Admission to the Architectural Engineering program is slightly different from other majors. It requires submission of a Portfolio that contains samples of free hand drawings, photography and any other creative work. Selection of students is based on merit that is calculated based on 80% their Cumulative GPA and 20% of their submitted Portfolio. Since its inception in 2002 of this program, the Department of Civil and Architectural Engineering (CAED) has undertaken several updates to its degree plan to improve student’s understanding of basic science and mathematics. The updates are meant to ensure that the students have a well structured program with high quality curriculum. The curriculum includes courses that teach students the social and ethical values of profession in addition to the strong theoretical background and the practical application of architectural and engineering principles.

To be awarded a bachelor degree in Architectural Engineering, a student must successfully complete 156 credits of University, College and Departmental Requirements as shown below in the table.

B.Eng. Degree Requirements

Common Courses within the CAE Department:

Professional Practice & Ethics, Basic Mechanics, Surveying, Mechanics of Materials, Construction Materials, Engineering Geology, Structures I, Prob. & Statistics for Engineers, Fluid Mechanics, Concrete Design, Numerical Methods, Engineering Economics, Steelwork Design, Construction Management.

Architectural Engineering Specialization Courses:

Architectural Design I, Architectural Drawing, Architectural Graphics, History I: Modern &Contemporary, Architectural Design II, Architectural Design III, Architectural Design Theory, Introduction to CAAD, Architectural Working Drawing, History II: Islamic & Vernacular, Building Construction Methods, Architectural Acoustics, Climate-responsive Design, Building Mechanical Systems, Architectural Design IV, Graduation Project I, Building Illumination, Sanitary & Plumbing Design, Building Electrical Systems, Graduation Project II, Specifications and Quantities, Thermodynamics I.

Industrial Training Courses:

Two mandatory Industrial Training courses are part of the College requirement. In Industrial Training I, students get a 2-week in-house training in their third year, during the break between the fall and spring semesters (around month of January), “The Survey Camp”. It includes the hands on field work in the different techniques of Surveying and Geomatics for one week and a week of lab work to learn Mapping Software (like ArcGIS). Industrial Training II is planned in the summer after the students complete their fourth year. For a period of 8 weeks, the students receive training from a private company or government ministry related to their specialization. A number of students receive their summer training abroad through collaboration agreements with international parties or through International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience (IAESTE). The student, supervised by the training organization, has to submit a report to his/her program at the end of the training period. The industrial training program is coordinated by the Assistant Dean for Industrial Training and Community Services. 

The PEOs for the Architectural Engineering Program are to prepare graduates who will:

       A. Design, construct and maintain built facilities using innovative engineering tools and methods.

       B. Work in teams and communicate effectively considering ethical, professional and social issues.

       C. Engage in self-development through life-long learning, professional practice, and graduate studies.

Students Outcomes:

The ABET student outcomes (1-7) are used to evaluate the students during the accreditation cycle. Graduating students should have:

1. An ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics.
2. An ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors.
3. An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
4. An ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts
5. An ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives
6. An ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions
7. An ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies
    

In order to graduate, a student is required to complete a total of 156 credit hours resulting in the award of a Bachelor Degree in Architecture Engineering ( AE ). The credit hours are allocated to University, College and Department requirements.

The AE undergraduate Degree plans can be downloaded by clicking on the following links.

• 2023 Degree Plans       
• 2022 Degree Plans       
• 2021 Degree Plans       
• 2020 Degree Plans       
• 2019 Degree Plans       
• 2018 Degree Plans        (Updated July 17 2018)
• 2017 Degree Plans        (Updated May 15 2017)
• 2016 Degree Plans         (Updated Sep 20 2017)
• 2015 Degree Plans        (Updated April 1st 2015)

Foundation studio aimed at developing critical and conceptual design skills. Students develop understanding of design through exploring 2 & 3D pattern making, form and space compositions, exploration of design domain, design analysis and simple design problems. Small projects are used to explore the domain of architectural design and enhance communication skills.

The aim of this basic course is to develop student's knowledge, understanding and communication skills required for producing general architectural engineering drawings. The course covers the following topics: drawing tools and materials, principles of orthographic representation (plan, elevation, section), and three dimensional drawings (isometric, axonometric), and architectural standards. By the end of this course students should be able to read, understand, and draw general architectural engineering drawings.

The aim of this course is to enhance knowledge and understanding of the relation of perception and representation through free-hand drawing and graphical communication. The course covers the following topics: drawing and observation: line and shape, contour, tone and texture, light and color, form and structure, space and depth; principles of shade and shadow, and perspective drawing.

Course examines historical development in western art and architecture from the industrial revolution to the present. Focus is on understanding how cultural settings shaped the direction of artistic thinking and built form in each period. Emphasis is on technical developments, artistic movements, institutions (such as Bauhaus) and important personalities.

