Outline

Overview

This unit explores mechanical building systems and their application with a focus on efficient design of air conditioning systems. It builds on students’ existing knowledge of indoor environments and building performance, introducing core concepts of building systems to deepen their understanding of design and industry applications. Students will learn the principles of heating, cooling, and ventilation, along with the estimation of system requirements and their integration into architectural designs. Emphasis is placed on energy-efficient solutions, with students learning to optimise HVAC systems for both energy use and occupant comfort. Practical sessions will guide students through designing simple systems, selecting appropriate equipment, and considering factors such as energy, noise, and air quality. Additionally, students will learn to use energy simulation software to accurately size heating and cooling loads. By the end of the unit, students will have acquired the skills to assess building system requirements to create efficient and sustainable building designs.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Architecture
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	BPSD5030 and BPSD5040 and BPSD5050
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Thomas Parkinson, thomas.parkinson@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 August 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
In-class quiz	Session summary task Online quiz with MCQ	10%	Multiple weeks	15 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Experimental design	Building proposal and model shell Building proposal plus DesignBuilder geometry and zoning model shell	0%	Week 04 Due date: 30 Aug 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 04 Sep 2026	2 A4 pages	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Data analysis	Estimate heating and cooling loads Individual load-estimation report with DesignBuilder model files	35%	Week 08 Due date: 27 Sep 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 11 Oct 2026	10 A4 pages	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Interactive oral	Early HVAC design concept defence In-class oral defence of the HVAC design concept	15%	Week 11 Due date: 21 Oct 2026 at 13:59 Closing date: 21 Oct 2026	10 minutes	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	HVAC design concept report Illustrated report	40%	Week 13 Due date: 08 Nov 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 22 Nov 2026	12 A3 pages	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= early feedback task ?

Assessment summary

Early Feedback Task: Building proposal and model shell

Assignment 1: Estimate heating and cooling loads

Assignment 2: Early HVAC design concept defence

Assignment 3: HVAC design concept report

In-Class assessment: Online quiz with MCQ

Students should be present and engaged in their learning during classes. Late arrival/early departure will be deemed as an absence. Students who do not meet the minimum 90% threshold, who have reasonable evidence to support their absence, may be offered the opportunity to sit an alternative assessment to pass this unit at the discretion of the unit coordinator.

Assessment criteria

Result name	Mark range	Description
High Distinction	85 - 100	Work of outstanding quality, demonstrating mastery of the learning outcomes assessed. The work shows significant innovation, experimentation, critical analysis, synthesis, insight, creativity, and/or exceptional skill.
Distinction	75-84	Work of excellent quality, demonstrating a sound grasp of the learning outcomes assessed. The work shows innovation, experimentation, critical analysis, synthesis, insight, creativity, and/or superior skill.
Credit	65 - 74	Work of good quality, demonstrating more than satisfactory achievement of the learning outcomes assessed, or work of excellent quality for a majority of the learning outcomes assessed.
Pass	50 - 64	Work demonstrating satisfactory achievement of the learning outcomes assessed.
Fail	0 - 49	The learning outcomes of the unit of study have not been met to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

In accordance with University of Sydney School of Architecture Design and Planning Faculty Resolutions 2022, for every calendar day up to and including 10 calendar days after the due date, a penalty of 5% of the maximum awardable marks will be applied to the late work. For work submitted more than 10 calendar days after the due date, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Introduction to HVAC systems and building loads	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 01	DesignBuilder: geometry, zoning, activity setup	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 03	Thermal comfort and psychrometry in HVAC design	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	Set up conditions, run a first simulation, interpret peak vs annual loads	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 05	HVAC components and their role in efficient design	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	DesignBuilder configuration modelling and component selection	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 07	Energy-efficient and low-carbon HVAC configurations and strategies	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 07	Sizing HVAC systems in simulation	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 09	Integrating energy efficiency and decarbonisation in HVAC design	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 09	Spatial integration and schematic layout sketching	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 10	Integration of key concepts in HVAC design	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 10	Case-study application and peer-feedback workshop	Tutorial (4 hr)
Week 11	Unit review	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 11	Case study design defence and structured feedback	Tutorial (4 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Please refer to the Resolutions of the University School: University of Sydney School of Architecture Design and Planning Faculty Resolutions 2022.

Clause 8 (3) (a). Students are expected to attend a minimum of 90% of timetabled activities for each unit of study, unless granted exemption. https://www.sydney.edu.au/policies/showdoc.aspx?recnum=PDOC2022/542&RendNum=0

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. Describe the key components of a building's HVAC and mechanical services and explain their functions.
LO2. Analyse how building design decisions influence heating and cooling loads and operational energy use.
LO3. Use building energy simulation software to estimate heating and cooling loads and test the effect of design variables.
LO4. Evaluate and recommend HVAC system configurations, including low-carbon and electrified options, appropriate to a building's use and context.
LO5. Integrate HVAC systems into an architectural design and communicate the scheme to a professional audience.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

First time offering this unit.

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

BPSD6030: Building Systems

Semester 2, 2026 [Block mode] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links