General Information
Understanding Buildings 1 provides an overview of the building construction process. Focused on detached housing development, this subject introduces the stakeholders as well as the physical, legislative, and cost factors affecting development of a building. It investigates the component parts of a building and their functions in detail, as well as the construction sequence and methods adopted. Construction terminology is examined and spatial awareness and drawing interpretation is practiced.
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Details
Academic unit: Bond University College Subject code: BCDP02-062 Subject title: Understanding Buildings 1 Subject level: Undergraduate Semester/Year: January 2025 Credit points: 10.000 -
Delivery & attendance
Timetable: https://bond.edu.au/timetable Delivery mode: Standard Workload items: - Personal Study Hours: x12 (Total hours: 72) - Recommended Study Hours
- Forum: x12 (Total hours: 24) - Weekly Forum
- Tutorial: x12 (Total hours: 12) - Weekly Tutorial
- Tutorial: x12 (Total hours: 12) - Weekly Tutorial 2
Attendance and learning activities: As successful completion of this subject is heavily dependent on participation during all scheduled sessions, attendance will be monitored. Most sessions build on the content of the previous one. It is difficult for a student to recover if a session is missed. It is the responsibility of the student to catch up on any content missed and to complete set work outside class. It is also necessary for students to engage proactively and contribute positively in discussions, analyses and case studies. The assessments are an important part of developing the knowledge and understanding required to fulfil the minimum requirements of this subject. In addition to face-to-face contact time, students should plan to spend a minimum of 72 hours undertaking preparation/out of class work/personal study for this subject. This is intended as a general guide only for workload planning. More time may be required depending on the student's comprehension of the content delivered in class and aptitude for the subject. Please note that subsequent subjects assume the student has a full understanding of this subject - this content will not be repeated. -
Resources
Prescribed resources: Books
- George Wilkie,Stuart Arden (2003). Building Your Own Home. n/a, New Holland 248
- Allan Staines The Australian House Building Manual. 8+,
iLearn@Bond & Email: iLearn@Bond is the Learning Management System at Bond University and is used to provide access to subject materials, class recordings and detailed subject information regarding the subject curriculum, assessment, and timing. Both iLearn and the Student Email facility are used to provide important subject notifications.
Additionally, official correspondence from the University will be forwarded to students’ Bond email account and must be monitored by the student.
To access these services, log on to the Student Portal from the Bond University website as www.bond.edu.au
| Academic unit: | Bond University College |
|---|---|
| Subject code: | BCDP02-062 |
| Subject title: | Understanding Buildings 1 |
| Subject level: | Undergraduate |
| Semester/Year: | January 2025 |
| Credit points: | 10.000 |
| Timetable: | https://bond.edu.au/timetable |
|---|---|
| Delivery mode: | Standard |
| Workload items: |
|
| Attendance and learning activities: | As successful completion of this subject is heavily dependent on participation during all scheduled sessions, attendance will be monitored. Most sessions build on the content of the previous one. It is difficult for a student to recover if a session is missed. It is the responsibility of the student to catch up on any content missed and to complete set work outside class. It is also necessary for students to engage proactively and contribute positively in discussions, analyses and case studies. The assessments are an important part of developing the knowledge and understanding required to fulfil the minimum requirements of this subject. In addition to face-to-face contact time, students should plan to spend a minimum of 72 hours undertaking preparation/out of class work/personal study for this subject. This is intended as a general guide only for workload planning. More time may be required depending on the student's comprehension of the content delivered in class and aptitude for the subject. Please note that subsequent subjects assume the student has a full understanding of this subject - this content will not be repeated. |
| Prescribed resources: | Books
|
|---|---|
| iLearn@Bond & Email: | iLearn@Bond is the Learning Management System at Bond University and is used to provide access to subject materials, class recordings and detailed subject information regarding the subject curriculum, assessment, and timing. Both iLearn and the Student Email facility are used to provide important subject notifications. Additionally, official correspondence from the University will be forwarded to students’ Bond email account and must be monitored by the student. To access these services, log on to the Student Portal from the Bond University website as www.bond.edu.au |
Enrolment requirements
| Requisites: |
Nil |
|---|---|
| Assumed knowledge: |
Assumed knowledge is the minimum level of knowledge of a subject area that students are assumed to have acquired through previous study. It is the responsibility of students to ensure they meet the assumed knowledge expectations of the subject. Students who do not possess this prior knowledge are strongly recommended against enrolling and do so at their own risk. No concessions will be made for students’ lack of prior knowledge.
|
| Restrictions: |
Nil |
Assurance of learning
Assurance of Learning means that universities take responsibility for creating, monitoring and updating curriculum, teaching and assessment so that students graduate with the knowledge, skills and attributes they need for employability and/or further study.
