KA5028 - Building Performance and Pathology

You will learn through a combination of lectures, seminars and workshops.

Lectures will identify, reinforce and focus key issues, mathematical tools, concepts and topics, setting the framework for further study in seminars and directed learning. Seminars will study in depth key subjects and provide you guidance on identifying, researching and reporting specific issues with building performance and defects. Workshops are in support of project work, with tutor guidance in the tools used for structural design and reporting.

If you are in employment your workplace will be the main learning environment, in effect acting as a framework for building performance and pathology. However, tutor support will be available via drop-in sessions throughout the module study period. If you are in employment it is recognised that there is the need for modes of blended learning delivery, experiential assessment, and opportunities to combine work and study through independent study, embedded learning opportunities, and relevant communications technologies. Lecture capture will be used to elaborate on the content contained in any teaching material along with audio recording and notes to support presentations on key topics.

You will also be supported by the provision of on-line resources via the module e-learning portal. These resources include lecture and workshop information, interactive reading list with on-line access to a number of key articles plus links to topical news reports. Teaching staff will also respond to individual questions via the module’s discussion board so that everyone taking the module can benefit. Furthermore, module teaching staff have an ‘open door’ approach during normal working hours and are responsive to communication via e-mail to support your learning.

If you are in employment your workplace will be the main learning environment, however, tutor support will be available via drop-in sessions throughout the module study period. The eLP, telephone and email will be used as a means of communication once the initial briefings have taken place and work-based visits will be made by tutors if appropriate.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

Knowledge & Understanding:
• MLO1: You will be able to diagnose the causes and recommend appropriate remedial actions for a range of building defects.
• MLO2: You will be able to appraise structural systems and undertake structural calculations in support of elemental and whole building performance.
• MLO3: You will be able to appraise building systems and the factors that contribute to elemental, system and building whole life performance.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• MLO4: You will be able to identify and use appropriate tools for the appraisal of building performance and pathology issues and analyse and communicate your observations in a professional manner.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
• MLO5: You will develop awareness as to the extent of your professional duty as a surveyor to investigate building issues.

Your assessment will be by means of a coursework and presentation.

Coursework (25%): You will provide a report, with supporting structural calculations, for a building adaptation. This assessment will develop skills in analysing the performance of a building and recommending solutions. MLO2, MLO4 and MLO5.

Presentation (75%): You will give an individual presentation with a duration of 20 minutes, exploring ‘real life’ problems and presenting diagnosis in the presentation. This assessment will cover the entire syllabus delivery for both performance and pathology. MLO1, MLO3, MLO4 and MLO5.

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‘Building Performance and Pathology’ will develop your understanding as to how buildings perform within their immediate environment and identification of building defects plus associated remedial work. Surveying practice requires knowledge of building performance along with the analytical skills to identify problems with buildings. From ‘Building Performance and Pathology’, you will be able to identify the cause of many common defects, undertake simple structural calculations and research methods for building defect remedial works. You will carry out project work on building structural design and preparing a professional report, with an end of year exam demonstrating specific knowledge and the professional skills developed in ‘Building Performance and Pathology’.

If you are in employment your workplace will act as a framework for building performance and pathology to develop your skills and knowledge.