module specification

This module equips students with essential computation and digital skills for the built environment, with a focus on sustainability and the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI). The module provides knowledge and practical experience with key digital tools and technologies, including Building Information Modelling (BIM), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Virtual/Augmented Reality, and AI-driven platforms, emphasising their application in design, construction, and promoting sustainable practices in the built environment.

Upon completion of this module, students will:

1. gain hands-on experience with digital platforms for project management, data analysis, and collaboration, enhancing their ability to improve workflows, decision-making, and productivity, with a focus on sustainable resource management.
2. be introduced to computation techniques and the use of software to create digital models, simulations, and data analyses, fostering critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and AI-based solutions in built environment challenges.
3. be exposed to real-life case studies and site visits from professional practice, demonstrating how digital tools, AI, and sustainable technologies are integrated into subject specialisms.
4. learn the importance of communication and collaboration among professionals, preparing them to engage with diverse stakeholders, and using AI and digital tools to enhance these processes.
5. explore the ethical considerations and implications of applying digital technologies in the built environment, particularly regarding data privacy, cybersecurity, and sustainability.
6. learn to access various sources, recognise and analyse arguments, and critically engage with source material, integrating AI-based research tools to support academic work.
7. be encouraged to apply academic research and study skills, build on prior knowledge, and reflect on sustainability and AI integration to prepare for further study in their subject area.

The syllabus will provide an introduction to computation and digital skills, emphasizing their significance in the built environment, with particular attention to Artificial Intelligence (AI) and sustainability. Students will become familiar with digital design and modelling tools, such as Building Information Modelling (BIM), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and AI-powered applications. They will learn about the essential functions and uses of these tools in the planning, design, construction, and asset management of built environment projects, with an emphasis on supporting sustainable practices (LO1, LO2). Through industry engagement and hands-on learning, students will work with real-world projects and case studies, tackling the complexities of digital innovation and how AI can enhance resource management and environmental sustainability in the built environment (LO3).

The syllabus will also cover the practical uses of VR/AR for design visualisation and stakeholder/public engagement, as well as AI-driven digital platforms for project management, cost estimation, and sustainable resource management (LO1, LO2).

Ethical issues surrounding the use of digital technologies in the built environment will be explored, with a focus on data privacy, cybersecurity, and ensuring sustainability. Students will examine how AI can improve collaboration, communication, and decision-making in a manner that is both sustainable and ethically sound (LO4, LO5).

Throughout the syllabus, students will develop academic research and study skills, learning how to gather, analyse, and present project information using AI-based tools. They will also critically assess their solutions in terms of their sustainability impact, refining their ability to present findings in various formats (LO6).

The module is delivered through lectures, seminars, one-to-one student contact, online tasks, and guided formative feedback sessions. Also, there will be weeks where students will attend structured learning activities outside the classroom, such as site visits, exhibitions and events, or will receive guest lectures and in-class support from industry professionals to foster a practical application of digital tools.

Opportunities for self-reflection and PDP are core to the module, running through all teaching and learning strands including content, class activities, formative assessment, formal and informal tutor and peer feedback, assessment, and independent study.

Scheduled teaching sessions provide structured learning opportunities, where students are introduced to key concepts, software tools, and methodologies relevant to the built environment. These sessions often include lectures, hands-on workshops, and group activities that offer direct instruction, clarify concepts, and encourage collaborative learning. Students will be introduced to digital modelling software or computation design techniques that are directly applicable to the built environment, design, construction, and project management principles. In addition, site visits and industry guest lectures will enhance the applied nature of the module by providing real-world context. Site visits will allow students to observe digital tools in practice, while industry engagement on this module (e.g. guest lectures, case studies, etc.) will offer insights from professionals, bridging theoretical knowledge with industry trends, fostering a deeper understanding of practical applications in the built environment.

On the other hand, independent study will help students to deepen their understanding at their own pace, engage with supplementary, bite-sized resources, and apply what they have learned in real-world contexts. This time is crucial for critical thinking, problem-solving, and developing proficiency in digital tools. Students might work on assignments, explore case studies, or experiment with software tools beyond the classroom setting. Independent study encourages self-directed learning, which is essential for mastering complex digital skills required in the built environment.

By combining structured guidance with independent exploration, students will develop both technical competencies and the analytical skills necessary for addressing real-world challenges in the built environment.

AI/Gen-AI tools for the Built Environment whilst enhancing computational and digital literacy skills
In this module, students will be introduced to foundational digital tools and platforms commonly used in industry, such as CAD, Revit, GIS and Excel for data handling and problem solving. Workshops will guide students through the application of these tools for basic design tasks, spatial analysis, and environmental modelling. Through practical, real-world examples, students will build confidence in using digital tools while developing a critical understanding of their capabilities, limitations, and relevance within the built environment.

Academic research skills will be developed through guided literature searches, such as Google Scholar and reference management with Zotero or Mendeley. A key focus will be teaching students to critique Gen-AI outputs, assessing their accuracy and relevance in academic contexts, and distinguishing between AI-generated content and peer-reviewed sources. The module will also emphasise Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI), encouraging students to consider diverse perspectives and the ethical implications of AI technologies.

These competencies will be reinforced through collaborative research tasks, seminar discussions, and presentations where students interpret and communicate findings using digital tools. The WebLearn platform will provide curated resources, tutorials, and access to relevant software. Regular formative feedback will support students in developing confident digital workflows and independent research strategies. Guest lectures and site visits will further contextualise the role of computational and digital literacy in the professional practices of the built environment, helping students link their learning to industry expectations and future career pathways.

Upon completion of this module, students will: 

1. demonstrate an understanding of computational methods and digital tools, such as Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Augmented Reality (AR) / Virtual Reality (VR) platforms, and emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), the Internet of Things (IoT), and their role in promoting sustainability in the planning, design, construction, and asset management of the built environment.

2. be exposed to software to produce simple digital models and simulations to represent real-world built environment problems, such as architectural drawings or infrastructure projects, or exposed to project management software to plan, track, and manage tasks, timelines, and resources in construction or planning projects.

3. learn how to integrate digital literacy and AI-enhanced tools into professional practice through real-world scenarios and site visits that demonstrate how digital innovation can improve efficiency, sustainability and productivity in the built environment.

4. be introduced to the impact of digital innovation and AI in stakeholder management and collaboration, fostering teamwork in professional environments.

5. understand the ethical implications of using digital tools in the built environment, particularly the challenges of data privacy, cybersecurity, sustainability, and responsible innovation.

6. undertake  research on a topic of interest related to their subject area, incorporating the use of digital and AI tools where appropriate, and present their findings in various formats - reflecting on how their learning connects to sustainable practices and future career aspirations in the built environment sector.

FY3002 Computation and Digital Literacy | London Metropolitan University