Program’s Benefit to the University and the Community
The University’s reputation is significantly bolstered by the architecture program, distinguished by the caliber of its coursework and the originality and creativity of its teaching methods. The program strongly emphasizes community-based projects and research, strengthening the University’s mission. This is consistent with the University’s founding principles: social service and problem-solving.
The architecture program at Jimma University offers a variety of activities and initiatives that demonstrate its benefit to the institution and the broader community (Jimma City and Zone). These include design-build projects, community-based design studios, and research collaborations. Through these initiatives, students and Faculty engage with the local community, share knowledge and expertise, and contribute to improving the built environment. This hands-on experience enables students to develop practical skills, empathy, and a sense of social responsibility. Examples of such projects are the design of the Jimma Bedabuna-Jiren Public City Park and Shenen Gibe Cultural Center by the Architecture program teaching staff as a community service project for the Jimma Zone office and the Jimma Zone Trade and Industry Bureau through the consultancy office for the Zonal government.
Our program is structured across five years of study, broken into ten semesters. Each academic year consists of two five-month semesters. In addition, students must undertake two internships during the eight-week summer breaks at the end of the third and fourth academic years. The curriculum for the program encompasses 74 courses in total. This includes 23 general study courses specified by the ministry, 50 professional study courses, and one elective course (chosen from three offered). The table below provides a detailed breakdown of the course types and their respective credit numbers, measured in SCH and ECTS.
Table: Detailed breakdown of the course types
| Type of courses | Total number of courses | Total S.C.H. | Total ECTS |
| General Studies | 23 | 61 | 102 |
| Professional Studies | 50 | 121 | 217 |
| Electives | 1 | 3 | 5 |
| Total | 74 | 185 | 324 |
General Courses
In October 2019, the Ministry of Education reintroduced general studies into university curricula. The rationale was to instill a deep understanding of fundamental courses and national history among students, fostering a sense of national unity, citizenship, and social cohesion. Accordingly, all universities, including ours, must incorporate general studies in the first academic year.
These general studies include critical thinking, general psychology, global trends, economics, communicative English, Ethiopian geography, Ethiopian history and the Horn of Africa, mathematics, physical education, emerging technology, anthropology, entrepreneurship, moral and civic education, and inclusiveness.
Together, these general studies account for 61 SCH, constituting 33% of the program curriculum. This structure ensures that students acquire the necessary general studies foundation before diving into professional studies. While these courses are outside the realm of architecture, they are integral to a comprehensive education and are spread across all five academic years.
Professional Studies
Professional studies constitute 65% of the program curriculum, equivalent to 121 SCH, which meets the NAAB Student Performance Criteria (SPC). These are courses directly related to the architecture field. These courses start in the second year with a screening (entrance) exam to select those who would join the Architecture program. The courses are identified as Professional skill study and shall give insight, motivation, and a clear scientific and artistic base for the students in the field of architecture.
Electives
In their final year, students in the program have the opportunity to select one elective course, amounting to 3 SCH, from the following three options: Property Management and Valuation (ARCH 5373), Interior Design (ARCH 5122), and Advanced Structures for Architects (ARCH 5212). This flexibility is intended to help students identify potential areas of interest for further specialization in higher education.
Figure: Course-type percentage chart
Course distribution through the 10 semesters
1st Year
Semester I
| Course Number | Course Name | SCH | ECTS | Pre-Req. |
| FLEn 1011 | Communicative English Language Skills I | 3 | 5 | – |
| Phys 1011 | General Physics | 3 | 5 | – |