At Bond University, we carefully develop subject and program outcomes to ensure that student learning in each subject contributes to the whole student experience. Students are encouraged to carefully read and consider subject and program outcomes as combined elements.
Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)
Program Learning Outcomes provide a broad and measurable set of standards that incorporate a range of knowledge and skills that will be achieved on completion of the program. If you are undertaking this subject as part of a degree program, you should refer to the relevant degree program outcomes and graduate attributes as they relate to this subject.
Subject Learning Outcomes (SLOs)
On successful completion of this subject the learner will be able to:
- Identify the stakeholders and describe the physical, legislative, and cost factors affecting development of a building;
- Describe and identify the component parts of a building (physically and on drawings) and their functions;
- Recognise and describe the construction sequence and methods adopted to construct a building;
- Produce hand drawn plans and elevations of a simple building; and
- Apply construction terminology to communicate effectively.
Generative Artificial Intelligence in Assessment
The University acknowledges that Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen-AI) tools are an important facet of contemporary life. Their use in assessment is considered in line with students’ development of the skills and knowledge which demonstrate learning outcomes and underpin study and career success. Instructions on the use of Gen-AI are given for each assessment task; it is your responsibility to adhere to these instructions.
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Assessment details
Type Task % Timing* Outcomes assessed Paper-based Examination (Closed)^ Assessment of coursework and other learning objectives from entire subject 40.00% Final Examination Period 2,3,5 Written Report Analysis of a building process or system 20.00% Week 5 1,2 Project§ Preparation and application of design drawings and construction processes/methods 40.00% Week 10 2,3,4,5 - ^ Students must pass this assessment to pass the subject
- § Indicates group/teamwork-based assessment
- * Assessment timing is indicative of the week that the assessment is due or begins (where conducted over multiple weeks), and is based on the standard University academic calendar
- C = Students must reach a level of competency to successfully complete this assessment.
Pass requirement
Students must achieve a minimum 50% cumulative total for all assessment items, as well as 50% in the final exam to be eligible to pass this subject.
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Assessment criteria
Assessment criteria
High Distinction 85-100 Outstanding or exemplary performance in the following areas: interpretative ability; intellectual initiative in response to questions; mastery of the skills required by the subject, general levels of knowledge and analytic ability or clear thinking. Distinction 75-84 Usually awarded to students whose performance goes well beyond the minimum requirements set for tasks required in assessment, and who perform well in most of the above areas. Credit 65-74 Usually awarded to students whose performance is considered to go beyond the minimum requirements for work set for assessment. Assessable work is typically characterised by a strong performance in some of the capacities listed above. Pass 50-64 Usually awarded to students whose performance meets the requirements set for work provided for assessment. Fail 0-49 Usually awarded to students whose performance is not considered to meet the minimum requirements set for particular tasks. The fail grade may be a result of insufficient preparation, of inattention to assignment guidelines or lack of academic ability. A frequent cause of failure is lack of attention to subject or assignment guidelines. Quality assurance
For the purposes of quality assurance, Bond University conducts an evaluation process to measure and document student assessment as evidence of the extent to which program and subject learning outcomes are achieved. Some examples of student work will be retained for potential research and quality auditing purposes only. Any student work used will be treated confidentially and no student grades will be affected.
| Type | Task | % | Timing* | Outcomes assessed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper-based Examination (Closed)^ | Assessment of coursework and other learning objectives from entire subject | 40.00% | Final Examination Period | 2,3,5 |
| Written Report | Analysis of a building process or system | 20.00% | Week 5 | 1,2 |
| Project§ | Preparation and application of design drawings and construction processes/methods | 40.00% | Week 10 | 2,3,4,5 |
- ^ Students must pass this assessment to pass the subject
- § Indicates group/teamwork-based assessment
- * Assessment timing is indicative of the week that the assessment is due or begins (where conducted over multiple weeks), and is based on the standard University academic calendar
- C = Students must reach a level of competency to successfully complete this assessment.
