What
can I expect to get from the course?
Can I do the course by correspondence?
Are there any prerequisites to do the course?
Can I do single subjects out of interest?
Do I need to buy any books?
How much homework is involved?
I have not studied for many years; will I be able
to cope?
Do I need computer skills?
Do you have campuses in other states?
How does this course differ to other building biology
courses?
Can I apply for Recognition of Prior Learning?
What
can I expect to get from the course?
Upon successful completion of the Certificate in Building Biology,
students will be able to conduct electromagnetic field and geomancy
audits, as well as have the ability to work in conjunction with architects
and builders to construct buildings that are not only energy efficient,
but support the health and wellbeing of the occupants who live or
work within them.
Students who successfully complete the nationally accredited qualification,
Diploma of Building Biology (30588QLD), will be trained to
identify and address all of the health hazards in and around the built
environment from air, water and soil contaminants, to microbiological
issues, electromagnetic radiation and geopathic stress. As a building
biologist, you will also be trained to conduct air sampling as well
as make recommendations on building materials and design in order
to assist in designing buildings that not only support the physical
and mental wellbeing of the people who work and reside within them,
but also take into consideration their impact on the environment.
Back to top
Can
I do the course by correspondence?
YES. Although there is a significant amount of practical training
required, the majority of the subjects in the course are available
via correspondence from March 2009. This is not your ordinary home
study course. Apart from our comprehensive manuals, correspondence
students will also receive DVD's of the lectures so they can watch
the lectures in the comfort of their own home. There is ongoing support
via phone and email. The free online Yahoo group, provides a forum
in which students and graduates can discuss up-to-date information
and keep abreast of the latest in scientific research in all fields
relevant to building biology. To discover more about our amazing correspondence
options click HERE.
Back to top
Are
there any prerequisites to do the course?
Students will be required to sit an interview (on-campus or via the
phone). We expect our students to be motivated, passionate and willing
to put the time and effort required to successfully complete this
course. Basic mathematics of at least year 10 standard is required
in order to be able to do the calculations required in the chemistry
related subjects. Whilst it is helpful to have completed VCE chemistry,
it is NOT a prerequisite and the course presumes no previous knowledge
of chemistry. Many students however find chemistry the most challenging
of all of the subjects in first year and this may take much of their
homework time. You should purchase the Chemistry text book at the
beginnig of the semester. Be prepared to devote at least 6 hours of
homework per week to the chemistry subjects.
Back to top
Can
I do single subjects out of interest?
Yes you may choose single subjects out of general interest providing
there are no prerequisites. If you do not wish to receive a qualification,
then you are not required to complete any of the assessments for that
subject, so sit back and soak it up!
Back to top
Do
I need to buy any books?
Comprehensive manuals are provided in all subjects. These manuals
along with your student learning guides, will provide an extensive
list of useful internet sites which will significantly reduce the
amount of set texts required in the course. However a small selection
of books must be purchased for some subjects, most of which are available
at the college. Contact administration for a list of set texts. The
college shop sells a selection of books on geobiology, electromagnetic
pollution, alternative cosmetics and cleaning products, pesticide
problems, permaculture and so on. Click here to access the online shop. Whilst many of these are not compulsory,
many students chose to purchase them out of general interest.
Back to top
How
much homework is involved?
Do not underestimate the time it will take for you to successfully
complete this course. All students should set aside at least
5 to 6 hours of homework every week over 14 weeks to complete the
subject. Whilst you may get away with doing less than this in the
first 3 weeks, the load will increase from the middle to the end of
subject. Please take this into consideration when enrolling.
Back to top
I
have not studied for many years. Will I be able to cope?
Most of our students are mature age many of whom have not studied
for many years, or even decades. We have addressed this issue by providing
you with a student handbook outlining what is required. On-campus
students will receive the student handbook on their first day, whilst correspondence
students will be given the handbook with their first
subject. The student handbook contains essential information on college
policies and procedures, as well as how to write an essay and use
the Harvard referencing system. Writing essays and referencing can
be difficult the first time round, so students are free to discuss
any concerns with their lecturer or tutor. We
can give you examples of good essay writing and steer you in the right
direction. With each subject you will be assigned a tutor with whom you can ask questions during the 14 week period. You will also be invited to join the Building Biology Yahoo group along with current students and graduates to discuss relevant issues relating to building biology. Remember we are here to help you succeed!
Back to top
Do
I need computer skills?
Yes, we assume that you are able to gain access to and be able to
use a computer. This could be your own, a friends, a family member
or your local library. You should be able to use Word in order to
write reports, and be able to search the internet. Whilst email is
not compulsory, it enables you to join our free Yahoo group which
means you can ask questions to other students, graduates and teachers
of the course on a regular basis. Most subjects require you to hand
in typed assignments and reports. If you are not familiar with how
to use a computer, we strongly suggest you do a short course at a
Tafe or Neighbourhood house before or whilst you are doing the course.
Back to top
Do
you have campuses in other states?
As a result of the huge amount of practical and field training and
the availability of expert teaching staff, the Certificate and Diploma
of Building Biology (30588QLD) is only offered at the Melbourne campus.
However, correspondence students can complete most of their
training via correspondence. In order to complete their practical
training, correspondence students will need to come to Melbourne for
a 9 day intensive (9 days for the Certificate and another 9 days for
the Diploma).
Back to top
Can
I apply for credits for prior learning?
Students who have studied a similar subject at another institution,
may apply for credits from previous studies. You will need to fill
out the RPL form available at the college and send it in along with
a $100 non-refundable fee. For example, if you have studied a business
subject, you may apply for a full or partial exemption from the business
skills subject. As part of your submission, you should include a comprehensive
business plan along with your academic transcript and detailed description
of the study you undertook.
Back to top
How
does this course differ to other building biology courses?
Unlike the courses offered in Europe and the United States, this course
is the first full time building biology course of its kind. After
careful consideration, it became obvious that the issues currently
facing humanity and the environment are so complex and detailed, that
a building biologist should be well versed in the areas of toxicology,
air, water and soil contamination, noise and light pollution, electromagnetic
radiation, geobiology as well as energy efficiency. In order to be
a confident and effective practitioner, the student requires a solid
theoretical background and extensive practical training in all of
these fields.
Back to top
