BSc Quantity Surveying with International Foundation Year - January Entry

Title:

Environmental Sustainability

Code:

AD0FES

Convenor:

MS Rebecca Jerrome

Summary:

This module gives students the opportunity to explore the causes and consequences of global contemporary sustainability issues. Students will critique and evaluate both theoretical and actual methods used to minimise the harm caused through anthropogenic activities whilst recognise the interconnected nature of environmental problems. 

Topics explored relate to environmentally focused Sustainable Development Goals and include topics around promoting sustainable lifestyles and the sustainable use of biological resources.  

Assessment Method:

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Academic English 1

Code:

IF0AE1

Convenor:

MRS Leslie Lust

Summary:

The purpose of this module is to provide the necessary basis in English for study at undergraduate degree level. The focus of the module is on developing and applying skills in English for use in academic situations. The module is for students who do not have the required level of English for their undergraduate degree. It aims to improve their English language skills, taking them to the level required by their target degree. Delivery of the module is face-to-face.  

The aims of the module are:  

• to develop students’ competence in the use of English in academic situations  
• to provide the necessary linguistic foundation to qualify for an undergraduate programme. 
• to introducestudents to perspectives on a range of contemporary topics  
• to introduce students to how to use academic sources in a written and spoken context. 
• to develop students’ confidence in understanding and using English in academic situations. 

The Module Lead at the University of Reading Malaysia is Mr Ahmad Hafiz Yahaya (a.yahaya@reading.edu.my).

Assessment Method:

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Academic English 2

Code:

IF0AE2

Convenor:

MRS Leslie Lust

Summary:

The purpose of this module is to provide the necessary basis in English for study at undergraduate degree level. The focus of the module is on developing and applying skills in English for use in academic situations. The module is for students who do not have the required level of English for their undergraduate degree. It aims to improve their English language skills, taking them to the level required by their target degree. Delivery of the module is face-to-face. 

The aims of the module are:  

• to develop students’ competence in the use of English for Academic Purposes.  
• to provide the necessary linguistic foundation to qualify for an undergraduate programme. 
• to introducestudents to perspectives on a range of contemporary topics  
• to introduce how to use academic sources in a written and spoken context. 
• to develop students’ confidence in understanding and using English in academic situations. 

The Module Lead at the University of Reading Malaysia is Mr Ahmad Hafiz Yahaya (a.yahaya@reading.edu.my).

Assessment Method:

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Core Mathematics

Code:

IF0CMA

Convenor:

DR Rehana Bari

Summary:

Core Mathematics provides a solid foundation in key elements of pure mathematics to an A-level standard. It prepares students for the mathematical and numerical content encountered in the first year of a range of undergraduate degree programme. These include degrees in mathematics, sciences, business, finance, economics and many more. 

All students will study 80% of the module topics, which include algebra, calculus and functions. In addition, students will study some subject specific content (20%). 

By learning the techniques required to analyse and solve a variety of mathematical problems, students gain both general mathematical skills and those that are more related to their degree programme. Such skills and knowledge allow students to confidently approach the mathematics in their undergraduate degree. 

The Module Lead at the University of Reading Malaysia is Lim Tian Hwee (t.h.lim@reading.edu.my)

Assessment Method:

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Foundation Economics - Microeconomics

Code:

IF0EC1

Convenor:

DR Vee Muruko-Jaezuruka

Summary:

The module introduces students to the basic principles of microeconomics. Microeconomics is the study of how individuals and companies make choices regarding the allocation and utilization of resources. Students will learn the neoclassical model of demand and supply, markets failures and the behaviour of firms. 

The Module Lead at the University of Reading Malaysia is Esther Chang (e.chang@reading.edu.my) 

Assessment Method:

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Foundation Economics - Macroeconomics

Code:

IF0EC2

Convenor:

DR Vee Muruko-Jaezuruka

Summary:

The module introduces students to the basic principles of macroeconomics. Students will learn the basic concepts and models  used by economist to comprehend the overall performance of the economy and the discussions found in the media. The module will put emphasis on major important issues related to economic growth, standard of living, inflation and unemployment. 

