Student Handbook

Bachelor of Construction Management (Building)

All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or
transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise,
without the prior written permission of BCA Academy.

Updated: 16 August 2013

Table of Contents
Table of Contents ....................................................................................................... 2
1. About BCA Academy............................................................................................ 4
2. About University of Newcastle (UON) .................................................................. 5
3. Programme Administration ................................................................................... 6
3.1

Programme Structure ................................................................................. 6

3.2

Programme Delivery................................................................................... 6

3.3

Estimated Programme Duration and Fees ................................................. 7

3.4

Period of Candidature ................................................................................ 8

3.5

Programme Scholarships and Sponsorships ............................................. 8

3.6

Programme Withdrawal & Fee Refund Policy ............................................ 8

3.7

Programme Deferment ............................................................................... 9

4. Assessment Policy ..............................................................................................10

4.1

Assessment...............................................................................................10

4.2

Grading System ........................................................................................10

4.3

Adverse Circumstances ............................................................................10

4.4

Review of Final Result in a Course by UON..............................................10

4.5

Student Progress ......................................................................................11

4.6

Cheating in Assessment............................................................................11

4.7

Academic Fraud and Plagiarism ...............................................................11

4.8

Attendance Requirement...........................................................................12

4.9

Student Academic Integrity .......................................................................12

4.10

Leave of Absence ..................................................................................12

4.11

Medical Leave ........................................................................................13

4.12

Appeal Process ......................................................................................13

5. Code of Conduct .................................................................................................13

5.1

Code of conduct for students ....................................................................13

5.2

ICA rules for International Students ..........................................................14

6. Course Feedback ................................................................................................14

7. Change of Particulars ..........................................................................................15
8. Facilities ..............................................................................................................15
8.1

Resource Centre .......................................................................................15

8.2

Lounge & Gymnasium ...............................................................................16

8.3

Car Park Facilities .....................................................................................16

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Annex A Programme Structure ..................................................................................17

Annex B Contact Details of Enrolment Officer & Programme Administrator ..............24

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1.

About BCA Academy

The BCA Academy of the Built Environment is the education and research arm of the
Building and Construction Authority (BCA), Singapore.
Founded in 1984 as the Construction Industry Training Centre (CITC), its main role
was the training of craft workers for the rapidly growing construction industry. In
1994, the Centre was renamed as the Construction Industry Training Institute (CITI)
and was moved to its purpose-built campus at Braddell Road. CITI was renamed the
BCA Academy in 2007. Whilst the training of craftsmen for the construction industry
remains a key focus, the BCA Academy (BCAA) now takes on the new challenge to
equip professionals, managers, executives and technicians with the knowledge, skills
and competency to operate effectively in a technologically advanced and modern
built environment sector.
Today, the BCA Academy has grown into one of the institutions in the world that
provides a full range of training and education programmes tailored to meet the
diverse needs of the building industry at all levels.

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2.

About University of Newcastle (UON)

The University of Newcastle, established in 1965, is recognised as a world-class

institution throughout Australia and across the globe. The University is a leader in
university education, with a reputation for high quality teaching and learning and
exciting, contemporary academic programs. Being the pioneer and also with 25 years
of experience in problem-based learning (PBL), degree programmes in medicine,
engineering, architecture, nursing, social work and law are designed based on PBL.
UON is a research intensive university and a leading contributor to research in
Australia and the world. Across many discipline areas, UONs researchers are
making discoveries that offer solutions to some of the world's greatest challenges.
The School of Architecture and Built Environment is an exciting community
dedicated to teaching and research in support of the built environment professions.
The School has an international reputation for pioneering problem-based learning,
research-led learning and online learning in its undergraduate programs. With more
than 1200 undergraduate and postgraduate students studying architecture,
construction management, industrial design, property economics, project and
disaster management. For the last 40 years, the School has strongly supported many
international students to achieve academic success and it has a distinguished record
in teaching innovation and partnerships with industry.

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3.

