Outline

Overview

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.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Architecture
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	DESC9200 and DESC9014
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Chirag Deb, chirag.deb@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written work	BIM Execution Plan (BEP) Design and report	40%	Week 05 Due date: 24 Mar 2026 at 23:59	2000 words max.	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Creative work	Revit model Design and simulation	60%	Week 12 Due date: 19 May 2026 at 23:59	Revit file	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:

Assessment summary

Assessment 1:
This assessment requires students to develop a comprehensive BIM Execution Plan (BEP) for an office building. The task is designed to test students’ ability to apply BIM concepts, standards, and workflows to a realistic industry scenario. It aims to cultivate strategic and critical thinking, and strengthen professional communication skills through the production of a structured, high-quality technical report.

Assessment 2:
The assessment will revolve around the student creating a package of work that is an addition, extension or demolition of the project we have been working on. The student will be required to produce an amended package of work, potentially including but not limited to: demolition drawings, amended architectural plans, sections and elevations and façade package/s. There must be new or amended components of the 3D modelling included in their work.

Instructions on use of AI:
Students may use AI tools for preliminary research, structuring the report, or improving clarity and language. However, the submitted work must be the student’s own original work, reflecting their understanding and decision-making. AI tools must not be used to generate complete sections of the assessment or replace critical thinking. Any use of AI must be acknowledged in the submission, including a brief description of how the tool was used. Students remain fully responsible for the accuracy, originality, and academic integrity of their work, in accordance with University of Sydney academic integrity policies.

Authorized AI Tool Usage:

Only University-endorsed AI tools are permitted for use in assessments to maintain standardization and trust.

Attendance:

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 approved special consideration may be offered the opportunity to sit an alternative assessment to pass this unit.

The School of Architecture, Design and Planning's resolutions, clause 8.3, states that "A student enrolled in a unit of study must comply with the requirements set out in the unit of study outline about undertaking the unit of study. Students are expected to attend a minimum of 90% of timetabled activities for each unit of study". If you fail to comply with the School resolutions, you will FAIL this unit.

Attendance and participation will be recorded during tutorials by your tutor.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2021 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction an excellent standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

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	Work that does not meet the learning outcomes of the unit 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	1. Unit introduction, 2. Introduction to BIM, 3. Introduction to Assignment 1	Lecture (4 hr)
Week 01	1. Introduction and Revit capacity	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 03	1. BIM standards, 2. BIM Level of Definition, 3. BIM adoption	Lecture (4 hr)
Week 03	1. 2D modelling, 2. Package/sheet set up, 3. General phasing, site plans, block/masterplan drawings, 4. Views from the Sun	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 05	1. Basic 3D modelling, 2. Massing/wall/floor, 3. GAs, Sections, Elevations, Area planning, 4. Scheduling, Façade setout	Tutorial (7 hr)
Week 10	1. Real world applications of BIM, 2. Case studies and trends in BIM development	Lecture (4 hr)
Week 10	1. Façade, basic construction of families and components, 2. Façade package & setout, 3. 2D and 3D working together to create clear packages	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 11	1. Real-world challenges of BIM, 2. Future of BIM, 3. BIM and AI	Lecture (7 hr)
Week 11	Assignment 2 work and support.	Tutorial (1 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.

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.

Required readings

BIM Handbook: A Guide to Building Information Modeling for Owners, Designers, Engineers, Contractors, and Facility Managers By: Rafael Sacks, Charles Eastman, Ghang Lee, Paul Teicholz. Wiley publishers 2018

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. apply knowledge of BIM workflows into real-world practices
LO2. use Revit and interoperate outputs with other software
LO3. apply knowledge of digital tools into real-world practice
LO4. demonstrate an understanding of emerging technologies and future trends
LO5. apply skills of modelling to evaluate sustainable design proposals
LO6. present and report outcomes of design analysis.

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.

The delivery structure has been retained but the contents for the tutorials have been revised based on student feedback. There have also been minor adjustments since last year, particularly in assessment design and evaluation of the final assessment.

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

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

DESC9674: Building Information Management

Semester 1, 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

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links