Higher Diploma in Engineering in Building Information Modelling

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Organisation profile

Atlantic Technological University (ATU) is one of the largest multi-campus universities on the island, serving a diverse group of learners, staff, communities and organisations from our region and further afield.  

Training aim 

To upskill and increase competency for professionals in the construction sector in the key discipline area of Building information modelling - an innovative new approach to building design, construction, and management first introduced around 2002.  It has changed the way industry professionals worldwide think about how technology can be applied to building design, construction, and management.  Building information modelling supports the continuous and immediate availability of project design, scope, schedule, and cost information that is high quality, reliable, integrated, and fully coordinated.

Learning objectives 

Module 1: Building Information Modelling Virtual Modelling Fundamentals (Core)

  1. Construct virtual models from a variety of disciplines using BIM authoring software.
  2. Apply the principles of BIM and its application to the design, construction and use of building.
  3. Produce detailed drawings, designs and other information to a professional standard within a BIM environment.
  4. Show  the ability to work effectively as an individual and in a team setting, to coordinate and produce documentation for a variety of construction projects.
  5. Express an understanding of the basic theoretical principles underpinning BIM and the BIM process.
  6. Develop a high-level understanding of the legal issues, regulations and regulatory environments as they apply to BIM and BIM processes.

Module 2: Building Information Modelling Architecture

  1. Display a detailed knowledge and understanding of Architectural BIM models.
  2. Express an advanced understanding of the design criteria required for the production of an Architectural BIM model.
  3. Design and virtually construct architectural BIM models from the design stage through to construction.
  4. Produce detailed drawings, designs, schedules and other information to a professional standard within a BIM environment.

Module 3:  Building Information Modelling - Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing (MEP)

  1. Display a detailed knowledge and understanding of MEP BIM models
  2. Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the design criteria required for MEP models in line with industry best practice.
  3. Design and Build MEP models for basic installations
  4. Prepare and produce information and data from MEP BIM Models

Module 4: Building Information Modelling Structure

  1. Display a detailed knowledge and understanding of Structural BIM models.
  2. Demonstrate a good understanding of the applications of structural models including parametric design, analysis, and documentation used to create a Structural BIM model in line with industry best practice.
  3. Identify and critically evaluate structural models and various design options available
  4. Develop effective and efficient Structural Models solutions.
  5. Understand and appreciate the value of structural engineering software in a collaborative approach towards planning, designing, modelling, and fabricating structures through the use of cutting-edge information technology

Module 5: Building Information Modelling Infrastructure

1. Display a detailed knowledge and understanding of Infrastructure BIM models.

2. Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the design criteria required for Infrastructure BIM models in line with industry best practice.

3. Design and virtually construct Infrastructure BIM models from the design stage through to construction.

4. Produce detailed drawings, designs, schedules and other information to a professional standard within a BIM environment.

Module 6: Building Information Modelling Contractors

1. Demonstrate an understanding of Digital Data Capture on Site using various platforms - An overview

2. Evaluate software and or processes, to get a deeper understanding of the processes required to be successful for your project.

3. Evaluate a site, based on performance, using Key Performance Indicators (KPI)

4. Critically analyse the performance of site based activities, using Analytical Data. This data should be used to improve performance in particular Time Analysis (4D)

5. Critically evaluate the errors and omissions on site, based on information received by stakeholders and understand the cost that can be offset in the future.

Module 7: Sustainable Building and Energy Simulation

1. Construct simple and complex building models using BIM authoring software for sustainability simulation.

2. Apply the principles of sustainability to the design and analysis of building performance.

3. Develop solutions for sustainable building design considering natural lighting, natural ventilation, construction materials and climate data.

4. Produce design solution documentation to a professional standard.

Module 8: Building Information Modelling Collaboration

1. Have detailed knowledge of the BIM process using the appropriate standards

2. Use advanced skills to coordinate non-graphical and graphical information in a BIM environment

3. Work in an office environment effectively on a BIM team

4. Work in a common data environment using the appropriate standards.

5. Develop and coordinate digital data for collaborative work practices in a design and construction setting.

6. Analyse BIM coordination problems and propose solutions

Module 9: Building Information Modelling Research Project

1. Develop effective approaches to primary and secondary research

2. Analyse and evaluate in detail the issues associated with a particular project

3. Synthesise and propose solutions within the context of the project

4. Present the results of the research project to a professional standard

Course outline 

Building Information Modelling (BIM) is an innovative new approach to building design, construction, and management.

BIM has changed the way industry professionals worldwide think about how technology can be applied to building design, construction, and management. BIM also supports the continuous and immediate availability of project design, scope, schedule, and cost information that is high quality, reliable, integrated, and fully coordinated.

This programme is designed as a direct response to the skill and competency needs of the construction industry. The Higher Diploma in Engineering in BIM programme has completed a pilot phase with construction industry partners and is now being offered as a full-time programme in ATU. The delivery of the programme is designed to allow participants to stay in the work-place while completing this two-year post-graduate award.

