Studying online
There are now 2 possible online modes for units:
Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.
Click on an offering mode for more details.
Unit Overview
- Description
Structural considerations, materials, components and systems are integral to the design process and outcomes. This unit exposes students to the links between these considerations and design outcomes, developing knowledge to be able to make technically informed design options and appraisals.
Codes, standards and controls also inform design processes and outcomes. Students will understand how these apply to architectural practice and the need for compliance around planning regulations, building codes and standards, climate change impacts, fire safety and universal access.
The unit also addresses the Who, What and How of design documents, considering who the documents are for, what purpose they are meeting and how the communication is delineated in each instance. Students will develop an understanding of the related contexts of accuracy, scale and scope.
- Credit
- 6 points
- Offering
Availability Location Mode Not available in 2025 UWA (Perth) Face to face - Outcomes
Students are able to (1) evaluate the design impact of material selections, structures and construction systems; (2) assess the suitability of information included in design documentation such as drawings, models, specifications, schedules and construction documents.; and (3) appraise design compliance within statutory and environmental regulatory frameworks.
- Assessment
Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) in-class tests and (2) report. Further information is available in the unit outline.
Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.
- Unit Coordinator(s)
- Emily van Eyk
- Unit rules
- Incidental fees
- Incidental student fees and charges are costs incurred by students as part of their studies at UWA that are in addition to their tuition fees (further information is available "
Participation in this unit will incur the following incidental fee(s):Certified protective work helmet, hard-capped safety footwear, safety glasses, high-visibility vest (estimated cost - $100). - Contact hours
- lectures: 12 hours
tutorials: 24 hours - Note
- Enrolled students can access unit material via the LMS (Learning Management System).
- Recommended
Reading -
'Acumen', a comprehensive set of advisory notes published by the Australian Institute of Architects, will form the primary text for the unit. This is available through the EDFAA library online.
A list of recommended texts and other resources will be available on LMS.
- The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
- All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
- Visit the Essential Textbooks website to see if any textbooks are required for this Unit. The website is updated regularly so content may change. Students are recommended to purchase Essential Textbooks, but a limited number of copies of all Essential Textbooks are held in the Library in print, and as an ebook where possible. Recommended readings for the unit can be accessed in Unit Readings directly through the Learning Management System (LMS).
- Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.
Face to face
Predominantly face-to-face. On campus attendance required to complete this unit. May have accompanying resources online.
Online flexible
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit is asynchronous delivery, with NO requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online timetabled
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit includes some synchronous components, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online Restricted
Not available for self-enrolment. Students access this mode by contacting their student office through AskUWA. 100% Online Unit.
NO campus face-to-face attendance. All study and assessment requirements are online only. Unit includes some timetabled activities, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times. In exceptional cases (noted in the Handbook) students may be required to participate in face-to-face laboratory classes when a return to UWA’s Crawley campus becomes possible in order to be awarded a final grade.
External
No attendance or regular contact is required, and all study requirements are completed either via correspondence and/or online submission.
Off-campus
Regular attendance is not required, but student attends the institution face to face on an agreed schedule for purposes of supervision and/or instruction.
Multi-mode
Multiple modes of delivery. Unit includes a mix of online and on-campus study requirements. On campus attendance for some activities is required to complete this unit.