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BA in Interior Design

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Program Requirements (AY 2022-2023)

The Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design degree requires the completion of the following degree requirements:

Requirements description Credits
I. General Education Requirements 31
a. Orientation Courses 16
b. Knowledge Domain – Humanities & Fine Arts 6
c. Knowledge Domain – Social and Behavioral Sciences 6
d. Knowledge Domain – Natural Sciences/Mathematics 3
II. Engineering Requirements 6
a. Compulsory 6
b. Elective
III. Department Requirements 14
a. Compulsory 14
b. Elective
IV. Major Requirements 78
a. Compulsory 72
b. Elective 6

General Education Requirements (31 Credits)
University General Education Requirements are (31) Credit Hours, as follows:
Orientation Courses (16 Credit hours)
UNIV 100 University First-Year Transition is mandatory for first year students.

Code Course Title Credit Hours
STAT 100 Introductory Probability and Statistics 3
ENGL 101 Composition 3
UNIV 100 University First-Year Transition 1
ITEC 103 Fundamentals of Information Technology  3
ARAB 101 or
ARAB 110		 Arabic Language and Culture for Non- Native Learners I or
Arabic Language and Culture for Native Arabic Speakers I
3
UNIV 200 Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Sustainability 3

Required Electives – The Field of Arts and Humanities (6 Credits)

Code Course Title Credit Hours
MEST 100 Introduction to Islam in World Culture  3
PHIL 100 or
ENGL 200		 Critical Thinking and Reasoning  or
Advanced Composition
3

Social and Behavioral Sciences (6 Credit Hours)

Code Course Title Credit Hours
UAES 200 Survey of United Arab Emirates Studies 3
PSYC 100 Introduction to Psychology 3

Natural Sciences/Mathematics (3 Credit Hours)

Code Course Title Credit Hours
ENVS 102 Sustainability and Human-Environment Relations 3

The fifth writing intensive course is INDS 412 Graduation Project Thesis Research.

Engineering Requirements
Faculty Requirements are (6) Credit Hours include the following courses:

Code Course Title Credit Hours
ENGR 390 Internship I 3
ENGR 391 Internship II 3

Department Requirements

Department Requirements are (14) Credit Hours as follow:
Compulsory: (14 Credit Hours)

Code Course Title Credit Hours
ARCH 121 Basic Design I 4
ARCH 122 Basic Design 2 4
ARCH 223 Computer Architectural Drawing 3
ARCH 341 History and Theory of Architecture 3 3

Major (Interior Design) Requirements (75 Credits)

Code Course Title Credit Hours
INDS 111 Color Theory and Rendering 3
INDS 112 Design Communication 1:  Sketching and Drawing for Interiors 3
INDS 121 Interior Design Process, Human factors and Ergonomics 3
INDS 122 Design Communication 2: Digital Media for Interiors 3
INDS 211 Interior Design Studio I 4
INDS 212 History of Art and Interior Design 1 3
INDS 213 Interior Construction Methods, Materials and Finishes 1 3
INDS 221 Interior Design Studio 2 4
INDS 222 History of Art and Interior Design 2 3
INDS 223 Interior Construction Methods, Materials and Finishes 2 3
INDS 224 Sustainable Approaches in Interior Design 3
INDS 311 Interior Design Studio 3 4
INDS 312 Construction Drawings and Interior Detailing 3
INDS 313 Environmental Systems 1: Indoor Comfort and Human Wellbeing 3
INDS 321 Interior Design Studio 4 4
INDS 322 Furniture Design 3
INDS 323 Environmental Systems 2: Design with Light and Sound 3
INDS 411 Interior Design Studio 5 4
INDS 412 Graduation Final Thesis Research 2
INDS 414 Professional Practice 1: Codes and Regulations 3
INDS 421 Graduation Project Design 5
INDS 422 Professional Practice II: Ethics and Project Management 3

Major Electives: (6 Credit Hours)

To be selected from the following list of courses:

Code Course Title Credit Hours
INDS 351 Parametric Design 3
INDS 352 Sketching and Painting 3
INDS 353 Landscape and Garden Design 3
INDS 451 Portfolio Design 3
INDS 452 Photography 3
INDS 453 Advanced BIM: Scheduling and coordination 3
INDS 454 Research Methods for Interior Design 3

 

Total 129 Credits 

 

Last updated: Feb 7, 2023 @ 8:18 pm

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Students

STAT 100 – Introductory Probability and Statistics
3 Semester Credit Hours

This course introduces students to the basics of probability theory and statistical inference with examples and applications in sciences. At the end of this course, students will acquire the necessary quantitative competency in the program.

