DA5087 - Advanced Construction Technology

You will learn through a combination of lectures, seminars, local site visits, self-directed study and group work. Lectures and seminars will be used to focus and reinforce building technology and design and will involve; practical exercises, videos, technical detail on recently completed projects and site visits will be used to provide real building appraisal and evaluation opportunities. A study visit will also provide the opportunity to visit both completed buildings and a real time construction project allowing you to develop a greater understanding of how construction technology theory is put into practice.

You will develop your ability to work effectively as part of a group during the production of project information, which is very important in relation to future employability. In addition to timetabled sessions, your independent study will be guided and supported through your engagement with a range of interactive learning resources accessible via the module e-learning portal site, including electronic reading lists.
If you are in employment your workplace will be the main learning environment, in effect acting as a framework for advanced construction technology. However, tutor support will be available via drop-in sessions throughout the module study period. If you are in employment it is recognised that there is the need for modes of blended learning delivery, experiential assessment, and opportunities to combine work and study through independent study, embedded learning opportunities, and relevant communications technologies. Lecture capture will be used to elaborate on the content contained in any teaching material along with audio recording and notes to support presentations on key topics.

During site visits you will engage in small group activities during which you will benefit from peer interaction and support. In these sessions, you will also interact closely with teaching staff, who will provide formative support and feedback on activities leading up to the assessment tasks. You will also be supported by the provision of on-line resources via the module e-learning portal. These resources include lecture and seminar information, interactive reading list with on-line access to a number of key articles. Teaching staff will also respond to individual questions via the module’s discussion board so that everyone taking the module can benefit. Staff teaching on the module have an ‘open door’ approach during normal working hours and are responsive to communication via e-mail to support your learning.

If you are in employment your workplace will be the main learning environment, however, tutor support will be available via drop-in sessions throughout the module study period. The eLP, telephone and email will be used as a means of communication once the initial briefings have taken place and work-based visits will be made by tutors if appropriate.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

Knowledge & Understanding:
• MLO1
You will be able to apply advanced construction technology principles to multi-storey buildings, and justify solutions to construction problems.


• MLO2
You will be able to appraise and evaluate the design of complex buildings and produce solutions to design problems.

• MLO3
You will be able to analyse aesthetic and building user-related considerations for complex and multi-storey framed buildings, and produce appropriate solutions for given case studies.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:

• MLO4:
You will be able to evaluate case studies and use professional technical reports to communicate to a range of Built Environment stakeholders.


Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
• MLO5:
You will be able to work effectively as part of a project team, taking into consideration the opinions and views of other team members.

You will be assessed in two parts:

Part 1 – A group (or individual if in employment) report. Tasks will be based on the study visit, appraising and evaluating design solutions for complex multi-storey buildings in terms of construction technology, technical and performance requirements. For those not attending the study visit alternative assessment considering similar structures will be used. The report will assess Module Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 3 and 5 and contributes to 50% of the module assessment.


Part 2 - An individual report, appraising and evaluating a local building in terms of aesthetics, design, construction technology and user considerations. The report will be an individual submission assessing Module Learning Outcomes and 2, 3 and 4 and contributes to 50% of the module assessment.

You will receive formative feedback as you progress providing an indicator on your progress, whilst providing useful feedback to assist you with subsequent work.

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You will visit both completed buildings and those under construction to appraise and evaluate the design and construction technology used, and you will learn how to work both individually and as part of a team to produce professional reports of your findings. The reports will focus on the principles and practical application of building technology and the design, aesthetics and user requirements of complex and multi-storey framed buildings. Formative, feedback is provided throughout the module and summative feedback is provided in stages, allowing you to time to reinforce and improve your learning. On completion of the module, your improved ability to link theory with appraisal and evaluation will serve to enhance your future employability.

If you are in employment your workplace will act as a framework for advanced construction technology to develop your skills and knowledge.