Course DescriptionSyllabusCurriculum

ARCH 111 Basic Design I

In this course, the students will learn general design and composition making, through basic elements. They will work with the essential visual design elements like, point, line, & plane, and how to make these items in simple designs like compositions & advertises & posters. This course will focus on 2D elements and how it develops to 3D composition design

ARCH 112 Architectural Graphic I

This course is an introduction of the main Tools and instruments of architecture drawing and graphic techniques. The course will train the students in using the drawing tools and improve their presentation skills, which make them have a powerful tool to produce and show their projects in an effective way, this course will focus on using Pencils, Poster color, Collage Technique & basics of Architectural Models.

ARCH 113 Art and Architecture

In this course students will study the relationship between the principles governing the fields of art and their intersection with architecture. The visual qualities of the products of art, like symmetry, balance, organization, patterns, etc. share some attributes with architecture and this course studies these principles.

IT 103 Introduction to Information Technology

This course is designed to make the student familiar with Computer literature. Information Technology Concepts are Introduced with an emphasis on software and hardware utilization. Students will be exposed to a board range of computer Technology and IT topics including Understanding Computer, Hardware, software, Computer and communication, Multimedia, web pages & Internet, Networking and the role of IT in public life. This course is divided into two sections: a lecture and lab.

DBT 101 Academic Debate and Critical Thinking

This course is designed to develop students’ abilities and skills in academic communication and debate. The topics of this course train the students on using sources for academic communication, putting knowledge into good use, and raising academic questions and answering questions in an academic way. The course also aims to teach students how to accept and respect differing opinions, and how to conduct academic arguments. In this course, students are directed to raise questions and analyze academic texts logically and critically, i.e. they are guided to conduct a critical analysis of what they read, and are provided with the opportunity to practice and develop their skills by writing their reflections on the material studied and on their own learning. Moreover, the students will be assisted in this course with considering the problems of their country and making suggestions to solve problems relying on academic mechanism and methodology.

ELT 103 Advance English

The course reinforces academic writing skills. In this course students write different types of essays based on the ideas they are exposed to in the reading selections. The emphasis is on the writing process in which students go through many stages from brainstorming and outlining to producing a complete documented piece of writing.

MAT 101 Calculus

This course deals with preliminary topics in math, which are studied in high school, functions and properties and its graphs, some special functions especially trigonometric functions and their graphs, basic limit applications and differentiations.

KUR 105 Kurdology I

The territorial extent of Kurdistan, the ethnic and geographical extent of Kurdistan, Numerical extent of the Kurds, the geography of Kurdistan, Physical aspect, the living landscape and habitat, the human aspect, an anthropological profile of Kurdistan. Origins and pre-Islamic history, the Islamic period up to 1920, from 1920 to the present day, the fundamental structures of Kurdish society, the Kurdish family, tribal organization, language, and folklore.

First Year – Second Semester

ARCH 121 Basic Design II

At this course, students will learn how to design 3 dimensions volumes with different materials, design spaces, and design a weekend house (small function house). The subject aims at developing the skills needed for designing 3D architectural forms as well as emphasizing on the relationship between form & space, the influence of functions, human scale, horizontal & vertical circulation, outdoor spaces, as well as structural principles, on architectural design. In addition, this subject, provides a training of the students’ creative capability of form & space formulation. Finally, training on different types of techniques and architectural presentation.

ARCH 122 Architectural Graphic II

This course is the second semester of the previous course with the same title. It aims to teach students drawings technique like ink on tress paper, shade, and shadow, iso metric, perspective drawings.

ARCH 123 Free- Hand Drawing I

Students will learn architectural freehand drawing skills. Through specific drawing exercises aimed to improving basic skills, students will develop a methodology for representing the surrounding three-dimensional world. This process will yield a series of exquisite drawings.

ARCH 124 Model Making

This course teaches the students the techniques of model-making. Students work in the studios on improving their architectural model making skills. Students make models out of different materials, like cardboard, foam, and wood.

ARCH 125 Computer Application in Architecture I

Intensive introduction to computer-aided design systems for developing 2D drawings into 3d Models. Lectures and exercises focus on learning the methodology for using CAD to efficiently prepare 2D & 3D models drawings.

