Available in 2024
Course code

ARBE1102

Units

10 units

Level

1000 level

Course handbook

Description

The foundation of this course rests on the importance of maintaining or improving conditions of the natural environment and human health via the built environment. From this understanding, the course combines a grounding of fact-based knowledge in construction materials (classification, production, qualities and uses) with the development of decision-making frameworks that enable environmental and health criteria to be set for a project. Combined, these components provide the knowledge and skills to enable students to select and document responsible building materials for any project, in any location, culture or date.


Availability2024 Course Timetables

Callaghan

  • Semester 1 - 2024

Online

  • Semester 1 - 2024

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the course students will be able to:

1. Use appropriate terminology to classify, describe and represent materials.

2. Describe the interaction of material properties with the natural environment and the consequential design considerations.

3. Identify current natural environment and human health implications caused by the harvesting, production and use of building materials.

4. Select and document a set of responsible building materials for a specific project (in a given location, culture or date) by applying materials to an environmental and health criteria framework to assist decision making.

5. Produce documents in written media supported by an appropriate referencing technique.


Content

  • Materials and their classification
  • Material components and identification of chemicals of concern
  • Raw materials: the process of obtaining from natural resources
  • Composite materials: their manufacture
  • Recycled materials: recycling and repurposing for reuse
  • Materials: their application
  • Environmental and human health considerations in the application of materials in construction
  • Materials: documentation and representation
  • Current natural environment and health issues affected by the built environment

Assessment items

Quiz: Online Quiz (Construction Ecology Concepts)

Online Learning Activity: Online Activity (Building Material Database)

Quiz: Online Quiz (Construction Materials and Sustainability)

Written Assignment: Written Assignment (Decision Making Processes)


Contact hours

Semester 1 - 2024 - Callaghan

Lectorial-1
  • Face to Face On Campus 3 hour(s) per week(s) for 13 week(s) starting in week 1

Semester 1 - 2024 - Online

Lectorial-1
  • Online 3 hour(s) per week(s) for 13 week(s) starting in week 1
  • Online students will receive equivalent instruction through online or other distance education strategies

Course outline