Muscat College
HND Quantity Surveying
Year One
Please note: 1 SQA credit value = 8 credit points
SEMESTER 1
Unit Code
DW54 33
DW3R 34
DW41 34
DW4H 34
DW4F 33
Unit Title
Construction Technology - Domestic
Construction
Architectural Design Sketching and Drawing
Construction Industry - An Introduction
Building Science
Mathematics for Construction
Theoretical
Teaching
Practical
Teaching
Hours/Semester
Hours/Semester
Credit
Points
Mandatory /
Option
44
8
Mandatory
44
44
42
44
8
8
8
8
Mandatory
Mandatory
Mandatory
Credit
Points
Mandatory /
Option
8
8
8
8
8
Mandatory
Mandatory
Mandatory
Credit
Points
Mandatory /
Option
8
8
8
8
8
Mandatory
Mandatory
Mandatory
Mandatory
Mandatory
2
Mandatory
SEMESTER 2
Unit Code
DW57 34
DW3X 34
DW5H 34
DW4D 34
DW56 35
Unit Title
Construction Technology - Substructure
Building Measurement and Cost Studies
Construction Site Surveying - A
Construction Technical Communication Skills
Construction Technology - Specialist Systems
Theoretical
Teaching
Practical
Teaching
Hours/Semester
Hours/Semester
44
44
20
44
44
24
Option
Mandatory
SEMESTER 3
Unit Code
Unit Title
DW53 34
DW4P 33
DW1E 34
DX20 34
Construction Materials and Specification
Building Services, An Introduction
CAD - 2D I
HNC Construction Graded Unit 1
Construction Technology - Industrial
Commercial - Superstructure
DW55 34
Theoretical
Teaching
Practical
Teaching
Hours/Semester
Hours/Semester
36
44
22
44
44
8
22
Built Environment Engineering Department
Higher National Unit Specification
General information for centres
Unit title:
Mathematics for Construction
Unit code: DW4F 33
Unit purpose: The Unit is designed to enable candidates to know, understand and apply algebraic
techniques to manipulate expressions and solve equations commonly found in construction. It
provides candidates with an opportunity to develop the knowledge and skills to carry out operations
using algebra, trigonometry and circular measure formula. The unit also enables the candidate the
opportunity to develop the skills necessary to analyse numerical data using simple statistical
techniques.
On completion of the Unit the candidate should be able to:
1
2
3
Manipulate mathematical expressions and solve equations.
Use trigonometry and circular measure formulae to solve commonly encountered problems in
the construction industry
Create and interpret graphs and charts from raw data, and use statistical methods to investigate
variation of data.
Credit points and level: 1 HN Credit at SCQF level 6: (8 SCQF credit points at SCQF level
6*).
*SCQF credit points are used to allocate credit to qualifications in the Scottish Credit and Qualifications
Framework (SCQF). Each qualification in the Framework is allocated a number of SCQF credit points at an
SCQF level. There are 12 SCQF levels, ranging from Access 1 to Doctorates.
Recommended prior knowledge and skills: It would be beneficial if candidates had
skills in mathematics as evidenced by possession of an appropriate National Certificate Unit, SCE
Standard Grade Mathematics at 3 or an equivalent level of experience.
Core Skills: There are opportunities to develop the Core Skills of Numeracy, IT and Problem
Solving in this Unit, although there is no automatic certification of Core Skills or Core Skills
components.
Context for delivery: If this Unit is delivered as part of a Group Award, it is recommended that
it should be taught and assessed within the subject area of the Group Award to which it contributes.
Assessment: It is possible to assess candidates either on an outcome-by-outcome basis or by a
single holistic assessment combining all three Outcomes. The assessment papers could be composed
of an appropriate balance of short answer, restricted response and structured questions. Assessment
should be carried out under supervised controlled conditions.
HN Unit (DW4F 33): Mathematics for Construction
1
General information for centres (cont)
A single holistic assessment for all Outcomes should not exceed two hours.
Candidates should be allowed to use a scientific calculator as and when required.
An exemplar instrument of assessment and marking guidelines have been produced to provide
examples of the type of evidence required to demonstrate achievement of the aims of this Unit and to
indicate the national standard of achievement at SCQF level 6.
HN Unit (DW4F 33): Mathematics for Construction
2
Higher National Unit specification: statement of standards
Unit title: Mathematics for Construction
Unit code: DW4F 33
The sections of the Unit stating the Outcomes, knowledge and/or skills, and evidence requirements
are mandatory.
Where evidence for Outcomes is assessed on a sample basis, the whole of the content listed in the
knowledge and/or skills section must be taught and available for assessment. Candidates should not
know in advance the items on which they will be assessed and different items should be sampled on
each assessment occasion.
Outcome 1
Manipulate mathematical expressions and solve problems
Knowledge and/or skills
i
i
i
i
i
i
Numerical expressions
Algebraic expressions
Subject of formulae
Equations
Indices and logarithmic functions
Scientific/engineering notation
Evidence Requirements
Candidates will need to provide evidence to demonstrate their knowledge and/or skills by showing
that they can:
i
apply algebraic techniques to manipulate expressions and solve equations commonly found in
the construction industry
Evidence for the knowledge and/or skills in this outcome might be provided on a sample basis at a
single assessment event lasting 45 minutes. In any assessment of this Outcome a minimum of four
out of six knowledge and/or skills items should be sampled. In order that candidates will not be able
to foresee which items they will be questioned on, different knowledge and/or skills items are
required each time the outcome is assessed. Candidates must provide satisfactory responses to all four
topics.
Evidence should be generated through assessment undertaken in controlled, supervised conditions.
Assessment should be conducted under closed book conditions and as such candidates should not be
allowed to bring textbooks, handouts or notes to the assessment.
Assessment guidelines
Questions used to elicit candidate evidence may take the form of an appropriate balance of short
answer, restricted response and structured questions.
The assessment of this Outcome can be combined with Outcomes 2 and 3 to form a single assessment
paper, details of which are given under Outcome 3.
HN Unit (DW4F 33): Mathematics for Construction
3
Higher National Unit specification: statement of standards (cont)
Unit title: Mathematics for Construction
Outcome 2
Use Trigonometry and circular measure formulae to solve commonly encountered problems in the
construction industry
Knowledge and/or skills
i
i
i
i
i
Trigonometry in a right angled triangle
Trigonometry in a non right angled triangle
Trigonometry of three dimensional shapes
Radians as a form of angular measure
Circle problems
Evidence Requirements
In any assessment of this Outcome all knowledge and/or skills items should be included. Candidates
must provide a satisfactory response to all items.
Candidates will need to provide evidence of knowledge and/or skills by showing they can:
i
i
solve common surveying problems in two and three dimensions using trigonometry
determine the area of a sector, or segment of a circle and the arc length of arches given the span
and rise only
Evidence for the knowledge and/or skills in this outcome might be provided by an assessment taken at
a single event lasting 60 minutes and carried out under supervised controlled conditions. Assessment
should be conducted under closed book conditions and as such candidates should not be allowed to
bring textbooks, handouts or notes to the assessment.
Assessment guidelines
Questions used to elicit candidate evidence may take the form of an appropriate balance of short
answer, restricted response and structured questions.
The assessment of this Outcome can be combined with Outcomes 1 and 3 to form a single assessment
paper, details of which are given under Outcome 3.
Outcome 3
Create and interpret graphs and charts from raw data, and use statistical methods to investigate
variation of numerical data
Knowledge and/or skills
i
i
i
i
Statistical charts
Measures of centre
Measures of spread
The Normal Distribution
HN Unit (DW4F 33): Mathematics for Construction
4
Higher National Unit specification: statement of standards (cont)
Unit title: Mathematics for Construction
Evidence Requirements
In any assessment of this Outcome all knowledge and/or skills items should be included. Candidates
must provide a satisfactory response to all items.
Candidates will need to provide evidence of knowledge and/or skills by showing they can:
i
i
i
form raw data into a frequency distribution and construct Histograms, Box Plots and
Cumulative Frequency Curves
determine the Mean and Median, Standard Deviation and Interquartile Deviation of small sets
of data and grouped frequencies
use the Normal Distribution to determine whether values lie within an acceptable range
Evidence for the knowledge and/or skills in this outcome might be provided by an taken at a single
assessment event lasting 60 minutes and carried out under supervised controlled conditions.
Assessment should be conducted under closed book conditions and as such candidates should not be
allowed to bring textbooks, handouts or notes to the assessment.
Assessment guidelines
Questions used to elicit candidate evidence may take the form of an appropriate balance of short
answer, restricted response and structured questions.
The assessment of this Outcome can be combined with Outcomes 1 and 2 to form a single assessment
paper, details of which are given under Outcome 3.
HN Unit (DW4F 33): Mathematics for Construction
5
Administrative Information
Unit code:
DW4F 33
Unit title:
Mathematics for Construction
Superclass category:
RB
Date of publication:
June 2006
Version:
01
Source:
SQA
© Scottish Qualifications Authority 2005
This publication may be reproduced in whole or in part for educational purposes provided that no
profit is derived from reproduction and that, if reproduced in part, the source is acknowledged.
SQA acknowledges the valuable contribution that Scotland’s colleges have made to the development
of Higher National qualifications.
Additional copies of this Unit specification can be purchased from the Scottish Qualifications
Authority. Please contact the Customer Contact Centre for further details, telephone 0845 279 1000.
HN Unit (DW4F 33): Mathematics for Construction
6
Higher National Unit specification: support notes
Unit title: Mathematics for Construction
This part of the Unit specification is offered as guidance. The support notes are not mandatory.
While the exact time allocated to this Unit is at the discretion of the centre, the notional design length
is 40 hours.
Guidance on the content and context for this Unit
This Unit has been written in order to allow candidates to develop knowledge, understanding and
skills in the following areas:
1
The application of algebraic techniques to manipulate expressions and solve equations
commonly found in construction (10 hours)
Roots and powers. Factors, removal of brackets. Index values. Linear, Simultaneous, Quadratic
equations. Indices and logarithmic functions. Scientific / engineering notation.
Graphs: y = mx + c, y = axn,
Equations: A = P(1 + r/100)t, ax2 + bx + c = 0
Indices: Positive, Negative, Fractional
2
The use of trigonometry and circular measure formula to solve commonly found
problems in construction (15 hours)
Trigonometry: Pythagoras, Sine ratio, Cosine ratio, Tangent ratio, Sine rule, Cosine rule.
Circular measure: Arc length (rT), Sector area (1/2r2T), Segmental area (1/2r2[T - SinT]).
3
The drawing of graphs from experimental results and the application of statistics to
analyse data (15hours)
Graphs:- Histogram, Ogive, Box plot.
Measure of centre: Mean, Median
Measure of spread: Inter-Quartile deviation, Standard deviation
Normal Distribution: Calculations involving standardised variables
Mathematics for Construction has been incorporated within the first year of the HNDs in
Architectural Technology, Building Surveying, Construction Management, Quantity Surveying and
Facilities Management awards as a mandatory Unit. It is considered that a Unit in Mathematics is
essential to support other areas of work in the awards, notably the surveying and structural principles
areas.
In designing this Unit the unit writers have identified the range of subjects they would expect to be
covered by lecturers. The writers have also given recommendations as to how much time should be
spent on each outcome. This has been done to help lecturers decide the depth of treatment that should
be given to the list of topics attached to each outcome. Although it is not mandatory for centres to use
this list of topics it is strongly recommended that they do so to ensure continuity of teaching and
learning across the Mathematics Units and because the exemplar pack for this unit is based on the
knowledge and/or skills and list of topics in each of the Outcomes.
HN Unit (DW4F 33): Mathematics for Construction
7
Higher National Unit specification: support notes (cont)
Unit title: Mathematics for Construction
Guidance on the delivery and assessment of this Unit
As the Unit provides core mathematical principles, which underpin many of the studies done in the
HND awards , it is recommended that the Unit be delivered towards the start of these awards.
The Unit has been designed to incorporate sufficient time to allow lecturers to teach the core
Mathematics contained within the Unit. The unit has also been written to allow candidates sufficient
time to practice what they have learnt through appropriate formative assessments and exercises.
Delivery of the Unit should focus on, and be within the context of commonly encountered problems
in the construction industry.
