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MODULE DESCRIPTOR
Module Title
Masters Studio 4: Comprehensive Design Resolution
Reference	ACM650	Version	2
Created	February 2024	SCQF Level	SCQF 11
Approved	November 2022	SCQF Points	45
Amended	April 2024	ECTS Points	22.5

Aims of Module
To enable students to refine and comprehensively resolve their thesis project through detailed design, demonstrating sophisticated integration, and presented to a professional level.

Learning Outcomes for Module
On completion of this module, students are expected to be able to:
1	Present a comprehensively resolved, architecturally coherent, place-specific design project that integrates philosophical and conceptual thinking with scientific understanding and technological application.
2	Demonstrate research, evaluation, selection, and application of appropriate technologies, consistent with a clear strategic approach, and in pursuance of net-zero carbon design ambitions and fire and life safety imperatives.
3	Relate, justify, and critically discuss a developed architectural design project to the wider social, economic, cultural, and sustainable and environmental context underpinning the design brief.
4	Communicate final design intentions effectively by verbal presentation, multi-media visual techniques, and the design and installation of a final exhibition to a professional standard.
5	Demonstrate ability as an independent learner, and to utilise developed reflective capabilities and self-awareness to identify and plan future learning needs that will enhance personal and career development as an architect.

Indicative Module Content
In this module students will work individually, within studio-based design units, to develop an advance detail design thesis building on initial work undertaken in the previous studio module (ACM600). Each student will investigate and develop detailed designs consistent with technological strategies and architectural intention, and will demonstrate approaches in pursuance of net-zero carbon strategies, responsible resource utilisation, and key legislative instruments relating to fire and life safety, universal design, CD&M, etc. Consideration of impact on the wider environment and ecology, including aspects of biodiversity, water management, etc.

Indicative Module Content

In this module students will work individually, within studio-based design units, to develop an advance detail design thesis building on initial work undertaken in the previous studio module (ACM600). Each student will investigate and develop detailed designs consistent with technological strategies and architectural intention, and will demonstrate approaches in pursuance of net-zero carbon strategies, responsible resource utilisation, and key legislative instruments relating to fire and life safety, universal design, CD&M, etc. Consideration of impact on the wider environment and ecology, including aspects of biodiversity, water management, etc.

Module Delivery
This is a studio-based module with introductory lectures, individual and group tutorials, private study and design work. Students develop work through self-directed learning, and through tutor consultation. Students will be expected to consult regularly with tutors and present their work to staff, other students and invited critics at periodic reviews. Final designs will be presented orally and using multi-media techniques in open forum. Tutors provide feedback at tutorials and reviews.

Module Delivery

This is a studio-based module with introductory lectures, individual and group tutorials, private study and design work. Students develop work through self-directed learning, and through tutor consultation. Students will be expected to consult regularly with tutors and present their work to staff, other students and invited critics at periodic reviews. Final designs will be presented orally and using multi-media techniques in open forum. Tutors provide feedback at tutorials and reviews.

Indicative Student Workload	Full Time	Part Time
Contact Hours	100	N/A
Non-Contact Hours	350	N/A
Placement/Work-Based Learning Experience [Notional] Hours	N/A	N/A
TOTAL	450	N/A
Actual Placement hours for professional, statutory or regulatory body

ASSESSMENT PLAN
If a major/minor model is used and box is ticked, % weightings below are indicative only.
Component 1
Type:	Coursework	Weighting:	100%	Outcomes Assessed:	1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Description:	The coursework consists of a Portfolio of design work - the portfolio includes drawings, models and all work generated from all tasks related to studio unit: individual work, activities, lectures, tutorials, professional development and independent study. It should include a research logbook recording your educational journey in a concise graphic and written presentation. Final submission will be by Moodle at the end of the module. Each student will design and install a formal physical exhibition containing all the module outputs from across the entire Masters course.

MODULE PERFORMANCE DESCRIPTOR
Explanatory Text
The overall module grade is based on 100% weighting of Component 1 (portfolio). An overall minimum grade D is required to pass the module. Non-submission will result in an NS grade.
Module Grade	Minimum Requirements to achieve Module Grade:
A	A
B	B
C	C
D	D
E	E
F	F
NS	Non-submission of work by published deadline or non-attendance for examination

Module Requirements
Prerequisites for Module	ARB/RIBA Part 1 Exemption or equivalent ACM600 Masters Thesis Design Project
Corequisites for module	None.
Precluded Modules	None.

INDICATIVE BIBLIOGRAPHY
1	Each specialist unit project brief will contain its own recommended reading list.
2	As part of the Thesis development students will be required to suggest and create their own reading lists depending on the type of project selected or undertaken.

Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen

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