KA4032 - Construction Technology

What will I learn on this module?

On this module you will learn about the fundamental principles of the construction of new buildings set within the context of a typical domestic property, from the perspective of a construction manager. As you explore the construction of new buildings, you will discover how each stage contributes to providing a comfortable and safe building, considerate of the environment and while being cost-effective.

How will I learn on this module?

You will learn through a range of teaching methods including workshops and activity-based sessions. These sessions will offer you the opportunity to develop your knowledge of the principles of the construction of new buildings and enable you to use this knowledge to explore these areas in more detail. Your learning during workshops and from your independent information-gathering exercises, you will have the opportunity to demonstrate your understanding by applying it to complex problems. You will receive regular feedback on your work, which will enable you to develop your ability to think independently and offer and justify your own opinions. The assessment will give you the opportunity to demonstrate your learning by evaluating and identifying appropriate solutions and applying them to common construction problems. You will have electronic access, via the university’s virtual learning environment (blackboard) and online library resources, to relevant digital textbooks and research materials and assessment tasks.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

Support for this module will be provided by academic staff in a variety of ways to suit your individual needs. Feedback will be provided on your work during workshops, and constructive feedback will be given on submission of your module assessments. The university’s virtual learning environment (blackboard) will also allow you to seek additional guidance and engage in discussion with your academic staff and peers.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:

Review and assess the knowledge and understanding of the elements used to construct domestic load-bearing buildings.



Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:

Develop your ability to appraise, specify and illustrate the technologies used to construct domestic load-bearing buildings.



Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively using a range of appropriate media.



Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):

Discuss the importance of addressing the practical issues of constructing buildings to provide society with a safe, healthy and sustainable living environment.



Think independently, justify your own opinions and recognise the need to challenge your own thinking and that of others.

How will I be assessed?

The assessment pattern for this module will be as follows :



Formative Assessment

Formative assessment will be used to allow you to build confidence and highlight any misunderstandings you may have of the theoretical and professional concepts presented in the module. Additional formative feedback shall be delivered to you verbally by academic staff during formally-scheduled teaching and individual or group activity-based sessions to help you learn and prepare you for the submission of your summative assessment.



Summative Assessment

One piece of summative coursework, weighted at 100% of the module total, will be used to assess all the learning outcomes of this module.

You will use the University’s virtual learning environment (blackboard) to submit your coursework digitally and will receive your feedback using appropriate digital feedback tools.

Pre-requisite(s)

N/A

Co-requisite(s)

N/A

Module abstract

The construction industry is a complex yet vibrant and exciting industry in which to work, and its influence is felt in almost every other sector of the global economy. Central to the delivery of successful buildings which satisfy the needs of society is the selection of the right materials and techniques used to construct buildings. This module will introduce you to these materials and methods and offer you the opportunity to learn about how buildings ‘fit together’. The module will also give you the foundations on which to develop your understanding of the construction process and prepare you for studying more complex buildings in subsequent years, leading to a comprehensive knowledge of the technical aspects of the construction process and ultimately graduate employment.

Course info

UCAS Code K255

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad

Department Architecture and Built Environment

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2025

Fee Information

Module Information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

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