Details on approaches to assessment are given under evidence requirements and assessment guidelines
under each outcome in the Unit specification: statement of standards section. It is recommended that
these sections be read carefully before proceeding with assessment of candidates.
The content of this Unit is such that it is recommended that if the Unit is assessed by one holistic
assessment instrument then assessment takes place at the end of the Unit delivery time.
Opportunities for developing Core Skills
The following grid provides a general guide to opportunities for the development of Core Skills in this
Unit. Opportunities for the development of Core Skills at the output level are more fully identified in
the Core Skills Signposting Guide.
Core Skill
Outcome
1
Outcome
2
Outcome
3
Outcome
4
Outcome
5
1 Communication
Reading
Writing
Oral
2 Numeracy
Using Number
Using Graphical Information
3 IT
Using Information Technology
4 Problem Solving
Critical Thinking
Planning and Organising
Reviewing and Evaluating
5 Working with Others
HN Unit (DW4F 33): Mathematics for Construction
8
Higher National Unit specification: support notes (cont)
Unit title: Mathematics for Construction
Open learning
This Unit could be delivered by distance learning, which may incorporate some degree of on-line
support. However, with regard to assessment, planning would be required by the centre concerned to
ensure the standard and authenticity of candidate evidence. Arrangements would have to be put in
place to ensure that assessment whether done at a single or at multiple events was conducted under
controlled, supervised conditions.
To keep administrative arrangements to a minimum, it is recommended that a single assessment paper
(taken by candidates at a single assessment event) be used for distance learning candidates.
For information on normal open learning arrangements, please refer to the SQA guide Assessment and
Quality of Open and Distance Learning (SQA 2001).
Candidates with additional support needs
This Unit specification is intended to ensure that there are no artificial barriers to learning or
assessment. The additional support needs of individual candidates should be taken into account when
planning learning experiences, selecting assessment instruments or considering alternative Outcomes
for Units. For information on these, please refer to the SQA document Guidance on Alternative
Assessment Arrangements for Candidates with Disabilities and/or Additional Support Needs, which is
available on SQA’s website: www.sqa.org.uk.
HN Unit (DW4F 33): Mathematics for Construction
9
General information for candidates
Unit title: Mathematics for Construction
This Unit has been designed to allow you to develop your knowledge, understanding and skills in
mathematics that underpin many of the subjects studied in the HND Built Environment awards. If you
have studied some of these topics before, the early part of the unit will provide you with an
opportunity to revise the techniques you have learned on other courses.
By the end of the Unit you will be expected to apply algebraic techniques to manipulate and solve
equations commonly found in construction. You will also be expected to carry out operations using
trigonometry and finally you will be expected to analyse graphs of experimental data and use
statistical data as a quality tool.
Outcome 1 you will be introduced to applying algebraic techniques to manipulate expressions and
solve equations commonly found in construction that underpin your later studies
Outcome 2 you will study ways in which trigonometry applied to triangles can be used to solve
various problems within the construction industry
Outcome 3 you will learn how to draw and interpret graphs of experimental data and how statistics is
used to ensure product quality is maintained.
The precise form of assessment will depend on the centre where you are taking the Unit.
HN Unit (DW4F 33): Mathematics for Construction
10
Higher National Unit Specification
General information for centres
Unit title:
Construction Technology: Substructure
Unit code: DW57 34
Unit purpose: This Unit is designed to enable candidates to gain knowledge and understanding of
substructure construction beginning with site investigation and continuing with the control of ground
water, ground improvement techniques and finally the selection and construction of appropriate
foundation forms.
On completion of the Unit candidates should be able to:
1
2
3
4
Describe the process of site investigation.
Describe methods of ground water control.
Describe methods of ground improvement.
Describe appropriate forms of foundation and basement construction.
Credit points and level: 1 HN Credit at SCQF level 7: (8 SCQF credit points at SCQF level
7*).
*SCQF credit points are used to allocate credit to qualifications in the Scottish Credit and Qualifications
Framework (SCQF). Each qualification in the Framework is allocated a number of SCQF credit points at an
SCQF level. There are 12 SCQF levels, ranging from Access 1 to Doctorates.
Recommended prior knowledge and skills: It would be an advantage for candidates to
have a basic knowledge and understanding of substructure construction, although this is not essential
because the unit covers all the basic principles. Possession of basic knowledge and understanding
may be evidenced by possession of an appropriate Higher.
Core Skills: There are opportunities to develop the Core Skills of Communication and Problem
Solving in this Unit, although there is no automatic certification of Core Skills or Core Skills
components.
Context for delivery: If this Unit is delivered as part of a Group Award, it is recommended that
it should be taught and assessed within the subject area of the Group Award to which it contributes.
Assessment: It is possible to assess candidates either on an individual Outcome basis,
combinations of Outcomes or by a single holistic assessment combining all Outcomes. It is
recommended that all outcomes be assessed by a question paper details of which are given at the end
of each outcome under the heading ‘Assessment guidelines’.
In this Unit it is proposed that Outcomes 2 and 3 may be combined into a single question paper
assessment.
HN Unit (DW57 34): Construction Technology: Substructure
1
General information for centres (cont)
The assessment paper should be composed of a suitable balance of short answer, restricted response
and structured questions. Assessment should be conducted under controlled, supervised conditions.
It should be noted that candidates must achieve all the minimum evidence specified for each Outcome
in order to pass the Unit.
An exemplar instrument of assessment and marking guidelines has been produced to provide
examples of the type of evidence required to demonstrate achievement of the aims of this Unit and to
indicate the national standard of achievement at SCQF level 7.
HN Unit (DW57 34): Construction Technology: Substructure
2
Higher National Unit specification: statement of standards
Unit title: Construction Technology: Substructure
Unit code: DW57 34
The sections of the Unit stating the Outcomes, knowledge and/or skills, and evidence requirements
are mandatory.
Where evidence for Outcomes is assessed on a sample basis, the whole of the content listed in the
knowledge and/or skills section must be taught and available for assessment. Candidates should not
know in advance the items on which they will be assessed and different items should be sampled on
each assessment occasion.
Throughout this Unit emphasis will be placed where appropriate on the application of health and
Safety and Sustainability. Safe working practices should be looked at in accordance with current
safety codes of practice and regulations. Sustainability should include reference to criteria affecting
sustainability, impact of not implementing sustainability on the environment and the legislation
promoting sustainability.
Outcome 1
Describe the process of site investigation
Knowledge and/or skills
i
i
i
i
i
Desk studies
Walk–over survey
Direct ground investigations
In-situ and laboratory testing
Site investigation report
Evidence Requirements
Evidence for the knowledge and /or skills in this Outcome will be provided on a sample basis. The
evidence may be presented in responses to specific questions. Candidates will need evidence to
demonstrate their knowledge and/or skills by showing that they can answer correctly questions based
on a sample of the items shown above. In any assessment of this Outcome two out of five knowledge
and/or skills items should be sampled.
In order to ensure that candidates will not be able to foresee what items they will be questioned on, a
different sample of two out of five knowledge and/or skills items is required each time the Outcome is
assessed. Candidates must provide a satisfactory response to the two items being assessed.
Where sampling takes place, a candidate's response can be judged to be satisfactory where evidence
provided is sufficient to meet the requirements for each item by showing that the candidate is able to:
i
describe the component parts of the site investigation process
Evidence should be generated through assessment undertaken in controlled, supervised conditions.
Assessment should be conducted under closed book conditions and as such candidates should not be
allowed to bring any textbooks, handouts or notes to the assessment.
HN Unit (DW57 34): Construction Technology: Substructure
3
Higher National Unit specification: statement of standards (cont)
Unit title: Construction Technology: Substructure
Assessment guidelines
Questions used to elicit candidate evidence should take the form of an appropriate balance of short
answer, restricted response and structured questions.
The assessment of this Outcome should be a single assessment question paper. The assessment event
should last one and a half hours and be carried out under supervised controlled conditions.
Outcome 2
Describe methods of ground water control
Knowledge and/or skills
i
i
i
Origins of water in the ground
Permanent exclusion of groundwater
Temporary exclusion of groundwater
Evidence Requirements
Evidence for the knowledge and/or skills in this Outcome will be provided on a sample basis. The
evidence may be presented in responses to specific questions. Each candidate will need to
demonstrate that she/he can answer correctly questions based on a sample of the items shown above.
In any assessment of this Outcome two out of three knowledge and/or skills items should be
sampled.
In order to ensure that candidates will not be able to foresee what items they will be questioned on, a
different sample of two out of the three knowledge and/or skills items is required each time the
Outcome is assessed. Candidates must provide a satisfactory response to the two items being assessed.
Where an item is sampled, a candidate's response can be judged to be satisfactory where the evidence
provided is sufficient to meet the requirements for each item by showing that the candidate is able to:
i
i
explain the origins of water in the ground
describe a method of excluding ground water from a site
Evidence should be generated through assessment undertaken in controlled, supervised conditions.
Assessment should be conducted under closed book conditions and as such candidates should not be
allowed to bring any textbooks, handouts or notes to the assessment.
Assessment guidelines
The assessment of this Outcome should be combined with that for Outcome 3 to form one assessment
paper. This single assessment paper should be taken at a single assessment event lasting one hour and
carried out under supervised, controlled conditions. Such a paper should be composed of an
appropriate balance of short answer, restricted response and structured questions.
HN Unit (DW57 34): Construction Technology: Substructure
4
Higher National Unit specification: statement of standards (cont)
Unit title: Construction Technology: Substructure
Outcome 3
Describe methods of ground improvement
Knowledge and/or skills
i
i
i
i
Refilling in thin layers with compaction
Dynamic compaction
Vibrated stone columns
Vibrated concrete columns
Evidence Requirements
Evidence for the knowledge and/or skills in this Outcome will be provided on a sample basis. The
evidence may be presented in responses to specific questions. Each candidate will need to
demonstrate that she/he can answer correctly questions based on a sample of the items shown above.
In any assessment of this Outcome two out of four knowledge and/or skills items should be sampled.
In order to ensure that candidates will not be able to foresee what items they will be questioned on, a
different sample of two out of the four knowledge and/or skills items is required each time the
Outcome is assessed. Candidates must provide a satisfactory response to the two items being assessed.
Where an item is sampled, a candidate's response can be judged to be satisfactory where the evidence
provided is sufficient to meet the requirements for each item by showing that the candidate is able to:
i
sketch and describe methods of ground improvement
Evidence should be generated through assessment undertaken in controlled, supervised conditions.
Assessment should be conducted under closed book conditions and as such candidates should not be
allowed to bring any textbooks, handouts or notes to the assessment.
Assessment guidelines
The assessment for this Outcome should be combined with that for Outcome 2 to form a single
assessment event lasting one hour and carried out under supervised controlled conditions. Such a
paper should be composed of an appropriate balance of short answer, restricted response and
structured questions.
Outcome 4
Describe appropriate forms of foundation and basement construction
Knowledge and/or skills
i
i
i
i
Strip, raft, pad and pile foundations
Temporary and permanent support to excavations
Pile caps and ground beams
Basement construction
HN Unit (DW57 34): Construction Technology: Substructure
5
Higher National Unit specification: statement of standards (cont)
Unit title: Construction Technology: Substructure
Evidence Requirements
Evidence for the knowledge and/or skills in this Outcome will be provided on a sample basis. The
evidence may be presented in responses to specific questions. Each candidate will need to
demonstrate that she/he can answer correctly questions based on a sample of the items shown above.
In any assessment of this Outcome two out of four knowledge and/or skills items should be sampled.
In order to ensure that candidates will not be able to foresee what items they will be questioned on, a
different sample of two out of the four knowledge and/or skills items is required each time the
Outcome is assessed. Candidates must provide a satisfactory response to the two items assessed.
Where an item is sampled, a candidate's response can be judged to be satisfactory where the evidence
provided is sufficient to meet the requirements for each item by showing that the candidate is able to:
i
select, describe and sketch forms of foundation and basement construction for a given situation
including any ground support which may be required
Evidence should be generated through assessment undertaken in controlled, supervised conditions.
Assessment should be conducted under closed book conditions and as such candidates should not be
allowed to bring any textbooks, handouts or notes to the assessment.
