Construction Legal Environment

Subject ABPL30039 (2010)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2010.

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 3 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2010:

Semester 2, Parkville - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 1x2 hour lecture per week, 1x1 hour tutorial per week
Total Time Commitment: 120 hours
Prerequisites: The subject/s below or an equivalent as approved by the coordinator.
Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:
Corequisites: None specified
Recommended Background Knowledge: None specified
Non Allowed Subjects: None specified
Core Participation Requirements: For the purposes of considering requests for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.
The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Coordinator

Ms Valerie Francis

Contact

Environments and Design Student Centre

T: +61 3 8344 6417/9862
F: +61 3 8344 5532
Email: envs-courseadvice@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview: This subject provides an introduction to law in the construction context and legal issues affecting managers in the industry. It covers both the pre-contract essentials and post-contract practical implications. It begins with an introduction to the construction contract environment in Australia. Contractual rights and obligations and construction contracts are then presented. Construction legislation and statutory controls are also investigated along with contractual disputes and resolutions. A significant part of the subject aims to provide students with the basic principles and practice of administering building and construction projects in accordance with their respective conditions of contract. Various forms of domestic and international standard building contracts are presented along with the basic principles and practice of administrating a construction contracts. Typical standard contracts are presented and analysed in detail. In particular, conditions of contract, role and responsibilities of parties to the contract, insurance and security, progress payments, variations to the contract, adjustment to the contract, delays, defects, completion of the works and retention monies are covered. Other topics subcontractors, risk sharing and conflict resolution are also included.
Objectives:

On completion of this subject students should be able to:

  • broadly understand the rights and responsibilities of the parties to a building and construction contract;
  • demonstrate a general knowledge of the mandatory contractural procedures for administering the total project from inception to completion;
  • have a basis upon which to build practical working skills in all areas of contract administration during the construction phase of a building project.
Assessment:
  • Assignments equivalent to 2000 words (40%).
  • One 3 hour end of semester examination (60%).
A minimum mark of 40% must be achieved in the examination in order to pass the subject.

Prescribed Texts: Goldfayl, G. Contract Administration. UNSW Press, 2004.
Recommended Texts:

On completion of this subject students should have developed the following skills and abilities:

  • communication skills;
  • analytical skills;
  • problem solving skills.
Breadth Options:

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

Notes: Students undertaking this subject will be expected to regularly access an internet-enabled computer.
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Civil (Engineering) Systems
Construction

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