University of Technology Sydney

16468 Introduction to the Built Environment

Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.

Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.

UTS: Design, Architecture and Building: School of the Built Environment
Credit points: 6 cp

Subject level:

Undergraduate

Result type: Grade and marks

There are course requisites for this subject. See access conditions.
Anti-requisite(s): 16136 Introduction to the Built Environment

Description

This is a core first-year subject in the Bachelor of Construction Project Management. The subject provides an introduction to the construction and property markets and the property development process in the built environment. The field of construction project management is explained and typical professional career paths and opportunities within this field are examined. The role and regulation of the various property development professionals are explored with a focus on the role of clients/developers, contractors, designers, engineers, project managers, construction managers, quantity surveyors and other project consultants. Students are given an overview of the nature and structure of the construction industry, procurement systems and the main issues and challenges facing the industry. Students are introduced to the main forms of documentation used in the industry. The fundamentals of report writing, academic writing and professional communication are also incorporated in the subject.

Subject learning objectives (SLOs)

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:

1. outline the structure of the property and construction industries and identify the main issues and challenges facing these industries
2. identify and describe the main stakeholders in the property and construction industry and define the respective roles of property and construction professionals
3. identify and discuss the regulatory and governance frameworks of property and construction professionals and be able to outline the remedies available to consumers who engage professionals in these disciplines
4. identify and provide examples of the various interests, titles and functions of property
5. outline the basic methods of assessing the value of property and fractional interests in property and be able to assess and calculate these interests
6. read, interpret and discuss the main forms of documentation used in the property/construction industry including leases, contracts and agency agreements
7. engage in the property development process and make basic decisions in the assessment and feasibility of development projects.

Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)

This subject also contributes to the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes:

  • Identify ethical issues and apply informed ethical judgements in professional Contexts. (A.1)
  • Critically analyse and reflect on communication and engagement practices to inform professional capabilities to work effectively for and with Indigenous Australians across construction contexts. (A.3)
  • Apply a variety of communication skills and technologies in professional contexts. (C.1)
  • Work effectively in project teams in professional contexts. (C.2)
  • Operate effectively within the social, legal and technical framework of the design and construction process. (P.1)
  • Apply the body of knowledge underpinning construction project management practice. (P.2)
  • Analyse and advise on alternative design solutions to promote the achievement of value on projects. (P.7)
  • Advise on appropriate procurement options and effectively manage contracts. (P.8)
  • Source evaluate and use information to approach new projects/problems. (R.1)
  • Critically analyse, structure and report the results of a research project. (R.2)

Contribution to the development of graduate attributes

The term CAPRI is used for the five Design, Architecture and Building faculty graduate attribute categories where:

C = communication and groupwork

A = attitudes and values

P = practical and professional

R = research and critique

I = innovation and creativity.

Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs) are linked to these categories using codes (e.g. C-1, A-3, P-4, etc.).

Teaching and learning strategies

The learning activities in this subject involve a variety of online lectures & other online activities combined with on
campus discussions, tutorials & group work & independent research and examination. Lectures involve online content
delivery employing the use of media and electronic resources to enhance the theoretical delivery of the subject. Guest
presentations from industry practitioners will be utilised to demonstrate current practical applications of subject content.


Emphasis will be placed on independent student pre-reading of subject material to facilitate greater understanding of
each lecture topic area and fruitful class discussion on key issues. Significant time is devoted to pre-reading essays,
quizzes and tutorial exercises which form part of the formal assessment of this subject and provide an opportunity for
regular summative feedback to students on their understanding of the subject material. A final 'take-home' examination
will be utilised to assess student understanding of the subject content.


The tutorial program utilises case studies, student group work and experiential exercises to link theory and application.
Students are further supported through the use of 'UTS Canvas' offering subject material and information and
moderation with the subject coordinator. The tutorial program offers students an opportunity to receive regular
formative feedback on their understanding of the subject material.


The independent research component will involve students researching a topic and writing an academic report that will
include personal critique and evaluation.


Students will have several opportunities to receive feedback during the subject. The feedback provided will vary in
form, purpose and in its degree of formality.


Formative feedback will be provided during the learning process, typically provided verbally by the subject's teaching
staff. It will address the content of work and a student's approach to learning, both in general and more specific
‘assessment orientated’ terms. It is designed to help students improve their performance in time for the submission of
an assessment item. For this to occur students need to respond constructively to discussions, presentations and
industry interactions.


Summative feedback is provided with all assessed work and focuses on assessment outcomes. It is used to indicate
how successfully a student has performed in terms of specific assessment criteria.


Essays, class work, report writing and examination assessments are utilised to assess a student’s understanding of
subject content. Grades are published online in UTS Canvas.

