This module is designed for students of construction and surveying with little and/or no prior knowledge of building construction, services and material properties. You will learn the common methods of construction of both new and traditional housing, by considering the functional requirements of each of the main elements of the buildings' structure and the materials used in their construction. You will also study the requirements of the internal environment, so as to understand how services installations contribute to user comfort. You will be introduced to some of the basic analytical concepts and processes involved in the design of structures. You will develop analytical skills which will allow you to carry out basic structural calculations and apply these to basic domestic design solutions. You will acquire knowledge related to domestic construction and be able to justify why different construction techniques and materials are used in the built environment on the basis of structural performance and sustainability. As well as improving your intellectual skills you will also develop communication skills both written and graphical.
This module is intended to develop and appreciation and skills relating to simple site surveying skills, production of CAD drawings and the utilisation of BIM modules for a variety of purposes relating to your discipline. The module will introduce you to the necessary site related survey skills as you enter the construction industry. You will gain both a theoretical understanding as well as hands-on practice in the use of both traditional and contemporary instruments in order to set-up and control the most common elements of construction. You will be expected to display a hands-on competence to perform the basic calculations necessary to be able to prepare site/quality/survey documentation to satisfy specified tolerances and employer requirements. You will also be introduced to basic 2D drafting techniques using industry standard software. This will allow you to effectively produce and interpret technical drawing and give you the skills which can be applied to your specialist discipline area in later modules. BIM will be introduced and you will gain an appreciation of how parametric models can be used to produce a variety of information relating to your particular discipline.
This module will provide you with an introduction to the principles and application of management as they relate to the professional disciplines of the construction industry. You will gain understanding of management principles and their relevance to the processes of design, construction and maintenance of the built environment. You will also learn how these principles may be applied to the management of construction projects through case studies. The module will also consider the importance of an awareness of the well-being of those around you as well as your own well-being. You will consider the process of briefing, design, procurement, tendering and then setting up a site along with the importance of planning and organising work. Non-adversarial multi-discipline team working will be examined with reference to relevant procedural models such as the RIBA Plan of Work. The module provides you with opportunity to examine health and safety issues within the construction industry and their integration throughout the processes of design, tender award and construction. The roles of all parties involved are explored from both moral and legal viewpoints. Past and current attitudes will be discussed. You will consider the safety record within the construction industry and identify health and safety legislation aimed at reducing accident rates. The process of hazard identification and risk assessment will be explained, and you will produce method statements following on from your risk assessments. Safe systems of work are identified enabling you to relate theory and practice.
This module introduces you to the structure and processes of the English legal system and to basic economic principles and how they impact on organisations and professionals in the Built Environment. You will be introduced to concepts and skills which they will need to address and use in later modules. This module provides the essential foundation to the development of the legal skills necessary in the provision of sound advice to clients in a your professional career. It will focus on civil law providing guidance to you on information, materials and sources to equip you with a basic understanding of the nature and structure of the English legal system, Parliament and law making, the court structure and precedent, legislation and case law, and legal terms and language. You will be guided to legal sources and materials and will be taught how to research law appropriate to your studies using published references. This module provides the underpinning knowledge and skills to enable you to appreciate the significance for your industry and profession of the economic environment. You will develop an appreciation of the importance and role of the economy for the Built Environment. There will be an exploration of basic microeconomic and macroeconomic principles and examination of how they impact on client organisations, construction projects and firms in the Built Environment. This includes evaluating how Government fiscal policy may impinge on the construction industry and the property market. You will use both textbook and on-line source materials to support your understanding of theory and its implications for the real world. A key aim of the module is to develop research skills, together with the ability to analyse research material, and to marshal material and facts into cogent advice and reports.
This advanced technology module is designed to develop your technical knowledge and the skills to apply that knowledge in the context of both new build and refurbishment work. The focus of this module leads on from domestic construction and provides a broad understanding of the way we build commercial and industrial buildings. The module will consider the functional requirements of single-storey industrial sheds and multi-storey framed structures in concrete and steel. In addition, the effects of the latest legislation in relation to fire and health & safety on the construction process are examined. The application of Building Regulations and the associated Approved Documents to both commercial and industrial buildings will be explored. You will compare different construction methods and analyse suitable applications for each method. In particular: frames, cladding systems, internal walls, structural flooring and roofing will form key areas of the module. This analysis will include considerations of buildability, pre-fabrication, value for money and whole life costs. Environmental performance and sustainability are a central part of this module and you will investigate how to ensure high levels of environmental performance through using insulation, maintaining airtightness and the installation of building services and controls. You will have the opportunity to compare the installation requirements of natural and forced ventilation systems and different methods of heating and cooling commercial and industrial buildings. The provision of high quality IT and communications infrastructure systems will also be investigated. You will be introduced to standard methods of assessing and measuring the environmental performance of buildings, such as Passivhaus and BREEAM and be able to suggest improvements to building performance and sustainability.