Programme Administration

The degree programme for Bachelor of Construction Management (Building)

(BCM) is conducted in both Full-Time and Part-Time mode at BCA Academy
(Singapore) and the degree is awarded by The University of Newcastle (Australia).
As this degree is a direct honours programme, all students enrolled in this
programme are eligible and may obtain an Honours degree depending on their
results.
The degree programme is fully endorsed by professional bodies and is recognised
internationally. The BCM Programme currently holds accreditation from:

AIB - The Australian Institute of Building

AIQS - The Australian Institute of Quantity Surveying

CIOB - The Chartered Institute of Building

RICS - The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors

The degree programme is also recognised under the Public Sector Panel of
Consultants (PSPC) for QS service, administered by BCA.

3.1 Programme Structure

The Programme details can be found in Annex A. There are total of 2 semesters in
an academic year. The courses in each semester are conducted over a period of 13
weeks. Depending on the course of study, typically in a semester, each student will
take a maximum of 4 courses for full-time study and maximum 3 courses part-time
study.
Students without advanced standings need to complete and pass all 30 Courses (320
Credits) to graduate from the programme. However, depending on the relevance of
diploma qualifications, students may be exempted from certain courses, subject to
Universitys approval. Some students may need to complete Bridging Courses as
part of the accelerated pathway.
Bridging courses are intensive courses designed for students to meet the assumed
knowledge requirements of a particular BCM Programme Course. The Bridging
Courses will be conducted and administered by BCA Academy. Bridging Courses are
examinable.

3.2 Programme Delivery

Classes are usually conducted from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon, 2:00pm to 5:00pm, and
6.30 pm to 9.30 pm at the BCA Academy.
The lectures are delivered through a combination of face-to-face lectures and
facilitated online learning (classroom lectures will make reference to pre-recorded
videos of lectures conducted in the Australian Campus. Students will be guided by a
Tutor/ Lecturer in class). These modes of delivery ensure that the materials are
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consistent with those delivered in Australia. The courses in this programme requires
student to spend approximately 10 study-hour/week/course for each 10 credit unit
course. This 10 study-hour comprises 3 hours of lectures and tutorials and 7 hours of
self-study. This translates to approximately 39 contact hours of lectures and tutorials
and 91 hours of self-study per course.
For a typical semester, students will study 4 courses for full-time study, and 3
courses for part-time study. Students who require bridging courses need to spend
additional study-hours in order to complete the bridging courses.
If you have any questions regarding the programmes structure, schedule or other
details about the courses, please contact the Programme Administrator as listed
under Annex B.

3.3 Estimated Programme Duration and Fees

The programme duration and fees for Full-Time and Part-Time studies are as follows:
Estimated
Programme
Duration for FullTime Programme
(yrs)

Estimated
Programme
Duration for PartTime Programme
(yrs)

Estimated Total
Programme Fee
(inclusive of bridging
courses) (incl. GST)

2.5

3.5

$29,000 to $39,000

Relevant Polytechnic
Diplomas

$39,000 to $45,000

Other diplomas

5.5

$52,000

Prior Qualification

BCAA Diplomas

Programme fee for each student may vary according to the credit exemption awarded
by the University based on the respective diploma qualification. Courses of the
programme (degree courses and bridging courses) are charged at S$1,605 (include
GST) per 10-credit course. Students are required to pay to BCA Academy on a
semester basis, and at least 6 weeks before the commencement of each semester.
The program fee payable per semester is based on the number of courses each
student has to take for the semester. Note that the course fee is subjected to
revisions and students will be informed by BCA Academy on any changes of the fees
before each Semester.
Students who fail any course are required to re-take the failed course when in its next
offer. Students are required to pay the prevailing course fee to re-take the course.
Payment may be made in person in cash, NETS or credit card, or through telegraphic
transfer or crossed cheques made in favour of Building and Construction Authority.
Payment must be made in Singapore currency. Singaporeans and Singapore

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Permanent Residents are not able to pay through Central Provident Fund Board
(CPF) or Post Secondary Education Account (PSEA).
The programme fee and the course fee will be reviewed yearly and subjected to
revision. As and when these fees are revised, the new fees will be applicable for both
existing and new students.

3.4 Period of Candidature

The maximum time frame to complete the degree programme for full-time and part
time is 10 years.

3.5 Programme Scholarships and Sponsorships

Singapore Citizen and Singapore Permanent Resident accepted into this programme
are eligible to apply for the BCA-industry scholarship and sponsorship. For more
information, please visit www.buildingcareers.sg or student can approach the
Programme Administrator for assistance.