Content (topics)

  • Overview of the construction/property industry
  • The Global Construction Industry
  • The Australian Construction Industry
  • Construction Project Management
  • Industry stakeholders and the role of construction/property professionals
  • The property development process and regulatory frameworks
  • The design and construction process and regulatory frameworks
  • Industry documentation
  • Project procurement systems
  • Professional Career Paths & Opportunities
  • Professional/Industry associations
  • Academic Research and Report Writing

Assessment

Assessment task 1: Class Work (Individual) - Class Essays, Quizzes, Group Work & Tutorial Exercises

Intent:

The purpose of this assessment task is to ensure that students are learning on a weekly basis through weekly pre-reading of subject material and a variety of weekly tutorial activities relating to the subject topics.
Objective(s):

This task addresses the following subject learning objectives:

1, 2, 3 and 6

This task also addresses the following course intended learning outcomes that are linked with a code to indicate one of the five CAPRI graduate attribute categories (e.g. C.1, A.3, P.4, etc.):

A.1, C.1 and C.2

Type: Quiz/test
Groupwork: Individual
Weight: 30%
Criteria linkages:
Criteria Weight (%) SLOs CILOs
Demonstrate understanding of the structure of and main challenges the property and construction industries 25 1 C.1
Demonstrate knowledge of the roles and responsibilities of professions in the property and construction industry and their relationship with other key stakeholders 25 2 C.2
Demonstrate understanding of the regulatory and contractual frameworks governing professional practice in property and construction 25 3 C.2
Demonstrate understanding of the forms of language and documentation used in the property and construction industry 25 6 A.1
SLOs: subject learning objectives
CILOs: course intended learning outcomes

Assessment task 2: Academic Report (Individual) - Academic Report on the Construction Industry

Intent:

The purpose of this assessment task is to introduce the students to academic report writing and to undertake research into the construction industry to gain a broad overview of the nature of the construction industry, industry issues/problems and industry trends and future directions.
Objective(s):

This task addresses the following subject learning objectives:

4, 5, 6 and 7

This task also addresses the following course intended learning outcomes that are linked with a code to indicate one of the five CAPRI graduate attribute categories (e.g. C.1, A.3, P.4, etc.):

A.1, C.1, P.2, P.7, R.1 and R.2

Type: Report
Groupwork: Individual
Weight: 40%
Length:

4500-5000 words.
Criteria linkages:
Criteria Weight (%) SLOs CILOs
Report structure and presentation as detailed in the assignment brief 20 4 C.1
Report content and topics as defined in the assignment brief 15 5 A.1
Report content and topics as defined in the assignment brief 15 6 P.2
Report structure and presentation as detailed in the assignment brief 20 7 P.7
Report content and topics as defined in the assignment brief 15 6 R.1
Report content and topics as defined in the assignment brief 15 6 R.2
SLOs: subject learning objectives
CILOs: course intended learning outcomes

Assessment task 3: Take-Home Exam - Open Book

Intent:

The purpose of this assessment task is to assess student understanding of the subject content. Exam questions will focus on students being able to clearly explain key aspects of the subject content, effectively evaluate industry case scenarios, identify and critically analyse key industry issues/problems and to put forward recommendations and strategies to address these issues/problems.
Objective(s):

This task addresses the following subject learning objectives:

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7

This task also addresses the following course intended learning outcomes that are linked with a code to indicate one of the five CAPRI graduate attribute categories (e.g. C.1, A.3, P.4, etc.):

A.1, A.3, P.1, P.2, P.7, P.8 and R.1

Type: Examination
Groupwork: Individual
Weight: 30%
Criteria linkages:
Criteria Weight (%) SLOs CILOs
Demonstrate understanding of the structure of, and main challenges to, the property and construction industries 15 1 A.1
Demonstrate knowledge of the roles and responsibilities of professions in the property and construction industry and their relationship with other key stakeholders 15 2 A.3
Demonstrate understanding of the regulatory and contractual frameworks governing professional practice in property and construction 14 3 P.1
Demonstrate understanding of property titles, functions and interests using examples 14 4 P.2
Demonstrated ability to calculate a basic property value assessment including fractional interests 14 5 P.7
Demonstrate understanding of the forms of language and documentation used in the property and construction industry 14 6 P.8
Demonstrate an understanding of feasibility assessment processes in property development 14 7 R.1
SLOs: subject learning objectives
CILOs: course intended learning outcomes

Minimum requirements

The DAB attendance policy requires students to attend no less than 80% of formal teaching sessions (lectures and tutorials) for each class they are enrolled in to remain eligible for assessment.

Required texts

1. Netscher, P. (2014), "Successful Construction Project Management - The Practical Guide", Panet Publications, Subiaco, Western Australia. Available for purchase online at: https://www.amazon.com.au/Successful-Construction-Project-Management-Netscher/dp/1497344417 . Students can purchase either the hard copy version or the electronic version.
2. UTS (2020), “The UTS Business School Writing Guide", UTS. Available on the UTS website at: https://www.uts.edu.au/sites/default/files/2020-02/UTS%20Business%20writing%20guide%202020_0.pdf
3. Selected Readings (To Be Provided)