AA1STI: Construction Technology: an Introduction

Module code: AA1STI

Module provider: School of Architecture, School of Built Environment

Credits: 20

Level: Level 1 (Certificate)

When you'll be taught: Semester 2

Module convenor: Mr Mike Kane, email: m.b.kane@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s):

Co-requisite module(s): IN THE SAME YEAR AS TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST TAKE AA1VCA AND TAKE AA1HTI AND TAKE AA1DS1N AND TAKE AA1DS2N (Compulsory)

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded:

Placement information: NA

Academic year: 2024/5

Available to visiting students: No

Talis reading list: Yes

Last updated: 21 May 2024

Overview

Module aims and purpose

This module provides an introduction to key concepts related to materials, structures, construction technologies, environmental science and services relevant to the design of buildings. It is the first in a series of related science and technology modules, to be 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. 

Aims: 

Students will gain a working knowledge and understanding of the following core subject areas relevant to the design of buildings: 

1. Materials; 
2. Structures; 
3. Construction technologies; 
4. Environmental science; 
5. Services. 

As the module progresses, topics will generally be considered in relation to the design of small, individual buildings, an approach which relates to the scale of first year design module projects within the undergraduate architecture programme, and which provides an appropriate foundation to the related second year module. There is an emphasis on environmental resilience throughout this module and in related modules which follow. Aims will be achieved using a variety of teaching and learning methods: the module includes experimental work and ‘hands-on’ activities. 

Module learning outcomes

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

1. Understand and be able to describe, using appropriate vocabulary, aspects of the core subject areas outlined below, and will be able to demonstrate the application of this knowledge and understanding in experimental work, assignments and examinations.
2. Demonstrate in assignments and examination an understanding of alternative materials, processes and techniques in relation to architectural design and the technical requirements of building construction and the needs of the user in relation to small, simple buildings.

Module content

The module is structured around the following topic areas: 

1.  Materials: physical and chemical properties and characteristics of materials generally; including the properties of masonry, timber, concrete and steel; the environmental impact of specification choices; critical appraisal and selection of alternative materials; 
2. Structures: an introduction to structural principles; structures in nature and in vernacular and traditional buildings; the design of walls, beams, columns, floors, roofs and portal frames; critical appraisal and selection of alternative structural components and systems for small buildings; 
3. Construction technologies: the technologies of small buildings; the technologies of vernacular and traditional buildings; critical appraisal and selection of alternative technologies for small buildings; 
4. Environmental science: an introduction to concepts relating to light, heat, ventilation and sound, power, water supply and drainage; responding to climate; principles associated with designing optimal visual, thermal and acoustic environments within relevant precepts of sustainable design; 
5. Services: an introduction to systems and strategies associated with the provision of optimal visual, thermal and acoustic environments, ventilation, power, water supply and drainage; the integration of services in the design of buildings within relevant precepts of sustainable design. 

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

Teaching within this module will be by means of lectures, tutorials and lab-based sessions. These sessions will be complemented by guided independent study and by studio-based project work within related modules. 

Study hours

At least 50 hours of scheduled teaching and learning activities will be delivered in person, with the remaining hours for scheduled and self-scheduled teaching and learning activities delivered either in person or online. You will receive further details about how these hours will be delivered before the start of the module.

Please note the independent study hours above are notional numbers of hours; each student will approach studying in different ways. We would advise you to reflect on your learning and the number of hours you are allocating to these tasks.

Semester 1 The hours in this column may include hours during the Christmas holiday period.

Semester 2 The hours in this column may include hours during the Easter holiday period.

Summer The hours in this column will take place during the summer holidays and may be at the start and/or end of the module.

Assessment

Requirements for a pass

Students need to achieve an overall module mark of 40% to pass this module.

Summative assessment

Penalties for late submission of summative assessment

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

Assessments with numerical marks

• 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 three working days;
• the mark awarded due to the imposition of the penalty shall not fall below the threshold pass mark, namely 40% in the case of modules at Levels 4-6 (i.e. undergraduate modules for Parts 1-3) and 50% in the case of Level 7 modules offered as part of an Integrated Masters or taught postgraduate degree programme;
• where the piece of work is awarded a mark below the threshold pass mark prior to any penalty being imposed, and is submitted up to three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline), no penalty shall be imposed;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

Assessments marked Pass/Fail

• where the piece of work is submitted within three working days of the deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): no penalty will be applied;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): a grade of Fail will be awarded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/qap/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.

Formative assessment

Formative assessment is any task or activity which creates feedback (or feedforward) for you about your learning, but which does not contribute towards your overall module mark.

This module will include formative assessment tutorial sessions. 

Reassessment

Additional costs