| Psch 1011 | General Psychology | 3 | 5 | – |
| Math 1011 | Mathematics for Natural Sciences | 3 | 5 | – |
| LoCT 1011 | Critical Thinking | 3 | 5 | – |
| SpSc 1011 | Physical Fitness | P/F | P/F | |
| GeES 1011 | Geography of Ethiopia and the Horn | 3 | 5 | – |
| Total | 18 | 30 | ||
Semester II
| Course Number | Course Name | SCH | ECTS | Pre-Req. |
| FLEn 1012 | Communicative English Language Skill II | 3 | 5 | FLEn 1011 |
| Anth 1012 | Social Anthropology | 2 | 4 | – |
| Math 1041 | Applied Mathematics I | 3 | 5 | Math 1011 |
| MGMT 1012 | Entrepreneurship | 3 | 5 | – |
| EmTe 1012 | Introduction to Emerging Technologies | 3 | 5 | – |
| MCiE 1012 | Moral and Civic Education | 2 | 4 | |
| Eceg 2052 | Computer Programming | 3 | 5 | – |
| Hist 1012 | History of Ethiopian and the Horn | 3 | 5 | – |
| Total | 22 | 38 | ||
1st Year Total = 40 SCH/ 68 ECTS
2nd Year
Semester I
| Course Number | Course Name | SCH | ECTS | Pre-Req. |
| ARCH 2071 | Architectural Basics – Design Studio I | 4 | 7 | – |
| ARCH 2041 | Communication Skills I (Sketching and Architectural Drawing) | 3 | 5 | – |
| ARCH 2161 | Building Materials and Construction I | 3 | 5 | –
|
| ARCH 2151 | Building Workshop | 1 | 2 | |
| ARCH 2181 | Theory and Design of Structures I | 2 | 4 | – |
| GlTr1012 | Global Trends | 2 | 3 | |
| ARCH 2271 | Introduction to the History of Art and Architecture | 2 | 3 | – |
| TCBTP 2003 | Demographic Survey and Problem Identification | 3 | 5 | – |
| Total | 20 | 34 | ||
Semester II
| Course Number | Course Name | SCH | ECTS | Pre-Req. |
| ARCH 2072 | Architectural Basics – Design Studio II | 4 | 7 | ARCH 2071 |
| ARCH 2042 | Communication skills II (Geometry and sketching) | 3 | 5 | ARCH 2041 |
| ARCH 2162 | Building Materials and Construction II | 3 | 5 | ARCH 2161 |
| ARCH 2182 | Theory and Design of Structures II | 2 | 4 | ARCH 2181 |
| ARCH 2282 | History of Architecture I | 2 | 3 | ARCH 2271 |
| SNIE 1012 | Inclusiveness | 2 | 3 | – |
| ARCH 2342 | Introduction to Environmental Science | 1 | 2 | – |
| TCBTP2004 | Appropriate Technology and Professional Ethics | 3 | 5 | TCBTP 2003 |
| Total | 20 | 34 | ||
2nd Year Total 40 SCH/68 ECTS
3rd Year
Semester I
| Course Number | Course Name | SCH | ECTS | Pre-Req. |
| ARCH 3081 | Architectural Design Studio III | 4 | 7 | ARCH 2072 |
| ARCH 3051 | Communication Skills III (Visual Arts and Design) | 2 | 4 | ARCH 2042 |
| ARCH 3171 | Building Materials and Construction III | 2 | 4 | ARCH 2162 |
| ARCH 3281 | History of Architecture II | 2 | 3 | ARCH 2282 |
| ARCH 3191 | Theory and Design of Structures III | 2 | 4 | ARCH 2182 |
| ARCH 3131 | Introduction to Landscape Design | 2 | 3 | – |
| ARCH 3351 | Urban Ecology | 2 | 3 | – |
| ARCH 3221 | Architectural Science I (HVAC) | 2 | 3 | – |
| Total | 18 | 31 | ||
Semester II
| Course Number | Course Name | SCH | ECTS | Pre-Req. |
| ARCH3082 | Architectural Design Studio IV | 4 | 7 | ARCH 3081 |
| ARCH3312 | General Building Heritage | 2 | 3 | – |
| ARCH 3262 | Appropriate Building Technology | 2 | 3 | – |
| ARCH3172 | Building Materials and Construction IV | 3 | 5 | ARCH3171 |
| ARCH 3232 | Architectural Sciences II (Water Supply and Sewage) | 2 | 3 | – |
| ARCH 3202 | Theory and Design of Structures IV | 2 | 4 | ARCH 3191 |
| ARCH 3292 | History of Ethiopian Architecture | 2 | 3 | – |
| ARCH 3142 | Seminar I | 1 | 2 | – |
| TCBTP3006 | Action Plan and Implementation | 3 | 5 | TCBTP2004 |
| ARCH 3382 | Internship I | P/F | P/F | Successful completion of first 6 semesters |
| Total | 21 | 35 | ||
3rd Year Total= 39 SCH/66 ECTS
4th Year
Semester I
| Course Number | Course Name | SCH | ECTS | Pre-Req. |
| ARCH 4091 | Integrated Design Project Studio I | 4 | 8 | ARCH 3082 |
| ARCH 4031 | Urban Sociology | 2 | 3 | – |
| ARCH 4331 | Introduction to Urban Planning | 3 | 5 | – |
| ARCH 4241 | Architectural Sciences III – (Light and energy) | 2 | 4 | – |
| ARCH 4301 | Theory of Architecture I | 2 | 3 | ARCH 3281 |
| ARCH 4111 | Professional Practice and Ethics | 2 | 3 | – |
| ARCH 4061 | Computational Design in Architecture | 2 | 4 | ARCH 2042 |
| TCBTP4007 | Intervention and Evaluation | 3 | 5 | TCBTP3006 |
| Total | 20 | 35 | ||
Semester II
| Course Number | Course Name | SCH | ECTS | Pre-Req. |
| ARCH 4092 | Integrated Design Project Studio II | 4 | 8 | ARCH 4091 |
| Econ 1011 | Economics | 3 | 5 | – |
| ARCH 4252 | Architectural Sciences IV– (Acoustics) | 2 | 4 | – |
| ARCH 4302 | Theory of Architecture II | 2 | 3 | ARCH 4301 |
| ARCH 4112 | Specification and Bill of Quantity (BOQ) | 2 | 4 | – |
