Bachelor of Construction

Purpose

The purpose of the Bachelor of Construction is to build the necessary knowledge, understanding, abilities and skills required for further learning towards becoming a competent practicing Construction Professional. Specifically, the qualification provides graduates with the following abilities: analytical thinking, managerial competence, relevant technological competence, and creative, critical thinking.

Rationale

This Bachelor of Construction is unique in South Africa. The South African Universities of Technology (UoTs) do not offer such a qualification and 'traditional' universities offer what is called a Bachelor of Science Degree. As such, developing this qualification in Construction will open up a new path for potential applicants interested in Construction. Furthermore, the qualification is also unique in that it will require work-based learning at a greater level than is currently required by the National Diploma and Bachelor of Technology.

The phasing out of the National Diploma and the two Bachelor Technology qualifications offered in the Department of Construction Management prompted the Department to replace the three qualifications in Building, Construction Management and Quantity Surveying with a three-year professional Bachelor's Degree. The new Bachelor Degree is a step towards aligning all the technology-based Construction qualifications offered by the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment with the new requirements of the professional bodies: SACPCMP and the South African Council for the Quantity Surveying Profession (SACQSP).

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The Faculty accepts RPL as an integral part of education and academic practice. It is acknowledged that all learning has value, and the Faculty accepts the challenge to assess prior learning and award credits, as aligned to Faculty qualifications to promote life-long learning.

Within the department, recognition of prior learning is based on the following process

• Applicant indicates the reason for applying for recognition of previous learning (this could be entrance to a qualification, or exemption from certain modules in the qualification).
• The RPL committee determines the criteria for the Recognition of Prior Learning based on the request (could be admission requirements of the qualification, assessment of Exit Level Outcomes of modules for which exemption is requested or approved guidelines required by the professional body/industry).
• The applicant must submit a portfolio of evidence of learning in place (what the applicant knows).
• The RPL committee assesses the evidence of previous learning supplied by the applicant against the criteria and makes a recommendation to the Faculty's quality committee in a full report describing the process followed.
• The Quality committee will make a recommendation to Faculty Board to ratify the decision.

The purpose of the University of Johannesburg's RPL Policy (please refer to uploaded document), which directs the Faculty's RPL procedure, is to Recognise Prior Learning, in order to provide access into qualifications, grant advanced placement in qualifications, and credits for modules on the principles and processes that serve as a basis for faculty-specific RPL practices.

Entry Requirements

Learners are required to have the following in place in order to be considered for admission.

• Senior Certificate with endorsement.

Or

• National Senior Certificate (NSC) allowing for Bachelors Degree studies.

Or

• A Certificate of Exemption from the exemption requirements of HESA.

This qualification consists of 24 modules at NQF Levels 5, 6 and 7 totalling 390 Credits.

NQF Level 5 Modules (6 modules totalling 90 Credits)

• Construction Drawing, 10 Credits.
• Construction Management, 10 Credits.
• Statistics, 10 Credits.
• Construction Science, 20 Credits.
• Introduction to Construction Economics, 20 Credits.

Construction Mathematics, 20 Credits.

NQF Level 6 Modules (12 modules totalling 180 Credits)

• Construction Technology, 10 Credits.
• Construction Management 10 Credits.
• Surveying for Construction Learners, 20 Credits.
• Soil Mechanics, 10 Credits.
• Engineering Geology, 10 Credits.
• Construction Law, 10 Credits.
• Construction Technology, 20 Credits.
• Construction Management, 20 Credits.
• Construction Accounting, 20 Credits.
• Structures for Construction, 20 Credits.
• Measurement of Builders Work, 20 Credits.
• Construction Law, 10 Credits.

NQF Level 7 Modules (6 modules totalling 120 credits)

• Measurement of Builders Work, 20 Credits.
• Construction Technology, 20 Credits.
• Structures for Construction Technology/Management, 20 Credits.
• Construction Economics, 20 Credits.
• Construction Management, 20 Credits.
• Analysis of Prices and Estimating, 20 Credits.

1. Demonstrate knowledge of construction methods and techniques.
2. Demonstrate knowledge in measurement, description and specification for construction work.
3. Perform cost estimation techniques and preparation of tenders.
4. Demonstrate knowledge of basic management and planning and supervision processes in the entire construction contracts administration.
5. Demonstrate an understanding of basic legal issues in construction and perform construction contracts administration.
6. Evaluate socio-economic issues affecting construction and project environment.
7. Apply information techniques, computer usage and computer applications in the construction environment.
8. Demonstrate competence in written and oral communication.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• The method, skill or tool is assessed for applicability and limitations against the required results.
• Method skill or tool is applied correctly to achieve the required result.
• Results produced by the method, skill or tool are assessed against required results.
• Computer applications are created, selected and used as required by the discipline.
• Accepted methods for providing information to others involved in the construction activity are used.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Thorough knowledge of and application of appropriate systems of measuring construction work is demonstrated.
• Items in acceptable quantity surveying methods in the bill of quantities are described.
• Specifications in describing items in the bill of quantities are correctly applied.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Knowledge of construction technologies and materials in order to produce bills of quantities is used.
• Knowledge of different types of construction contracts to select appropriate contracts for tender documentation is used.
• Different cost estimation techniques are performed.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• The principles of planning, organising, leading and controlling are explained.
• A construction or research project is organised and managed.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• An appropriate knowledge of the South African Legal system is demonstrated.
• Basic knowledge of commercial and mercantile law is demonstrated.
• Contracts administration functions as pertains to both contractual and construction duties are undertaken.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• The impact of technology in terms of the benefits and limitations to society is explained.
• The construction activity in terms of the impact on occupational and public health safety is analysed.
• The construction activity in terms of the impact on the physical environment is analysed.
• Personal, social, cultural values and requirements for those who are affected by the construction activity are taken in to consideration.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

• The use of information technology is built into the entire process in both measurement and management practices.
• Information technologies in the production of bills of quantities and construction qualifications are used.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8

• Appropriate structure, style and language of written and oral communication for the purpose of the communication and target audience is used.
• Appropriate and effective graphics in enhancing the meaning of the text are used.
• Visual materials to enhance oral communication are used.
• Oral communication with the intended meaning being apparent is fluently delivered.

Integrated Assessment

Student progress is monitored by means of continuous assessment (CA) and their performance assessed at various formative points in the learning programme. In the case of CA, rules are in place regarding eligibility for supplementary assessments should learners not pass one of the summative assessments. For summative assessments, especially where more than one assessor is involved, internal moderation checks are undertaken to ensure the reliability of the assessment procedures.

Formative assessment refers to assessment that takes place during the process of learning and teaching. Formative assessment:

• Supports the teaching and learning process.
• Provides feedback to the student on his/her progress.
• Diagnoses learner's strengths and weaknesses.
• Assists in the planning of future learning.
• Is developmental in nature and contributes to the learner's capacity for self- evaluation.
• Helps to make decisions on the readiness of the learner to do a summative assessment.

Summative assessments are conducted for the purpose of making a judgment about the level of competence of learners in relation to the outcomes of a unit, module and/or qualification. The results of such formal assessment (e.g. tests, assignments, projects, presentations, creative production or traditional examinations) are expressed as a mark reflecting a pass or a fail. The minimum number of summative opportunities required is specified in the Academic Regulations.

The department uses various integrated assessment strategies, depending on the focus of the modules. Apart from class tests and the traditional exam where appropriate, the learners are also continuously assessed on assignments, research projects, practical work, work-based projects, case studies etc.