You will examine the different types of interests - both legal and equitable within the built environment. This module employs various teaching and learning strategies such as formal group lectures, seminars and tutorials with a series of class exercises to facilitate knowledge and understanding, through which you will gain a practical and valuable knowledge and insight into problems associated with the law of property.
This module introduces the essential processes and documentation for administering the minor and intermediate building works with which Building Surveyors working in both private practice and the public sector are involved. Traditionally procured contracts will be concentrated upon, since this method (where the client employs a professional to prepare contract documentation with which to appoint a contractor) is in the main the type of work undertaken by building surveyors.
This module is designed to introduce you to the management of risk, value and environmental impact of construction projects. The module will enable you to distinguish between risk and uncertainty and the influence these issues may have on the technological, managerial and financial aspects of the project life cycle. You will be introduced to Value Engineering techniques along with the concept of Value management workshops and how these can be used throughout the project life cycle, case studies will be used to enhance your understanding along with identifying the key issues relating to the use of Value Engineering throughout the project life cycle. You will be introduced to the concept and use of the risk management workshop, and how these workshops are used to identify and distribute project risks to members of the project team throughout the project life cycle. You will also be introduced to the importance of reducing and managing the environmental impact of construction projects during the design and construction phases as well as through the whole project life-time. Legislation and other pressures for the protection of the environment are considered, including pollution control and environmental impact assessment. The module is of a practical nature using case studies to enhance the student experience and provide a greater understanding and appreciation of Risk, Value and Environmental Impact over the project life cycle.
The aim of this module is to encourage you to develop your own approach to management by establishing a solid foundation of management knowledge and practice; integrating these with your own values, experiences and goals, that will provide a basis for the life-long development of your management skills. The module focuses on developing the ability to apply theory to practice and to enable you to develop practical approaches to managing in a built environment and uses case studies to demonstrate the application of concepts and principles. The module will consider the main activities of management from an integrating perspective, together with identifying and developing the qualities required to be a successful manager, including leadership.
Here you will develop skills gained in the pre-requisite modules, An Introduction to Technology and Design and Professional Surveying Practice and adapt these skills to enable the completion of a typical condition survey (RICS Home Buyer Report). Emphasis will be placed upon property inspection, recognition of defects in residential property and related matters such as non-traditional construction, assessing age of buildings, asbestos awareness and damage by trees to buildings. You will also explore current health and safety legislation and how this affects the surveying of buildings together with an examination of data protection legislation and guidelines. The module provides a good grounding in undertaking modern condition surveys and of recognising defects in low rise residential buildings.
You will study aspects of architectural periods and types of building including components and materials of construction commonly used in the types of building under study and life-cycle options. You will acquire a range of analytical skills to enable you to measure existing and proposed building performance from a number of standpoints and be in a position to select a range of re-use options which can be employed by a building owner.
The context and content of this module integrates knowledge and skills obtained from previous management and design modules. It examines them in a holistic manner and explores their complex inter-relationships. Issues related to the client, the site, planning, financial appraisal, design technology, legal, health and safety and environment will all be examined within a theoretical and practical framework.
The key aims of this module are to develop an understanding of inspection and reporting procedures relating to schedules of dilapidations on commercial premises. In this context 'dilapidation' is a legal term relating to the law of 'waste' and applies in situations where a party has an obligation (for example under the terms of a lease) to keep a property in good repair. The case law and legislation pertaining to all dilapidation activities is also an important part of the module. A suitable commercial building will be identified for students to inspect and prepare a schedule of dilapidations in order to complete the assessment task.
The key aims of this module are to develop an understanding of inspection and reporting procedures relating to building surveys (sometimes known as ‘structural surveys’), party wall awards and alternative dispute resolution methods commonly used by the building surveyor. A suitable commercial building will be identified for students to inspect and prepare a building survey in order to partially complete the assessment tasks.
This module represents the culmination of your development through learning undertaken on your programme. It provides an opportunity for you to demonstrate your ability to undertake a substantial original study to investigate a subject, issue, or problem and to produce a usable outcome. You'll carry out an original piece of work that may be either an expert study or a research study. The module is in three parts. The proposal will identify the subject area, the aims of the study, the rationale for it, the method statement and an ethics statement and evaluation. You're also required to identify a minimum of ten literature sources that will be used. The proposal is to be submitted early in semester one, the exact date being in the Study Guide. Proposals must be approved before a tutor is allocated and work proceeds with the study. Where proposals are not approved, you'll be counselled and required to re-submit the proposal to the required standard. Advice will be provided regarding the writing of the proposal. The major project/dissertation requires you to demonstrate analytical, deductive, investigative and written communication skills in relation to your chosen subject. You'll deploy a wide range of skills that you have developed during your programme including initiative, self-motivation, time management, analysis and integration of data and information together with the organisational skills needed for such a large piece of work. The dissertation should be submitted in accordance with the date published in the Study Guide.