Bilkent University Quality Management in Education

Foundation

2011

Qualification Awarded

Bachelor of Architecture

Level of Qualification

First Cycle Degree

Mode of Study

Full Time

Admission & Registration Requirements

To begin undergraduate studies at Bilkent, all Turkish citizens must take the entrance examination YKS, administered by the national Student Selection and Placement Center (ÖSYM). Based on the results of YKS, ÖSYM places students according to their preferences.
All international students who want to apply to Bilkent University for an undergraduate program have to go through an admission procedure. Various national exams and diplomas are used in evaluating the candidates.
In absence of these documents, the high school graduation score can also be evaluated for admission. The high school diploma and transcript along with an explanation of the high school's grading system will be needed.
English is the language of teaching at Bilkent University. Applicants are required to provide proof of their proficiency in English. Students whose level of English is insufficient to follow courses are required to enroll in the School of English Language.

Assessment of Student Performance

Apart from work conducted throughout the semester, students are usually asked to take a final examination and at least one midterm examination for a course. If a staff member considers it appropriate, practical laboratory work or other such assignments may be assessed as midterm examinations or as a final examination.

Grades are finalized when they are announced via the internet on the date specified in the Academic Calendar. Semester grades for practical studies and other non-lecture courses are determined by an evaluation of the student's overall work and performance throughout the semester.

Bilkent University's official grading system uses letter grades with pluses and minuses. Passing grades range from A+ to D; F, FX is failing. The quality-point equivalents of the grades are:

  A+   4.00   B+   3.30   C+   2.30   D+   1.30   F   0.00
  A   4.00   B   3.00   C   2.00   D   1.00   FX   0.00
  A-   3.70   B-   2.70   C-   1.70           FZ   0.00

Other grades used are S (Satisfactory), U (Unsatisfactory), I (Incomplete), P (In Progress), T (Transfer), and W (Withdraw). These grades do not have quality-point equivalents.

S : accorded to students who are successful in non-credit courses.
     
U : accorded to students who are unsuccessful in non-credit courses.
     
I : accorded to students who, although otherwise successful, have failed to complete the required assignments for a course due to illness or some other valid reason. Proof of illness or other reason for non-completion must be submitted to the department chair within three days of the date of the final exam. A student receiving an incomplete grade for any course must make up for the deficiencies within 15 days after the final exam in order to obtain a grade. Otherwise, the grade I automatically becomes FX. At the discretion of the department chair, the period specified above may be extended until the beginning of the following semester.
     
P : progress.
     
T : reflects approved transferred courses from other universities or from an exchange program. A student with a grade of T is exempted from an equivalent number of credits on the condition that the courses are accepted by the department on the recommendation of the department chair and with the approval of the board of the faculty/school. This grade may provide an exemption for a particular course at the program.
     
W : student has withdrawn from the course before the end of the semester.

A student with extraordinary performance in a course may be granted an A+ grade. However, the number of A+ grades in a given course is limited based on class size: If the class size is less than 25 students, no A+ grades may be given; if the class size is between 25 and 74 students, only one A+ grade may be given; if the class size is between 75 and 124 students, two A+ grades may be given; if the class size is between 125 and 174 students, three A+ grades may be given; if the class size is between 175 and 225 students, four A+ grades may be given; if the class size is more than 225 students, five A+ grades may be given. (The letter grade A+ was instituted beginning with the 2010-2011 academic year.)

An undergraduate student who receives a grade of C or higher in a course (or S in a non-credit course) is considered to have satisfactorily completed that course.

A student who receives a grade of C-, D+, or D in a course can only be considered to have completed that course if his/her Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) is 2.00 or higher.

A student receiving either F, FX, FZ, or U in a course is considered to be unsuccessful in that course. Students who have failed a course in the curriculum program must repeat the course within the following two semesters. Those who fail first year English courses must repeat these courses the very next semester they are offered. The university may register a student to these courses and not allow for a course to be dropped. Students on probation who received C-, D+ or D grades in previous semesters may repeat any of these courses.