| ARCH 4322 | Basic Urban Design | 3 | 5 | – |
| ARCH 4142 | Seminar II | 1 | 2 | – |
| ARCH 4382 | Internship II | P/F | P/F | Successful completion of the first 8 semesters |
| Total | 17 | 31 | ||
4th Year Total = 37 SCH/ 66 ECTS
5th Year
Semester I
| Course Number | Course Name | SCH | ECTS | Pre-Req. |
| ARCH 5101 | Integrated Design Project Studio III | 5 | 10 | ARCH 4092 |
| ARCH 5261 | Cost Efficient Construction | 2 | 4 | – |
| ARCH 5321 | Introduction to Housing | 2 | 4 | – |
| ARCH 5361 | Architectural Project Feasibility | 2 | 4 | – |
| ARCH 5391 | Thesis – Seminar | 3 | 5 | Successful completion of first 8 semesters |
| Total | 14 | 27 | ||
Semester II
| Course Number | Course Name | SCH | ECTS | Pre-Req. |
| ARCH 5372 | Architectural Project Management | 2 | 4 | – |
| ARCH 5392 | Bachelor Thesis Project | 9 | 18 | ARCH 5391 |
| ARCH 5142 | Seminar III | 1 | 2 | – |
| MoE4254 | Exit Exam | P/F | P/F | All courses |
| Elective (One from the three) | ||||
| ARCH 5373 | Property Management and Valuation | 3 | 5 | – |
| ARCH 5122 | Interior Design | 3 | 5 | ARCH3082 |
| ARCH 5212 | Advanced Structures for Architects | 3 | 5 | ARCH 3202 |
| Total | 15 | 29 | ||
5th Year Total SCH = 29 SCH/ 56 ECTS
Total= 185 SCH/ 324 ECTS
Course Description
ARCH 2071, Architectural Basics – Design Studio I, 4 SCH / 7 ECTS
Description:
Familiarize students with the fundamentals of Architectural space creation with an emphasis on space, program & technology in architectural projects.
Goal:
- Understanding of spaces, programs, and technology in Architectural space production
- Ability to think three-dimensionally, communicate through drawings, engage the imagination, and think creatively.
- Develop small-scale model-making skills as a tool to study spatial qualities.
1st semester only (Nov. – Feb.), annually
ARCH 2041, Communication Skills I (Sketching and Architectural Drawing), 3 SCH/ 5 ECTS
Description:
Introduces students to the skills needed to document and represent an architectural design using two- and three-dimensional architectural drawings.
Goal:
- Ability to sketch simple geometrical objects, plants, and simple compositions.
- Understanding of projections, projection principles, development of surfaces, etc.)
- Understanding of Architectural – drawing standards & symbols, basic anthropometrics, and ergonomics.
1st semester only (Nov. – Feb.), annually
ARCH 2161, Building Materials and Construction I, 3 SCH/ 5 ECTS
Description: Introduction to the basic principles and practices of building materials in relation to building construction.
Goal:
- Understanding the origin, characteristics, production, and standards of building materials
- Ability to make appropriate choices and use building materials for a design project
- Ability to create drawings with the proper symbols, representations, and building material dimensions.
1st semester only (Nov. – Feb.), annually
ARCH 2151, Building Workshop, 1 SCH/ 2 ECTS
Description: The course provides a practical understanding of building materials, construction technologies, and structures through practical experience.
Goal:
- Ability to precisely work and craft with various building materials.
- Understanding how technical documentation and specifications are used during the construction process.
1st semester only (Nov. – Feb.), annually
ARCH 2181, Theory and Design of Structures I, 2 SCH/ 4 ECTS
Description: Introduces structural building systems and describes the internal and external force systems that impact structures.
Goal:
- Understanding of the internal and external force systems acting on structures
- Ability to explain technical terminologies of structural design
- Ability to analyze a structural system of a simple building
1st semester only (Nov. – Feb.), annually
ARCH 2271, Introduction to the History of Art and Architecture, 2 SCH/ 3 ECTS
Description: Introduction to the world history of fine arts focusing on painting, sculpture, and architecture masterpieces from prehistory to the 19th that shaped world architecture.
Goal:
- Understanding the brief history of fine art, from prehistory to romanticism (19th century).
- Understanding of methodologies of art history, language of art, and stylistic terminology.
1st semester only (Nov. – Feb.), annually
TCBTP 2003, Demographic Survey and Problem Identification, 3 SCH/ 5 ECTS
Description: Community-based education course which introduced students to techniques of mapping and zoning a particular neighborhood to evaluate and identify its potential and problem.
