Module Definition Form (MDF)

Module Code: MOD004429

Version 1

Date amended 29/9/14

1. Module Title
UK Construction Technology 1
2a. Module Leader
Adrian Bell

2b. Department
2c. Faculty
Department of Engineering and Faculty of Science and
the Built Environment
Technology

3a. Level
4
4a. Credits

3b. Module Type

Standard Module
4b. Study Hours

15
5. Restrictions
Type
Module Code
PreNone
requisites:
CoNone
requisites:
Exclusions:
None
Courses to which this
None
module is restricted

150

Module Name

Condition

LEARNING, TEACHING AND ASSESSMENT INFORMATION

6a. Module Description
This module is designed for students of construction, surveying and architecture with little and/or
no prior knowledge of UK 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' structure. 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.
Students will also gain an appreciation of the role of the designer in the construction process
and have an understanding of the design process.
The importance of health and safety in the construction industry, not as an add-on, but as part of
the construction process is taught. Although health and safety has a different emphasis and
meaning to the various disciplines - developer, architect, engineers, quantity surveyors,
contractors, sub-contractors, suppliers and operatives - they all have a moral as well as a legal
responsibility. Everyone involved in the construction cycle has a responsibility for health and
safety.
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.
Employability skills

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6a. Module Description (Continued)

Students will acquire knowledge related to domestic construction and be able to justify why
different materials are used in the built environment. They will improve their communication and
numerical skills as well as developing their intellectual skills.
6b. Outline Content
Knowledge and Understanding

Modern UK domestic construction, with comparative reference to traditional methods and

materials from Victorian, Edwardian inter-war and post-war periods.

Building elements: foundations, floors, external walls, flat and pitched roofs, upper floors,
stairs, partition walls, doors.

Supply and distribution of services installations: below ground drainage, above ground
drainage hot and cold water, heating, electricity, gas, BT, cable.

Manufacture and quality control of a range of construction materials

General safety awareness

Health and safety legislation

Explain the CDM Regulations

Planning, design and production phases of the construction process.

Skills Analysis

Communication by written report, proportional sketches, scale drawings and specifications.

Correct use of specialised English terminology commonly used within the industry.

Problem-solving in relation to materials, methods of construction and health and safety

Developing appropriate undergraduate study skills related to the acquisition and use of
construction information

Contextualising knowledge to show understanding of construction materials, elements and

components.
6c. Key Texts/Literature
Key Text (recommended to purchase):
Crabtree, P.J. 2010 Technology and Design, Pearson (Complied from Chudley, R. and Greeno,
R. 2005 Construction Technology, 4th Edition Longmans;
Other:
Holt, A. St John. 2005 Principles of Construction Safety, Blackwell
Marshall, D. and Worthing, D. 2006 The Construction of Houses, 4th Edition Estates Gazette,
London
Last Updated:

6d. Specialist Learning Resources

7. Learning Outcomes (threshold standards)
No. Type
On successful completion of this module the student will be
expected to be able to:
1
Knowledge and
Have a broad knowledge of how past and present houses are
understanding
constructed to resist the elements and accommodate their
intended use and how services installations contribute to user
comfort.
2
Knowledge and
Explain the primary functional requirements of the main elements
understanding
of domestic construction and how the typical materials can achieve
these as well as the factors that lead to their deterioration
3
Explain the primary functional requirements of the main elements

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7. Learning Outcomes (threshold standards) (Continued)

No. Type
On successful completion of this module the student will be
expected to be able to:
Knowledge and
of domestic construction and how the typical materials can achieve
understanding
these as well as the factors that lead to their deterioration
4
Intellectual, practical, Explain the primary functional requirements of the main elements
affective and
of domestic construction and how the typical materials can achieve
transferable skills
these as well as the factors that lead to their deterioration
8a. Module Occurrence to which this MDF Refers
Year
Occurrence
Period
Location
2014/5
ZZF
Template For
Face To Face
Learning Delivery

Mode of Delivery
Face to Face

8b. Learning Activities for the above Module Occurrence

Learning
Hours
Learning
Details of Duration, frequency and other comments
Activities
Outcomes
Lectures
24
1-4
Lecture 2 hours per week
Other teacher
managed
12
1-4
Tutorial 1 hour per week
learning
Student
managed
114
1-4
Student Directed Study
learning
TOTAL
150
9. Assessment for the above Module Occurrence
Assessment
Assessment
Learning
Weighting (%) Fine Grade or Qualifying Mark
No.
Method
Outcomes
Pass/Fail
(%)
010
Coursework
100
Fine Grade
35
Details:
Coursework 3000 words
In order to pass this module, students are required to achieve an overall mark of 40%.
In addition, students are required to:
(a) achieve the qualifying mark for each element of fine grade assessment as specified
above
(b) pass any pass/fail elements.

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