3.6 Programme Withdrawal & Fee Refund Policy

Those who wish to withdraw from the programme must inform BCA Academy
officially in writing. Refund of programme fees will be based on the following
guidelines:
Withdrawal Notice Period

Fees Refund Policy

Official notification received by the 90% of semester fee

Academy at least 4 weeks before the
semester commencement date. A 10%
administration charges is applicable.
Official notification received by the No refund
Academy less than 4 weeks before the
semester commencement date or when
the Semester has commenced.
Refund applies to the fees paid for the total number of courses taken in the semester.
In the event that students are suspended or expelled due to disciplinary action, there
will be no refund of course fees.

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3.7 Programme Deferment

For deferment of the programme or courses, please inform BCA Academy officially in
writing. A programme deferment charge (see table below) will be imposed and
application for deferment is subjected to the Academy's approval. Please note that
the maximum candidature of 10 years still applies even if the deferment is approved.
The programme deferment charge is imposed to minimise last-minute deferment and
unreasonable deferment.

Deferment Notice Period

Deferment Charges

Official notification submitted to the Academy 10% of semester fee

more than 4 weeks before the semester
commencement date.
Official notification submitted to the Academy 25% of semester fee
less than 4 weeks but more than 2 weeks
before the semester commencement date
Official notification submitted to the Academy 2 100% of semester fee
weeks or less before the semester
commencement date.

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4.

Assessment Policy

4.1 Assessment
Students are required to follow the requirements and specific guidelines for the
completion of the projects/assignments for the degree programme.
The submission dates and submission modes for projects/assignments will be made
known to the students during their course of studies and information will be provided
to the students during the beginning of each semester. Late submission of
projects/assignments will be penalised unless prior permission has been granted by
the lecturers/tutors concerned.

4.2 Grading System

The courses in this programme are graded based on continuous assignments, tests
and projects, with components and weightages varying from course to course.
The grading system is as follows: -

Grading Scale

Marks

Description

HD
D
C
P
FF

85-100
75-84
65-74
50-64
0- 49

High Distinction
Distinction
Credit
Pass
Fail

4.3 Adverse Circumstances

UON acknowledges the right of students to seek consideration for the possible
impact of allowable adverse circumstances that may affect their performance in
assessment items(s).
The Adverse Circumstances procedure can be found at:
http://www.newcastle.edu.au/policy/000939.html
Applications for Adverse Circumstances should be done online at:
https://intraweb.newcastle.edu.au/sc/Pages/Login.aspx

4.4 Review of Final Result in a Course by UON

After seeking a review by the Programme Administrator a student may lodge an
appeal against their final result for a course. To lodge an appeal a student must

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complete and submit the Appeal Against Final Result Form within six University
working days of the publication of the final result on myHub.
The Appeal Against Final Result Form is available online at:
http://www.newcastle.edu.au/service/student-forms/ and must be lodged via email:
appeals@newcastle.edu.au .
Students wishing to obtain further information on, or appealing, a final result in a
course should read the UON policy which can be found at:
http://www.newcastle.edu.au/Resources/Policy%20Library/000996%20%20Course%20Management%20and%20Assessment%20Procedure%20Manual.pdf

4.5 Student Progress

If a student does not maintain satisfactory progress in his/her program, the student
enrolment will be reviewed and may be identified as At Risk or requiring to Show
Cause as to why he/she should be permitted to continue.
The procedure for Student Progress is available under section 9 at the following UON
policy library website:
http://www.newcastle.edu.au/Resources/Policy%20Library/PolicyLibrary-000967Edition2-2013-Program-Management-Procedure.pdf

4.6 Cheating in Assessment

Any student who is found to have committed any cheating offence during the course
(for any test or assessment) will be penalised. The student may be suspended or
expelled from the degree programme as decided by the Disciplinary Board of
Enquiry.

4.7 Academic Fraud and Plagiarism

To preserve the quality of learning, disciplinary actions may be taken for activities
that undermine academic integrity:
Academic fraud involves making false representation to gain an unjust advantage. It
can include, but not limited to:
Using a substitute person to undertake any assessment,
Reusing ones own work that has been submitted previously,
Bringing unauthorised materials or devices into an examination or
assessment,
Making contact with another person during an assessment,
Getting someone to write on your behalf and submitting it as though its your
work, and
Writing and submitting works on behalf of others.

