Bachelor in Architecture

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Sample Five Year Study Plan

Freshman Year, Semester 1 (Fall)
Course
Title
CR
ARCH 121
 Basic Design I
4
MATH 113
 Calculus I
4
ARCH 113 Free Hand Sketching
1
ARCH 114
 Technical Graphics
2
ENGL 101
 Composition
3
UNIV 100
 University First-Year Transition
1
 TOTAL  15
Freshman Year, Semester 2 (Spring)
Course
Title
CR
ARCH 122
 Basic Design II
4
ARCH 115
 Architectural Drawing and Presentation
3
PHYS 110
 University Physics I
3
PHYS 111 University Physics I Lab
1
CSCI 112
3
CSCI 113
 Introduction to Computer Programming Lab
1
 TOTAL  15
Sophomore Year, Semester 1 (Fall)
Course
Title
CR
ARCH 221
 Architectural Design Studio 1
4
ARCH 231
 Building Construction 1
3
ARCH 241
 History and Theory of Architecture 1
3
CIEN 213
 Engineering Mechanics
3
ARCH 223
 Computer Architectural Drawing
2
SOCI 101 or GEOG 101 Contemporary Social Issues or  Introduction to Urban Social Geography 3
TOTAL

18
Sophomore Year, Semester 2 (Spring)
Course
 Title
CR
ARCH 222
 Architectural Design Studio 2
4
ARCH 232
 Building Construction 2
3
ARCH 242
 History and Theory of Architecture 2
3
CIEN 214
 Structure Analysis for Architects 
3
HIST 100
 Contemporary Middle Eastern History
3
 –
TOTAL 16
Junior Year, Semester 1 (Fall)
Course
Title
CR
ARCH 321
 Architectural Design Studio 3
4
ARCH 331
 Building Construction 3
3
ARCH 341
 History and Theory of Architecture 3
3
CIEN 322
 Structural Design
3
ENVS 102
 Sustainability and Human-Environment Relations
3
TOTAL  16
Junior Year, Semester 2 (Spring)
Course
Title
CR
ARCH 322
 Architectural Design Studio 4
4
ARCH 336
 Construction Drawings
3
ARCH 342
 History and Theory of Contemporary Architecture
3
ARCH 472
 Sustainable Architecture
3
ARCH 000
 Technical Elective 1
3
 TOTAL  16
Senior Year, Semester 1 (Fall)
Course
Title
CR
ARCH 421
 Architectural Design Studio 5
4
ARCH 463
 Landscape Architecture
3
MENG 468 Building Utilities I: HVAC and Mechanical Building Services
3
MEST 100
 Introduction to Islam in World Culture 
3
ARCH 000
Technical Elective 2
3
TOTAL  16
Senior Year, Semester 2 (Spring)
Course
Title
CR
ARCH 422
 Architectural Design Studio 6
4
PSYC 100 Introduction to Psychology
3
ARCH 454 Urban Planning
3
MENG 422
 Building Utilities II: Illumination, Acoustics, and Electrical Building Services
3
UAES 200 Survey of United Arab Emirates Studies 3
CIEN 261 Surveying  1
 TOTAL
17
Summer Semester 
Course
Title
CR
ENGR 390
 Internship
3
TOTAL
3
Fifth Year, Semester 1 (Fall)
Course
Title
CR
ARCH 521
 Architectural Design Studio 7
4
ARCH 591
 Graduation Project Thesis Research
2
ENGL 200 or
PHIL 100		 Advanced Composition or
Critical Thinking and Reasoning 
3
ARCH 456
 Sustainable Housing
3
UNIV 200
 Innovation and Entrepreneurship
3
ARCH 487 Project Management 3
TOTAL 18
Fifth Year, Semester 2 (Spring)
Course
Title
CR
ARCH 592
 Graduation Project Design
6
IENG 321 Engineering Economy
3
ARCH 485 Professional Practice
3
 UNIV 200 Innovation and Entrepreneurship 3
TOTAL 15
Last updated: Dec 28, 2020 @ 8:53 pm

