UNIVERSITY OF KENT – CODE OF PRACTICE FOR QUALITY ASSURANCE
MODULE SPECIFICATION TEMPLATE
1
The title of the module: UU335 - Building Construction A
2
The Department which will be responsible for management of the module
Building & Civil Engineering
3
The Start Date of the Module September 2004
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The number of students expected to take the module 40
5
Modules to be withdrawn on the introduction of this proposed module and consultation with other
relevant Departments and Faculties regarding the withdrawal
6
The level of the module Certificate [C],
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The number of credits which the module represents 15
8
Which term(s) the module is to be taught in (or other teaching pattern) Both Semesters.
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Prerequisite modules: Introduction to Construction
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The programmes of study to which the module contributes
Foundation Degree in Construction, HNC Construction, HNC Building Services Engineering
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The intended subject specific learning outcomes and, as appropriate, their relationship to
programme learning outcomes
1)
2)
3)
Discuss the different methods of site investigation and the effects and treatment of different
soil characteristics.
Investigate the construction of various forms of sub-structure for low-rise and medium-rise
buildings
Compare the construction of various forms of superstructure for low-rise domestic
construction & wide span single storey framed construction for commercial and industrial
buildings
These learning outcomes directly relate to the listed programme learning outcomes A1 and A5 –
Knowledge & Understanding of the Foundation Degree in Construction & HNC’s in Construction
& Building Services Engineering. In addition the following subject specific skill listed in section C
is also included as referenced ( ):
(3) Evaluate the characteristics of various construction techniques and materials and
their effect on building production.
12)
The intended generic learning outcomes and, as appropriate, their relationship to programme
learning outcomes
The following generic learning outcomes directly relate to the listed programme learning outcomes
of the Foundation Degree in Construction & HNC’s in Construction & Building Services
Engineering
1)
2)
3)
Analyse, synthesise, evaluate and summarise information critically, including prior research Evaluate
designs, processes and products, and make improvements.
Communicate effectively with other people using visual, graphic, written and verbal means.
Locate, extract, analyse, prepare, process, interpret and present data from multiple sources including
drawn information using appropriate qualitative and quantitative techniques and packages.
UNIVERSITY OF KENT – CODE OF PRACTICE FOR QUALITY ASSURANCE
13)
A synopsis of the curriculum



14)
Site investigation: methods of site survey, soil classification & characteristics, geotechnical
processes (dewatering), effect of water and chemicals, contamination and action to be taken.
Forms of substructure: Foundations relative to high water table, settlement and heave, load
considerations, control & regulations, sub-structure types; strip, raft, pile & basement
constructions.
Forms of superstructure: Domestic load bearing walls; brick & block, timber frame, cross wall,
single storey structures; roof frames, beams, trusses, lattice girders, portal frames, grid roofs,
space decks; roof lighting and ventilation, fire precautions; cladding, profile sheet, brick panel
walls, and steel coverings, insulation, fire protection, corrosion; internal structures, fittings
and finishes.
Indicative Reading List
Chudley, R & Greeno R, (2000) Building Construction Handbook 4th Edition .
Butterworth-Heinemann
Everett, A (1994)
Materials 5th Edition .
Longman
McMullan, R (2001)
Environmental Science in Building 5th Edition .
Palgrave
Stroud Foster, J (1999)
Fabric & Structure
Mitchell
Other publications
BRE Digests
Papers from Cement and Concrete Association
Papers from RIBA
Papers from TRADA
Technical, professional and trade literature
The Building Regulations
15)
Learning and Teaching Methods, including the nature and number of contact hours and the total
study hours which will be expected of students, and how these relate to achievement of the
intended learning outcomes
Since it is important that learners have a good understanding of the principles of construction and
the industry, it is desirable that this module should be studied in the first year of the programmes.
Students will be expected to spend a total of 150 hours of study, which will be apportioned as
follows:

47 contact hours - involving a mixture of lectures, classes & tutorials. Much of the content
will be directly taught incorporating a variety of class-based activities. Case studies will be
used extensively in order to develop a working knowledge and practice of the construction
industry. The production of sketches and drawings [manually or using CAD] to enhance the
knowledge gained will be included. Learners will work both in groups and individually and
will be required to provide oral presentations from their own studies or experiences.
Particular attention will be given to the implications that the site investigation and design of
buildings has upon safe construction, use and maintenance.

