Course Information Form (CIF) CIF1112 The CIF provides essential information to students, staff teams and others on a particular course of study and is designed to meet the University s own expectations and those of external bodies such as the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) in respect of programme specifications. SECTION 1 - General Course Information Qualification (award type) Course Title Foundation Degree Construction Management Intermediate Qualification(s) Certificate of Higher Education 120 credits at Level 1 Awarding Institution University of Bedfordshire Location of Delivery Duration of Course Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body accreditation Accreditation Renewal Date (Month and Year) Route Code (SITS) UCAS Course Code Luton 2 Years full time / 3 years part time N/A N/A FDCONAAF K220 Relevant External Benchmarking University of Bedfordshire Level descriptors; relevant QAA Subject Benchmarks This construction management course gives you access to comprehensive range of units relevant to the industry. Published Course Summary The course comprises 10 units, which cover the areas ranging from the Health & Safety to Project Management. A core element of the foundation degree is work-based learning. Students are required to undertake a work-based project. You'll have a Workplace Mentor and a member of the academic team will act as Project Mentor to ensure that the project meets both the company s needs and the academic requirements of the foundation degree. Course Information Form (CIF) Page 1 of 7
SECTION 2 Entry Requirements, Student Support and Further Opportunities Entry requirements Standard: Standard entry requirements for UK students http://www.beds.ac.uk/howtoapply/ukugentryreqs Students from the European Union - http://www.beds.ac.uk/howtoapply/eu/guides International students - http://www.beds.ac.uk/howtoapply/international/apply Additional: Student Support during the course All new learners attend a number of induction sessions in their first weeks, during which they undertake Computer Assisted Diagnostic assessment. The results of such diagnostics enable a personalised program to address individual learning requirements in basic Mathematical and Language skills. Ongoing support regarding academic matters is provided by tutors, unit co-ordinators and Field Chairs. Other support is provided by centralised Student Services at the University and by the Students Union. Students with disabilities All teaching is undertaken on premises that provide reasonable access for learners with declared disabilities. There are no mandatory field trips on the programme. The course team is conscious of the requirements of Special Educational Needs and Disability Act (SENDA) 2001 and has been involved in a number of training sessions. Through the specialist advisor, students with declared special educational needs are identified and suitable arrangements are made to accommodate their particular issues e.g. additional time for written exams, use of spell checkers. Distinctive Features of the course Emphasises the intellectual skills needed to conceptualise, develop and manage the construction processes Gives a solid grounding in core technologies supporting the construction industry Employment focused with a balance of theory and application level Work based learning units are offered to familiarise learners with real world working environments The opportunity to study in our dedicated environment using the latest industry standard requirements Career/further study opportunities Career: Graduates of this degree will be able to go into any of the following positions: Junior Construction Managers Progression to BSc Construction Management Further study: On completing this course students are likely to progress into the following areas: BSc in Construction Management, or any other related topic; MSc and MSc by Research; MPhil / PhD Course Information Form (CIF) Page 2 of 7
SECTION 3 Teaching, Learning and Assessment Educational Aims Aims: provide a broad-based, vocational education to support careers in construction management, or within a construction setting equip students for a career in industry, commerce, or the public sector, and to progression to senior levels of decision-making encourage the habit of continuous learning, and to provide a firm grounding for further academic or professional activity within the business studies area Course Learning Outcomes Upon successful completion of this course, you should be able to:- LO1: knowledge and critical understanding of the well-established principles of their area(s) of study, and of the way in which those principles have developed LO2: ability to apply underlying concepts and principles outside the context in which they were first studied, including, where appropriate, the application of those principles in an employment context LO3: knowledge of the main methods of enquiry in the subject(s) relevant to the named award, and ability to evaluate critically the appropriateness of different approaches to solving problems in the field of study LO4: an understanding of the limits of their knowledge, and how this influences analyses and interpretations based on that knowledge. LO5: use a range of established techniques to initiate and undertake critical analysis of information, and to propose solutions to problems arising from that analysis LO6: effectively communicate information, arguments and analysis in a variety of forms to specialist and nonspecialist audiences, and deploy key techniques of the discipline effectively LO7: undertake further training, develop existing skills and acquire new competences that will enable them to assume significant responsibility within organisations. LO8: the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment requiring the exercise of personal responsibility and decision-making. Teaching Strategy These will include: Lectures to introduce fundamental ideas Guided reading Tutorials and seminars to enhance the understanding of concepts and provide a forum for the discussion of ideas ad solutions Case studies which pose construction-related problems Workshops, usually computer-based, to focus on practical work Assessment Strategy A range of assessment methods is used throughout the programme including: group and individual based assessments throughout the duration of the programme. These assessments include individual essays, reports presentations and examinations ( hand written and computer based), and group based reports and presentations Course Information Form (CIF) Page 3 of 7
