Construction: Principles into Practice

It is recommended that students who do not have a technical background (i.e. qualifications or substantial experience in engineering, architecture, construction delivery or other technical fields) undertake this subject early in their course of studies. Students with such qualifications or practical experience are not permitted to enrol in this subject.

Applicants without legal qualifications should note that subjects are offered in the discipline of law at an advanced graduate level. While every effort will be made to meet the needs of students trained in other fields, concessions will not be made in the general level of instruction or assessment. Most subjects assume the knowledge usually acquired in a degree in law (LLB, JD or equivalent). Applicants should note that admission to some subjects in the Melbourne Law Masters will be dependent upon the individual applicant’s educational background and professional experience.

The Melbourne Law Masters welcomes applications from students with disabilities. The inherent academic requirements for study in the Melbourne Law Masters are:

• The ability to attend a minimum of 75% of classes and actively engage in the analysis and critique of complex materials and debate;
• The ability to read, analyse and comprehend complex written legal materials and complex interdisciplinary materials;
• The ability to clearly and independently communicate in writing a knowledge and application of legal principles and interdisciplinary materials and to critically evaluate these;
• The ability to clearly and independently communicate orally a knowledge and application of legal principles and interdisciplinary materials and critically evaluate these;
• The ability to work independently and as a part of a group;
• The ability to present orally and in writing legal analysis to a professional standard.

Students who feel their disability will inhibit them from meeting these inherent academic requirements are encouraged to contact the Disability Liaison Unit: www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

This subject builds a bridge between the law and the technical realities with which construction professionals deal every day. Designed primarily for construction lawyers, and recommended to be taken early in their course, the subject gives an overview of construction terminology and technology, methods and equipment, engineering principles (including structural, geotechnical and building services), sustainable building, construction management, programming and planning, cost management and construction safety issues. Taught by highly experienced construction academics and professionals, and featuring site visits to construction sites in Melbourne, this subject provides a valuable opportunity to better understand the real world that is the subject of construction contracts and disputes.

Principal topics will include:

• Construction materials and technology
• Construction methods and equipment
• Safety in construction
• Structural and geotechnical engineering
• Mechanical, electrical and hydraulic engineering services
• Fire and security control
• Sustainability
• Construction and project management.

A student who has successfully completed this subject should:

• Be familiar with the social, economic and regulatory landscape in which the construction industry operates
• Have a firm grasp of the key technical concepts and methods commonly encountered in construction projects, including terminology and application
• Demonstrate an understanding of how technical issues impact on construction contract negotiation and drafting, and the major areas of legal disputation arising from such issues
• Be conversant with technical methods of analysis to commonly encountered construction situations, including structural mechanics, tender pricing and programming.

Take-home examination (100%) (3 – 6 October)

Core subject materials will be provided free of charge to all students. Some subjects require further texts to be purchased. Details regarding any prescribed texts will be provided prior to the commencement of the subject.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.