Goal:
- Understanding the techniques of mapping and zoning in demographic surveys.
- Ability to identify specific communities or areas’ potential and problems.
1st semester only (Nov. – Feb.), annually
ARCH 2072, Architectural Basics – Design Studio II, 4 SCH/ 7 ECTS
Description:
The course helps students gather, review and analyze basic urban parameters to implement and translate them into Architectural space and form creation meaningfully.
Goal:
- Ability to analyze simple buildings in their formal, functional & contextual aspects.
- Ability to gather information, define problems & negotiate basic urban issues in relation to the basics of Architectural space and form.
2nd semester only (Feb. – Jun.), annually
ARCH 2042, Communication Skills II (Geometry and sketching), 3 SCH/ 5 ECTS
Description:
Prerequisite: ARCH 2041. A continued introduction to the skills needed to document and represent an architectural design using two- and three-dimensional architectural drawings.
Goal:
- Sketch complex elements of buildings and flora integrated with buildings.
- Understanding of intersecting solid objects, isometric projections, perspective projections, and shade and shadow in perspective projection.
- Ability to prepare architectural presentational drawings manually and digitally
2nd semester only (Feb. – Jun.), annually
ARCH 2162, Building Materials and Construction II, 3 SCH/ 5 ECTS
Description: Teach students about the planning, joining, and execution of various building envelope components in construction systems.
Goals:
- Understanding how the building materials relate to each building element, from the foundation to the roof.
- Ability to assess the appropriate use of wood/timber, steel & glass in filigree construction systems.
- Ability to produce drawings with the appropriate symbols, representations, and building material dimensions in relation to construction systems.
2nd semester only (Feb. – Jun.), annually
ARCH 2182, Theory and Design of Structures II, 2 SCH/ 4 ECTS
Description: Provide a detailed view of the material properties, cross-sectional properties, and dimensions of structural members of a building.
Goal:
- Understanding the internal effects of loads on structural members and the material properties
- Ability to design simple structural members of a building
2nd semester only (Feb. – Jun.), annually
ARCH 2282, History of Architecture I, 2 SCH/ 3 ECTS
Description: Introduction to historical buildings, cities, principles, and architects of different world cultures focusing on the world architecture of pre-historic, ancient civilization, and medieval 18th-century Europe.
Goal:
- Understanding the complex factors that shape world architecture, focusing on buildings from technological, social, artistic, religious, and political points of view.
- Understanding the architecture and urbanism of pre-historic, ancient civilizations and Medieval 18th-century Europe.
2nd semester only (Feb. – Jun.), annually
ARCH 2342, Introduction to Environmental Science, 1 SCH/ 2 ECTS
Description: Introduction to the basic environmental science elements and principles and their use in environmental policy decision-making.
Goal:
- Understanding the Environment’s basic environmental science principles used in policy decision-making.
- Understanding basic environmental science elements and principles and their use in environmental policy decision-making.
2nd semester only (Feb. – Jun.), annually
TCBTP2004, Appropriate Technology and Professional Ethics, 3 SCH/ 5 ECTS
Description: Prerequisite: TCBTP 2003. Introduction to appropriate building technology that can be used to solve identified community or area’s architectural problems in TCBTP 2023.
Goal:
- Ability to choose appropriate building technology for solving community problems.
- Understanding the role of a community in choosing and applying appropriate building technology.
2nd semester only (Feb. – Jun.), annually
ARCH 3081, Architectural Design Studio III, 4 SCH/ 7 ECTS
Description:
Introduction to the design process of unit-functional architectural space. Subject includes site analysis, program development, schematics, and preliminary and final design phases.
Goal:
- Understanding of the basic architectural design process
- Ability to design unit-functional architectural spaces according to a given site context & program requirement
- Ability to present a project with the appropriate media
1st semester only (Nov. – Feb.), annually
ARCH 3051, Communication Skills III (Visual Arts and Design), 2 SCH/ 4 ECTS
Description:
Introduces students to visual design elements, principles, organizations, and compositional techniques by reviewing the visual art history, language, and stylistic terminology.
Goal:
- Understanding the elements, principles, organizations, and compositional techniques of visual art
- Ability to apply elements, principles, organizations, and compositional visual art techniques in a project.
1st semester only (Nov. – Feb.), annually
ARCH 3171, Building Materials and Construction III, 2 SCH/ 4 ECTS
Description: Focuses on the building system, details of the primary building materials, and building elements from the foundation to the roof.
Goal:
- Ability to choose an appropriate building construction system and details for an architectural project
- Ability to prepare detailed working drawings by using appropriate media
1st semester only (Nov. – Feb.), annually
ARCH 3281, History of Architecture II, 2 SCH/ 3 ECTS
Description: Prerequisite: ARCH 2282. A continued introduction to historical Architecture focusing on the modern Architecture movement from the late 19th century until the 1960s.
