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Unit of study_
DESC9015: Building Energy Analysis
2025 unit information
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.
Unit details and rules
Managing faculty or University school:
Sydney School of Architecture, Design and Planning
| Study level | Postgraduate |
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| Academic unit | Architecture |
| Credit points | 6 |
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Prerequisites:
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None |
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Corequisites:
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None |
| Prohibitions:
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BPSD5040 |
| Assumed knowledge:
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None |
At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:
- LO1. generate a grounded unique insight into the sustainable design of buildings
- LO2. learn independently based on investigation of issues relating to sustainable design
- LO3. demonstrate a developed interest in and awareness of the well founded knowledge of sustainable design for buildings and their environment
- LO4. apply critical reasoning to the issues of the design of environment and independent, informed technical judgement of buildings
- LO5. evaluate opinions from literature in the field, make design decisions and to reflect critically on the justifications for those decisions made
- LO6. collect, analyse and organise information and ideas regarding buildings, their design development, detailing, and relationship to the environment, and to convey those ideas clearly and fluently, in both written and spoken forms.
Unit availability
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Modes of attendance (MoA)
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Important enrolment information
Departmental permission requirements
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