USB141 Building Construction
To view more information for this unit, select Unit Outline from the list below. Please note the teaching period for which the Unit Outline is relevant.
| Unit code: | USB141 |
|---|---|
| Equivalent(s): | UDB141 |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
|
| CSP student contribution | $1,192 |
| Domestic tuition unit fee | $4,704 |
| International unit fee | $5,436 |
Unit Outline: Semester 1 2026, Gardens Point, Internal
| Unit code: | USB141 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Equivalent: | UDB141 |
| Coordinator: | Jason Chia | jc.chia@qut.edu.au |
Overview
Building Construction develops the construction concepts and applies them to the residential, commercial, retail and industrial property sector. The unit provides the construction and design background that defines good quality building materials, design, layout and construction. These concepts will provide the basis for the understanding of how construction type and quality are reflected in the market demand and value of these property types from a development, valuation and investment perspective.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Articulate and analyse the concepts, principles and sustainable construction procedures related to the construction of residential, commercial, retail and industrial buildings.
- Calculate and analyse building areas following the accepted measurement standards for various building types.
- Estimate building and construction costs.
- Critically evaluate and compare building design, construction, facility services and market position and sustainability of selected properties to make critical investment decisions within team environment.
- Prepare and present information using professional oral and written communication skills.
Content
Learning outcomes will be achieved through coverage of the following topics:
- Construction, building materials and design
- Building area measurement
- Establishment and construction process for buildings
- The impact of building design and construction on sustainability and whole life cycle management
- Team decision making to compare building construction in the critical investment decision
- Communicate different options, comparison and recommendations in the building construction analysis report.
Learning Approaches
This unit focuses on developing core technical building skills, while also reinforcing academic skills such as critical thinking, research and writing skills. You will be given opportunities to practice these skills while considering real world issues and problems in the Property Economics discipline.
In tutorials and lectures you will work with experts and peers to develop effective methods/approaches for communicating, retrieving, evaluating and presenting information, and will learn how to work effectively within groups with consideration for cultural differences. This forms the foundations of your property economic-specific academic skills. Lectures are delivered as blended synchronous activities between online and in person attendance. In addition, separate in person and online tutorials will be offered.
This unit employs scenario-based and collaborative learning opportunities to provide you with the following knowledge and skills:
- Independent review of online resources and completion of online learning activities to deepen your understanding of key concepts
- Online and in class collaboration to develop your negotiation and collaboration skills
Your participation in the unit will include lectures and tutorials that include the introduction of new concepts and the opportunity to apply your knowledge and practice your skills through various interactive learning activities.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
Feedback in this unit is provided in the following ways:
- Marking rubrics will be provided to show the expectations for each assessment item.
- Marking rubrics with comments will be returned to you via the online submission portal.
- Lecture / tutorial sessions are available for group and individual feedback prior to the completion of assessments.
- Generic comments will be provided via QUT Canvas and in class.
Assessment
Overview
The assessment in this unit aims to support your achievement of the learning outcomes and has been designed to provide the opportunity for you to perform real world tasks.
Students may be required to attend campus or an assessment centre for the purposes of assessment, regardless of the attendance mode for the unit.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Building Calculations
This assessment will require you to adopt industry measurement standards to calculate a range of industry-based building scenarios that can be adopted for building construction, property leasing and property valuation purposes.
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Building Construction Analysis Presentation and Report
This assessment will require you to present and write a professional, industry standard report comparing selected residential, commercial, retail and/or industrial. Feedback received from the presentation can be incorporated to improve the report.
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.
This assessment item requires your attendance in your scheduled tutorial for Assessment 2A (Presentation).
This assessment item is based on teamwork and provides evidence of achievement of associated Unit Learning Outcomes and Course Learning Outcomes. Individual submissions/presentations will not be accepted.
The presentation component is not eligible for the 48-hour late submission extensions. The report is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Construction Analysis Exam
An invigilated exam that assesses the application and evaluation of all construction principles covered in the semester. Calculation and estimation of building and construction cost to support critical investment decision.
The use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is prohibited during this assessment.
This invigilated examination requires attendance on campus or at an assessment centre, regardless of your attendance mode for the unit.
