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MODULE DESCRIPTOR
Module Title
Environment and Services
Reference SU2003 Version 18
Created March 2023 SCQF Level SCQF 8
Approved July 2005 SCQF Points 15
Amended August 2023 ECTS Points 7.5

Aims of Module
To equip the student with general principles which guide the introduction of passive design, environmental strategies and services in buildings, and with the ability to apply these to the design and evaluation of particular building types.

Learning Outcomes for Module
On completion of this module, students are expected to be able to:
1 Understand design strategies buildings must meet to ensure human comfort.
2 Understand the the role of form, fabric and fenestration in the design of low energy/low carbon buildings.
3 Understand the role of services and systems to deliver comfort and to satisfy low energy and carbon requirements.
4 Apply evaluative methods and strategies to the design of a low energy/low carbon/high comfort building of low to medium complexity.

Indicative Module Content
This module develops understanding of the design strategies to deliver buildings compatible with our net zero future. It is studied in the context of the global environmental requirement to reduce carbon emissions and therefore to produce strategies that lower energy requirements and reduce carbon, including embodied carbon. It provides an understanding of the principal strategies for Passive Design in relation to operational energy - form, fabric, fenestration, passive solar. The integration of low carbon systems to deliver environmental comfort (such as heating, natural and mechanical ventilation). Fabric energy efficiency is explored through different construction systems designed to achieve Passivhaus standard. Methods of evaluating performance are studied, including software-based methods.

Module Delivery
This module is taught through classroom exercises, labs, workshops, and material delivered through Moodle (short videos, targeted reading list, and selected bibliography). The general pattern requires students to engage with specific material online before a particular classroom session, at which the principles gleaned from that material will be demonstrated or applied through design and evaluation exercises.

Indicative Student Workload Full Time Part Time
Contact Hours 30 N/A
Non-Contact Hours 120 N/A
Placement/Work-Based Learning Experience [Notional] Hours N/A N/A
TOTAL 150 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
Description: This is a design and evaluation exercise to demonstrate application of concepts, strategies and evaluation methods introduced in the module.

MODULE PERFORMANCE DESCRIPTOR
Explanatory Text
The overall module grade is based on 100% weighting of component 1 (coursework). A 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 None.
Corequisites for module None.
Precluded Modules None.

ADDITIONAL NOTES
Where appropriate mixed discipline team working will be encouraged. Reports may be assessed as coursework or by interview panel.

INDICATIVE BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Chadderton, D. K., Building Services Engineering (2012).
2 McMullan, R., Environmental Science in Building, 7th Edition. (2012)
3 Zunde, J. M. & Bougdah, J (2006), Integrated Strategies in Architecture.
4 Hall F. & Greeno R., Building Services Handbook,Routledge 2017.

Robert Gordon University, Garthdee House, Aberdeen, AB10 7QB, Scotland, UK: a Scottish charity, registration No. SC013781