Bachelor of Construction Management (Building) (Honors) (Full-Time)

Provided by University of Newcastle, Australia/ UON Singapore


Course introduction

Introduction


Every construction project combines a variety of complex challenges. Managing a project requires a combination of technical understanding of construction processes and resource management, as well as managing their legal and financial aspects.

The Bachelor of Construction Management (Building)(Honours) will equip you with the skills and knowledge to manage complexities in construction projects both in Singapore and across the world. The programme incorporates substantial Building Information Modelling (BIM) teaching and projects which offer a niche specialty beyond the construction management discipline. This would give the graduates a solid foundation to pursue wide career choice as BIM Managers, Project Managers, Quantity Surveyors and Facility Managers.

The degree programme is conceptualised to be a problem-based learning pedagogy to train students to solve real world challenges, develop holistic understanding of construction project environment and portable life-long learning skills. To offer an accelerated pathway, an advanced standing articulation would be eligible for students with relevant diploma qualifications.

The University of Newcastle in Australia, established in 1965, is recognised as a world-class institution that delivers quality in education and innovation in research. Internationally, the Academic Ranking of World Universities places Newcastle in the top four percent of universities in the world, and the Times Higher Education World University Rankings and QS World Rankings place Newcastle in the top three per cent. Both the Times Higher Education and QS rank Newcastle in the top 50 universities in the world under the age of 50.

Educating first-rate graduates is the University's most important role. The degrees from University of Newcastle are designed to ensure that when you graduate you will be globally competitive in your field by providing you with the knowledge and the skills you need to be career-ready.

The School of Architecture and Built Environment has an international reputation for pioneering problem-based learning, research-led learning, as well as online and blended learning in both undergraduate and postgraduate built environment programs. 
There are more than 1200 undergraduate and postgraduate students studying architecture, construction management, industrial design, property economics, project and disaster management. Importantly, the school has supported many international students to achieve academic success over the last 40 years and it has a distinguished record in teaching innovation and partnerships with industry.

The school enjoys the highest level of professional accreditation and its graduates are well regarded by industry and employer groups. The School is home to the Centre for Interdisciplinary Built Environment Research which compliments the school's research strengths in creative endeavour; an approach which results in state and national exhibitions, design awards and citations.

Students need to complete the following courses (total of 320 credits) to fulfill the requirement of the programme.



Curriculum Overview


Programme Structure


S/n Course Code Course Name Course Credits
1 ARBE1100 Communication in the Built Environment 1 10
2 ARBE1101 Construction Technology 1 10
3 ARBE1102 Construction Ecology 1 10
4 ARBE1301 Construction Law & Legislation 10
5 ARBE1304 Building Codes & Compliance 10
6 AEBE1103 Communication in the Built Environment 2 10
7 ARBE1303 Introduction to the Construction Industry 10
8 ARBE2100 Construction Technology 2 10
9 ARBE2101 Construction Ecology 2 10
10 ARBE2301 Measurement of Building Works 10
11 ARBE2307 Economics of the Construction Industry 10
12 ARBE2303 Health & Safety in the Built Environment 10
13 ARBE2308 Cost Planning & Estimating 10
14 ARBE2309 Construction Procurement & Tendering 10
15 ARBE2306 Maintenance Services & Rehabilitation 10
16 ARBE3300 Construction Business Management 10
17 ARBE3301 Construction Project Planning 10
18 ARBE3100 Construction Technology 3 10
19 ARBE3304 Development Economies 10
20 ARBE3305 Infrastructure Development 10
21 ARBE3306 Building Fire Safety & Compliance 10
22 ARBE3307 Contract Administration 10
23 ARBE4121A Research in the Built Environment 1 10
24 ARBE4102 Construction Technology & Services 10
25 ARBE4301 Construction Entrepreneurship 10
26 ARBE4101 Construction Ecology 3 10
27 ARBE4121B Research in the Built Environment 2 20
28 ARBE4303 Facilities Management 10
29 ARBE3308 Building Information Modelling (BIM) 10
30 ARBE4323 Work Integrated Learning BIM 20


Note:

Students may be exempted on certain courses and may need to complete bridging modules to be articulated into an accelerated pathway depending on the relevance of the Diploma qualifications.


Course Sypnosis

ARBE 1303 – Introduction to the Construction Industry

This course explores the nature of the construction industry from a number of perspectives. Primary elements of basic structure, stakeholders and context are combined through an integrated problem based approach to an ethical context of undergraduate study and the construction industry. Students will be provided with an introduction to the management of building information modelling (BIM) models in construction.


