KA4015 - Construction Technology

What will I learn on this module?

This module seeks to provide you with a fundamental understanding of how construction and structural technologies can be employed to address key principles of building, and to satisfy performance and regulatory requirements. You will also be introduced to the aesthetic, environmental, economic and legislative factors that influence the choice of technologies in the construction industry. In particular, you will develop an understanding of the following aspects of technologies for small-scale buildings:

- the construction team and their specific roles in technological decisions
- structural principles
- foundations and groundworks
- principles of enclosure
- principles of environmental control
- building envelope as a climatic modifier
- daylight and lighting need; room conditions and sound transfer
- air transfer mechanisms
- alternative sources of energy
-principles of heat loss
- material properties and choices
- external wall construction methods
- internal walls floors and stairs
- fixtures, fittings and furniture
- principles of sustainability and the impact of construction on the built and natural environments
- health and safety in the construction and use of buildings
- building regulations and associated legislation
- communications and graphical standards in construction technology

How will I learn on this module?

You will be introduced to the key principles, influences and decisions that influence the choice of technological solutions in small-scale buildings by means of a variety of presentations, seminars and other supporting learning opportunities, such as building visits. Learning will be demonstrated through the use of assignments which will seek to encourage a critical evaluation and application of relevant technologies, as well as to evaluate alternative methods.

If you are in employment your workplace will be the main learning environment, in effect acting as a framework for 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.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

Support will include formative feedback from tutors during small-group seminars and one-to-one sessions (via the Department’s open door policy). In addition tutors will use the module’s discussion boards and blogs on the University’s eLearning Portal, to respond to frequently asked questions, so that the whole module group can benefit from advice and guidance. Time will be set aside in lectures and seminars to provide opportunities for Q&A on assignments and formative feedback will be provided. Work will be submitted electronically via the eLearning Portal.

You will be supported with structured seminar guidance specific to your subject area, where you may discuss the assignment requirements, and align disciplinary learning with your assignment. Feedback on formative work will be offered in a variety of forms which, may include verbal, written and drawn forms, supplying tailored guidance for your submissions. Directed learning will allow you to research issues raised in tutorials and independent learning will allow you to investigate you own themes and ideas. Case study examples, technical literature, and guidance documentation will be made available on the eLearning Portal (ELP) enabling ease of access to key information. A pastoral system will be implemented to help support student learning. The programme’s strong links with the university library offers support for all students through its physical and on-line catalogues, as well as the provision of guidance on academic skills provided by the Ask4Help service.
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.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

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.

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:

MLO1: You will be able to identify, explain and compare constructional and environmental principles employed in the structure and fabric of the built environment

MLO2: You will be able to describe the impact of environmental factors, structural forces and material choices on the design and performance of building enclosures and interior environments

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:

MLO3: You will be able to demonstrate skills in relevant communications methods related to professional practice

MLO4: You will begin to develop your academic study skills in support of successful learning in Higher Education

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):

MLO5: You will be able to identify principles of environmental sustainability, human well-being and health and safety within the context of the built environment

How will I be assessed?

Assessment is via a portfolio of subject specific outputs in which you can demonstrate your achievement of the learning outcomes through the application of taught knowledge from lectures and seminars towards relevant learning opportunities.

Formative guidance and feedback will be provided via seminars and tutorials, where subject specific tailored advice will be provided towards into how to improve portfolio submissions.

Summative feedback will be the production of a technical portfolio of exercises intended to demonstrate subject specific application of technological principles and practice.
The portfolio will assess MLO1-5.

Pre-requisite(s)

None

Co-requisite(s)

None

Module abstract

This module supports your learning of fundamental constructional, structural and environmental principles, processes and technologies relevant to all major professions within the construction industry, including building surveying, planning, quantity surveying and real estate management. You will therefore benefit from the expertise of a multi-disciplinary teaching team, providing an authentic reflection of the various stakeholders in the construction industry.

The module will support the transition to higher education and the acquisition of key academic skills by requiring you to take ownership of your own learning and independent study. The support for inquiry based learning will be provided by partnership with the University’s library staff. Summative portfolio submissions will be made electronically, reflecting the dissemination of construction information in the professional context. Focused seminar sessions will contextualise the lecture content towards discipline-specific application, and inform the assignment tasks. These seminars will also encourage deeper engagement with the individual professions engaged with this module. At the end of this module, you will have acquired knowledge of the broader construction industry and the technologies employed, as well as skills of self-directed inquiry and professional presentation methods.

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

Course info

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 5 years Part Time

Department Architecture and Built Environment

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Fee Information

Module Information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing.

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

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All information is accurate at the time of sharing.

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

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We are proud to work in partnership with AccessAble to provide Detailed Access Guides to our buildings and facilities across our City, Coach Lane and London Campuses. A Detailed Access Guide lets you know what access will be like when you visit somewhere. It looks at the route you will use getting in and what is available inside. All guides have Accessibility Symbols that give you a quick overview of what is available, and photographs to show you what to expect. The guides are produced by trained surveyors who visit our campuses annually to ensure you have trusted and accurate information.

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