CE2CTQ: Introduction to Quantification and Computerised Taking Off

Module code: CE2CTQ

Module provider: School of Construction Management and Engineering, School of Built Environment

Credits: 20

Level: Level 2 (Intermediate)

When you'll be taught: Semester 1

Module convenor: Mr Ekpo Ekpenyong, email: ym927895@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s):

Co-requisite module(s):

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 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. It specifically introduces students to the measurement of concrete framed structure for a simple residential building such as Columns and Beams (Rebars, stirrups, formwork & concrete). 

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. 

The Module Lead at the University of Reading Malaysia Nurul Syahidah Mazlan (n.mazlan@reading.edu.my).

Module learning outcomes

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

1. 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. 
2. Undertake simple, 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. 
3. Gather all quantified data and produce unpriced bills of quantities using both traditional and computerised methods 

Module content

The module covers following broad topic areas: 

• Basic measurement techniques related to a simple residential building which includes building elements such as: 
• Foundations, including site clearance, excavations, strip foundation, and pad foundation  
• 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.). 

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

The module is delivered in 2-hour lecture sessions, supported by additional practical classes/workshops over 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.

For students studying at our campus in Malaysia: This module may be taught in a different semester and the breakdown of study hours may differ to those set out in the Study Hours table (please refer to the Module Handbook for the correct breakdown). In addition, you will be required to complete an additional 40 hours of study, taking the total number of study hours to 240 for this module. This is to comply with the Malaysian Quality Agency (MQA).

Study hours

At least 45 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.

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. 

Reassessment

Additional costs