MSE Master of Science in Engineering

The Swiss engineering master's degree

Each module contains 3 ECTS. You choose a total of 10 modules/30 ECTS in the following module categories: 

  • 12-15 ECTS in technical scientific modules (TSM)
    TSM modules teach profile-specific specialist skills and supplement the decentralised specialisation modules.
  • 9-12 ECTS in fundamental theoretical principles modules (FTP)
    FTP modules deal with theoretical fundamentals such as higher mathematics, physics, information theory, chemistry, etc. They will teach more detailed, abstract scientific knowledge and help you to bridge the gap between abstraction and application that is so important for innovation.
  • 6-9 ECTS in context modules (CM)
    CM modules will impart additional skills in areas such as technology management, business administration, communication, project management, patent law, contract law, etc.

In the module description (download pdf) you find the entire language information per module divided into the following categories:

  • instruction
  • documentation
  • examination 
Building Information Modelling (BIM) (TSM_BIM)

 

The BIM method (VDC) comprises the digital planning, construction and operation of built assets using digital modelling in combination with suitable organizational forms and processes.

The digital building model is created in interdisciplinary collaboration with a specific goal. It includes both the geometric (3D) and the non-geometric information needed for the agreed uses.

The BIM method is used in the construction industry for project planning and execution (e.g. fundamentals [legal, geological/geotechnical], architecture, engineering, building services), in geomatics for capturing, modelling, tracking and managing building geometry, and in facilities management.


 

Prerequisites

 

Bachelor degree in a technical or engineering discipline, Business Engineering, Computer Science or similar. Some basic knowledge of the BIM method would be an advantage. No knowledge of CAD required.


 

Learning Objectives

In TSM_BIM, students will learn the basic principles of the BIM method. Aspects relevant to both construction (BIM) and geomatics (GeoBIM) will be examined.

The focus of the module is on the interdisciplinary use of digital building models.

After taking the TSM_BIM module, students will be able to formulate and record information requirements for simple digital building models, exchange the resulting data in the IFC open data exchange format and assess them in a targeted manner to obtain the desired information.

Instruction is also includes hands-on session, using digital building models and the appropriate BIM tools.

Contents of Module

PART 1: BIM Method – Foundations and a look at into practice

Introduction:

Definition and basic idea. Planning and construction process yesterday, today and tomorrow. Status of BIM in Switzerland and internationally. Terminology. Challenges. 

Stakeholders, models and roles: From client to planners to operators and users. Principle of information requirements and delivery. Information requester / information sender. 

A look at practice: Requirements, structuring, construction and evaluation of digital building models. 

Data and digital building models: Reading and evaluating data from digital building models. 


PART 2: GeoBIM and data exchange models 

BIM and geodata: Differences and similarities between BIM and Geo, 3D modelling paradigms. 

IFC data exchange model: IFC outline, IFC vs. CityGML. 

Software for the BIM method and geodata capture for BIM (Field2BIM): BIM software and web platforms, BIM web services, 3D data capture technologies and Points2BIM concepts. 


PART 3: Digital building models and data management

Information requirements: Formulating BIM objectives, specifications (EIR). Description and verification of information requirements. 

Data evaluation I: Obtaining information through the predefined evaluation of digital building models. Checking the data quality. 

Data exchange model I: Use of an authoring tool. Expanding the native data model. 

Expanding the data exchange model II: Use of an authoring tool. Mapping the native data model to the IFC data exchange model. 

Expanding the data evaluation II: Formulating and writing rules for extracting information from digital building models. 

Data evaluation III: Targeted output of information from digital building models in templates for further processing. 

BIM project execution plan: The BIM project execution plan as a specification that regulates the framework, structure, quality assurance and data exchange.

Teaching and Learning Methods

Lectures, case studies, exercises. May include field trips. Instructional concept: Blended Learning - Inverted Classroom. In-person teaching alternating with self-study.

Literature

Eastman, C.M., Eastman, C., Teicholz, P., Sacks, R. and Liston, K., 2011. BIM handbook: A guide to building information modeling for owners, managers, designers, engineers and contractors. John Wiley & Sons.

ISO (2018): ISO 19650-1 Organization and digitization of information about buildings and civil engineering works, including building information modelling (BIM) — Information management using building information modelling — Part 1: Concepts and principles.

Additional readings will be announced in class.


Download full module description

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