ARBE 1100 – Communication in the Built Environment

This Course introduces students to the essential communication skills used in the Built Environment. Students will learn the graphical and verbal skills to present design effectively, whilst also learning how to interpret construction drawings. Students will explore communication through the development and demonstration of freehand drawing and drafting techniques including orthographic projection, para-line and perspective drawings in a variety of skill-building exercises. Simple model-making of building proposals and verbal communication will be integrated as additional communication skills utilised within the building industry.


ARBE 1101 – Construction Technology 1

This course develops the student's understanding of key concepts associated with the construction of domestic and other buildings, including essential performance criteria for a range of primary and secondary building elements. It similarly develops the student's understanding of structural concepts that dictate the eventual form of buildings and other engineered structures, combining elemental and structural understanding to develop the student's ability to design appropriate architectural/engineering details for a variety of structural and non structural situations. It introduces the student to the challenges posed by a range of site conditions, materials and other environmental factors, and explores their influence upon the selection of appropriate solutions.


ARBE 1102 – Construction Ecology 1

This course explores the modern built environment through the impact of materials on architectural design applications. Elements of material selection, impact and management of the construction processes are integrated within the construction and maintenance of building solutions.


ARBE 1301 – Construction Law & Legislation

This course explores law and legislation that governs the construction management process. Primary elements of types of contracts, legal duties and responsibilities will be integrated within the context of contractual administration in the construction industry. Students will be introduced legal dimensions of BIM.


ARBE 1304 – Building Codes & Compliance

This course explores the principles and practice of the Building Code of Singapore and relevant Singapore Standards applicable to the construction processes and assessment of residential and non-residential buildings This course aims at developing students knowledge and skills in interpreting and applying the regulatory requirements, including recent changes in legislation and policy, for all buildings types as contained in the relevant codes and standards. It is also aimed at developing students understanding of theory and practice in building performance assessment and reporting. The students are introduced to Building Information Modelling (BIM) within certification practices. This will include exploring simulations as related to certification of construction drawings.


ARBE 1103 – Communication in the Built Environment 2

This course prepares the future generation of designers for industry. The course aims to develop the student's general understanding and practical skills in digital media for design, communication and documentation, including basic CAD modelling (3D) and the digital and analogue presentation (2D) of a selected project. This includes techniques to generate design presentations that demonstrate a good use of design principles as well as to generate drawings for the communication process with the building industry.


ARBE 2100 – Construction Technology 2

This course examines the composite construction of buildings through the application and continuous demonstration of 'essential skills'
. Elements of construction methods, techniques and detail will be integrated within the environmental and architectural context of the completed building. Students will be asked to learn REVIT Architecture Component and explore residential buildings through BIM approach.


ARBE 2101 – Construction Ecology 2

This course explores the modern built environment through the impact of construction and design decision-making at a global, national and local level. Elements evaluation, assessment and rating for sustainable and resilient communities, environmental management will be integrated with the issues of cultural heritage protection, management and theory.


ARBE 2301 – Measurement of Building Works

This course examines the process of building measurement and bills of quantity through the development and demonstration of 'essential skills'. Elements of measurement and bills of quantities in accordance with the Standard Method of Measurement of Building Works (SMM) will be applied. Students will be asked to extract relevant information from Building Information Models to apply to building measurements (5D BIM).


ARBE 2307 – Economics of the Construction Industry

This Course examines the micro, macro and building economics principles relating to construction firms and industry. Elements of mainstream and building economics theories will be integrated and applied to make informed industry focused business decisions.


ARBE 2303 – Health & Safety in the Built Environment

This course examines the potential hazards and safety strategies of the construction workplace. Elements of risk analysis, control of risk, reflection on results and application of health and safety legislation are explored in the context of the built environment. Students are introduced to explore health and safety issues at design and construction stages using Building information Modelling (BIM) tools.


ARBE 2308 – Cost Planning & Estimating

This course examines and applies estimating tools and techniques for costing construction projects in its various stages from both client and contractor perspectives. Elements of preliminary estimating, cost planning and detailed estimating will be integrated and applied to enable informed rational cost related decisions. Applies estimating principles to price/cost superficial spaces, functional areas, elements, resources and trades and develop ethical bidding strategies. Students will be asked to extract relevant information from building information models to apply to estimates. This is an application of 5D BIM.


