Built Environment Communication and Skills

Unit code: NBD1100 | Study level: Undergraduate
Credit points
12
(Generally, 1 credit = 10 hours of classes and independent study.)
Location
Footscray Park
Online Real Time
Prerequisites
N/A
Overview
Enquire

Overview

This unit introduces fundamental communication concepts that are essential for professionals within the built environment discipline. Throughout this unit, students will further develop a variety of skills including academic writing, presentation, negotiation, and teamwork. The unit will also explore critical aspects such as conflict resolution, effective plan and specification analysis, and the cultural diversity within a multicultural workforce.

The unit is designed to foster a deep understanding of how to effectively conceive, communicate, and evaluate design ideas using various presentation media like drawing and modelling. Practical exercises tailored to the needs of built environment professionals will help develop these skills. Moreover, the unit emphasises the importance of ethical engagement and respect for diverse cultural perspectives and traditions.

Learning Outcomes

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

  1. Communicate effectively with others orally and in writing on a range of built environment-related topics using appropriate language;
  2. Work individually and with others, as both a team member and leader in both formal and informal teams, to complete tasks;
  3. Produce high quality physical models, sketches, professional hand drawings and digital diagrams to communicate effectively with other built environment professionals;
  4. Create and curate a presentational level portfolio and poster through the use of professional software; and
  5. Elaborate on the professional responsibilities of built environment professionals as well as ethical, cultural and sustainability issues in built environment practice.

Assessment

For Melbourne campuses

Assessment type: Essay
|
Grade: 15%
One (1) Reflection Report (500 words)
Assessment type: Portfolio
|
Grade: 30%
One (1) Individual Portfolio (sketch, diagram and model making)
Assessment type: Presentation
|
Grade: 15%
One (1) Team Oral Presentation (5 minutes per student) with Poster
Assessment type: Project
|
Grade: 40%
One (1) Team Project (written reflection (1500 words), sketch, diagram and model making)

The project and presentation include an evaluation of the contributions made by each member of the team to facilitate the assessment of students' achievement of learning outcomes.

Required reading

Handbook of Communication Skills for First Year Students in the College of Engineering and Science.
VU, College of Arts, (2013)| Victoria University.
PBL in Engineering
VU, School of Engineering and Science, (2009) | Melbourne: Victoria University

As part of a course

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

Bachelor of Architectural Design
NBAD | Bachelor degree | Duration: 3 years
Bachelor of Building Surveying
NBBS | Bachelor degree | Duration: 3 years
Bachelor of Construction Management (Honours)
NHCM | Bachelor honours degree | Duration: 4 years
Undergraduate Certificate in Building Construction Management
NUBC | Undergraduate certificate | Duration: 0.5 years

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.

Search for units, majors & minors