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Plagiarism refers to a process of presenting others work as ones own without

referencing it. The following acts may be classified as plagiarism:

Copying and submitting someone else's work, in part or in whole, as your own.
Allowing someone else to copy your work and submit it as their own.
Paraphrasing from books or other publications without acknowledging the
source.

For further information on the University policy on academic integrity, please refer to
the Student Academic Integrity Policy. Any work submitted that are found to
undermine academic integrity will be penalised, and students may be subjected to
disciplinary action according to the Universitys Student Misconduct Rule and BCA
Academys guidelines, which may include suspension or expulsion.

4.8 Attendance Requirement

Attendance will be taken at every lecture. Students should take note of following
when signing the attendance list:
Signature must be signed using a pen only;
Students are not allowed to sign on behalf of other students;
Students are not allowed to sign for lessons not attended;
A signature put as a tick will be considered as absence; and
Adopt only one signature for the entire course.
Disciplinary actions will be taken towards student signing on behalf of another
student.
All students must achieve at least 75% of attendance to pass a course. Students who
do not achieve the required attendance may be debarred from taking any
assessments.
On top of that, International students must consistently achieve an attendance of at
least 90% to fulfil the Immigration & Checkpoint Authority of Singapore (ICA)s
attendance requirements, failing which may lead to cancellation of Students Pass.

4.9 Student Academic Integrity

The UON has established a policy to reinforce the importance of integrity and
honesty in an academic environment. More information is made available at:
http://www.newcastle.edu.au/policy/000935.html.

4.10 Leave of Absence

Students can apply for leave of absence (LOA) for the following reasons:

In-camp training;

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Representing Singapore in external competitions; or

Demise of an immediate family member.

Students are to complete the Student Assistance forms which are available at the
Student Services Centre counter. Completed forms must be attached together with
the relevant original supporting documents and submitted to the Programme
Administrator.
Granting of LOA is at the sole discretion of the Academy. Students must submit their
application 5 days before the date of absence. For unforeseeable events, students
must submit the document within 5 working days from the day of absence, or 3
working days from the first day of return, whichever is earlier. Application submitted
after the deadline will not be accepted.

4.11 Medical Leave

Students who are absent due to medical reasons are to provide documentary proof
such as a medical certificate from a Singapore registered doctor. This must be
submitted to the Programme Administrator within 3 working days from the first day of
return, failing which a student would be considered as absence without valid reason.
Should the student be absent from an assessment or on a day of assignment
submission date, the Medical Certificate must state that the student is unfit to sit for
test. Otherwise the student will be given a zero mark for the assessment or
assignment.

4.12 Appeal Process

Students who failed in their continuous assignments or projects are allowed to appeal
to the University for their results to be reviewed. A non-refundable fee is chargeable
by the University for each Appeal Application.
For more information on appeal process, student can visit UONs website at:
http://www.newcastle.edu.au/policy/000939.html

5.

Code of Conduct

5.1 Code of conduct for students

Behaviour or activities that are tantamount to criminal offences (for example:
possession or abuse of controlled substances, inciting riots, assault, stealing, forging
of controlled documents such as medical certificates, transcripts) is prohibited in the
Academy.

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Smoking, consumption of alcoholic drinks, and gambling are not allowed within the
Academys premises and when you are representing the Academy in any event.
Unauthorised use of communication devices such as phones, tablets, laptops and
recording devices of any kind, are not allowed during lectures and tutorial classes.
Students shall not behave inappropriately in the premises or be disrespectful to
lecturers.
Punctuality is required for every lesson. Students arriving 15 minutes after class
commencement may be considered absent.

A Disciplinary Board of Enquiry will be convened to hear and investigate any cases of
serious misconduct. The decision of the Disciplinary Board of Enquiry is final and the
appropriate penalties will be meted out to offender, including suspension or
expulsion. In the event of any withdrawal, suspension or expulsion, there will be no
refund of course fees.

