AA2STC-Construction Technology: Core Studies

Module Provider: School of Architecture, School of Built Environment
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:5
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Mr Oliver Froome-Lewis
Email: o.froome-lewis@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:
This module builds on concepts introduced in first year relating to materials, structures, construction technologies, environmental science and services relevant to the design of buildings and groups of buildings. It is the second in a series of related science and technology modules, provided over three years within the Architecture programme, and is closely related to other modules including the studio- based part of the curriculum. It may also be of relevance to other programmes: elements of the module or the module as a whole may be common to other programmes.

Aims:

Students will develop an understanding of the following core subject areas relevant to the design of buildings and groups of buildings:

1. Materials;


2. Structures;


3. Construction technologies;


4. Environmental science;


5. Services.

Students will also be introduced to topics relating to ethics, and to regulations and standards in relation to the science and technology of architecture. Building on first year studies, this module focuses on more complex aspects of the core subjects and on aspects of science and technology related to larger and more complex buildings and groups of buildings. There is an emphasis on environmental resilience throughout this module and on the relationship between man and society.

Assessable learning outcomes:

1. Students will understand and be able to describe, using appropriate vocabulary, aspects of the subject areas outlined below, and will be able to demonstrate the application of this knowledge and understanding in experimental work, assignments and examination.


2. They will also be able to demonstrate in experimental work, assignments and examination, the development of their understanding of alternative materials, processes and techniques that apply to architectural design and building construction and will be able to demonstrate an ability to critically appraise and select a wide range of materials; structural components and systems; and construction technologies. They will also be able to demonstrate an ability to evaluate and develop strategies related to environmental sciences and services.


3. Students will be expected to have developed an understanding of the relationship between other elements of undergraduate programmes and construction technology; and relationships between people, buildings and the environment including the local context.


4. They will also have developed their awareness of the needs and aspirations of building users in relation to the science and technology of the built environment.


5. They will be able to demonstrate the development of skills which underpin a conceptual and critical approach to architectural design that integrates and satisfies the aesthetic aspects of a design and the technical requirements of its construction and the needs of the user within the precepts of sustainability.


6. Students will have an understanding of the alternative materials, processes and techniques that apply to architectural design and building construction; culture, theory and design;

Additional outcomes:

Outline content:

The module is structured around the following topic areas:

1. Materials: physical and chemical properties and characteristics of materials including metals, glass, plastics and composite materials; the environmental impact of specification choices; critical appraisal and selection of alternative materials;


2. Structures: the design of structures for larger and more complex buildings; critical appraisal and selection of alternative structural components and systems;


3. Construction technologies: the technologies of larger and more complex buildings; the technologies of modern and traditional buildings; critical appraisal and selection of alternative technologies;


4. Environmental science relating to the design of larger and more complex buildings and groups of buildings; the design of optimal visual, thermal and acoustic environments within relevant precepts of sustainable design;


5. Services relating to the design of larger and more complex buildings and groups of buildings: systems and strategies associated with the design of optimal visual, thermal and acoustic environments, ventilation, power, water supply and drainage; the integration of services in the design of buildings and groups of buildings within relevant precepts of sustainable design;


6. Ethics, regulatory frameworks and standards in relation to the science and technology of architecture.

Global context:
The module is focused on the UK but has a global dimension, notably in relation to case studies which will be taken from a variety of locations around the world.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Teaching within this module will be primarily by means of lectures and tutorials. These sessions will be complemented by guided independent study and by studio-based project work within related modules.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	20	20	2
Tutorials	10	10
Fieldwork	10	10
Guided independent study:	58	60
Total hours by term	98	100	2
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Report	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:

N/A

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Formative assessment methods:
This module will include formative assessment related to tutorial sessions such as on-line multiple choice questions; practice questions and quizzes as well as practical exercises.

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: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/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 mark of 40% overall

Reassessment arrangements:
Reassessment will be by examination/coursework to be completed by August/September.

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: 30 March 2023