Subjects overview
This program can be completed in 2 years (6 semesters)
Core Curriculum
Students must complete three (3) subjects plus the Beyond Bond Program.
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CORE11-011: Critical Thinking and Communication (10CP)
In this subject, students will be introduced to critical thinking and clear expression. They will evaluate arguments, identify assumptions, judge patterns of inference, and recognise and apply various methods of reasoning. Students will learn how to clarify and visually represent their thinking to make better decisions, evaluate and use evidence, and communicate more effectively in their writing and speaking. Using these skills, students will structure and write an academic essay and deliver an oral presentation.
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CORE11-012: Responsibility, Integrity and Civic Discourse (10CP)
Integrity, and the courage and capability to act on one’s sense of responsibility, are key components of a thriving life. Responsibility, Integrity and Civic Discourse fosters students’ lifelong commitment to responsible discourse and action in all spheres of human interaction, recognising the global aspect to contemporary citizenship. Students explore the complex relationship between character, responsible action, and creative critical thinking, learning how to reflect on and articulate their unique sense of global citizenship and responsibility. By accentuating the importance of justification and articulation of the reasons for our actions, students exercise their critical, communicative, and cooperative capabilities so that they can thrive with integrity in the multiple contexts of action they will face as private, civic, professional, and global citizens.
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CORE11-013: Collaboration for Global Change (10CP)
In today's work and study environments, individuals often encounter complex, open-ended problems that necessitate collaboration in both physical and virtual realms and across sectors and specialisations. In Collaboration for Global Change, students engage collaboratively to craft genuine solutions for global issues. In this context, students link their endeavours to specific sustainable development goals, thus positioning their actions as contributions to global citizenship. As they learn to defend their ideas and perspectives, students apply critical thinking, design thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills within a problem-based learning environment. This comprehensive approach equips them with the necessary skills and mindset to excel in future work, academic pursuits, and global initiatives.
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Beyond Bond Program
To keep up with the ever-changing work landscape, we aim to help our students future-proof their careers by developing broader employability skills that are actively sought out by employers. Unique to our University, Beyond Bond is a compulsory professional development program with a practical, activity-based approach that is integrated into all undergraduate degrees.
Required Subjects
Students must complete the following one hundred and ninety credit points (190CP) of subjects.
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ARCH10-127: BIM and Documentation (5CP)
This subject places an emphasis upon the use of Building Information Modelling (BIM) as a tool for design, development, documentation, and information management within architectural and construction practices. Students will develop fundamental skills required to communicate their projects to a high degree of resolution for documentation, coordination, analysis and construction purposes. An understanding of the various scales and types of drawn representation is synthesised with accompanying documentation methods and techniques common in contemporary construction. Students will learn the building information modelling (BIM) process via the Revit software platform.
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ARCH10-133: Introduction to Professional Practice and Immersion (5CP)
This subject requires students to undertake a short workplace immersion experience at an architectural practice to observe and develop an understanding of the role of an architect and the day-to-day activities necessary to the profession. Students will undertake intensive seminars to prepare for their placement, including an introduction to architecture professional practice.
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ARCH11-105: Digital Fabrication Lab (10CP)
This subject introduces students to digital fabrication techniques. Students will develop basic parametric modelling skills and work through design workflow and protocol to create models using digital fabrication techniques. Workshop-based tutorials will develop practical skills with classroom-based instruction to develop the software skills required to design. Students will be introduced to the state-of-the-art in the global application of robotics in architecture and reflect upon emerging technologies and their impact on design.
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ARCH11-110: Designing for Sustainable Futures (10CP)
This subject examines sustainable futures through a Country-centred approach to caring for the health and well-being of our environment. Students will develop an understanding of Australian Aboriginal people's history, culture, practice and knowledge in caring for our environments. Through a decolonised lens, we will explore our contemporary place and position amongst a complex web of ecological systems through the First Nation worldview. Building on this worldview, students will be introduced to mapping analysis techniques using graphic software to produce diagrams and maps to synthesise and extract connections with Country. The subject will introduce design strategies and environmental practices based on circular design thinking at an urban and neighbourhood scale to explore the co-existing relationships between the natural and built environment. A particular area of focus is on the analysis of environmental practice and how we can address Climate Change by understanding how to care for the health and well-being of Country.
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ARCH11-114: World Architecture and Urbanism (10CP)
This subject covers the history of world architecture and urbanism from the early days of humans as builders until most recent architectural phenomena today. Because the second semester subject, entitled Architecture and Urbanism of the Asia Pacific, focuses on that part of the world, this first semester subject is mainly concerned with architecture in the other regions. The goal in examining aesthetic concepts; philosophical, social and environmental issues; vernacular typologies and indigenous cultures; materials; construction methods; as well as evolution of science and technology, is to provide a framework for critical evaluations and analyses of architectural and urban design. There is strong emphasis on linking the discussed, interrelated examples and theories with the cultural, social and environmental imperatives of the 21st century. Significant concepts, works, architects, planners, and contexts are highlighted for precedent studies and future referrals in order to develop the students’ design thinking skills.
