Learning and Practical Skills Development

Foundation Degree Students entering Higher Education will need specific study skills to enable them to maximise their learning potential and take advantage of opportunities available both in the academic setting and the workplace. The module is intended to be both preparatory and supportive building a strong foundation for learning and later development. Students will gain an appreciation of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) skills for research, information management and presentation purposes. It encourages students to use contemporary ICT methods for research and for the production and presentation of reports, in a style suitable both for their university coursework requirements and in a commercial environment. The module will enable students to gain experience in applying the elementary surveying techniques of levelling and linear measurement, both for detail acquisition and setting out. The relevant mathematical skills will be introduced and developed contextually. Final survey drawings will be produced and annotated. Students will be introduced to basic 2D drafting techniques using a powerful set of tools. Skills in this medium are highly sought after in the construction industry. Students will develop and maintain a reflective learning log to support this module and their continuing studies, the reflective log to be used as the basis of their PDP submission.

An Introduction to Technology and Design

This module is designed for students of construction, surveying and architecture with little or no prior knowledge of building construction, services and material properties. Students will learn the common materials and methods of construction of both new and traditional housing, by considering in turn each of the main elements of the buildings' structures. They will also study the requirements of the internal environment, so as to understand how services installations contribute to user comfort. Other basic aspects such as the personnel involved, health and safety requirements and specialised terminology will be illustrated as appropriate to support this. The module is also designed to provide an insight into the behaviour and properties for a variety of materials commonly used in the construction of buildings and civil engineering projects. The behavioural properties and performance of these materials will be explored using basic scientific principles in order to develop the students? ability to make informed choices. Students will also gain an appreciation of the role of the designer in the construction process and have an understanding of the design process. An integrated learning system comprising course text book, weekly videos, and workbooks for students' home study, are used together with formal lectures and group tutorials. Students will also undertake a series of calculations culminating in a design exercise.

The Built Environment Work Sector

This module is intended to support the development of understanding of the nature of the work sector in the broadest sense including the environments in which the sector operates, its performance within these contexts and factors that influence the operation of organisations. Students will cover the generic work together as a whole group focusing on the role of the professions in the built environment sector and opportunities for employment and career progression. The students will then split into different subject specialisms. Students will examine man in his environment and his attempts to control the development of society politically, socially and economically through the medium of land use in both organic and planned terms from earliest civilisation to the present day. Multicultural perspectives and issues within Built Environment are discussed. The module introduces the student to the complications of the present day structure of the building and development industry including the roles of the leading participants and the development of the organisation by examining the historic growth of the systems up to the present day situation.

Construction Economics

Students will also gain an understanding of basic microeconomic and macroeconomic principles and how they impact on firms in the Built Environment. This allows students to develop an appreciation of the importance of the economy on the industry in which their careers are located. The learning experience combines formal lectures with workshops and tutorial discussion to provide a foundation of understanding. Students are also expected to read not only text material but also web-based source material to gain an appreciation of current issues and debates. Students should be able to demonstrate in their assessment that they have undertaken their own research following guidance from the module leader.

Introduction to Civil Law and Legislation

This module introduces surveying and real estate students to the structure and processes of the English legal system, to the sources of the law, and to those basic legal concepts and skills which such students need to address more detailed legal issues in later modules. It is the essential foundation to the development of the legal skills necessary in the provision of sound advice to clients in a student's professional career. The module will focus in particular on the English Civil Law, as this is the branch of the law most relevant to students both in subsequent law modules and in professional careers after completing the surveying degree course. However, certain Criminal Law topics will be included where these are necessary to understand or draw a distinction between processes in the two branches of the law. The essential purpose of this module is to benefit students who may not have had the opportunity to study law previously. It will provide guidance to students on information, materials and sources to equip them 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. Students will be guided to legal sources and materials, and will be taught how to research law appropriate to their studies, using both published references and internet resources. A key aim of the module is to develop the students research skills, specifically in the field of legal issues affecting their work, together with their ability to analyse research material, and to marshal material and facts into cogent advice and reports. Whilst this introductory module will focus on the English law, it will provide an insight into the growing importance of the European context affecting English law