Pass requirement
Students must achieve a minimum 50% cumulative total for all assessment items, as well as 50% in the final exam to be eligible to pass this subject.
Assessment criteria
| High Distinction | 85-100 | Outstanding or exemplary performance in the following areas: interpretative ability; intellectual initiative in response to questions; mastery of the skills required by the subject, general levels of knowledge and analytic ability or clear thinking. |
|---|---|---|
| Distinction | 75-84 | Usually awarded to students whose performance goes well beyond the minimum requirements set for tasks required in assessment, and who perform well in most of the above areas. |
| Credit | 65-74 | Usually awarded to students whose performance is considered to go beyond the minimum requirements for work set for assessment. Assessable work is typically characterised by a strong performance in some of the capacities listed above. |
| Pass | 50-64 | Usually awarded to students whose performance meets the requirements set for work provided for assessment. |
| Fail | 0-49 | Usually awarded to students whose performance is not considered to meet the minimum requirements set for particular tasks. The fail grade may be a result of insufficient preparation, of inattention to assignment guidelines or lack of academic ability. A frequent cause of failure is lack of attention to subject or assignment guidelines. |
Quality assurance
For the purposes of quality assurance, Bond University conducts an evaluation process to measure and document student assessment as evidence of the extent to which program and subject learning outcomes are achieved. Some examples of student work will be retained for potential research and quality auditing purposes only. Any student work used will be treated confidentially and no student grades will be affected.
Study Information
Submission procedures
Students must check the iLearn@Bond subject site for detailed assessment information and submission procedures.
Policy on late submission and extensions
A student who has not established a basis for an extension in compliance with University and Faculty policy either by 1) not applying before the assessment due date or 2) by having an application rejected due to failure to show a justifiable cause for an extension, will receive a penalty on assessment submitted after its due date. The penalty will be 10% of marks awarded to that assessment for every day late, with the first day counted after the required submission time has passed. No assessment will be accepted for consideration seven calendar days after the due date. Where a student has been granted an extension, the late penalty starts from the new due date and time set out in the extension.
Academic Integrity
Bond University‘s Student Code of Conduct Policy , Student Charter, Academic Integrity Policy and our Graduate Attributes guide expectations regarding student behaviour, their rights and responsibilities. Information on these topics can be found on our Academic Integrity webpage recognising that academic integrity involves demonstrating the principles of integrity (honesty, fairness, trust, professionalism, courage, responsibility, and respect) in words and actions across all aspects of academic endeavour.
Staff are required to report suspected misconduct. This includes all types of plagiarism, cheating, collusion, fabrication or falsification of data/content or other misconduct relating to assessment such as the falsification of medical certificates for assessment extensions. The longer term personal, social and financial consequences of misconduct can be severe, so please ask for help if you are unsure.
If your work is subject to an inquiry, you will be given an opportunity to respond and appropriate support will be provided. Academic work under inquiry will not be marked until the process has concluded. Penalties for misconduct include a warning, reduced grade, a requirement to repeat the assessment, suspension or expulsion from the University.
Feedback on assessment
Feedback on assessment will be provided to students according to the requirements of the Assessment Procedure Schedule A - Assessment Communication Procedure.
Whilst in most cases feedback should be provided within two weeks of the assessment submission due date, the Procedure should be checked if the assessment is linked to others or if the subject is a non-standard (e.g., intensive) subject.
Accessibility and Inclusion Support
Support is available to students where a physical, mental or neurological condition exists that would impact the student’s capacity to complete studies, exams or assessment tasks. For effective support, special requirement needs should be arranged with the University in advance of or at the start of each semester, or, for acute conditions, as soon as practicable after the condition arises. Reasonable adjustments are not guaranteed where applications are submitted late in the semester (for example, when lodged just prior to critical assessment and examination dates).