The Module Lead at the University of Reading Malaysia is Esther Chang (e.chang@reading.edu.my)

Assessment Method:

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

An Introduction to Business and Management

Code:

IF0IBM

Convenor:

DR Meiko Murayama

Summary:

This module covers the fundamental theories in the domain of business and management.

Assessment Method:

Exam 50%, Report 20%, Class test 30%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Quantitative Methods

Code:

IF0QM

Convenor:

DR Rehana Bari

Summary:

Quantitative Methods introduces the key elements of statistics to an A-level standard. 

This module aims to introduce some standard quantitative techniques to allow student to deal with more advanced techniques used in a range of undergraduate degree programmes in subjects such as mathematics, sciences, business, finance, economics and many more. 

By learning the techniques required to analyse and solve a variety of statistical problems, students gain both general theoretical and numerical skills and those that are more related to their degree programme. Such skills and knowledge allow students to confidently approach quantitative study in their undergraduate degree. 

The Module Lead at the University of Reading Malaysia is Tian Hwee Lim (t.h.lim@reading.edu.my)

Assessment Method:

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Foundation Statistics and Data Science

Code:

IF0SDS

Convenor:

DR James Appleby

Summary:

Data science and statistics play a large role in many areas our lives, and an understanding of these is key in terms of both life during, and after, university.  During your degree, you are highly likely to encounter reported statistics when evaluating research, and most disciplines will also expect you to produce your own. Examples beyond university life include impacting business decision making, guiding educational policy, research data on how to better target adverts delivered online, and even medical research.  This module provides an introduction to both topics, and helps develop key theoretical, practical, and numerical skills to help succeed in your future undergraduate studies.  

For the statistical component, you will be learning basic statistical concepts (mean, variance, and conditional probability), and exploring two well-known distributions (Binomial and Normal).  Later on, you will be building on this and learning to apply hypothesis test methodology to a wide range of scenarios. 

In data science you will apply the concepts learned in the statistics part of the course to undertake hypothesis tests in a statistical programming language. 

The skills developed in this module have a wide application across university degrees such as business, psychology, biology, and mathematics. 

Assessment Method:

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Introduction to Sociology

Code:

PO0ISO

Convenor:

DR Dawn Clarke

Summary:

The aim of this module is to introduce students to the idea of sociology as a science, and how it might differ from the psychological and biological sciences. Students will learn key concepts such as norms and values, social roles and role conflict, as well as socialization, culture and identity.  Students will be introduced to sociological perspectives such as Structuralism and Interpretivism.   The module will also show students how sociologists collect their data by looking at qualitative and quantitative research methods and the factors that influence the choice of research topic and method. 

Assessment Method:

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Topics in Sociology

Code:

PO0TSO

Convenor:

DR Dawn Clarke

Summary:

The aim of this module is to introduce students to a number of key topics in sociology. Students will develop an understanding of the significance of consensus and conflict, social structure, social order and social change, and social problems. In addition, the module analyses key concepts such as gender, ethnicity, social class and age and shows how these can be applied to a number of topics including social stratification, mass media, crime and deviance and sociological theories.

For example, in mass media students might consider the role of the media in socialising people into the dominant ideologies, or the way the media support powerful groups and institutions in society. Or how the media represents different social groups through a number of media platforms such as newspapers, film and TV, and social media.

Assessment Method:

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Construction Science

Code:

CE1CCS

Convenor:

DR Mehdi Shahrestani

Summary:

This module introduces the fundamental concepts of Construction Science through an examination of the physical properties and mechanics of construction materials and the physics of heat, fluids, light sound and electricity. The application of these concepts is described in the CE1CCT Construction Technology Module delivered in the Autumn Term and the concepts are reinforced through the experimental elements of the CE1CES Empirical Science Module which is delivered in the Spring Term. This integrated approach enables the theories and concepts learnt in CE1CCS to be used in other modules, thus helping to reinforce knowledge and understanding and develop critical analysis. 

