CQUniversity Unit Profile
BLAR12041 Building Materials 2
Building Materials 2
All details in this unit profile for BLAR12041 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 provide you with knowledge of physical and chemical properties, usage, durability, innovation and disposal of brick, block masonry, ceramics, polymers, glass, bituminous materials, synthetics, paints and hazardous materials. You will learn about relevant Australian and International Standards; quality control procedures for the manufacture, testing and handling of materials; life cycle impacts and conditions through recycling, re-use, by-products synergy and resource efficiency.

Details

Career Level: Undergraduate
Unit Level: Level 2
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 3 - 2022

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: 20%
2. Written Assessment
Weighting: 30%
3. Online Quiz(zes)
Weighting: 10%
4. Presentation and 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 SUTE Unit Comment

Feedback

Students stated that they enjoyed the unit and found the content interesting and engaging.

Recommendation

We continue to review the unit content and assessment tasks to ensure they remain relevant to the current industry practices.

Feedback from Discussion forums and email communications between students and the lecturer

Feedback

Showing case studies and examples of the built environments that showcased the use of certain building materials in weekly online zoom sessions was suggested as a positive aspect of the unit.

Recommendation

We continue to bring to the weekly online zoom sessions examples of innovative and sustainable use of building materials which are examined in weekly topics.

Unit Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
  1. Discuss material properties for selected commonly used building products
  2. Explain the application of materials in buildings, their lifecycle impact and consideration for recycling and reuse
  3. Interpret and communicate clearly technical information about Quality Assurance and Codes of Practice using relevant standards
  4. Apply analytical thinking and researching skills using library and Internet resources
  5. Show skills in communication and presentation of building materials concepts.
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 5
1 - Written Assessment - 20%
2 - Written Assessment - 30%
3 - Online Quiz(zes) - 10%
4 - Presentation and Written Assessment - 40%

Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes

Graduate Attributes Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4 5
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 - 20%
2 - Written Assessment - 30%
3 - Online Quiz(zes) - 10%
4 - Presentation and Written Assessment - 40%
Textbooks and Resources

Textbooks

Prescribed

Materials for Architects and Builders

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

Additional Textbook Information

The book is available in the form of ebook from CQUniversity library. 

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
  • Word processing software such as MS Word
  • Endnote bibliographic software. This is optional for formatting references.
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: 07 Nov 2022

Module/Topic

Topic 1: Environmental Impacts of Building Materials

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 2 Begin Date: 14 Nov 2022

Module/Topic

Topic 2: Masonry Construction Materials

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 3 Begin Date: 21 Nov 2022

Module/Topic

Topic 2: Masonry Construction Materials (continued)

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 4 Begin Date: 28 Nov 2022

Module/Topic

Topic 3: Glass and Windows

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Vacation Week Begin Date: 05 Dec 2022

Module/Topic

No topic is scheduled for this week. This is a university vacation week.

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 5 Begin Date: 12 Dec 2022

Module/Topic

Topic 4: Ceramics and Plastics

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assignment 1 Due: Week 5 Monday (12 Dec 2022) 11:45 pm AEST
Week 6 Begin Date: 19 Dec 2022

Module/Topic

Topic 5: Bitumen and Flat Roofing Materials

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Vacation Week Begin Date: 26 Dec 2022

Module/Topic

No topic is scheduled for this week. This is a university vacation week.

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 7 Begin Date: 02 Jan 2023

Module/Topic

Topic 6: Insulation Materials

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 8 Begin Date: 09 Jan 2023

Module/Topic

Topic 7: Plasters, Board Materials, and Paints

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assignment 2 Due: Week 8 Friday (13 Jan 2023) 11:45 pm AEST
Week 9 Begin Date: 16 Jan 2023

Module/Topic

Topic 8: Sealants and Adhesives 

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 10 Begin Date: 23 Jan 2023

Module/Topic

Topic 9: Energy Saving and Sustainable Building Materials

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic


Week 11 Begin Date: 30 Jan 2023

Module/Topic

Topic 9: Energy Saving and Sustainable Building Materials (continued)

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic


Week 12 Begin Date: 06 Feb 2023

Module/Topic

Topic 10: Management of Hazardous Building Materials

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assignment 3 quiz Due: Week 12 Monday (6 Feb 2023) 11:45 pm AEST
Exam Week Begin Date: 13 Feb 2023

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assignment 4 Due: Exam Week Monday (13 Feb 2023) 11:45 pm AEST
Assessment Tasks

1 Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Assignment 1

Task Description

This assessment item relates to unit learning outcomes 1 and 2; with associated implications for learning outcome 3. All of these assessment items provide an opportunity to demonstrate the transferable skills in learning outcomes 4 and 5.

Tasks will focus on Topics 1, 2, and 3.


Assessment Due Date

Week 5 Monday (12 Dec 2022) 11:45 pm AEST


Return Date to Students

Week 7 Monday (2 Jan 2023)

Return timeframe is within two weeks after the submission due date (excluding the university term break and vacation week).


Weighting
20%

Assessment Criteria

The assessment will address the following attributes:

  • Clarity of expression and comprehensive coverage of issues
  • Demonstration of an understanding of all issues raised in the study guide
  • Use of quality supporting documentation
  • Use of original thought and content
  • Overall presentation and ability to communicate using correct spelling, grammar and punctuation and the use of appropriate diagrams and other graphics
  • Demonstration and application of core knowledge.