As outlined in the Accessibility and Inclusion Policy, to qualify for support, students must meet certain criteria. Students are also required to meet with the Accessibility and Inclusion Advisor who will ensure that reasonable adjustments are afforded to qualifying students.
For more information and to apply online, visit BondAbility.
Additional subject information
It is strongly recommended that students procure their own copies of the prescribed texts. Students will also be required to research and source some information in addition to that provided in lectures and on iLearn as well as visit places with building activity to obtain a clearer understanding of building methodology.
Subject curriculum
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The building development process
Discuss key stakeholders in the building process, considerations when designing/building a house and terminology related to building design and mechanics.
SLOs included
- Identify the stakeholders and describe the physical, legislative, and cost factors affecting development of a building;
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Land analysis and legal framework
Detail visual and online site analysis, encumbrance, and explains the difference between performance solution and deemed-to-satisfy solution.
SLOs included
- Identify the stakeholders and describe the physical, legislative, and cost factors affecting development of a building;
- Recognise and describe the construction sequence and methods adopted to construct a building;
- Apply construction terminology to communicate effectively.
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Site preparation, building platforms and services
Focus on utilities that are common to all building sites, slope analysis and management, building platforms, retaining walls, and site drainage.
SLOs included
- Identify the stakeholders and describe the physical, legislative, and cost factors affecting development of a building;
- Recognise and describe the construction sequence and methods adopted to construct a building;
- Apply construction terminology to communicate effectively.
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Footings and concrete ground slabs
Discuss footings, such as isolated systems and continuous systems. Construction process of slabs (Stiffened Raft Slab and Waffle raft slab) and concrete pouring, finishing, reinforcement, and formworks will be discussed.
SLOs included
- Describe and identify the component parts of a building (physically and on drawings) and their functions;
- Recognise and describe the construction sequence and methods adopted to construct a building;
- Produce hand drawn plans and elevations of a simple building; and
- Apply construction terminology to communicate effectively.
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Suspended flooring
Discuss the suspended floor design, elements, material selection (timber and concrete), and construction considerations.
SLOs included
- Describe and identify the component parts of a building (physically and on drawings) and their functions;
- Recognise and describe the construction sequence and methods adopted to construct a building;
- Apply construction terminology to communicate effectively.
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Wall and roof framing
Describe the wall elements, design considerations, and construction methodology. Roof shapes, terminology, pitched roof and trussed roof will also be discussed.
SLOs included
- Describe and identify the component parts of a building (physically and on drawings) and their functions;
- Recognise and describe the construction sequence and methods adopted to construct a building;
- Apply construction terminology to communicate effectively.
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External finishes and weatherproofing
Identify common building enclosure materials, design considerations, construction specifics, cladding options, roof fascia, roof gutters, downpipes, and waterproofing in buildings.
SLOs included
- Describe and identify the component parts of a building (physically and on drawings) and their functions;
- Recognise and describe the construction sequence and methods adopted to construct a building;
- Apply construction terminology to communicate effectively.
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Services, interior fitout and finishes
Discuss first fix (electrical and plumbing), interior linings, stairs, kitchens, and bathrooms. Final fit off (electrical and plumbing), painting, flooring, and commissioning will also be covered.
SLOs included
- Describe and identify the component parts of a building (physically and on drawings) and their functions;
- Recognise and describe the construction sequence and methods adopted to construct a building;
- Apply construction terminology to communicate effectively.
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External works and landscaping
Identify and describe soft and hard landscaping elements, landscape plans, construction sequence, critical issues, coordination, maintenance, and external plumbing.
SLOs included
- Describe and identify the component parts of a building (physically and on drawings) and their functions;
- Recognise and describe the construction sequence and methods adopted to construct a building;
- Apply construction terminology to communicate effectively.
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Creating and interpreting drawings
Practice construction drawings such as site plan, floor plan, roof plan, elevations, sections. Recognise construction symbols, acronyms, and abbreviations.
SLOs included
- Produce hand drawn plans and elevations of a simple building; and
- Apply construction terminology to communicate effectively.