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  3. Environmental Building Systems

Environmental Building Systems (ABPL20036)

Undergraduate level 2Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

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Semester 1
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In undertaking this subject, students will learn the first principles behind environmental performance in buildings, across their life cycle, providing a robust foundation of how environmental performance can be achieved and quantified. Students will acquire the base terminology, concepts and physics behind designing and constructing buildings with a high environmental performance, optimal solar access, ventilation, envelope, efficient services (e.g., water, gas, electricity, and waste), heating and cooling, and healthy air quality. The subject is highly practical and emulates industry tasks in its assessments. 

Prescribed software programs with no cost
FirstRate5

Details of software availability and pricing are captured at  https://edsc.unimelb.edu.au/student-experience/it-support

 

Note: Please check Subject Notes section.

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of this subject students will be able to:

  • Explain the basic physics driving the environmental performance and indoor environmental quality of buildings;
  • Demonstrate design approaches for buildings that can deliver a high level of life cycle environmental performance and indoor environmental quality through passive and active means;
  • Represent the life cycle environmental performance and indoor environmental quality of buildings through effective sketches and visualisations.

Generic skills

The following skills should be obtained upon completion of the subject:

  • Written, verbal and graphic presentation of ideas;
  • Critical thinking and analysis;
  • Evaluation of existing knowledge;
  • Appropriate use of design terminology;
  • Application of generic theories to specific examples.

Last updated: 10 January 2025