CE2QCT-Introduction to Quantification and Computerised Taking Off

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: CE1CCT Construction Technology
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites: CE2CBT1 Building Technology
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr Upeksha Madanayake
Email: u.h.madanayake@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module is designed for students who already have some knowledge of construction technology. The module starts to develop the students’ basic skills in measurement and quantification of construction work in line with basic principles and techniques of quantification of construction work and looks at how these techniques may be carried out using both traditional and computerised technologies.

Aims:

The module aims to equip the students with basic, initial skills and knowledge that are required to quantify construction work, which include principles and conventions of mensuration, definition and quantification of items of construction work in both traditional and digital technologies for the preparation of contract documentation.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge of the various principles, techniques and standard methods of measurement and the practices of quantification, definition and costing of construction works at different stages of the construction process and in different circumstances. This will include the skills and knowledge around the use and interpret plans, drawings and specifications.


• Undertakesimple, practical examples of taking-off quantities of construction work items at appropriate level of detail, using traditional dim paper as well as with a computer software programme.


• Gather all quantified data and produce unpriced bills of quantities using both traditional and computerised methods

Additional outcomes:

Outline content:

The module covers following broad topic areas:

• Basic measurement techniques related to a simple residential building which includes building elements such as:


• Foundations


• Walls, floors and partitions


• Internal finishes


• Roofs


• Using standard methods of measurement, taking off and standard booking methods.


• Bills of Quantities production (unpriced)


• Use and application of digital technologies to support the measurement, quantification and costing of building works. This will include, but not limited to software, cost databases (e.g. BCIS, SPONS, etc.) and measurement software (e.g. Excel, CostX, BlueBeam, etc.).

 

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The module is delivered in 2-hour lecture sessions, supported by additional Practical classes/ workshops over the Semester-1 as follows:

• Lecture sessions - Lectures will be held on a weekly basis (2 hours) in class as detailed in the university timetable.


• Practical classes/ workshops – Interactive Practical classes/ workshops will be held in class (subject to university guidelines) (1 hour) where the students will have the opportunity to get their hands-on with different quantification activities. The students will also have the opportunity to discuss the solutions for these practical exercises.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	20
Practicals classes and workshops	10
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)	20
Completion of formative assessment tasks	30
Reflection	20
Total hours by term	100	0	0
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Set exercise	70
Class test administered by School	30

Summative assessment- Examinations:

N/A

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

The online test (30% of the module mark), is based on the RICS New Rules of Measurement: Detailed measurement for building works (‘NRM 2’). The test is consisting of 10 questions and must be completed within 20 minutes. The students are only allowed one attempt. The test is used to encourage students to study the measurement rules and engage in tutorials before they undertake practical exercises of taking-off quantities of construction work items.

A set exercise (70% of the module mark), designed as an authentic learning activity, where students are asked to carry out a detailed measurement exercise using both traditional and digitalised methods, and produce unpriced bill of quantities. 

Formative assessment methods:

Each week, the lecture will follow a workshop/ practical class where the students will be given a practical exercise to try their hands-on. The tutors will provide instant feedback to students on their work during the session. These feedback will act as formative assessment which will eventually help students in their achievement of set learning outcomes.

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:

Required to achieve 40% of the overall module mark to pass the module

Reassessment arrangements:

Same assessment types as first assessment arrangements, but with different tasks/ questions

• Class test administered by School 30%


• Set Exercise 70%

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