Assessment Method:

Exam 80%, Set exercise 20%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Construction Technology

Code:

CE1CCT

Convenor:

PROF Tabarak Ballal

Summary:

This is a core technology module in which students explore alternative construction materials and technologies used for low-rise built facilities. It is designed to enable students to comprehend the impact of choice of construction methods and materials on important issues including health and safety, sustainability and the environment.

Assessment Method:

Project 60%, Class test 40%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Introduction to Economics and Law

Code:

CE1CEL

Convenor:

DR Shahab Kabiri Renani

Summary:

The module covers a range of economic concepts and issues relevant to the UK construction industry, and assists students in developing an overall awareness of the workings of the construction industry. This includes processes of cost management and forecasting for the development of construction projects from the client/owner, design team, and contractor’s perspective. The focus is from the concept and the early design stage, through the design and construction process, and into occupancy.  

Aims: 

• Provide a knowledge and understanding of the economic and financial context of the development and construction of built facilities. 
• To understand basic economic techniques related to the estimating, and cost planning of a proposed project, including the financial management from strategic definition and concept, through the design and production stage, to completion and occupancy. 
• To provide students with an introduction to the foundations of English law: the English legal system, the law of contract and some aspects of the law of tort. 

The Module Leads at the University of Reading Malaysia are Dr Bruno Lot Tanko (b.tanko@reading.edu.my) and Mr Jamaludin Yaakob (j.yaakob@reading.edu.my).

Assessment Method:

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Information and Communication

Code:

CE1CIC2

Convenor:

DR Ruth Dowsett

Summary:

This module is designed for the students to learn the importance of information representation, communication and digital technologies in the construction of building projects, providing practical skills to support the studies whilst at the University of Reading. The module focuses on the principles, tools and methods to graphically represent and visually communicate project-related information, which can be applied in related building technology modules and in a later practice.

Assessment Method:

Set exercise 10%, Project 90%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Empirical Studies and Site Engineering

Code:

CE1ESE

Convenor:

DR Mate Janos Lorincz

Summary:

The aim of the module is to introduce students to the principles of construction engineering methods, experimental design, measurement and technical report writing. This module is designed to develop student’s capacity in linking theory to practical and physical applications. In addition, the module is intended to emphasise to students the importance of learning to evaluate the strength and limitations of knowledge generated empirically in preparation for future professions.

In the first part of the module, students are introduced to the basics of levelling and setting out, shown how to use a level and total station, and they will learn how to set out a building from a construction drawing.

In the second part of the module, students will learn how to use a variety of instruments to measure the performance characteristics of real buildings (such as thermal comfort, properties of the materials, etc.) and how to use software programs to test the structural properties of the materials.

The Module Lead at the University of Reading Malaysia is Dr Sivaraman Kuppusamy (s.kuppusamy@reading.edu.my).

Assessment Method:

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Introduction to Management and Projects

Code:

CE1IMP

Convenor:

DR Shabnam Kabiri

Summary:

This module introduces students to key aspects of running construction projects with particular focus on the principles of time and health and safety management, the need for effective team performance and the upholding of professional standards of conduct (e.g. ethics and sustainability) for the delivery of successful projects. There will be a strong emphasis on teamwork and problem solving.    

The Module Lead at the University of Reading Malaysia is Dr Noor Azeyah Khiyon (n.khiyon@reading.edu.my).

