Building Systems and Services

Unit code: NBC2003 | Study level: Undergraduate
Credit points
12
(Generally, 1 credit = 10 hours of classes and independent study.)
Location
Footscray Park
Online Real Time
Prerequisites
N/A
Overview
Enquire

Overview

Both domestic and commercial buildings consist of various sub-systems, with building services as a critical component. This unit highlights the pivotal role of sustainability in construction, particularly in building services, focusing on the embodied and operational carbon implications of procurement methods, components, and systems.

Students will be introduced to the concepts and principles of building services systems relevant to residential, commercial, and industrial building projects. Utilising industry regulations, standards, and codes of practice, the unit will cover the essentials of building services requirements, installation, operation, and maintenance. Topics include HVAC systems, electrical and gas supplies, natural and artificial lighting, security and communication systems, hydraulic service supply and disposal, fire protection, vertical transportation, and acoustics. Additionally, the unit will address comfort conditions, indoor air quality, and overall building performance.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. Interpret regulatory and technical requirements relevant to reticulated and designed building services installations;
  2. Devise energy-efficient and sustainable design with respect to building services, including lighting, power, heating, cooling, mechanical services, hot water, and water usage;
  3. Analyse design documentation and carry out on-site inspections of service installations and assess their compliance with relevant statutes, standards and regulatory controls;
  4. Identify and interpret factors affecting human thermal comfort, indoor air quality and building acoustics; and
  5. Effectively collaborate with others to conduct total building performance evaluations in all building types.

Study as a single unit

This unit can be studied on its own, without enrolling in a full degree.

Learn more about single units of study at VU

Assessment

For Melbourne campuses

Assessment type: Assignment
|
Grade: 40%
Two assignments, 20% each (Individual)
Assessment type: Case Study
|
Grade: 40%
Design project and oral presentation (Group)
Assessment type: Test
|
Grade: 20%
Two tests, 10% each (Individual)

In assignments, students interpret building codes and design energy-efficient systems for real-world building service scenarios, focusing on sustainability in lighting, heating, and water management.
The case study and oral presentation include an evaluation of the contributions made by each member of the team to facilitate the assessment of students' achievement of learning outcomes.

Required reading

Plumbing Code of Australia
National Construction Code Series (latest ed.)| ABCB Publications, Canberra
Energy Efficiency Provisions
National Construction Code (latest ed.)| ABCB Publications, Canberra
Energy Efficiency Provisions
National Construction Code (latest ed.)| ABCB Publications, Canberra
Using on-site renewable and reclaimed energy sources
Handbook (2019)| ABCB Publications, Canberra

As part of a course

This unit is studied as part of the following course(s):

Bachelor of Architectural Design
NBAD | Bachelor degree | Duration: 3 years
Bachelor of Building Design
NBBD | Bachelor degree | Duration: 3 years
Bachelor of Building Surveying
NBBS | Bachelor degree | Duration: 3 years
Bachelor of Construction Management (Honours)
NHCM | Bachelor honours degree | Duration: 4 years

Refer to the course page for information on how to apply for the course. VU takes care to ensure the accuracy of this unit information, but reserves the right to change or withdraw courses offered at any time. Please check that unit information is current with the Student Contact Centre.

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