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
Contemporary Architecture is significantly reducing whole building life cycle energy demand through improvements within buildings and structures. This unit studies bio-based materials (BBM) (those derived from agricultural and forestry feedstock) that have been used in the construction of our buildings throughout history, from an environmental and socio-economic perspective. The use of bio-based materials, such as strawbale, bamboo, timber or hemp in construction offers a renewable resource that has the potential of negative embodied carbon as energy efficiency increases with stricter codes and regulations. The application and extended possibilities for bio-inspired design experimentation in these contexts are explored in this unit as the needs are significant. The industrialization potential of BBM is investigated. Standardization and certification procedures, rationale and future scenarios are discussed. Site visits, practical workshops are set for students to engage with BBM production and construction requirements within the context of an international and Australian design industry scenario
- Credit
- 6 points
- Offering
Availability Location Mode Not available in 2025 UWA (Perth) Face to face - Outcomes
Students are able to (1) employ BBM construction techniques to demonstrate its integrated environmental, socio-economic challenges and benefits; (2) critically analyse BBM design and construction processes in light of its historical uses in traditional and contemporary settings; and (3) generate design proposals through acquired knowledge of the integrated social, cultural, environmental and ethical benefits and/or potential setbacks of BBMs.
- Assessment
Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) diary & drawings and (2) drawings (group). 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)
- Rosangela Tenorio
- Unit rules
Approved quota: 30—academic merit and seniority for enrolment at a set date, if the date is to adversely affect international student enrolment then the five places (20%) of the total number will be set aside for enrolment by international students - 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):(1) Field trip (estimated cost - 180)
(2) Third party workshop (estimated cost - 300). - Contact hours
- lectures: 1 hour
workshop/practical classes
2 hours for up to 12 weeks
- 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.