Assessment Method:

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Building Pathology and Surveying Practice

Code:

CE2BPS

Convenor:

MR Adrian Tagg

Summary:

To develop a forensic understanding into the decay of buildings and the process of surveying buildings as well as the role of the professional bodies (RICS and CIOB) in the delivery of professional surveying advice. It will seek to establish the importance of professional guidance and frameworks in producing technical reports to include the significance of sustainability, ethics, accessibility in the built environment. Parallel to the technical content and analysis of building defects, the module will also embody student engagement with industry to engender career development to create opportunities for summer placements or work experience to align academic surveying theory with professional application.   

The Module Lead at the University of Reading Malaysia is Ms Nurul Syahidah Mazlan (n.mazlan@reading.edu.my).

Assessment Method:

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Projects and Digitalisation

Code:

CE2CPD

Convenor:

PROF Tabarak Ballal

Summary:

The module is designed to simulate project-based practice and develop students’ understanding of the different professional roles and practices through role-play. Students work in teams to propose sustainable design and construction solutions to Client Briefs. Each student will be required to take the role of a surveying or construction professional and will be required to carefully manage that role as part of a team.

The Module Lead at the University of Reading Malaysia is Dr Mustafa Klufallah (m.klufallah@reading.edu.my)

Assessment Method:

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Introduction to Quantification and Computerised Taking Off

Code:

CE2CTQ

Convenor:

MR Ekpo Ekpenyong

Summary:

This module is designed for students who already have some knowledge of construction technology. The module starts to develop the students’ basic skills in measurement and quantification of construction work in line with basic principles and techniques of quantification of construction work and looks at how these techniques may be carried out using both traditional and computerised technologies. It specifically introduces students to the measurement of concrete framed structure for a simple residential building such as Columns and Beams (Rebars, stirrups, formwork & concrete). 

The module aims to equip the students with basic, initial skills and knowledge that are required to quantify construction work, which include principles and conventions of mensuration, definition and quantification of items of construction work in both traditional and digital technologies for the preparation of contract documentation. 

The Module Lead at the University of Reading Malaysia Nurul Syahidah Mazlan (n.mazlan@reading.edu.my).

Assessment Method:

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Building Environment Systems and Technology

Code:

CE2EST

Convenor:

DR Alba Fuertes Casals

Summary:

This module aims to develop insight into the environmental design, technologies and environmental performance of complex buildings (such commercial and industrial buildings) and to develop understanding of key concepts related to the building construction technologies and building passive and active environmental systems.  

The Module Lead at the University of Reading Malaysia are Dr Sivaraman Kuppusamy (s.kuppusamy@reading.edu.my) and Dr Mustafa Klufallah (m.klufallah@reading.edu.my).

Assessment Method:

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Management of Construction Projects 1

Code:

CE2MCP

Convenor:

DR Shabnam Kabiri

Summary:

This module is to study various aspects of the managing construction projects through learning and assessing existing management techniques with the focus on time, cost, quality, resources, risk, logistics and health and safety.  

The Module Lead at the University of Reading Malaysia is Dr Maizon Hashim (m.hashim@reading.edu.my).

Assessment Method:

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Construction Procurement and Contract Law

Code:

CE2PCL

Convenor:

DR Ariana Darvish

Summary:

This module covers construction procurement and an outline of the key aspects of construction contract management.

Construction procurement is the process that enables the objectives and outcomes for a construction project to be delivered in a structured way, covering the whole life of a built asset from identification of needs through to the realization of benefits and end of the useful life of an asset. More specifically, for each commercial organisation involved in the procurement of a built asset, their involvement spans the initial market engagement, through negotiation of responsibilities and payment, execution of their work, through to exit strategy. Construction procurement is what brings all of these activities together to form a temporary, multi-organizational structure. The aim of the procurement part of the module is to provide guidance and recommendations on the development of policies, strategies and procedures for the organization and management of construction projects from the point of view of the purchaser.

