Module manager: Dr. Simon Rees
Email: s.j.rees@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
Building Services components of the Level 3 study abroad programmes in the USA or CIVE3815 Building Physics II
| CIVE2815 | Building Physics 1: Fundamental Principles |
| CIVE3815 | Building Physics 2: Services Design |
| CIVE5811M | Energy in Buildings |
CIVE5810M - Building Services Engineering III
This module is not approved as a discovery module
The module will contribute to the students' gaining knowledge of physical problems and technologies and the function of buildings so as to provide them with internal conditions of comfort and protection against the climate. The module will explore the principles associated with designing optimum visual, thermal and acoustic environments; systems for environmental comfort realized within relevant precepts of sustainable design; strategies for building services, and ability to integrate these in a design project.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes (contributing to the AHEP4 learning outcomes indicated between brackets and ARB competencies between square brackets):
1. Apply a comprehensive knowledge of mathematics, natural science and engineering principles to the solution of complex problems associated with building services. Much of the knowledge will be at the forefront of the particular subject of study and informed by a critical awareness of new developments and the wider context of engineering (M1) [CK4 part]
2. Formulate and analyse complex problems in the field of building services to reach substantiated conclusions. This will involve evaluating available data and analytical judgment to work with information that may be uncertain or incomplete, discussing the limitations of the techniques employed (M2)
3. Select and apply appropriate computational and analytical techniques to model building physics contexts, discussing the limitations of the techniques employed (M3) [D12 part], using technical literature and other sources of information to inform processes (M4), proposing strategies for structure, construction technology, materials, services, ventilation, thermal environment and lighting and acoustics that are appropriate to a project’s brief and context [D5 part]
4. Understand how modelling and post occupancy evaluation inform design [RE6]
5. Discuss integrated approaches to building services and systems (M6) including how diverse global, cultural, social, technological, economic factors and building technology influence aspects of architecture and urban design [CK1 part] and the principles of climate change and biodiversity as relevant to design and construction [CK4 part]
6. Show awareness of the environmental and societal impact of solutions to complex building services problems including life-cycle issues as well as mitigation (M7), as well as the implications and benefits of regenerative design solutions throughout the life cycle of architectural projects that or go beyond minimum standards [D9 part]
7. Use practical laboratory and workshop skills to investigate complex problems (M12);
8. Show knowledge of appropriate materials, equipment, engineering technologies and processes, recognising their limitations (M13).
This module will be used for the summative assessment of English language competency.
The module seeks to develop advanced understanding of building physical processes and the roles they play in achieving acceptable indoor environments as well as achieving sustainability targets. The module emphasises understanding of fundamental heat balances and the interactions between climatic driving forces and internal activities and how analysis of such processes can be used to develop passive, active and hybrid approaches to environmental design.
Study of air distribution and indoor air quality is extended by introduction of advanced analytical methods and models of natural ventilation. Students are also introduced to advanced numerical methods for the analysis of building internal and external air flow and daylight analysis. Advanced concepts in façade design are also introduced supported by practical approaches to architectural shading design. Both a theoretical basis for numerical analysis of daylight and application of modern daylighting metrics are studied.
Advanced modelling methods are taught in the context of design methodologies that can be applied to evolve design proposals towards achieving environmental performance targets. Students also become familiar with the role energy performance requirements plays in constraining the design process and approaches that can be taken to achieving optimal performance. Students are exposed to advanced modelling methods but, at the same time, helped to appreciate the range of approaches that can be taken in passive design to achieve particular environmental design objectives.
The understanding of approaches to both active and passive design and the complex interrelationships between environmental processes and building design parameters and form, provides a sound basis for making decisions about environmental design and demonstrating that design criteria can be met in the concept designs developed by students working on Design Studio 4.2 (CIVE 5845M).
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Consultation | 5 | 1 | 5 |
| Lecture | 20 | 1 | 20 |
| Private study hours | 125 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 25 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 150 | ||
10 hours revision, 30 hours reading, 40 hours case study.
Interaction in lecture sessions. Tutorial sessions and practical exercises.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Report | Analysis of environmental conditions in a design study | 50 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 50 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc) | 2.0 Hrs 0 Mins | 50 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 50 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 30/04/2025
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team