City University of Hong Kong Course Syllabus. offered by Division of Building Science and Technology with effect from Semester A 2015/16

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1 City University of Hong Kong Course Syllabus offered by Division of Building Science and Technology with effect from Semester A 2015/16 Part I Course Overview Course Title: Computer Applications Course Code: BST12359 Course Duration: 1 semester Credit Units: 3 credits Level: Proposed Area: (for GE courses only) Medium of Instruction: Medium of Assessment: Prerequisites: Precursors: Equivalent Courses: Exclusive Courses: A1 Arts and Humanities Study of Societies, Social and Business Organisations Science and Technology English English BST11959 Computer Applications in Construction

2 Part II Course Details 1. Abstract (A 150-word description about the course) This course aims to develop students ability in problem-solving using computer applications. They are expected to gain the key concepts and techniques of programming using the macro programming language, Visual Basic for Applications (VBA). Through acquiring the basic concepts of numerical mathematics in construction engineering and exploring different features of the widely used spreadsheet software package, Microsoft Excel, students will ultimately utilize these skills and knowledge for solving problems in real-life contexts. To promote students independent learning and creative thinking, they will engage in a project in which they will formulate problems by examining a specific case or situation in depth and develop effective solutions by applying the computer skills they learnt in the computer workshops. 2. Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs) (CILOs state what the student is expected to be able to do at the end of the course according to a given standard of performance.) No. CILOs # Weighting* (if applicable) Discovery-enriched curriculum related learning outcomes (please tick where appropriate) A1 A2 A3 1. Develop simple programmes using Visual Basic for Applications. 2. Explore the application of numerical methods and Excel spreadsheets for solving engineering and construction problems. 3. Design and implement well-structured programmes in problem-solving. * If weighting is assigned to CILOs, they should add up to 100%. 100% # Please specify the alignment of CILOs to the Gateway Education Programme Intended Learning outcomes (PILOs) in Section A of Annex. A1: Attitude Develop an attitude of discovery/innovation/creativity, as demonstrated by students possessing a strong sense of curiosity, asking questions actively, challenging assumptions or engaging in inquiry together with teachers. A2: Ability Develop the ability/skill needed to discover/innovate/create, as demonstrated by students possessing critical thinking skills to assess ideas, acquiring research skills, synthesizing knowledge across disciplines or applying academic knowledge to self-life problems. A3: Accomplishments Demonstrate accomplishment of discovery/innovation/creativity through producing /constructing creative works/new artefacts, effective solutions to real-life problems or new processes.

3 3. Teaching and Learning Activities (TLAs) (TLAs designed to facilitate students achievement of the CILOs.) TLA Brief Description CILO No. Hours/week (if applicable) Computer workshops with in-class exercises Lectures Group Project & Presentation To provide a systematic delivery of the key concepts, techniques and good practices of programming. Then followed by hands-on practical exercises to reinforce students achievement of the CILOs. Peer discussion is encouraged to facilitate peer learning. Interactive feedback between students and instructor are also emphasised. Basic concepts of numerical mathematics in construction engineering are introduced, and are elaborated by using examples. To promote student s independent learning and creative thinking, they are required to explore engineering/ construction issues so as to formulate problems and develop effective solutions by applying the computer skills they learnt during workshops. Students need to explain their ideas/algorithms during presentation session. 3 hrs/week for 11 weeks 3 hrs/week for 2 weeks Group presentation during computer workshops in week Assessment Tasks/Activities (ATs) (ATs are designed to assess how well the students achieve the CILOs.) Assessment Tasks/Activities CILO No. Weighting* Remarks Continuous Assessment: 100% In-class exercises & class participation 20% Group project & presentation 30% Quizzes 50% Examination: 0% (duration: --, if applicable) * The weightings should add up to 100%. 100% Note: A student must obtain a minimum mark of 35 in both coursework and examination (if applicable) and an overall mark of 40 to pass the course.

4 5. Assessment Rubrics (Grading of student achievements is based on student performance in assessment tasks/activities with the following rubrics.) Assessment Task Criterion Excellent (A+, A, A-) 1. In-class Exercises 1.1 CAPACITY in understanding and applying numerical mathematics and computer programming skills for problem-solving. The assessment tasks/activities were completed accurately and on time Good (B+, B, B-) Adequate (C+, C, C-) Marginal (D) Failure (F) 2. Group Project & Presentation 2.1 ABILITY to explore real-life situations and formulate problems with extensive depth and width. The work demonstrated a strong sign of original thinking and creativity 2.2 ABILITY to integrate analytical techniques and computer applications for effectively solving the identified problems and to present the ideas/ algorithms clearly in written texts and/or in oral presentation 3. Quizzes 3.1 ABILITY to apply numerical mathematics and computer programming skills for developing solutions for real-life problems

5 Part III Other Information (more details can be provided separately in the teaching plan) 1. Keyword Syllabus (An indication of the key topics of the course.) Applications of Excel spreadsheet and Programming using Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) solver, add-in, built-in functions, creating macro in Excel, plotting graphs and contours, data structures, data types, basic programme components, types of functions, data import and export, error handling, conditional control structures, looping control structures, array Numerical methods in construction engineering matrix computation, numerical integration, finite difference, linear programming 2. Reading List 2.1 Compulsory Readings (Compulsory readings can include books, book chapters, or journal/magazine articles. There are also collections of e-books, e-journals available from the CityU Library.) 2.2 Additional Readings (Additional references for students to learn to expand their knowledge about the subject.) 1. Mansfield, R. (2010) Mastering VBA for Office 2010, Indianapolis, Ind.: Wiley Pub. 2. Hiestand, J. W. (2009) Numerical Methods with VBA Programming, Jones and Barlett Pub. 3. Albright, S. C. (2012) VBA for modelers : developing decision support systems with Microsoft Office Excel, Mason, OH: South-Western Cengage Learning. 4. Chapra, S. C., Canale, R. P. (2006) Numerical Methods for Engineers, McGraw-Hill. 5. Tang, S. L. (1999) Linear Optimization Applications, Hong Kong University Press. 6. Paulson, Boyd C. (1995) Computer Applications in Construction, New York: McGraw-Hill. 7. Phiri, M. (1999) Information Technology in construction design, London: Thomas Telford.