Goal:
- Understanding the interrelation of industrialization & Architecture and the technological, social, artistic & political changes arising there.
- Understanding rationalism, industrialization, and the search for principles and Architecture after Modernism, post-war reconstructions critical reactions after 1960.
1st semester only (Nov. – Feb.), annually
ARCH 3191, Theory and Design of Structures III, 2 SCH/ 4 ECTS
Description: Provides an overview of structural members and systems with a particular emphasis on the tools necessary for structural system optimization
Goal:
- Able to do appropriate structural designs of steel, timber, and concert of small structures
1st semester only (Nov. – Feb.), annually
ARCH 3131, Introduction to Landscape Design, 2 SCH/ 3 ECTS
Description: The course introduces students to Landscape Architecture’s theories, history, principles, and practice.
Goal:
- Ability to apply Landscape design principles and theories of landscape architecture to small-scale landscape design projects.
- Ability to present Landscape design projects with the appropriate media.
1st semester only (Nov. – Feb.), annually
ARCH 3351, Urban Ecology, 2 SCH/ 3 ECTS
Description: Introduction to the urban ecosystem and the existing urban planning approaches to integrating urban areas development as part of the ecological systems.
Goal:
- Understanding the urban ecosystem concept and the existing approaches to integrated urban areas development as part of the ecological systems.
- Develop the skills for ecologically-based urban planning, community participation in policy studies, and urban decision-making.
1st semester only (Nov. – Feb.), annually
ARCH 3221, Architectural Science I (HVAC), 2 SCH/ 3 ECTS
Description: An introduction to the natural and mechanical technologies and systems used for controlling the heat, ventilation, and air conditioning of a building interior.
Goal:
- Understanding the science of humidity, condensation, moisture movement, and heat transfer and their impacts on indoor climate and human comfort.
- Ability to design natural and mechanical heat, ventilation, and air conditioning systems for buildings.
1st semester only (Nov. – Feb.), annually
ARCH 3082, Architectural Design Studio IV, 4 SCH/ 7 ECTS
Description:
Prerequisite: ARCH 3081. Familiarize students with the multi-functional architectural space design process concerning a given site, urban context, and rules & regulations.
Goal:
- Understanding of the basic architectural design process
- Ability to design unit-functional architectural spaces according to a given site context & program requirement
- Ability to present a project with the appropriate media
2nd semester only (Feb. – Jun.), annually
ARCH 3312, General Building Heritage, 2 SCH/ 3 ECTS
Description: Introduces the theories of heritage & provides students with an overview of different conventions and practices derived from these theories.
Goal:
- Understanding the evolution of the concept of heritage, definitions, types, and conventions
- Understanding of the world & national Heritage Sites and procedures of application, nomination, operation
- Understanding different methods and practices of assessment, safeguarding heritage sites, and using low-tech and high-tech conservation.
2nd semester only (Feb.- Jun.), annually
ARCH 3262, Appropriate Building Technology, 2 SCH/ 3 ECTS
Description: Introduce sustainable building processes and tools that consider local climate, socio-economic factors, and natural resources.
Goal:
- Gain skills in evaluating the performance of building technologies and design solutions regarding sustainability.
- Ability to determine and select appropriate design strategies and technologies for different building types and locations.
2nd semester only (Feb. – Jun.), annually
ARCH 3172, Building Materials and Construction IV, 3 SCH/ 5 ECTS
Description: Give students a thorough understanding of present-day and future advanced, affordable, and suitable construction materials and systems.
Goal:
- Understanding the future development of the construction system
- Ability to use cost-effective advanced construction materials and systems for architectural projects
2nd semester only (Feb. – Jun.), annually
ARCH 3232, Architectural Sciences II (Water Supply and Sewage), 2 SCH/ 3 ECTS
Description: Introduction to the water supply, storage, treatment, and disposal (drainage and swage) system of a building.
Goal:
- Understanding of the water supply, storage, treatment, and disposal system of a building.
- Ability to design the water supply, sewerage, and drainage of a building.
2nd semester only (Feb. – Jun.), annually
ARCH 3202, Theory and Design of Structures IV, 2 SCH/ 4 ECTS
Description: Provides an understanding of specialized systems, such as shells, bridges, space trusses, and lightweight structures.
Goal:
- Understand the structural systems of special structural systems like space frames, tensile structures, shells, and domes.
- Able to read and understand the working drawings of specialized structural system drawings.
2nd semester only (Feb. – Jun.), annually
ARCH 3292, History of Ethiopian Architecture, 2 SCH/ 3 ECTS
Description: Introduces students to the development of vernacular, historic, and modern architecture and settlements in Ethiopia.