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ARCH11-125: Materials and Methods (10CP)
This subject will introduce a range of concepts and intuitive levels of understanding of fundamental construction materials, the methodologies involved in their making and application in basic construction systems. Principles in the consideration of material employment, such as embodied energy, wastage, environmental impact, ethical manufacturing practices, structural integrity, economy, efficiency, thermal mass, durability and maintenance are explored. In addition, the experiential qualities of weight, colour, surface, reflectivity, luminosity, transparency, opacity, translucency, resonance and solidity are also investigated. Output is focused on collaborative methods of craftsmanship in both 2D and 3D outcomes including the physical construction and assembly of materials and systems utilising the Architecture Fabrication and Research Workshop.
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ARCH11-127: Design Thinking and Visualisation (10CP)
This subject aims to introduce students to design thinking through graphic medium and representation. Students will explore drawing and visualisation as a means for creative action, and an aid to unlock design potential and strategies. Using a mixture of hand drawing and digital software, students will be introduced to fundamental ideation, drawing and modelling techniques through a series of skill development exercises covering graphic presentation using diagrams, storyboards, vignettes, and iterative sketching. Design assignments will allow students to explore the application of drawing and digital modelling techniques as design thinking tools to develop ideas, create technical drawings and visualise spatial imagination. Students will practise communication skills involved in organising and making presentation graphics in the form of design panel layout, portfolio, and in-class verbal presentation
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ARCH11-132: Creative Design Studio: Material (10CP)
This subject explores material and detail in relation to the design process. Students interrogate a small-scale urban plot and are given a design brief with functional programs. The studio will develop and extend design thinking related to human scale, ergonomics, materiality and craft. Processes will be explored and refined through research and prototyping. A design drawing and model-making skills discovery course is integrated into the subject.
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ARCH11-133: Creative Design Studio: Landscape (10CP)
This subject will observe a landscape and its associated environments to develop understandings of place from which design proposals can be established. Understandings of terrain, climate, space, place, environment and cultural landscapes will be explored through field work studies, drawing and model making. Students critical and responsive design thinking will be focussed through proposed landscape interventions. The Designing for a Sustainable Future course will be closely related to the subject. A design drawing and model making discovery course is integrated within the subject.
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ARCH11-135: Architecture and Urbanism of Asia Pacific (10CP)
This subject covers the history of world architecture and urbanism from the early days of humans as builders till most recent architectural phenomena today. Because the first semester subject, entitled World Architecture and Urbanism, focuses on other areas, this second semester subject is mainly concerned with architecture in Asia and the Pacific region, including Australia. The goal in examining aesthetic concepts; philosophical, social and environmental issues; vernacular typologies and indigenous cultures; materials; construction methods; as well as evolution of science and technology, is to provide a framework for critical evaluations and analyses of architectural and urban design. There is strong emphasis on linking the discussed, interrelated examples and theories with the cultural, social and environmental imperatives of the 21st century. Significant concepts, works, architects, planners, and contexts are highlighted for precedent studies and future referrals in order to develop the students’ design thinking skills.
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ARCH11-140: Creative Design Studio: Atmosphere (10CP)
This subject will explore experiential and spatial exploitations of form, light and material with a particular focus on architectural atmospheres. Fundamental skills in the application of design thinking and process, narrative, critical thinking, observation and analysis will be developed. Output is focused on collaborative methods of craftsmanship in both 2D and 3D outcomes including the physical construction of a full-scale space utilising the Architecture Fabrication and Research Workshop. A design drawing and model making discovery course is integrated within the subject.
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ARCH11-145: Designing for Climate & Sustainability (10CP)
This subject explores architecture and its relationship to the natural environment to further the principles and values of sustainable design. Primary environmental design principles will be expanded to include observations of cities and their regions, as well as cultural, societal, climatic, and economic systems and challenges. A range of concepts and understanding in building science and climatic analysis will be introduced along with discussion around resilience, passive design systems, building envelopes, materials and microclimates. The subject emphasises a holistic approach to creating and sustaining living environments and covers fundamental principles of embodied and operational carbon via Life Cycle Analysis of buildings to support the transition towards a carbon-neutral built environment.
