CQUniversity Unit Profile
BLAR11033 Building Materials 1
Building Materials 1
All details in this unit profile for BLAR11033 have been officially approved by CQUniversity and represent a learning partnership between the University and you (our student).
The information will not be changed unless absolutely necessary and any change will be clearly indicated by an approved correction included in the profile.
General Information

Overview

This unit will develop your knowledge on the properties of building materials. You will also examine testing (both destructive and non-destructive) of timber, concrete, and metals in relation to: Timber - grading, strength tests, durability and protection of timber products; Concrete - tests on aggregates, fresh and hardened concrete properties, durability studies and test methods, and concrete protection; and Metal - ferrous and non-ferrous metal and its alloys, corrosion of metals and protection, and strength properties tests. This unit also develops your understanding of: Protection from corrosion and destruction; Identifying the suitable grade material for the site conditions; and Relevant Australian and international Standards. You will be provided with an introduction to: the development and application of materials from industry by-products and re-cycling of materials and life-cycle analysis of materials.

Details

Career Level: Undergraduate
Unit Level: Level 1
Credit Points: 6
Student Contribution Band: 8
Fraction of Full-Time Student Load: 0.125

Pre-requisites or Co-requisites

There are no requisites for this unit.

Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).

Offerings For Term 1 - 2021

Online

Attendance Requirements

All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes – in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).

Class and Assessment Overview

Recommended Student Time Commitment

Each 6-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.

Class Timetable

Bundaberg, Cairns, Emerald, Gladstone, Mackay, Rockhampton, Townsville
Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney

Assessment Overview

1. Written Assessment
Weighting: 30%
2. Written Assessment
Weighting: 30%
3. Written Assessment
Weighting: 40%

Assessment Grading

This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of ‘pass’ in order to pass the unit. If any ‘pass/fail’ tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully (‘pass’ grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the ‘assessment task’ section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University’s Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.

Previous Student Feedback

Feedback, Recommendations and Responses

Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.

Feedback from Student Feedback

Feedback

The resources for assessment 3 were not so helpful.

Recommendation

These will be reviewed and aligned with the new 2021 assessment questions.

Feedback from Student and Lecturer

Feedback

Moodle needs some improving and MS Teams although an improvement still needs a lot of development.

Recommendation

This unit was one of the first to adopt MS Teams for improved communication and engagement and the implementation will continue to improve and develop. Most students found MS Teams to be preferable to Moodle. Moodle will be maintained alongside MS Teams as a backup. Moodle will undergo the refresh project before the unit is next offered.

Feedback from Student Feedback

Feedback

Amount of referencing to British Standards and learning from texts that reference the English building industry.

Recommendation

This is a developing improvement with the texts as Australian ones become available. The British Standards are being replaced for the next term.

Unit Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
  1. Explain building materials, including the types, manufacturing process, properties, usage in construction and the life cycle analysis.
  2. Apply the Australian and international standards relevant to building materials.
  3. Conduct a literature review to answer specific questions related to building materials.
  4. Report on building materials through effective written communication.


Alignment of Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Graduate Attributes
N/A Level
Introductory Level
Intermediate Level
Graduate Level
Professional Level
Advanced Level

Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes

Assessment Tasks Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4
1 - Written Assessment - 30%
2 - Written Assessment - 30%
3 - Written Assessment - 40%

Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes

Graduate Attributes Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4
1 - Communication
2 - Problem Solving
3 - Critical Thinking
4 - Information Literacy
5 - Team Work
6 - Information Technology Competence
7 - Cross Cultural Competence
8 - Ethical practice
9 - Social Innovation
10 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures

Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Graduate Attributes

Assessment Tasks Graduate Attributes
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
1 - Written Assessment - 30%
2 - Written Assessment - 30%
3 - Written Assessment - 40%
Textbooks and Resources

Textbooks

Prescribed

Materials for Architects and Builders

Edition: 6th (2020)
Authors: Arthur lyons
Routledge
ISBN: 9780815363385
Binding: Paperback

Additional Textbook Information

The Ebook of the textbook can be accessed from CQUni library by clicking HERE and logging in using your university username and password. Students may choose to use that instead of purchasing a hard copy of the book.

