Overview
This unit is an introduction to the impacts of the building design and construction sectors on the environment viz: Natural ecosystems including climate, hydrological cycle, basic thermodynamics, consequences of modification; ecosystem interdependency, capacity of the environment to assimilate changes; background to greenhouse concerns from the Rio Summit through to current global negotiations: social, legislative and political issues associated with modification of the natural and developed environments including environmental impact assessments; and environmental impact of development-mining and mineral processing, materials and manufacturing industries as related to the building and construction sector. This unit then provides an introduction to current activity to minimise impacts through shift to service rather than consumption based economy in the building and construction sector. This unit also requires the student to develop an understanding of requirements for regional and urban development including the legislative framework for planning control, feasibility studies, consultation and communication processes.
Details
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 2 - 2024
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).
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
Assessment Overview
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.
All University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
You may wish to view these policies:
- Grades and Results Policy
- Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)
- Review of Grade Procedure
- Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - Domestic Students
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - International Students
- Student Refund and Credit Balance Policy and Procedure
- Student Feedback - Compliments and Complaints Policy and Procedure
- Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure
This list is not an exhaustive list of all University policies. The full list of University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
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 Student feedback
The unit was structured very well. The pacing was manageable, and the sequence of assessments built into each other, creating a very linear and concise learning experience.
The redesign of assignments being reliant on the previous assignments increased student understanding. This approach will be expanded upon through the study guide refresh.
Feedback from Student feedback
Incorporate other assessment forms such as quizzes or weekly workbooks (or something of the sort) rather than only three report format assignments. It can be difficult to manage and learn the content adequately and to keep up with the assessments.
The reliance on professional report format assignment submissions will remain as they are an essential transferable professional skill. A video will be expanded to explain further time management of assignments and the supportive report structure, providing a logical template.
Feedback from Lecturer
The low attendance rate for the tutorials and resistance to becoming engaged through the MS Team remains a major weakness of many students. This manifests itself in poor performance.
There is little that has improved attendance and engagement over the past five years. It is now clear that attendance should be connected to a student's overall mark. It is suggested that 10% of the unit mark be awarded for tutorial attendance.
- Propose methods for improving the environmental and social sustainability of the built environment.
- Explain the basic theoretical and practical concepts used in urban planning.
- Choose appropriate design responses for particular Australian climate zones.
- Select building materials on an environmentally preferred basis with particular reference to embodied energy, usage and waste.
- Solve routine and unfamiliar problems using information, technology, logic and ethical decision making.
- Practice personal and interpersonal skills.
- Use effectively appropriate modes of communication.
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | |
| 1 - Written Assessment - 30% | |||||||
| 2 - Written Assessment - 35% | |||||||
| 3 - Presentation and Written Assessment - 35% | |||||||
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
| Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | |
| 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 - 35% | ||||||||||
| 3 - Presentation and Written Assessment - 35% | ||||||||||
Textbooks
The Whole Building Handbook
Authors: Bokalders , Varis
Taylor and Francis
London London , UK
ISBN: 9781844075232
If you are having issues accessing the eBook at the Library website, both paper and eBook copies can be purchased at the CQUni Bookshop here: http://bookshop.cqu.edu.au (search on the Unit code)
Binding: Paperback
If you are having issues accessing the eBook at the Library website, both paper and eBook copies can be purchased at the CQUni Bookshop here: http://bookshop.cqu.edu.au (search on the Unit code)
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
- MS Office
- Web camera, headphones and mic
- MS Teams
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: Harvard (author-date)
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
k.j.stone@cqu.edu.au
Module/Topic
1.The sustainable global ecosystem
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Begin work on your first assignment due in week three (3)
Module/Topic
2.Human activities and environmental impacts
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
3.Accelerated development; accelerated impacts
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Submit assignment one (1)
Module/Topic
4. Traditional town planning - history
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
5.Planning theories - analysis and debate
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Choose a site for a house for Assignment 3 and get lecturer approval during online tutorial this week
Module/Topic
No lecture or Tutorial this week.
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Check local planning regulations for your site for Assignment 3
Module/Topic
6.Urban and regional development and eco-sustainability
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Submit assignment two (2)
Module/Topic
7.Eco-sustainable urban planning including services and systems
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Choose a plan for your site from those available in Moodle for Assignment 3
Assignment 2 Due: Week 7 Friday (30 Aug 2024) 11:45 pm AEST
Module/Topic
8.The construction site and eco-sustainability
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
9.Passive 'design for climate' and energy use
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
10.Eco-sustainable materials and systems
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
11.Review of values, reforms, limitations
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
12.Regulatory tools towards eco-sustainability in planning, design and construction
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Submit assignment three (3)
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
The subject explains the challenges and impacts of environmental change and how property and construction are influenced and evolving.