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Our Campus

American University of
Ras Al Khaimah Road,
Ras al Khaimah, UAE
PO Box: 10021

Contact Us

Tel. :  + 971 7 2210 900
Fax :  + 971 7 2210 300
Mail:  info@aurak.ac.ae
Admissions:  admissions@aurak.ac.ae

Tel. :  + 971 7 2210 900
Fax :  + 971 7 2210 300
Mail:  info@aurak.ac.ae
Admissions:  admissions@aurak.ac.ae

Summer 2021 Registration Hours of Operation

Sun - Thurs : 9:00am to 6:00pm
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Saturday: 10:00am to 6:00pm

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ARCH 121 - Basic Design I

Pre-requisite(s): Nil.

An introduction to the basic components of two-dimensional design: subject, form, content, with a focus on their dynamic interrelation. Through observation, analysis, discussion of traditional and contemporary approaches in fine and commercial arts, students learn to apply the elements and principles of visual organization to creative projects using various media.

MATH 113 - Calculus I

Pre-requisite(s): MATH 095/105, or appropriate score on Math Placement test

The concept of derivative (instantaneous rate of change) is an essential factor in solving real-world problems. One of the objectives of this course is to understand the conceptual foundation of derivative, and learn different techniques of computing the derivative, as well as learning how to apply it to solve real-world problems. Another objective is to understand the concept of integration and learn basic integration technique.

ARCH 113 - Free Hand Sketching

Pre-requisite(s): Nil.

Perception of architectural and artistic objects, volumes, textures and materials. Means of expression in free hand sketching of forms and natural settings. Sketching including different plants, objects and people using pencil and other presentation media with special emphasis on the aesthetic proportions of objects. The course incorporates the basic principles of perspective drawing, shade and shadow techniques, rendering techniques including pencil, ink and water color.

ARCH 114 - Technical Graphics

Pre-requisite(s): Nil.

A project-based course; it depends primarily on the development of manual drawing skills. It is based on use of instruments and equipments necessary for accurate drafting of simple geometric constructions gradually evolved into orthogonal – isometric and axonometric – projections, planes, sections and elevations.

ENGL 101 - Composition

Pre-requisite(s): ENGL 099 or passing English Placement Test

English 101 provides students with intensive practice in drafting, revising, and editing expository essays for an academic audience. Using logical, rhetorical, and linguistic structures in their writing, students also develop their ability to think creatively, critically, and independently. Throughout the course, students engage in reading texts, evaluating sources, using their reading to form their own opinions, preparing research papers, and employing the MLA documentation style to avoid plagiarism.

UNIV 100 - University First-Year Transition

Students in this course transition to university life by focusing on academic adjustment, by developing decision-making skills, and by learning about services and opportunities for involvement. Although all classes have a core body of knowledge, each class specializes in a particular aspect of university life.

ARCH 122 - Basic Design II

Pre-requisite(s): ARCH 121

This course is an introduction to the fundamental process and concepts of design theory as it relates to the 3 dimensional world. Students will be involved in hands on explorations through the use of materials such as but not limited to: Foam-core board, plaster, and wire. The functions of space, volume, mass, plane, line, scale, symmetry/asymmetry, form, balance and structure shall be explored.

ARCH 115 - Architectural Drawing and Presentation

Pre-requisite(s): ARCH 113

Various techniques of drafting, architectural expressions and projection. Perspective drawings using one and two vanishing points. Techniques of structuring interior and exterior perspectives of buildings, using various means of architectural presentation. The effect of shade and shadow on architectural drawings. Projection of different forms and shapes of buildings.

PHYS 110 - (SCPH 110) University Physics I

Co-requisites: PHYS 111

This is a calculus-based physics course covering the fundamental principles of mechanics. It concentrates on the conservation of energy, the particle motion, the collisions, the rotation of solid bodies, simple machines and on the fluid mechanics. The focus lies on the resolution of one and twodimensional mechanical problems.

