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Postgraduate DiplomaCivil, Rail & Smart Cities Applications open

Diploma in Parametric Automation with Dynamo/Grasshopper

Online postgraduate diploma of 800 hours in parametric automation with Dynamo/Grasshopper. 8 modules covering parametric design and algorithmic thinking, Dynamo for Revit, Grasshopper and Rhino, applied text-based programming, automation of structures and infrastructure, and script deployment and governance, applying UNE-EN ISO 19650-1, UNE-EN ISO 16739-1 and UNE-EN ISO 19650-2 with Dynamo, with an assigned technical tutor.

Duration800 hours · 6–8 months
ModeOnline
LanguageEnglish
Start datesSet by the faculty
AwardSEIUM Institute diploma
Enrol now View syllabus Ask an advisor
Virtual lab · try it before you enrol

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Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.

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Learning outcomes

What you will be able to do

01

Develop algorithmic thinking applied to design.

02

Automate modelling and documentation tasks with Dynamo.

03

Create complex parametric definitions with Grasshopper.

04

Write Python scripts on top of modelling APIs.

05

Generate structures and infrastructure from data.

06

Integrate structural analysis into parametric workflows.

07

Implement and maintain automation libraries within an organisation.

Profile

Who it's for

  • Computational designers building parametric workflows for engineering projects.
  • BIM developers automating modelling and documentation tasks.
  • Parametric structures engineers linking geometry and analysis.
  • Automation coordinators rolling out scripts across a team.
  • Advanced BIM modellers ready to move from manual modelling to scripting.
  • Generative design consultants exploring optimisation and form-finding.
  • Engineering or science graduates seeking to enter structural engineering.
Standards & tools

What you'll work with

  • UNE-EN ISO 19650-1 (BIM information management)
  • UNE-EN ISO 16739-1 (Industry Foundation Classes)
  • UNE-EN ISO 19650-2 (delivery phase of assets)
  • ISO 12006-2 (organisation of information about construction works)
  • UNE-EN 17412-1 (level of information need)
  • UNE-EN ISO 23386 (property dictionaries)
  • Dynamo
  • Grasshopper
  • Rhinoceros
  • Karamba3D
  • IfcOpenShell
Syllabus

8 modules

  1. 1.1Visual programming logic
  2. 1.2Data, lists and tree structures
  3. 1.3Basic computational geometry
  4. 1.4Vectors, planes and transformations
  5. 1.5NURBS surfaces and meshes
  6. 1.6Parameters, constraints and dependencies
  7. 1.7Generative versus parametric design
  8. 1.8Good practice in organising scripts
  9. 1.9Documenting definitions
  10. 1.10Workshop: parametric generation of a roof
  1. 2.1Interface and main nodes
  2. 2.2Reading and writing parameters
  3. 2.3Creating elements from data
  4. 2.4Automating views and sheets
  5. 2.5Managing lists and levels
  6. 2.6Custom nodes and packages
  7. 2.7Data exchange with Excel
  8. 2.8Dynamo Player for end users
  9. 2.9Debugging and performance
  10. 2.10Practical: automatic numbering of structural elements
  1. 3.1Components and data flow
  2. 3.2Managing data trees
  3. 3.3Definitions for complex geometry
  4. 3.4Analysis plugins: Karamba3D and Kangaroo
  5. 3.5Optimisation with Galapagos and Wallacei
  6. 3.6Ladybug for environmental analysis
  7. 3.7Rhino.Inside.Revit integration in BIM workflows
  8. 3.8Exporting geometry for fabrication
  9. 3.9Clusters and reuse
  10. 3.10Workshop: parametric truss analysed with Karamba3D
  1. 4.1Python in Dynamo and Grasshopper
  2. 4.2Revit API: basic concepts
  3. 4.3Transactions and elements
  4. 4.4Model filtering and queries
  5. 4.5C# for advanced scripts
  6. 4.6Manipulating IFC with IfcOpenShell
  7. 4.7Error handling
  8. 4.8Version control with Git
  9. 4.9Testing and validating scripts
  10. 4.10Practical: parameter-checking script
  1. 5.1Generating grids and axes
  2. 5.2Modelling columns and beams from tables
  3. 5.3Parametric reinforcement of concrete elements
  4. 5.4Generating foundations from loads
  5. 5.5Free-form structures
  6. 5.6Section optimisation
  7. 5.7Link with structural analysis programs
  8. 5.8Automating quantity take-offs
  9. 5.9Automatic setting-out drawings
  10. 5.10Case study: automatic modelling of a car park
  1. 6.1Alignments and axes in linear works
  2. 6.2Bridge modelling with Civil 3D and Dynamo
  3. 6.3Parametric cross-sections
  4. 6.4Generating segments and precast beams
  5. 6.5Walls and slopes from topography
  6. 6.6Ring-based tunnel design
  7. 6.7Coordinates and georeferencing
  8. 6.8Export to IFC 4.3
  9. 6.9Integration with GIS
  10. 6.10Workshop: parametric bridge deck
  1. 7.1Corporate script libraries
  2. 7.2Naming standards
  3. 7.3Security and access control
  4. 7.4User training
  5. 7.5Measuring hours saved
  6. 7.6Maintenance for new software versions
  7. 7.7Cloud automation with APS
  8. 7.8Integration into the BIM execution plan
  9. 7.9Ethics and intellectual property of code
  10. 7.10Case study: automation library in an engineering firm
  1. 8.1Identifying repetitive tasks
  2. 8.2Algorithm design
  3. 8.3Development in Dynamo or Grasshopper
  4. 8.4Integration with the BIM model
  5. 8.5Testing with real cases
  6. 8.6Measuring results
  7. 8.7User documentation
  8. 8.8Deployment to the team
  9. 8.9Report and presentation
  10. 8.10Final project: final review with the tutor
Methodology, software & labs