ARCH 126 Theory of Architecture I

Course examines design theory as a means to develop cognitive and problem-solving skills. Difference between theory and design theory of architecture is explored. Also explored are issues of order and organization, phenomena of perception, elements and organizing principles of form and space, ordering principles, design typology, designers and design thinking, and design process.

 

GEN 122 Interpersonal Dynamics and Character Building

To equip students with essential debating and communication skills. To introduce students to the practice of speaking in a public setting. To practice argumentation skills.

ELT 104 Technical English

Technical English provides English language instruction for students who are following vocational and technical education. The syllabus covers the core language skills that students need to succeed in technical and industrial fields of architectural engineering work.

KUR 106 Kurdology II

The territorial extent of Kurdistan, the ethnic and geographical extent of Kurdistan, Numerical extent of the Kurds, the geography of Kurdistan, Physical aspect, the living landscape and habitat, the human aspect, an anthropological profile of Kurdistan. Origins and pre-Islamic history, the Islamic period up to 1920, from 1920 to the present day, the fundamental structures of Kurdish society, the Kurdish family, tribal organization, language, and folklore.

 

Second Year – First Semester

ARCH 211 Architectural Design I

The first semester of design consists of designing a single family detached residential unit. The course aims to teach the students the principles of design. It aims to introduce site analysis extensively and train them on matters related to zoning and building the mass of the project according to the formal, economical, and functional needs. The course also aims to strengthen the students, technical drawing abilities, and boost their abilities of visual imagination. The course aims to train the students to think logically and produce architectural solutions out of the presented context.

ARCH 212 Building Construction Technology I

Building Construction is an introduction to the techniques, materials, and structural systems used in the construction process of any Building. Building Construction classes will focus on the main components of the building and their connections. Topics of this course include Components, Materials and Techniques used in Building Construction process which include (Masonry walls (Brick & Block), Floors and Slabs (Concrete and Reinforced Concrete), Opening (Doors and Windows), Finishing Materials, and Connection Techniques). During the Course, the students will be asked to visit material stores and Construction sites to have a clear idea about the available materials and techniques in the Local Market.

ARCH 213 Free hand Drawings II

Students will draw complex models and learn new techniques in shading and using colors. Also, there will be focus on drawing building and landscape for developing and communicating ideas in the design process.

ARCH 214 Structure I

The course aims to give introduction about structural engineering, types of structures, and types of loads. It also gives detailed knowledge about equilibrium of structure, force analysis, and moments. It gives full understanding of finding stresses and strains in building elements

ARCH 229 Perspective drawings

Introduction to perspective systems and their use in the representation of three-dimensional forms. Instruction will be conducted through projected diagrams, lectures, and individual tutoring. The course covers: Linear Perspective, Geometric Tools and Perspective Methods, Perspective Measurements, Squares, Cubes and Circle, Sloping Planes and Stairs, one and Two Points Perspective Drawing from Observation, Perspective Views from Plans and Elevations, etc.

ARCH 216 Computer Application in Architecture II

This course is a technical course that improves the CAD drawing skills of the students. Students will work with 3D modeling software like 3Ds Max. They will utilize the Parametric modeling technique using 3ds Max Design advanced featured in modifier list. Students will utilize and manipulate rendering and also animation technique using Lumion software, and produce professional-level presentations of their ideas, from conceptual designs to finished renderings and postproduction using adobe Photoshop.

ARCH 224 Survey

This course will introduce the fundamentals of surveying measurements to provide a broad overview of the surveying instrumentation (level), measurements, corrections, reduction and computations that are required to produce a topographical map or a site plan for engineering and design projects. Also with proper field procedures for basic surveying which include taking field notes, taping and leveling. The overall course is designed to make the students able to learn and understand the theory and field procedure by applying suitable surveying methods to produce map.

Second Year – Second Semester

ARCH 221 Architectural Design II

The course aims to train the students on designing projects with a bit of functional complexity. This is the second semester of design, and the students will be working with neighborhood service projects (primary school and health center). By the end of the course students will be able to arrange multiple functions within a logical arrangement and solve several technical issues. The students will also be able to create formal compositions, and suggest ideas in architecture, that can be applied for these building types. Students also will be able to draw architectural drawings perfectly.