Curriculum Structure, Assessment Methods and Learning Outcomes Unit Code CBF016-1 4 CBF014-1 4 CBF018-1 4 CBF017-1 4 Level Unit Name Credit PPAD and Health and Safety for Construction Sustainability, Environment and Construction Technology Project Development and Building Control, Quality and Inspection Work-Based Learning A- Construction Management & Surveying for Construction 30 C 30 C Core (C) Option (O) Assessment Methods* Contributing towards the Learning Outcomes (Taught (T), Practised (P) and/or Assessed (A)) 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 15 C GR, OT 30 C, P TPA TP P TP TP TPA TP P P TP P P TP TP PL, PO OT P TPA TP TP TP TP CBF010-1 4 Construction Economics 15 C T TP TP CBF007-2 5 Building Technology 30 C CBF009-2 5 Personal Development Planning 15 C CBF008-2 5 CBF011-2 5 CBF010-2 5 Construction Contracts, Measurements and Processes Building Services and Project Management Work-Based Learning A- Managing People and Projects 15 C 30 C LR, 30 C CS OT,, OT AR PO,, CS OT TPA TPA TPA TPA TPA P TPA TPA TPA TP A TPA TPA TP TPA TPA P TP T TPA TPA TPA TPA TPA TPA TPA TPA TP A TPA *The following codes for assessments methods apply:- AR artefact PC practical CB computer-based PF performance CS case study PL placement DI dissertation or project PO portfolio EX exam presentation GR group report individual report IT in-unit test OR oral LR literature review OT other Course Information Form (CIF) Page 4 of 7
SECTION 4 Learning and Employability Skills Development Strategies Communication Written and verbal communication methods are developed and assessed throughout the course. Written communication is developed through the production of individual essays and reports, group reports and individual examinations, which are a common feature of all units. Preparation for the Workplace requires students to write a reflective portfolio and action plan. Verbal communications in the form of individual and group presentations are an important feature of many units and are specifically developed within Preparation for the Workplace at Level 1. The discussions and debates, which are an important part of seminar activities, further develop the student s verbal skills. Information Literacy The development of basic information technology skills is essential for all construction students to enable them to be as effective as possible from the very start of their career. All learners are required to word process their assignments. Basic familiarity with standard construction packages is provided through several of the core units. Learners are encouraged to use Web CT and BO where appropriate and to make use of the University s intranet facilities. The University of Bedfordshire provides access to the Internet and learners are encouraged and supported, through the respective learning resource centres, in developing their skills in both using and evaluating this as a potential source of information. Research and Evaluation Be taught the basics of problem solving and lateral thinking during your course. Learners will be expected to work independently, and to produce assignments which show their ability to synthesise and evaluate disparate sources in order to come to a successful conclusion. Creativity and Critical Thinking Be taught how to solve problems, be given general scenarios from which they need to devise solutions and generally be able to develop critical arguments to support their hypotheses. Team Working This is a key aspect of the course and many units require students to work together in groups during seminars to consider problems, issues and case studies. Some more formal group working is required for summative assessments, either written or verbal. Group activities form a core element of the Preparation for the Workplace unit and the reflective element of the assessment for this unit requires students to consider how they work within a group structure and the dynamics of group working. Improving Learning and Performance First year learners undertake a personal development unit that is concerned with the learning styles of each participant and seeks to enhance these. In addition learners will receive formative feedback on tasks that they undertake. Any assessed piece of work will always receive written comments and Course Information Form (CIF) Page 5 of 7
students should use these in order to improve their performance (if necessary) at the next available opportunity. Career Management Skills This forms a consistent thread progressing through each year with opportunities of engaging with industrial and business projects or through engagement with an employer through work based learning and attending exhibitions and seminars provided by experts. Progress Files Personal growth is seen as a fundamental requirement for a successful student and is actively supported at each level by appropriately designed units and assisted by the presence of personal tutors, who help to review progress files throughout the academic life of the students. Self-reflection is an important part of this and aids the learner in achieving the goals in timely fashion. Professional Standards Staff and students are expected to maintain professional standards and courtesies throughout there time at college and in the workplace. These standards include: Attending lectures and tutorials punctually Attending classroom sessions with the equipment necessary Ensuring mobile phones are off during class sessions and lectures Adhering to the dress code (including the wearing suitable clothing and PPE during any practical tasks) Treating each other with courtesy Respect for others points of view Fulfilling your responsibilities when working as part of a group Perform professionally, competently and responsibly Safeguard the environment and health and safety of others Comply with all the relevant laws, regulations, college standards and codes Strategy for Developing and Embedding the Professional Standards The standards above will be introduced to all students at the start of their course and discussed to ensure that all parties agree to the standards. The standards will be reviewed each year and may be amended as necessary. The student representative will be involved with any modification or amendment to the standards. Any breach of the standards will be addressed according to its severity and effect. Course Information Form (CIF) Page 6 of 7
SECTION 5 Administrative Information Faculty Field Department/School/Division Course Leader Creative Arts, Technologies and Science Undergraduate CST Computer Science & Technology Accursio Dimino Version Number 2012.1 Body approving this version FTQSC (Periodic Review 2012) Date of University approval of this version (dd/mm/yyyy) Form completed by: Name: Accursio Dimino/ David Jazani Date: 29 June 2012 Authorisation on behalf of the Faculty Teaching Quality and Standards Committee (FTQSC) Chair: Date:... Course Updates Date (dd/mm/yyyy) Nature of Update 150512 To closer reflect industry and the CIOB Framework FTQSC Minute Ref: Course Information Form (CIF) Page 7 of 7