- Academic Registry
Course & Unit Catalogues


AR10497: History, theory and engineering practice

[Page last updated: 16 October 2024]

Academic Year: 2024/25
Owning Department/School: Department of Architecture & Civil Engineering
Credits: 10 [equivalent to 20 CATS credits]
Notional Study Hours: 200
Level: Certificate (FHEQ level 4)
Period:
Semester 1
Assessment Summary: CWRI 100%, EXIC 0%
Assessment Detail:
  • Poster (CWRI 100%)
  • Online Quiz (EXIC 0% - Qualifying Mark: 40)
Supplementary Assessment:
Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Requisites:
Learning Outcomes: On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
* Describe how materials have been used historically in architecture, and how structural forms have developed over time. (K2)
* Discuss and analyse historic building design for a range of applications using appropriate vocabulary and critical approaches. (K2)
* Articulate how vernacular buildings can inspire building design, including sustainable thinking, social justice and social sustainability. (PT1)
* Outline the structure of the construction industry, the role of construction professionals, governing bodies, and the responsibility and potential consequences of poor design decisions. (K4)
* Identify different types of architectural and engineering organisation and explain how a small office is organised and managed. (K4)
* Recognise the industry approach to risk management, health and safety regulations, and ethical frameworks. (PT2)


Synopsis: You will be introduced to the global historical survey of architecture and engineering and the development of vernacular traditions. You will learn how architecture and engineering is responsive to, and informed by, material choices, and the designer's relationship to social, cultural, economic and environmental factors. You will also learn about the contemporary practice of Civil Engineering, and the role of the institutions, describing the nature of the construction industry.

Content: Vernacular architecture and engineering and its role in modern design.
Relations between materials, form and climate. Sustainability in contemporary engineering design.
Roles and responsibilities of professional engineers and the institutions they represent, including Health and Safety legislation.

Course availability:

AR10497 is a Designated Essential Unit on the following courses:

Department of Architecture & Civil Engineering
  • UEAR-AFB11 : BEng(Hons) Civil Engineering (Year 1)
  • UEAR-AKB11 : BEng(Hons) Civil Engineering with Year long work placement (Year 1)
  • UEAR-AFB12 : BEng(Hons) Structural and Architectural Engineering (Year 1)
  • UEAR-AKB12 : BEng(Hons) Structural and Architectural Engineering with Year long work placement (Year 1)
  • UEAR-AFM11 : MEng(Hons) Civil Engineering (Year 1)
  • UEAR-AKM11 : MEng(Hons) Civil Engineering with Year long work placement (Year 1)
  • UEAR-AFM12 : MEng(Hons) Structural and Architectural Engineering (Year 1)
  • UEAR-AKM12 : MEng(Hons) Structural and Architectural Engineering with Year long work placement (Year 1)

Notes:

  • This unit catalogue is applicable for the 2024/25 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2025/26 and beyond should not assume that this unit will be available in future years in the format displayed here for 2024/25.
  • Courses and units are subject to change in accordance with normal University procedures.
  • Availability of units will be subject to constraints such as staff availability, minimum and maximum group sizes, and timetabling factors as well as a student's ability to meet any pre-requisite rules.
  • Find out more about these and other important University terms and conditions here.