Goal:
- Understanding Ethiopian vernacular Architecture from Yeha to Addis Ababa.
- Understanding Urban development history in Ethiopia from pre-Axumite settlements to modern cities.
2nd semester only (Feb. – Jun.), annually
ARCH 3142, Seminar I, 1 SCH/ 2 ECTS
Description: 40 hours seminar in the 2nd semester of the 3rd year, free from all other normal routines to create a culture of an active academic environment.
Goal:
- To create a culture of engagement and an active academic and professional environment within architecture education.
- To reboot the yearlong study and fill knowledge and skill gaps in students that regular courses cannot cover.
- Showcase student’s work through a public exhibition
2nd semester only (Feb. – Jun.), annually
TCBTP3006, Action Plan and Implementation, 3 SCH/ 5 ECTS
Description: Prerequisite: TCBTP 2003 & TCBTP2004, Students will prove a solution for the problem identified through a demographic survey and problem identification phase in TCBTP 2003.
Goal:
- Ability to develop an appropriate solution for the problem identified in the preliminary phases (TCBTP 2003).
2nd semester only (Feb. – Jun.), annually
ARCH 3382, Internship I, P/F
Description: Full-time intern position for the entire summer break (8 weeks) in Architectural firms, design departments of public bodies, or non-profit.
Goal:
- Consolidating and deepening existing knowledge in the Architectural design and construction industry.
- Involvement in the planning, steering, and management of the design & construction processes.
- Hands-on training in practical skills in design, supervision & management of architectural projects.
Summer break (Jul. – Aug.), annually
ARCH 4091, Integrated Design Project Studio I, 4 SCH/ 8 ECTS
Description:
Introduction of integrating architectural design, urban design, and landscape design, emphasizing architecture’s social and urbanistic dimensions.
Goal:
- Ability to design a complex building on an urban scale with environmental and landscape focus.
- Ability to present a complex project with the appropriate digital media.
1st semester only (Nov. – Feb.), annually
ARCH 4031, Urban Sociology, 2 SCH/ 3 ECTS
Description: A brief sociological overview of the social, psychological, historical, political, economic, and environmental factors influencing metropolitan environments.
Goal:
- Understanding issues including hegemony, pluralism, distribution of privilege and power, sources of cooperation and conflict, deviance and social control, social spaces and behaviors, individual and group behaviors in individual and social spaces
- Understanding identity issues, family, socialization, and social institutions interconnected with gender, age, ethnicity/race, economics, and diverse populations.
1st semester only (Nov. – Feb.), annually
ARCH 4331, Introduction to Urban Planning, 3 SCH/ 5 ECTS
Description: The course will equip students with theoretical, methodological, and practical skills for complex urban design and planning problems.
Goal:
- Understanding theories of urban form and megastructure.
- Ability to do urban analysis, regional planning, and design new urban entities and neighborhoods.
1st semester only (Nov. – Feb.), annually
ARCH 4241, Architectural Sciences III – (Light and energy), 2 SCH/ 4 ECTS
Description: Introduction to analyzing, calculating, designing, and installing a building’s natural and artificial light and power systems.
Goal:
- Understanding buildings’ natural and artificial light and power systems (electricity, telecommunication, mechanical ventilation, circulation, and conveying systems).
- Ability to design and document buildings’ natural and artificial light and power systems.
1st semester only (Nov. – Feb.), annually
ARCH 4301, Theory of Architecture I, 2 SCH/ 3 ECTS
Description: Introduces influential critical and creative “theory” in architecture in accordance with their intellectual framework & the built works of their era.
Goal:
- Ability to analyze universal theoretical concepts of architecture and compare them to local practices.
- Ability to conduct research, discussion, and case studies on influential architectural theory’s cultural, historical, and economic aspects.
1st semester only (Nov. – Feb.), annually
ARCH 4111, Professional Practice and Ethics, 2 SCH/ 3 ECTS
Description: Gives students a critical orientation toward legal, ethical, political, and professional issues in architectural practice and the building industry.
Goal:
- Understanding the role architects have in society & their relationship with the client and other related disciplines.
- Understanding of the organizational structure of architectural firms and contract producers for architectural projects & service
- Understanding of professional code of conduct of various disciplines in architectural practice
1st semester only (Nov. – Feb.), annually
ARCH 4061, Computational Design in Architecture, 2 SCH/ 4 ECTS
Description:
The course introduces students to the various digital design, fabrication, and manufacturing technologies utilized in architectural design practices.
Goal:
- Acquire a large vocabulary of established computational techniques, software tools, and fabrication systems.
- Capacity to generate and realize architectural projects using computational techniques
1st semester only (Nov. – Feb.), annually
TCBTP4007, Intervention and Evaluation, 3 SCH/ ECTS
Description: Prerequisite: TCBTP3006, introduction to evaluating design proposal with different design parameters to check whether it can be applicable.
