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Building Science

Unit code: NBC1112 | Study level: Undergraduate
Credit points
12
(One credit point is usually equivalent to one hour of study per week)
Location
Footscray Park
Online Real Time
Remote
Prerequisites
N/A
Overview
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Overview

This unit introduces students to the procedures, principles and methods of construction with particular focus on typical residential buildings. The unit provides a regulatory and scientific framework and practice of both quantitative and qualitative aspects of projects. The unit includes consideration of building design decisions, their impacts on both the natural and built environments, and the comfort conditions of their occupant(s). The unit forms the foundation for NBC2004 Building and Construction Studies unit.

Learning Outcomes

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

  1. Identify regulatory frameworks in construction including codes and standards and discuss the types and functions of domestic buildings, and the regulations that apply to them.
  2. Propose energy efficient strategies, approaches and alternatives to improve the environmental sustainability, comfort and cost of housing design, construction, and function including the use of green roofs, walls and facades in improving the performance of residential buildings and the health of their occupants through eco-specification;
  3. Explore and expand on ways in which water management and site maintenance can be applied, improved and optimised to conserve resources, habitat and ecology while minimising damage, costs and waste;
  4. Explain the protocols and the aims, objectives and points to be observed when undertaking inspections of domestic buildings and ways to mitigate faults and problems before they occur; and
  5. Identify, define and distinguish between the roles and the activities of building clients, designers and contractors, and their involvement within the design and construction processes.

Assessment

For Melbourne campuses

Assessment type: Test
|
Grade: 25%
Three (3) Multiple choice (2 x In-class 1 x Post-class) Open book Test 1 & 3 10% 1 hour, Test 2- 5%; 0.5 hour
Assessment type: Report
|
Grade: 30%
Project Based Learning: Team Report in response to Client Brief. Part 1 (Teams of 3 - 4 with individual contributions approx. 500 words)
Assessment type: Report
|
Grade: 35%
Project Based Learning: Team Report in response to Client Brief. Part 2 (Teams of 3 - 4 with individual contributions approx. 600 words)
Assessment type: Presentation
|
Grade: 10%
Mock Professional Presentation on inspection processes and prevention of problems and faults

Team project addresses industry standard specifications and forms; OHS protocols and research/ calculations into maximizing efficiency and sustainability while minimizing/ eliminating waste, injury and materials.

Required reading

Reading materials will be provided in VU Collaborate.

RECOMMENDED TEXTS: McDonough, William (2002) Cradle to Cradle Pawlyn, Michael (2019) Biomimicry in Architecture Stahel, Walter R.(2019) The Circular Economy

As part of a course

This unit is studied as part of the following course(s):

Bachelor of Building Design
NBBD
Bachelor of Building Surveying
NBBS
Bachelor of Construction Management (Honours)
NHCM

Refer to the course page for information on how to apply for the course. VU takes care to ensure the accuracy of this unit information, but reserves the right to change or withdraw courses offered at any time. Please check that unit information is current with the Student Contact Centre.

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