Monash University: University Handbooks: Undergraduate handbook 2005: Units indexed by faculty
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Undergraduate handbook 2005 - Art and Design

Bachelor of Interior Architecture

Course code: 2126 + Course abbreviation: BIA + Total credit points required: 192 + 4 years full-time

Study mode and course location

On-campus (Caulfield)

Course description

The course offers a program of education in the discipline and professional practice of interior architecture. It is intended for students who wish to seek professional or executive employment in the field of interior design or related areas of design activity.
Interior architecture is concerned with the range of commercial and domestic interiors ranging from the hospitality, entertainment, retail, and health and transport industries to commercial offices and domestic interiors. The interior architecture studio units are supported by specialist units in structures and services, building construction and materials, communication methods and media, furniture design, computer-aided design and professional practice. The course is further supported by units in the theory, history and contemporary discourse in art, design and architecture, as well as by introductory units in drawing and digital imaging.
In semester one of the fourth year, the discipline and strategic issues are further elaborated in the research methods unit. A design studio unit and electives are also taken in semester one. During the second semester, students undertake a major studio project that will demonstrate their academic and professional attainment in the discipline and professional practice of interior architecture. This four-year professional degree course is awarded with a level of honours depending upon the grade averages achieved during the course.

Entry requirements

The course is offered through the VTAC system. Entry is by portfolio, interview and ENTER. Applicants require completion of VCE units 3 and 4 English (any) with a study score of at least 25 and a minimum ENTER of 70. Applications will also be considered on the basis of other qualifications assessed as equivalent to the VCE.

Course structure

The course consists of the following areas of study.
(a) Design studios (72 credit points)
This is the major study of the course. There are design studios at each level of the course.
(b) Studio specialisation (12 credit points)
These include the following core units: `Communication methods' and `Furniture 1'.
(c) Technology (36 credit points)
These include construction and materials, structures and services units which provide the core of the technical support studies. The theory covered in these units is also applied in the studio project work.
(d) Theory of art and design (18 credit points)
Students study a minimum of three theory, context and cultural units in art and design.
(e) Drawing and visual structures (6 credit points)
Students take one six-credit-point unit in the first year. This study is concerned with the development of perception, communication, and visual concepts, primarily using drawing media. Further drawing is available as an elective unit.
(f) Digital imaging (18 credit points)
Students take the faculty's common unit, `Digital imaging'. Students later take two core units in interiors computing.
(g) Professional practice (6 credit points)
This study is focused on the business practice aspects of interior architecture and design.
(h) Industrial collaboration and experience (0 credit points)
At the commencement of fourth year, students take a period of approximately six weeks of work in an interior architecture studio or related practice or commercial organisation. In many instances, this will be related to the specialist practice area which they intend to enter as professional graduates. It is intended that in most instances students will establish an ongoing collaboration with an industry partner.
(i) Students select one of these strands in fourth year (12 credit points)
Either the preparation for higher degree strand:

or the professional practice strand:

(j) Electives (up to 18 credit points)
Twelve to 18 credit points are available for elective studies, which are selected in consultation with the course coordinator. Units will generally be taken from those available within the Faculty of Art and Design, but units offered elsewhere in the university are also available.
(k) Occupational health and safety (0 credit points)
A compulsory health and safety unit which deals with issues relevant to art and design.

Course requirements
First year (48 points)
First semester
Second semester
Second year (48 points)
First semester
Second semester
Third year (48 points)
First semester
Second semester
Fourth year (48 points)
First semester
Second semester
Course map

Refer to 'Course map 9 - Bachelor of Interior Architecture' (course code 2126) at the back of the Faculty of Art and Design section of this handbook.

Contact details

Inquiries: telephone +61 3 9903 2072, email design@artdes.monash.edu.au or visit http://www.artdes.monash.edu.au.

Course coordinator

Mr Michael Anderson

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