ARBE 2309 – Construction Procurement & Tendering

This course examines the tender process and how construction projects are procured. Tendering principles and the process of procurement selection will be investigated by analysing the various strategies within both the public and private sectors using case study building and infrastructure projects. Students will be introduced to the application of BIM in the Procurement process.


ARBE 2306 – Maintenance Services & Rehabilitation

This course explores the principles and practice relating to maintenance and rehabilitation work in built environment. These topics will be explored from multiple perspectives including the context of technology, standards, statutory control, planning and implementation, procurement cost and environmental impact. The students will be introduced to alternative procurement approaches in the context of Building information Modelling (BIM) deployment.


ARBE 3300 – Construction Business Management

This course presents a contemporary perspective of the theoretical scope and practical skills required to manage a firm operating in the construction industry. It examines various management concepts and techniques associated with operational and strategic activities, developing the student's ability to critically evaluate their appropriateness for use in a variety of situations. It reviews classical, behavioural and contemporary management theories, and their deployment in response to competitive triggers encountered in dynamic operational environments. The course is underpinned by a systemic perspective of the firm's functions, and extends this through permeable organisational boundaries to consider competitive collaboration within temporary project organisations; modes of innovation; and the influence of collaborative information/communication technology, and building information modelling. Students will be asked to design a strategic innovation/BIM implementation plan for a firm operating in the construction industry.


ARBE 3301 – Construction Project Planning

This course develops the student's appreciation of the scope and skills required to control and coordinate resources in a construction project context. Students will utilise previously acquired knowledge of construction processes and technologies to develop commercially appropriate inventories of tasks that include appropriate implementation methodologies and consequent resourcing implications. This course examines various planning techniques, developing the student's ability to evaluate their appropriateness for use in a variety of situations. It focuses on critical path identification as the central function of commercially available project planning software, concentrating in the first instance on the student's skill development in manual methods of project planning/critical path identification, finally utilising a computer application to validate their results. Students will engage with 4D BIM tools to gain a better understanding of how they can be employed in the context of construction-scheduling.


ARBE 3100 – Construction Technology 3

This course explores the technical issues associated with building types for public use including building structure, construction materials and techniques, and cost planning and specification. It is aimed at developing students understanding of the implications of using alternative materials and construction processes for structural systems; an understanding of construction design and detailing; and an appreciation of the selection and design of foundations in response to specific ground and soil conditions. Students will be asked to demonstrate knowledge of using BIM for design and documentation of the structural systems for buildings.


ARBE 3304 – Development Economics

This course develops the students understanding of development economics through the process of a feasibility study of a commercial property project. It examines the site analysis, market research, property management, property finance and the methods of investment appraisal; thereby developing the students ability to evaluate property investment.


ARBE 3305 – Infrastructure Development

Infrastructure Development simulates the preparation of an estimate and tender for a construction project. It draws on the knowledge and skills which students have developed in soil mechanics, quantity measurement, estimating, tendering project planning and construction methods. In addition, this course exposes students to new subject areas as the project students will be tendering for is an engineering project and they will need to explore methods of construction that they are unlikely to come across before. Student will also be expected to evaluate and accommodate commercial and other factors that are likely to influence the tender price that their company submits for this work.


ARBE 3306 – Building Fire Safety & Compliance

This course explores the principle and practice of assessment, evaluation and the provision of recommendations associated with fire safety alternative solutions. Students will understand building regulations, fire dynamics, fire safety measures, human behaviour and risk assessment, as well as developing knowledge of the practical design process adopted by the industry. Students will be expected to demonstrate an understanding of building information modelling (BIM) in the context of fire safety and compliance.


ARBE 3307 – Contract Administration

This course investigates the practices and procedures required of a construction professional during the contract administration stages of a construction project. Students will learn about the various standard forms of contracts, their contractual mechanisms, resolving disputes and contract conditions in relation to time, cost, quality and risk. In addition, students in this course will be taught about the role of BIM in standard construction contracts.


ARBE 4301 – Construction Entrepreneurship

Construction entrepreneurship deals with the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to assemble resources including innovations, finance and business acumen in an effort to transform innovations into economic goods. Students will work on a business case and BIM implementation plan for construction businesses.