Professional Surveying Practice

The aim of this module is to provide an introduction to the roles and work of the Chartered Surveyor The module will be delivered by the Course Leaders for Building Surveying (BS), Real Estate Management (REM) and Quantity Surveying (QS). The module commences with an overview of the surveying professions. It will provide students with a general knowledge and understanding of the history and background of the surveying professions and the RICS, along with the types of organisations in which surveyors are employed. The roles of the surveyors will be explained, together with an outline of their main activities. The Module explores the roles and activities undertaken by the Chartered Surveyor throughout the development process. Teaching of the module will then be split into individual disciplines of Building Surveying, Real Estate Management & Quantity Surveying, thus enabling students to gain basic knowledge and skills specific to their chosen discipline. The assessment comprises two elements, namely, Term Assignment and Practical Timed Assignment. The term assignment will require students to research and explore the knowledge and skills of the Chartered Surveyor in their chosen surveying discipline.

Environmental Services and Construction Technology

This module has been designed to give the students an insight into the scientific basis of the environmental performance and construction of buildings and their services. The main focus is on the introduction of modelling tools that can be used to simulate a building's performance and its affect on the environment. The main approach adopted is that of a scientific one, focusing on the analysis of a problem or set of problems, followed by the synthesis of a solution. Considerable emphasis is placed on the use of environmental criteria to assess a building's thermal, visual and aural performance. A number of scientific methods are explored and there will be a limited amount of practical experiment-based work. A number of technical solutions will be explored for lighting, heating, ventilation and air conditioning a building. The passive design features of a building are explored. This second level module is also designed to give students a broad understanding of the way we build our commercial and industrial buildings. It is intended to lead on from the study of domestic construction to considering the functional requirements of single-storey industrial sheds and multi-storey framed structures in concrete and steel. In addition, the affects on the construction process of the latest legislation in relation to fire and health & safety are examined. A great deal of guidance is give to students on skill development. The module is delivered by blended learning via WebCT, so good access to the internet is essential. The assessment is by a series of online multi-choice questions and a number of reports on the performance of buildings.

Management Practice

This management module is designed for stage 2 surveying students who may wish to gain an understanding of management concepts and their application in the construction industry. Its primary focus is to develop practical and conceptual approaches to managing in a built environment firm. Students will start the module by focussing on the principles and processes of management and apply the concepts learnt to a practical context through case studies. The module will then focus on construction markets and organisations, their culture and structure, looking at staff and functional relationships together with chain of command and span of control. Students will be expected to show how the theory relates to practice. Management techniques and their application are studied considering work planning, monitoring and progress control. Computer software will be used to solve construction related problems. The student will also consider the importance of quality standards applied to the construction process. Finance plays an important part in the construction industry. Students will be expected to have an understanding and working knowledge of budgets and cost control. They will be required undertake financial problems and present solutions. The module will also consider management within a professional setting and issues relating to the unique nature of practice within the Built Environment.

Construction Procurement

This module examines the process of procurement and tendering for construction works, analysing the decisions made throughout the project life cycle which affect the commercial strategy used to procure the project. It considers traditional 'selective competitive tendering' procedures for the full range of contractual arrangements; the content and impact of published reports and legislation; and the development of team-working, partnering, PFI, PPP and other arrangements in the procurement process for construction works in the UK. The application of research and statistical analysis to bidding and marketing, and the concepts of risk and uncertainty throughout the process, are analysed in the context of deciding an appropriate commercial strategy for any particular project. The module will make extensive use of case studies to enable the student to analyse a variety of procurement options & select suitable procurement routes within given constraints. The module also includes an outline comparison of UK procedures with those in the EU and USA, considering their main features and differences.

