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 a 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 and design solution documentation to a professional standard.
Course outline
This Certificate in Building Information Modelling (BIM) is a minor award within the very successful Higher Diploma in BIM and has been developed in close collaboration with construction industry professionals to provide a flexible, multidisciplinary and industry-focused programme that seeks to address the current competency and skills gap in the construction sector both nationally and in a global context.
The programme is designed to embrace experiential and collaborative learning opportunities by continuously embedding evolving BIM best practice through an academic-industry reciprocal learning framework. ATU are very aware of their role in helping to address these challenges while also embracing the multiple opportunities that this transition provides. This has been demonstrated with the establishment of the BIM Implementation Group ATU (BIGG), which has brought academics, student leaders and industry stakeholders from a wide range of disciplines together to develop and implement a BIM Strategy for the Department of Building and Civil Engineering over the next three years.
Feedback from participants on the Higher Diploma in BIM is that the core upskilling needed is BIM Virtual Modelling Fundamentals and a choice of one specialism (BIM Architecture/ BIM Infrastructure/ BIM Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing). The programme will be delivered by way of a previously tried and proven blended learning pedagogy. This approach allows students greater flexibility than a traditional delivery programme while also facilitating the delivery of valuable hands-on workshops. The programme learning outcomes are focused on developing the student's ability to construct complex virtual building information models, specialising in one core discipline (architecture, infrastructure or mechanical, electrical and plumbing).
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
1 semester
Assessment & certification
Assessment is an integral part of the process of teaching and learning. It is a positive activity, which contributes to, and enhances student development and progression. The programme shall employ a variety of assessment techniques.
The assessment methods aim to:
Develop understanding and knowledge in the Building Information Modelling discipline area. To provide a reasonable balance of workload for the student across the allotted time.
To test and develop skills and knowledge and reinforce the learning material. Enhance student learning and progress.
The assessments seek to develop the learner’s skills to work and communicate, as an individual, through the completion of a range of individual practical exercises, assignments and project work.
The assessment methodologies employed in the programme are continuous assessment for the laboratory-based project-work, practical projects, class assessments etc.
The assessment methodologies and marking schemes for each of the modules is shown on the individual module descriptors. Teaching and assessment methods will be subjected to continuous evaluation by the Programme Board.
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’s policy for the enrolment of 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 7 qualification or equivalent in a cognate area within the construction and built environment industry.
Applications will also be accepted from mature applicants who have worked at an appropriate level within the construction industry and who may gain entry by the RPL process.
Website
https://www.gmit.ie/certificate-in-engineering-in-building-information-modelling