5.2 ICA rules for International Students

International students should note that the Students Pass may be revoked by ICA if
the followings are not adhered to:

Students must not miss classes consecutively for seven (7) days;

Students must attend 90% of classes in any month of study.

Students must not engage in any activity (e.g. illegal employment) that may
contravene the conditions for granting a Student Pass (including those
stated in the Students Pass application form, In-principle Approval letter
and Students Pass card).
For avoidance of doubt:

International Students are NOT ALLOWED to take up any part-time or fulltime employment while holding a Students Pass.

Students are only permitted to attend the programme at the BCA Academy
as stated in their Students Pass.

Students must surrender their Students Pass for cancellation within seven
(7) days from the date of cessation or termination of their studies.
For more information, please visit www.ica.gov.sg.

6.

Course Feedback

Course evaluation or feedback is usually conducted at the end of each semester.

Students are encouraged to give constructive feedback on the lecturer, tutor, course
administration, facilities and course materials in the evaluation form. Please note that

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any comments and suggestions will be treated in the strictest confidence and is
purely to assist the Academy in the continuing improvement of this programme.

7.

Change of Particulars

Students should inform the BCA Academy if the students have any changes to their
particulars or contact information.

8.

Facilities

The facilities on campus provide a captivating learning experience for student

studying in BCA Academy, the general public and foreign visitors. The Gallery on
campus showcases the achievements of the building and construction industry and
its contribution in making Singapore into a global city of distinction. The Zero Energy
Building with its state-of-the-art technologies, energy saving features and innovative
designs continues to attract a large number of visitors, both local and foreign.

8.1 Resource Centre

During course of study, student can make use of the resource centre located at BCA
Academy - Blk A, 2nd level (ZEB Building). The opening hours are as follows:

Monday to Friday :
Closed on
:

9.00 am to 7.00 pm
Saturdays, Sundays and Public holidays

There are two types of library loans available, namely the normal book loan and the
red-spot book loan.
For normal books, student is allowed to borrow up to a maximum of 3 items for a loan
period of 3 weeks. Student may request for one renewal of normal books loan.
For red-spot books (i.e. Reference books), student is entitled to borrow one book at a
time for a loan period of 2 days. No renewal of red-spot book is allowed.
A fine will be imposed if the book(s) that is/are borrowed is/are not returned on the
due date.

For normal book loan, a fine of $0.10 will be charged per day for every
overdue item.
For red-spot book loan, a fine of $2.00 will be charged per day for every
overdue item.
If student loses or damages the library book(s), the following administrative
charges will be imposed:

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Charges payable by student for lost or damaged library materials

Still in print

Cost of the latest edition + GST + S$10 surcharge

Out of print

3 times the Cost of the latest edition + GST + S$10 surcharge

Student is reminded that copying more than 10% of any books without the permission
of the publisher us against the law.

8.2 Lounge & Gymnasium

During the course of study, Student can also use Lounge and Gymnasium located at
the Cafeteria at Blk F. The opening hours are as follows:

Monday to Saturday :
Closed on
:

9.00 am to 6.30 pm
Sundays and Public holidays

8.3 Car Park Facilities

Car park space is limited. It will be on a first-come-first-served basis.

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Annex A
Programme Structure
1.

Programme Courses

Students need to complete the following courses (total of 320 credits) to fulfil the
requirement of the programme.
S/n
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30

Course
Code
ARBE1100
ARBE1101
ARBE1102
ARBE1103
ARBE1301
ARBE1303
ARBE1304
ARBE2100
ARBE2101
ARBE2301
ARBE2303
ARBE2306
ARBE2307
ARBE2308
ARBE2309
ARBE3100
ARBE3300
ARBE3301
ARBE3304
ARBE3305
ARBE3306
ARBE3307
ARBE4101
ARBE4102
ARBE4121A
ARBE4121B
ARBE4301
ARBE4303
BIM Project 1
BIM Project 2

BCA Academy

Course Name
Communication in the Built Environment 1
Construction Technology 1
Construction Ecology 1
Communication in the Built Environment 2
Construction Law & Legislation
Introduction to the Construction Industry
Building Codes & Compliance
Construction Technology 2
Construction Ecology 2
Measurement of Building Works
Health & Safety in the Built Environment
Maintenance Services &Rehabilitation
Economics of the Construction Industry
Cost Planning & Estimating
Construction Procurement & Tendering
Construction Technology 3
Construction Business Management
Construction Project Planning
Development Economics
Infrastructure Development
Building Fire Safety & Compliance
Contract Administration
Construction Ecology 3
Construction Technology & Services
Research in the Built Environment 1
Research in the Built Environment 2
Construction Entrepreneurship
Facilities Management

Course
Credits
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
20
10
10
10
20
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Please note that students may not study in this particular order. Depending on the
relevance of the Diploma qualifications, students may be exempted from certain
courses and may need to complete bridging modules to be articulated into an
accelerated pathway.
2.