PHYS 111 - (SCPH 111) University Physics I Lab

Co-requisites: PHYS 110

This course is intended to be taken with Physics 110. It primarily includes experiments on classical mechanics. Particular emphasis is placed on laboratory technique, data collection and analysis and on reporting.

CSCI 112 - Introduction to Computer Programming

Co-requisite(s): CSCI 113

This course introduces students to computers and programming languages and more specifically the C++ language. Besides, students learn to use computer programming as a problem-solving tool. The topics covered include basic operations, data types, input/output, selection statements, control structures, arrays, functions, and strings.

CSCI 113 - Introduction to Computer Programming Lab

Co-requisite(s): CSCI 112

This course introduces the use of computer programming as a problem-solving tool in laboratory environment. Topics in procedural programming include, simple data types, input/output, selection statements, control loops, testing, debugging, and programming environments.

ARCH 221 - Architectural Design Studio 1

Pre-requisite(s): Nil.

Introduction to architectural design principles. Applications including different visual forms. Emphasizing the role of function and structure on architecture. Design of an elementary architectural project on a plain plot of land.

ARCH 231 - Building Construction 1

Pre-requisite(s): None

Properties of natural materials (strength, tenacity, porosity, heat conductivity, etc.). Building materials (stone, concrete, bricks, timber, metals, glass, plastic, etc.). Building technology (site preparation, soil testing, excavation works, and types of foundation: raft, piles, footings, etc.). Systems of structures: post and lintel, slabs, roofs, internal and external walls, etc. Types of damp proofing in buildings.

ARCH 241 - History and Theory of Architecture 1

Pre-requisite(s): Nil.

Introduction to history of art and architecture, and their development through the ancient civilizations of Egypt, Mesopotamia, Greece and Rome. Analysis of historical monuments and buildings and their architectural characteristics. Emphasis on the architectural principles, theories, and impact on the development of buildings throughout ancient times. Examining ancient historical patterns. Viewpoints of various progressive theoreticians.

CIEN 213 - Engineering Mechanics

Pre-requisite(s): MATH 113 and PHYS 110

Vectors, force systems, equilibrium of particles and rigid bodies, structures (trusses and frames), internal forces (shearing force and bending moment diagrams), centroids, moment of inertia, stresses, strains, bars with axial loads, shafts in torsion and beams in bending.

ARCH 223 - Computer Architectural Drawing

Pre-requisite(s): ARCH 114 The role of computer in architectural design and production of drawings. This course also introduces the students to more advanced drawing software including Revit, Rhino, Photoshop, etc.

SOCI 101 - Contemporary Social Issues

The course is an introduction to basic sociological concepts and examines aspects of human behavior in a cultural framework including: individual and group interaction, social mobility and stratification, status and class, race and gender relations, urbanism, crime and criminology, and social change and reform.

GEOG 101 -  Introduction to Urban Social Geography (3 Credits)

This course provides an overview of urban social geography. The student will learn about the history of cities, how they effect the lives of urban dwellers, and the importance of cities in a globalized world. Environmental concerns will also be addressed.

ARCH 222 - Architectural Design Studio 2

Pre-requisite(s): ARCH 221

Design of buildings with an integrated program and moderate site requirements. Emphasis shall continue on the effects of functional, visual and structural aspects on architecture. The role of environmental and climatic implications on buildings. Physical means of building climatic response.

ARCH 232 - Building Construction 2

Pre-requisite(s): ARCH 231

Building components, construction techniques and finishing details. Walls, partitions, slab roofs (flat and slanted), floors, staircases, and fenestration. Advanced damp proof courses and materials. Heat and noise insulation systems. Prefabricated construction and building elements.