ARCH 222 Building Construction Technology II

A continuation of ARC 212 emphasizing more on materials and methods of building construction asserting more on wood, concrete, unit masonry, and light steel construction. Laboratory projects may include working drawings interpretation, sketching construction details, or field trips to construction sites and fabricant plants. Designed primarily as the initial materials and methods course for architectural transfer students.

ARCH 223 Free hand Drawing IV

This is the third semester of the Freehand course. It is aimed to develop the skills of freehand drawing among students as a way to how to express their ideas of draw and showing its in appropriate way that represents the subject to complete what the student had received in the first stage in the same subject, with a particular focusing on the architectural drawings with three-dimensional 3D perspective (internal and external). The subject also aims to develop the students’ skills using different means in freehand drawing with a focus on visualization techniques colored pencil, ink pens, watercolors, marker color and other techniques.

ARCH 236 Concrete Structure

The course is divided to two parts. The first part is intended to give students a solid understanding of cementitious materials and aggregate production, kinds, qualities, and applications. Properties of fresh and hardened concrete, concrete testing, admixture effects, and destructive and non-destructive testing of existing concrete structures are all covered. Concrete manufacture, transportation, casting, compacting, and curing, design of concrete mixtures, concrete durability, and creep and shrinkage the laboratory is utilized to conduct ASTM and ACI code testing on aggregates and concrete sample. The second part is designed to provide an in depth understanding of Flexural analysis and design of reinforced concrete beams including singly reinforced rectangular beams and T beams, serviceability, short and slender columns, slabs.

ARCH 225 History of Architecture I

his course traces the history of Architecture from the early developments in the Paleolithic Age (Early Stone Age) to the Early Christian period; Analytical study of past architectural antecedents will aid in acquainting students with the architectural heritage and arousing interest in postulating architectural solutions that are responsive to the built environment of this civilization.

ARCH 227 Computer Application in Architecture III

This is the third semester of (Computer Application). It focuses on the advanced modelling skills, and then the rendering and production skills of the students. Students will utilize and manipulate rendering and animation technique using Lumion software. It aims to produce professional-level presentations of your ideas, from conceptual designs to finished renderings and postproduction using adobe Photoshop

ARCH 228 Theory of Architecture II

It is a theoretical subject for second-year students. It is a session where students will learn about design methodology, and how the process of design works, and the elements of this process (analysis, synthesis, evaluation). They also take a basic introduction to logic thinking, and the meaning of creative thinking.

Third Year – First Semester

ARCH 311 Architectural Design III

This course provides the student more information about the design principles, so it helps the student to learn how to make plans for a big project and in this way the student faces problems of design in plans, elevations, sections, site, isometric and perspective…etc. and learn how to solve those problem. Also teaching the student how to use steel structure and which buildings should be designed with steel and others with concrete, so it allows the student to do a comprehensive design so in the final of the course the student will design a complete project, learn how to think as a designer and how to follow an architectural style to have a really good design project.

ARCH 318 Execution Drawing I

The purpose of this course is to provide students with the ability to produce working drawings (two-dimensional) with the aid of computer. In this course, students will get familiar with the legislation and working drawing system for the professional use. Lectures and exercises will be to introduce students to the systematics of drawing a project that could be realized in the real world. This meaning: the project would withhold enough information to be interpreted by contractor or any other person who is involved in realization to be able to read it.

ARCH 313 Sustainable Architecture

Define and discuss the idea and practice of sustainability. Explain and evaluate current challenges to sustainability, including modern world social, environmental, and economic structures and crises. Apply skills of inquiry, in the analysis of sustainability issues. To increase awareness among students on issues in area of sustainability. also understand the role of engineering and technology within sustainable product service system development. Having a broader perspective in thinking for sustainable practices by utilizing the engineering knowledge and principles gained from this course. Introducing students to global rating systems for evaluating buildings. Students learn engineering decision-making, air and water pollutants, modeling of environmental pollutant concentrations, engineering economics, social considerations, pollution prevention, resource conservation, environmental life cycle assessment, human and eco-toxicity, life cycle costing, and energy systems.