Course Synopsis

ARBE 1100 Communication in the Built Environment

This Course introduces students to the essential communication skills used in the
Built Environment. Students will learn the graphical and verbal skills to present
design effectively, whilst also learning how to interpret construction drawings.
Students will explore communication through the development and demonstration of
freehand drawing and drafting techniques including orthographic projection, para-line
and perspective drawings in a variety of skill-building exercises. Simple modelmaking of building proposals and verbal communication will be integrated as
additional communication skills utilised within the building industry.
ARBE 1101 Construction Technology 1
This course develops the student's understanding of key concepts associated with
the construction of domestic and other buildings, including essential performance
criteria for a range of primary and secondary building elements. It similarly develops
the student's understanding of structural concepts that dictate the eventual form of
buildings and other engineered structures, combining elemental and structural
understanding to develop the student's ability to design appropriate
architectural/engineering details for a variety of structural and non structural
situations. It introduces the student to the challenges posed by a range of site
conditions, materials and other environmental factors, and explores their influence
upon the selection of appropriate solutions.
ARBE 1102 Construction Ecology 1
This course explores the modern built environment through the impact of materials
on architectural design applications. Elements of material selection, impact and
management of the construction processes are integrated within the construction and
maintenance of building solutions.
ARBE 1103 Communication in the Built Environment 2
This course prepares the future generation of designers for industry. The course aims
to develop the student's general understanding and practical skills in digital media for
design, communication and documentation, including basic CAD modelling (3D) and
the digital and analogue presentation (2D) of a selected project. This includes
techniques to generate design presentations that demonstrate a good use of design
principles as well as to generate drawings for the communication process with the
building industry.

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ARBE 1301 Construction Law & Legislation

This course explores law and legislation that governs the construction management
process. Primary elements of types of contracts, legal duties and responsibilities will
be integrated within the context of contractual administration in the construction
industry. Students will be introduced legal dimensions of Building Information
Modelling (BIM).
ARBE 1303 Introduction to the Construction Industry
This course explores the nature of the construction industry from a number of
perspectives. Primary elements of basic structure, stakeholders and context are
combined through an integrated problem based approach to an ethical context of
undergraduate study and the construction industry. Students will be provided with an
introduction to the management of BIM models in construction.
ARBE 1304 Building Codes & Compliance
This course explores the principles and practice of the Building Code of Singapore
and relevant Singapore Standards applicable to the construction processes and
assessment of residential and non-residential buildings This course aims at
developing students knowledge and skills in interpreting and applying the regulatory
requirements, including recent changes in legislation and policy, for all buildings
types as contained in the relevant codes and standards. It is also aimed at
developing students understanding of theory and practice in building performance
assessment and reporting. The students are introduced to BIM within certification
practices. This will include exploring simulations as related to certification of
construction drawings.
ARBE 2100 Construction Technology 2
This course examines the composite construction of buildings through the application
and continuous demonstration of 'essential skills'. Elements of construction methods,
techniques and detail will be integrated within the environmental and architectural
context of the completed building. Students will be asked to learn REVIT Architecture
Component and explore residential buildings through BIM approach
ARBE 2101 Construction Ecology 2
This course explores the modern built environment through the impact of construction
and design decision-making at a global, national and local level. Elements evaluation,
assessment and rating for sustainable and resilient communities, environmental
management will be integrated with the issues of cultural heritage protection,
management and theory.
ARBE 2301 Measurement of Building Works
This course examines the process of building measurement and bills of quantity
through the development and demonstration of 'essential skills'. Elements of
measurement and bills of quantities in accordance with the Standard Method of
Measurement of Building Works (SMM) will be applied. Students will be asked to