Assessment guidelines
Questions used to elicit candidate evidence should take the form of an appropriate balance of short
answer, restricted response and structured questions.
The assessment of this Outcome should be a single assessment question paper. The assessment event
should last one and half hours and be carried out under supervised controlled conditions.
HN Unit (DW57 34): Construction Technology: Substructure
6
Administrative Information
Unit code:
DW57 34
Unit title:
Construction Technology: Substructure
Superclass category:
TE
Date of publication:
June 2006
Version:
01
Source:
SQA
© Scottish Qualifications Authority 2005
This publication may be reproduced in whole or in part for educational purposes provided that no
profit is derived from reproduction and that, if reproduced in part, the source is acknowledged.
SQA acknowledges the valuable contribution that Scotland’s colleges have made to the development
of Higher National qualifications.
Additional copies of this Unit specification can be purchased from the Scottish Qualifications
Authority. Please contact the Customer Contact Centre for further details, telephone 0845 279 1000.
HN Unit (DW57 34): Construction Technology: Substructure
7
Higher National Unit specification: support notes
Unit title: Construction Technology: Substructure
This part of the Unit specification is offered as guidance. The support notes are not mandatory.
While the exact time allocated to this Unit is at the discretion of the centre, the notional design length
is 40 hours.
Guidance on the content and context for this Unit
This Unit has been written in order to allow candidates to develop knowledge, understanding and
skills in the following areas:
1
2
3
4
The process of site investigation
Describing methods of ground water control.
Describing methods of improving the ground
Describing forms of foundation and basement construction.
This Unit has been developed as part of a group of construction technology units. There are three
other units in the group entitled:
i
i
i
Construction Technology: Domestic Construction,
Construction Technology: Industrial/Commercial Superstructure
Construction Technology: Specialist Systems
This Unit at SCQF level 7 is a mandatory unit within all the HNC and HND Built Environment and
Civil Engineering awards.
The three Units mentioned in the previous paragraph have been developed as an integrated suite of
units to meet all the construction technology requirements of the HNC and HND Built Environment
awards. However, this does not preclude the use of one or more of these units in other awards where
award designers feel this to be appropriate. As well as providing a substantial course in construction
technology principles these units also provide important underpinning knowledge, understanding and
skills for other parts of the HNC and HND Built Environment awards
In designing this Unit the unit writers have identified the range of topics they would expect to be
covered by lecturers. The writers have also given recommendations as to how much time should be
spent on each outcome. This has been done to help lecturers to decide what depth of treatment should
be given to the topics attached to each of the Outcomes. Whilst it is not mandatory for a centre to use
this list of topics it is strongly recommended that it does so to ensure continuity of teaching and
learning across the Construction Technology units and because the assessment exemplar pack for this
Unit is based on the knowledge and/or skills and list of topics in each of the Outcomes.
The list of topics is given below. Lecturers are advised to study this list of topics in conjunction with
the assessment exemplar pack so that they can get a clear indication of the standard of achievement
expected of candidates in this Unit.
HN Unit (DW57 34): Construction Technology: Substructure
8
Higher National Unit specification: support notes (cont)
Unit title: Construction Technology: Substructure
1
Describe the process of site investigation. (10 hours)
Site investigation:
i
Desk studies
i
Walk-over survey (site reconnaissance)
i
Direct ground investigation:
—
planning the investigation — extent, depth of exploration and choice of method
—
trial pits
—
auger holes
—
bore holes — light percussion boring
—
hollow stem auger
—
rotary core drilling
Soil mechanics:
This should be a brief introduction covering the topics below, however lecturers shall decide
the depth of treatment required which may depend on the award programme.
i
i
i
soil formation and nature
soil description and classification — Rock, granular soils, cohesive soil, organic soil
fill (or made ground): engineered and non-engineered fills
In-situ testing:
i
probing, using lightweight dynamic penetrometers or cone penetration test
i
the Standard Penetration test (SPT)
i
the field vane test
i
ground water observations
Laboratory testing
Site investigation reports
Note for tutors
There is no shortage of texts available on the subject of site investigation however, tutors
should concentrate on the current British Standard Code of practice for site investigations and
the guide to application of the code copies of which should be available for access by the
students. This publication contains many on-line interactive links which students will find
useful.
British Research Establishment (BRE) publications will also be useful in the delivery of this
Outcome particularly those in the ‘Digest’ series.
Tutors, particularly those teaching on the HND Civil Engineering may wish to make students
aware of the current Eurocode.
HN Unit (DW57 34): Construction Technology: Substructure
9
Higher National Unit specification: support notes (cont)
Unit title: Construction Technology: Substructure
2
Describe methods of ground water control. (4 hours)
The origins of water in the ground
Methods of permanent exclusion of ground water: sheet piling, thin grouted membranes,
slurry trench cut-off, diaphragm walls, contiguous piling.
Methods of temporary exclusion of ground water: Sump pumping, shallow wells with
suction pumps, Wellpoint systems, Deep bored filter wells. Freezing.
3
Describe methods of ground improvement. (4 hours)
Choice of method:
i
refilling in thin layers with compaction
i
dynamic compaction
i
rapid impact compaction
i
vibrated stone columns (Vibro) compaction and vibroplacement
i
vibrated concrete columns
4
Select and describe appropriate forms of foundation. (18 hours)
Principles of foundation design
Concrete strip foundations: deep strip (trench fill), wide strip and reinforced strip
Temporary and permanent support to excavations
Concrete raft foundations: flat raft and raft with down-stand beams
Concrete pad foundations
Pile foundations: classification of piles — Replacement and displacement
Friction and end bearing
Pile types: Displacement
Continuous Helical Displacement
Tubular Steel
Precast Concrete
Driven in-situ
Replacement
Short bored
Mini
Small diameter
Large diameter
Continuous Flight Auger
The use of Bentonite or equivalent
Pile testing:
Static Load
Sonic Integrity
Dynamic Load
HN Unit (DW57 34): Construction Technology: Substructure
10
Higher National Unit specification: support notes (cont)
Unit title: Construction Technology: Substructure
Pile caps and ground beams: methods of construction.
Single storey basement construction:
Slab and wall construction
Forms of construction — according to grade
Waterproofing options and materials
Methods of construction
Excavation plant
Note for tutors
Many standard texts are available covering foundation design and construction. Tutors
should refer students to BRE publications particularly in the ‘Good Building Guide’ series for
simple foundations of low rise buildings. Many Contractor’s web sites are available and
students should be encouraged to search these web sites and examine the case studies
available.
The current British Standards are a useful reference when covering basement construction. A
copy of the British Standards should be available for access by the students.
Unit Assessment (4 hours total)
This takes the form of three different assessment papers, one covering the content of Outcome
1 and lasting one and half hours duration, one covering the content of Outcome 2 and
Outcome 3 and lasting one hour duration and finally an assessment paper covering the content
of Outcome 4 and lasting one and half hours duration.
Guidance on the delivery and assessment of this Unit
As this Unit provides core construction technology which underpins much of the studies done in other
areas of HNC and HND Built environment awards it is recommended that the Unit be delivered
towards the start of these awards.
Where this Unit is incorporated into other Group Awards it is recommended that it be delivered in the
context of the specific occupational area(s) that the award is designed to cover.
Details on approaches to assessment are given under Evidence Requirements and Assessment
guidelines under each Outcome in the Higher National Unit specification: statement of standards
section. It is recommended that these sections be read carefully before proceeding with assessment of
candidates.
HN Unit (DW57 34): Construction Technology: Substructure
11
Higher National Unit specification: support notes (cont)
Unit title: Construction Technology: Substructure
Opportunities for developing Core Skills
The following grid provides a general guide to opportunities for the development of Core Skills in this
Unit. Opportunities for the development of Core Skills at the output level are more fully identified in
the Core Skills Signposting Guide.
Core Skill
Outcome
1
Outcome
2
Outcome
3
Outcome
4
Outcome
5
1 Communication
Reading
Writing
Oral
2 Numeracy
Using Number
Using Graphical Information
3 IT
Using Information Technology
4 Problem Solving
Critical Thinking
Planning and Organising
Reviewing and Evaluating
5 Working with Others
Open learning
This Unit could be delivered by distance learning, which may incorporate some degree of on-line
support. However, with regard to assessment, planning would be required by the centre concerned to
ensure the sufficiency and authenticity of candidate evidence. Arrangement would be required to be
put in place to ensure that the assessment, which is required to be at a single event, was conducted
under controlled, supervised conditions.
For information on normal open learning arrangements, please refer to the SQA guide Assessment and
Quality Assurance of Open and Distance Learning (SQA 2000).
HN Unit (DW57 34): Construction Technology: Substructure
12
Higher National Unit specification: support notes (cont)
Unit title: Construction Technology: Substructure
Candidates with additional support needs
This Unit specification is intended to ensure that there are no artificial barriers to learning or
assessment. The additional support needs of individual candidates should be taken into account when
planning learning experiences, selecting assessment instruments or considering alternative Outcomes
for Units. For information on these, please refer to the SQA document Guidance on Alternative
Assessment Arrangements for Candidates with Disabilities and/or Additional Support Needs, which is
available on the SQA website www.sqa.org.uk.
HN Unit (DW57 34): Construction Technology: Substructure
13
General information for candidates
Unit title: Construction Technology: Substructure
This Unit has been designed to allow you to develop knowledge, understanding and skills in
substructure construction beginning with site investigation and continuing with the control of ground
water, ground improvement techniques and finally the selection and construction of appropriate
foundation and basement forms.
The formal assessment for this Unit takes the form of three different assessment question papers, one
covering the content of Outcome 1 and lasting one and a half hours duration, a combined assessment
question paper covering the content of Outcome 2 and Outcome 3 and lasting one hour duration and
finally a single assessment paper covering the content of Outcome 4 and lasting one hour and half
hours duration.
The assessment will be conducted under closed-book conditions in which you will not be allowed to
take notes, textbooks etc into the assessment.
HN Unit (DW57 34): Construction Technology: Substructure
14
Higher National Unit Specification
General information for centres
Unit title:
Construction Technology: Specialist Systems
Unit code: DW56 35
Unit purpose: This Unit seeks to provide the candidate with knowledge and understanding of
common refurbishment technologies. This Unit covers the methods of underpinning buildings, façade
retention and shoring, methods and materials for over cladding and over roofing buildings and offsite
construction systems.
On completion of the Unit candidates should be able to:
1
2
3
4
Sketch and describe methods of underpinning buildings.
Sketch and describe methods of façade retention and shoring structures.
Compare and describe methods and materials used to over clad and over roof buildings.
Compare and describe the viability of offsite construction solutions.
Credit points and level: 1 HN Credit at SCQF level 8: (8 SCQF credit points at SCQF level
8*).
*SCQF credit points are used to allocate credit to qualifications in the Scottish Credit and Qualifications
Framework (SCQF). Each qualification in the Framework is allocated a number of SCQF credit points at an
SCQF level. There are 12 SCQF levels, ranging from Access 1 to Doctorates.
Recommended prior knowledge and skills: It would be an advantage for candidates to
have a basic knowledge and understanding of construction technology, although this is not essential
because the unit covers all the basic principles.
Core Skills: There are opportunities to develop the Core Skills of Communication and Problem
Solving in this Unit, although there is no automatic certification of Core Skills or Core Skills
components.
Context for delivery: If this Unit is delivered as part of a Group Award, it is recommended that
it should be taught and assessed within the subject area of the Group Award to which it contributes.
Assessment: All outcomes shall be assessed by a question paper details of which are given at the
end of each outcome under the heading ‘Assessment guidelines’.
In this Unit it is proposed that Outcome 3 and 4 be combined into a single question paper assessment.
HN Unit (DW56 35): Construction Technology: Specialist Systems
1
General information for centres (cont)
The assessment papers should be composed of a suitable balance of short answer, restricted response
and structured questions. Assessment should be conducted under controlled, supervised conditions.
It should be noted that candidates must achieve all the minimum evidence specified for each Outcome
in order to pass the Unit.
An exemplar instrument of assessment and marking guidelines has been produced to provide
examples of the type of evidence required to demonstrate achievement of the aims of the Unit and to
indicate the national standard of achievement at SCQF level 8.
