Course Syllabus
Contact Information
Course Details
For a list of course activities, scroll to the bottom of this page.
Course Delivery
Synchronous Online: Learning occurs online and in real time. These "Live Sessions" take place weekly from 7 pm to 9 pm (CST). In the event that your work or personal schedule makes it impossible for you to attend, please review the recording of the Live Session for the particular week you were unable to attend.
Assumed Prior Knowledge
- Complete before class: Building Science Basics Course (Whole Building Design Guide)
- Read before class: How to Criticize with Kindness: Philosopher Daniel Dennett on the Four Steps to Arguing Intelligently – The Marginalian
Course Materials
All required materials can be found linked to the individual weekly modules within Canvas. They are also available at the RESOURCES: Course Materials page in the Start Here Module.
Program Learning Outcomes (PLO)
The course ARCH 5822: Foundations of Building Physics and Analysis is a fundamental component of the MS in Sustainable Architecture program, providing students with essential knowledge and skills in passive design strategies and building systems integration. This course directly supports the program's intent to equip architects and designers with up-to-date expertise in sustainable design and construction, focusing on the technical aspects that underpin evidence-based decision-making.
The course learning outcomes (CLOs) of ARCH 5822 align closely with two specific program learning outcomes (PLOs). It directly addresses PLO 2, 'Design, Build, and Assess,' by preparing students to use analysis, tools, and methods to design, develop, select materials, and assess building systems and performance of code-compliant sustainable projects. Additionally, it supports PLO 5, 'AIA Framework,' by providing the foundational knowledge necessary to demonstrate integrated project design and sustainability within the AIA Framework for Design Excellence.
By emphasizing passive design strategies and their application across different geographical and cultural contexts, as well as the integration of various building systems, this course enhances students' understanding of how design decisions impact the environment and society. This course provides a basic refresher in building physics and systems analysis that enables students to engage with the complex, data-driven aspects of modern sustainable design. This approach supports the program's goal of producing architects and designers who can make informed, evidence-based decisions and effectively communicate technical rationales to clients, addressing the evolving expectations in the field of sustainable architecture.
- Research - Research and evaluate emerging science and methodologies for optimizing building and human performance through the case study method.
- Design, Build, and Assess - Use analysis, tools, and methods to design, develop, select materials, and assess the building systems and performance of code-compliant sustainable projects. (CLO A and B)
- Account for ESG Impacts - Explain how design decisions impact society, systemic issues, and the environment for all communities today and in the future.
- AIA Framework - Demonstrate integrated project design and sustainability within the AIA Framework for Design Excellence. (CLO A)
Course Learning Outcomes (CLO) Alignment
| CLO | Description | PLO |
|---|---|---|
| A | Passive Design. Apply passive design strategies for environmental control and explain how they differ from place to place according to geography, climate, available materials, and culture. Students will understand human impacts on climate change. | 2, 5 |
| B |
Building Systems. Explain the impacts on basic mechanical, plumbing, fire protection, conveyance, and electrical systems, the ways in which they are integrated into building design and construction, and the ways in which they are communicated and represented. |
2 |
Grades
Breakdown
| Activity | Description | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Software Demonstration Assignments | Curated software will be demonstrated to illustrate key concepts. You'll then demonstrate your ability to use these tools. These assignments are crucial for learning and showcasing your practical skills. | 750 |
| Summary Artifact | Applying the AIA Framework for Design Excellence, the Summary Artifact assignment is a crucial step in developing a case study of a professional project that must be completed in this MS program's final course. | 250 |
| Total | 1000 |
Scale
| Percentage | Letter Grade |
|---|---|
| 90–100% | A |
| 80–89% | B |
| 70–79% | C |
| 60–69% | D |
| Below 60% | F |
Course Components
Software Demonstration Assignments
Several pieces of software will be demonstrated during the live course sessions. It is important for the student to then be able to demonstrate that they know how to use the software, and these assignments make up a portion of your grade. The software has been carefully curated to present the most straightforward performance based feedback at early stages of the concept design.
Summary Artifact
Later in this MS program, the final course will have the student complete a case study of a professional project the student may have worked on or have access to. The Summary artifact is intended to help the student to start to develop this case study and apply the AIA Framework for Design Excellence and determining performance based metrics for that professional project.
Course Policies
Communication
If you need to contact me, please e-mail me directly at leefithian@ou.edu. Canvas messaging is unreliable, please only use OU email for communication with me. I will do my best to respond within 24 hours, 48 hours max. Please note that work-life balance is very important to me, and I make an effort to avoid checking e-mail on the weekends if at all possible.
How will we address each other? My pronouns are she/her/hers. In terms of titles, Dr. Fithian works just fine. If you go by a name other than the one listed in Canvas, please tell me how you prefer to be addressed. Additionally, if I mispronounce your name, do not hesitate to correct me. Respecting another's preferred pronouns, titles, and pronunciations is an easy way to show respect to your colleagues and is something I take very seriously.
Feedback
Assignments will be graded within 10 days of submission. If you would like a deeper dive into any feedback or grade you receive, I am happy to set up individual Zoom meetings to discuss further.
Late Policy
Late work will be accepted with a grade penalty as specified in the assignment rubrics. All assignments must be submitted by the due date. Extensions must be arranged prior to the deadline. Late submissions will incur a 10% grade reduction per day, and assignments submitted 3 or more days late will receive zero points. Any extensions of assignment due dates due to university-excused absences or for personal reasons (sickness, family emergency, etc.) must be arranged prior to the assigned due date.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is the most common form of academic misconduct at OU. There is no college-level assignment that can be satisfactorily completed by copying. OU's basic assumption about writing is that all written assignments show the student's own understanding in the student's own words. That means all writing assignments, in class or out, are assumed to be composed entirely of words generated (not simply found) by the student, except where words written by someone else are specifically marked as such with proper citation. Including other people's words in your paper is helpful when you do it honestly and correctly. When you don't, it's plagiarism.
For more information about plagiarism, watch this video and then take this short course offered by University Libraries.
Errata and Changes
Errors and omissions to this syllabus or class presentations will be revised as observed and do not constitute incomplete or late work from students. Students are responsible for bringing the professor’s attention to any and all possible errata they encounter. The instructor reserves the right to make changes to the syllabus and content based upon course pacing and current events that may be relevant to the material.
Additional Resources
If you need additional support or guidance in navigating Canvas, please visit the Sustainable Architecture Student Orientation Course for helpful tutorials, tips, and resources to enhance your experience with our learning management system.
University Academic Policies and Student Support
Access the University Academic Policies Document.
Course Summary:
| Date | Details | Due |
|---|---|---|