Specifically for Assessment 1, you need to address the criteria set out in assessment 1 rubrics which will be accessible via the Moodle on the first official day of the term.

Your assessment should be produced in electronic format.

Before or on the nominated due date, upload your work following the on-screen instructions.

Your submission will be processed through the similarity detection software, Turnitin. You may amend your work based on the detection report.

You must ensure that the submission is your own and that any cited work has been correctly referenced as per the CQU requirements.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Submit your assessment as a single PDF file to the Assessment block of the Moodle page of the unit.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Discuss material properties for selected commonly used building products
  • Explain the application of materials in buildings, their lifecycle impact and consideration for recycling and reuse
  • Interpret and communicate clearly technical information about Quality Assurance and Codes of Practice using relevant standards
  • Apply analytical thinking and researching skills using library and Internet resources
  • Show skills in communication and presentation of building materials concepts.


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

2 Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Assignment 2

Task Description

This assessment item relates to learning outcomes 1, 2 and 3. Tasks will focus on Topics 1, 4, 5, and 6.


Assessment Due Date

Week 8 Friday (13 Jan 2023) 11:45 pm AEST


Return Date to Students

Week 10 Friday (27 Jan 2023)

Return timeframe is within two weeks after the submission due date (excluding the university term break and vacation week).


Weighting
30%

Assessment Criteria

The assessment will address the following attributes:

  • Clarity of expression and comprehensive coverage of issues
  • Demonstration of an understanding of all issues raised in the study guide
  • Use of quality supporting documentation
  • Use of original thought and content
  • Overall presentation and ability to communicate using correct spelling, grammar and punctuation and the use of appropriate diagrams and other graphics
  • Demonstration and application of core knowledge.

Specifically for Assessment 2, you need to address the criteria set out in assessment 2 rubrics which will be accessible via the Moodle on the first official day of the term.

Your assessment should be produced in electronic format.

Before or on the nominated due date, upload your work following the on-screen instructions.

Your submission will be processed through the similarity detection software, Turnitin. You may amend your work based on the detection report.

You must ensure that the submission is your own and that any cited work has been correctly referenced as per the CQU requirements.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Submit your assessment as a single PDF file to the Assessment portal of the Moodle page of the unit.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Discuss material properties for selected commonly used building products
  • Explain the application of materials in buildings, their lifecycle impact and consideration for recycling and reuse
  • Interpret and communicate clearly technical information about Quality Assurance and Codes of Practice using relevant standards
  • Apply analytical thinking and researching skills using library and Internet resources
  • Show skills in communication and presentation of building materials concepts.


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

3 Online Quiz(zes)

Assessment Title
Assignment 3 quiz

Task Description

The online quiz relates to learning outcomes 1, 2, and 3. Questions will be about Topics 2-9 and taken from the recommended textbook of the unit, "Materials for Architects and Builders by Arthur Lyons". The quiz will be accessible on the Moodle page of the unit on the first day of Week 11 for one week and two attempts are permitted. The quiz will be marked automatically by the system and the higher grade of the two attempts will be taken.


Number of Quizzes

1


Frequency of Quizzes


Assessment Due Date

Week 12 Monday (6 Feb 2023) 11:45 pm AEST


Return Date to Students

The feedback is returned automatically by the system.


Weighting
10%

Minimum mark or grade
30% of the quiz total mark (3 out of 10)

Assessment Criteria

No Assessment Criteria


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Quiz will be accessible from the assessment portal of the Moodle page of the unit in Week 11 for one week.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Discuss material properties for selected commonly used building products
  • Explain the application of materials in buildings, their lifecycle impact and consideration for recycling and reuse
  • Interpret and communicate clearly technical information about Quality Assurance and Codes of Practice using relevant standards


Graduate Attributes
  • Communication
  • Problem Solving
  • Critical Thinking
  • Information Literacy
  • Information Technology Competence
  • Ethical practice

4 Presentation and Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Assignment 4

Task Description

The assessment relates to unit learning outcomes 1, 2, and 3. Tasks will focus on Topics 7, 8, 9, and 10.


Assessment Due Date

Exam Week Monday (13 Feb 2023) 11:45 pm AEST


Return Date to Students

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


Weighting
40%

Minimum mark or grade
30% of the assessment mark (12 out of 40)

Assessment Criteria

The assessment will address the following attributes:

  • Clarity of expression and comprehensive coverage of issues
  • Demonstration of an understanding of all issues raised in the study guide
  • Use of quality supporting documentation
  • Use of original thought and content
  • Overall presentation and ability to communicate using correct spelling, grammar and punctuation and the use of appropriate diagrams and other graphics
  • Demonstration and application of core knowledge.

Specifically for Assessment 4, you need to address the criteria set out in assessment 4 rubrics which will be accessible via the Moodle on the first official day of the term.

Your assessment should be produced in electronic format.

Before or on the nominated due date, upload your work following the on-screen instructions.

Your submission will be processed through the similarity detection software, Turnitin. You may amend your work based on the detection report.

You must ensure that the submission is your own and that any cited work has been correctly referenced as per the CQU requirements.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Submit your assessment as a single PDF file to the Assessment portal of the Moodle page of the unit.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Discuss material properties for selected commonly used building products
  • Explain the application of materials in buildings, their lifecycle impact and consideration for recycling and reuse
  • Interpret and communicate clearly technical information about Quality Assurance and Codes of Practice using relevant standards
  • Apply analytical thinking and researching skills using library and Internet resources
  • Show skills in communication and presentation of building materials concepts.


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

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?