Building and Construction Studies 1 (8518.5)

Please note these are the 2026 details for this unit
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Building and Construction Studies 1
Available teaching periods Delivery mode Location
View teaching periods On-campus
 Bruce, Canberra
EFTSL Credit points Faculty
0.125 3 Faculty Of Arts And Design
Discipline Study level HECS Bands
School Of Design And The Built Environment Level 1 - Undergraduate Introductory Unit Band 2 2021 (Commenced After 1 Jan 2021)
Band 3 2021 (Commenced Before 1 Jan 2021)
In this unit students will be introduced to the techniques and principals of residential construction including the technology, terminology and detailed design of typical buildings. They will explore site set out, the construction of footings, floor, wall and roof framing, cladding, windows and doors, finishes and joinery. They will also be introduced to the interpretation of architectural drawings by builders.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
1. Review simple building plans to understand the interrelationship and function of components in residential buildings;
2. Describe traditional and alternate construction methods, terminology and details for residential buildings including building services;
3. Recognise the importance of the Building Code of Australia and relevant Australian Standards throughout the sequence of the residential build; and
4. Explain process and principles of site survey and set out.


Graduate attributes

1. UC graduates are professional - communicate effectively
1. UC graduates are professional - use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems
2. UC graduates are global citizens - make creative use of technology in their learning and professional lives
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development
2. UC graduates are global citizens - behave ethically and sustainably in their professional and personal lives


Skills development

AIB and AIQS Requirements for Graduates

The AIB (Australian Institute of Building) and AIQS (Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors) have requirements and expectations for graduates from an accredited course. These have been shown below to assist the student as to the importance placed on generic skills by the accrediting bodies. These can also be found on their respective websites www.aib.org.au and www.aiqs.com.au. Further information regarding the building and quantity surveying professions is also available on these websites and represent a valuable source of information.

AIB Benchmark Standards for Graduates

The AIB encourages course and curriculum design to develop graduate attributes in contexts including the following, as referred to in the AIB Standards of Accreditation, Academic Standards Booklet.

  • Creative, Reflective and Critical Thinking
  • Lifelong Learning
  • Knowledge Skills
  • Use of Technology
  • Communication
  • Teamwork
  • Social Responsibility
  • Environmental Responsibility
  • Professional Responsibility

 

AIQS Requirements for Graduates

The academic content for this unit forms part of the attainment of the AIQS skills and attributes for a Quantity Surveyor graduate as referred to in the AIQS Competency Standards for Quantity Surveyors and Cost Engineers.

  • Quantification/Measurement
  • Communication Skills
  • Personal and Interpersonal Skills
  • Business and Management Skills
  • Professional Practice
  • Computer and Information Technology
  • Construction Technology
  • Construction Law and Regulation


Prerequisites

None.

Corequisites

None.

Assumed knowledge

None.
Availability for enrolment in 2026 is subject to change and may not be confirmed until closer to the teaching start date.
Year Location Teaching period Teaching start date Delivery mode Unit convener
2025 Bruce, Canberra Semester 2 28 July 2025 On-campus Dr Larry Hu
2026 Bruce, Canberra Semester 2 10 August 2026 On-campus Dr Larry Hu
The information provided should be used as a guide only. Timetables may not be finalised until week 2 of the teaching period and are subject to change. Search for the unit timetable.

Required texts

Required Texts

Building Code of Australia (BCA), Volume 2, 2022 Edition. Published by the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB)
Visit:  https://ncc.abcb.gov.au/editions-national-construction-code  to register and download a FREE copy of the BCA Vol 2.

Recommended Reading:

A Dictionary of Construction, Surveying, and Civil Engineering by Christopher Gorse; David Johnston; Martin Pritchard (Available on the University Library website: https://www.oxfordreference.com/view/10.1093/acref/9780198832485.001.0001/acref-9780198832485)

Allen, E., Iano, J. (2008). Fundamentals of Building Construction, Materials and Methods, 5th
Edition, John Wiley & Sons Inc. (Available on short loan in the library).

Duncan. G, Watson M.P, West.S & Ben-Nissan.B (2008). OZBuild, A Compendium of
Australian Domestic Construction, ISBN 9787-0-9751488-2-2, The Associates E Press.

Additional references will be available within the 'BCS1 Resources' Canvas Module.

Submission of assessment items

Special assessment requirements

Suspected use of AI technology in this unit may lead to an investigation for Academic Misconduct.

It is a requirement that a grade of at least 50% attained overall in order to pass this unit.

Students must apply academic integrity in their learning and research activities at UC. This includes submitting authentic and original work for assessments and properly acknowledging any sources used.

Academic integrity involves the ethical, honest and responsible use, creation and sharing of information. It is critical to the quality of higher education. Our academic integrity values are honesty, trust, fairness, respect, responsibility and courage.

UC students have to complete the Academic Integrity Module annually to learn about academic integrity and to understand the consequences of academic integrity breaches (or academic misconduct).

UC uses various strategies and systems, including detection software, to identify potential breaches of academic integrity. Suspected breaches may be investigated, and action can be taken when misconduct is found to have occurred.

Information is provided in the Academic Integrity Policy, Academic Integrity Procedure, and University of Canberra (Student Conduct) Rules 2023. For further advice, visit Study Skills.

Participation requirements

Please note that this unit is designed for online and face-to-face delivery. This means that students who do not attend classes regularly will be at a disadvantage in terms of information, learning and feedback.

Students who attend campus for class or other purposes must play their part in keeping our campus and community safe by following these basic guidelines to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission:

  • Practise good hand hygiene, washing hands regularly;
  • If you do happen to cough or sneeze, please do so into the crook of your elbow, dispose of tissues immediately and wash hands immediately
  • Practise effective physical distancing;
  • Follow all directions of teaching and other UC staff regarding safety measures;
  • Stay off campus if you are unwell and get tested according to ACT Government guidelines, and 
  • Follow University communications about campus arrangements https://www.canberra.edu.au/coronavirus-advice.

Required IT skills

It is assumed that you have adequate skills in the use of word processing and spread sheet programs, internet browsers and search engines. You are also assumed to be familiar with the University Canvas website and are advised to access the site regularly. If you feel that you do not have adequate skills, please discuss this with the Course or Unit Convenor.

Work placement, internships or practicums

Not applicable.

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