Most undergraduate architecture programs have a core curriculum that is followed for the first three years of the course. This includes fundamentals, such as architectural design, case studies, building technology, building systems, social and cultural basis of design, architectural history, architectural theory and materials. The core curriculum also includes practical studio work, such as visual representation, drawing, form and photography. Courses in physics and math are also generally required, as well as courses in materials science. Some of these courses may be taken over several years, others for only one semester. Some universities, such as the University of Miami, also require all architecture students to complete a minor in another field.
This course usually forms the backbone of the Bachelor's degree in architecture. Students will take architectural design courses in each year of the five-year degree. The architectural design course will include study of many different areas of design. During the first three years, this course may focus on the basics of design. In the last two years of the degree, the architecture design course may allow study of many different types of design. For example, topics covered in this course may include: tropical design, urban landscapes, marine design or classical Roman design.
This university architecture course is generally taken over at least two years of the professional bachelor's degree in architecture, beginning in the first or second year of study. The building technology course is designed to teach students the basics of elements such as acoustics, wiring, light, electrical equipment and heating and cooling systems. It may be combined with a course in structure, which teaches about loads and construction materials and specifications. The structure course may also be taught separately.
In order to become a professional architect, students are usually required to take a course in professional practice, which will familiarize them with the ethical, business and legal aspects of architecture practice. Students will also be able to choose a variety of elective courses, such as computer modeling, green design, construction management, town design, health care design, construction documentation and interior architecture design. The number and type of elective courses available will vary considerably from one university to the next.