ARCH 317 Theory of Colors

A course of study in theory of color should actively seek to develop the following abilities and qualities: Increasing student basic knowledge and understanding of color and how we use theoretical part information on the practical part because our sense of the interior and exterior depends not simply on empty space but on its interaction with the colors that affect the psychology of users. Increasing students’ knowledge about how to arrange colors for different functions. feeling the colors psychologically and physiologically. Developing the student ability to make change on how we perceive, use, and inhabit space by non-structural alterations. The ability to perceive, understand and express concepts and feelings. 6-Experimentation, innovation, and the use of imagination for designing.

ARCH 315 History of Architecture II

The course’s objective is to introduce the historical architecture of Europe. The course aims to teach the students the debate between the Classical and the Medieval narrative. Students, by the end of the course, will be able to distinguish between the different styles in the European Medieval architecture. Students will also be able to sense the differences between the Classic and the Medieval art, and how the relationship between art and architecture is established.
ARCH 316 Building Services
To introduce the student the Mechanical, Electrical, Sanitary, drainage and water supply systems. How to consider them in designing a project and how are they working in building, how does they should affect the building and what should the designer do for building services so it will not cause damage of the building. It allows to know how an architect should connect with the mechanical, electrical and water supply engineer.

ARCH 329 Steel Structure

This course gives an introduction of steel Structures and explains the behavior of steel structures and explores how understanding of their behavior is applied in structural design. Also, classification of structures and connections; design loads and design philosophy; steel structural systems; design for lateral loads; bracings. The fundamental mechanics of steel structural members is described. The role of design codes in interpreting observed and theoretical behavior is explained. This course also covers the stability of structural elements and their analysis.

Third Year – Second Semester

ARCH 321 Architectural Design IV

This course is the second semester of third year. It aims to continue the design teaching process, by giving the students the problems of designing a building with formal associations. The students will be able to design a building with visually interesting forms and try solving primitive functional issues. The students will be able to solve the structural issues especially steel frames. Students will be able to suggest ideas and concepts that govern architectural forms.

ARCH 322 Principles of Planning I

The course content deliberates the theories and basics of planning. It provides an overview about the history and origin of planning principles. The importance of different types of land uses and public services for inhabitants are also highlighted. Today’s planning requires audiences be familiar with new sustainable methods and ways of planning in a sustainable situation. To lessen the impact on the environment. The design of the streets and the section of street are another important point to be discussed through this course. The course also discusses in detail the standard of city planning and neighborhood planning, locally as well as internationally.

ARCH 327 Theory of Architecture III

This course will be the third part of theories of Architecture courses. In this course, students are going to be acquainted to the main theories of the premodern period and architectural theories within modernism movement. The subject will try to shed light on theories, ideas and styles of the modern movement, and students will study the important buildings and architects who had a huge impact on shaping our architecture today.

ARCH 328 Execution Drawing II

The purpose of this course is to provide students with the ability to produce working drawings (two-dimensional) with the aid of computer. In this course, students will get familiar with the legislation and working drawing system for the professional use. Lectures and exercises will be to introduce students to the systematics of drawing a project that could be realized in the real world. This means the project would withhold enough information to be interpreted by contractor or any other person who is involved in realization to be able to read it.

ARCH 325 History of Architecture III

Introducing the architecture development throughout renaissance era in Europe (In Italy, France, Spain, and England) and other parts of Europe. Also introducing the baroque and rococo architecture. Renaissance represents Europe architecture from new classism to industrial revolution. Developing the styles of architecture in 14th- 15th- 16th- 17th- and 18th century.

ARCH 326 Architecture & Environment I

To introduce the student the environmental effects on building and how to make the building be environmental. How to deal with sun light in seasons of year. What are shading devices and how can we take useful from them, where can we put then with which proportion, what insulation materials should be used in construction. How can we make an efficient natural ventilation, where can we put windows with which type and proportion. In each day of the year how is the sun light.

ARCH 331 Internship (Taken in Summer)

This is an internship course, which is taken in summer. Students have to visit offices and companies, approved by the department, and perform a training course for (4-6) weeks. Their supervisors in these companies participate in their evaluation, as well as the department’s academic staff.

