COURSES DESCRIPTION OF THE UNDERGRADUATE ARCHITECTURAL ENGINEERING PROGRAM

CHM 101-3 (General Chemistry)

3 Credit Hours

Stoichiometry Chemical Arithmetic. Gaseous state - The liquid state – Solutions - properties of the combined solutions - Chemical equilibrium - Introduction to organic chemistry: History of organic chemistry, Chemistry of carbons, homologes series, functional groups, Hydrocarbons.

MATH 106-3 (Introduction to Integration)

3 Credit Hours

Integration: indefinite integral (definition, geometric meaning, basic properties). Techniques of integral: integration by parts, trigonometric substitutions, partial fractions, quadratic expressions,…etc . Integration of certain classes of trigonometric functions. Definite integral: Riemann integral - Upper and lower sums, geometric meaning of definite integral, some properties of definite integral. Intermediate value theorem for integrals. Fundamental theorem of Calculus. Applications of the definite integral: area, volume, work, arc length. Approximations by the Trapezoidal and Simpson rules.

PHIS 104-4 (Principles of Physics)

4 Credit Hours

Vectors, Newton's Laws of Motion, Work and Energy, properties of mater, and their flow, principles of heat, Static and Dynamic electricity, Sound and Optics.

MATH 107-3 (Algebra and Analytical Geometry)

3 Credit Hours

Systems of linear equations, matrices, types of matrices, algebraic of matrecis, inverse of matrices, determinants, Cramer's rule. Vectors in two and three dimensions and properties of vectors, scalar (dot) and cross products. Distance formula, gradient (or slope), positive and negative slopes, Inclination, parallel and perpendicular lines, straight line general formula, perpendicular distance from a point to a line, the general formula of circle. Conic sections: the parabola, the ellipse, the hyperbola. Rectangular, polar and spherical coordinates; curves in polar coordinates. Equations of lines and planes in space, surfaces.

PHIS 105-4 (Advanced Physics)

4 Credit Hours

Atomic structure: electronics configuration, classification of elements, energy levels. Crystal structure: lattice, symmetry, space group, examples for simple structure. Electrical properties of materials and electricity: classification of materials. Magnetic properties of materials and magnetism. Thermal properties of materials: thermal energy, thermoelectric power ( Seebeck Effect). Mechanical properties of matter (Young's modulus, tensile materials).

MATH 203-3 (Advanced Calculus)

3 Credit Hours

Infinite Sequences, Infinite series, convergence and divergence of infinite series, integral test, ratio test, root test and comparison test. Conditional convergence and absolute convergence, alternating series test. Power Series, Taylor and Maclaurin series, Vector valued functions, their limits, continuity, derivatives and integrals. Motion of particle in space, tangential and normal components of acceleration. Function in two or three variables, their limits, continuity, partial derivatives, chain Rule, directional derivatives, tangent planes and normal lines to equations, Extrema of Functions of Several Variables, Lagrange Multipliers, Double integral and its applications to area, volume, moments and center of mass. Double integrals in polar coordinates, triple integral in rectangular, cylindrical and spherical coordinates and applications to volume, the moment and center of mass. Vector fields, line integrals, surface integrals, Green's theorem, and the divergence theorem. Stoke's theorem.

MATH 204-3 (Differential Equations)

3 Credit Hours

Introduction and classification, solutions of first order differential equations and their applications, (Growth and decay problems and linear motion problems). Solutions of higher order linear differential equations and their applications (spring problem and projectile problems). Laplace transforms and its applications, linear systems of differential equations. Series solutions of differential equations. Fourier series.

MATH 254-3 (Numerical Methods)

3 Credit Hours

Types of errors, errors analysis. Numerical solutions of nonlinear equations of single variables: fixed point iteration method, bisection method, false position method, Newton-Raphson method, secant method. Numerical solutions of a system of linear equations: Gauss-Jordon iterative method. Gauss-Jordon iterative method with partial and complete pivoting. Interpolation: Lagrange interpolation formula, divided differences, Newton interpolation, Numerical differentiation. Numerical integration. Introduction to numerical solutions of ordinary differential equations.

GE 306-2 (Engineering Economics)

2 Credit Hours

Introduction to Engineering economics. Interest formulas and equivalence. Bases for comparison of alternatives. Decision making among alternatives. Evaluating replacement alternatives. Break even and minimum cost analysis. Cost accounting. Depreciation. Economic analysis of operations. Economic analysis of public projects. Basic management process approach, strategies and planning methods, project planning and scheduling, Bar chart, critical path methods, PERT method, resource leveling and allocation, time cost trade off. Construction and organizational approaches, leadership elements and decision making, computer applications.