However, if you prefer your own personal copy, you can purchase one. Copies are available at the CQUni Bookshop here: http://bookshop.cqu.edu.au

IT Resources

You will need access to the following IT resources:
  • CQUniversity Student Email
  • Internet
  • Unit Website (Moodle)
  • Endnote (available through Library - see Moodle link)
Referencing Style

All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: Harvard (author-date)

For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.

Teaching Contacts
Neda Abbasi Unit Coordinator
n.abbasi@cqu.edu.au
Schedule
Week 1 Begin Date: 08 Mar 2021

Module/Topic

Introduction to Building Materials

Chapter

Mitchell's Materials, 5th ed, Chapter 1: General Properties

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 2 Begin Date: 15 Mar 2021

Module/Topic

Brick and Brickwork

Chapter

Materials for Architects and Builders, 6th ed, Chapter 1: Brick and brickwork

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 3 Begin Date: 22 Mar 2021

Module/Topic

Brick and Brickwork (continued)

Chapter

Materials for Architects and Builders, 6th ed, Chapter 1: Brick and brickwork

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 4 Begin Date: 29 Mar 2021

Module/Topic

Block and Blockwork

Chapter

Materials for Architects and Builders, 6th ed, Chapter 2: Block and blockwork

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 5 Begin Date: 05 Apr 2021

Module/Topic

Timber and Timber Products

Chapter

Materials for Architects and Builders, 6th ed, Chapter 4: Timber and timber products

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment item-1 Due: Week 5 Tuesday (6 Apr 2021) 11:45 pm AEST
Vacation Week Begin Date: 12 Apr 2021

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 6 Begin Date: 19 Apr 2021

Module/Topic

Timber and Timber Products (continued)

Chapter

Materials for Architects and Builders, 6th ed, Chapter 4: Timber and timber products

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 7 Begin Date: 26 Apr 2021

Module/Topic

Lime, Cement, and Concrete

Chapter

Materials for Architects and Builders, 6th ed, Chapter 3: Lime, cement and concrete

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 8 Begin Date: 03 May 2021

Module/Topic

Lime, Cement, and Concrete (continued)

Chapter

Materials for Architects and Builders, 6th ed, Chapter 3: Lime, cement and concrete

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment item-2 Due: Week 8 Tuesday (4 May 2021) 11:45 pm AEST
Week 9 Begin Date: 10 May 2021

Module/Topic

Metallic Materials

Chapter

Materials for Architects and Builders, 6th ed, Chapter 5: Ferrous and non-ferrous metals

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 10 Begin Date: 17 May 2021

Module/Topic

Metallic Materials (continued)

Chapter

Materials for Architects and Builders, 6th ed, Chapter 5: Ferrous and non-ferrous metals

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 11 Begin Date: 24 May 2021

Module/Topic

Sustainability in Material Use

Chapter

Materials for Architects and Builders, 6th ed, Chapter 18: Sustainability and Building Information Modelling

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 12 Begin Date: 31 May 2021

Module/Topic

Sustainability in Material Use (continued)

Chapter

Materials for Architects and Builders, 6th ed, Chapter 16: Energy-saving materials and components

Events and Submissions/Topic

Review/Exam Week Begin Date: 07 Jun 2021

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment item-3 Due: Review/Exam Week Tuesday (8 June 2021) 11:45 pm AEST
Exam Week Begin Date: 14 Jun 2021

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment Tasks

1 Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Assessment item-1

Task Description

This assessment questions and exercises cover topics of "Brick and Brickwork" and "Block and Blockwork." It is related to the unit learning outcomes 1 and 2 with implications for learning outcomes 3 and 4.


Assessment Due Date

Week 5 Tuesday (6 Apr 2021) 11:45 pm AEST

Submit the assessment item on or before the due date and time. Late submission penalty is 5% per day of the allotted marks.


Return Date to Students

Week 7 Tuesday (27 Apr 2021)

Online


Weighting
30%

Assessment Criteria

Assessment criteria are set in the assessment description sheet under a section called "Marking Rubrics."

These criteria cover the following aspects:

Presentation and layout—includes demonstrated ability to prepare a professional technical report as part of the audit process, use of grammar, the selection of typeface, written and general appearance of the document or assignment, attention to detail and quality of arrangement with regard to page numbering, headings, margins, footnotes and similar details to provide a professional document presentation.

