Course Outline

CIV404 Engineering Sustainable Design

Course Coordinator:Rick Jaeger (rjaeger@usc.edu.au) School:School of Science, Technology and Engineering

2023Semester 2

UniSC Sunshine Coast

UniSC Moreton Bay

Blended learning Most of your course is on campus but you may be able to do some components of this course online.

Please go to usc.edu.au for up to date information on the
teaching sessions and campuses where this course is usually offered.

What is this course about?

Description

In this course you will learn about the role of whole-system engineering design to achieve sustainable outcomes in building projects. You will become familiar with ratings and assessment methods, which consider the social, environmental and economic impacts of a building project. You will explore best-practice sustainable design principles, and learn about modelling building performance. You will also increase your understanding of different construction materials, and their role in promoting sustainable and healthy buildings.

How will this course be delivered?

Activity Hours Beginning Week Frequency
Blended learning
Learning materials – Asynchronous Learning Material 1hr Week 1 13 times
Tutorial/Workshop 1 – Online Workshop 1hr Week 1 13 times
Tutorial/Workshop 2 – On campus tutorial 2hrs Week 1 13 times

Course Topics

The built environment and its impacts

Overview of sustainable buildings

Environmental and economic assessment methods

Regulations and incentives

Green building rating tools

Conventional versus integrative design

Green Star

Site analysis

Building hydrological cycle

Climate and building physics

Energy and atmosphere: passive design

Energy and atmosphere: glazing and active systems

Building Information Modelling (BIM) overview

Introduction to Building Performance Modelling (BPM)

Sustainable materials and products

Indoor environment quality

Post occupancy evaluation

Construction and commissioning

What level is this course?

400 Level (Graduate)

Demonstrating coherence and breadth or depth of knowledge and skills. Independent application of knowledge and skills in unfamiliar contexts. Meeting professional requirements and AQF descriptors for the degree. May require pre-requisites where discipline specific introductory or developing knowledge or skills is necessary. Normally undertaken in the third or fourth full-time study year of an undergraduate program.

What is the unit value of this course?

12 units

How does this course contribute to my learning?

Course Learning Outcomes On successful completion of this course, you should be able to... Graduate Qualities Mapping Completing these tasks successfully will contribute to you becoming... Professional Standard Mapping * Engineers Australia Stage 1 Professional Engineer Competency Standards
1 Adopt a whole systems design cycle approach to evaluate and develop appropriate sustainable engineering solutions. Sustainability-focussed
1.1, 2.1, 2.2
2 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of fundamental sustainable design principles Knowledgeable
1.1, 2.1, 2.2
3 Apply assessment techniques and tools to quantify the sustainable performance of materials and projects Sustainability-focussed
1.1, 2.1, 2.2
4 Understand and determine the environmental impacts of various phases of a building project. Sustainability-focussed
2.1, 2.2, 3.1, 3.2, 3.5

* Competencies by Professional Body

CODE COMPETENCY
Engineers Australia Stage 1 Professional Engineer Competency Standards
1.1 Knowledge and Skill Base: Comprehensive, theory based understanding of the underpinning natural and physical sciences and the engineering fundamentals applicable to the engineering discipline.
2.1 Engineering Application Ability: Application of established engineering methods to complex engineering problem solving.
2.2 Engineering Application Ability: Fluent application of engineering techniques, tools and resources.
3.1 Professional and Personal Attributes: Ethical conduct and professional accountability.
3.2 Professional and Personal Attributes: Effective oral and written communication in professional and lay domains.
3.5 Professional and Personal Attributes: Orderly management of self, and professional conduct.

Am I eligible to enrol in this course?

Refer to the UniSC Glossary of terms for definitions of “pre-requisites, co-requisites and anti-requisites”.

Pre-requisites

ENG202 or ENG104 and enrolled in SC410, SC425, SC411, SC404, SC405

Co-requisites

Not applicable

Anti-requisites

ENG404

Specific assumed prior knowledge and skills (where applicable)

Not applicable

How am I going to be assessed?

Grading Scale

Standard Grading (GRD)

High Distinction (HD), Distinction (DN), Credit (CR), Pass (PS), Fail (FL).

Details of early feedback on progress

In week 2, the draft copy of your Assessment report will be peer reviewed in your workshop.

Assessment tasks

Delivery mode Task No. Assessment Product Individual or Group Weighting % What is the duration / length? When should I submit? Where should I submit it?
All 1 Report Individual 20%
1,500 words
Week 3 Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All 2a Quiz/zes Individual 20%
40 Mins
Week 5 In Class
All 2b Quiz/zes Individual 20%
40 Mins
Week 10 In Class
All 3a Report Group 30%
2,000 to 2,500 words per person
Week 13 Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All 3b Oral Group 10%
15 mins + question time
Week 13 In Class
All - Assessment Task 1:Assessment report
Goal:
This task has been designed to develop your professional communication skills and your ability to assess the environmental and economic impacts of buildings.
Product: Report
Format:
You are to write a 1,500-word individual report that elaborates on tutorial discussions regarding methods to assess the environmental and economic performance of buildings. Your report should focus on two such methods, and discuss the following for each: 

Description of the method, including relevant definitions, calculations and tools 

Review of its development 

Benefits and limitations 

Efforts to achieve industry standardisation 

A case study which applies the method to a building, building system or construction material. 