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.

ITEC 103 – (SCIT 103) Fundamentals of Information Technology 

The course focuses on the nature and uses of computers with an introduction to word processing, spreadsheets, databases and presentation software and related lab projects and includes computer systems organizations, communications and networking, legal and ethical issues, effective presentation information, computer security and the internet.

ARAB 101 – Arabic Language and Culture for Non- Native Learners I

Pre-requisite: None

Beginner Level Arabic Language and Culture 1 is the first in a four-course beginner and intermediate Arabic language sequence specifically tailored to the needs of non-native Arabic language students in the English and Mass Communication Programs (though any non-native learner of Arabic may enroll). This course introduces the student to the Arabic alphabet and the basics of reading and writing in Modern Standard Arabic (MSA). Instruction in the language is enriched by reference to cultural themes and visits to sites of cultural importance.

ARAB 110 – Arabic Language and Culture for Native Arabic Speakers I

Pre-requisite(s): ENGL 101

Arabic literature has developed many traditions though originating from a common source. The course is an introduction to representative texts from contemporary Arab writers, and their connections with the traditions of the past. The method is comparative, with a study of literary, political social and religious aspects, as well as the application of a theoretical framework of analysis.

UNIV 200 – Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Sustainability (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.

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.

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.

ENGL 200 (ENGL 302) Advanced Composition

Prerequisite(s): Completion of a minimum of 45 credit hours and ENGL 101

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.

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)

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.

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.

ENGR 390 – Internship

Pre-requisite(s): : Completion of 60 credits and a CGPA 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.

ENGR 391 Internship II (3 Semester Credit Hours)
Prerequisite(s): Completion of 90 credits (97 credits for Interior Design students; 112 credits for Architecture students) and
a CGPA of 2.0 or higher.

This is one of two supervised field experience of professional-level duties where each is for 240 to
320 hours (8 weeks) of full-time training at approved internship sites. The internship takes place under the guidance of a
designate site supervisor in coordination with a faculty supervisor. In addition to the regular reports during the internship,
students must present their activities and learning experiences at the end of the internship.

ARCH 121 – Basic Design 1 (4 credits)

Pre-requisite(s): None

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

ARCH 122 – Basic Design 2 (4 credits)

Pre-requisite(s): ARCH 121

The course introduces basics of design process and theory as it relates to the 3-dimensional world. Students are involved in hand-on exploration of simple structures and spaces using diverse materials and textures. Space function, volume, mass are discovered through designing a small-scale residential space(s), where design elements/principles are applied.

ARCH 223 – Computer Architectural Drawing

Pre-requisite(s): ARCH 115

Concepts, features and applications related to Building Information Modeling (BIM) are introduced.  Students explore Autodesk® Revit Architecture structure, features, modeling and editing techniques, sheet creation and organization. Emphasis on modelling BIM models and rendering 2D and 3D interiors and exteriors (including site), furnishings, accessories and details for architectural projects.

ARCH 341 – History and Theory of Architecture 3 (3 credits)

Pre-requisite(s): ARCH 242

The study of the development of Islamic art and architecture and its characteristics since the dawn of Islam and the impact of social, cultural, environmental and functional factors on architecture in the Moslem world. Analysis of selected examples of historical monuments from Islamic countries and interpretations of contemporary Islamic Architecture.

INDS 111 – Color Theory and Rendering (3 credits)
Pre-requisite(s):None

The aim of this course is to introduce color theory as a component of the design process that influences human perception of the interior space, behavior, performance and wellbeing and, therefore influences design solutions. It offers skills in color selection and rendering for diverse spaces function and design concept communication.

INDS 112 – Design Communication 1:  Sketching and Drawing for Interiors (3 credits)

Pre-requisite(s): None

This course introduces students to the principles and techniques of interior design’s form and space representation and communication. The course makes the students familiar with manual drawing tools and modes of documenting to develop students’ sketching, technical drawing and ideation skills.

INDS 121 – Interior Design Process, Human factors and Ergonomics (3 credits)

Pre-requisite(s): None

The aim of this course is to provide knowledge in design process steps, components, human factors, anthropometrics and ergonomics and how they influence design solutions and contribute to the human wellbeing. It offers skills in gathering, analyzing human-centered evidence, application of ergonomics and other human factors in inclusive, universal design.