How you'll learn

100% online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. No fixed timetables: you progress at your own pace within the intake, making it compatible with work.

Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is Dynamo, Grasshopper, Rhinoceros, Karamba3D and IfcOpenShell, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Testing is studied on real procedures such as automatic numbering of elements in a Revit model, optimisation of a parametric truss with Karamba3D and generation of a bridge deck from an alignment. Assessment is continuous by module plus the final integrating project.

Standards covered: UNE-EN ISO 19650-1, UNE-EN ISO 16739-1, UNE-EN ISO 19650-2, ISO 12006-2, UNE-EN 17412-1, UNE-EN ISO 23386.

Assigned technical tutor:every module ends with a deliverable that your tutor marks individually.
Standards-based learning:guided reading of UNE-EN ISO 19650-1, UNE-EN ISO 16739-1 (IFC) and UNE-EN ISO 19650-2 applied to real cases, not as a theoretical annex.
Industry software:Dynamo, Grasshopper, Rhinoceros, Karamba3D and IfcOpenShell, in free, academic or evaluation versions.
Final project:a complete parametric automation tool for a real repetitive task, from algorithm design and development in Dynamo or Grasshopper to BIM integration, testing, documentation and team deployment, reviewed by your tutor.
Flexible format:100% online, no fixed timetables, compatible with full-time work.
Capstone project

Build it end to end

Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.

Parametric roof
Generate a parametric roof geometry driven by design parameters.
Revit automation
Automate numbering and parameter checks in a Revit structural model.
Truss optimisation
Optimise a parametric truss analysed with Karamba3D.
Parametric bridge deck
Generate a bridge deck from an alignment and export it to IFC 4.3.
Final project
Deliver a tested and documented automation tool deployed to a team, reviewed by your tutor.
Career opportunities

Where this takes you

Computational designerBIM developerParametric structures engineerAutomation coordinatorAdvanced BIM modellerGenerative design consultant
Admissions & scholarships

Requirements

  • Prior technical training or professional experience in the sector. No university degree is required.
  • Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme software.
  • English sufficient to read technical standards.

Ready to start?

Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

The programme totals 800 hours over 6–8 months. You set your own pace within each intake, and your tutor helps you plan the workload around your job.

You work with Dynamo, Grasshopper, Rhinoceros, Karamba3D and IfcOpenShell, using free, academic or evaluation versions. Your tutor indicates the free alternative wherever one exists.

A SEIUM Institute diploma, awarded on passing the continuous assessment and the final project. It is SEIUM's own qualification, not an official state degree; its recognition depends on the programme completed and the regulations of each country.

Yes. Modules passed are recognised in a higher programme in the same area (postgraduate diploma or master's). Ask about the recognition policy when you enrol.

Prior technical training or professional experience in the sector (no university degree required), a computer able to run the software, and English sufficient to read technical standards.

Start dates are set by SEIUM's faculty for each intake. Our admissions team will confirm the next available date when you apply.

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