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 - 2023

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 Unit Evaluation Survey

Feedback

Students suggested the inclusion of learning materials that introduce innovative and progressive building materials.

Recommendation

We review the unit resources and ensure that the content is up-to-date with the current innovation and trends in the Australian construction industry.

Feedback from Discussions in the Zoom sessions and unit forums.

Feedback

Students pointed to the need for the inclusion of a textbook that is Australian based.

Recommendation

We will continue to update learning resources on Building Materials. A textbooks that is focused on the Australian construction industry will be included, once it becomes available.

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 prescribed textbook can be accessed online at the CQUniversity Library website. Access may be limited. If you would prefer your own copy, purchase either paper or eBook versions at the CQUni Bookshop here: http://bookshop.cqu.edu.au (search on the Unit code)

IT Resources

You will need access to the following IT resources:
  • CQUniversity Student Email
  • Internet
  • Unit Website (Moodle)
  • Microphone and camera for use with Zoom
  • MS Teams
Referencing Style

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

For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.

Teaching Contacts
Kevin Stone Unit Coordinator
k.j.stone@cqu.edu.au
Schedule
Week 1 Begin Date: 06 Mar 2023

Module/Topic

Topic 1: Introduction to Building Materials

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 2 Begin Date: 13 Mar 2023

Module/Topic

Topic 2: Brick and Brickwork (Weeks 2 and 3)

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 3 Begin Date: 20 Mar 2023

Module/Topic

Topic 2: Brick and Brickwork (Weeks 2 and 3)

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Written Assessment 1 Due: Week 3 Friday (24 Mar 2023) 11:00 pm AEST
Week 4 Begin Date: 27 Mar 2023

Module/Topic

Topic 3: Block and Blockwork

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 5 Begin Date: 03 Apr 2023

Module/Topic

Topic 4: Timber and Timber Products (Weeks 5 and 6)

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assignment one due the 4th

Vacation Week Begin Date: 10 Apr 2023

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 6 Begin Date: 17 Apr 2023

Module/Topic

Topic 4: Timber and Timber Products (Weeks 5 and 6)

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 7 Begin Date: 24 Apr 2023

Module/Topic

Topic 5: Lime, Cement, and Concrete (Weeks 7 and 8)

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Written Assignment 2 Due: Week 7 Friday (28 Apr 2023) 11:00 pm AEST
Week 8 Begin Date: 01 May 2023

Module/Topic

Topic 5: Lime, Cement, and Concrete (Weeks 7 and 8)

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assignment two due 2nd

Week 9 Begin Date: 08 May 2023

Module/Topic

Topic 6: Metallic Materials (weeks 9 and 10)

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 10 Begin Date: 15 May 2023

Module/Topic

Topic 6: Metallic Materials (weeks 9 and 10)

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 11 Begin Date: 22 May 2023

Module/Topic

Topic 7. Sustainability in Material Use (weeks 11 and 12)

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 12 Begin Date: 29 May 2023

Module/Topic

Topic 7. Sustainability in Material Use (weeks 11 and 12)

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Written Assignment 3 Due: Week 12 Friday (2 June 2023) 11:00 pm AEST
Review/Exam Week Begin Date: 05 Jun 2023

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assignment three due the 6th

Exam Week Begin Date: 12 Jun 2023

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Begin Date: 19 Jun 2023

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment Tasks

1 Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Written Assessment 1

Task Description

Brick and concrete block in construction is to be researched and critically analysed. Conduct a literature review to answer specific questions related to building materials to explain building them, including the types, manufacturing process, properties, usage in construction and the life cycle analysis.




Assessment Due Date

Week 3 Friday (24 Mar 2023) 11:00 pm AEST

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


Return Date to Students

Week 5 Friday (7 Apr 2023)

Word document returned via email with trackchanges and summery review


Weighting
30%

Assessment Criteria

As detailed on the assignment brief


Referencing Style

Submission
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
Written Assignment 2

Task Description

Timber in construction si to be researched and critically analysed. Conduct a literature review to answer specific questions related to building materials. Explain building materials, including the types, manufacturing process, properties, usage in construction and the life cycle analysis and apply Australian and international standards relevant to the materials


Assessment Due Date

Week 7 Friday (28 Apr 2023) 11:00 pm AEST

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


Return Date to Students

Week 9 Friday (12 May 2023)

Word document returned via email with trackchanges and summery review


Weighting
30%

Assessment Criteria

As detailed on the assignment brief


Referencing Style

Submission
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
Written Assignment 3

Task Description

Concrete as a building material is to be researched and critically analysed. Conduct a literature review to answer specific questions related to building materials. Explain building materials, including the types, manufacturing process, properties, usage in construction and the life cycle analysis and apply Australian and international standards relevant to the materials


Assessment Due Date

Week 12 Friday (2 June 2023) 11:00 pm AEST

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


Return Date to Students

Exam Week Friday (16 June 2023)

Word document returned via email with trackchanges and summery review


Weighting
40%

Assessment Criteria

As detailed on the assignment brief


Referencing Style

Submission
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?