HN Unit (DW56 35): Construction Technology: Specialist Systems
2
Higher National Unit specification: statement of standards
Unit title: Construction Technology: Specialist Systems
Unit code: DW56 35
The sections of the Unit stating the Outcomes, knowledge and/or skills, and evidence requirements
are mandatory.
Where evidence for Outcomes is assessed on a sample basis, the whole of the content listed in the
knowledge and/or skills section must be taught and available for assessment. Candidates should not
know in advance the items on which they will be assessed and different items should be sampled on
each assessment occasion.
Throughout this unit emphasis will be placed where appropriate on the application of Health and
Safety and Sustainability. Safe working practices should be looked at in accordance with current
safety codes of practice and regulations. Sustainability should include reference to criteria affecting
sustainability, impact of not implementing sustainability on the environment and the legislation
promoting sustainability.
Outcome 1
Sketch and describe methods and procedures for underpinning buildings
Knowledge and/or skills
i
i
i
i
i
Underpinning procedures
Mass concrete underpinning
Pier and beam underpinning
Pile underpinning
Pile and beam underpinning
Evidence Requirements
Evidence for the knowledge and /or skills in this Outcome will be provided on a sample basis. The
evidence may be presented in responses to specific questions. Each candidate will need to
demonstrate that she/he can answer correctly questions based on a sample of the items shown above.
In any assessment of this Outcome two out of five knowledge and/or skills items should be sampled.
In order to ensure that candidates will not be able to foresee what items they will be questioned on, a
different sample of two out of the five knowledge and/or skills items is required each time the
Outcome is assessed. Candidates must provide a satisfactory response to the two items being assessed.
Where sampling takes place, a candidate's response can be judged to be satisfactory where evidence
provided is sufficient to meet the requirements for each item by showing that the candidate is able to:
i
sketch and describe the procedures and methods of underpinning buildings
Evidence should be generated through assessment undertaken in controlled, supervised conditions.
Assessment should be conducted under closed book conditions and as such candidates should not be
allowed to bring any textbooks, handouts or notes to the assessment.
HN Unit (DW56 35): Construction Technology: Specialist Systems
3
Higher National Unit specification: statement of standards (cont)
Unit title: Construction Technology: Specialist Systems
Assessment guidelines
Questions used to elicit candidate evidence should take the form of an appropriate balance of short
answer, restricted response and structured questions.
The assessment of this Outcome should be a single assessment question paper. The assessment event
should last one hour and be carried out under supervised controlled conditions.
Outcome 2
Sketch and describe methods of façade retention and shoring of structures
Knowledge and/or skills
i
i
i
i
i
Initial investigation, method statements, risk assessments and safety issues
Façade retention options
Structural issues
Fixing types
Access issues
Evidence Requirements
Evidence for the knowledge and/or skills in this Outcome will be provided on a sample basis. The
evidence may be presented in responses to specific questions. Each candidate will need to
demonstrate that she/he can answer correctly questions based on a sample of the items shown above.
In any assessment of this Outcome three out of five knowledge and/or skills items should be
sampled.
In order to ensure that candidates will not be able to foresee what items they will be questioned on, a
different sample of three out of the five knowledge and/or skills items is required each time the
Outcome is assessed. Candidates must provide a satisfactory response to all three items.
Where an item is sampled, a candidate's response can be judged to be satisfactory where the evidence
provided is sufficient to meet the requirements for each item by showing that the candidate is able to:
i
sketch and describe the structural options for a façade retention system and shoring of a
structure
Evidence should be generated through assessment undertaken in controlled, supervised conditions.
Assessment should be conducted under closed book conditions and as such candidates should not be
allowed to bring any textbooks, handouts or notes to the assessment.
Assessment guidelines
Questions used to elicit candidate evidence should take the form of an appropriate balance of short
answer, restricted response and structured questions.
The assessment of this Outcome should be a single assessment question paper. The assessment event
should last one and half hours and be carried out under supervised controlled conditions.
HN Unit (DW56 35): Construction Technology: Specialist Systems
4
Higher National Unit specification: statement of standards (cont)
Unit title: Construction Technology: Specialist Systems
Outcome 3
Compare and describe methods and materials used to over clad and over roof buildings
Knowledge and/or skills
i
i
i
i
i
Reasons for choosing over cladding and over roofing systems
Performance requirements of over cladding systems
Methods and materials used in over cladding and over roofing systems
Component parts of over cladding systems
Component parts of over roofing
Evidence Requirements
Evidence for the knowledge and/or skills in this Outcome will be provided on a sample basis. The
evidence may be presented in responses to specific questions. Each candidate will need to
demonstrate that she/he can answer correctly questions based on a sample of the items shown above.
In any assessment of this Outcome three out of five knowledge and/or skills items should be
sampled.
In order to ensure that candidates will not be able to foresee what items they will be questioned on, a
different sample of three out of the five knowledge and/or skills items is required each time the
Outcome is assessed. Candidates must provide a satisfactory response to all three items.
Where an item is sampled, a candidate's response can be judged to be satisfactory where the evidence
provided is sufficient to meet the requirements for each item by showing that the candidate is able to:
i
compare and describe the methods, materials and component parts of an over cladding and over
roofing system
Evidence should be generated through assessment undertaken in controlled, supervised conditions.
Assessment should be conducted under closed book conditions and as such candidates should not be
allowed to bring any textbooks, handouts or notes to the assessment.
Assessment guidelines
The assessment for this Outcome should be combined with that for Outcome 4 to form a single
assessment event lasting one and a half hours and carried out under supervised controlled conditions.
Such a paper should be composed of an appropriate balance of short answer, restricted response and
structured questions.
HN Unit (DW56 35): Construction Technology: Specialist Systems
5
Higher National Unit specification: statement of standards (cont)
Unit title: Construction Technology: Specialist Systems
Outcome 4
Compare and describe the viability of a range of offsite construction solutions
Knowledge and/or skills
i
i
i
i
History of prefabrication
Definitions of off site construction.
Forms of off site construction
Sustainability
Evidence Requirements
Evidence for the knowledge and/or skills in this Outcome will be provided on a sample basis. The
evidence may be presented in responses to specific questions. Each candidate will need to
demonstrate that she/he can answer correctly questions based on a sample of the items shown above.
In any assessment of this Outcome two out of four knowledge and/or skills items should be sampled.
In order to ensure that candidates will not be able to foresee what items they will be questioned on, a
different sample of two out of the four knowledge and/or skills items is required each time the
Outcome is assessed. Candidates must provide a satisfactory response to the two items.
Where an item is sampled, a candidate's response can be judged to be satisfactory where the evidence
provided is sufficient to meet the requirements for each item by showing that the candidate is able to:
i
compare and describe the viability of a range of offsite construction solutions
Evidence should be generated through assessment undertaken in controlled, supervised conditions.
Assessment should be conducted under closed book conditions and as such candidates should not be
allowed to bring any textbooks, handouts or notes to the assessment.
Assessment guidelines
The assessment for this Outcome should be combined with that for Outcome 3 to form a single
assessment event lasting one and a half hours and carried out under supervised controlled conditions.
Such a paper should be composed of an appropriate balance of short answer, restricted response and
structured questions.
HN Unit (DW56 35): Construction Technology: Specialist Systems
6
Administrative Information
Unit code:
DW56 35
Unit title:
Construction Technology: Specialist Systems
Superclass category:
TE
Date of publication:
June 2006
Version:
01
Source:
SQA
© Scottish Qualifications Authority 2005
This publication may be reproduced in whole or in part for educational purposes provided that no
profit is derived from reproduction and that, if reproduced in part, the source is acknowledged.
SQA acknowledges the valuable contribution that Scotland’s colleges have made to the development
of Higher National qualifications.
Additional copies of this Unit specification can be purchased from the Scottish Qualifications
Authority. Please contact the Customer Contact Centre for further details, telephone 0845 279 1000.
HN Unit (DW56 35): Construction Technology: Specialist Systems
7
Higher National Unit specification: support notes
Unit title: Construction Technology: Specialist Systems
This part of the Unit specification is offered as guidance. The support notes are not mandatory.
While the exact time allocated to this Unit is at the discretion of the centre, the notional design length
is 40 hours.
Guidance on the content and context for this Unit
This Unit has been written in order to allow candidates to develop knowledge, understanding and
skills in the following areas:
1
2
3
4
Sketching and describing methods of underpinning buildings.
Sketching and describing methods of façade retention and shoring of structures.
Describing methods and materials used to over clad and over roof buildings.
Explaining the viability of the range of off site construction solutions.
This Unit has been developed as part of a group of construction technology units. This Unit at SCQF
level 8 is a mandatory unit within many of the HND Built Environment awards.
The group of units mentioned in the previous paragraph have been developed as an integrated suite of
units to meet all the construction technology requirements of the HNC and HND Built Environment
awards. However, this does not preclude the use of one or more of these units in other awards where
award designers feel this to be appropriate. As well as providing a substantial course in construction
technology principles these units also provide important underpinning knowledge, understanding and
skills for other parts of the HNC and HND Built Environment awards
In designing this Unit the unit writers have identified the range of topics they would expect to be
covered by lecturers. The writers have also given recommendations as to how much time should be
spent on each outcome. This has been done to help lecturers to decide what depth of treatment should
be given to the topics attached to each of the outcomes. Whilst it is not mandatory for a centre to use
this list of topics it is strongly recommended that it does so to ensure continuity of teaching and
learning across the Construction Technology units and because the assessment exemplar pack for this
Unit is based on the knowledge and/or skills and list of topics in each of the Outcomes.
The list of topics is given below. Lecturers are advised to study this list of topics in conjunction with
the assessment exemplar pack so that they can get a clear indication of the standard of achievement
expected of candidates in this Unit.
1
Sketch and describe methods of underpinning buildings. (9 hours)
i
i
i
i
Overview of why buildings crack
Procedures — Site investigation
Methods of underpinning:
—
mass concrete underpinning
—
pier and beam underpinning
—
pile underpinning
—
pile and beam underpinning
Good practices in underpinning
HN Unit (DW56 35): Construction Technology: Specialist Systems
8
Higher National Unit specification: support notes (cont)
Unit title: Construction Technology: Specialist Systems
2
Sketch and describe methods of façade retention and shoring structures. (9 hours)
i
i
i
i
i
3
Compare and describe methods and materials used to over clad and over roof buildings.
(9 hours)
i
i
i
i
i
4
Initial investigations required
Façade retention options:
—
raking shores
—
horizontal bracing
—
internal cross bracing
—
facades strutted across the building
—
internal façade systems using new steel frame
—
proprietary systems
Structural principles
Fixing details
Access issues:
—
access for construction work
—
plant and materials access provision
—
public highways or footpaths encroachment
Reasons for choosing over cladding:
—
inadequate weather tightness of the external envelope
—
deterioration of external finishes
—
improving the thermal insulation
—
improving appearance
—
reducing noise levels
Performance requirements of over cladding systems
Methods and materials used in over cladding and over roofing
The component parts of systems
Structural forms of over roofing:
—
trussed roofs
—
structural frames
Compare and describe the viability of the range of off site construction solutions.
(9 hours)
i
History of prefabrication:
—
Charles Eames
—
system build — Boot, Orlit, Dorran
—
post war temporary ‘prefab’
—
recent case studies
—
fabrication pioneers
—
post-war prefabricated building
—
system building methods
HN Unit (DW56 35): Construction Technology: Specialist Systems
9
Higher National Unit specification: support notes (cont)
Unit title: Construction Technology: Specialist Systems
i
Definitions and forms:
—
Semi Volumetric
—
Volumetric
—
Pods
—
Sips
—
Kits
—
Flat pack
—
Tilt-up and others
i
Implications for design and site planning:
—
extended briefing and design stage
—
built in redundancy
—
reduced on site construction
—
reduced snags and life cycle problems
—
less waste and environmental impact
Unit Assessment (4 hours total)
This takes the form of three different assessment papers, one covering the content of Outcome 1
and lasting one hour duration, one covering the content of Outcome 2 and lasting one and a half
hours duration and finally a combined assessment paper covering the content of Outcomes 3
and 4 and lasting one and half hours duration.
Guidance on the delivery and assessment of this Unit
As this Unit provides core construction technology which underpins much of the studies done in other
areas of HNC and HND Built environment awards it is recommended that the Unit be delivered
towards the start of these awards.