Quantity Surveying Practice I

This module is a problem-solving module that takes typical scenarios and problems encountered during the construction process. It requires students to analyse and define problems, develop a range of standard and innovative solutions then provide professional advice to clients. Its focus is the application of theory to practice. The module develops the knowledge and understanding gained from the study of other modules, integrates this with additional knowledge from the module to solve the problems encountered. Throughout the module, emphasis is placed on the development and provision of professional, industry-standard solutions. Deliverables take the form of reports, documents, letters, etc. that provide useable information to clients. Considerable importance is placed upon the form and presentation of these written documents, and the professionalism that they communicate; often the only tangible output produced by professional surveyors. All written documents are expected to be produced to a professional standard. The aim of the module is to enable students to develop their professional skills. It facilitates the development of the personal, interpersonal, professional practice and business skills that are essential to all quantity surveyors. It also develops student's cognizance of ethical issues, professional responsibilities, liabilities and rules of conduct.

Quantification and Measurement

This module intends to introduce an understanding and appreciation of quantification and measurement through the various stages of the development process of a building project. The module seeks to develop skills in interpreting drawn and written information and of presenting that material in appropriate quantified descriptive form to facilitate the analytical processes necessary for accurately assessing the cost of construction works. The content of the module will cover the knowledge, skills and competences necessary to quantify a range of construction and civil engineering work in accordance with the relevant standard forms of measurement from project initiation through to design completion. The students will be expected to interpret and apply the principles and rules contained within the appropriate measurement rules and demonstrate an understanding of the need to quantify work at the various stages of design development.

Quantification and Costing

This module intends to introduce an understanding and appreciation of the production of costs associated with a range of construction operations and projects. Students will therefore study the principles and methodology in the computation of construction costs throughout a projects life cycle, including relevant commercial factors and risk etc. This will involve identifying and assessing all direct and indirect costs related to construction works as well as an understanding of the factors required to be considered at tender adjudication. Students will also gain an understanding of the measurement and pricing of maintenance and repair work involved in the running and upkeep of buildings using the relevant measurement rules and recognised good practice. Students will also consider the use of Building Information Modelling within project development.

Construction Contract Law

This module seeks to develop the students' understanding of the legal context of their work, specifically in the field of construction contracts. It will develop skills within the framework of the legal principles of common law contracts, and equip students with the knowledge and analytical skills relevant to standard forms of building contract. Study will cover the essential features and principles of creating a legally enforceable contract, and the principles of breach and remedies. For this, students will be required to apply the learning outcomes from earlier Law modules. Skills developed in the study of the common law principles of contract law will be applied to the detailed study and analysis of selected sections of standard contract(s) used in the construction industry. Study will generally concentrate on the provisions of the Joint Contract Tribunal Standard Form of Building Contract 2005, although students will be required to analyse and draw comparisons between the provisions in the various available standard forms of construction contract where appropriate.

Design Economics

This module is designed to provide a working knowledge of the factors that affect the economics of building design and the cost of buildings. It will provide the background necessary for offering advice to clients or the design team on matters concerning economy, cost or price at the various stages of the design process. The range of possible scenarios will be envisaged and a 'tool kit' of principles, concepts and technologies will be provided to allow a range of scenarios to be managed. The sources of data to assist the surveyor will be explored. Students will develop cost models from these. The module is relevant for a practitioner in a private practice or in construction as increasing amounts of design work is carried out by construction firms. This is largely a practical module and there will be opportunities to develop appropriate skills and techniques. Assessment will comprise of a case study report and an examination.

Commercial Management

This module seeks to develop the students' understanding of the commercial management function performed by quantity surveyors, particularly in a contractor position. It aims to develop an understanding of the procedural, legal and practice issues involved in all aspects of the commercial management of construction projects, together with the ability to apply these in a recognised commercial form. The module will develop students' knowledge, analytical and problem-solving skills related to commercial management, together with their ability to produce professional quality advice and to communicate this effectively to clients. The module will cover all the essential features of commercial management, including cost and financial management, cash flow, value engineering, procurement and management of sub-contractors, dispute resolution. Throughout the module, emphasis is placed on the development and provision of professional, industry-standard solutions. Workshops will analyse and examine a wide range of commercial management scenarios and situations with a view to establishing the principles involved, alternative methods available and the selection of preferred courses of action. Considerable importance is placed upon the form, presentation and usability of the documents used to communicate advice and information, and the professionalism that they communicate.

