Course Structure Overview
The curriculum for the Architectural Assistantship program is meticulously structured to ensure a progressive learning experience. It spans eight semesters, with a blend of core courses, departmental electives, science electives, and laboratory sessions.
| Semester | Course Code | Course Title | Credit Structure (L-T-P-C) | Prerequisites |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| I | ARCH 101 | Introduction to Architecture | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| I | MATH 101 | Mathematics I | 4-0-0-4 | - |
| I | PHY 101 | Physics for Engineers | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| I | CHEM 101 | Chemistry for Engineers | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| I | ENG 101 | English Communication Skills | 2-0-0-2 | - |
| I | COMP 101 | Computer Fundamentals | 2-0-0-2 | - |
| I | LAB 101 | Basic Laboratory Practices | 0-0-3-1 | - |
| II | ARCH 201 | Design Thinking & Methodology | 3-0-0-3 | ARCH 101 |
| II | MATH 201 | Mathematics II | 4-0-0-4 | MATH 101 |
| II | PHYS 201 | Thermodynamics & Heat Transfer | 3-0-0-3 | PHY 101 |
| II | CHEM 201 | Organic Chemistry | 3-0-0-3 | CHEM 101 |
| II | ECON 201 | Introduction to Economics | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| II | LAB 201 | Design Lab I | 0-0-3-1 | ARCH 101 |
| III | ARCH 301 | Building Construction Principles | 3-0-0-3 | ARCH 201 |
| III | MATH 301 | Applied Mathematics | 4-0-0-4 | MATH 201 |
| III | CIVIL 301 | Structural Analysis | 3-0-0-3 | PHYS 201 |
| III | ELEC 301 | Electrical Circuits & Systems | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| III | ENV 301 | Environmental Design Principles | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| III | LAB 301 | Materials Testing Lab | 0-0-3-1 | CHEM 201 |
| IV | ARCH 401 | Sustainable Design & Energy Efficiency | 3-0-0-3 | ARCH 301 |
| IV | MATH 401 | Statistics & Probability | 4-0-0-4 | MATH 301 |
| IV | CIVIL 401 | Geotechnical Engineering | 3-0-0-3 | CIVIL 301 |
| IV | ELEC 401 | Control Systems | 3-0-0-3 | ELEC 301 |
| IV | MAN 401 | Project Management | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| IV | LAB 401 | Energy Simulation Lab | 0-0-3-1 | CIVIL 301 |
| V | ARCH 501 | Digital Architecture & Parametric Design | 3-0-0-3 | ARCH 401 |
| V | MATH 501 | Linear Algebra | 4-0-0-4 | MATH 401 |
| V | CIVIL 501 | Transportation Engineering | 3-0-0-3 | CIVIL 401 |
| V | ELEC 501 | Signal Processing | 3-0-0-3 | ELEC 401 |
| V | ENV 501 | Climate Resilience Planning | 3-0-0-3 | ENV 301 |
| V | LAB 501 | VR/AR Design Lab | 0-0-3-1 | ARCH 401 |
| VI | ARCH 601 | Urban Planning & Development | 3-0-0-3 | ARCH 501 |
| VI | MATH 601 | Numerical Methods | 4-0-0-4 | MATH 501 |
| VI | CIVIL 601 | Water Resources Engineering | 3-0-0-3 | CIVIL 501 |
| VI | ELEC 601 | Embedded Systems | 3-0-0-3 | ELEC 501 |
| VI | MAN 601 | Business Analytics | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| VI | LAB 601 | Smart City Simulation Lab | 0-0-3-1 | ARCH 501 |
| VII | ARCH 701 | Advanced Construction Techniques | 3-0-0-3 | ARCH 601 |
| VII | MATH 701 | Differential Equations | 4-0-0-4 | MATH 601 |
| VII | CIVIL 701 | Geospatial Technologies | 3-0-0-3 | CIVIL 601 |
| VII | ELEC 701 | Power Electronics | 3-0-0-3 | ELEC 601 |
| VII | ENV 701 | Sustainable Urban Design | 3-0-0-3 | ENV 501 |
| VII | LAB 701 | Advanced Materials Lab | 0-0-3-1 | CIVIL 601 |
| VIII | ARCH 801 | Capstone Project & Thesis | 3-0-0-3 | ARCH 701 |
| VIII | MATH 801 | Research Methodology | 4-0-0-4 | MATH 701 |
| VIII | CIVIL 801 | Infrastructure Development | 3-0-0-3 | CIVIL 701 |
| VIII | ELEC 801 | Artificial Intelligence in Engineering | 3-0-0-3 | ELEC 701 |
| VIII | MAN 801 | Entrepreneurship & Innovation | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| VIII | LAB 801 | Final Project Lab | 0-0-3-1 | ARCH 701 |
Advanced Departmental Electives
These advanced elective courses are designed to deepen students' understanding of specialized areas within architectural assistantship:
Sustainable Design & Energy Efficiency (ARCH 501)
This course explores the integration of renewable energy systems, passive cooling strategies, and sustainable materials in building design. Students learn to analyze energy performance, optimize thermal comfort, and evaluate environmental impact using advanced simulation tools.
Digital Architecture & Parametric Design (ARCH 502)
Students are introduced to parametric modeling software such as Grasshopper, Rhino, and Revit. The course covers algorithmic design principles, generative approaches, and the application of computational methods in architectural problem-solving.
Urban Planning & Development (ARCH 601)
This course examines urban dynamics, land use planning, housing policies, and community development strategies. It includes case studies from global cities and explores the role of public-private partnerships in sustainable urban growth.
Climate Resilience Planning (ENV 501)
Focused on preparing architects for designing resilient structures against natural disasters, this course integrates climate science, risk assessment, and adaptive design strategies to create robust built environments.
Smart City Simulation Lab (LAB 501)
Students simulate real-world smart city scenarios using IoT devices, data analytics platforms, and urban modeling software. The lab emphasizes practical applications of technology in improving city services and sustainability.
Advanced Construction Techniques (ARCH 701)
This course delves into modern construction technologies including prefabrication, modular building systems, and advanced materials like carbon fiber and self-healing concrete. It includes hands-on workshops and site visits to construction firms.
Geospatial Technologies (CIVIL 701)
Students learn GIS mapping, remote sensing, and spatial analysis tools used in urban planning, environmental monitoring, and infrastructure development. The course includes fieldwork and data visualization projects.
Artificial Intelligence in Engineering (ELEC 801)
This interdisciplinary course bridges engineering with AI concepts, focusing on machine learning algorithms applied to architectural design, structural analysis, and optimization problems.
Entrepreneurship & Innovation (MAN 801)
Designed to foster innovation mindset, this course teaches students how to identify market opportunities, develop business plans, and launch startups in the architecture and construction industry.
Project-Based Learning Philosophy
The program's philosophy centers on project-based learning (PBL), which encourages active engagement through authentic problem-solving experiences. Students work in teams on complex, open-ended projects that mirror real-world challenges faced by architects and planners.
The mandatory mini-projects are assigned during the second and third years. These projects typically involve site analysis, concept development, and presentation preparation under faculty mentorship. Evaluation criteria include creativity, technical competency, teamwork, and communication skills.
In the final year, students select a capstone project aligned with their specialization interests. They collaborate closely with industry mentors or research supervisors to develop an original solution that addresses a relevant societal issue. The thesis component requires extensive documentation, critical analysis, and public defense of findings.
Faculty mentorship is integral to success in these projects. Each student is paired with a faculty member who guides them through the research process, provides feedback on drafts, and supports professional development throughout their academic journey.