The report should be in doc or docx format and use the Harvard referencing style. Submission is via Canvas (Turnitin).
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Clarity of explanation
2 4
2
Evidence of research and relevance of information
2
3
Use of reliable references, and appropriate referencing
3
4
Appropriate use of diagrams, tables and graphs (if applicable)
1 3
All - Assessment Task 2a:Quiz 1
Goal:
You will demonstrate your understanding of the fundamental concepts of sustainable building design.
Product: Quiz/zes
Format:
Multiple choice and short answer questions. 

Individual submission, to be completed in class. The quizzes are an opportunity to demonstrate your understanding and application of the concepts reviewed in the learning materials and  discussed during the tutorials.

Programmable calculators are NOT permitted but scientific ones are. The use of other electronic devices, such as mobile phones and tablets, is not permitted
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Ability to analyse information
2
2
Knowledge of the theoretical and practical components of course material
1 3
3
Demonstrated understanding of whole-system engineering design
4
All - Assessment Task 2b:Quiz 2
Goal:
You will demonstrate your understanding of the fundamental concepts of sustainable building design.
Product: Quiz/zes
Format:
Multiple choice and short answer questions. 

Individual submission, to be completed in class. The quizzes are an opportunity to demonstrate your understanding and application of the concepts reviewed in the learning material and discussed during the tutorials.

Programmable calculators are NOT permitted but scientific ones are. The use of other electronic devices, such as mobile phones and tablets, is not permitted
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Ability to analyse information
3
2
Knowledge of the theoretical and practical components of course material
1 3
3
Demonstrated understanding of whole-system engineering design
4
All - Assessment Task 3a:ESD Report
Goal:
This is a professionally based task that will enable you to both develop advanced collaboration skills but also to demonstrate your knowledge in applying and evaluating a building project.You will develop the skills to apply a recognised sustainability rating system and assess the project's potential to achieve certification. Ultimately you will produce a written report at industry standard.
Product: Report
Format:
Your group (4 students max) is asked to imagine that you are ESD consultants hired by a local developer to recommend sustainable design strategies for one of their building projects. You will receive information on the development site, and will be required to produce an ESD report, which contains the following: 

Site analysis. Consider local planning issues, ecology, the potential for flooding, nearby amenities, transport, and climate data. Use diagrams, sketches, and maps to illustrate your findings, where appropriate. 

A concept design for the building(s). Incorporate findings from your site analysis, and also consider the following: building orientation and form; passive heating and cooling strategies; natural daylighting; any required active systems. Use Climate Consultant to determine the achievable thermal comfort level for the building(s). 

Water sensitive urban design (WSUD) concept for the development. Consider a suitable stormwater measure, where you might locate it, and its approximate size. 

Potential Green Star Rating. Prepare advice on the potential to achieve a Green Star - Design and As-Built rating certification from the Green Building Council of Australia. 

The main body report should be 2,000 to 2,500 words per person in the group. Where appropriate, it should contain diagrams, sketches, calculations and tables. Further information on the report content and structure will be available on Canvas. 

As part of your group work, you will also actively participate in a peer assessment review process, and provide feedback on group member contributions.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Level of research undertaken to understand the site conditions
2
2
Appropriateness of the sustainable design strategies being proposed
1 3
3
Clear articulation of the Green Star compliance requirements and methods used to demonstrate compliance.
2 3
4
Professional written communication skills, including appropriate use of visual aids.
2
5
Professional and ethical conduct collaborating with peers
2
All - Assessment Task 3b:Oral Presentation
Goal:
Making oral presentations to clients, community and industry is a staple competency for engineering and requires planning, organisation and practice.This presentation will develop and allow you to demonstrate your professional presentation skills.You will pitch this presentation to a potential client.
Product: Oral
Format:
Your group of ESD consultants are required to present the findings of your report, including the potential GBCA rating to the client. The presentation should be no more than 15 minutes.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Overview of research and findings
2
2
Recommendations to the client for certification
4
3
Professional communication materials: PowerPoint slides, and use of diagram, tables, and handouts - where appropriate.
4
4
Professional communication: oral communication skills
4
5
Professional and ethical conduct collaborating with peers
4

Directed study hours

A 12-unit course will have total of 150 learning hours which will include directed study hours (including online if required), self-directed learning and completion of assessable tasks. Student workload is calculated at 12.5 learning hours per one unit.

What resources do I need to undertake this course?

