Fundamentals of Building Construction

Unit code: NBC1111 | 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 equips students with an understanding of common construction systems, materials, and methodologies used in buildings, as well as their sustainable alternatives. The curriculum covers the selection of appropriate materials for various construction scenarios, considering the operational and embodied carbon implications, and addressing health, safety, and sustainability concerns. The unit delves into sustainable site operations and explores construction approaches for sub-structures, super-structures, and enclosures in simple residential buildings, emphasising the whole-life carbon impacts of these systems. Furthermore, the unit facilitates the enhancement of students' cultural competency, focusing on respectful engagement with diverse cultures and emphasising cultural sensitivity and respect in relation to ethical protocols and guidelines. This includes an introduction to First Nations Peoples’ culture, delivered by the Moondani Balluk team.

Learning Outcomes

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

  1. Synthesise and communicate resolutions to construction problems by means of sketches and drawings;
  2. Propose and evaluate alternative and sustainable construction systems in a range of situations;
  3. Assess health and safety and sustainability-related issues for various construction materials including hazardous contents and their sustainable alternatives;
  4. Propose the integration of environmental restorative and regenerative principles into the design and construction of sustainable residential projects, while respecting First Nations People’s perspectives and adhering to ethical guidelines;
  5. Collaborate with others with responsibility and accountability for own learning in planning, problem solving and decision making in professional practice; and
  6. Participate in an academic community through reflective and critical engagement in academic texts and understanding of principles of academic integrity.

Assessment

For Melbourne campuses

Assessment type: Test
|
Grade: 20%
Multiple-choice tests (Individual)
Assessment type: Portfolio
|
Grade: 40%
Hand-sketch and digital detailing portfolio (Individual)
Assessment type: Assignment
|
Grade: 40%
Construction model (30%) and group presentation (10%) (Group)
Assessment type: Other
|
Grade: 0%
Evidence of completion of the Academic Integrity Modules (Hurdle)

The group 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

Required readings will be made available on VU Collaborate.

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 Design
NBBD | 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 Architectural Design
NUAD | Undergraduate certificate | Duration: 0.5 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.

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