1 Written Assessment
Assessment item 1 - Written Assignment. This assessment item will address the unit Learning Outcome 1 and will provide an opportunity for students to demonstrate the transferable skills in learning outcomes 5, 6 and 7.
Your submission will be a report containing your responses to three questions of varying complexity, the focus of which will relate directly to Topics 1, 2 and 3. Full and detailed briefing for this assignment and the assignment rubric will be available from the Assessment Block in Moodle.
You must attain a minimum 45%
Week 4 Friday (2 Aug 2024) 11:45 pm AEST
Word format submission only as a professional report
Vacation Week Friday (16 Aug 2024)
Students will be advised of any adverse circumstances that might delay return of feedback.
Assessment criteria will be relevant to the learning outcomes and topics of focus for this assignment that are listed above in the task description. However, the more detailed enabling objectives in the Study Guide that are variously related to Topics 1, 2 and 3 will give you a more comprehensive understanding of what you may be needing to demonstrate. This assessment item is worth 30% (ie; 30/100, approximately 20% of which (ie; 6/30) is relevant to the presentation quality of your submission and your referencing.
- Propose methods for improving the environmental and social sustainability of the built environment.
- Solve routine and unfamiliar problems using information, technology, logic and ethical decision making.
- Practice personal and interpersonal skills.
- Use effectively appropriate modes of communication.
- Communication
- Problem Solving
- Information Literacy
- Information Technology Competence
2 Written Assessment
Assessment item 2 - Written Assignment. This assessment item will primarily address Learning Outcome 2 with associated implications for learning outcome 1 and will provide an opportunity for students to demonstrate the transferrable skills in learning outcomes 5, 6 and 7.
Your submission will be a report containing your responses to several questions, the focus of which will relate directly to Topics 4, 5, 6 and 7. Full and detailed briefing for this assignment and the assignment rubric will be available from the Assessment Block in Moodle.
You must attain a minimum 45%
Week 7 Friday (30 Aug 2024) 11:45 pm AEST
Submitted as a professional report as a MS Word file only via Turnitin.
Week 9 Friday (13 Sept 2024)
Students will be advised of any adverse circumstances that might delay this.
Assessment criteria will be relevant to the learning outcomes and topics that are listed above in the task description. However the more detailed 'enabling objectives' in the Study Guide that are directly related to Topics 4, 5, 6 and 7 will give you a more comprehensive understanding of what you may be expected to demonstrate. This assessment item is worth 35% (ie; 35/100). Approximately 20% of this (ie; 7/35) is relevant to the presentation quality of your submission and your referencing.
- Propose methods for improving the environmental and social sustainability of the built environment.
- Explain the basic theoretical and practical concepts used in urban planning.
- Solve routine and unfamiliar problems using information, technology, logic and ethical decision making.
- Practice personal and interpersonal skills.
- Use effectively appropriate modes of communication.
- Communication
- Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
- Information Literacy
- Information Technology Competence
3 Presentation and Written Assessment
Assessment item 3 will address learning outcomes 1, 2, 3 and 4, and will provide an opportunity for students to demonstrate the transferrable skills in learning outcomes 5, 6 and 7.
For this assessment item you will need to address the requirements of a multi-faceted task that will include drawings and written content as required.
Your submission will be a report, the focus of which will relate directly to the environmentally sustainable design focus of Topics 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12. Full and detailed briefing for this assignment and the assignment rubric will be available from the Assessment Block in Moodle.
You must attain a minimum 45%
Week 11 Friday (27 Sept 2024) 11:45 pm AEST
Submitted as a professional report in an MS Word file via turnitin.
Exam Week Friday (18 Oct 2024)
Return Date: Monday 22 October 2021
Assessment criteria will be relevant to the learning outcomes and topics of focus for this assignment that are listed above in the task description. However the more detailed 'enabling objectives' in the Study Guide that are directly related to Topics 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12, will give you a more comprehensive understanding of what you may be expected to demonstrate. This assessment item is worth 35% (ie; 35/100, approximately 20% of which (ie; 7/35) is relevant to the presentation quality of your submission and your referencing.
- Propose methods for improving the environmental and social sustainability of the built environment.
- Explain the basic theoretical and practical concepts used in urban planning.
- Choose appropriate design responses for particular Australian climate zones.
- Select building materials on an environmentally preferred basis with particular reference to embodied energy, usage and waste.
- Solve routine and unfamiliar problems using information, technology, logic and ethical decision making.
- Practice personal and interpersonal skills.
- Use effectively appropriate modes of communication.
- Communication
- Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
- Information Literacy
- Information Technology Competence
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?