As to contracts and law, construction work is typically carried out through contracting with a variety of different firms, connected through a complex network of contracts. Construction contract management encompasses the institutional infrastructure of the industry in terms of its impact on the production of standard-form contracts, the influence of procurement methods on contractual networks, common roles and responsibilities of stakeholders, and a consideration of contract choice and risk allocation. The aim of the law part of the module is to understand the role of contracts in the construction sector and the fundamentals of construction contract law in relation to its impact on the work of construction professionals.

The Module Lead at the University of Reading Malaysia are Dr Maizon Hashim (m.hashim@reading.edu.my) and Mr Jamaludin Yaakob (Jamaludin Yaakob).

Assessment Method:

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Project QS

Code:

CE3CPQ

Convenor:

DR Upeksha Madanayake

Summary:

This module is designed to give students a practical experience in the basic techniques related to current practice of construction cost management related to the design, procurement and construction of buildings. The module is an individual student project consisting of pre-construction costing activities (including the relevant documentation) of a specified development project.

Assessment Method:

Project 100%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Quantification and Costing: Buildings and Civil Works

Code:

CE3QBC

Convenor:

DR Upeksha Madanayake

Summary:

This module is designed for students who already have some knowledge of construction technology and the introductory measurement and quantification skills of building work for procurement and cost management purposes. This module develops these introductory quantification skills to a more advanced level, sufficient to demonstrate expertise in a quantity surveying role. The module further explores the costing aspect of building elements which gives rise to commercial management practices. On completion of the module, the student should be sufficiently skilled and knowledgeable to fulfil a productive junior QS role in preparation for more intricate practice. 

The aims of the module are to develop an understanding of the principles and practice of measurement of building work, applied to more advanced forms of construction including aspects of civil works (e.g. Roads/Pavings and Piling Works) and to develop a critical understanding of measurement and documentation as key skills of the quantity surveyor. The students should be able to demonstrate ability to measure, define and cost construction works, and produce project information that supports the design, construction and commercial management of projects. 

The Module Lead at the University of Reading Malaysia is Dr Bruno Lot Tanko (b.tanko@reading.edu.my).

Assessment Method:

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Research Skills and Dissertation

Code:

CE3RSD

Convenor:

DR Michael Peters

Summary:

Understanding the process of doing research is essential for preparing for your dissertation. The first part of this module will give students the grounding in research methods, analysis and the process of writing a dissertation required. It is delivered by active research staff with a mix of lectures, group work and hands-on activities. You will gain the key research skills required, have the opportunity to develop your ideas and prepare a dissertation proposal. Additionally, you will find out about the range of research activities going on within the School. The second part of the module involves implementing your research strategy and developing the written dissertation. Each student is allocated a member of academic staff as their supervisor, and there is a supervisory framework involving ‘milestone’ written documents that will help in making progress towards the production of the final dissertation. In class lectures and seminars corresponding to key points in the milestone framework will help reiterate the process and reinforce important aspects associated with the research and writing up.

Aims:

• Develop the knowledge and skills necessary for students to prepare a research proposal in preparation for undertaking their dissertation.
• Provide guidance and support in the design and implementation of a coherent research study leading to the development of a logically structured written dissertation.

The Module Leads at the University of Reading Malaysia are Dr Noor Azeyah Khiyon (n.khiyon@reading.edu.my) and Dr Mustafa Klufallah (m.klufallah@reading.edu.my).

Assessment Method:

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Business Organisation and Management

Code:

CE3BOM

Convenor:

PROFESSOR Irem Dikmen

Summary:

This module provides students with an understanding of business principles and strategic management concepts, as required in the construction industry. Included within the course several case studies from the global construction market and discussions by interactive sessions which will form the basis of the learning experience. A strategic management framework will be provided as well as methods to develop business models and formulate competitive strategies. The international context is addressed in both the taught element and the company case studies. The overall aim of the course is to provide students with sufficient knowledge to understand and evaluate a business in terms of its goals, company resources and capabilities, strategies, practices and overall organisation. 