Goal:
- Ability to evaluate the applicability of the design solution given in the implementation phase (TCBTP3001).
2nd semester only (Feb. – Jun.), annually
ARCH 4092, Integrated Design Project Studio II, 4 SCH/ 8 ECTS
Description:
Helps students to explore the interdependence of architectural design, building construction, and structural design.
Goal:
- Ability to design a complex building on an urban scale with environmental and landscape focus.
- Ability to present a complex project with the appropriate digital media.
2nd semester only (Feb. – Jun.), annually
ARCH 4252, Architectural Sciences IV– (Acoustics), 2 SCH/ 4 ECTS
Description: Introduction to the principles of sound controlling, distributing, reinforcing, and isolating systems of a building interior.
Goal:
- Understanding the principle of sound production & propagation and noise reduction system of a building.
- Ability to control, distribute, reinforce, and isolate sound in building interior design.
2nd semester only (Feb. – Jun.), annually
ARCH 4302, Theory of Architecture II, 2 SCH/ 3 ECTS
Description: The course focuses on architectural theories and methods, particularly 20th-century architecture.
Goal:
- Ability to analyze 20th-century architecture concepts of architecture and compare them to local practices.
- Ability to conduct research, discussion, and case studies on cultural, historical, and economic aspects of 20th-century architecture.
2nd semester only (Feb. – Jun.), annually
ARCH 4112, Specification and Bill of Quantity (BOQ), 2 SCH/ 4 ECTS
Description: The course introduces students to architectural projects’ economic and managerial issues extending from an architectural firm to a building or construction.
Goal:
- Ability to prepare a material specification and bill of quantities (BOQ) for an architectural project
- Understanding of supervision, contract administration & funding of construction projects
2nd semester only (Feb. – Jun.), annually
ARCH 4322, Basic Urban Design, 3 SCH/ 5 ECTS
Description: An introduction to making equitable and sustainable urban spaces (hard and soft) concerning the society’s economic, social, and environmental value on an urban scale.
Goal:
- Understanding various urban space philosophies.
- Ability to create urban spaces (hard and soft spaces) that are equitable and sustainable.
- Ability to present an urban project with the appropriate digital media.
2nd semester only (Feb. – Jun.), annually
ARCH 4142, Seminar II, 1 SCH/ 2 ECTS
Description: 40 hours seminar in the 2nd semester of the 4th year, free from all other normal routines to create a culture of an active academic environment.
Goal:
- To create a culture of engagement and an active academic and professional environment within architecture education.
- To reboot the yearlong study and fill knowledge and skill gaps in students that regular courses cannot cover.
- Showcase student’s work through a public exhibition
2nd semester only (Feb. – Jun.), annually
ARCH 4382, Internship II, P/F
Description: Prerequisite ARCH 3382. A continued full-time intern position for the entire summer break (8 weeks) in Architectural firms, design departments of public bodies, or non-profits.
Goal:
- Consolidating and deepening existing knowledge in the Architectural design and construction industry.
- Involvement in the planning, steering, and management of the design & construction processes.
- Hands-on training in practical skills in design, supervision & management of architectural projects.
Summer break (Jul. – Aug.), annually
ARCH 5101, Integrated Design Project Studio III, 5 SCH/ 10 ECTS
Description:
Help students to have an advanced understanding of the technological dimension of architecture with a focus on building sciences and services.
Goal:
- Ability to design complex buildings down to the electrical, sanitary & mechanical building systems.
- Ability to present a complex project with the appropriate digital media
1st semester only (Nov. – Feb.), annually
ARCH 5261, Cost Efficient Construction, 2 SCH/ 4 ECTS
Description: The course introduces students to the economics of buildings and cost-conscious design and construction processes.
Goal:
- Understanding cost-conscious design strategies, construction technologies, organization, and management of buildings.
- Ability to calculate costs with all related issues such as building materials, technique of construction, labor…
- Ability to make cost comparisons for optimized building material and construction technique selection.
1st semester only (Nov. – Feb.), annually
ARCH 5321, Introduction to Housing, 2 SCH/ 4 ECTS
Description: Explores the current national and international housing demands, strategies, policies, and trends from economic, social, and environmental sustainability perspectives.
Goal:
- Understanding how public policy, private markets, and local economy affect housing.
- Ability to devise techniques for framing public and private interventions to meet a society’s housing and economic development.
- Ability to review & critique specific housing programs, policies, and strategies directed at local development and neighborhood regeneration issues.
1st semester only (Nov. – Feb.), annually
ARCH 5361, Architectural Project Feasibility, 2 SCH/ 4 ECTS
Description: Introduction to architectural project viability regarding its impact on the environment, society, and economy.
