Specialist Certificate in Green Roofs and Walls

The Specialist Certificate in Green Roofs and Walls will provide students with a thorough understanding and knowledge of green roofs and walls through analysis and evaluation of current research and advances in: policy and planning; design and specification; implementation and construction; monitoring and management. Students will gain hands-on experience in substrate and plant selection and how design choices influence performance, management and maintenance. Case-studies and lectures by leading professionals and researchers will give students exposure to a broad range of projects and applications and a thorough understanding of how design influences function. Course delivery will include two intensive subjects.

• Describe key design and management considerations for green roofs and walls
• Design green roofs/walls using performance-based criteria and specifications
• Assess green roof and wall performance through a framework of design and management
• Evaluate international green roof and wall guidelines, specifications and standards
• Discuss management and maintenance of green roof and walls
• Develop a management plan for either a green roof or wall

The 25 point Specialist Certificate is made up of 2 compulsory subjects

• Designing Green Roofs and Walls (12.5 pts)
• Managing Green Roofs and Walls (12.5 pts)

Compulsory core subjects

1. In order to be considered for entry, applicants must have completed:
• either
– an undergraduate degree, or
– a relevant TAFE or Higher Education Advanced Diploma or equivalent and three years, relevant, documented work experience or equivalent, or
– a relevant TAFE Diploma and 4.5 years, relevant, documented work experience, or equivalent, or
– six years documented relevant work experience, including at least three years in a supervisory role.
Meeting these requirements does not guarantee selection.

2. In ranking and/or assessing applications, the Selection Committee will consider:
• prior academic qualification and performance; and/or
• the professional experience.

3. The Selection Committee may seek further information to clarify any aspect of an application in accordance with the Academic Board rules on the use of selection instruments.

4. Applicants are required to satisfy the university’s English language requirements for postgraduate courses. For those applicants seeking to meet these requirements by one of the standard tests approved by the Academic Board, performance band 6.5 is required.

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Students who successfully complete the course may be eligible for credit into Masters courses offered by the Melbourne Graduate School of Science.

• Source, interpret and apply written information from a range of resources to describe issues pertinent to design and specification of green roofs and walls.
• Use scientific and technical literature in the discussion and evaluation of green roof and wall design.
• Develop investigative and analytical skills through study of green roof and wall design case studies.
• Integrate theory of green roof and wall design with practical considerations in case study explorations of their implementation and on-going management and maintenance.
• Develop a practical understanding of green roof and wall implementation and maintenance through interaction with guest industry speakers; linking students with potential employers.
• Develop analytical and measurement skills in hands-on practical exercises.
• Develop critical skills through analysis and evaluation of green roof or wall management
• Generate solutions to improve current management of green roofs and walls.
• Gain experience in effective team work.