Fourth Year – First Semester

ARCH 411 Architectural Design V

This course aims to expand the view of the students and help them to move from thinking about the design of a single building with a specific function to go out into multi-functional building with different departments or parts and how to link the project parts with visual and movement paths. Also, this course aims to teach students balancing Form and Function, Components of a Hospital. Introduction to Evidence Based Healthcare Design. Inter-Departmental relationship in a hospital. and Balancing Factors. This course enables students to deal with different structural systems of the general services of the buildings such as the cooling and heating systems and the health sanitary and energy saving systems. last through this course students will understand how the current complexities within KRG’s health system create systemic challenges for patients, providers, and administrators.

ARCH 412 Interior Design

In this course the students must know how to plan a space and how to present that plan visually so that it can be communicated to the client and know about the materials and products that will be used to create and furnish the space, and how texture, color, lighting and other factors combine and interact to make a space. In addition, understanding the structural requirements of their plans, the health and safety issues, building codes, and many other technical aspects.

ARCH  Technical Elective

ARCH 414 Islamic Architecture I

This course studies the Medieval architecture of the Middle East, usually named Islamic architecture. It encompasses a wide range of Islamic styles from the foundation of Islam to the end of the Ottoman period. studying the elements and the components of Islamic buildings (Mosques, Houses, Palaces, tomb, public buildings….) which are existing around the world.

ARCH 415 Housing

This course focuses on the development of efficient and cost-effective room and floor plans the F.A.R. calculation that meet the needs of residential and/or commercial clients. It studies the standards of housing, the rules and regulations that command it, and the economical aspects of designing neighborhoods.

ARCH 417 Soil Mechanics & Foundations

Soil mechanics is used to analyze the deformations of and flow of fluids within natural and man-made structures that are supported on or made of soil, or structures that are buried in soils. Example applications are building and bridge foundations, retaining walls, dams, and buried pipeline systems.

Fourth Year – Second Semester

ARCH 421 Architectural Design VI

This course aims to expand the view of the students and help them to move from thinking about the design of a single building with a specific function to go out into multi-functional building with different departments or parts and how to link the project parts with visual, functional, and circulation paths. The project of this semester is college building.

ARCH 422 Landscape Design

this course will give some insight into the design approach used by landscape architects. It will explore the theories that influence our work and the manner in which these theories are transformed into physical environments. Furthermore, during this course the students will also be introduced to sustainable strategies in landscape architectural design. The course will be divided into two phases. The first phase will offer a theoretical and historical understanding of the landscape architecture profession; the second will introduce students to the design process through the development of a landscape architecture design project.

ARCH 423 Urban Design Theories

Urban design theory is an integral part of the process of both city and regional planning and design. It is primarily and essentially three-dimensional design theory. To ensure that students will have a basic skills, dealing with the non-visual aspects of environment such as noise, smell or feelings of danger and safety, which contribute significantly to the character of urban area, as well as dealing with the physical objects and human activities which make up the environment; this space and the relationships of elements in it is essentially external. To ensure that students concern for the relationship of new development to existing city form as much as to the social, cultural, economic demands and resources available.

ARCH Technical Elective

ARCH 431 Vernacular Architecture

The objectives of the course are, to provide an overview of vernacular architecture of worldwide in general and Iraq & Kurdistan in more details. Also, to study the various approaches and concepts in the study of vernacular architecture, to study how the vernacular architectural forms are dictated by factors such as geography, climate, economy, and socio-cultural factors. In addition, to study how to benefit ideas and solutions into their design projects.

ARCH 432 Light & Acoustic in Architecture

The basic knowledge from architectural acoustics and daylight in architecture is given to students within this course. Students participating in this course will be able to design and evaluate buildings considering daylight and acoustic performance. ACOUSTICS Students become acquainted with the fundamentals of acoustics, spectral analysis and frequency weighting of sound, typical acoustical quantities, sound
sources and sound fields. Both indoor and outdoor sound propagation are discussed focusing on attenuation, absorption, reflection and geometrical spreading of sound. Basic acoustical concepts are then applied to buildings and students are introduced to room acoustics (reverberation time) and sound insulation in buildings (airborne and impact sound insulation between rooms and against external noise). LIGHTING The course aims to improve the students? ability to see, to plan and to design daylight in architecture. The purpose is to consider daylight and sunlight as a resource, a raw material, and to understand how it can be used to emphasize architectural concepts while keeping the comfort for users. Students are asked to adopt a sustainable approach focusing on visual comfort, biological needs and energy concerns. Course consists of lectures, individual work as well as groupwork. Computer simulation and practical real-life measurements are used to validate the concepts.