Built Environment Major Project (Dissertation)

This module enables students to carry out an original piece of research which will require a literature review of current knowledge in the chosen topic area, the formulation of a research question and the collection of primary data (by case study, interview or questionnaire, for example) in order to answer the research question. The research will be undertaken under the supervision of an academic member of staff but the early part of the module is supported by classroom sessions to explain the processes of reviewing literature, formulating a research question, and the collection and the evaluation of primary data. A minimum number of four supervision tutorials will take place during the academic year in which the module is studied. The dissertation will not only present the literature review and results of the research but will also describe and reflect upon the research process. Advice will be given on choosing a research topic in a briefing session delivered towards the end of the academic year in which the student undertakes their dissertation. Students will also identify their achievements and skills and provide a plan for progression.

Quantity Surveying Practice II

This module is a problem-solving module that takes typical scenarios and problems encountered during the construction process. It requires students to analyse and define problems, develop a range of standard and innovative solutions then provide professional advice to clients. Its focus is the application of theory to practice. The module develops the knowledge and understanding gained from the study of other modules, integrates this with additional knowledge from the module to solve the problems encountered. Throughout the module, emphasis is placed on the development and provision of professional, industry-standard solutions. Deliverables take the form of reports, documents, letters, etc. that provide useable information to clients. Considerable importance is placed upon the form and presentation of these written documents, and the professionalism that they communicate; often the only tangible output produced by professional surveyors. All written documents are expected to be produced to a professional standard. The aim of the module is to enable students to develop their professional skills. It facilitates the development of the personal, interpersonal, professional practice and business skills that are essential to all quantity surveyors. It also develops student's cognizance of ethical issues, professional responsibilities, liabilities and rules of conduct.

Quantity Surveying Practice III

This module is a problem-solving module that takes typical scenarios and problems encountered during the construction process. It requires students to analyse and define problems, develop a range of standard and innovative solutions then provide professional advice to clients. Its focus is the application of theory to practice. The module develops the knowledge and understanding gained from the study of other modules, integrates this with additional knowledge from the module to solve the problems encountered. Throughout the module, emphasis is placed on the development and provision of professional, industry-standard solutions. Deliverables take the form of reports, documents, letters, etc. that provide useable information to clients. Considerable importance is placed upon the form and presentation of these written documents, and the professionalism that they communicate; often the only tangible output produced by professional surveyors. All written documents are expected to be produced to a professional standard. The aim of the module is to enable students to develop their professional skills. It facilitates the development of the personal, interpersonal, professional practice and business skills that are essential to all quantity surveyors. It also develops student's cognizance of ethical issues, professional responsibilities, liabilities and rules of conduct.

Risk and Value Management

This module is designed to introduce the student to the Risk and Value Management process. The module will enable the student 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. The student 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 the understanding of the student along with identifying the key issues relating to the use of Value Engineering throughout the project life cycle. The student will be introduce 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. The module is of a practical nature using case studies to enhance the student experience and provide a greater understanding and appreciation of Risk and Value over the project life cycle.

Project Management

This module is designed to develop the students' knowledge of basic management theories, and to demonstrate their relevance and application in the planning, organisation and control of construction projects. Students will be encouraged to research appropriate theories, skills and competencies related to the life cycle of a project from the client's conceptual vision, through the project identification and definition stages, applying appropriate project implementation, execution and control processes to effect successful closure of a project. The module aims to change the students vision from a contract administration viewpoint to the broader perspective required in the project management approach. For many students this will involve standing back from their everyday role on a project, and to consider the holistic integrated nature of the project management role on a construction project. Thus, whilst recognising the value of many of the skills acquired by students in the contract administration modules, the module will develop the specialist techniques which question the usual functional and organisational boundaries. Students will be encouraged to develop an appreciation of the strategic relevance of project management, and the unique features of project management which distinguish it from other forms of management. Students will be required to research and develop operational techniques used in the planning, scheduling and control of projects to demonstrate that they understand the processes and mechanisms necessary to ensure the effective delivery of the project objectives.

Project Evaluation and Development

Risk and Value Management

Practice-based Learning