Graduate Certificate in Performance-Based Building and Fire Codes
On this page:
- About this course
- Careers
- Course details
- Course structure
- Units and electives
- Admission information
- Course objectives
- How to apply
About this course
This course enables building surveyors, and other allied professions to make use of performance-based building codes. It introduces the concepts and alternative acceptable frameworks for codes and provides assessment and application of performance-based and fire codes.
You will develop a professional approach to performance-based codes and an appreciation of the legal, statutory and design integrity requirements and the need for design compliance.
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Careers
Fire safety and risk engineer (additional requirement may be needed).
Learn more about your career options on the Australian government's Career Information and Resources website.
Course details
- Course location
- Werribee
- Faculty
- Faculty of Health, Engineering and Science
- School
- Centre for Environmental Safety and Risk Engineering
- Duration
- 1 year
- Study options
- Part Time
- Study mode
- Burst Mode , On campus
- Course code
- ETQB
Course Structure
The course is offered on a part-time basis over one year, and is offered in block modules (four blocks of four to five days, a total of four blocks spread throughout the year). Students must complete 48 credit points.
Units and electives
Year 1, Semester 1
- Risk Assessment and Human Behaviour [VQB5611]
- Scientific Principles for Fire Professionals [VQB5612]
Year 1, Semester 2
Assessment
Assessments will be conducted through a combination of assignments and an examination. Distribution of marks among each aspect of assessment is determined individually for each unit.
Guidelines on the use of electronic calculators and other electronic storage devices in examinations are provided in individual unit outlines distributed to students within the first two weeks of semester and included on final examination papers.
Electronic calculators and other electronic storage devices will not be permitted where the above provisions have not been met.
Admission information
- Mature: To qualify for admission to the course, an applicant must have successfully completed a diploma in Building Surveying or an equivalent qualification and at least two years of relevant professional experience. Candidates with other academic qualifications can be admitted to the course provided they can demonstrate an equivalent combination of additional relevant professional experience and qualifications. A letter of recommendation and an interview may be required.
Course objectives
The Graduate Certificate in Performance Based Building and Fire Codes is designed to present the concepts behind fire safety engineering, such that graduates have an appreciation and an understanding of what should be included into a fire safety engineering design, in addition to acquiring some of the techniques available for carrying out the necessary calculations to demonstrate that an adequate level of safety has been achieved. The approach adopted in the presentation of the course material does not presuppose detailed knowledge and, as such, will be suitable for building surveyors and building engineers from other disciplines, as well as consolidating the knowledge of fire safety practitioners. The course does not teach engineering design, but sets out to illustrate for those who will be involved in assessing such designs, the approach to adopt, what to look for, questions to ask and how to reach a conclusion.
The course aims to enable building surveyors and other allied professionals to:
- make professional use of performance-based building codes;
- employ the concepts and alternative acceptable frameworks for performance-based codes, with particular, but not exclusive, emphasis given to fire safety engineering design;
- acquire appropriate knowledge and skills necessary for the assessment and application of performance-based building and fire codes;
- explain the basic physics and chemistry governing ignition, fire growth and spread, smoke movement and fire extinguishment and structural behaviour during fire;
- apply relevant concepts concerning occupant communication and response in relation to fire cues;
- discuss basic fire safety engineering analysis through the use of assessment tools;
- develop a professional approach to performance-based codes and a recognition of when to assess designs which are within a person's field of expertise and when to refer designs to a more appropriately qualified assessor;
- develop an appreciation of the legal, statutory and design integrity requirements and the need for compliance of the design assumptions throughout the operational life of the building.
How to apply for this course
We are currently accepting applications for this course.
You can apply direct to VU. Applications close on 10 February 2012.
When you're ready to apply:
- Read the Advice to applicants (contains details about how to apply for your course, extra requirements, what happens when you submit your application and other important information).
- Complete the Higher education direct entry application form.
- As part of the application you may need to complete extra requirements such as:
- submit supplementary forms
- attend an interview, audition, information session or workshop
- submit a folio
- sit a test
Details about extra requirements are available in the:
You need to complete all extra requirements by the given dates, otherwise your application may not be considered.
Transferring between VU courses
Want to transfer into this course from another VU course? Complete the Victoria University internal course application form and check whether you need to complete any extra requirements, listed above.
You can also contact us directly:
- Ring us on +61 3 9919 6100
- Find answers and ask questions at GOTOVU
VU takes care to ensure the accuracy of this course information, but reserves the right to change or withdraw courses offered at any time. Please check that course information is current with the Student Contact Centre.