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extract relevant information from BIM models to apply to building measurements (5D
BIM).
ARBE 2303 Health & Safety in the Built Environment
This course examines the potential hazards and safety strategies of the construction
workplace. Elements of risk analysis, control of risk, reflection on results and
application of health and safety legislation are explored in the context of the built
environment. Students are introduced to explore health and safety issues at design
and construction stages using BIM tools.
ARBE 2306 Maintenance Services & Rehabilitation
This course explores the principles and practice relating to maintenance and
rehabilitation work in built environment. These topics will be explored from multiple
perspectives including the context of technology, standards, statutory control,
planning and implementation, procurement cost and environmental impact. The
students will be introduced to alternative procurement approaches in the context of
BIM deployment.
ARBE 2307 Economics of the Construction Industry
This Course examines the micro, macro and building economics principles relating to
construction firms and industry. Elements of mainstream and building economics
theories will be integrated and applied to make informed industry focused business
decisions.
ARBE 2308 Cost Planning & Estimating
This course examines and applies estimating tools and techniques for costing
construction projects in its various stages from both client and contractor
perspectives. Elements of preliminary estimating, cost planning and detailed
estimating will be integrated and applied to enable informed rational cost related
decisions. Applies estimating principles to price/cost superficial spaces, functional
areas, elements, resources and trades and develop ethical bidding strategies.
Students will be asked to extract relevant information from BIM models to apply to
estimates. This is an application of 5D BIM.
ARBE 2309 Construction Procurement & Tendering
This course examines the tender process and how construction projects are
procured. Tendering principles and the process of procurement selection will be
investigated by analysing the various strategies within both the public and private
sectors using case study building and infrastructure projects. Students will be
introduced to the application of BIM in the Procurement process.
ARBE 3100 Construction Technology 3
This course explores the technical issues associated with building types for public
use including building structure, construction materials and techniques, and cost
planning and specification. It is aimed at developing students understanding of the
implications of using alternative materials and construction processes for structural
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systems; an understanding of construction design and detailing; and an appreciation

of the selection and design of foundations in response to specific ground and soil
conditions. Students will be asked to demonstrate knowledge of using BIM for design
and documentation of the structural systems for buildings.
ARBE 3300 Construction Business Management
This course presents a contemporary perspective of the theoretical scope and
practical skills required to manage a firm operating in the construction industry. It
examines various management concepts and techniques associated with operational
and strategic activities, developing the student's ability to critically evaluate their
appropriateness for use in a variety of situations. It reviews classical, behavioural and
contemporary management theories, and their deployment in response to
competitive triggers encountered in dynamic operational environments. The course is
underpinned by a systemic perspective of the firm's functions, and extends this
through permeable organisational boundaries to consider competitive collaboration
within temporary project organisations; modes of innovation; and the influence of
collaborative information/communication technology, and building information
modelling. Students will be asked to design a strategic innovation/BIM
implementation plan for a firm operating in the construction industry.
ARBE 3301 Construction Project Planning
This course develops the student's appreciation of the scope and skills required to
control and coordinate resources in a construction project context. Students will
utilise previously acquired knowledge of construction processes and technologies to
develop commercially appropriate inventories of tasks that include appropriate
implementation methodologies and consequent resourcing implications. This course
examines various planning techniques, developing the student's ability to evaluate
their appropriateness for use in a variety of situations. It focuses on critical path
identification as the central function of commercially available project planning
software, concentrating in the first instance on the student's skill development in
manual methods of project planning/critical path identification, finally utilising a
computer application to validate their results. Students will engage with 4D BIM tools
to gain a better understanding of how they can be employed in the context of
construction-scheduling.
ARBE 3304 Development Economics
This course develops the students understanding of development economics through
the process of a feasibility study of a commercial property project. It examines the
site analysis, market research, property management, property finance and the
methods of investment appraisal; thereby developing the students ability to evaluate
property investment.
ARBE 3305 Infrastructure Development
Infrastructure Development simulates the preparation of an estimate and tender for a
construction project. It draws on the knowledge and skills which students have
developed in soil mechanics, quantity measurement, estimating, tendering project
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planning and construction methods. In addition, this course exposes students to new
subject areas as the project students will be tendering for is an engineering project
and they will need to explore methods of construction that they are unlikely to come
across before. Student will also be expected to evaluate and accommodate
commercial and other factors that are likely to influence the tender price that their
company submits for this work.
ARBE 3306 Building Fire Safety & Compliance
This course explores the principle and practice of assessment, evaluation and the
provision of recommendations associated with fire safety alternative solutions.
Students will understand building regulations, fire dynamics, fire safety measures,
human behaviour and risk assessment, as well as developing knowledge of the
practical design process adopted by the industry. Students will be expected to
demonstrate an understanding of BIM in the context of fire safety and compliance.
ARBE 3307 Contract Administration
This course investigates the practices and procedures required of a construction
professional during the contract administration stages of a construction project.
Students will learn about the various standard forms of contracts, their contractual
mechanisms, resolving disputes and contract conditions in relation to time, cost,
quality and risk. In addition, students in this course will be taught about the role of
BIM in standard construction contracts.
ARBE 4101 Construction Ecology 3
This course combines the study of sound and light within the context of total building
performance, health of buildings and occupants historically and practically. Elements
of measurement, insulation, reverberation of sound energy efficiency and sources of
light will be integrated into the design construction and refurbishment of buildings
against the background of creating an efficient and healthy built environment.
Students will be expected to engage with building simulation tasks through BIM
models evaluate a buildings performance (e.g. lighting, thermal etc).
ARBE 4102 Construction Technology & Services
This course develops the understanding of key concepts associated with the
construction of High Rise buildings. The course provides a vehicle to develop
knowledge and skills needed to comprehend the design of services in major
buildings, and in so doing engender a life-long interpretation of the intricacies of
physical installation and their critical sequence in the construction process. Students
will be asked to learn REVIT MEP Component and explore high-rise buildings
through BIM approach.

