CE1CPR-Projects

Module Provider: School of Construction Management and Engineering, School of Built Environment
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2022/3

Module Convenor: Dr Rory Jones
Email: r.v.jones@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

The Built Environment discipline relies on the successful performance of projects underpinned by effective team performance and the upholding of professional standards of conduct. This module introduces students to two important areas of the School’s curriculum – academic research and professional practice. Using an enquiry-based learning approach students will work in teams to address problems. These problems will be structured to give students an opportunity to better understand construction and surveying professional practice and ethics. Students will be challenged to think their way creatively through problems whilst learning about team dynamics, leadership, and team formation. Students will also be given the opportunity to work in teams to undertake a structured research project focused on sustainability topics. They will be asked to begin to develop their understanding of research and given an opportunity to learn and apply some basic research skills.

Aims:

This module aims to develop a range of key skills to help students make the transition from school to university. There will be a strong emphasis on teamwork and on problem solving. The module will provide students with the opportunity to begin to engage in the process of research and to develop their underpinning research skills.

Assessable learning outcomes:

At the end of the module it is expected that student will be able to:

• Locate appropriate information sources and identify, select and assemble relevant information in a variety of contexts


• Collect, record, critically analyse and present material


• Take ownership of a problem, generate solutions and evaluate the most effective course of action.


• Communicate ideas, analyses and conclusions in a variety of forms and to a variety of audiences


• Recognise the process of team work and evaluate the qualities that an individual can bring to a team


• Appreciate the potential role of the construction sector in addressing the complexities of climate change and sustainability more broadly through direct emissions reduction and other indirect approaches

Additional outcomes:

The student will be given an opportunity to:

• develop their ability to work with others in team environments.


• consolidate the relationship between student academic studies and their application in professional practice.


• build their personal self-confidence, sense of responsibility and inter-personal skills.


• An opportunity to apply IT skills such as word processing, PowerPoint and the use of spreadsheets.


• Explore topics related to professional ethics and how they pertain to professional practice


• Discuss sustainability topics as they pertain to the built environment

Outline content:

Students will work in small groups to address two distinct project problems. The first will be an enquiry-based learning project in which students will be asked to respond to a challenge designed to give them better insight into construction and surveying practice. The second will be a structured research problem designed to give them an introduction to the process of research and to begin to develop their research skills.

Global context:

The transferable skills developed through this module.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Students will be supported through a mixture of lectures, workshops and seminars.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	5	5
Practicals classes and workshops	3	5
Guided independent study:	42	40
Total hours by term			0
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Project output other than dissertation	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Two presentations (one focused on professional ethics, one focused on literature review on sustainability topics), two teammate evaluations, one research report

Formative assessment methods:

Meeting minutes submitted after each workshop

Penalties for late submission:

The penalties for the late submission of this coursework assignment will be in accordance with University policy. The Module Convenor reserves the right to confirm with the employer that the student has completed the work placement satisfactorily.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

A minimum mark of 40% based on the submitted assessments

Reassessment arrangements:

Submission of a 3,000 word report (100%) dealing with teamwork, professional practice, research and/or sustainability topics.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books:  

2) Specialist equipment or materials:  

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:  

4) Printing and binding:  

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:  

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:  

Last updated: 22 September 2022