1、building science 定义：http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Building_science
由上可以看出，building science 专业是强调the analysis and control of the physical phenomena affecting buildings and architecture，It traditionally includes the detailed analysis of building materials, building envelope, heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, natural and electrical lighting, acoustic, indoor air quality, passive strategies, fire protection, and renewable energies in buildings.
2、以南加大为例，看一下这个专业的特点、课程设置极其具体要求
Description：https://arch.usc.edu/programs/master-building-science
The Master of Building Science program is intended for students with a degree in architecture, engineering or related areas. The typical program length is two years. Students with a professional five-year architecture degree may qualify for advanced standing. Studies are centered around each student’s thesis and are supported by research seminars and electives from architecture, engineering and other related fields. Students are individually guided through their study and thesis by three faculty advisors. The faculty has academic, research and professional practice experience in architecture, civil and structural engineering, environmental control system design, and computer applications. （这个也说明了你的academic 方向侧重点） Many papers based on thesis work have been co-authored by faculty and students have been published and/or presented at professional conferences.
Within this context, the program emphasizes:
1.The integration of planning, design and technology to form a coherent and interdependent force for the appropriate construction of urban places
2.Recognition of the ecological importance of energy-conscious design and construction as well as the high social value of places in which natural forces and systems are being utilized rather than suppressed
3.The development of research and design methods suited to the complexity of building in urban settings and effective in the use of extensive information
下面是USC building science的分支方向：
l Building Information Modeling (BIM)
l Design processes that explore form in response to natural forces: sun, wind, water, seismic and thermal
l Exploration of unique structures: lightweight, long-span and high-rise
l Textile Membrane Structures (Fabric structures)
l Building Envelopes (Facades / Skins)
l Static and dynamic simulation models for investigation of structures
l Lighting and daylight design
l Passive and active solar design for heating and cooling
l Acoustics
l Systems integration: structure, mechanical, electrical, envelope, for fit and synergy with architectural objectives
l Industrialized construction processes, automation, transportation, etc.
l Materials and methods of construction
l Theory of architectural technology
l Computer tools: animation simulation, structural and environmental analysis, simulations of lost architecture, design information systems, smart building technology, stereoscopic visualization, and related topics
l Sustainability
curriculum：https://arch.usc.edu/programs/master-building-science
录取要求：https://arch.usc.edu/apply/graduate
1.9.1开放申请，1.5申请截止
2.申请费$85
3.3封推荐信
4.明确PS写明 study intentions and interests
5明确CV写明 employment, education, extra-curricular collegiate and community activities, honors, awards, publications, professional organizations, hobbies, travel 等
6.托福要求 90, with no less than 20 on each section ，GRE无明确要求
7.如果本科是5年建筑专业的，可以免修硕士课程的一些学分，由此看出，学校还是偏向于本科是建筑专业的学生，但并不限制别的专业学生申请
8.作品集要求：https://arch.usc.edu/apply/graduate ，1月5日前必须提交。
由以上要求可以看出，USC希望学生对building science 有足够的了解，坚持和兴趣，另外除了academic之外，学校希望学生还可以多向发展。而作品集没有明确要求，更多的还是展现自己的专业知识。学校最在乎的，还是学生是否足够了解专业并是否取得了成就。