Goal:
- Understanding the various dimensions of feasibility studies done for an architectural building
- Ability to assess the environmental, social, and economic feasibility of a small architectural project
1st semester only (Nov. – Feb.), annually
ARCH 5391, Thesis seminar. 3 SCH/ 5 ECTS
Description: Introduction to skills and techniques for writing research proposals. It covers problem identification and choosing appropriate methodologies to prepare a full research proposal.
Goal:
- Determine and come up with architectural problems relevant to the Ethiopian context.
- Understanding different research methods and the implementation of various research methodologies.
- Ability to compose a complete thesis proposal paper on the architectural problems that the students have recognized or chosen.
1st semester only (Nov. – Feb.), annually
ARCH 5372, Architectural Project Management, 2 SCH/ 4 ECTS
Description: Familiarize students with the basic principles of architectural & construction project management, including procurement and contractual management.
Goal:
- Understand the activities related to architectural and construction management.
- Ability to prepare documents for planning and estimating Architectural and construction project scope, resources, and schedule
2nd semester only (Feb. – Jun.), annually
ARCH 5392, Bachelor Thesis Project, 9 SCH/ 18 ECTS
Description: Prerequisite: ARCH 5391. A design project that will propose an architectural solution for the identified and investigated architectural problem in the Thesis Seminar (ARCH 5391).
Goal:
- Conduct in-depth analysis and research on the chosen architectural problem.
- Capacity to make suitable design recommendations for the examined architectural issues.
- Present suitable design solutions & recommendations with appropriate digital media.
2nd semester only (Feb. – Jun.), annually
ARCH5142, Seminar III, 1 SCH /2 ECTS
Description:
40 hours seminar in the 2nd semester of the 5th year, free from all other normal routines to create a culture of an active academic environment.
Goal:
- To create a culture of engagement and an active academic and professional environment within architecture education.
- To reboot the yearlong study and fill knowledge and skill gaps in students that regular courses cannot cover.
- Showcase student’s work through a public exhibition
2nd semester only (Feb. – Jun.), annually
ARCH 5122, Interior Design, 3 SCH/ 5 ECTS
Description:
Introduce students to interior design’s basic theory and practice and its relation to the other design disciplines.
Goal:
- Understanding building materials and technologies for the interior design of buildings.
- Ability to design interior space according to its use, function, and desired atmosphere
- Ability to present interior design projects with the appropriate digital media
2nd semester only (Feb. – Jun.), annually
ARCH 5212, Advanced Structures for Architects, 3 SCH/ 5 ECTS
Description: This course addresses advanced structures, exterior envelopes, and contemporary technologies with regard to structural systems.
Goal:
- Providing the student with specialized insight into a structural engineering topic.
2nd semester only (Feb. – Jun.), annually
ARCH 5373, Property Management and Valuation, 3 SCH/ 5 ECTS
Description: The course provides fundamental knowledge in the areas of land and building appraisal as well as property management.
Goal:
- Understand the activities and terminologies related to property management and valuation.
- Ability to prepare documents for property management and valuation for small or midsize land and buildings.
2nd semester only (Feb. – Jun.), annually
The degree to be awarded upon completion of the program is:
In English: Bachelor of Science Degree in Architecture
In Amharic: “የሳይንስ ባችለር ድግሪ በ”አርክቴክቸር”
Graduation requirements
185 SCH/ 324 ECTS
No F ‘allowed in a required course
2.00 Cumulative Grade Point Average or above
Passing Grade (50+) on the National Exit Exam
The architecture program at our university holds a distinctive place as it prepares students for a profession governed by architectural legislation and is dedicated to upholding international standards specified in the following documents: The UNESCO/UIA Charter for Architectural Education and the UIA Accord on Recommended International Standards of Professionalism in Architectural Practice. The revised curriculum is built around the criteria established in these documents. For instance, one of the criteria set forth by the UIA includes a requirement for 10 semesters of academic study, separate from practical internships.
The credit system we employ is student-centric, and it’s based on the student workload necessary to achieve the objectives of a program. These objectives are ideally specified in terms of desired learning outcomes and competencies.
Our program has adopted the ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) to align with international trends and move away from the previous input-based credit hour calculation. The former system only considered the contact hours between students and instructors. The ECTS, however, is an outcome-based system that accounts for time students spend on coursework, homework, and independent study.
In the ECTS, 60/61 credits represent the workload of a full-time student for one academic year. This workload typically ranges between 1500–1800 hours per year in most full-time study programs in Europe, translating to 25 to 30 working hours per credit. The ECTS system is currently accepted in approximately 40 countries. For a single course, ECTS is converted into USA Semester Credit Hour (SCH) using the equation ECTS/2 = SCH (and the result is rounded up); for example, 4 ECTS = 2 SCH, 5 ECTS = 3 SCH, and 6 ECTS = 3 SCH.
Architecture and Urban Planning |