In addition to taking the required courses in a given semester, students with "Satisfactory" standing may also repeat courses taken in the previous two semesters for which they received a B-, C+, C, C-, D+ or D grade, provided there is room in the section. Registration to these courses takes place on the dates as announced by the Rectorate.

On condition that at least one course of all curriculum requirements of an elective set has already been taken, an elective course from this elective set can be taken in place of courses taken before for this elective requirement. In this case, the previously taken elective course will appear in the transcript but will not be included in the CPA calculation. Once established, such course matching cannot be changed. The previously taken elective course can be repeated to fulfill another curriculum requirement.

A student's academic performance is determined at the end of each semester by computing an average of the grades he/she has received during that semester. For each course, the grade point equivalent of the letter grade received by the student is multiplied by the credit units for that course; the sum of these products is then divided by the total credit units taken in that semester to yield the Grade Point Average (GPA) for that semester. The Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) is calculated by multiplying the grade point equivalent of the letter grade by the credit units for each course and then dividing the total sum by the total credit units taken in the program.

National Degree Qualifications

Architecture and Construction Basic Field Qualifications (Academic - Weighted) - 6th Level - Bachelor's
NQF-HETR
LEVEL
KNOWLEDGE
- Theoretical
- Conceptual
SKILLS
- Cognitive
- Practical
COMPETENCES
Competence to Work
Independently and
Take Responsibility
Learning Competence Communication and Social
Competence
Field Specific Competence
6th Level Bachelor's

EQF-LLL:
6th Level

QF-EHEA:
1st Cycle
Qualifications that signify completion of the sixth cycle are awarded to students who
K1. Have the necessary knowledge to reflect the discursive, theoretical, factual knowledge and professional service sensitivities in the local, regional, national and global contexts for architectural design / planning / design activities and researches in order to reflect them on academic sharing environments and understanding In the relevant field.
K2. Have required knowledge and understanding in the field related to the intellectual, discursive, scientific, technological, aesthetic, artistic, historical and cultural background within this framework.
K3. Have knowledge and understanding about the subject of human and community centric, (natural and built) environmentally friendly architectural design / planning / design / research methods in the related field.
K4. Have multi-dimensional knowledge and understanding of issues about economic, environmental and social sustainability principles and standards and disasters in the related field.
K5. Have knowledge about principles, laws, regulations and standards related to the field.
K6. Have knowledge and understanding of institutional and ethical values related to the field.
K7. Have knowledge and understanding about the place / significance of the related field in a historical, geographical, social and cultural context.
S1. Have the ability to develop concepts in architectural design / planning / design.
S2. Have the ability to ensure the integrity of discourse, theory and application (practice) for architectural design / planning / design activities and researches.
S3. Be able to define the researches about architectural design / planning / design issues, facts, potentials and problems.
S4. Use theoretical / conceptual knowledge, cognitive and practical skills, research methods and techniques related to the field.
S5. Have the ability to develop alternative architectural design, planning fictions and solutions.
S6. Have the skills for interdisciplinary interactive architectural design / planning / design. Use knowledge, understanding and skills in interpreting contextual data, in identifying problems, in developing alternating architectural design / planning / design decisions / projects /solutions which exhibit craftsmanship and innovation.
W1. Execute an architectural design / planning / design project independently; plan and execute research projects for these processes; produce new syntheses.
W2. Execute individual studies related to the field independently and take individual and mutual responsibility in multidisciplinary, interdisciplinary and trans disciplinary studies. Have required self-confidence and competence for this.
W3. Plan joint work in an architectural design / planning / design project, take responsibility and execute.
L1. Learn by evaluating knowledge and skills in the field with a critical and dialectical (critical, which can produce antithesis and synthesis) approach.
L2. Be future-oriented; have the motivation and learning skills necessary for personal and professional development; determine learning needs; make plans for them and applies them.
L3. Act with an awareness of lifelong learning.
C1. Inform relevant people and institutions on issues related to the field; communicate ideas and suggestions for the solutions of problems in writing, orally and visually; share information with specialists and non-specialists by supporting it with quantitative and qualitative data.
C2. Organize projects, collaborations and activities for the inhabited social environment with an awareness of social responsibility and implement these.
C3. Follow developments in the field and establish effective communication with colleagues using a foreign language at least at the European Language Portfolio General Level B1.
C4. Use computer software together with information (information and communication) technologies required by the field interactively with at least a minimum of European Computer Driving License Advanced Level.
F1. Act with an understanding associated with ethics and codes of conduct, habitual behaviour and a sense of social responsibility in the professional field, during professional practice and research.
F2. Collect, evaluate and interpret data for architectural design / planning / design processes that will form the required basis for making decisions by considering possible social, environmental and ethical consequences
F3. Evaluate current knowledge in the field with a critical and dialectical approach; use existing knowledge, understanding and skills with a professional approach required by the discipline, in the light of ethical principles, professional codes of conduct, criteria, and standards by considering possible social, environmental and ethical consequences according to legislative frameworks.
F4. Decide and act with knowledge of human values, respect for human rights and social and cultural rights on this basis, by showing the required sensitivity in the protection of natural environment and cultural heritage, and consciousness of justice.
F5. Have individual sensitivity for just behaviour, by showing awareness for the benefits of the profession from the perspective of human rights and society and that it produces social services, by showing sensitivity for the issues of quality culture, conservation of natural and cultural values, environmental protection, occupational health and safety, legal frameworks particular to providing professional services with ethical principles.
F6. Have knowledge and awareness about the local, regional, national and global general and professional problems of the current historical period.