Please note: Course information, including specific information of recommended readings, learning activities, resources, weekly readings, etc. are available on the course Canvas site– Please log in as soon as possible.

Prescribed text(s) or course reader

Please note that you need to have regular access to the resource(s) listed below. Resources may be required or recommended.

Required? Author Year Title Edition Publisher
Required Green Building Council of Australia 2014 Green Star Design & As Built v1: Submission Guidelines Green Building Council of Australia

Specific requirements

N/A

How are risks managed in this course?

Health and safety risks for this course have been assessed as low. It is your responsibility to review course material, search online, discuss with lecturers and peers and understand the health and safety risks associated with your specific course of study and to familiarise yourself with the University’s general health and safety principles by reviewing the online induction training for students, and following the instructions of the University staff.

What administrative information is relevant to this course?

Assessment: Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is the ethical standard of university participation.  It ensures that students graduate as a result of proving they are competent in their discipline.  This is integral in maintaining the value of academic qualifications. Each industry has expectations and standards of the skills and knowledge within that discipline and these are reflected in assessment.

Academic integrity means that you do not engage in any activity that is considered to be academic fraud; including plagiarism, collusion or outsourcing any part of any assessment item to any other person.  You are expected to be honest and ethical by completing all work yourself and indicating in your work which ideas and information were developed by you and which were taken from others. You cannot provide your assessment work to others. You are also expected to provide evidence of wide and critical reading, usually by using appropriate academic references.

In order to minimise incidents of academic fraud, this course may require that some of its assessment tasks, when submitted to Canvas, are electronically checked through Turnitin.  This software allows for text comparisons to be made between your submitted assessment item and all other work to which Turnitin has access.

Assessment: Additional Requirements

Eligibility for Supplementary Assessment

Your eligibility for supplementary assessment in a course is dependent of the following conditions applying:

The final mark is in the percentage range 47% to 49.4%
The course is graded using the Standard Grading scale
You have not failed an assessment task in the course due to academic misconduct

Assessment: Submission penalties

Late submission of assessment tasks may be penalised at the following maximum rate: 
- 5% (of the assessment task's identified value) per day for the first two days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. 
- 10% (of the assessment task's identified value) for the third day - 20% (of the assessment task's identified value) for the fourth day and subsequent days up to and including seven days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. 
- A result of zero is awarded for an assessment task submitted after seven days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. Weekdays and weekends are included in the calculation of days late. To request an extension you must contact your course coordinator to negotiate an outcome.

SafeUniSC

UniSC is committed to a culture of respect and providing a safe and supportive environment for all members of our community. For immediate assistance on campus contact SafeUniSC by phone: 07 5430 1168 or using the SafeZone app. For general enquires contact the SafeUniSC team by phone 07 5456 3864 or email safe@usc.edu.au.

The SafeUniSC Specialist Service is a Student Wellbeing service that provides free and confidential support to students who may have experienced or observed behaviour that could cause fear, offence or trauma. To contact the service call 07 5430 1226 or email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au.

Study help

For help with course-specific advice, for example what information to include in your assessment, you should first contact your tutor, then your course coordinator, if needed.

If you require additional assistance, the Learning Advisers are trained professionals who are ready to help you develop a wide range of academic skills. Visit the Learning Advisers web page for more information, or contact Student Central for further assistance: +61 7 5430 2890 or studentcentral@usc.edu.au.

Wellbeing Services

Student Wellbeing provide free and confidential counselling on a wide range of personal, academic, social and psychological matters, to foster positive mental health and wellbeing for your academic success.

To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 1226.

AccessAbility Services

Ability Advisers ensure equal access to all aspects of university life. If your studies are affected by a disability, learning disorder mental health issue, injury or illness, or you are a primary carer for someone with a disability or who is considered frail and aged, AccessAbility Services can provide access to appropriate reasonable adjustments and practical advice about the support and facilities available to you throughout the University.

To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email AccessAbility@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 2890.

Links to relevant University policy and procedures

For more information on Academic Learning & Teaching categories including:

  • Assessment: Courses and Coursework Programs
  • Review of Assessment and Final Grades
  • Supplementary Assessment
  • Central Examinations
  • Deferred Examinations
  • Student Conduct
  • Students with a Disability

For more information, visit https://www.usc.edu.au/explore/policies-and-procedures#academic-learning-and-teaching

Student Charter

UniSC is committed to excellence in teaching, research and engagement in an environment that is inclusive, inspiring, safe and respectful. The Student Charter sets out what students can expect from the University, and what in turn is expected of students, to achieve these outcomes.

General Enquiries

  • In person:
    • UniSC Sunshine Coast - Student Central, Ground Floor, Building C, 90 Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs
    • UniSC Moreton Bay - Service Centre, Ground Floor, Foundation Building, Gympie Road, Petrie
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  • Email:studentcentral@usc.edu.au