ARBE 4121A – Research in the Built Environment 1

This course is Part A of a multi-term sequence. Part B must also be completed to meet the requirements of the sequence. Students must complete Part A before completing Part B. This course examines philosophical, theoretical, ethical and methodological concepts and processes associated with academic research activities within the built environment disciplines related to the practice of architecture and construction management. Students are given the opportunity to define and develop research problems through the critical and creative analysis of either architectural or construction management and economics theory and methodologies and justify a theoretical and methodological approach to investigate the problem.


ARBE 4102 – Construction Technology & Services

This course develops the understanding of key concepts associated with the construction of High Rise buildings. The course provides a vehicle to develop knowledge and skills needed to comprehend the design of services in major buildings, and in so doing engender a life-long interpretation of the intricacies of physical installation and their critical sequence in the construction process. Students will be asked to learn REVIT MEP Component and explore high-rise buildings through BIM approach.


ARBE 4101 – Construction Ecology 3

This course combines the study of sound and light within the context of total building performance, health of buildings and occupants historically and practically. Elements of measurement, insulation, reverberation of sound energy efficiency and sources of light will be integrated into the design construction and refurbishment of buildings against the background of creating an efficient and healthy built environment. Students will be expected to engage with building simulation tasks through BIM models evaluate a building’s performance (e.g. lighting, thermal etc).


ARBE 4121B – Research in the Built Environment 2

This course is Part B of a multi-term sequence. Part A, ARBE4121A Research in the Built Environment A must be completed prior to commencement of this course to meet the requirement of the sequence. It provides students with the opportunity to consider the philosophical theoretical, ethical, methodological and analytical concepts and processes associated with academic research activities within the built environment disciplines related to the practice of architecture and construction management. Students are given the opportunity to define, articulate, develop, evaluate, investigate, conduct, document a self-identified research question through the critical and creative analysis of either architectural or construction management and economics practice, theory and methodologies and justify a theoretical and methodological approach to investigating the question.


ARBE 4303 – Facilities Management

This course investigates the theory and practice of facilities management. Elements of strategic and operational facilities management will be discussed in the context of technology, cost, legal/contract, environmental and performance management. Students will explore Facilities Management function through BIM.


ARBE 3308 - Building Information Modelling (BIM)

A new 10 Unit course will be established for students to work on a small construction project using BIM approach.


ARBE 4323 - Work Integrated Learning BIM

A new 20 Unit course focused on work integrated learning. Students will be working in groups on a multidisciplinary BIM project.



Advance Standings (for relevant diploma programmes from Singapore)


The BCM programme requires a student to complete 320 credits. Diploma graduates from the following institutions/programmes will enjoy advanced standings into BCM programme accordingly. Diploma graduates who are awarded the advanced standings will only be required to complete the remaining credits to fulfil the 320 credits needed for the BCM programme (i.e. 320 credits less advanced standings awarded).


Note: The advanced standings awarded are subject to review from The University of Newcastle, Australia without prior notice.  The final advanced standings awarded shall be based on the letter of offer from the university. Bridging course(s), which is payable separately and  offered by BCA Academy, may be required to fulfil the award of advanced standings. Advanced standings granted is subject to students successfully completing the  bridging course(s) prior to commencement of each intake.

Institutions Diploma Advanced Standings
BCA Academy Diploma in Architecture (Technology) 130 credit units
Diploma in Construction Engineering 100 credit units
Diploma in Construction Information Technology 140 credit units
Diploma in Design (Interior & Landscape) 100 credit units
Diploma in Electrical Engineering and Clean Energy 80 credit units
Diploma in Mechanical Engineering
(Green Building Technology)
90 credit units
Diploma in Quantity Surveying 140 credit units
Diploma in Facilities Management 110 credit units
Nanyang Polytechnic Diploma in Space and Interior Design 40 credit units
Ngee Ann Polytechnic Diploma in Hotel and Leisure Facilities Management 80 credit units
Singapore Polytechnic Diploma in Architecture 80 credit units
Diploma in Civil Engineering & Business 80 credit units
Diploma in Environmental Management & Water Technology 40 credit units
Diploma in Property Development & Facilities Management 120 credit units
Temasek Polytechnic Diploma in Environmental Design 40 credit units
Diploma in Green Building
& Sustainability
90 credit units
Diploma in Integrated Facility Management 80 credit units
Diploma in Intelligent Building Technology 70 credit units
Diploma in Interior Architecture
& Design
40 credit units



Fees & Funding

Please enquire below for course fees and financial grants:


 

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