ARCH 242 - History and Theory of Architecture 2

Pre-requisite(s): ARCH 241

The development of art and architecture through Early Christian era, Byzantine, Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance. Comparative analysis of historical building types from Byzantine through classical revivalism in Europe and the United States. Relevant theories of architecture and arts.

CIEN 214 - Structure Analysis for Architects 

Pre-requisite(s): CIEN 213

Structural forms, reactions, determinate structures, degree of determinacy, shear and moment diagrams for beams and frames, deflections (principle of virtual work and conjugate-beam methods), Analysis of indeterminate structures by moment distribution method, and stiffness method.

HIST 100 - Contemporary Middle Eastern History

The course is designed to acquaint students with an in-depth understanding of the major issues affecting the Middle East in the 21st century, will review the origins and development of the modern Middle East and understand the social, economic, and political foundations that set the stage for the region this century. Students will also become familiar with original source material that frame the key issues in the modern Middle East and engage in discussion of key issues.

ARCH 321 - Architectural Design Studio 3

Pre-requisite(s): ARCH 222

Design of a building or a group of buildings with moderate complexity to be erected on gentle slopes. Buildings with multi-functions. Interior design and internal spatial arrangements. Social, psychological and economic aspects influencing architecture and design.

ARCH 331 - Building Construction 3

Pre-requisite(s): ARCH 232

Types of modern materials for cladding and finishing of buildings. Kitchen fitments, bathroom appliances, wood works, metal works and different fixtures in buildings. Means of protection from extreme climatic conditions. Modern materials used in plastering and painting. Grid system and contemporary systems of structure.

ARCH 341 - History and Theory of Architecture 3

Pre-requisite(s): ARCH 242

Development of Islamic art and architecture since the dawn of Islam. Analysis of architectural characteristics and Islamic heritage. Social, environmental and functional implications on the architecture in the Moslem World, which yield a suitable habitat for Moslem people. Analysis of selected examples of historical monuments from Islamic countries.

CIEN 322 - Structural Design

Pre-requisite(s): CIEN 214

Properties of concrete and steel, cracked and untracked section analysis, design for bending and shear, singly, doubly reinforced sections, rectangular sections, and T-sections, design of continuous beams, one-way solid and one-way ribbed slabs, design of steel tension members, design of steel concentric compression elements and design of steel beams.

ENVS 102 - Sustainability and Human-Environment Relations

The course examines the interactions between human and environmental systems, and its effect on the future of environmental sustainability. Topics covered include global and local environmental change, conservation of the ecosystem, biodiversity, water management and climate change.

ARCH 322 - Architectural Design Studio 4

Pre-requisite(s): ARCH 321

Design of a building or a group of buildings to be erected on a site with moderate undulated topography. Interior design techniques, taking into consideration the types of building function. Aesthetic and social values encountered in the design of the built environment.

ARCH 336 - Construction Drawings

Pre-requisite(s): ARCH 331

Production of an appropriate set of Construction drawings. Preparation of a complete set of workshop drawings of a design project as a principal part of the tender documents. Application of the UAE and GCC building codes. Presentation techniques including computer final design drawings.

ARCH 342 - History and Theory of Contemporary Architecture

Pre-requisite(s): ARCH 341

The formation of modern theories and trends in contemporary art and architecture since the industrial revolution until the 20th century. Analysis of works by the pioneers of modern movements in architecture. Regional and vernacular architecture with special regards to environmental, social and technological issues. Selected examples of characteristic contemporary architecture in Jordan.

ARCH 472 - Sustainable Architecture

Pre-requisite(s): ENVS 102

Relationship of built environment to natural environment through whole systems approach, with focus on sustainable design of buildings and planning of communities. Emphasis on energy efficiency, renewable energy, and appropriate use of resources, including materials, water, and land. Concurrently scheduled with course CM247A. Letter grading.

ARCH 421 - Architectural Design Studio 5

Pre-requisite(s): ARCH 322

Design of projects with multi-function. Comprehensive design methodology including the integration of Electro-mechanical systems and supporting services in architectural design. 12 Developing new structural systems that match new concepts of architecture. Complex functions, the urban context, and the local identity of the built environment.