INDS 122 – Design Communication 2: Digital Media for Interiors (3 credits)
Pre-requisite(s): INDS 112

This course introduces students to the most common 2D and 3D software used in the field of interior design to create and develop graphical and technical presentations. Emphasis will be on giving the students tools to digitize a sketches, drawings and concepts to examine design idea in terms of accuracy and workability of schematic design.

INDS 211 – Interior Design Studio I (4 credits)

Pre-requisite(s): INDS 122 
Co-requisite(s): INDS 213 and ARCH 223

This course introduces a small-scale residential environment interior design project. A scenario-based design brief focuses on relationships between the users’ needs and space’s features leads students through the early phases of the design process (pre-design, schematic design, design development) with an aim of meeting space functional requirements and user(s) needs.

INDS 212 – History of Art and Interior Design 1 (3 credits)
Pre-requisite(s): None

The course aims to provide knowledge in history as it relates to decorative arts, architecture, interior design, furniture, material culture and understanding of how the design of the built environment changes along with historical periods that are influenced by the social, political, physical changes in design of the built environment.

INDS 213 – Interior Construction Methods, Materials and Finishes 1 (3 credits)

Pre-requisite(s): INDS 121 and INDS 122
Co-requisite(s): ARCH 223

The course aims to provide students with understanding of building material, finishes, and furnishings, their fabrication process, installation methods and maintenance requirements and skills in selecting materials, finishes and furnishings to support the design intent, project criteria and human and environmental wellbeing. The courses focuses on classic materials.

INDS 221 – Interior Design Studio 2 (4 credits)
Pre-requisite(s): INDS 211
Co-requisite(s): INDS 223

This studio introduces medium size interior design of office spaces. The studio encourages the students to investigate social interaction in multiusers environments and to use elements that reflect the nature and identity of work activities through the phases of data collection and analyzes, space programming, materials, furnishings and finishes selection.

INDS 222 – History of Art and Interior Design 2 (3 credits)

Pre-requisite(s): INDS 212

The course aims to provide knowledge in history as it relates to decorative arts, architecture, interior design, furniture, material culture and understanding of how the design of the built environment changes along with historical periods that are influenced by the social, political, physical changes in design of the built environment.

INDS 223 – Interior Construction Methods, Materials and Finishes 2 (3 credits)
Pre-requisite(s): INDS 213
Co-requisite(s): INDS 224

The course aims to provide students with understanding of building material, finishes, and furnishings, their fabrication process, installation methods and maintenance requirements and skills in selecting materials, finishes and furnishings to support the design intent, project criteria and human and environmental wellbeing. The courses focuses on modern materials.

INDS 224 – Sustainable Approaches in Interior Design (3 credits)

Pre-requisite(s): ENVS 102

The course aims to explore the complex context of sustainability, its application in interior design, sustainability approaches in interior design and how sustainable approaches in interior design contribute to environmental and human wellbeing. The course provide practice in systems thinking for understanding how social, economic, cultural sustainability influences the design.

INDS 311 – Interior Design Studio 3 (3 credits)
Pre-requisite(s): INDS 221
Co-requisite(s): INDS 312 and INDS 313

This design studio increases the complexity of the interior design projects by introducing design solutions for commercial spaces in urban, suburban, and shopping mall settings. Students explore space utilization, fixtures, and display as well as the role interior designer plays in supporting the business and branding of the commercial space.

INDS 312 – Construction Drawings and Interior Detailing (3 credits)

Pre-requisite(s): INDS 223

This course will lead the students to continue exploring more advanced software application and the principles of Building Information Modelling used to visualize, document and communicate interior design working drawings.

INDS 313 – Environmental Systems 1: Indoor Comfort and Human Wellbeing (3 credits)
Pre-requisite(s): INDS 223
Co-requisite(s): INDS 312

The course aims to explore environmental control systems, types, size, their integration into interior design project, and awareness of these systems in relation to indoor thermal comfort, indoor air quality, environmental and human wellbeing. The course focuses on water, waste, HVAC, electrical, fire safety, conveyance, and communication and security systems.

INDS 321 – Interior Design Studio 4 (4 credits)
Pre-requisite(s): INDS 311
Co-requisite(s): INDS 322 and INDS 323

 

This design studio deals with contemporary complex interior design project within the hospitality industry and will enable the students to explore the combination of wellness, aesthetics, functionally and operational aspects in designing city restaurants, cafes, and hotels.