Where this Unit is incorporated into other group awards it is recommended that it be delivered in the
context of the specific occupational area(s) that the award is designed to cover.
Details on approaches to assessment are given under Evidence Requirements and Assessment
guidelines under each Outcome in the Higher National Unit specification: statement of standards
section. It is recommended that these sections be read carefully before proceeding with assessment of
candidates.
Opportunities for developing Core Skills
The following grid provides a general guide to opportunities for the development of Core Skills in this
Unit. Opportunities for the development of Core Skills at the output level are more fully identified in
the Core Skills Signposting Guide.
HN Unit (DW56 35): Construction Technology: Specialist Systems
10
Higher National Unit specification: support notes (cont)
Unit title: Construction Technology: Specialist Systems
Core Skill
Outcome
1
Outcome
2
Outcome
3
Outcome
4
Outcome
5
1 Communication
Reading
Writing
Oral
2 Numeracy
Using Number
Using Graphical Information
3 IT
Using Information Technology
4 Problem Solving
Critical Thinking
Planning and Organising
Reviewing and Evaluating
5 Working with Others
Open learning
This Unit could be delivered by distance learning, which may incorporate some degree of on-line
support. However, with regard to assessment, planning would be required by the centre concerned to
ensure the sufficiency and authenticity of candidate evidence. Arrangement would be required to be
put in place to ensure that the assessment, which is required to be at a single event, was conducted
under controlled, supervised conditions.
For information on normal open learning arrangements, please refer to the SQA guide Assessment and
Quality Assurance of Open and Distance Learning (SQA 2000).
Candidates with additional support needs
This Unit specification is intended to ensure that there are no artificial barriers to learning or
assessment. The additional support needs of individual candidates should be taken into account when
planning learning experiences, selecting assessment instruments or considering alternative Outcomes
for Units. For information on these, please refer to the SQA document Guidance on Alternative
Assessment Arrangements for Candidates with Disabilities and/or Additional Support Needs, which is
available on the SQA website www.sqa.org.uk.
HN Unit (DW56 35): Construction Technology: Specialist Systems
11
General information for candidates
Unit title: Construction Technology: Specialist Systems
This Unit has been designed to allow you to develop knowledge, understanding and skills in common
refurbishment technologies. This unit covers the methods of underpinning buildings, façade retention
and shoring, methods and materials for over cladding and over roofing buildings and offsite
construction systems.
The formal assessment for this Unit will consist of a series of single assessment question papers. Each
assessment will be conducted under closed book conditions in which you will not be allowed to take
notes, textbooks etc. into the assessment.
HN Unit (DW56 35): Construction Technology: Specialist Systems
12
Higher National Unit Specification
General information for centres
Unit title:
Construction Technology: Industrial/Commercial Superstructure
Unit code: DW55 34
Unit purpose:
This Unit is designed to enable candidates to gain knowledge and understanding
of superstructure construction of multi-storey and large area commercial and industrial buildings. The
unit commences with structural frames and continues with external walls, cladding and the
construction of ground floors, upper floors, stairs and roofs. Finally the unit covers internal division
of space, raised access floors and suspended ceilings.
On completion of the Unit candidates should be able to:
1
2
3
4
5
Compare and describe the range of materials and construction forms available for the erection
of a structural frame.
Sketch and describe methods and materials for forming external walls to framed buildings.
Sketch and describe ground floor, upper floor and stair construction in framed buildings.
Sketch and describe forms of roof construction and finishes.
Sketch and describe methods of construction to achieve internal division of space and
integration of services in framed buildings.
Credit points and level: 1 HN Credit at SCQF level 7: (8 SCQF credit points at SCQF level
7*)
*SCQF credit points are used to allocate credit to qualifications in the Scottish Credit and Qualifications
Framework (SCQF). Each qualification in the Framework is allocated a number of SCQF credit points at an
SCQF level. There are 12 SCQF levels, ranging from Access 1 to Doctorates.
Recommended prior knowledge and skills: This Unit is designed in such a way that it
may be presented as a stand-alone unit. However, as the content of the Unit builds on the knowledge
and understanding of foundations and substructure construction it is highly recommended that a
construction technology (substructure) unit is completed prior to the commencement of this Unit.
Core Skills: There are opportunities to develop the Core Skills of Communication and Problem
Solving, in this Unit, although there is no automatic certification of Core Skills or Core Skills
components.
Context for delivery: If this Unit is delivered as part of a Group Award, it is recommended that
it should be taught and assessed within the subject area of the Group Award to which it contributes.
HN Unit (DW55 34): Construction Technology: Industrial/Commercial Superstructure
1
General information for centres (cont)
Assessment: It is possible to assess candidates either on an individual Outcome basis,
combinations of Outcomes or by a single holistic assessment combining all Outcomes. It is
recommended that all outcomes shall be assessed by a question paper details of which are given at the
end of each outcome under the heading ‘Assessment guidelines’.
In this Unit it is proposed that Outcomes 4 and 5 be combined into a single question paper assessment.
The assessment papers should be composed of a suitable balance of short answer, restricted response
and structured questions. Assessment should be conducted under controlled, supervised conditions.
It should be noted that candidates must achieve all the minimum evidence specified for each Outcome
in order to pass the Unit.
An exemplar instrument of assessment and marking guidelines has been produced to provide
examples of the type of evidence required to demonstrate achievement of the aims of the Unit and to
indicate the national standard of achievement at SCQF level 7.
HN Unit (DW55 34): Construction Technology: Industrial/Commercial Superstructure
2
Higher National Unit specification: statement of standards
Unit title: Construction Technology: Industrial/Commercial Superstructure
Unit code: DW55 34
The sections of the Unit stating the Outcomes, knowledge and/or skills, and evidence requirements
are mandatory.
Where evidence for Outcomes is assessed on a sample basis, the whole of the content listed in the
knowledge and/or skills section must be taught and available for assessment. Candidates should not
know in advance the items on which they will be assessed and different items should be sampled on
each assessment occasion.
Throughout this Unit emphasis will be placed where appropriate on the application of health, safety
and sustainability. Safe working practices should be looked at in accordance with current safety
codes of practice and regulations. Sustainability should include reference to criteria affecting
sustainability, impact of not implementing sustainability on the environment and the legislation
promoting sustainability.
Outcome 1
Compare and describe the range of materials and construction forms available for the erection of a
structural frame
Knowledge and/or skills
i
i
i
i
i
Function and selection criteria
Forms and materials
Skeleton, Portal and Long span frames
Frame connection details
Fire protection
Evidence Requirements
Evidence for the knowledge and /or skills in this Outcome will be provided on a sample basis. The
evidence may be presented in responses to specific questions. Each candidate will need to
demonstrate that she/he can answer correctly questions based on a sample of the items shown above.
In any assessment of this Outcome three out of five knowledge and/or skills items should be
sampled.
In order to ensure that candidates will not be able to foresee what items they will be questioned on, a
different sample of three out of five knowledge and/or skills items is required each time the Outcome
is assessed. Candidates must provide a satisfactory response to all three items.
Where sampling takes place, a candidate's response can be judged to be satisfactory where evidence
provided is sufficient to meet the requirements for each item by showing that the candidate is able to:
i
compare and describe the function, range of materials and construction forms available for the
erection of a structural frame
HN Unit (DW55 34): Construction Technology: Industrial/Commercial Superstructure
3
Higher National Unit specification: statement of standards (cont)
Unit title: Construction Technology: Industrial/Commercial Superstructure
Evidence should be generated through assessment undertaken in controlled, supervised conditions.
Assessment should be conducted under closed book conditions and as such candidates should not be
allowed to bring any textbooks, handouts or notes to the assessment.
Assessment guidelines
Questions used to elicit candidate evidence should take the form of an appropriate balance of short
answer, restricted response and structured questions.
The assessment of this Outcome should be a single assessment question paper. The assessment event
should last 1½ hours and be carried out under supervised controlled conditions.
Outcome 2
Sketch and describe methods and materials for forming external walls to framed buildings
Knowledge and/or skills
i
i
i
i
Loadbearing brickwork/blockwork
Infill panels
Cladding systems
Materials and jointing methods
Evidence Requirements
Evidence for the knowledge and/or skills in this Outcome will be provided on a sample basis. The
evidence may be presented in responses to specific questions. Each candidate will need to
demonstrate that she/he can answer correctly questions based on a sample of the items shown above.
In any assessment of this Outcome two out of four knowledge and/or skills items should be sampled.
In order to ensure that candidates will not be able to foresee what items they will be questioned on, a
different sample of two out of the four knowledge and/or skills items is required each time the
Outcome is assessed. Candidates must provide a satisfactory response to all two items.
Where an item is sampled, a candidate's response can be judged to be satisfactory where the evidence
provided is sufficient to meet the requirements for each item by showing that the candidate is able to:
i
sketch and describe methods and materials used for forming external walls to framed buildings
Evidence should be generated through assessment undertaken in controlled, supervised conditions.
Assessment should be conducted under closed book conditions and as such candidates should not be
allowed to bring any textbooks, handouts or notes to the assessment.
Assessment guidelines
Questions used to elicit candidate evidence should take the form of an appropriate balance of short
answer, restricted response and structured questions.
The assessment of this Outcome should be a single assessment question paper. The assessment event
should last one hour and be carried out under supervised controlled conditions.
HN Unit (DW55 34): Construction Technology: Industrial/Commercial Superstructure
4
Higher National Unit specification: statement of standards (cont)
Unit title: Construction Technology: Industrial/Commercial Superstructure
Outcome 3
Sketch and describe ground floor, upper floor and stair construction in framed buildings
Knowledge and/or skills
i
i
i
i
Concrete ground floor construction
Upper floor construction
Stair construction
Materials and finishes
Evidence Requirements
Evidence for the knowledge and/or skills in this Outcome will be provided on a sample basis. The
evidence may be presented in responses to specific questions. Each candidate will need to
demonstrate that she/he can answer correctly questions based on a sample of the items shown above.
In any assessment of this Outcome two out of four knowledge and/or skills items should be sampled.
In order to ensure that candidates will not be able to foresee what items they will be questioned on, a
different sample of two out of the four knowledge and/or skills items is required each time the
Outcome is assessed. Candidates must provide a satisfactory response to all two items.
Where an item is sampled, a candidate's response can be judged to be satisfactory where the evidence
provided is sufficient to meet the requirements for each item by showing that the candidate is able to:
i
sketch and describe floor and stair construction in framed buildings including materials and
finishes
Evidence should be generated through assessment undertaken in controlled, supervised conditions.
Assessment should be conducted under closed book conditions and as such candidates should not be
allowed to bring any textbooks, handouts or notes to the assessment.
Assessment guidelines
Questions used to elicit candidate evidence should take the form of an appropriate balance of short
answer, restricted response and structured questions.
The assessment of this Outcome should be a single assessment question paper. The assessment event
should last one hour and be carried out under supervised controlled conditions.
Outcome 4
Sketch and describe forms of roof construction and finishes
Knowledge and/or skills
i
i
i
Forms of pitched roof construction
Forms of flat roof construction
Materials and finishes
HN Unit (DW55 34): Construction Technology: Industrial/Commercial Superstructure
5
Higher National Unit specification: statement of standards (cont)
Unit title: Construction Technology: Industrial/Commercial Superstructure
Evidence Requirements
Evidence for the knowledge and/or skills in this Outcome will be provided on a sample basis. The
evidence may be presented in responses to specific questions. Each candidate will need to
demonstrate that she/he can answer correctly questions based on a sample of the items shown above.
In any assessment of this Outcome two out of three knowledge and/or skills items should be
sampled.
In order to ensure that candidates will not be able to foresee what items they will be questioned on, a
different sample of two out of the three knowledge and/or skills items is required each time the
Outcome is assessed. Candidates must provide a satisfactory response to the two items.
Where an item is sampled, a candidate’s response can be judged to be satisfactory where the evidence
provided is sufficient to meet the requirements for each item by showing that the candidate is able to:
i
sketch and describe forms of roof construction including materials and finishes
Evidence should be generated through assessment undertaken in controlled, supervised conditions.