Education Objectives

Graduates of the program of architecture are expected to attain or achieve one or more of the following program educational objectives within a few years of graduation: 1. Our graduates will be active members of international academia of architecture. They will conduct studies in internationally well-known institutions. 2. Our graduates will efficiently and effectively apply their technical knowledge and design skills in complex design tasks via strong teamwork and communication skills with high level of ethical standards and social obligations in their professions. 3. Our graduates will be active members of communities of architecture that are engaged with global societal and environmental challenges.

Program Outcomes

  1. a. Able to identify, formulate and critically evaluate and analyze architectural problems, processes and parameters in order to obtain structurally robust, sustainable, and aesthetic solutions.
  2. b. Able to apply current knowledge of building and environmental technology, considering the new materials, contemporary construction techniques and digital means to architectural design solutions with the concern of users' needs, structural stability, building safety and regulations as well as financial issues. Introduce modern methods of scientific thought and equip students with tools to develop creative solutions for global challenges.
  3. c. Able to make critical judgements, carry out research, form new ideas and be able to develop analytical thinking on technical, theoretical and conceptual topics.
  4. d. Able to produce professional documentations and technical reports, with an advanced proficiency in graphic communication by using current digital technologies and appropriate media when necessary.
  5. e. Demonstrate a broad range of interests in various fields, such as art, science, history, politics and cultural studies and able to communicate and collaborate with related disciplines within an interdisciplinary scope. Develop writing and communication skills necessary for effectively organize ideas, thoughts and convey them to various audience
  6. f. Able to work both autonomously and in teams recognizing the important professional responsibility of the architect
  7. g. Develop openness to a life-long progress and recognize current trends and progress in the discipline and examine how problems can be improved or modified for the benefit of the society and for the future of the discipline with respect to environmental, historical, cultural and social sustainability, within social and ethical concerns and responsibility.
  8. h. Take advantage of the campus life where students are engaged in diversity, creativity and commitment outside coursework through artistic, cultural, sportive and intellectual activities

Program Outcomes/Degree Qualification Matrix

 Program Outcomes
Qualification(a)(b)(c)(d)(e)(f)(g)(h)
K1
K2
K3
K4
K5
K6
K7
S1
S2
S3
S4
S5
S6
W1
W2
W3
L1
L2
L3
C1
C2
C3
C4
F1
F2
F3
F4
F5
F6