Assessment Method:

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Inclusive Environments

Code:

CE3CE1

Convenor:

MR Adrian Tagg

Summary:

An examination of the issues that relate to inclusion, accessibility and the legislation relevant to the access of commercial buildings for those who recognise as having a physical or mental impairment. The module aims are to recognise the diversity of disability and the obligations to provide access under existing legislation. This is with a view to equipping students with the knowledge going into practice to consider the benefits of implementing more than legal minimums from both commercial and social perspectives.   

Assessment Method:

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Construction Live Project

Code:

CE3CLP1

Convenor:

DR Timothy Lees

Summary:

Through a live construction project, this module provides students will the opportunity to experience the challenge of managing and building a real construction project. The module is a two-week intensive project in which students work, supported by a team of academics and staff industry, to plan, schedule, cost, manage the health and safety, and finally build a scaled version of an iconic build or building. The first week is an on-campus project-planning week. The second week is an on-site project build week. The experience provides an exciting, dynamic project to link knowledge gained elsewhere in the curriculum with onsite experience. 

The module aims to provide students with an opportunity to:  

• Have a ‘hands on’ authentic experience of the construction process and plan a real construction project.  
• Create a point of reference for reflection that draws on a wide body of technical, practical and academic knowledge. 
• Share in a unique activity that will enrich their student experience.  
• Undertake teamwork which breaks the traditional silos created by academic years. 

Assessment Method:

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Construction Contract Management

Code:

CE3CM1

Convenor:

DR Ronan Champion

Summary:

Construction contracts define a complex range of roles and responsibilities. The complex network of contracts in a construction project create multiple, interdependent roles that can only be understood in the context of the legal jurisdiction within which they are intended to operate.  

Relating to construction contracts, this module reviews aspects of construction law within the wider context of roles, contractual and statutory obligations covering responsibilities of various parties and potential liability relating to design, failures, damage to property and dispute resolution. The emergence of disputes calls for a range of dispute resolution methods and techniques for terminating contract prematurely. Because of the sheer scale of investment that is represented by construction processes, contractual issues require accurate interpretation and careful handling. By looking at terms in a range of standard-form contracts, we will study how these issues are dealt with in the construction sector.  

The aim here is to understand the interpretation and application of contracts in the construction sector and the fundamentals of construction contract dispute resolution methods. 

Statutory law plays an important role in many aspects of construction. Knowledge of statutory law, and an understanding of its application, is vital for the success of construction projects and firms operating in the construction sector. Statutory law impacts on a wide range of areas relating to the construction industry, including health and safety, equality and diversity, building planning and control, procurement and the environment. This module builds upon earlier modules at Parts 1 and 2 to help students develop an appreciation for the application of law within construction projects, construction firms and by construction professionals. Of this part, the aim is to develop knowledge of the statutory legal framework within which construction professionals practice and to enable students to demonstrate their knowledge of the interpretation of law as it relates to construction projects and construction firms. This includes placing professional practice into the context of the legal framework, exemplified through the English law. 

The Module Lead at the University of Reading Malaysia is Dr Maizon Hashim (m.hashim@reading.edu.my).

Assessment Method:

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Digital Technology use in Construction

Code:

CE3DCT

Convenor:

DR Dragana Nikolic

Summary:

Digital technologies rapidly change the way we build, manage, and interact with facilities and the built environment. Life cycle information modelling of built facilities offers exciting new opportunities for their integrated delivery and management. However, technological advances also bring numerous challenges and social resistance to change. This module will explore how digital technologies and collaborative information modelling and management initiatives, such as those promoted by the UK BIM agenda and international standards shape construction; what difficulties project teams are facing; and in this process expose students to some common technology- and process-related implementation challenges they will face in the industry.

Students will learn about the concept of building information modelling (BIM) as a collaborative information management process supported and shaped by a range of digital tools, and the common considerations of interoperability, information exchanges and life cycle management. Please note that while this module will expose students to some digital tools and technologies, the emphasis is on the issues related to information management and planning the process for BIM-supported project delivery.

