Course content

The course gives an introduction to different topics in building physics such as indoor and outdoor climate, heat transfer including introduction to energy use in buildings, moisture transfer, acoustics and lighting. Theory and simple calculation methods will be introduced and used to evaluate buildings and building constructions against the Norwegian Building Code and other requirements to support the design of sustainable buildings.

Learning outcome

Knowledge: The candidate will acquire knowledge of: - Basic building physical laws which provides the foundation for correct building construction design. - How to find and evaluate materials and components for use in buildings based on their building physical properties. - The properties of common building materials. Skills: The candidate will acquire skills to: - Evaluate the outdoor climate and effect on a building site. - Evaluate the indoor thermal climate and user comfort. - Carry out basic heat transfer calculations in order to find the thermal resistance and transmittance (U-value). - Perform simple building energy simulations. - Perform basic moisture calculations in order to evaluate the moisture properties of building materials and assemblies. - Select building materials and constructions with the right acoustic properties. General competence: At the end of the course the candidate will have competence: - To select proper constructions and materials from technical requirements. - To apply building physics to design sustainable buildings.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures, group works, assignments, exercises.

Specific conditions

Required previous knowledge

Matriculated student in the Architecture program at the Faculty of Architecture and Design

Course materials

J.V. Thue. Bygningsfysikk - Grunnlag. 2016, Fagbokforlaget ISBN: 9788245019940

S. V. Szokolay. Introduction to Architectural Science: The Basis of Sustainable Design. 2014, Taylor & Francis (Routledge) ISBN: 9780415824989 Various Norwegian Standards.