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ARBE 4121A Research in the Built Environment 1

This course is Part A of a multi-term sequence. Part B must also be completed to
meet the requirements of the sequence. Students must complete Part A before
completing Part B.
This course examines philosophical, theoretical, ethical and methodological concepts
and processes associated with academic research activities within the built
environment disciplines related to the practice of architecture and construction
management. Students are given the opportunity to define and develop research
problems through the critical and creative analysis of either architectural or
construction management and economics theory and methodologies and justify a
theoretical and methodological approach to investigate the problem.
ARBE 4121B Research in the Built Environment 2
This course is Part B of a multi-term sequence. Part A, ARBE4121A Research in the
Built Environment A must be completed prior to commencement of this course to
meet the requirement of the sequence. It provides students with the opportunity to
consider the philosophical theoretical, ethical, methodological and analytical concepts
and processes associated with academic research activities within the built
environment disciplines related to the practice of architecture and construction
management. Students are given the opportunity to define, articulate, develop,
evaluate, investigate, conduct, document a self-identified research question through
the critical and creative analysis of either architectural or construction management
and economics practice, theory and methodologies and justify a theoretical and
methodological approach to investigating the question.
ARBE 4301 Construction Entrepreneurship
Construction entrepreneurship deals with the knowledge, skills and attitudes required
to assemble resources including innovations, finance and business acumen in an
effort to transform innovations into economic goods. Students will work on a business
case and BIM implementation plan for construction businesses.
ARBE 4303 Facilities Management
This course investigates the theory and practice of facilities management. Elements
of strategic and operational facilities management will be discussed in the context of
technology, cost, legal/contract, environmental and performance management.
Students will explore Facilities Management function through BIM.
BIM Project 1
A new 10 Unit course will be established for students to work on a small construction
project using BIM approach
BIM Project 2
A new 20 Unit course focused on work integrated learning. Students will be working
in groups on a multidisciplinary BIM project.

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Annex B
Contact Details of Enrolment Officer & Programme Administrator

Degree Programme

Enrolment Officer

Programme
Administrator

Bachelor
of
Construction
Management (Building) (BCM)

Ms Elaine Chow
DID: 67304528 Fax: 62580558
Email:
elaine_chow@bca.gov.sg

Ms Rachael Lee
DID: 6248 9967 Fax: 62580558
Email:
Rachael_lee@bca.gov.sg

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