Assessment Method:

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Environmental Management and Assessment

Code:

CE3EVA

Convenor:

PROF Jacopo Torriti

Summary:

The aim of this module is to introduce issues of environmental management and assessment from both conceptual and applied perspectives. The module is divided into two parts. The first part focuses on corporate environmental management, including drivers, tools, contrasting types and strategies. The second part is centred in environmental assessment, including economic assessment tools, environmental risk management and other current practices in environmental assessment in the built environment.

Assessment Method:

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Green Innovation in Construction

Code:

CE3GCO

Convenor:

DR Shu-Ling Lu

Summary:

The built environment is responsible for approximately 25% of total UK greenhouse gas emissions. The UK has a legally binding target to reach net zero by 2050. In response, there is a growing raft of legislation, regulation and user demand requiring that buildings and settlements become far more environmentally sustainable. Construction and property companies and global supply chains are developing new, digitally-enabled service delivery capabilities to deliver sustainable buildings, as well as embedding sustainability in their own businesses through corporate social responsibility. Users are being asked to play a part in adopting technologies and practices which reduce their environmental impact. 

This aim of this module is to equip students with leading-edge knowledge and practice on the innovation strategies being deployed by construction companies to respond to the net zero by 2050 target. The module demonstrates how environmental policies, company strategies and new sustainable technologies are all closely interconnected and how construction companies are managing the innovation challenges these complex interactions create. Throughout the module detailed cases studies are used to bring to life key issues. The cases are drawn from research projects being undertaken by members of the module delivery team in the low and zero carbon area in collaboration with leading construction companies. 

Assessment Method:

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Human Resource and Health and Safety Management

Code:

CE3RHS

Convenor:

DR Florence Phua

Summary:

This module is about understanding how effective human resource management (HRM) contributes significantly to overall organizational performance. The module will help students to gain an appreciation and understanding of the processes, practices, and implications of HRM and applying the essential elements of HRM and their implementation in the UK construction industry. It draws substantially on HRM concepts, theories and practices from different industries to facilitate understanding of the issues and concerns that are applicable to both construction and non-construction firms. It will explain and clarify how an informed, well-structured and participative approach to HRM can deliver substantial benefits to all stakeholders: employers and employees as well as their shareholders and clients. The corresponding and interrelated Health & Safety Management and Culture component of the module will help students develop and broaden perspectives on workplace cultures and the critical role of health and safety management and communication in construction. It considers the challenges of managing OHS at the interface between project participants, technologies and work practices, and the difficulty of organisational learning in the construction sector. The module aims to develop students’ understanding of the role of health and safety communication in construction and equip them with knowledge of strategies for OHS worker engagement and meaningful consultation between managers and workers. 

Assessment Method:

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Sustainable Built Environments

Code:

CE3SBE

Convenor:

DR Eugene Mohareb

Summary:

1. To explain the role, practice, and application of sustainability for built environment professionals 
2. Applying the fundamentals of resource efficiency and relevant frameworks (including urban metabolism and life cycle assessment) to debate and research-based learning to better evaluate technical options; 
3. To demonstrate the role of natural systems & processes in cities and how they affect the sustainability of urban areas; 
4. To enable students to apply critical thinking and problem solving to their knowledge and understanding of sustainability; including in application to current solutions being proposed for our sustainability challenge. 

The Module Lead at the University of Reading Malaysia is Dr Mustafa Klufallah (m.klufallah@reading.edu.my).

Assessment Method:

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Commercial Surveying Practices and Advanced Building Pathology

Code:

CE3SBP

Convenor:

MR Adrian Tagg

Summary:

The study of commercial surveying practices and advanced building pathology. To provide the knowledge for a student to understand the role of the Commercial Surveyor and the identification, diagnosis and remedy of defects to commercial buildings. 

Assessment Method:

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.