Master Building Science Degree Programme of Sydney University
W
by HENRY J. COWAN, Professor of Architectural Science, University of Sydney
ITH an industry as old as build- ing it is surprising to find that the study of scientific methods for the design of buildings is of compara- tively recent date. Universities have conducted courses in structural en- gineering.
illuminating engineering. heating and ventilating engineering for many years, but the integrated design of buildings has been regarded as the preserve of architects.
The academic study of building science owes much to the Building Research Station, set up in England after the First World War. Its re- search encouraged investigation of the functioning of the entire building, and this led to extensive discussion among architects advocating reforms in the curriculum (Refs. 1 to 3).
It soon became apparent, however, that the scientific study of buildings required a far greater knowledge of mathematics and physics than archi- tects could be expected to learn, without increasing the length of the course to an unreasonable extent, and at the same time excluding many potentially good architects whose mathematical ability was limited.
Building science should be given more time in the professional architecture course; but the advance- ment of our knowledge of this subject cannot be achieved by architects alone. It is a noteworthy fact that building research organizations are mainly staffed by engineers.
Postgraduate Course
Like so many other new fields of knowledge, building science crosses the traditional academic boundaries. The structure of building is tradition- ally the responsibility of civil en- gineers, their services are designed by mechanical and electrical en- gineers, and their materials are studied by both chemical and civil engineers.
*
Acoustics, lighting and
This article by Professor H.J. Cowan, D.Eng. Ph.D. M. Sc. M.I.E.Aust, FASCE. M.I.Struct.E., is based on a paper which he presented at the invitation of the American Society for Engineering Edu- cation at the World Congress of En- gineering Education. Chicago. June 21- 25, 1965.
thermal properties of buildings are part of classical physics, although electrical engineers are generally more familiar with artificial lighting and sound reinforcement.
Only architects, however, under- stand the entire problem of the design of buildings. It appears then that the scientific design of buildings requires either persons who have acquired the greater part of the knowledge provid- ed by the professional curricula in architecture and several branches of engineering, or that a co-operative effort between persons with a widely different background is needed.
Even if one succeeded in produc- ing a satisfactory undergraduate programme, by judicious pruning of architectural and engineering courses, the problem of professional recogni- tion ог registration remains. The new building scientist would not know enough engineering to be acceptable as an engineer, or enough architecture to be acceptable as an architect. One might consider creating building science as a new profession; but the objections from established groups would be formidable, and the profes- sional opportunities open to a "build- ing scientist" would be narrowly limited.
All these considerations point to a postgraduate course for architects and engineers who have already gained professional status.
Admission Requirements
When the University of Sydney introduced the postgraduate course in building science, it was widely felt that discussion between the various professional groups would be of great help to staff and candidates alike. A bachelor degree in architecture, archi- tectural, civil, mechanical, electrical or chemical engineering, or physics is therefore accepted for admission to the course, and an attempt is made to preserve a reasonable balance.
At present candidates are divided as follows:
Far East Architect & Builder December, 1965
Architects Architectural engineers Civil engineers
17
8
Mechanical and electrical
engineers
Chemical engineers
Physicists
5 ++
3
There is, consequently, approximate equality of numbers between archi- tects and non-architects, and between those engineers and scientists interest- ed primarily in structures and ma- terials, and those interested primarily in environmental problems.
We encourage candidates to ac- quire several years of practical ex- perience subsequent to graduation before starting postgraduate work. However, this cannot be enforced. particularly on overseas students who are dependent on scholarships and awards, since these frequently limit the maximum age to 25 years.
Architects are required to take a bridge course in mathematics and physics, and engineers a bridge course in building construction. These are essentially undergraduate courses de- back- signed to provide a common ground in basic science and construc- tion for all candidates.
Lecture Programme
Six courses of 48 lectures each are offered on Architectural Structures. Building Materials, Building Services. Functional Efficiency of Buildings. History of Building Science, and Scientific Methods in Building. The subject matter of these courses is set out in the Appendix.
Candidates are required to take all six courses; however, engineers who already have a good working know- ledge of, say, building materials, are permitted, and indeed encouraged, to substitute a more specialized course from the Master of Engineering Science programme.
To provide a course covering so wide a range of subjects is beyond the resources of a single university department. We therefore draw on other departments, on building re- search organizations, and on firms of architects and engineers. Continuity is provided by a conference at the beginning of the academic session, and thereafter by direct contact be- tween lecturers in adjacent fields.
The 288 lectures are given by 52 lecturers, constituted as follows:-
Departmental staff
i
Staff from other university
departments
Employed by building research
organizations
Architects and consulting
engineers
12
11
19
The small number of architectural engineers is not intentional. This branch of engineering is not recognized in Aus- tralia, and the single architectural gineer is an American candidate on а Fulbright grant.
en-
†† Some Australian universities have in the past given combined degrees in mechanical and electrical engineering, so that a clearcut distinction is not possible.
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