This assessment item is Verified Identity Assessment. Requirements are provided on the Unit Canvas site.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Resources
There is no prescribed book for this unit. Reading materials will be referred to you throughout the semester via the Canvas and QUT Readings.
Other Resources
You are also required to use the following:
- The unit website on QUT's Canvas
- QUT Library Databases:
- QUT Cite| Write: You can access QUT cite/write online (Free download from QUT library)
Risk Assessment Statement
There are no extraordinary risks associated with the classroom/lecture activities in this unit.
Prior to any off campus class activities, a risk assessment will be prepared and made available to you on the unit Canvas site. You will receive a briefing regarding any specific hazard and risk related instructions from your field leader before commencing the activity.
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.UD01 Bachelor of Urban Development (Honours)
- Apply general theoretical knowledge and technical skills across a wide range of disciplines within the built environment context and advanced knowledge and technical skills in a one major discipline area
Relates to: Building Construction Analysis Presentation and Report
UD05 Bachelor of Property Economics
- Identify theoretical and technical knowledge of economic, legal, social, cultural, global, physical, technological and sustainable contexts required to value, manage and develop property assets and investment portfolios
Relates to: ULO1, Building Calculations, Building Construction Analysis Presentation and Report , Construction Analysis Exam - Apply theoretical and technical knowledge and skills, methods, calculations, property technologies, and sustainability strategies to evaluate the feasibility of property development opportunities, to identify finance options for property investments, and to enhance the performance of assets or investment portfolios
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, ULO4, Building Calculations, Building Construction Analysis Presentation and Report , Construction Analysis Exam - Think critically and innovatively to solve authentic property problems.
Relates to: ULO4, Building Construction Analysis Presentation and Report - Collect and analyse data using industry-standard proprietary software and strategies to evaluate financial and property market trends to inform current and future property decisions.
Relates to: ULO2, ULO4 - Communicate and negotiate with diverse, real-world audiences
Relates to: ULO5, Building Construction Analysis Presentation and Report , Construction Analysis Exam - Collaborate strategically in professional contexts with teams and diverse stakeholders and manage stakeholders with consideration for different cultural perspectives and priorities.
Relates to: Building Construction Analysis Presentation and Report - Apply ethical judgement and principles of sustainabilty to make positive global, economic, societal and environmental contributions.
Relates to: Building Construction Analysis Presentation and Report
Unit Outline: Semester 1 2026, Online
| Unit code: | USB141 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Equivalent: | UDB141 |
Overview
Building Construction develops the construction concepts and applies them to the residential, commercial, retail and industrial property sector. The unit provides the construction and design background that defines good quality building materials, design, layout and construction. These concepts will provide the basis for the understanding of how construction type and quality are reflected in the market demand and value of these property types from a development, valuation and investment perspective.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Articulate and analyse the concepts, principles and sustainable construction procedures related to the construction of residential, commercial, retail and industrial buildings.
- Calculate and analyse building areas following the accepted measurement standards for various building types.
- Estimate building and construction costs.
- Critically evaluate and compare building design, construction, facility services and market position and sustainability of selected properties to make critical investment decisions within team environment.
- Prepare and present information using professional oral and written communication skills.
Content
Learning outcomes will be achieved through coverage of the following topics:
- Construction, building materials and design
- Building area measurement
- Establishment and construction process for buildings
- The impact of building design and construction on sustainability and whole life cycle management
- Team decision making to compare building construction in the critical investment decision
- Communicate different options, comparison and recommendations in the building construction analysis report.
Learning Approaches
This unit focuses on developing core technical building skills, while also reinforcing academic skills such as critical thinking, research and writing skills. You will be given opportunities to practice these skills while considering real world issues and problems in the Property Economics discipline.
In tutorials and lectures you will work with experts and peers to develop effective methods/approaches for communicating, retrieving, evaluating and presenting information, and will learn how to work effectively within groups with consideration for cultural differences. This forms the foundations of your property economic-specific academic skills. Lectures are delivered as blended synchronous activities between online and in person attendance. In addition, separate in person and online tutorials will be offered.
