Architectural Engineering Thesis (ABPL90390)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 25On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
Contact information
Semester 1
Semester 2
Overview
| Availability | Semester 1 Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
This subject is the culmination of each student's studies in the Master of Architectural Engineering. It will offer a range of opportunities for students to demonstrate an original approach to research and design synthesising, in architecture and engineering. The capstone thesis is co-taught between the faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning and the Melbourne School of Engineering, providing an interdisciplinary environment for students. The subject is designed to provide students with an enriching experience that immerses them in a dual architectural-engineering research and design environment, fit for the double accreditation of their degree.
Students will be expected to demonstrate their aptitude to conduct research and contribute to the existing body of knowledge in architectural and engineering theory and practice.
The specific outputs of the thesis in terms of design and research will be determined on a case by case basis, with course coordinator approval.
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of this subject, students will be able to:
- Search, analyse and document engineering science, architecture, and other literature in order to determine the need for further research in a chosen area;
- Demonstrate a capacity to make a contribution to the existing body of knowledge in architectural and engineering theory and practice;
- Demonstrate critical awareness of how the student's chosen specialisation contributes to the relevant body of knowledge;
- Synthesize an hypothesis to be tested;
- Devise a methodology of investigation to test the hypothesis;
- Collect and analyse a range of data (qualitative and/or quantitative) and/or undertake computer modelling and simulation to implement the methodology;
- Demonstrate an understanding of design as a form of research inquiry;
- Write project reports that follow good research practice;
- Present the findings of an investigation using multiple media (such as posters, slide-show projections, physical models, videos, and others as relevant) accompanied by an oral presentation
Generic skills
- Discernment of knowledge development and research directions within the architectural engineering discipline
- Correct use of architectural engineering terminology
- Ability to undertake problem identification, formulation and solution
- Ability to analyse social and cultural contexts
- Ability to communicate effectively in writing, verbally and graphically
- Ability to manage information and documentation
- Capacity for creativity and innovation in response to complex problems
- Critical thinking and analysis
- Understanding of professional and ethical responsibilities, and commitment to them
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
One of
| Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| ABPL90115 | Master of Architecture Studio E | No longer available | |
| ABPL90439 | Design Studio E |
Summer Term (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (Early-Start) (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 1 (Early-Start) (On Campus - Parkville)
|
25 |
AND
One of
| Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| ABPL90143 | Master of Architecture Studio D | No longer available | |
| ABPL90438 | Design Studio D |
Semester 2 (Early-Start) (On Campus - Parkville)
Summer Term (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 1 (Early-Start) (On Campus - Parkville)
|
25 |
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Recommended background knowledge
Students are strongly encouraged to take their capstone subject during the last semester of their course.
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Assessment
| Description | Timing | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
Interim project proposal presentation (intercrit 1) to supervisor(s) and jury panel of at least two other reviewers. Students will present the identified research gap, hypothesis and proposed methodology and data requirements (requiring 15 hours of work)
| Week 4 | N/A |
Mid-project report, outlining the context, literature review, methodology and method for the project, including feedback from Hurdle requirement 1 requiring 105 hours of work
| Week 6 | 10% |
Mid-project presentation to studio teacher and jury panel of at least two other reviewers (equivalent requiring 15 hours of work). Students will present their research work in progress comprising physical and digital models, drawings or animations, including results, as relevant to the individual project
| Week 6 | 10% |
Interim project presentation (intercrit 2) to studio teacher and jury panel of at least two other reviewers (equivalent requiring 15 hours of work). Students will present their research work in progress comprising physical and digital models, drawings or animations, including results, as relevant to the individual project
| Week 9 | N/A |
Final project presentation to studio teacher and jury panel of at least two other reviewers and hand-in of all design material (large-scale drawings/models/animations) produced during the semester. The presentation takes 10 mins, followed by 15-20 mins defense in front of the jury panel, equivalent requiring 15 hours of work). Students will present and hand in their research comprising physical and digital models, drawings or animations, including results, as relevant to the individual project (equivalent requiring 70 hours of work)
| Week 14 | 40% |
Final report incorporating revised sections of the Mid-project report, Requiring approximately 160 hours of work
| Week 14 | 40% |
Individual journal containing reflections on the research process and progress, and the development of graduate attributes, presented in 3 individual journal entries totalling approximately 1000 words over the project period (start, mid-semester and end), and requiring about 10 hours of reflection, investigation and writing
| Week 14 | N/A |
A weekly factual record of project progress including items such as key decisions and resources used, requiring about 10 hours work, weeks 1- 12
| Throughout the teaching period | N/A |
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Principal coordinator Dominik Holzer Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 72 hours Studios Total time commitment 400 hours Teaching period 3 March 2025 to 1 June 2025 Last self-enrol date 14 March 2025 Census date 31 March 2025 Last date to withdraw without fail 9 May 2025 Assessment period ends 27 June 2025 Semester 1 contact information
- Semester 2
Principal coordinator Dominik Holzer Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 72 hours Total time commitment 400 hours Teaching period 28 July 2025 to 26 October 2025 Last self-enrol date 8 August 2025 Census date 1 September 2025 Last date to withdraw without fail 26 September 2025 Assessment period ends 21 November 2025 Semester 2 contact information
What do these dates mean
Visit this webpage to find out about these key dates, including how they impact on:
- Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
- And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
- Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Further information
- Texts
- Subject notes
- Related Handbook entries
- Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Please note Single Subject Studies via Community Access Program is not available to student visa holders or applicants
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
Last updated: 4 March 2025