Understanding the generic design process with emphasis on conceptualization, order, function, and form and space relationship. Structure and environment are also introduced as design issues. Design focus is on simple buildings with limited functional and technical complexity for different sites, situations, and programs, and design ideas are developed through analytical and compositional studies.

The course will address, through methodical design process, complex architectural organization in terms of function, context, structure, formal expression and environmental considerations. Also, the course will address technical aspects such as choice of materials and the design of architectural details. Human needs and values, visual and physical qualities of the designed environment are expected to be addressed.

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.

Course introduces students to digital media and its application in architecture. Focus is on enabling skill acquisition in the use of 2D drafting, 3D modelling and Rendering software. Image processing and post production programs may also be explored.

Introduce methods of preparing working drawing as part of building construction documents and provides a hands-on experience in preparing such documents. The course will emphasize the use of computer in generating such drawings. Topics to be covered include: working drawing conventions, drawing organization, working drawing of plans, sections, elevations, and details.

This course concentrates on Islamic architecture in different regions and times. It searches for the forms while examining the embedded meanings and symbolic appearances. It examines the design principles of different styles in Islamic architecture. A field trip to observe and document a selected traditional Omani architecture is undertaken as part of the course.

Overview of the historical development of human settlements. Examination of different types, morphology, structure and growth of settlements. Overview of factors influencing settlement form and growth. Contemporary urban form with emphasis on the influence of rapid urbanization. Examination of settlement form in Oman in the context of global practices. Sustainability issues in settlement planning.

The course will give a review in lighting design (day lighting and artificial lighting). Introducing overview of modelling of the building and simulation of lighting. Concepts relating to the simulation of daylight, sunlight and artificial lighting in buildings. Use of on-market simulation tools such as: Ecotect and Radiance software.

The course will cover: evolution of historical conservation, historic buildings and architectural cultural heritage, conservation decisions, ethics, and values, conservation team, causes of decay in historic buildings. The course will introduce different methods of intervention and techniques, and examples from different geo-climatic regions and periods.

Types of structures and their construction methods and techniques. Foundation, floor, wall and roof systems. Moisture and thermal protection of floor, wall and roof. Doors and windows. Details of kitchen, bathroom, stair. Elevators and escalators. Pre-fabrication techniques of building components. Construction techniques of special form: dome, vault, shell, space frame and metal structure. Local materials and construction system Special details, e.g. damp proofing, termite control, insulation, etc Building system and process. Building joints and movements. Indoor and outdoor finish, cladding.

The course introduces theoretical foundations, computational approaches, and design methods in architectural acoustics (room acoustics, building acoustics, noise control). Topics include: review of physical properties of sound, fundamentals of sound perception, prediction of air-borne and structure-borne sound propagation, noise control, and relevant design methods.

This course addresses the impact of hot climate on architectural design. Topics covered are: Climatic elements and site microclimate, Human comfort, Solar control, Shading systems, Wind movements and ventilation, Urban environment and dynamics of external space, Built environment and effects of the building envelop.

This course addresses the methodology of sustainable architectural design in hot climates. Course contents are: Classifications of climatic regions in Oman, Global issues of sustainability, Comparison of active and passive thermal designs, Climatic impact on traditional architecture, Metropolitan microclimate, Optimization of building form, Analyses of contemporary passive design systems.

Psychrometrics, human thermal comfort in the internal environment, basic heat transfer in buildings, heating and cooling load calculation, introduction to computerized cooling load calculation, air-conditioning systems and equipment, air duct design, air distribution systems design, fan design, vertical transportation systems design.

Studio explores design at the scale of the urban context. Focus is on designing a new housing neighbourhood or intervention aimed at neighbourhood/district regeneration. Scope covers design of architectural elements and their situation in the urban context. Attention is paid to contextual issues, such as site, location, and climate. Social, cultural and behavioural issues are also addressed.

First part of the graduation project aimed at developing a comprehensive architectural solution that serves the society. Starting with selecting a project, programming studies, site selection, and compiling a technical report. This part will consider general requirements for structural, environmental, and building services. Focus in assessment is on the architectural solution.

Issues affecting current architectural theory and practice. Legal framework of practice and the role of the architect in building industry and process. The regulatory system: planning and urban design controls, building code and approval process. Management principles and practices for the range of architectural practice. The selection process and the conditions of the design market. Responsibilities and liabilities of different building professionals in all sectors of practice as the outcome of their relationship to local authorities and current building legislation.

Introduction to the science of spatial behaviour. Perceptual learning and way finding. adaptation. motivation. emotion development and cultural and personal context, and the process of feedback. Human Senses (vision; olfactory, auditory, touch) and Sensory process. Perception cognition. Social influence on behaviour and space syntax. Personal space and territoriality.

Course examines housing planning, design and financing issues with a focus on urban areas. Issues covered include housing problems, housing market and planning, family cycle and housing demand, delivery systems, types of housing, housing design, criteria for housing location, and neighbourhood planning. Concepts such as territoriality, sense of place and defensible space are also examined.

