AA2STC: Construction Technology: Core Studies

Module code: AA2STC

Module provider: School of Architecture, School of Built Environment

Credits: 20

Level: Level 2 (Intermediate)

When you'll be taught: Semester 1

Module convenor: Mr Vsevolod Giorgi Kondratiev-Popov, email: v.s.kondratiev-popov@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s):

Co-requisite module(s): IN THE SAME YEAR AS TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST TAKE AA2IPR AND TAKE AA2DS3N AND TAKE AA2HTC AND TAKE AA2DS4N (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: 12 September 2024

Overview

Module aims and purpose

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. 

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. 

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 subject areas outlined below, and will be able to demonstrate the application of this knowledge and understanding in experimental work, assignments and examination.
2. 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. Understand the relationship between other elements of undergraduate programmes and construction technology; and relationships between people, buildings and the environment including the local context.
4. Demonstrate awareness of the needs and aspirations of building users in relation to the science and technology of the built environment.
5. 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. Understand the alternative materials, processes and techniques that apply to architectural design and building construction; culture, theory and design.

Module 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.

Structure

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. 

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 related to tutorial sessions such as on-line multiple choice questions; practice questions and quizzes as well as practical exercises. 

Reassessment

Additional costs