Assessment should be conducted under closed book conditions and as such candidates should not be
allowed to bring any textbooks, handouts or notes to the assessment.
Assessment guidelines
The assessment of this Outcome should be combined with that for Outcome 5 to form one assessment
paper. This single assessment paper should be taken at a single assessment event lasting 1½ hours and
carried out under supervised, controlled conditions. Such a paper should be composed of an
appropriate balance of short answer, restricted response and structured questions.
Outcome 5
Sketch and describe methods of construction to achieve internal division of space and integration of
services in framed buildings
Knowledge and/or skills
i
i
i
i
i
Construction of internal partitions
Construction of suspended ceilings
Construction of raised access floors
Accommodation of services in structural elements
Requirements for sound insulation and fire resistance
Evidence Requirements
Evidence for the knowledge and/or skills in this Outcome will be provided on a sample basis. The
evidence may be presented in responses to specific questions. Each candidate will need to
demonstrate that she/he can answer correctly questions based on a sample of the items shown above.
In any assessment of this Outcome three out of five knowledge and/or skills items should be
sampled.
HN Unit (DW55 34): Construction Technology: Industrial/Commercial Superstructure
6
Higher National Unit specification: statement of standards (cont)
Unit title: Construction Technology: Industrial/Commercial Superstructure
In order to ensure that candidates will not be able to foresee what items they will be questioned on, a
different sample of three out of the five knowledge and/or skills items is required each time the
Outcome is assessed. Candidates must provide a satisfactory response to all three items.
Where an item is sampled, a candidate's response can be judged to be satisfactory where the evidence
provided is sufficient to meet the requirements for each item by showing that the candidate is able to:
i
sketch and describe methods of construction to achieve internal division of space and integration
of services
Evidence should be generated through assessment undertaken in controlled, supervised conditions.
Assessment should be conducted under closed book conditions and as such candidates should not be
allowed to bring any textbooks, handouts or notes to the assessment.
Assessment guidelines
The assessment of this Outcome should be combined with that for Outcome 4 to form one assessment
paper. This single assessment paper should be taken at a single assessment event lasting 1½ hours and
carried out under supervised, controlled conditions. Such a paper should be composed of an
appropriate balance of short answer, restricted response and structured questions.
HN Unit (DW55 34): Construction Technology: Industrial/Commercial Superstructure
7
Administrative Information
Unit code:
DW55 34
Unit title:
Superstructure
Construction Technology: Industrial/Commercial
Superclass category:
TE
Date of publication:
June 2006
Version:
01
Source:
SQA
© Scottish Qualifications Authority 2005
This publication may be reproduced in whole or in part for educational purposes provided that no
profit is derived from reproduction and that, if reproduced in part, the source is acknowledged.
SQA acknowledges the valuable contribution that Scotland’s colleges have made to the development
of Higher National qualifications.
Additional copies of this Unit specification can be purchased from the Scottish Qualifications
Authority. Please contact the Customer Contact Centre for further details, telephone 0845 279 1000.
HN Unit (DW55 34): Construction Technology: Industrial/Commercial Superstructure
8
Higher National Unit specification: support notes
Unit title: Construction Technology: Industrial/Commercial Superstructure
This part of the Unit specification is offered as guidance. The support notes are not mandatory.
While the exact time allocated to this Unit is at the discretion of the centre, the notional design length
is 40 hours.
Guidance on the content and context for this Unit
This Unit has been written in order to allow candidates to develop knowledge, understanding and
skills in the following areas:
1
2
3
4
5
Comparing and describing the range of materials and construction forms available for the
erection of a structural frame.
Sketching and describing methods and materials for forming external walls to framed buildings.
Sketching and describing ground, upper floor and stair construction in framed buildings.
Sketching and describing forms of roof construction and finishes.
Sketching and describing the methods of construction to achieve internal division of space and
integration of services in framed buildings.
This Unit has been developed as part of a group of construction technology units. There are three
other units in the group entitled Construction Technology: Substructure, Construction Technology:
Domestic Construction, and Construction Technology: Specialist Systems. This Unit at SCQF level 7
is a mandatory unit within the HNC and HND Built Environment award with the exception of the
HNC Construction
The three units mentioned in the previous paragraph have been developed as an integrated suite of
units to meet all the construction technology requirements of the HNC and HND Built Environment
awards. However, this does not preclude the use of one or more of these units in other awards where
award designers feel this to be appropriate. As well as providing a substantial course in construction
technology principles these Units also provide important underpinning knowledge, understanding and
skills for other parts of the HNC and HND Built Environment awards
In designing this Unit the unit writers have identified the range of topics they would expect to be
covered by lecturers. The writers have also given recommendations as to how much time should be
spent on each outcome. This has been done to help lecturers to decide what depth of treatment should
be given to the topics attached to each of the outcomes. Whilst it is not mandatory for a centre to use
this list of topics it is strongly recommended that it does so to ensure continuity of teaching and
learning across the Construction Technology Units and because the assessment exemplar pack for this
Unit is based on the knowledge and/or skills and list of topics in each of the Outcomes.
The list of topics is given below. Lecturers are advised to study this list of topics in conjunction with
the assessment exemplar pack so that they can get a clear indication of the standard of achievement
expected of candidates in this Unit.
HN Unit (DW55 34): Construction Technology: Industrial/Commercial Superstructure
9
Higher National Unit specification: support notes (cont)
Unit title: Construction Technology: Industrial/Commercial Superstructure
1
Compare and describe the range of materials and construction forms available for
the erection of a structural frame. (10 hours)
Skeleton Frames
Functions and selection criteria
Forms and materials
In-situ reinforced concrete:
i Principles of reinforced concrete
i Formwork materials and functional requirements
i Types of formwork for columns, beams and slabs
i Formwork safety
i Reinforcing steels — bars and fabric
i Reinforcing drawings, bending schedules and referencing
i Fixing bars and cover
Precast concrete:
i Methods of connection: Column to Foundation, Column to Column and Column to Beam
i Assembly techniques
Steel:
i Standard steel sections and grades of steel
i Welding and bolting
i Methods of connection: Column to base plate, Column to Column and Column to Beam
i Assembly techniques
i Wind bracing
Portal frames
Functions and selection criteria
Forms and materials
Steel:
i Methods of connection: Column to base plate, Column to rafter, use of web stiffeners and
cleats
i Assembly techniques
i Wind bracing
Precast concrete:
i Methods of connection at joints/junction
Timber:
Methods of connection at joints/junction
i
HN Unit (DW55 34): Construction Technology: Industrial/Commercial Superstructure
10
Higher National Unit specification: support notes (cont)
Unit title: Construction Technology: Industrial/Commercial Superstructure
Long Span Frames:
i Castellated and cellular beams
i Lattice girders
i Lattice trusses
i Space frames
i Connections
Fire protection:
i Solid, board, applied
2
Sketch and describe methods and materials for forming external walls to framed
buildings. (8 hours)
i
i
i
i
i
3
Functions of external walls and claddings
Selection criteria
Options available:
—
loadbearing brickwork/blockwork
—
infill walling/panels
—
non-loadbearing cladding
—
large heavy units (precast concrete panels)
—
curtain walling
—
rainscreen cladding
—
structural glazing
Materials for cladding
Joints
Sketch and describe ground, upper floor and stair construction in framed
buildings. (7 hours)
Functional requirements
Concrete ground floors:
i Design, construction and finish of long strip and large area floors
Upper floor construction:
i Precast prestressed concrete units
i Concrete and steel composite floors
i In-situ concrete floors: flat slab, beam and slab, ribbed and waffle
i Openings in floors
Stairs: Steel, precast and in-situ concrete
Finishes
HN Unit (DW55 34): Construction Technology: Industrial/Commercial Superstructure
11
Higher National Unit specification: support notes (cont)
Unit title: Construction Technology: Industrial/Commercial Superstructure
4
Sketch and describe forms of roof construction. (6 hours)
Functions and selection criteria
Pitched roof forms
Flat roof forms
5
Describe methods of construction to achieve internal division of space and
integration of services in framed buildings. (4 hours)
Internal partitions
Raised access floors
Suspended ceilings
Accommodation of services in structural elements:
i Floor trench, crawl ways, chases in walls and floors, cellular construction
Unit Assessment (5 hours total)
This takes the form of four different assessment papers, one covering the content of Outcome 1 and
lasting 1½ hours duration, one covering the content of Outcome 2 and lasting one hour duration and
one covering Outcome 3 and lasting one hour duration and finally a combined assessment paper
covering the content of Outcomes 4 and 5 and lasting 1½ hours duration.
Guidance on the delivery and assessment of this Unit
As this Unit provides core construction technology which underpins much of the studies done in other
areas of HNC and HND Built environment awards it is recommended that the Unit be delivered
towards the start of these awards.
Where this Unit is incorporated into other group awards it is recommended that it be delivered in the
context of the specific occupational area(s) that the award is designed to cover.
Details on approaches to assessment are given under Evidence Requirements and Assessment
guidelines under each Outcome in the Higher National Unit specification: statement of standards
section. It is recommended that these sections be read carefully before proceeding with assessment of
candidates.
Opportunities for developing Core Skills
The following grid provides a general guide to opportunities for the development of Core Skills in this
Unit. Opportunities for the development of Core Skills at the output level are more fully identified in
the Core Skills Signposting Guide.
HN Unit (DW55 34): Construction Technology: Industrial/Commercial Superstructure
12
Higher National Unit specification: support notes (cont)
Unit title: Construction Technology: Industrial/Commercial Superstructure
Core Skill
Outcome
1
Outcome
2
Outcome
3
Outcome
4
Outcome
5
1 Communication
Reading
Writing
Oral
2 Numeracy
Using Number
Using Graphical Information
3 IT
Using Information Technology
4 Problem Solving
Critical Thinking
Planning and Organising
Reviewing and Evaluating
5 Working with Others
Open learning
This Unit could be delivered by distance learning, which may incorporate some degree of on-line
support. However, with regard to assessment, planning would be required by the centre concerned to
ensure the sufficiency and authenticity of candidate evidence. Arrangement would be required to be
put in place to ensure that the assessment, which is required to be at a single event, was conducted
under controlled, supervised conditions.
For information on normal open learning arrangements, please refer to the SQA guide Assessment and
Quality Assurance of Open and Distance Learning (SQA 2000).
Candidates with additional support needs
This Unit specification is intended to ensure that there are no artificial barriers to learning or
assessment. The additional support needs of individual candidates should be taken into account when
planning learning experiences, selecting assessment instruments or considering alternative Outcomes
for Units. For information on these, please refer to the SQA document Guidance on Alternative
Assessment Arrangements for Candidates with Disabilities and/or Additional Support Needs, which is
available on the SQA website www.sqa.org.uk.
HN Unit (DW55 34): Construction Technology: Industrial/Commercial Superstructure
13
General information for candidates
Unit title: Construction Technology: Industrial/Commercial Superstructure
This Unit has been designed to allow you to develop knowledge, understanding and skills in
superstructure construction of multi-storey and large area commercial and industrial buildings. The
Unit commences with the building frames and continues with external walls, cladding and the
construction of ground floors, upper floors, stairs and roofs. Finally the Unit covers internal division
of space, raised access floors and suspended ceilings.
The formal assessment for this Unit will consist of four different assessment papers, one covering the
content of Outcome 1 and lasting 1½ hours duration, one covering the content of Outcome 2 and
lasting ONE hour duration and one covering Outcome 3 and lasting one hour duration and finally a
combined assessment paper covering the content of Outcomes 4 and 5 and lasting 1½ hours duration.
HN Unit (DW55 34): Construction Technology: Industrial/Commercial Superstructure
14
Higher National Unit Specification
General information for centres
Unit title:
Construction Technology: Domestic Construction
Unit code: DW54 33
Unit purpose: This Unit is designed to enable candidates to gain knowledge and understanding of
low-rise, domestic building construction. The Unit concentrates on the construction of walls, floors
and roofs, and builds on the knowledge gained in the unit Construction Technology: Substructure.
On completion of the Unit the candidate should be able to:
1
2
3
4
Select and describe forms of masonry and timber frame wall construction and finishes.
Describe the performance requirements, materials, function and construction of the principal
components in a building.
Select and describe forms of floor construction and sketch their junctions with other building
element.
