This unit aims to explore the scientific concepts of heat, light and sound, and from this develops foundational principles and methods applicable to buildings. It is divided into five topics: climate and resources: thermal environment: building services: lighting; and acoustics. Students will gain an understanding of the terminology, physical values and metrics in each of these topics, and how they apply to the design and function of buildings. Theoretical models to predict key physical values in buildings are presented and used in assessments. Learning is supported by measurement exercises. This unit has a focused pedagogy intended for all graduate students in Architectural Science. It is a common core unit for all of the programs (Audio and Acoustics, High Performance Buildings, Illumination Design and Sustainable Design). Students within these programs should undertake this unit in their first semester of study if possible.

Operational Facilities Management is a service industry concerned with the day-to-day operations required to run an organisation's facilities. Primarily facility operation has to satisfy the user organisation's statutory responsibilities. Beyond that, whilst some major costs (such as Rates, Land Taxes, Insurance premiums etc.) are fixed, other costs are amenable to management. Operational Management necessarily requires those charged with the task to evaluate where their effort is spent and where the significant resourcing costs lie, thus allowing them to prioritise and match their effort to the effect.
This unit will involve considerations of subcontracting and examine 'best practice' guidelines for both hard and soft service provision.

Property and physical infrastructure are essential elements of business operations and organisational functions. This unit of study will examine the key issues in built assets and facilities management (FM), and how they relate to strategic management within the context of high performance buildings. The unit will enable students to develop an understanding of strategic asset management, portfolio planning, benchmarking of operational services, mandatory code compliances, and business needs for high performing facilities. The functions of facilities management within built assets have a direct relationship with the organisation's performance within a constantly changing business environment. A technical understanding of built assets is a prerequisite to optimising business efficiency and future-proofing against market changes. The unit is taught using a case-study methodology with students working through actual industry projects, thus stimulating a broader appreciation of the FM work involved and encouraging students to work collaboratively and creatively towards practical solutions.

Investors associated with the property industry require at the outset Return On Investment (ROI) evaluations before committing capital. This unit of study examines the economic principles as they apply to buildings, from capital growth and life cycle management perspectives. The focus is on economic and financial practices required for high performing building assets, contract procurement strategies, cash flow analysis, return on investment for retro-fitting, and economic appraisals of existing or new building assets. This unit will develop an understanding of carbon accounting in relation to building management and its importance to sustainable built asset portfolios. The unit, taught by case studies, will equip students with an understanding of economic principles and professional tools necessary for the procurement and management of real estate property, facilities and buildings at optimum economic and environmental performance.