"Building biology is the evaluation of health hazards like allergens, toxicants and electromagnetic fields in the built environment, and provides strategies to address exposure and/or source control and abatement". Nicole Bijlsma.

The nationally accredited Advanced Diploma of Building Biology (10194NAT) is the first and only government accredited course of its kind in Australia that provides the knowledge and the skills to work as a professional Building Biologist at the highest level. The course is a two year full time / four year part time course consisting of ten core subjects and one elective subject which is approximately 1,800 hours in duration. Students are trained to identify and address health hazards in the built environment (residential) from mould and electromagnetic fields to allergens, chemical, gas and particulates using the latest technology. Students are also trained to provide advice to architects and building designers on how to design healthy homes to cater for people with allergies, electrical and chemical sensitivities. The course content suits the needs of a range of health and allied professionals including general practitioners, naturopaths and nutritionists; building and construction professions such as architects, design consultants, interior designers and builders; trades such as electricians, mould remediators and anybody seeking a meaningful career change.
Career opportunities:
Demand for building biologists has increased significantly since the Parliamentary Inquiry into Biotoxin Illness in 2018. In addition, more clinicians are becoming aware of the growing body of scientific literature associating exposure to everyday chemicals, allergens and wireless technologies with adverse health effects, and this is driving demand for our services. Most graduates work in private practice conducting assessments in electromagnetic fields, mould, allergen and chemical testing in residential dwellings, and obtain referrals by aligning themselves with integrative doctors, health practitioners, mould remediator, realtors and building designers. Some of our graduates have been employed as expert witness' in legal disputes (VCAT, supreme court etc) including a landmark court case at the Supreme Court, which resulted in a multi-million dollar payout in favour of the tenant and changes to the Commercial Tenancy Agreements Act for water-damaged buildings.

Entry requirements:
Most students are aged between 25 and 60 and do not have a science, health or building background. Whilst candidates are not required to have any formal qualifications or relevant vocational practice to do the course, they are expected to have a high level of language, literacy and numeracy skills, sufficient to analyse and interpret documents, comprehend video lectures, participate in practical workshops, adapt spoken language to a range of clients, analyse laboratory reports, conduct research online, prepare written reports to provide precise meaning which meets audience purpose, use scientific terms and symbols, interpret graphs and tables, and use computer software. Most of these skills will be taught in the course.

Pathways:
This course provides the opportunity for a professional development pathway for current Practitioner Member of the Australasian Society of Building Biologists (ASBB).

Course structure & timetable:
The course consists of seven online subjects and four on-campus subjects (two weeks on campus training). Online subjects are 120 hours in duration and can be started at any time of the year. Students should set aside around ten hours in study time per week in order to complete a subject within the 12 week time frame. The on-campus subjects are held in Melbourne (one week in May and one week in August). Mould testing is also available in Sydney, Gold Coast, Perth, Melbourne and Auckland, New Zealand. Part-time students are expected to complete a minimum of three subjects per year and complete the course within 4 years, whilst full time students complete six subjects per year and complete the course within two years. Applicants can enrol in one or more subjects. The course accreditation subject and mapping guide can be found HERE. Click here for the on-campus Timetable.

Assessments:
The assessments have been specifically designed to ensure graduates have the necessary templates to work as a building biologist. These include questionnaires, checklists, reports and online quizzes (there are no exams). In order to gain the knowledge to work as a competent building biologist, you will be taught the skills to critically think, undertake research of scientific papers, medical journals, and government websites, and reference your work. In order to gain the necessary skills, you will be required to attend field trips to inspect properties and undergo practical assessments.

Investment:
Total cost is approx. $12,500. We do not accept upfront payment for the entire course, rather students pay as they enrol in each subject. Online subjects are $795 each, whilst on-campus subjects are $1695 each. We accept credit card and direct deposit. Whilst online subjects must be paid in full before gaining access to the course materials, part payment options are available for on-campus subjects. No government subsidies exist for this course at this stage.

Books and equipment required:
Students need to purchase four books: Healthy Home Healthy Family (Nicole Bijlsma), Electrical Principles (Peter Phillips), the IICRC R520-2015 Reference Guide for Professional Mold Remediation and the IICRC S520-2015 Standard for Professional Mold Remediation). The remaining resources are provided by the college and can be downloaded from the internet. The college will provide all equipment during the on-campus training program for the electrobiology, air sampling and mould testing subjects, however students are exptect to purchase their own full face mask (P3 respirator) which has been fit tested before attending the Mould Testing course. Please contact the college for advice on recommended brands. Students will also be required to purchase an inexpensive hygro-thermometer (~$30) from their local electronics store (such as Jaycar...) for the Air Pollution subject.