The World of Building

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2015:

170 hours

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

This subject provides a broad introduction to the processes and skills embedded in the construction of buildings, to the nature of the industry developed around it, and to the material traditions societies have relied and rely on to produce their building fabric. The social and technical divisions of roles and responsibilities in the building industry are reviewed from a contemporary, historical and geographical perspective, and theories relating to the organisation and control of the processes involved are presented. Current building challenges are considered, including environmental concerns, ethical issues, technological innovation and transfer, workforce diversity and skills supply.

On completion of this subject students should be able to:

• understand the role of the construction industry in the economy and the key characteristics of the industry;

• appreciate the role of building professionals and be aware of their responsibilities during the life cycle stages of a building project;

• understand the basic theories of management and project management;

• appreciate the challenges facing different building actors in the construction industry;

• understand the general principles and underpinnings of building contracts;

• broadly recognise building materials, methods and traditions;

• appreciate the historical and cultural developments underlying the history of building;

• understand the cultural role of building technology.

A two-hour examination to demonstrate the cognitive skills necessary to envision the construction-related activities associated with various building types and systems in different cultures. A minimum mark of 40% has to be achieved in the examination in order to pass this subject. Exam will run during the exam period. 50%.

Drawn or written class exercises equivalent to 400 words, to show ability to engage in discussion concerning the building industry and its construction processes. Due throughout the semester. 10%.

Assignment equivalent to 1600 word, to demonstrate understanding of the social, technical and cultural relationship between design and construction. Due weeks 5 and 12. 40%.

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

• Bachelor of Arts
• Bachelor of Biomedicine
• Bachelor of Commerce
• Bachelor of Music
• Bachelor of Science

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.

Upon successful completion of this subject students will have had the opportunity to develop the following generic skills:

• analytical skills;
• communication skills;
• problem solving skills;
• team working skills.