Select and describe forms of pitched and flat roof construction and finishes.
Credit points and level: 1 HN Credit at SCQF level 6: (8 SCQF credit points at SCQF level
6*).
*SCQF credit points are used to allocate credit to qualifications in the Scottish Credit and Qualifications
Framework (SCQF). Each qualification in the Framework is allocated a number of SCQF credit points at an
SCQF level. There are 12 SCQF levels, ranging from Access 1 to Doctorates.
Recommended prior knowledge and skills: It would be an advantage for candidates to
have a basic knowledge and understanding of substructure construction. This may be evidenced by
possession of an appropriate HN Unit of Construction Technology (substructure) or an appropriate
Higher.
Core Skills: There are opportunities to develop the Core Skills of Communication and Problem
Solving in this Unit, although there is no automatic certification of Core Skills or Core Skills
components.
Context for delivery: If this Unit is delivered as part of a Group Award, it is recommended that
it should be taught and assessed within the subject area of the Group Award to which it contributes.
Assessment: It is possible to assess candidates either on an individual Outcome basis,
combinations of Outcomes or by a single holistic assessment combining all Outcomes. It is
recommended that all outcomes be assessed by a question paper details of which are given at the end
of each outcome under the heading ‘Assessment guidelines’.
HN Unit (DW54 33): Construction Technology: Domestic Construction
1
General information for centres (cont)
In this Unit it is proposed that Outcomes 1 and 2 be combined into a single question paper assessment
and that Outcomes 3 and 4 shall also be combined into a single question paper assessment and that
each assessment event shall last one and a half hours.
The assessment papers should be composed of a suitable balance of short answer, restricted response
and structured questions. Assessment should be conducted under controlled, supervised conditions.
It should be noted that candidates must achieve all the minimum evidence specified for each Outcome
in order to pass the Unit.
An exemplar instrument of assessment and marking guidelines has been produced to provide
examples of the type of evidence required to demonstrate achievement of the aims of the Unit and to
indicate the national standard of achievement at SCQF level 6.
HN Unit (DW54 33): Construction Technology: Domestic Construction
2
Higher National Unit specification: statement of standards
Unit title: Construction Technology: Domestic Construction
Unit code: DW54 33
The sections of the Unit stating the Outcomes, knowledge and/or skills, and evidence requirements
are mandatory.
Where evidence for Outcomes is assessed on a sample basis, the whole of the content listed in the
knowledge and/or skills section must be taught and available for assessment. Candidates should not
know in advance the items on which they will be assessed and different items should be sampled on
each assessment occasion.
Throughout this Unit emphasis will be placed where appropriate on the application of health, safety
and sustainability. Safe working practices should be promoted in accordance with current safety
codes of practice and regulations. Sustainability should include reference to the criteria affecting
sustainability, the impact of not implementing sustainability on the environment and the legislation
promoting sustainability.
Outcome 1
Sketch and describe forms of masonry and timber frame wall construction and finishes
Knowledge and/or skills
i
i
i
i
Traditional masonry cavity wall construction and finishes
Timber frame cavity wall construction and finishes
Construction of load bearing and non-loadbearing partition walls
Construction of party walls
Evidence Requirements
Evidence for the knowledge and /or skills in this Outcome will be provided on a sample basis. The
evidence may be presented in responses to specific questions. Each candidate will need to
demonstrate that she/he can answer correctly questions based on a sample of the items shown above.
In any assessment of this Outcome two out of four knowledge and/or skills items should be sampled.
In order to ensure that candidates will not be able to foresee what items they will be questioned on, a
different sample of two out of four knowledge and/or skills items is required each time the Outcome is
assessed. Candidates must provide a satisfactory response to all items being assessed.
Where sampling takes place, a candidate's response can be judged to be satisfactory where evidence
provided is sufficient to meet the requirements for each item by showing that the candidate is able to:
i
sketch and describe the forms of wall construction and finishes
Evidence should be generated through assessment undertaken in controlled, supervised conditions.
Assessment should be conducted under closed book conditions and as such, candidates should not be
allowed to bring any textbooks, handouts or notes to the assessment.
HN Unit (DW54 33): Construction Technology: Domestic Construction
3
Higher National Unit specification: statement of standards (cont)
Unit title: Construction Technology: Domestic Construction
Assessment guidelines
Questions used to elicit candidate evidence should take the form of an appropriate balance of short
answer, restricted response and structured questions.
The assessment of this Outcome shall be combined with that of Outcome 2 into a single assessment
question paper. The assessment event should last one and a half hours and be carried out under
supervised controlled conditions.
Outcome 2
Describe the performance requirements, materials, function and construction of the principal
components in a building.
Knowledge and/or skills
i
i
i
Doors types; materials, function and performance requirements
Window types; materials, function and performance requirements
Stair types; materials, construction, function and performance requirements.
Evidence Requirements
Evidence for the knowledge and /or skills in this Outcome will be provided on a sample basis. The
evidence may be presented in responses to specific questions. Each candidate will need to
demonstrate that she/he can answer correctly questions based on a sample of the items shown above.
In order to ensure that candidates will not be able to foresee what items they will be questioned on, a
different sample of two out of three knowledge and/or skills items is required each time the Outcome
is assessed. Candidates must provide a satisfactory response to all items for each topic selected.
Where sampling takes place, a candidate's response can be judged to be satisfactory where evidence
provided is sufficient to meet the requirements for each item by showing that the candidate is able to:
i
describe the performance requirements, materials, function and construction of door, window
and stair components in a building
Evidence should be generated through assessment undertaken in controlled, supervised conditions.
Assessment should be conducted under closed-book conditions and as such candidates should not be
allowed to bring any textbooks, handouts or notes to the assessment.
Assessment guidelines
Questions used to elicit candidate evidence should take the form of an appropriate balance of short
answer, restricted response and structured questions.
The assessment of this Outcome shall be combined with that of Outcome 1 into a single assessment
question paper. The assessment event should last one and a half hours and be carried out under
supervised controlled conditions.
HN Unit (DW54 33): Construction Technology: Domestic Construction
4
Higher National Unit specification: statement of standards (cont)
Unit title: Construction Technology: Domestic Technology
Outcome 3
Select and describe the forms of floor construction and sketch the junctions with other building
elements
Knowledge and/or skills
i
i
i
i
Solid ground floor construction and finishes
Suspended ground and upper floor construction and finishes
Solum treatment
Structural stability
Evidence Requirements
Evidence for the knowledge and /or skills in this Outcome will be provided on a sample basis. The
evidence may be presented in responses to specific questions. Each candidate will need to
demonstrate that she/he can answer correctly, questions based on a sample of the items shown above.
In any assessment of this Outcome two out of four knowledge and/or skills items should be sampled.
In order to ensure that candidates will not be able to foresee what items they will be questioned on, a
different sample of two out of four knowledge and/or skills items is required each time the Outcome is
assessed. Candidates must provide a satisfactory response to all items being assessed.
Where sampling takes place, a candidate's response can be judged to be satisfactory where evidence
provided is sufficient to meet the requirements for each item by showing that the candidate is able to:
i
select, describe and sketch the various forms of floor construction and their junction with other
building elements
Evidence should be generated through assessment undertaken in controlled, supervised conditions.
Assessment should be conducted under closed book conditions and as such, candidates should not be
allowed to bring any textbooks, handouts or notes to the assessment.
Assessment guidelines
Questions used to elicit candidate evidence should take the form of an appropriate balance of short
answer, restricted response and structured questions.
The assessment of this Outcome shall be combined with that of Outcome 4 into a single assessment
question paper. The assessment event should last one and a half hours and be carried out under
supervised controlled conditions.
HN Unit (DW54 33): Construction Technology: Domestic Construction
5
Higher National Unit specification: statement of standards (cont)
Unit title: Construction Technology: Domestic Technology
Outcome 4
Select and describe the forms of roof construction and finishes
Knowledge and/or skills
i
i
i
i
Pitched roof types
Pitched roof structures and finishes
Flat roof structures and finishes
Roof technology (cold, warm and inverted)
Evidence Requirements
Evidence for the knowledge and /or skills in this Outcome will be provided on a sample basis. The
evidence may be presented in responses to specific questions. Each candidate will need to
demonstrate that she/he can answer correctly questions based on a sample of the items shown above.
In any assessment of this Outcome two out of four knowledge and/or skills items should be sampled.
In order to ensure that candidates will not be able to foresee what items they will be questioned on, a
different sample of two out of four knowledge and/or skills items is required each time the Outcome is
assessed. Candidates must provide a satisfactory response to all items being assessed.
Where sampling takes place, a candidate's response can be judged to be satisfactory where evidence
provided is sufficient to meet the requirements for each item by showing that the candidate is able to:
i
select and describe the forms of roof construction and finishes
Evidence should be generated through assessment undertaken in controlled, supervised conditions.
Assessment should be conducted under closed book conditions and as such candidates should not be
allowed to bring any textbooks, handouts or notes to the assessment.
Assessment guidelines
Questions used to elicit candidate evidence should take the form of an appropriate balance of short
answer, restricted response and structured questions.
The assessment of this Outcome shall be combined with that of Outcome 3 into a single assessment
question paper. The assessment event should last one and a half hours and be carried out under
supervised controlled conditions.
HN Unit (DW54 33): Construction Technology: Domestic Construction
6
Administrative Information
Unit code:
DW54 33
Unit title:
Construction Technology: Domestic Construction
Superclass category:
TE
Date of publication:
June 2006
Version:
01
Source:
SQA
© Scottish Qualifications Authority 2005
This publication may be reproduced in whole or in part for educational purposes provided that no
profit is derived from reproduction and that, if reproduced in part, the source is acknowledged.
SQA acknowledges the valuable contribution that Scotland’s colleges have made to the development
of Higher National qualifications.
Additional copies of this Unit specification can be purchased from the Scottish Qualifications
Authority. Please contact the Customer Contact Centre for further details, telephone 0845 279 1000.
HN Unit (DW54 33): Construction Technology: Domestic Construction
7
Higher National Unit specification: support notes
Unit title: Construction Technology: Domestic Construction
This part of the Unit specification is offered as guidance. The support notes are not mandatory.
While the exact time allocated to this Unit is at the discretion of the centre, the notional design length
is 40 hours.
Guidance on the content and context for this Unit
This Unit has been written in order to allow candidates to develop knowledge, understanding and
skills in the following areas:
1
2
3
4
Select and describe forms of masonry and timber frame wall construction and finishes.
Describe the performance requirements, materials, function and construction of the principal
components in a building.
Select and describe forms of floor construction and sketch their junctions with other building
elements.
Select and describe forms of pitched and flat roof construction and finishes.
This Unit has been developed as part of a group of Construction Technology Units.
There are three other Units in the group entitled:
i
i
i
Construction Technology: Substructure
Construction Technology: Industrial/Commercial Superstructure
Construction Technology: Specialist Systems
This Unit at SCQF level 6 is a mandatory unit in the HNC Construction and all HND Built
Environment awards.
The three units mentioned above have been developed as an integrated suite of units to meet all the
requirements of the HNC and HND Built Environment awards. However, this does not preclude the
use of one or more of these units in other awards where award designers feel this to be appropriate. As
well as providing a substantial course in construction technology principles these units provide
important underpinning knowledge, understanding and skills in other parts of the HNC and HND
Built Environment awards.
In designing this Unit the unit writers have identified the range of topics they would expect to be
covered by lecturers. The writers have also given recommendations as to how much time should be
spent on each outcome. This has been done to help lecturers decide what depth of treatment should be
given to the topics attached to each of the outcomes. Whilst it is not mandatory for a centre to use this
list of topics, it is strongly recommended that it does so to ensure continuity of teaching and learning
across the suite of Construction Technology units and because the assessment pack for this particular
unit is based on the knowledge and/ or skills and list of topics for each of the Outcomes.
The list of topics is given below. Lecturers are advised to study this list in conjunction with the
assessment exemplar pack so that they can get a clear indication of the standard of achievement of
candidates in this Unit.
HN Unit (DW54 33): Construction Technology: Domestic Construction
8
Higher National Unit specification: support notes (cont)
Unit title: Construction Technology: Domestic Construction
1
Select and describe forms of masonry and timber frame wall construction and finishes.