Fifth Year – First Semester

ARCH 511 Urban Design

The course’s objective is that students will be able to apply urban design theories in a practical projects. Students will be able to solve urban problems, like distributing functions, arranging movement paths, regulating buildings’ shapes and heights. Students will be able to solve the complexities rising from geographical and environmental constraints while working on large scale projects.

ARCH 512 Thesis Research

This course is an overview of architectural programming and pre-design stages. Review of principals, theories, methods, techniques, and tools of architectural programming. Preparation of a complete document (not less than 10,000 words in length) aiming to develop a comprehensive architectural program for a project, including assessment of client and user needs, a critical review of appropriate examples, an analysis of site conditions, a review of the relevant laws and standards and assessment of their implication on the project, and a definition of site selection and design assessment criteria.

ARCH 513 Research Methods

A course of study in research methods should actively seek to develop the following abilities and qualities: To learn students how to review literatures. To show students how research wrote. To learn about writing research problem, objective, and hypothesis. To learn students how to analyze data and interpret it. To familiar students with publishing. To familiar students with types of research. To enhance students for writing their graduation projects.

ARCH 514 Building Codes & Professional Practice

Introduction to building legislation and codes. Theoretical and analytical investigation of methods available to architects. Legal, ethical, and professional obligations. Clients and other parties affected by both the practice and business of architecture. Overview of construction industry. Office practice including accounting and financial reporting, employment, procurement of buildings, tendering, building contract administration. Control of cost, time and quality, quality assurance. Programs and regulatory
constraints, building legislations, building law and ordinances, urban planning legislation and housing laws, syndicate regulations, servitude, and labor union laws.

ARCH 515 Specifications and Quantities

Introduction to quantity surveying. Methods of measurement and calculations. Preparation of comparative tables of prices and bids and their evaluation. Specification writings. General conditions of contract between architect, client and contractor. Specifications for materials and various constructional works and execution procedures. Preparation of contract document for various trades and works for bids.

Fifth Year – Second Semester

ARCH 521 Thesis Graduation Project

The second part of the graduation project course is focusing on integrating the structural and building system designs with the previously accomplished architectural design in part one. The first phase of the course is devoted to design structural and services systems and preparation of related working drawing. Then, architectural solution revision and preparation of final presentation to be addressed.

ARCH 522 Project Management and Programming

Deals with the project management context within which architecture is practiced. Students will consider the development of professional expertise and be introduced to the methods used to generate work and charge fees. The course will also address the project briefing and contract administration phases of an architectural project, including the development of a design brief and project feasibility analysis, development and contract law, project management frameworks, consultancy agreements, and the administration of a standard form lump sum building contract.

ARCH 523 Architectural Criticism

Architecture Criticism is a Theoretical course aims to teach the students the different types of art criticism and the knowledge of Aesthetics and Art appreciation. Through the identification and historical review of Art/Architecture Criticism theories, the students will get to know the evolution of Art appreciation and criticism theories.

ARCH 526 Digital Architecture

Digital Architecture is an intensive course that offers a comprehensive overview of the latest digital tools and techniques used in the creation of complex forms and models. This cutting-edge program is designed to equip students with advanced-level skills in parametric design, visualization, and post-production. Throughout the course, students will have access to industry-standard software, including Rhino, Sketchup, and a range of powerful plugins. They will learn how to use these tools to create intricate and innovative digital models, as well as how to enhance their work through the use of Photoshop for post-production. One of the key benefits of this course is the focus on practical, hands-on learning. Through a series of challenging projects and assignments, students will have the opportunity to develop their skills and creativity in a supportive environment. By the end of the course, students will
have a solid understanding of the tools and techniques used in the field of digital architecture, as well as the ability to create and present their own projects.