module specification

Professionals in the built environment need to have expert knowledge and understanding of construction technology and building services, and their contribution towards a sustainable built environment. This module introduces you to both traditional and modern construction technology used in residential and low-rise construction.  It will explore how they are being used to lessen the environmental impact of construction projects and building operation. You will learn about how services are incorporated into construction projects in a sustainable way, including water, heating, drainage, energy and data.

Throughout the module, you will learn the role of statutory government regulation in construction and the importance of health & safety for the workforce during the construction phase, and the occupants once the building is handed over.

By the end of this module, you will have a clear understanding of a variety of construction technologies and building services and an appreciation of their contribution towards a sustainable built environment. You will have developed valuable technical, research and critical thinking skills including an understanding of how to interpret drawings which communicate construction information to professionals and skilled tradespersons.

• An introduction to the statutory regulations affecting domestic construction including:
o Building Regulations
o Planning legislation
o Health & Safety legislation (LO1,2)
• The drivers for sustainable construction and introducing the concept of the building life-cycle (LO1,2)
• Preparing to build: site appraisal and investigation (LO1,5,6)
• Construction drawings - interpreting and understanding, working at different scales (LO5)
• Substructure: foundations and ground floors (LO1,2,5,6)
• Superstructure: external walls, upper floors and roofs, including temporary works Windows and external doors (LO1,2,5,6)
• Stairways, partitions, finishes and internal doors (LO1,2,5,6)
• Building services, equipment, installations and control (LO3,4,5,6)
• In-coming services and infra-structure (LO3,4,5,6)
• Fire Safety (LO1,4)
• Building Information Modelling (BIM) (LO2,4,5)
• Sustainable solutions: low and zero carbon homes, off-site construction and renewable energy sources (LO1,2,4)

The lectures will introduce you to the subject area and provide you with critical knowledge of construction technology and building services for residential and low-rise buildings.

Study will be supported via lectures, seminars, workshops, and guided asynchronous activities. Where appropriate, activities will be captured and made available to allow asynchronous access. The value of this blended approach is that you will be able to continue to explore topics beyond the classroom and interact with your cohort to expand on discussions and debates.

A case-study approach will be used in this module to give you a clear understanding of how a range of relevant construction technologies and building services are selected and used in practice. You will be introduced to traditional and emerging practices in sustainable construction and will be encouraged to debate and discuss issues arising from the need to reduce the environmental impact of the construction and operation of buildings.

You will be encouraged to undertake your own research and attend industry CPD events to source additional case studies to inform your learning and to share with your peers. This will help to build your own personal body of knowledge and give you reference points to use in assessments in your academic work and in the future to use in your professional work.

You will reflect on your learning which will contribute towards your online Professional Development Journal (PDJ).

On completion of the module the learner, operating independently and applying their knowledge and skills, should be able to:
1. Describe a variety of sustainable construction methods for residential and low-rise buildings in the context of regulatory, social, and environmental constraints. 
2. Explain how building performance requirements encourage innovation in construction technology and building services. 
3. Explain the factors which are essential to creating a healthy, comfortable and energy efficient internal building environment.
4. Describe a variety of building services and energy solutions appropriate to residential and low-rise buildings.
5. Accurately interpret construction and architectural drawings.
6. Demonstrate a clear understanding of the importance of environmentally sustainable and safe, working practices.

The 2 module assessments test the student’s knowledge and understanding that should have been developed throughout the module. The module assessments reflect the need for students to understand the technical aspects related to construction, including how services are delivered and incorporated within buildings sustainably. Further information will be issued in the coursework briefs.

Coursework 1: Individual Report (3,750 words) 75%

A 3,750-word illustrated report applying their knowledge of residential and low-rise building construction technology to a notional construction project. Students will be provided with a case-study and be required to write an illustrated report.

Coursework 2: Individual Presentation (10 minutes plus Q&A) 25%

Students will be required to give a 10-minute presentation outlining their proposed building services solution in relation to the construction technologies they proposed in coursework 1. This will include an opportunity for Q&A where students will need to justify the building services solution that they have proposed. Assessment choice is provided to the student who can agree with the module team the format of the presentation which, for example, could be live in person, a recorded talking head video, or a recorded PowerPoint presentation with commentary. If recorded, then there will still be a scheduled live Q&A.

There is no single text currently in publication that provides a comprehensive coverage of all aspects of this module. There are several books, publications and online resources which cover various parts of the module in some detail, and these are included in the core text list.

There is excellent coverage of the subject available via the Construction Information Service (CIS).  

CIS is accessed via Construction Information Service  and provides a huge range of information relevant to this module. You will be directed to the relevant resources throughout the module.

Core and additional resources are detailed in the module reading list:

Talis reading list