Content—includes the accuracy and relevance of the information supplied in relation to the set task, using an ‘easy to read’ language style.

References—includes the use of the Harvard Referencing System to reference information, data, tables or images used when preparing a response to the set task.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Online

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Explain building materials, including the types, manufacturing process, properties, usage in construction and the life cycle analysis.
  • Apply the Australian and international standards relevant to building materials.
  • Conduct a literature review to answer specific questions related to building materials.
  • Report on building materials through effective written communication.


Graduate Attributes
  • Communication
  • Problem Solving
  • Critical Thinking
  • Information Literacy
  • Information Technology Competence
  • Cross Cultural Competence

2 Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Assessment item-2

Task Description

This assessment questions and exercises cover the topic of "Timber and Timber Products." It is related to the unit learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, and 4.


Assessment Due Date

Week 8 Tuesday (4 May 2021) 11:45 pm AEST

Submit the assessment item on or before the due date and time. Late submission penalty is 5% per day of the allotted marks.


Return Date to Students

Week 10 Tuesday (18 May 2021)

Online


Weighting
30%

Assessment Criteria

Assessment criteria are set in the assessment description sheet under a section called "Marking Rubrics."

These criteria cover the following aspects:

Presentation and layout—includes demonstrated ability to prepare a professional technical report as part of the audit process, use of grammar, the selection of typeface, written and general appearance of the document or assignment, attention to detail and quality of arrangement with regard to page numbering, headings, margins, footnotes and similar details to provide a professional document presentation.

Content—includes the accuracy and relevance of the information supplied in relation to the set task, using an ‘easy to read’ language style.

References—includes the use of the Harvard Referencing System to reference information, data, tables or images used when preparing a response to the set task.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Online

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Explain building materials, including the types, manufacturing process, properties, usage in construction and the life cycle analysis.
  • Apply the Australian and international standards relevant to building materials.
  • Conduct a literature review to answer specific questions related to building materials.
  • Report on building materials through effective written communication.


Graduate Attributes
  • Communication
  • Problem Solving
  • Critical Thinking
  • Information Literacy
  • Information Technology Competence
  • Cross Cultural Competence

3 Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Assessment item-3

Task Description

This assessment questions and exercises cover topics of "Lime, Cement, and Concrete", "Metallic Materials", and "Sustainability in Material Use." It is related to the unit learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, and 4.


Assessment Due Date

Review/Exam Week Tuesday (8 June 2021) 11:45 pm AEST

Submit the assessment item on or before the due date and time. Late submission penalty is 5% per day of the allotted marks.


Return Date to Students

Within two weeks after the submission due date but before the certification of grades.


Weighting
40%

Minimum mark or grade
To succeed in this unit, you must achieve a minimum of 40% in assessment 3 (16 out of 40).

Assessment Criteria

Assessment criteria are set in the assessment description sheet under a section called "Marking Rubrics."

These criteria cover the following aspects:

Presentation and layout—includes demonstrated ability to prepare a professional technical report as part of the audit process, use of grammar, the selection of typeface, written and general appearance of the document or assignment, attention to detail and quality of arrangement with regard to page numbering, headings, margins, footnotes and similar details to provide a professional document presentation.

Content—includes the accuracy and relevance of the information supplied in relation to the set task, using an ‘easy to read’ language style.

References—includes the use of the Harvard Referencing System to reference information, data, tables or images used when preparing a response to the set task.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Online

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Explain building materials, including the types, manufacturing process, properties, usage in construction and the life cycle analysis.
  • Apply the Australian and international standards relevant to building materials.
  • Conduct a literature review to answer specific questions related to building materials.
  • Report on building materials through effective written communication.


Graduate Attributes
  • Communication
  • Problem Solving
  • Critical Thinking
  • Information Literacy
  • Information Technology Competence
  • Cross Cultural Competence

Academic Integrity Statement

As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.

Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.

When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.

Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.

As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.

What is a breach of academic integrity?

A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.

Why is academic integrity important?

A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.

Where can I get assistance?

For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.

What can you do to act with integrity?