STAT 324-3 (Engineering Statistics and Probabilities)

3 Credit Hours

Concepts of statistics and its applications in science and engineering, measure of central tendency, measure of dispersion, regression, correlation, and their applications. Concepts of probability and its applications in science and engineering, probability axioms, conditional probability, independent probability for events, some probability distributions and random variables: discrete and continuous random variables, distributions for applications in engineering such as Poison and Weibull distributions and other probability distributions are important for engineers, time series, computer applications using statistical software.

GE 407-2 (Management of Engineering Projects)

2 Credit Hours

Characteristics of Construction Industry; project delivery systems; the design and construction process; construction contracting; construction planning; project control, conceptual cost estimation; and Quality and Safety Management.

CE 342-3 (Properties and Testing of Materials)

3 Credit Hours

Methods of sieve analysis, density, absorption, and abrasion of sand and concrete aggregates. Normal consistency, setting times, compressive and tensile strengths of cements. Design and testing of concrete mixes for required workability, compressive, tensile, flexure strength and modulus of elasticity at various ages. Strength tests: on concrete cores, using Schmidt hummer and ultrasonic waves. Tensile test for reinforcing steel, and calculation of elastic modulus. Tests on isotropic and anisotropic materials and use of dial and electrical strain gages. Finding the Brinell Hardness Number of various materials. Tension tests on ductile and brittle materials. Nondestructive testing on concrete.

CE 222-3 (Geotechnical Engineering) 

3 Credit Hours

Introduction to geotechnical engineering, soil formation, engineering properties of soils, stress distribution in soils, consolidation of soils, settlement of structures. Types and design of foundations and retaining structures.

CE 261-3 (Surveying (1))

3 Credit Hours

Introduction to the basic surveying theory and practice; Units of measurements and conversions; Error analysis; Distance measurements by taping; Leveling; Angle measurements; Traversing and traverse computations; Topographic surveying and mapping; Area and volume computations; Circular curves; Use of surveying software such as Wolfpack and Surfer.

CE 371-3 (Sanitary Engineering)

3 Credit Hours

Source of water supply; quantity of water and wastewater; quality of water supply; drinking water standard; water treatment system; coagulation-flocculation; sedimentation; filtration; disinfection; softening; iron and manganese removal; taste and odor removal; collection and distribution of water; characteristics of wastewater; effluent standard; wastewater collection; wastewater treatment processes.

CE 351-3 (Reinforced Concrete (1))

3 Credit Hours

Fundamentals and design theories based on ultimate strength design and elastic concept using ACI code.  ACI Code requirements.  Load factors.  Analysis and design of reinforced concrete members subject to flexure, shear and diagonal tension in accordance to ACI strength method.  Development length of reinforcement, deflection and crack controls in reinforced concrete members.

CE 355-3 (Steel Structure)

3 Credit Hours

Analysis and design of roof trusses. Design of tension and compression members, columns under eccentric loadings, column bases and footings.  Design of beams, welded and bolted connections. Different loads on different steel bridges. Design of steel bridges beams using Influence lines.

AMR 121-2 (Architectural Drawing and Presentation)

2 Credit Hours

This course is concerned with architectural drawing techniques of different presentation methods including instrument used, types of line, drawing scales, architectural lettering, projections for different bodies, isometric drawings. However, the main concept of the course is to teach students the different symbols used by architects to recognize, indicate and represent architectural plans, elevations sections and architectural projects.

AMR 122-1 (Free Hand Sketching)

1 Credit Hour

This course seeks to develop the "thinking hand of the designer" through explorations in freehand sketching. Students will be introduced to freehand drawing conventions and techniques through weekly assignments and record their individual growth in a required sketchbook. Methods of representation will include narrative storyboard perspectives, conceptual diagramming, plan/section/elevation linkage, landform, site and planted form representation and axonometric projection. Sketching opportunities through in-class field-trips to contemporary houses of interest, one-on-one instruction and peer review discussion will structure the learning.

AMR 111-3 (Basic Architectural Design Studio)

3 Credit Hours

The course is an introduction to basic design and basic concepts of beauty in the context of architectural engineering. Through a series of studies and exercises students can learn, understand, analyse and apply basic principles and elements of design and architecture. Subsequently the student could express the function in a small-scale project.

AMR 131-2 (History of Architecture)

2 Credit Hours

The course covers prehistoric architecture, Egyptian, Mesopotamian, Greek, Romans and Byzantines architecture. It also covers the middle ages, the renaissance era and the modern architecture.

