Course Information
SemesterCourse Unit CodeCourse Unit TitleT+P+LCreditNumber of ECTS CreditsLast Updated Date
2IAD 132INTRODUCTION TO BUILDING MATERIALS3+0+03530.07.2026

 
Course Details
Language of Instruction English
Level of Course Unit Bachelor's Degree
Department / Program Interior Architecture and Environmental Design (English)
Type of Program Formal Education
Type of Course Unit Compulsory
Course Delivery Method Face To Face
Objectives of the Course The objective of this course is to establish foundational material literacy for interior architecture and design students by developing an understanding of material properties, mechanical behaviour, structural logic, and performance criteria within interior environments. The course aims to shift material selection from purely aesthetic preference to performance-based decision-making grounded in physical principles.
Course Content Bu dersin amacı, iç mimarlık ve çevre tasarımı öğrencilerine malzeme özellikleri, mekanik davranış, taşıyıcı sistem mantığı ve iç mekânlardaki performans ölçütleri konusunda temel bilgi kazandırarak malzeme okuryazarlığı geliştirmektir. Ders, malzeme seçimini yalnızca estetik tercihlere dayalı bir yaklaşım olmaktan çıkarıp fiziksel ilkelere dayalı performans odaklı karar verme süreci olarak ele almayı amaçlamaktadır.
Course Methods and Techniques Theoretical lectures, interactive discussions, case study analysis, examination of material samples, comparative material evaluation, performance-based analysis, problem-based learning, small-scale practical exercises, presentations supported by visual and digital materials, in-class activities, individual research, oral presentations, and independent learning.
Prerequisites and co-requisities None
Course Coordinator None
Name of Lecturers Prof.Dr. Özlem Erdoğdu Erkarslan
Assistants None
Work Placement(s) No

Recommended or Required Reading
Resources Allen, E., & Iano, J. (2019). Fundamentals of Building Construction: Materials and Methods (7th ed.). John Wiley & Sons. Ching, F. D. K., & Adams, C. (2020). Building Construction Illustrated (6th ed.). John Wiley & Sons.

Course Category
Engineering %20
Field %80

Planned Learning Activities and Teaching Methods
Activities are given in detail in the section of "Assessment Methods and Criteria" and "Workload Calculation"

Assessment Methods and Criteria
In-Term Studies Quantity Percentage
Mid-terms 1 % 22
Quizzes 3 % 18
Assignment 1 % 25
Final examination 1 % 35
Total
6
% 100

 
ECTS Allocated Based on Student Workload
Activities Quantity Duration Total Work Load
Course Duration 14 3 42
Hours for off-the-c.r.stud 14 2 28
Assignments 1 15 15
Mid-terms 3 18 54
Final examination 1 13 13
Total Work Load   Number of ECTS Credits 5,06666666666667 152

 
Course Learning Outcomes: Upon the successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
Bilgi 
1 Define and explain fundamental mechanical forces (compression, tension, shear, bending, torsion) and identify their presence within interior elements.
2 Differentiate material behavioural categories (elastic, plastic, brittle, ductile) and evaluate their implications for interior applications.
4 Analyze common interior failures by identifying the dominant forces and inappropriate material behaviours involved.
5 Interpret basic structural systems (one-way slabs, two-way slabs, flat slabs, frame systems, long-span systems) and understand their impact on interior layout and spatial modulation.
Beceri 
3 Distinguish key material properties including strength, stiffness, hardness, toughness, and flexibility, and apply these distinctions in material selection.
6 Evaluate material compatibility within assemblies and anticipate potential issues related to differential movement, environmental exposure, and aging.
7 Assess material suitability for specific interior conditions based on load type, span, surface use, and long-term performance requirements.
8 Demonstrate critical awareness of structural responsibility in interior design decisions, recognizing that material specification carries technical and ethical implications.
9 Develop performance-based thinking, integrating aesthetic intention with mechanical and environmental constraints.

 
Weekly Detailed Course Contents
WeekTopicsStudy MaterialsMaterials
1 Introduction to Building Materials
2 Forces and Material Behaviour
3 Structural Systems
4 Stone Materials
5 Cement and Concrete
6 Metals
7 Timber
8 Midterm Examination
9 Glass
10 Ceramics
11 Polymers and Plastics
12 Finishing Materials
13 Material Selection and Performance
14 Sustainable Materials
15 Holistic Material Selection
16 Final Examination

 
Contribution of Learning Outcomes to Programme Outcomes
P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6 P7 P8 P9 P10
In1 3
In2 3
In4 3
In5 2
Sk3 3
Sk6 3 3
Sk7 3
Sk8 1 2
Sk9 3 2

  Contribution: 1: Very Slight 2:Slight 3:Moderate 4:Significant 5:Very Significant

  
  https://obs.ankarabilim.edu.tr/oibs/bologna/progCourseDetails.aspx?curCourse=133781&curProgID=5809&lang=en