CE1CCS-Construction Science

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

Module Convenor: Dr Mehdi Shahrestani
Email: m.shahrestani@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module introduces the fundamental concepts of Construction Science through an examination of the physical properties and mechanics of construction materials and the physics of heat, fluids, light sound and electricity. The application of these concepts is described in the CE1CCT Construction Technology Module delivered in the Autumn Term and the concepts are reinforced through the experimental elements of the CE1CES Empirical Science Module which is delivered in the Spring Term. This integrated approach enables the theories and concepts learnt in CE1CCS to be used in other modules, thus helping to reinforce knowledge and understanding and develop critical analysis. 

Aims:
Overall:

' To provide an understanding of the scientific and engineering principles of construction materials, the internal environment and environmental services.
' To enable the scale of forces, heat loads, Illuminance and sound to be calculated.
' To develop knowledge of water based and electrical engineering systems.

Assessable learning outcomes:
By the end of the module it is expected that the student should be able to:

' Understand the characteristics and performance of different construction materials.
' Appreciate how components are configured and incorporated into buildings.
' Appreciate the environmental implications of materials use.
' Calculate tensile and compression forces in simple structures and trusses.
' Calculate buckling loads and apply bending moments diagrams for loaded beams.
' Appreciate the basic principles of building heat losses.
' Understand the factors associated with human response to heat, air movement and comfort conditions.
' Understand the technology used in the services of simple low-rise buildings.
' Be able to explain basic systems used in low-rise buildings for cold and hot water supply.
' Understand the nature and provision of surface water and foul drainage.
' Comprehend the basic physical laws of light, sound and electricity.
' Understand the way electricity is supplied and distributed for power and light.

Additional outcomes:

Outline content:

• Structure, composition, properties and performance of building materials (concrete, masonry, metals, timber, plastics, glass, bituminous and paints).

• Testing and regulations of building materials.

• Basic concepts of stresses and strains of simple structures.

• Calculation of shear forces, bending moments and deflection of fabrics.

• Moisture, its sources, movement and control in buildings.

• Basic principles of human comfort requirements.

• Principles of fluid flow in pipes and ducts and pressure losses.

• Physical principles of sound, its transmission in rooms and noise levels. 

• Physics of light, its measurement and methods of calculating lighting levels in buildings.

• Principles and basic calculations of drainage and discharge systems for foul and surface water.

• Water supply and cold-water distribution systems.

• Basics principles of electricity, its generation, distribution and types of power supply.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Lectures, Tutorials and Private Study

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	20	26	1
Tutorials	18	26
Guided independent study:	47	62
Total hours by term	85	114	1
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	80
Set exercise	20
Class test administered by School	0

Summative assessment- Examinations:

One 2-hour examination 

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Two set exercises; one at the end of Autumn term and one at the end of Spring term. Each of them accounts for 10% of total marks.

Formative assessment methods:
A series of tutorials provide students with the opportunity to improve their performance through the feedback provided.

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%

Reassessment arrangements:

A 2 hour re-examination in August that accounts for 100% of marks. 

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: 30 March 2023