AMR 123-2 (Shadow and Perspective)

2 Credit Hours

This course focuses on teaching the techniques of drawing different types of perspectives e.g bird eye view, normal eye view, warm eye view and interior perspectives. It also covers the techniques of casting shadows on elevations, on site plans and on 3D presentation. This will be covered through weekly exercises. 

AMR 141-2 (Building Construction (1))

2 Credit Hours

The aim of this course is to teach the students the building construction stages, basic building components and the different structural systems. Emphasis is to be placed on frame and load bearing structures. Different types of stair cases are to be studied in detail also working drawings for the mentioned topics are to be drawn.

AMR 112-3 (Architectural Design Studio (1))

3 Credit Hours

The architectural design in this course is to be for a simple project e.g. a flat or a house or an art studio. Concentration is to be placed on the building functions, building materials and construction techniques.

AMR 232-2 (Theory of Architecture (1))

2 Credit Hours

This course covers the study of the beginning of architecture and how it was developed and influenced by different factors. Emphasis is to be placed on building elements and the process of functional design of buildings, such as hotels, restaurants and office buildings etc.

AMR 281-2 (Drawing by Computer (1))

2 Credit Hours

This course provides an introduction to Computer-Aided Design (CAD). It also introduces drafting concepts pertaining to CAD in general, and in particular to selected drafting packages. Throughout this course, the emphasis is to be placed on two-dimensional drawing techniques.

AMR 242-2 (Building Construction (2))

2 Credit Hours

The aim of this course is to teach the students the building components in detail e.g. foundations, roofs, construction joints, doors and windows, building finishing materials and different modern construction techniques. The theoretical lessons are to be supported by working drawings for a two level building.

AMR 213-3 (Architectural Design Studio (2))

3 Credit Hours

The architectural design in this course is to be for a project more complicated than that of the design (1) e.g. a primary school, a health center. Concentration is to be placed on the building form, on natural cooling, and day-lighting in buildings.

AMR 271-3 (Engineering Mechanics)

3 Credit Hours

Basic concepts and principles of statics. Vector operations. Equilibrium of particles in two and three dimensions. definition of moment and couple; reduction of systems forces; equilibrium of rigid bodies; statically determinate structures including beams, trusses, frames, and machines; internal forces; shear force and bending moment diagrams in beams; friction and its applications, centroid and centre of gravity of lines, areas, and volumes; moment of inertia and radius of gyration.

AMR 233-2 (Theory of Architecture (2))

2 Credit Hours

This course includes a review of different architectural trends from modern architecture through late-modernism up to the incorporation of sustainability in architecture. This course focuses mainly on the development of the concept of sustainability in architecture and the ways that the sustainability has been applied to building designs. The rating systems of the sustainability in architecture, such as LEED, is also studied.

AMR 282-2 (Drawing by Computer (2))

2 Credit Hours

This course covers the basics of 3D architectural modelling and presentation packages through sharing drawing files created by AutoCAD 3D with other presentation programs such as 3D-Max, Rivet, Sketch-Up and Photoshop. Computer-Aided Design and its implementation skills to advanced 3D architectural concepts are also covered through hands-on experience, including 3D modelling, rendering, and Image processing.

AMR 214-3 (Architectural Design Studio (3))

3 Credit Hours

The architectural design in this course is to be for a project more complicated than that of the design (2) e.g. a factory with one production line, sport center.  Concentration is to be placed on the artificial ventilation, cooling and lighting of buildings and on structural system alternative.

AMR 272-3 (Structural Mechanics) 

3 Credit Hours

Mechanical behaviour of the solid materials (e.g. Steel bars, purlins, beams) under different loads. The relationship between exerted loads and their reactions. Shear force and victors operation. Friction lows, Material resistance, Twisting victors. Flexibility curve and bending beams. Equilibrium laws. Equations of motion, Work and energy, Impulse momentum and vibrations.

AMR 351-2 (Urban Planning)

2 Credit Hours

The explanation of the theories, strategies and regulations of the urban planning at the local, regional and national levels coupled by a practical exercise on an urban site within Najran city.

AMR 343-2 (Working Drawings)

2 Credit Hours

The explanation of the contents of working drawings and terminologies used. The preparation of the basic set of working drawings (architectural, sewage and waste disposal systems and sanitary fittings, and electromechanical) for a multi- story building.

AMR 315-3 (Architectural Design Studio (4))

3 Credit Hours

The architectural design in this course is to be for a project more complicated than that of the design (3) e.g. a Commercial center, civic center.  Concentration is to be placed on the electromechanical systems in buildings, on sewage disposal systems and on water and electricity supplies.