Program Curriculum

First Year
Autumn Semester
Course Code Course Name Hours Credits Prerequisite Options
Lecture Lab/Studio
/Others
Bilkent ECTS
ADA 131 Architectural Drawing 0 3 3 5
ENG 101 English and Composition I 5 0 3 5
FA 101 Basic Design I 0 8 6 8,5
FA 171 Introduction to Art, Design and Culture I 3 0 3 5
GE 100 Orientation 0 0 1 2
MATH 101 Calculus I 4 0 4 6,5
 
Spring Semester
Course Code Course Name Hours Credits Prerequisite Options
Lecture Lab/Studio
/Others
Bilkent ECTS
ADA 134 Designing with Digital Media 0 3 3 5 ADA 131
ENG 102 English and Composition II 5 0 3 5 ELS 101 or ENG 101 or ENG 103
FA 102 Basic Design II 0 8 6 8,5 FA 101
MATH 102 Calculus II 4 0 4 6,5 MATH 101 or MATH 106
PHYS 101 General Physics I 3 3 4 6,5
Second Year
 
Autumn Semester
Course Code Course Name Hours Credits Prerequisite Options
Lecture Lab/Studio
/Others
Bilkent ECTS
ADA 263 History of Built Environment I 3 0 3 5
ARCH 201 Architectural Design Studio I 2 6 6 8,5 FA 102
ARCH 251 Architectural Building Systems 3 0 3 5 ADA 131
GE 250 Collegiate Activities Program I 0 0 0 1
HIST 200 History of Turkey 3 0 4 6,5
TURK 101 Turkish I 0 0 2 3,5
 
Spring Semester
Course Code Course Name Hours Credits Prerequisite Options
Lecture Lab/Studio
/Others
Bilkent ECTS
ADA 264 History of Built Environment II 3 0 3 5
ARCH 202 Architectural Design Studio II 0 8 6 8,5 ARCH 201
ARCH 231 Statics and Strength of Materials 3 0 3 5 MATH 101 or MATH 105
ARCH 252 Construction and Materials 3 2 4 6,5 ARCH 251
GE 251 Collegiate Activities Program II 0 0 1 2 GE 250
TURK 102 Turkish II 0 0 2 3,5
Third Year
 
Autumn Semester
Course Code Course Name Hours Credits Prerequisite Options
Lecture Lab/Studio
/Others
Bilkent ECTS
ARCH 290 Summer Practice I 0 0 0 6,5 ARCH 251
ARCH 301 Architectural Design Studio III 0 12 6 8,5 ARCH 202
ARCH 321 Architecture and Society 3 0 3 5
ARCH 331 Structural Design I 3 0 3 5 ARCH 231 and MATH 102
ARCH 341 Architectural Lighting and Acoustics 3 0 3 5
Free Elective 3
 
Spring Semester
Course Code Course Name Hours Credits Prerequisite Options
Lecture Lab/Studio
/Others
Bilkent ECTS
ARCH 302 Architectural Design Studio IV 0 12 6 8,5 ARCH 301
ARCH 332 Structural Design II 3 0 3 5 ARCH 331
ARCH 342 Environmental Technology 3 0 3 5
Humanities Elective 3
Restricted Elective 3
Fourth Year
 
Autumn Semester
Course Code Course Name Hours Credits Prerequisite Options
Lecture Lab/Studio
/Others
Bilkent ECTS
ARCH 390 Summer Practice II 0 0 0 6,5
ARCH 401 Architectural Design Studio V 0 12 6 8,5 ADA 302 or ARCH 302
ARCH 411 Conservation of Historical Environments 3 0 3 5
Free Elective 3
History of Architecture Elective 3
 
Spring Semester
Course Code Course Name Hours Credits Prerequisite Options
Lecture Lab/Studio
/Others
Bilkent ECTS
ARCH 402 Architectural Design Studio VI 0 12 6 8,5 ARCH 401
ARCH 418 Professional Practice 3 0 3 5
Free Elective 3
Restricted Elective 3


Elective Courses in the Curriculum

Elective Count Program Outcomes Options
Free Elective 3  
History of Architecture Elective 1  
Humanities Elective 1  
Restricted Elective 2