Over the span of 2007 to 2022, I had the privilege of contributing significantly to the academic landscape as a dedicated educator and coordinator at the Department of Architecture Engineering, University of Sharjah. Through a diverse array of courses spanning both bachelor's and master's levels, I facilitated a comprehensive learning journey. From fundamental principles of HVAC system design, thermal sciences, and solar energy applications in buildings to nurturing creative and holistic architectural design thinking, my courses aimed not only to impart knowledge but also to instill a deep-seated understanding of sustainable practices and problem-solving skills in students. Below is a list of courses that I have taught, including the course description of each one.
This course introduces the fundamental principles and engineering procedures for the design of HVAC systems (heating and cooling), thermal comfort, ventilation mechanisms and concepts, air conditioning systems and types, air diffusion design and layout techniques, duct design and distribution, architectural and constructional space requirements for HVAC systems. The course introduces energy utilization techniques, conservation constraints, mixed-mode systems, and other sustainable alternatives.
This course introduces the fundamental concepts of thermodynamics and heat transfer, including the conservation of mass, energy, momentum, and the first and second laws of thermodynamics. It also introduces basic evaluation techniques of heat transfer modes involving conduction, convection, and radiation.
The course introduces students to the applications of solar energy in buildings as an alternative source of energy in modern buildings. The course aims to enhance the students' understanding of the principles of solar energy collection, conversion, storage, and distribution. Solar water heating, space heating, and cooling applications, components, and systems, in addition to the concepts of passive solar strategies and sustainable architecture, are also highlighted in this course.
The course introduces buildings as environmental and cultural products having spatial and functional relationships. Students learn how to analyze and solve these relationships in an integrated manner.
The course introduces additional and more complex spatial requirements and functions and structural grids, horizontal and vertical circulation, car parking, and traffic flow. These requirements are expected to be creatively solved in an integrated manner in, for example, a hotel or commercial building.
This is an advanced design course with problems of complex structures, requirements, and functions in addition to acoustics, heating, and ventilation. Students are expected to apply the knowledge acquired in related subjects (building construction and environmental physics) to the design process—at least one major project with a specific and complex problem.
This course is an interdisciplinary teamwork design experience that includes preparing a project plan, data collection and analysis, building selection, preliminary investigation of building systems, and evaluation of possible architectural solutions. Teams are required to submit and present technical progress reports.
Study the fundamental principles and engineering procedures for designing heating, ventilating, and air conditioning systems; HVAC system characteristics; system and equipment selection; duct design and layout. Attention is given to energy conservation techniques and computer applications.
The course introduces basic building science principles focusing on heat, air, and moisture transfer in buildings. It also focuses on the environmental conditions and human factors relevant to building performance and principles of thermal comfort.
The course focuses on the principles of solar energy collection, conversion, storage, and distribution. Solar water heating, space heating, cooling applications, components, and systems. Passive solar strategies. Computer Applications.
This course provides architecture students with the fundamental principles and basic concepts in the analysis and design of building mechanical systems. The course prepares students to integrate mechanical systems into their designs and communicate with design professionals in the field in a knowledgeable manner.
Analysis of building energy use by applying thermodynamics and heat transfer to building heating and cooling load calculations; heat balance and radiant time series calculation methods; psychrometric analysis, indoor air quality, and effect of solar radiation on heating and cooling of buildings.
An introduction to architectural graphic communication using manual drafting with an emphasis on light, shade, shadow, and three-dimensional perspectives.