Building Physics

Code

ABEE4096

School

Architecture and Built Environment

Level

4

Credits

20

Semesters

Full Year UK

Summary

This module will familiarise students with physical principles to enable them to develop an intuitive understanding of dynamic air mass and heat transfers in buildings. It will show that heat and mass transport is a function of a building’s architecture and its response to the climate and local environment.  Students will be expected to adopt a problem-solving approach to create and validate a building design which integrates these principles.
 

Target Students

MEng Architectural Environment Engineering students;); U7UAEENG (Year 4); U7UAEENGY (Year 5); U7UAEENGY1 (Year 5); (K241, K24A, K24D) MSc Building Performance Engineering U7PBPENG (K21A).

Assessment

• 20% Coursework 1: Building Design Development
• 80% Coursework 2: Building Design Validation

Assessed by end of designated period

Educational Aims

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the module, students will be able to:

Knowledge and Understanding:
- Recognise the principles of mass and energy transfer in buildings
- Interpret energy and sustainability targets in buildings
- Use a predictive energy performance tool to assess building design

Skills 
- Integrate building physics principles into building design using a building performance standard as reference.
- Identify relevant sustainable design strategies to inform building design.
- Demonstrate the ability to perform building analysis, Interpret results and produce meaningful reports.

Transferable Skills
- Apply sustainable design strategies in building design to improve performance.
- Critically appraise a building design solution against a standard.
- Develop a problem-solving approach to optimise building performance, validating design intentions using a predictive performance tool.

This module supports the following Engineering Council learning outcomes - supporting students to:

M1 Apply a comprehensive knowledge of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles to the solution of complex problems. Much of the knowledge will be at the forefront of the particular subject of study and informed by a critical awareness of new developments and the wider context of engineering

M2 Formulate and analyse complex problems to reach substantiated conclusions. This will involve evaluating available data using first principles of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles, and using engineering judgment to work with information that may be uncertain or incomplete, discussing the limitations of the techniques employed

M3 Select and apply appropriate computational and analytical techniques to model complex problems, discussing the limitations of the techniques employed

M4 Select and critically evaluate technical literature and other sources of information to solve complex problems

M5 Design solutions for complex problems that evidence some originality and meet a combination of societal, user, business and customer needs as appropriate. This will involve consideration of applicable health & safety, diversity, inclusion, cultural, societal, environmental and commercial matters, codes of practice and industry standards

M6 Apply an integrated or systems approach to the solution of complex problems

M7 Evaluate the environmental and societal impact of solutions to complex problems (to include the entire life-cycle of a product or process) and minimise adverse impacts

M8 Identify and analyse ethical concerns and make reasoned ethical choices informed by professional codes of conduct

M9 Use a risk management process to identify, evaluate and mitigate risks (the effects of uncertainty) associated with a particular project or activity

M13 Select and apply appropriate materials, equipment, engineering technologies and processes, recognising their limitations

M14 Discuss the role of quality management systems and continuous improvement in the context of complex problems

M15 Apply knowledge of engineering management principles, commercial context, project and change management, and relevant legal matters including intellectual property rights

M16 Function effectively as an individual, and as a member or leader of a team. Evaluate effectiveness of own and team performance 

M17 Communicate effectively on complex engineering matters with technical and non-technical audiences, evaluating the effectiveness of the methods used

M18 Plan and record self-learning and development as the foundation for lifelong learning/CPD.

Conveners

• Dr James Pinchin