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ARCH13-128: Design Futures Studio: Australasian Cities (15CP)
Concentrating upon the socio-cultural and bio-climatic context of the urban regions of the Australasian and Oceanic context as a testing ground, this subject will engage a project of intermediate complexity utilising creative and speculative design solutions to confront issues of regional and global concern – the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Students will engage in an inclusive studio environment to develop solutions to sustainable and resilient community dwellings. Sustainable design education methods accompany the students to find adequate design concepts and spatial propositions for the contemporary inhabitation of denser urban environments and their morphological pre-context (such as built-up space, transport, open space, green space, public-private, infrastructure). This subject engages students to develop contextual relationships of building forms, program, space as solutions, adapted to local climate, culture and challenges. Design proposals are expected to critically engage with a contemporary urban and architectural discourse within a specific region and to produce a project that exhibits detailed integration of design process work and conceptual endeavour. Projects will be explored through both manual and digital techniques, both collectively and on an individual basis. This studio is supported by seminars on climate design and responsive architectural and urban design strategies. Output is focused on collaborative methods of craftsmanship in both 2D and 3D outcomes including the physical construction of models utilising the Architecture Fabrication and Research Workshop.
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ARCH13-129: Design Futures Studio: Density (15CP)
This design studio engages with urban projects addressing the pressing issue of density. Utilising creative and speculative design solutions, students will explore and develop an understanding of mixed-used urban density models appropriate to our region. Students will do a combination of group and individual creative design work led in a studio-based educational context. Output is focused on collaborative methods of design production in 2D and 3D drawings and models utilising the FSD Fabrication Workshop.
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ARCH13-130: Design Futures Studio – City Lab (15CP)
Design Futures Studio: City Lab is a studio-based subject engaging in experimental design projects at all architectural scales, selected for their opportunity to investigate pressing contemporary issues related to the occupation of the urban realm, environmental sustainability, emerging technologies, or other matters of sociocultural or disciplinary concern. Students will engage in an inclusive studio environment to develop solutions in team-based collaborative studio work. This subject asks students to explore the agency of architectural form, material, technique, technology, and meaning in a variety of scenarios. Design proposals are expected to critically engage with a contemporary urban and architectural discourse through project work that exhibits detailed integration of design process work and conceptual endeavour. Projects will be explored through both manual and digital techniques, both collectively and on an individual basis. Output is focused on collaborative methods of craftsmanship in both 2D and 3D outcomes including the physical construction of models and/or large scale constructions for inhabitation utilising the Architecture Fabrication and Research Workshop.
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ARCH13-134: Urban Futures and Parametric Cities (10CP)
In Urban Futures & Parametric Cities, students will investigate design speculations for master planning strategies for urban built form utilising digital platforms with a focus on social, cultural and environmental outcomes. A comparative analysis with an emphasis on density, form, scale, public space, access, climate, history, typology and geographical determinants of a particular global city will be undertaken to inform creative speculations. Lectures and presentations will expose students to a range of cities, comparing and contrasting their design characteristics. Algorithmic tools will be used to examine and evaluate different variables to understand their implications for city design. Students will work individually and in teams through workshops and exercises to develop content awareness and application.
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ARCH13-141: Architectural Design Detailing (10CP)
This subject introduces students to architectural design detailing strategy. Students will learn to read construction documentation drawings and specifications to re-construct design details. Forums and seminars will scaffold student's understanding of how architects develop detail strategy in relationship to material, structure, construction sequence, statutory codes and sustainability considerations.
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DIGM12-202: Architectural Visualisation and Animation (5CP)
Architectural Visualisation and Animation introduces students to real-time visualisation workflows through the creation of digital twins. Drawing on their existing 3D modelling skills, students observe and digitally reconstruct indoor spaces, then apply materials, lighting, UV mapping, environmental animation, and cinematic camera techniques to enhance spatial expression. The subject emphasises the translation of design skills into real-time rendering workflows and supports visual presentation practices across visualisation, virtual production, and screen-based media.
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SSUD13-311: Introduction to Structures (10CP)
This subject provides students from non-engineering backgrounds with a basic understanding of building structures and soil mechanics. Fundamental structural engineering concepts such as calculation of forces and reactions, properties of common construction materials, bending moments and shear forces are introduced. Structural principles encompassing Strength, Serviceability and Stability are covered. Soil properties are examined, and foundation systems are introduced.
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General Electives
Students must choose twenty credit points (20CP) of undergraduate subjects from across the University.
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University Undergraduate Electives
Students may choose from all Undergraduate subjects across the University that are available as general electives.
Major / Minors / Specialisations Finder
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Study plan
Take the guess work out of planning your study schedule. Your program's study plan has been carefully curated to provide a clear guide on the sequential subjects to be studied in each semester of your program. Your study plan is designed around connected subject themes to equip you with the fundamental knowledge required as you progress through your course.
Connect
Speak to a current Bond student
Connect
Speak to a current Bond student