FLEXIBLE 3D Modelling
Objectives, Experiences and Assessment

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OBJECTIVES / LEARNING OUTCOMES

What can I expect to learn by studying this course?
After completing this course a student should be able to:

1. structure a clear schema in order to model a design parametrically.
2. model a well defined “design space” that has many solutions (a single model that represents many different design outcomes with variables linked to variable inputs.)
3. apply a number of software approaches to achieving the above
4. apply flexible modelling approaches to their design process in
a) the undergraduate design studio,
b) postgraduate design research through project (for instance collaborative research with practice)
c) design practice



LEARNING ACTIVITIES
What opportunities does the course provide for me to learn? What will I be expected to do?
The learning opportunities in this course will compose:
1. Demonstration of the design opportunities that arise from acquiring parametric modelling skills through a series of six lectures from instructors and invited researcher/practitioners presenting examples of unique and complex projects in which particular flexible modelling approaches have played an important role.
2. Structured formal instruction, building up knowledge of the techniques and software through demonstration and structured exercises for students to undertake.
3. Project-based applied learning through undertaking a simple design project. You may propose your own project (which may be related to other work, design research or course of study) or work on a set project.


ASSESSMENT
How will I demonstrate my learning in this course?
Learning in this course will be demonstrated through:

1. participation in the classes (20%)
(Learning outcome 3: It will be impossible to cover the range of material in this course without regular attendance and full participation in the classes);

2. first assignment and exercises for active assimilation of the techniques demonstrated (20%)
(Learning outcome 3: this is also vital to establish the repertoire on which you will build through your project work);

3. presenting a clear schema for the model you intend to construct for your project (10%) (Learning outcome 1: Although this is possibly the most important skill in constructing a good model, it has a low weighting in the assessment as it is a learning outcome that is expected at the end of the course, with the benefit of having had to rework the schema presented, in the course of undertaking the modelling project.)

4. application of some of the of the techniques explored within your own design project. (50%)
(Learning outcomes 2 & 4: The way in which you apply the knowledge and extend passive learning through active project work will be the principal basis of assessment as the best indicator of the extent to which all the learning outcomes have been attained.)


What will you be looking for when you assess my work?
Assessment Criteria
Criteria will include:
1. Engagement with the techniques demonstrated through active class participation and completion of structured exercises during and between classes;
2. The seriousness with which the design schema has been prepared for presentation/submission
3. The level of mastery of a particular approach(es) demonstrated through the final review and submission of the individual projects. (Submission format details are included in the project hand-out.)

Submission of Assessment Tasks

All completed exercises and the design proposal schema to be submitted electronically before the mid semester break. (Schemas will be reviewed in class before the break.)

All final projects will be reviewed in class at the penultimate session of the semester and should be submitted electronically by the date and time in the course programme handed out at the beginning of semester.

Return of Assessment Tasks

Oral feedback will be given at the reviews and in tutorials. Written feedback and all marks will be returned within 2 weeks of the final submission.

Course Grades available
Grade Mark% Code

High Distinction 80-100 HDH
Exceptionally clear understanding of course matter and appreciation of issues; well organised, with formulated and sustained presentation and response to critique. Addresses all the specific objectives with many to a high standard. Evidence of creative insight and originality.

Distinction 70-79 DID
Strong grasp of course matter and appreciation of key issues; addresses all the specific objectives, with several to a high standard; clearly developed presentation and response to critique. Evidence of creative and solid work.

Credit 60-69 CRC
Competent understanding of course matter and appreciation of the main issues; addresses all the specific objectives, some reasonably well. Clearly developed presentation and response to critique; well prepared and presented.

Pass 50-59 PAP
Satisfactory. Appreciation of course matter and issues. Addresses all the specific objectives; work generally lacking in depth and breadth. Often work of this grade demonstrates only basic comprehension or competency. Work of this grade may be poorly prepared and presented. Investment of greater care and thought in organising and structuring work would be required to improve.

Fail 0-49 NNN
Unsatisfactory. Evidence of lack of understanding of course, minimal or inadequate comprehension and does not address all the objectives. Work is often inadequate in depth and breadth and sometimes incomplete or irrelevant; lack of care and thought in organising and structuring work.

Other Grade Did Not Sit DNS N
The examination was not sat or assessment not completed or submitted. This is in effect a fail result.


ACADEMIC ADMINISTRATION PROCEDURES
What do I do if I need help with deadlines or have become ill?
Special Consideration
All work must be submitted by the due date. Applications for special consideration must be submitted in writing (forms available at Student Administration, 8.12.27) to the course coordinator with all relevant material attached (medical certificates etc). It will then need to obtain approval from the Program Director.

Work received after the due date without special consideration will be marked as PAP or NNN.

COURSE EVALUATION AND FEEDBACK
How can I let you know about my experience of this course?
Course evaluation forms will be distributed at the end of semester. These may be completed anonymously and returned to the course coordinator. If you have any questions or comments during semester please contact your tutor in the first instance and the course coordinator if the issue is not resolved. Informal feedback will in any case be sought in the classes.

ACADEMIC MISCONDUCT
University Plagiarism Statement
Students are reminded that cheating, whether by fabrication, falsification of data, or plagiarism, is an offence subject to University disciplinary procedures. Plagiarism in oral, written or visual presentations is the presentation of the work, idea or creation of another person, without appropriate referencing, as though it is one's own. Plagiarism is not acceptable. The use of another person's work or ideas must be acknowledged. Failure to do so may result in charges of academic misconduct, which carry a range of penalties including cancellation of results and exclusion from your course.

Students are responsible for ensuring that their work is kept in a secure place. It is also a disciplinary offence for students to allow their work to be plagiarised by another student. Students should be aware of their rights and responsibilities regarding the use of copyright material.