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The Department of Architecture (D-ARCH) hosts the MBS programme, integrating the expertise of five departments (D-ARCH, D-BAUG, D-MAVT, D-ITET, D-MTEC), as well as the Energy Science Center.
Tutor System
The tutor system is the backbone of the MBS program and a highly unique dimension of this programme. When students begin their studies, each student defines an individual study area of focus. Based on their interests, each student is assigned an ETH Professor who is designated as his or her MBS tutor. The role of the tutor is to act as an academic advisor and support the development of each student’s personal curriculum through the supervision of the student’s Learning Agreement (LAG), which is subject to Tutor approval. The system provides students the opportunity to develop a mentee-mentor relationship with experts in the field of integrated building systems. Procedurally within two weeks after assignment of the Tutor, the students make an appointment with their tutor. Students submit a proposal for their desired curriculum in preparation for this interview and discuss their interests, expectations and objectives with the Tutor assigned to them. Students must then submit their final curriculum to the D-ARCH Study Office with the signature of the tutor by the end of the first semester.
Programme Overview
– A full-time Specialized Masters programme taught in English by internationally known faculty and experts at and an internationally ranked technical university located in the city of Zurich.
– Applicants should hold a bachelor degree in Architecture, Mechanical, Civil, Electrical, Environmental Engineering, Geomatic, Planning or a relevant, related field.
– Each incoming class begins annually in the Autumn term (Mid-September).
– Each student receives individualized one-on-one academic and professional mentorship within the Tutor system structure.
– Each student will participate in cutting edge research projects.
– The programme focuses on real-world problem contexts.
– Students develop a basic knowledge in the fields of building, mechanical, civil and electrical engineering and a basic understanding of physics, thermo and fluid dynamics, applied mathematics, engineering, building technology and building construction.
– Students are exposed to a broad spectrum of knowledge including: 1) energy flows in and around buildings; 2) building system design; 3) engineering expertise in building design, building operations and controls, building services, and energy management systems; as well as 4) knowledge of new energy technologies for buildings, renewables integration, and 5) knownledge on dimensions of human comfort, safety, economic and environmental factors.
– Graduates will be able to integrate state-of-the-art knowledge on building systems and technologies into multiple building scales building scales and urban contexts.
Structure
The programme is full-time, and a total of 120 credit points (ETCS) must be earned for the MIBS master’s degree. The programme is structured into three types of courses categories – fundamental, core, and specialised – that all fall under the main course group. In particular the core coursework in the main course group is designed – to sequentially and cumulatively – link the different disciplines and provide a broad spectrum of expertise. Complementary to the main course group, the programme includes science in perspective (SiP) coursework that contextualises the scientific knowledge and technologies the programme introduces. Additionally, students are involved in interdisciplinary design and innovation project based courses, as well as a semester project, which commences after the first year of coursework. The programme concludes with a masters thesis project on a current research topic. Students typically complete the program in four to five semesters.