This unit employs scenario-based and collaborative learning opportunities to provide you with the following knowledge and skills:
- Independent review of online resources and completion of online learning activities to deepen your understanding of key concepts
- Online and in class collaboration to develop your negotiation and collaboration skills
Your participation in the unit will include lectures and tutorials that include the introduction of new concepts and the opportunity to apply your knowledge and practice your skills through various interactive learning activities.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
Feedback in this unit is provided in the following ways:
- Marking rubrics will be provided to show the expectations for each assessment item.
- Marking rubrics with comments will be returned to you via the online submission portal.
- Lecture / tutorial sessions are available for group and individual feedback prior to the completion of assessments.
- Generic comments will be provided via QUT Canvas and in class.
Assessment
Overview
The assessment in this unit aims to support your achievement of the learning outcomes and has been designed to provide the opportunity for you to perform real world tasks.
Students may be required to attend campus or an assessment centre for the purposes of assessment, regardless of the attendance mode for the unit.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Building Calculations
This assessment will require you to adopt industry measurement standards to calculate a range of industry-based building scenarios that can be adopted for building construction, property leasing and property valuation purposes.
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Building Construction Analysis Presentation and Report
This assessment will require you to present and write a professional, industry standard report comparing selected residential, commercial, retail and/or industrial. Feedback received from the presentation can be incorporated to improve the report.
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.
This assessment item requires your attendance in your scheduled tutorial for Assessment 2A (Presentation).
This assessment item is based on teamwork and provides evidence of achievement of associated Unit Learning Outcomes and Course Learning Outcomes. Individual submissions/presentations will not be accepted.
The presentation component is not eligible for the 48-hour late submission extensions. The report is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Construction Analysis Exam
An invigilated exam that assesses the application and evaluation of all construction principles covered in the semester. Calculation and estimation of building and construction cost to support critical investment decision.
The use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is prohibited during this assessment.
This invigilated examination requires attendance on campus or at an assessment centre, regardless of your attendance mode for the unit.
This assessment item is Verified Identity Assessment. Requirements are provided on the Unit Canvas site.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Resources
There is no prescribed book for this unit. Reading materials will be referred to you throughout the semester via the Canvas and QUT Readings.
Other Resources
You are also required to use the following:
- The unit website on QUT's Canvas
- QUT Library Databases:
- QUT Cite| Write: You can access QUT cite/write online (Free download from QUT library)
Risk Assessment Statement
There are no extraordinary risks associated with the classroom/lecture activities in this unit.
Prior to any off campus class activities, a risk assessment will be prepared and made available to you on the unit Canvas site. You will receive a briefing regarding any specific hazard and risk related instructions from your field leader before commencing the activity.
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.UD01 Bachelor of Urban Development (Honours)
- Apply general theoretical knowledge and technical skills across a wide range of disciplines within the built environment context and advanced knowledge and technical skills in a one major discipline area
Relates to: Building Construction Analysis Presentation and Report
UD05 Bachelor of Property Economics
- Identify theoretical and technical knowledge of economic, legal, social, cultural, global, physical, technological and sustainable contexts required to value, manage and develop property assets and investment portfolios
Relates to: ULO1, Building Calculations, Building Construction Analysis Presentation and Report , Construction Analysis Exam - Apply theoretical and technical knowledge and skills, methods, calculations, property technologies, and sustainability strategies to evaluate the feasibility of property development opportunities, to identify finance options for property investments, and to enhance the performance of assets or investment portfolios
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, ULO4, Building Calculations, Building Construction Analysis Presentation and Report , Construction Analysis Exam - Think critically and innovatively to solve authentic property problems.
Relates to: ULO4, Building Construction Analysis Presentation and Report - Collect and analyse data using industry-standard proprietary software and strategies to evaluate financial and property market trends to inform current and future property decisions.
Relates to: ULO2, ULO4 - Communicate and negotiate with diverse, real-world audiences
Relates to: ULO5, Building Construction Analysis Presentation and Report , Construction Analysis Exam - Collaborate strategically in professional contexts with teams and diverse stakeholders and manage stakeholders with consideration for different cultural perspectives and priorities.
Relates to: Building Construction Analysis Presentation and Report - Apply ethical judgement and principles of sustainabilty to make positive global, economic, societal and environmental contributions.
Relates to: Building Construction Analysis Presentation and Report