Trainer's profile 

Andy Mc Namara

Lecturing/Teaching Experience:

• 2016 - 2018 - GMIT - Part-time

• 2019 - Present - GMIT - Full-Time

Relevant Work Experience:

• Coffey Group - BIM Manager

• Murphy & Mc Gerr Architecture - BIM Manager

• RPS Consulting Engineering, Galway - BIM Coordinaotr

Academic Qualifications:

• MEng Sc IT in Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC)

• PG Cert (L9) Teaching and Learning

• BSc (Hons) Architectural Technology

• BSc Architectural Technology

 

Gerard Nicholson

Lecturing/Teaching Experience:

• 2012 - Present, Lecturer Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology, Department of Building and Civil Engineering

• 2013 - 3 months - Lecturer Mikkeli University of Applied Sciences (Finland)

• 2013 - 2013 - BIM Trainer, RPS.  The development and deliver of BIM training courses to RPS employees throughout Ireland (Galway, Cork and Dublin)

Relevant Work Experience:

• 2013 - 2016 - RPS, Design Engineer/BIM Manager/Bim Training/RPS ROI

• 2011 - 2013 - BIM Services, Sole Trader

• 2010 - 2011 - SBAS Architectural Services, Junior Architectural Technologist

Academic Qualifications:

• Master of Science by Research in BIM & Project Management - Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology

• BSc (Hons) in Architectural Technology - IT Carlow

Professional Body Membership:

• Associate member, ACIAT - Chartered Institute of Architectural Technology (CIAT)

 

Thomas Coyne

Lecturing/Teaching Experience:

• Sept 2021 - Present - GMIT full-time

• 2016 - 2022 - GMIT part-time

• Jan 2014 - May 2021 - GMIT Maths Learning Centre - Tutor

Relevant Work Experience:

• 2015 - Aug 2021 - Senior Project Engineer with RPS

Academic Qualifications:

• BEng (Hons) in Civil Engineering

Professional Body Membership:

• Member of Engineers Ireland

 

Mark Costello

Academic Qualifications

• Oct 1994 - National Diploma in Construction and Civil Works

• July 1992 - National Certificate in Construction Studies

• Sept 2016 - Higher Diploma in Engineering in Building Information Modelling

Professional Body Membership

• 2012 - Engineers Ireland - Ordinary Member - MIEI

• 2010 - SEAI - BER Assessor

 

Sean Collins

Lecturing/Teaching Experience:

• Sept 2022 - ATU, Galway City - Assistant Lecturer

Relevant Work Experience:

• Feb 2017 - Present - BAM Ireland - Digital Construction Manager

• Sep 2016 - Feb 2017 - Taylor's Architects - Architectural Technologist

• Summer 2016 - Structure Tech New York - CAD Technician

Academic Qualifications:

• 2016 - 2016 - BSc (Hons) in Architectural Technology - Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology

Sep 2016 - May 2017 - Higher Diploma in Engineering in Building Information Modelling - Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology

 

Dr Wayne Gibbons

Lecturing/Teaching Experience:

• Jan 2008 - Present - GMIIT

• June 2007 - June 2010 - Athlone IT part-time

Relevant Work Experience:

• Jan 2000 - Jan 2008 - Director, Gibbons Topographics Limited

• June 1997 - Jan 2000 - Freelance Site Engineer and Land Surveyor

Academic Qualifications:

• 2020: Doctorate in Education

• 2015: Master of Education

• 2011: Master of Science in Energy and Sustainable Building Design

• 1997: BSc (Hons) in Applied Surveying

• 1996: National Diploma in Engineering

Professional Body Membership:

• Engineers Ireland

• Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers

•  Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors

Course duration

2 semesters

Assessment & certification

A blended assessment strategy will employ both formative and summative face-to-face and online assessment approaches , which clearly focus on individual learning reinforcement, collaborative learning and industry-relevant competences. 

Who should attend

ATU’s Admission Policy is outlined in Academic Code of Practice No 4. The Department of Building and Civil Engineering complies with the ATU policy for enrolling mature students, students with disabilities, students from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds, travellers, ethnic minorities.

To qualify for entry to this programme an applicant must hold the following:

A relevant Level 8 in a cognate discipline or Level 7 in a cognate discipline plus a minimum duration of 3 years of work experience within the built environment.

Applications will also be accepted from mature applicants who have worked at an appropriate level within the construction industry and may gain entry through the RPL process.

The Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) system is applied to give students credit for prior experiential learning. A flexible approach, while maintaining the required standards, will be encouraged as a future initiative for this programme. It is anticipated that, due to the current economic environment, there will be potential applicants who have educational/professional experience and may wish to achieve a formal qualification. All applicants accepted onto  the course through this route will be subject to the guidelines and requirements as outlined in ATU's Code of Practice No.6 - Policy and Procedures for the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Website

https://www.gmit.ie/higher-diploma-in-engineering-in-building-information-modelling