INDS 322 – Furniture Design (3 credits)
Pre-requisite(s): INDS 121 and INDS 223

The aim of this course is to provide knowledge and skills in materials, construction methods and details for furniture design and making. The course analyzes materials for furniture design in relation to their impact on environment, healthy and safe living and efficient work within the interior space.

INDS 323 – Environmental Systems 2: Design with Light and Sound (3 credits)

Pre-requisite(s): INDS 313 

The course aim to provide knowledge in space’s lighting and acoustical design for space quality enhancement in relation to safety, comfort, performance and wellbeing. The course suggests skills in light and sound integration into design of residences, stages, exhibitions, theaters, halls, etc. with the application of high-tech materials and technologies.

INDS 411 – Interior Design Studio 5 (4 credits)

Pre-requisite(s): INDS 321
Co-requisite(s): INDS 413 and INDS 414

This course extends the scope of interior design within a medium scale project of a healthcare environment. Students explore design approaches related to this complex and sensitive environment with respect to safety, efficiency, codes and regulations and that will satisfy all end users (including patients, staff, and visitors)’ needs and wellness.

INDS 412 – Graduation Final Thesis Research (2 credits)

Pre-requisite(s): INDS 321
Co-requisite(s): INDS 411

The course aims to prepare students for Graduation Project Design that follows next semester. It offers students opportunity to consider their evolving interest, targeted career plan and select a project theme, gather, analyze, systemize relevant to the theme data, and develop a design brief, project statement, design concept and program.

INDS 414 – Professional Practice 1: Codes and Regulations (3 credits)

Pre-requisite(s): INDS 323

The aim of this course is to equip students with knowledge of regional and international laws, codes, standards and guidelines that influence the encounter of the inhabitants with interior spaces and skills in application of laws, codes, standards and guidelines concerning built environment, sustainability, wellness, inclusive and universal design.

INDS 421 – Graduation Project Design (5 credits)

Pre-requisite(s): INDS 412     
Co-requisite(s): INDS 422

The graduation project is a capstone self-directed course under the supervision of one the program’s senior faculty member where the project identified during the Graduation Final Thesis Research course is implemented. Students apply gained knowledge and skills in developing a holistic design approach to a design project.

INDS 422 – Professional Practice II: Ethics and Project Management (3 credits)

Pre-requisite(s): INDS 414

The aim of the course is to provide awareness of the context of interior design practice, the influence of local and global context on design practices, understanding of the interior design profession principles, processes, responsibilities and its value to the society, interior design management, business formation, practices, and ethics.

INDS 351 – Parametric Design (3 credits)

Pre-requisite(s): INDS 312

This course is an advanced level course that will allow students to discover the fundamentals of Parametric modeling for design applications in Interior Design and Architecture. Students will investigate rule-based and parametric design concepts and techniques in the context of a generative modeling environment: Dynamo for Revit.

INDS 352 – Sketching and Painting  (3 credits)

Pre-requisite(s): None

This course aims to improve students’ skills in sketching and painting and focuses on two-dimensional media.  Students continue to explore and experiment various techniques in art making. Two-dimensional media art works such as still life, compositions, collage are practiced with the application of various two-dimensional media.

INDS 353 – Landscape and Garden Design (3 credits)

Pre-requisite(s): None

This course aims to introduce principles of landscape design throughout all its phases. Students study types of landscape, materials and its relationship with the context, environmental and human wellbeing and apply various representation techniques in landscape design projects.

INDS 451 – Portfolio Design (3 credits)

Pre-requisite(s): None

his course aims to assist and mentor students in assembling a comprehensive portfolio of their academic work, enhancing students’ graphic techniques, and provides skills in organizing the layouts of their projects in both book and digital formats.

INDS 452 – Photography (3 credits)

Pre-requisite(s): None

This course aims to provide knowledge in types of cameras and skills in camera operating, taking pictures in different contexts, enhancing the pictures, processing and organizing pictures and application of photographs in interior design presentations.

INDS 453 – Advanced BIM: Scheduling and coordination (3 credits)

Pre-requisite(s): INDS 312

The course aims to introduce technologically based collaboration of interior design with multiple disciplines and provides knowledge and training on collaboration tools and methods using Building Information Modelling applications. It focuses on developing, reading, exploring, and coordinating working drawings and executive documents to avoid conflicts and ensure construction documents consistency.

INDS 454 – Research Methods for Interior Design (3 credits)

Pre-requisite(s): None

This course aims to introduce research processes in design related tasks within the framework of Evidence-Based Design Approach. It offers a review of design research methods such as literature review, sampling procedures, questionnaires interviews, and observations.