ARCH 463 - Landscape Architecture

Pre-requisite(s): ARCH 322

The eco-system and environmental equilibrium. Natural forces affecting small and large-scale sites. History of gardens and their evolution through civilizations of the Mediterranean region. Plant species of Jordan and Palestine. Spatial arrangements of external landscape in gardens and parks. Landscaping application of actual sites as gardens, open spaces, and gathering areas.

MENG 468 - Building Utilities I: HVAC and Mechanical Building Services

Pre-requisite(s): PHYS 110

Heating: radiators, convectors, under floor heating, radiant heating, warm-air heaters, boilers; Ventilation: natural and mechanical, single-sided ventilation, cross ventilation, stack ventilation; Airconditioning: constant volume, variable air volume, fan coils, chilled beams, chilled ceilings, heat pumps, split systems, variable refrigerant flow systems, chillers, dry coolers, cooling towers, air diffusers; Building design and building services: the different regulatory authorities and requirements of lifts, fire-fighting plumbing, sewage; Pipes, ducts and cabling; Construction and maintenance procedures; Controls: Analogue and direct digital control, building management systems, integrated control systems.

MEST 100 - Introduction to Islam in World Culture 

The course provides an introduction to the basic sources and historical contexts for the origins of Islam; some of the basic spiritual principles expressed in those sources; the contexts and practices that exemplify the spiritual principles; contributions Islam has made to civilization and to the political, social and cultural identity of the UAE. It will illustrate the concept of Islamic studies through a global, interdisciplinary and comparative approach and examine contemporary global and local issues that impact and are impacted by Islamic culture.

ARCH 422 - Architectural Design Studio 6

Pre-requisite(s): ARCH 421

Contextual design of groups of buildings in a specific urban environment. Upgrading of existing environmental and building conditions. Applications including urban infill and reuse of preserved heritage buildings. Functional, socio-economic and aesthetic issues. Improvement of the quality of life of users and the local population. An integrated framework of urban design.

PSYC 100 - Introduction to Psychology

This course provides an overview of major areas in the field of psychology. The following topics will be covered in this course: history of psychology; research methods used in psychology; organization of human brain and biological basis of behavior; sensation; perception; basic principles of learning; cognition; language; intelligence; emotion; motivation; developmental psychology; personality theories and assessment, stress and its effect on health; abnormal behavior and therapies; and, social psychology.

ARCH 454 - Urban Planning

Pre-requisite(s): Nil.

Introduction to the environmental, social and economic aspects necessary in the formation of an urban planning process. The characteristics of the urban fabric and the development of towns and cities and their urban elements into integrated, harmonious and functional unity. Social services and infrastructure and their necessary provision according to norms and standards. Analysis of deteriorated urban areas to measure shortage of services.

MENG 422 - Building Utilities II: Illumination, Acoustics, and Electrical Building Services

Basic principles of lighting and acoustics and their effect on the design of buildings. Light and sound control and its effect on the selection of materials and textures inside spaces especially those designed with sensitivity to light and sound like theaters, classrooms and halls. Noise treatment and insulation of buildings against noise pollution. Applications using instruments for measurement of illumination and acoustics.

UAES 200 - Survey of United Arab Emirates Studies
1 Semester Credit Hour

This course presents the UAE from multiple perspectives in an attempt to expose the students to the distinct qualities of the UAE. The purpose of this course is to give students a broad, interdisciplinary, and comprehensive introduction to key features and issues in the UAE’s historical, cultural, political and economic landscapes. (Writing Intensive Course)

CIEN 261 - Surveying 

Pre-requisite(s): CIEN 201

Principles of surveying by conducting tests on distance measurements, levels and theodolites, directions and angular measurements, topographic surveys, areas and volumes; traverse surveys; Setting out horizontal and vertical curves, Training on Total Station.

