foundation for advanced units in audio and acoustics.
PLAN9068 History and Theory of Planning and Design

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Assoc Prof Paul Jones Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: Lecture 2hrs/wk (and may include some tutorials and group discussions) Prohibitions: PLAN9031 or ARCH9062 or ARCH9031 or MARC4201 Assessment: Assignment 1: short questions including local field work/observation (40%); Assignment 2 is an analytical portfolio of inqury into 3-4 papers with a strong emphasis on understanding key concepts in the modern planning era via clarity of text and strong visual/image support (50%).Group work (10%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
This unit is in two overlapping modules, each of which is assessed.
Module one enables students to understand how the main concepts and practices of urban planning and development have evolved; appreciate different perspectives about the roles and purposes of planning; undertake basic historical research about Australian urban planning and development issues, and prepare basic stories and arguments about practical planning issues and current theories. There is a strong emphasis on enriching the ability of students to better appreciate urban form, structure and planning practice generally by analysing such form, structure and process through the lens of history (as 'snapshots' in time), and the understanding of planning theory as drivers that shape and express such urban change such as Garden City values. Interpreting planning practice, places and spaces at different scales and what this reflects (such as underlying theory, values, norms attitudes, public interest, etc.) is a key element of this module.
Concurrent with module one, module two familiarises students with the main ideas and methods that have influenced urban design practice from the late nineteenth century to the present. It covers the dominant urban design theories, principles, conceptual and physical models, analytical methods and drawings from key contributing authors over the period, and explores critically how and why these arose, their interrelationships, spheres of influence, and continuing validity. In this module, the work of key urban planning and design idealists and visionaries are discussed such as Ebenezer Howard and Le Corbusier.
Students will be able to: critically review and interpret key planning and urban design texts/papers; construct and present basic arguments orally and in conjunction with graphics/images in illustrated documents; access and engage with key literature and other sources of knowledge; and use basic conceptual frameworks about planning arguments and stories for both the overlapping fields of urban planning and urban design. Interpreting the built form around you from an historical lens is an important learning outcome.
Textbooks
"City Reader" (Fifth Edition) by Richard Le Gates and Frederic Stout (Routledge)
PLAN9064 Land Use and Infrastructure Planning

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Dallas Rogers Session: Semester 2 Classes: Lecture 2 hrs/wk. Additional tuition time may be assigned for introduction to graphic plan making. Assumed knowledge: ARCH9100 Assessment: Two illustrated reports, each equivalent to 2,000 to 2,500 words, consisting of: 1 x individual report of short questions on key metropolitan concepts such as density and land use relationships (50%); 1 x group work on a local government Masterplan project where land use change is being leveraged from a major infrastructure project (50%). Peer assessment may apply to group work presentations.Practical field work:Second part of the semester involves group work in the field and in class. Practical field work: Second part of the semester involves group work in the field and in class. Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
This unit is concerned with planning, land use and infrastructure within the built environments. It emphasises conceptual knowledge with examples and case studies to demonstrate the application of concepts in practice. Students are encouraged to think independently, creatively and critically in developing understanding and practical knowledge about environmental planning at the metropolitan and local level. This unit is in two modules, each of which is assessed.
1. Land use, infrastructure planning and urban development: different forms of infrastructure and the role of infrastructure in creating good environments and urban development; transport and the space economy; accessibility, the emergence of transport technologies and their influence on urban form; the impacts of car travel on densities, dispersion, congestion, etc.; orthodox transport planning; transport systems management; mobility and accessibility; networks, centres, and development corridors; transit-oriented development and implications on urban form and structure. The Sydney Metropolitan Strategy and concepts and ideas associated with the current work of the Greater Sydney Commission are used as a main focus for this module.
2. Land use planning, development control and plan making: within the context of more effective land use planning, this module examines the process of assessing a local area (such as structure, form and understanding character), developing local vision and neighbourhood strategies and structure plan, translating the strategy and structure plan into basic land use and planning controls (such as building height, floor space ratio, heritage, and other local area provisions) and producing a basic plan for development control purposes. A case study is used for group work so as to understand how the plan making process evolves and is constructed for both the private and public realms. In 2015 and 2016, this involved working with an inner city local government on priority urban renewal issues. Questioning the assumptions and values that underpin planning controls and guidelines is a key skill emphasised in the unit via the group work.
DESC9153 Graduate Internship

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Associate Dean (Education) Session: Intensive December,Intensive July,Intensive November,Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: Fieldwork Assessment: Log book signed by practice supervisor and report on the benefits of the internship (100); pass/fail only Mode of delivery: Professional practice
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
Note: Masters students only. Graduate Diploma students with permission of the Program Coordinator. Advanced Standing will not be granted for this unit of study.
The aims of the internship are to provide a direct link between the academic core of the course and the disciplines and methods of practice; to enable candidates to experience aspects of practice and provide the opportunity for them to work in areas of the field outside their specific expertise; to enable candidates to observe, analyse and comment on the interaction between theoretical and practical issues of their Program as it is practiced, and to establish connections between practice and the development of relevant research programs. The internship is intended to provide the opportunity for students to work in various situations in their Program's area. A secondary intention is that students use the opportunities of placement to broaden their own experience beyond the limitations of their chosen discipline. Candidates must find a suitable professional placement. Permission to enrol is given after the proposed placement has been approved by the Program Director. The host organisation will nominate a supervisor for the student for the internship. The student must complete at least 120 hours of full or part-time experience, supervised by a practicing designer (or other professional depending upon the field). A log-book of each day's work, signed by the supervisor must be submitted on completion. A 2000-word report on the benefits of the internship must also be produced. At the end of the internship the student will: demonstrate that they have completed a program of work (through a log-book); present a report; analyse their experiences and compare these to the theoretical content of the units they have completed, and suggest appropriate research directions so as to improve the complementarity of theory to practice.
DESC9195 Building Economics

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Prof Richard de Dear Session: Semester 2 Classes: 5-day intensive (9am-5pm) Assessment: Individual Written Assignment 1 (30%); Group Written Assignment 2 (40%); Project Critique/Class Presentation (30%) Mode of delivery: Block mode
Investors associated with the property industry require at the outset Return On Investment (ROI) evaluations before committing capital. This unit of study examines the economic principles as they apply to buildings, from capital growth and life cycle management perspectives. The focus is on economic and financial practices required for high performing building assets, contract procurement strategies, cash flow analysis, return on investment for retro-fitting, and economic appraisals of existing or new building assets. This unit will develop an understanding of carbon accounting in relation to building management and its importance to sustainable built asset portfolios. The unit, taught by case studies, will equip students with an understanding of economic principles and professional tools necessary for the procurement and management of real estate property, facilities and buildings at optimum economic and environmental performance.
Textbooks
Langston, C. A. (2005). Life-cost approach to building evaluation. Sydney: UNSW Press