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Quantity Surveying CertHE

Modules

Technology and Structures

This module is designed for students of construction and surveying with little and/or no prior knowledge of building construction, services and material properties. You will learn the common methods of construction of both new and traditional housing, by considering the functional requirements of each of the main elements of the buildings' structure and the materials used in their construction. You will also study the requirements of the internal environment, so as to understand how services installations contribute to user comfort. You will be introduced to some of the basic analytical concepts and processes involved in the design of structures. You will develop analytical skills which will allow you to carry out basic structural calculations and apply these to basic domestic design solutions. You will acquire knowledge related to domestic construction and be able to justify why different construction techniques and materials are used in the built environment on the basis of structural performance and sustainability. As well as improving your intellectual skills you will also develop communication skills both written and graphical.

Health and Safety, Project Control and Resourcing

This module will provide you with an introduction to the principles and application of management as they relate to the professional disciplines of the construction industry. You will gain understanding of management principles and their relevance to the processes of design, construction and maintenance of the built environment. You will also learn how these principles may be applied to the management of construction projects through case studies. The module will also consider the importance of an awareness of the well-being of those around you as well as your own well-being. You will consider the process of briefing, design, procurement, tendering and then setting up a site along with the importance of planning and organising work. Non-adversarial multi-discipline team working will be examined with reference to relevant procedural models such as the RIBA Plan of Work. The module provides you with opportunity to examine health and safety issues within the construction industry and their integration throughout the processes of design, tender award and construction. The roles of all parties involved are explored from both moral and legal viewpoints. Past and current attitudes will be discussed. You will consider the safety record within the construction industry and identify health and safety legislation aimed at reducing accident rates. The process of hazard identification and risk assessment will be explained, and you will produce method statements following on from your risk assessments. Safe systems of work are identified enabling you to relate theory and practice.

BIM and Dimensional Control

This module is intended to develop and appreciation and skills relating to simple site surveying skills, production of CAD drawings and the utilisation of BIM modules for a variety of purposes relating to your discipline. The module will introduce you to the necessary site related survey skills as you enter the construction industry. You will gain both a theoretical understanding as well as hands-on practice in the use of both traditional and contemporary instruments in order to set-up and control the most common elements of construction. You will be expected to display a hands-on competence to perform the basic calculations necessary to be able to prepare site/quality/survey documentation to satisfy specified tolerances and employer requirements. You will also be introduced to basic 2D drafting techniques using industry standard software. This will allow you to effectively produce and interpret technical drawing and give you the skills which can be applied to your specialist discipline area in later modules. BIM will be introduced and you will gain an appreciation of how parametric models can be used to produce a variety of information relating to your particular discipline.

Law and Economics

This module introduces you to the structure and processes of the English legal system and to basic economic principles and how they impact on organisations and professionals in the Built Environment. You will be introduced to concepts and skills which they will need to address and use in later modules. This module provides the essential foundation to the development of the legal skills necessary in the provision of sound advice to clients in a your professional career. It will focus on civil law providing guidance to you on information, materials and sources to equip you with a basic understanding of the nature and structure of the English legal system, Parliament and law making, the court structure and precedent, legislation and case law, and legal terms and language. You will be guided to legal sources and materials and will be taught how to research law appropriate to your studies using published references. This module provides the underpinning knowledge and skills to enable you to appreciate the significance for your industry and profession of the economic environment. You will develop an appreciation of the importance and role of the economy for the Built Environment. There will be an exploration of basic microeconomic and macroeconomic principles and examination of how they impact on client organisations, construction projects and firms in the Built Environment. This includes evaluating how Government fiscal policy may impinge on the construction industry and the property market. You will use both textbook and on-line source materials to support your understanding of theory and its implications for the real world. A key aim of the module is to develop research skills, together with the ability to analyse research material, and to marshal material and facts into cogent advice and reports.