Building Development and Compliance

Unit code:NEA2201Study level:Undergraduate

Credit points

12
(Generally, 1 credit = 10 hours of classes and independent study.)

Location

Footscray Park
Online Real Time

Prerequisites

(Or equivalent to be determined by unit coordinator)
Co-requisites
(Corequisite units must be studied concurrently with this unit)

Overview

This unit is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate various forms of building development typically found in suburban areas, particularly focusing on domestic building projects. Students will learn to identify and utilise codes and standards required by Federal, State, and local councils relevant to low-rise and medium-rise buildings. They will understand how to incorporate these mandatory constraints into the building design process from the initial design stage through to construction completion. Additionally, the unit covers the development of construction details that comply with government regulations. Students will also explore the roles of different building trades, professions, and authorities involved in the design and construction process, gaining insights into effective communication and the facilitation of this communication through project documentation.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

Assess the involvement of various building trades, professions and authorities in building design and construction;
Identify and specify compliance requirements for design and development of low rise and medium rise buildings by undertaking real-world case studies;
Interpret and apply federal, state and local building regulations, codes and standards in low rise and medium rise building design and development;
Synthesise knowledge and skills in building design and construction processes through effective use of project documentation;
Formulate both innovative and conventional building construction details according to international and Australian standards; and
Participate in an academic community through reflective and critical engagement and understanding of principles of academic integrity.

Study as a single unit

This unit can be studied on its own, without enrolling in a full degree.

Learn more about single units of study at VU

Assessment

For Melbourne campuses

Assessment type: Report | Grade: 20%

Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) Assessment (Individual)

Assessment type: Test | Grade: 20%

Multiple choice and Short Answer Test (60 mins duration, Individual)

Assessment type: Presentation | Grade: 25%

Group Presentation of One Section National Construction Code (NCC) Volume 1 (7 min per Group)

Assessment type: Project | Grade: 35%

Final Project on Compliance with NCC (3000 words per group) and Oral Presentation (15 min per group)

Assessment type: Other | Grade: 0%

Evidence of completion of the Academic Integrity Modules (Hurdle)

The BAL Assessment requires students to apply real-world bushfire assessment methodologies using the Victorian Building Authority (VBA) proforma. Grading is based on accuracy, completeness, and justification of findings.

The Final Project (3,000-word group report + 15-minute presentation) involves analysing a real building of reasonable complexity (not a house) to assess its compliance with relevant clauses of the NCC. Students will work in teams to develop a systematic approach for evaluating regulatory compliance. The 15-minute presentation allows teams to communicate their findings effectively to an audience, reinforcing public speaking and professional reporting skills.

Academic Integrity is an integral part of University skills. All four Academic Integrity Modules must be successfully completed to pass the unit.