Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 2 2012

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

This unit provides an introduction to the principles of building construction, which forms an essential part of the vocabulary and knowledge of an architect. It will support your developing design capabilities through increasing your understanding of the application of construction technologies and concepts for design development and resolution.

Aims

The aim of this unit is to enable you to understand and to develop your ability to use the various building construction systems in domestic projects. Emphasis will be placed on the role and use of building materials in architecture and the various construction systems currently used in the building industry for domestic buildings. A further aim is to introduce the role of the various building standards and the Building Code of Australia (BCA) in the design of buildings.

Objectives

On completion of this unit you will be able to demonstrate:
1. Practical knowledge regarding the use of building materials.
2. Practical knowledge for the selection of the appropriate construction system for a dwelling.
3. Technical skills for documenting domestic construction details.
4. A general understanding of the BCA and ability to use the BCA housing provisions.

Content

Topics covered in this unit are:

1. General properties of building materials.
   
2. Domestic construction systems including concrete floor slab systems, timber framing, steel framing, brickwork, brick veneer, concrete masonry, AAC and pole construction systems.
   
3. Building components (stairs, windows, doors, fire places, low retaining walls and termite protection.)
   
4. Analysis of the BCA Housing Provisions and a general analysis of BCA Volume 1 (commercial) and the various building standards used by the BCA.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

Teaching Mode: 3 Hours per week:
Lecture: 1.5
Tutorial: 1.5

Learning Approaches:
The unit is taught through lectures and tutorial. Learning approaches will cover the following:

Problem based

Self-learning

Reflective

Presentation of work

Emphasis will be placed on your ability to use the information given in the lectures:

to critically assess building materials and building construction systems;

to demonstrate ability to use the various systems;

to solve problem-based exercises in tutorials; and

to understand the requirements of the BCA in making informed decisions regarding the application of the various construction systems.

Assessment

Overview of Assessment:
Assessment will be based on a problem-based assignment, a log-book exercise and a final examination.Formative Assessment:
Assessment type: Ongoing
Weighting: Nil
Feedback on the tutorial exercises will be provided and advice will be given at key times to assist you in undertaking the assignments.

Assessment name: Problem Solving Task
Description: This involves a timber framing exercise, a nominated detail drawing plus tutorials submission.
Relates to objectives: 1 and 3
Weight: 35%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Mid semester

Assessment name: Construction Report
Description: The report is a comparative analysis of the various domestic construction systems together with appropriate detailing to support the analysis.
Individual or group work - students' choice.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2 and 3
Weight: 35%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Late semester

Assessment name: Examination (Theory)
Description: The open book examination has two sections:
- Multi-choice theory questions.
- Two drawings to be completed in the examination period.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3 and 4
Weight: 30%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Examination period

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

No Set Text:
Recommended reading material will be advised at the beginning of the semester. In addition extensive reading notes will be placed on the Blackboard.

Materials:
Materials required for:
1. Tutorial exercises - drawing implements, scale and suitable paper.
2. Construction Log Book - bound typed report plus site photographs and drawings.

On-Line:
Blackboard unit site.

Additional Costs:
There are additional costs for:
1. The White Construction Safety Card course undertaken at QUT or on-line.
2. Construction safety helmet, safety foot-ware and construction safety vest or shirt.
3. Travel costs associated in visiting a house under construction.

Risk assessment statement

You will undertake lectures and tutorials in the traditional classrooms and lecture theatres. As such, there are no extraordinary workplace health and safety issues associated with these components of the unit. You are reminded of your obligations to make yourself aware of your responsibilities under the Workplace Health and Safety Act and the evacuation procedures operating in the buildings in which you attend classes, tutorials or undertake associated study.

Where practical experiments are undertaken the School's occupational health and safety policies and procedures will apply to these sessions.

Special Site Visit Requirements:
You are required to visit a house under construction. For these visits you must have a White Construction Safety Card (or the previous Blue Construction Safety Card), construction safety helmet, safety foot-ware, a construction safety vest or construction safety shirt. On the site you will be required to undergo a specific safety briefing by the site supervisor. Site visits can only occurred when the site supervisor is on site and at times nominated by the site supervisor. These site visits are covered by QUT insurance.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 29-May-2012