40 hours – assessment & revision

63 hours – private study
16)
Assessment methods and how these relate to testing achievement of the intended learning
outcomes
Assessment
Evidence for learning outcomes is achieved through course work assignments (60%) and end of
module examination (40%). Assessment will focus upon the individual achievement of each
learner, however group work activities will also be part of the assessment strategy. Integrative
assignments and project work will link this module with other related modules. Assessment will
UNIVERSITY OF KENT – CODE OF PRACTICE FOR QUALITY ASSURANCE
also test the ability to draw detailed architectural style drawings both manually and/or by using
CAD and other current, modern, ICT facilities. Where relevant, evidence from the workplace can
also be incorporated to enhance the learning outcomes provided that this evidence is authenticated
as the learners own work. Consideration will be given to health, safety and welfare arrangements
and CDM Regulations throughout the delivery of this module.
Subject Specific Learning outcomes
1) Discuss the different methods of site
investigation and the effects and
treatment of different soil
characteristics.
Assessment Criteria
 Discuss the site survey techniques and
investigations necessary to evaluate a site for
construction
 Compare the characteristic and classification of
soils
 Appraise the effects of water, chemicals and
contaminants when designing and planning for
construction
2)
Investigate the construction of various
forms of sub-structure for low-rise and
medium-rise buildings
 Analyse and produce details of substructures
related to soil and site conditions
 Compare and appraise site conditions in terms
of dewatering & temporary works which might
be necessary
 Compare different water-proofing techniques
employed in basement construction
3)
Compare the construction of various
forms of superstructure for low-rise
domestic construction & wide span
single storey framed construction for
commercial and industrial buildings
 Discuss and produce details of different forms of
construction applied to domestic buildings
 Compare and produce details of construction
forms employed in commercial and industrial
buildings
 Identify internal finishes and components that
are used in domestic, commercial and industrial
buildings
Generic Learning Outcomes
1)
2)
Analyse, synthesise, evaluate and
summarise information critically.
Evaluate techniques, processes,
plant and material specifications.

Communicate effectively with other
people using scaled drawings,
graphical illustrations, written
communications and verbal
presentation.





3)
Locate, extract, analyse, prepare,
process, interpret and present data
from multiple sources including
drawn information using
appropriate qualitative and
quantitative techniques and
packages.



Critically appraise results from different
survey processes
Appraise and compare a range of situations
effectively to take into account all possible
circumstances
Produce drawings to scale using appropriate
drawing office standards
Include drawings clearly annotated to show
key components, functions etc.
Provide brief specifications where required to
describe materials and quality
Provide written text coherently using
appropriate technical language
Extract and analyse research information from
class texts, published accounts and on line
sources.
Select information that is specifically applied
to the brief and objective(s)
Write accounts of selected key points from
researched information using own text style
UNIVERSITY OF KENT – CODE OF PRACTICE FOR QUALITY ASSURANCE
and structure.
UNIVERSITY OF KENT – CODE OF PRACTICE FOR QUALITY ASSURANCE
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Implications for learning resources, including staff, library, IT and space.
This module will be taught by appropriately qualified lecturers who have experience in delivering
these topics.
All the items stated in the Indicative Reading List are available at the Horsted Centre, Learning
Resource Centre IT suites which all allow Internet, On-line T.I. Onestop Technical Index Facility
are also available for students to book as required. In addition the Department boasts its own
IT/AutoCAD suite which is incorporated in the programme operation. The teaching
accommodation is adapted for teaching Construction and Drawing classes.
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A statement confirming that, as far as can be reasonably anticipated, the curriculum, learning and
teaching methods and forms of assessment do not present any non-justifiable disadvantage to
students with disabilities
The learning outcomes, teaching and learning methods and assessments are accessible to and
achievable by all students. Any student with disabilities will not face any foreseen disadvantage or
difficulties that cannot be reasonably addressed.
Statement by the Director of Learning and Teaching: "I confirm I have been consulted on the above
module proposal and have given advice on the correct procedures and required content of module
proposals"
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Director of Learning and Teaching
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Date
Statement by the Head of Department: "I confirm that the Department has approved the introduction of
the module and will be responsible for its resourcing"
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Head of Department
Revised August 2002; Revision 2 in 2003.
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Date