This is an introductory course to the fire and smoke control in buildings. This course is an elective course offered for senior architectural engineering students. This course provide students with basic skills to carry our fire safety design in buildings with particular emphasis on the following topics: introduction to Principles of fire and compartment fires, means of escape, human behavior in fire, detection and warning systems, smoke and heat exhaust ventilation, emergency lighting, alarm systems and sound level calculations, automatic sprinklers protection systems, and aspects of passive fire protection in buildings. The course is covered through lectures and tutorials.

Course explores emerging ideas and applications of information technology in architecture. It provides a forum for faculty to share research findings and or experience in the use of Computer Aided Design, or to explore the use of particular computer programs. The course also serves to cater for the CAD interest of students.

This course introduces students to principals of interior design. The course explores the historical background of the interior design, space planning and spatial arrangements, furniture, style, materials and finishes, illumination, psychological and functional effects of colors, and human factors through assignments and projects. Several design communication means might be used (free hand drawing, manual drafting, CAD and models).

This course introduces students to principles of spatial analysis techniques, namely space syntax theory and the associated methods. The course explores the role of space design -at micro (building) and macro (city) levels- on the socio- cultural, behavioral and economic activities. After the theoretical background and basic knowledge of the analytical techniques are established through lectures and assignments, students will learn to use the related software to perform the analysis. All knowledge gained during the course will be used in a research project.

Comprehensive application of landscape design skills. Landscape-design applications involving site inventory and analysis, functional and planting diagrams, preliminary and master planning. Theories & concepts for creating exterior spaces with plant materials; and the principles, concepts, and techniques used by landscape architects in the design of a variety of landscape types, including soft-and-hard-scape that will be applied on real projects in Oman.

This course will discuss and present terms, concepts, fundamentals, principles and the criteria of urban design. The urban design criteria in addition to social and cultural factors that influence the urban context will be discussed with particular emphasis on formal aspects of urban design and applied on real design project of Omani-built environment.

The course introduces theoretical foundations, computational approaches, and design methods in building illumination (daylighting, electrical lighting). Topics include: Review of visual performance criteria and lighting psychology, analytical and numeric methods for the prediction of lighting conditions in interior spaces, lighting engineering and design methods.

Basic elements, organization, design and layout of plumbing, sanitation and fire safety systems in buildings; plumbing systems including water sources, water requirements, water supply and distribution in buildings; sanitary systems including drainage, venting, storm water, waste disposal and recycling; fire safety systems.

Introduction, electrical safety, DC circuits, AC circuits, poly-phase, transformers, electrical systems, electrical wiring for various types of buildings, electrical distribution and circuit design, and electrical drawing.

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.

Introduction to Omani cities, villages, desert settlements, and landscape. Urban settlement and architecture in Different regions in Oman. Religious Architecture: traditional & contemporary mosques, memorial buildings. Defense architecture. Urban and architectural elements. Building materials, light and climatic considerations. Decorative interior elements. Cultural spatial presentation, space syntax, form, style and outside influence.

Available solar radiation, radiation on opaque and transparent materials, theory, types, and performance of solar collectors, energy storage in solar systems, solar water heating in buildings, passive and active solar heating, design of solar heating systems, solar cooling in buildings, desiccant cooling systems, economics of solar systems, computer applications.

Advanced aspects of building construction and green building solutions, new technological aspects of building structure and material: reinforced concrete, prefabrication, pre-cast concrete, steel framing systems; innovative building envelope systems: curtain walls, window walls, glazing and roofing systems; new industrialized methods of designing and assembling buildings.

Energy conservation as a design determinant, energy use in buildings in Oman, design techniques to minimize energy consumption in building, mechanical and electrical systems, energy conservation standards & codes, computer models for estimating building energy consumption, computer-aided energy analysis and evaluation of alternative building energy conservation measures (ECMs).

The course focuses on the principles underlying specification writing and material selections and the preparation of project tender documents. Understanding various types of materials according to international and local standards. Bill of quantities calculations and ways of integrating drawings with quantities.

For information on other courses, listed in your degree plan offered by other department/college, Kindly click here.

AREN4115 Graduation Project I (4 credit)   

(Prerequisites. AREN4114, CIVL4206; Co-requisite. CIVL4216)

First part of the graduation project aimed at developing a comprehensive architectural solution that serves the society. Starting with selecting a project, programming studies, site selection, and compiling a technical report. This part will consider general requirements for structural, environmental, and building services. Focus in assessment is on the architectural solution.

AREN5116 Graduation Project II (3 credits)

(Prerequisites: AREN3816, AREN4115, AREN4818, AREN4817)

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.

Architectural Engineering Program Enrollment and Graduation Statistics

* Students have not yet selected programs

** Includes late students in year 6 and above

Note: The College doesn’t have any part-time (PT) students for undergraduate programs

FT--full time

PT--part time