ENGR 390 - Internship

Pre-requisite(s): Completion of 90 credits and a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher

Supervised field experience of professional-level duties for 180 to 240 hours at an approved internship site under the guidance of a designated site supervisor in coordination with a faculty supervisor.

ARCH 521 - Architectural Design Studio 7

Prerequisite(s): ARCH 422

The aim of this course is to deepen the student’s knowledge and understanding for landscape components as a point of departure and object for design measures. A further objective of the course is to help the student become well familiar with planning strategies for sustainable built environments in rural and semi-rural zones. In addition, the aim is to develop advanced skills on the part of the student in the design of long-term sustainable environments taking into account cultural environments and their surroundings.

ARCH 591 - Graduation Project Thesis Research

Pre-requisite(s): ARCH 422

The course is oriented towards systematic analysis of the graduation project dealing with the nature of the project, functional and special relationships, location and setting, physical and human environments, use of case studies, and provision of synthesis and alternative concepts as design solutions. The outcome will be presented in both written report and visual presentation.

ENGL 200 (ENGL 302) Advanced Composition

Pre-requisite(s): Completion of a minimum of 36 credit hours and credit for ENGL 101 (Completion of 45 credits)

This course builds on the general college-level writing skills and strategies students have acquired in earlier courses, and prepares them to do advanced level analysis and writing specifically within their major field and their possible future workplaces.

PHIL 100 - Critical Thinking and Reasoning 

This introduction to basic principles of reasoning and critical thinking enhances the learner’s abilities to evaluate various forms of reasoning in everyday life and in academic disciplines. The course explores such topics as inductive and deductive reasoning, the nature and function of definitions, fallacy types, statistic use and misuse, and the rudiments of logic.

ARCH 456 - Sustainable Housing

Pre-requisite(s): ARCH 472

For students interested in sustainable housing, green buildings and the technology required for high performance structures. This course is designed for a broad audience of students. We begin with a section on society and housing, exploring how sustainable housing practices build community. The second phase of this course focuses on the relationship between society and the environment. We explore questions about how community growth has impacted the environment and how natural events impact our communities. Finally, the class concludes with a section on building science: how houses work as a system. In this section, we explore the science and technology required to build high performance houses.

UNIV 200 - Innovation and Entrepreneurship (3 Credits)

This course aims at equipping the next generation of leaders in the UAE with an innovative and entrepreneurial mindset and its related core skills. The course combines three main points: design thinking, entrepreneurship, and growth and leadership.

ARCH 487 - Project Management

Pre-requisite(s): ARCH 336

The course covers key components of project management including project integration, project scope management, project time and cost management, quality management, human resource considerations, communications, risk management, and procurement management.

ARCH 592 - Graduation Project Design

Pre-requisite(s): ARCH 521 and ARCH 591

Project-based course continuation of ARCH591. It deals with thesis preparation and research outcomes and synthesis, it proceeds to develop preliminary architectural design concepts, assesses alternative design approaches, development of the design through systematic process of evaluation of spatial, functional, social, structural, environmental, and aesthetic aspects, and finally, presents the complete design project. This includes the preparation of a full set of working design drawings.

IENG 321 - Engineering Economy

Pre-requisite(s): ENGR 107 (CAA)

Principles of engineering economy, equivalence and compound interest formula, single and multiple alternative, management concepts and theories of management.

ARCH 485 - Professional Practice

Pre-requisite(s): ARCH 422

Professional Practice is a course characterized by breadth rather than depth. The course presents an overview of the historic and contemporary context and complexities of architectural practice and the varied and evolving roles and responsibilities of the architect with an emphasis on the characteristics of best practices

UNIV 200 - Innovation and Entrepreneurship (3 Credits)

This course aims at equipping the next generation of leaders in the UAE with an innovative and entrepreneurial mindset and its related core skills. The course combines three main points: design thinking, entrepreneurship, and growth and leadership.