CE2CSL-Construction Statutory Law

Module Provider: School of Construction Management and Engineering, School of Built Environment
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:5
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites: LW1A05 General Introduction to Law
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Dr Ronan Champion
Email: r.champion@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

Statutory law plays an important role in many aspects of construction. Knowledge of statutory law, and an understanding of its application, is vital for the success of construction projects and firms operating in the construction sector. Statutory law impacts on a wide range of areas relating to the construction industry, including health and safety, equality and diversity, building planning and control, procurement and the environment. This module builds upon LW1A05 General Introduction to Law module at Part 1 to help students develop an appreciation for the application of law within construction projects, construction firms and by construction professions.

Aims:

To develop knowledge of the statutory legal framework within which construction professionals practice and to enable students to demonstrate their knowledge of the interpretation of law as it relates to construction projects and construction firms. This includes placing professional practice into the context of the legal framework, exemplified through the English law.

Assessable learning outcomes:

At the end of this module it is expected that students will:

• Describe the statutory legal landscape with specific focus on the practice of construction.


• Explain how statutory law impacts upon the practice of construction.


• Evaluate key concepts in construction statutory law.


• Appraise the impact of construction statutory law on case studies of construction practice to create clear and supportable conclusions. 

Additional outcomes:

This module will also encourage the development more generally of

• analytical skills


• problem-solving skills

Outline content:

The module will include:

• An introduction to construction statutory law


• Overview of statutes relevant to business operations


• Building and control regulations


• Equality and diversity


• Sustainability and the environment


• Planning


• Health and safety


• Procurement law

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	10
Seminars		2
Guided independent study:	88
Total hours by term			0
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	40
Written assignment including essay	30
Set exercise	30

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Three computer-based tests. The total from these tests will contribute 30% of the overall assessment. One essay will be submitted on-line, contributing 30% to the overall assessment.

Formative assessment methods:

A formative feedback component is embedded within the lectures (e.g. interactive in-class exercises) and the assignment. A central ethos of the module is interactive and participative.

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

A minimum mark of 40%

Reassessment arrangements:

There are three assessment groups: online tests, essay, and exam. Students are eligible to resit any group. For online tests, three tests to be taken; for essays, one essay is required.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books:  None

2) Specialist equipment or materials:  None

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:  None

4) Printing and binding:  None

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:  None

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:  None

Last updated: 13 September 2021