This unit will first pave the foundation to understand how contracting parties engage in enforceable contracts, both in respect of building owners and contractors, as well as contractors and subcontractors. Then, you gradually obtain knowledge of how the dynamics of the contract change during the course of the building project, in respect of variations and extensions of time. This will further ensure you become familiar with the circumstances of how contracts can be breached, the methods of providing remedy for the breaches, and of dispute resolution. The unit will then consider the legal framework of government legislation in terms of the Acts of Parliament that relate to Builders Licensing, the Building Code of Australia, The Development Act and Occupational Health and Safety. All previous knowledge areas make you become competent in the reading and understanding of building contracts, and the application of government regulations that apply to building projects.

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 Staff Feedback

The assignments are designed to replicate real-world scenarios and require students to demonstrate a thorough understanding of the regulations covered in the unit. This approach effectively supports the development of practical, industry-relevant skills but may present challenges for students unfamiliar with interpreting legislation independently.

To support student success while maintaining the integrity of the assessments, it is recommended that additional scaffolding, such as guided tutorials, annotated examples, and explanations in lectures, be provided early in the term to help students build confidence in applying regulations to real-world contexts.

Feedback from Student Feedback

It would be beneficial to keep the recording running for general discussion/questions after the lecture presentation is over.

For the next offerings of this unit, the lecture recordings should also include the Q&A session at the end of each lecture.

Feedback from Student Feedback

The unit content promotes the application of legal principles to practical scenarios, supporting deep learning. Providing more real-life examples could further enhance student confidence and clarity in responding to tasks.

It is recommended to use more real-life examples during the lectures to further support the understanding of students.

Feedback from Student Feedback

The open-ended nature of the assessments encourages independent research and critical thinking, aligning with industry practices. However, some students may benefit from additional guidance on interpreting case studies and aligning responses with assessment expectations.

It is recommended to provide more information for the assessments, and also dedicate a specific time at each lecture to discuss about the assignments.