AMR 373-2 (Thermo- and Fluid Mechanics)

2 Credit Hours

The course is a combination of three major topics correlated together, i.e. Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics and Heat Transfer. Students should learn and understand the basic science of such topics and acquire the importance of thermal energy in the daily life. Moreover, students are required to understand the transfer of thermal energy through the fluids of liquids and gases and they also should know the concept of energy conservation.

AMR 332-2 (History of Islamic Architecture)

2 Credit Hours

The course covers the architecture during the time of the Prophet and his caliphates, Umayyad and the Abbasid era, Architecture in Al Andalusia, Architecture in Fatimid, Ayobi, Seljuk, Muslims Architecture in Persia, in Indian subcontinent, and Ottoman empire.

AMR 353-2 (Climatic Design)

2 Credit Hours

This course explores the effect of climatic factors on buildings, and thermal comfort and its effect on the human productivity.the course Also covers the passive concept and energy efficiency in building design. A case study to cover the above-mentioned topics is to be executed for a building in the hot arid region of the KSA.

AMR 344-2 (Working Drawing Designs)

2 Credit Hours

The preparation of designed working drawings for chosen architectural details of specific building.

AMR 316-3 (Architectural Design Studio (5))

3 Credit Hours

The architectural design in this course is to be for a project more complicated than that of the design (4) e.g.  A local airport and 250-bed general hospital, etc.  Concentration is to be placed on the alarm and firefighting systems, garbage disposal, and the MBS systems.

AMR 348-2 (Electrical Systems in Buildings)

2 Credit Hours

This course describes and introduces students to electrical engineering and electrical technology in buildings. It will provide the students with the basics in electricity, electric circuits, electric generation, electrical distribution systems and the electrical equipment. In addition, the student will learn how to read electrical plans, how to perform basic calculations for electrical installation systems. Finally the students are introduced to electrical system protection and fire warning systems.

AMR 493-0 (Field Training)‎

0 Credit Hours

The duration of the field training is around Eight weeks in a relevant industry under the supervision of a faculty member. Each student must submit a technical report on his achievements during the training and to fulfil any other requirements as assigned by the department.

AMR 452-2 (Housing)

2 Credit Hours

The explanation of the housing variables. Housing issues i.e. economic, socio-cultural, and environmental ones. Housing regulations, policies and strategies at the national and international levels. Also alternative applications for housing projects and rectification methods. This will be supported by a case study for an existing housing project.

AMR 447-2 (Illumination and Acoustics)

2 Credit Hours

This course covers the concepts of lighting and acoustics. Daylighting, lighting measurements, instruments and methods. Electrical light sources, lighting system, and design methods, quantity and quality of illumination. Acoustical properties of materials and constructions. Room acoustics and noise control. Measuring method and equipment. Acoustic design of auditoria. Impact of acoustical and lighting system on Architectural design. Computer applications.

AMR 491-2 (Graduation Project (1))

2 Credit Hours

The graduation project should be of medium complication proposed by the student and approved by a committee nominated by the department council. Concentration is to be placed -beside a high standard of an architectural design and a comprehensive professional report- on the knowledge of the mechanical systems, the electrical systems, the structural systems and the construction management for the architectural design.

AMR 446-2 (Mechanical Installations in Buildings)

2 Credit Hours

The course will explore the fundamentals of HVAC systems, the understanding of psychrometrics, which deals with the properties of moist air and the presentation of air conditioning processes in the psychrometric chart. This course addresses some of the common basic elements of HVAC systems and the types of systems that are used to meet the requirements of different building types and economic considerations. Since HVAC is used to maintain not only an acceptable level of thermal comfort within a space but also a healthy environment, the conditions that provide a comfortable and healthy indoor environment for humans are introduced.

AMR 461-2 (Contracts, Quantities and Specifications)

2 Credit Hours

The different types of construction contracts, project preparation stages, measurement of quantities in all works, detailed description and specifications of all works need to accomplish the architectural job.

AMR 463-1 (Professional Practice)

1 Credit Hours

This course contains the study of the different fields of the architectural engineering practice, professional ethics and the rules and the regulation that organize the profession.

AMR 492-4 (Graduation Project (2))

4 Credit Hours

This course is a continuation of graduation project 1.  A mechanical system, an electrical system, a structural system and a construction management system should be designed. A complete set of drawings which include the architectural, mechanical, electrical, structural and construction management details should be prepared together with a detailed research report on the chosen field of specialization.