(18 hours)
External Cavity Walling:
i Performance requirements
Traditional masonry construction:
i Materials: Brick, Dense block, Lightweight block
i Bonding and coursing
i Wall ties — types, materials, location and purpose
i Mortar — materials and mixes
i Erection process
Timber frame construction:
Materials used in frame construction:
— breather paper
— plywood (OSB and alternatives)
— timber frame
— brick/ block outer leaf
— wall ties — types, materials, location and purpose
i Erection process
i
For each wall type the following topics should be covered:
i Structural strength and stability
i Load transfer
i Damp proof courses (DPCs)
i Cavity barriers
i Fire stops
i Movement joints
i Thermal insulation
i Vapour barrier
i Cavity ventilation
i External finishes: Roughcast, render, facing brick (pointing), timber cladding, slate and tile
cladding
i Internal finishes: Lightweight plaster, plasterboard, insulated plasterboard, skim coat, tape
fill and finish
Formation of openings:
Lintols: types, materials and location
Cills: types, materials and locations
DPCs/cavity trays
Cavity vents
Cavity closers
i
i
i
i
i
HN Unit (DW54 33): Construction Technology: Domestic Construction
9
Higher National Unit specification: support notes (cont)
Unit title: Construction Technology: Domestic Construction
Internal walls (partitions):
i Loadbearing
i Non-loadbearing
i Materials: Brick, block, timber
i Finishes: Plaster, plasterboard
Party walls:
i Performance requirements
i Materials: Brick, block, timber frame
i Finishes: Plaster, plasterboard, skim coat, taped and filled
2
Describe the performance requirements, materials, function and construction of the
principal components in a building. (8 hours)
Doors:
Performance requirements: Access, egress, continuity, security, privacy, fire protection
Internal and external doors
Flush and panelled doors
Glazed doors
Door linings and construction
Door frames
Ironmongery
Location and fixing details within openings
Thresholds and DPCs
i
i
i
i
i
i
i
i
i
Windows:
i Performance requirements: light, insulation, ventilation
i Types: Sash and case, casement, pivot, tilt and turn
i Materials: Timber, uPVC, metal
i Single and double glazing
i Ironmongery
i Location and fixing details within openings
i DPCs
i Regulation requirements: Ventilation, cleaning, opening limitation
Stairs:
Performance requirements
Types: Straight flight, quarter turn, half turn, winder, open tread
Component parts
Regulation requirements
i
i
i
i
HN Unit (DW54 33): Construction Technology: Domestic Construction
10
Higher National Unit specification: support notes (cont)
Unit title: Construction Technology: Domestic Construction
3
Select and describe forms of floor construction and their junctions with other building
elements. (8 hours)
Ground floors:
i Performance requirements
Solid floors:
Excavation to formation
Solum treatments
DPCs and DPMs: Location and materials
Concrete (sub) floor slabs
Reinforcement
Screeds
Insulation
Finishes: Ceramic tiles, clay tiles, sheet flooring, floating timber floor
i
i
i
i
i
i
i
i
Suspended floors:
i Excavation to formation
i Solum treatments
i DPCs and DPMs
Timber:
Finishes:
Methods of support
Joist sizing and spacing
Sleeper (dwarf) walls
Strutting
Insulation
Underfloor ventilation
T&G boarding, chipboard
Concrete: Beam and block, concrete slab
Insulation
Underfloor ventilation
Finishes: Screed, ceramic tiles, clay tiles, floating timber floor
Upper floors:
Performance requirements
Contribution to structural stability
Formation of openings
i
i
i
Timber:
Finishes:
Methods of support
Joist sizing and spacing
Strutting
Sound insulation
T&G boarding, chipboard, plasterboard ceiling finish
HN Unit (DW54 33): Construction Technology: Domestic Construction
11
Higher National Unit specification: support notes (cont)
Unit title: Construction Technology: Domestic Construction
4
Describe forms of pitched and flat roof construction and finishes. (8 hours)
Roofs:
i Performance requirements
i Contribution to structural stability
Pitched roofs:
Lean-to, monopitch, gable, hip, mansard
Couple, closed couple, collar, purlin (double), trussed rafter
Wind bracing
Water tank support
Cold roof, warm roof
Finishes:
Slate, plain tiles, interlocking tiles
Sarking, sarking with battens and counterbattens,
Underslating felt
Ventilation
Insulation
Plasterboard ceiling finishes
Construction details at eaves, verges, ridges and hips
Structural continuity and lateral restraint
Formation of openings
Flat roofs:
Concrete deck with screed to falls,
Timber deck with firrings
Cold roof, warm roof
Finishes: asphalt, felt, lead, copper
Insulation
Vapour check
Plasterboard ceiling finishes
Construction details at eaves, parapets and gutters
Guidance on the delivery and assessment of this Unit
As this Unit provides core construction technology that underpins much of the studies in other areas
of HNC and HND Built Environment awards, it is recommended that the Unit be delivered towards
the start of these awards.
Where this Unit is incorporated in other group awards it is recommended that it be delivered in the
context of the specific occupational area(s) that the award is designed to cover.
The outcomes are presented in a logical sequence of Walls, Components (Windows/Doors etc) Floors
and Roofs. It is recommended to deliver Outcome 2 — the installation of Components together with
Outcome 1 — Walls, because of the inter-dependent nature of the subject.
HN Unit (DW54 33): Construction Technology: Domestic Construction
12
Higher National Unit specification: support notes (cont)
Unit title: Construction Technology: Domestic Construction
The content of the Unit forms the basis for much of the work to be undertaken in the construction
technician study programme. It is essential that students are familiar with the basic forms of
construction. To this end, the lecture programme should be supplemented with structured visits.
Technical literature, current British Standards and the current Scottish Building Standards should also
be used extensively to ensure the students understand the basic construction concepts.
Opportunities for developing Core Skills
The following grid provides a general guide to opportunities for the development of Core Skills in this
Unit. Opportunities for the development of Core Skills at the output level are more fully identified in
the Core Skills Signposting Guide.
Core Skill
Outcome
1
Outcome
2
Outcome
3
Outcome
4
Outcome
5
1 Communication
Reading
Writing
Oral
2 Numeracy
Using Number
Using Graphical Information
3 IT
Using Information Technology
4 Problem Solving
Critical Thinking
Planning and Organising
Reviewing and Evaluating
5 Working with Others
Open learning
This Unit could be delivered by distance learning that may incorporate some degree of on-line
support. However, with regard to assessment, planning would be required by the centre to ensure the
sufficiency and authenticity of candidate evidence. Arrangements would be required to be put in place
to ensure that the assessment, which is required to be a single event, is conducted under controlled and
supervised conditions.
For information on normal open learning arrangements, please refer to the SQA guide Assessment and
Quality Assurance of Open and Distance Learning (SQA 2000).
HN Unit (DW54 33): Construction Technology: Domestic Construction
13
Higher National Unit specification: support notes (cont)
Unit title: Construction Technology: Domestic Construction
Candidates with additional support needs
This Unit specification is intended to ensure that there are no artificial barriers to learning or
assessment. The additional support needs of individual candidates should be taken into account when
planning learning experiences, selecting assessment instruments or considering alternative Outcomes
for Units. For information on these, please refer to the SQA document Guidance on Alternative
Assessment Arrangements for Candidates with Disabilities and/or Additional Support Needs, which is
available on the SQA website www.sqa.org.uk.
HN Unit (DW54 33): Construction Technology: Domestic Construction
14
General information for candidates
Unit title: Construction Technology: Domestic Construction
This Unit has been designed to allow you to develop knowledge and understanding of low-rise,
domestic construction in both traditional and timber frame methods of construction. You will consider
the functional and performance requirements of the various elements of low-rise construction and the
construction methods and materials that are best suited to meet all the requirements.
Construction Technology: Domestic Construction is designed in such a way that it may be presented
as a stand-alone unit. However, as the content of the Unit builds on the knowledge and understanding
of foundations and substructure construction gained in the unit Construction Technology:
Substructure, it is recommended that the Unit Construction Technology: Substructure is completed
prior to the commencement of Construction Technology: Domestic Construction.
The content of the unit forms the basis for much of the work to be undertaken in the construction
technician study programme. It is essential that you are familiar with the basic forms of construction.
To this end, the lecture programme should be supplemented with the use of site visits, technical
literature, current British Standards and the current Scottish Building Standards should be used
extensively to ensure you understand the basic construction concepts.
HN Unit (DW54 33): Construction Technology: Domestic Construction
15
Higher National Unit Specification
General information for centres
Unit title:
Construction Technical Communication Skills
Unit code: DW4D 34
Unit purpose: This Unit is designed to enable candidates to effectively communicate in a
construction environment using a variety of media. Graphical, Written and Verbal forms of
communication are covered ensuring the candidates ability to identify, communication and record
information in the most suitable medium.
On completion of the Unit the candidate should be able to:
1
2
3
4
Understand the various purposes, methods of communications and media available.
Use freehand sketching to communicate and correctly clarify construction technology details.
Produce written records of construction activities.
Report on construction site activities.
Credit points and level: 1 HN Credit at SCQF level 7: (8 SCQF credit points at SCQF level
7*).
*SCQF credit points are used to allocate credit to qualifications in the Scottish Credit and Qualifications
Framework (SCQF). Each qualification in the Framework is allocated a number of SCQF credit points at an
SCQF level. There are 12 SCQF levels, ranging from Access 1 to Doctorates.
Recommended prior knowledge and skills: It would be an advantage for candidates to
have a basic knowledge and understanding of basic drawing concepts and some practical knowledge
of construction site activity however this is not essential as the Unit covers all the basic principles
required.
Core Skills: There are opportunities to develop the Core Skills of Communication and IT, in this
Unit, although there is no automatic certification of Core Skills or Core Skills components.
Context for delivery: If this Unit is delivered as part of a Group Award, it is recommended that
it should be taught and assessed within the subject area of the Group Award to which it contributes.
Assessment: It is possible to assess candidates either on an individual Outcome basis,
combinations of Outcomes or by a single holistic assessment event combining all outcomes. A single
holistic assessment should last not more than two hours.
Where evidence for Outcomes is assessed on a sample basis, the whole content listed in the
knowledge and/or skills section must be taught and available for assessment. Candidates should not
know in advance the items on which they will be assessed and different items should be sampled on
each discrete assessment occasion.
HN Unit (DW4D 34): Construction Technical Communication Skills
1
General information for centres (cont)
An exemplar instrument of assessment and marking guidelines have been produced to provide an
example of the type of evidence required to demonstrate achievement of the aims of this Unit and to
indicate the national standard of achievement at SCQF level 7.
HN Unit (DW4D 34): Construction Technical Communication Skills
2
Higher National Unit specification: statement of standards
Unit title: Construction Technical Communication Skills
Unit code: DW4D 34
The sections of the Unit stating the Outcomes, knowledge and/or skills, and evidence requirements
are mandatory.
Where evidence for Outcomes is assessed on a sample basis, the whole of the content listed in the
knowledge and/or skills section must be taught and available for assessment. Candidates should not
know in advance the items on which they will be assessed and different items should be sampled on
each assessment occasion.
Throughout the unit emphasis will be placed where appropriate on the application of Health & Safety
and Sustainability. Safe working practises should be looked at in accordance with current safety codes
of practise and regulations. Sustainability should include reference to criteria affecting sustainability,
impact of not implementing sustainability on the environment and the legislation promoting
sustainability.
Outcome 1
Understand the various purposes, methods of communications and media available
Knowledge and/or skills
i
i
Purpose of communications
Communication media
Evidence Requirements
In any assessment of this Outcome all knowledge and/or skills items should be included. Candidates
must provide a satisfactory response to all items.
Candidates will need to provide evidence to demonstrate their knowledge and/or skills by showing
that they can:
i
i
identify the purpose and method of a particular communication
select the most appropriate medium for a particular communication
Questions used to elicit candidate evidence should be take the form of an appropriate balance of short
answer, restricted response and structured questions. Assessments should be conducted under
supervised, controlled conditions.
Assessment guidelines
Evidence for the knowledge and skills in this Outcome could be generated by one supervised open
book assessment.
HN Unit (DW4D 34): Construction Technical Communication Skills
3
Higher National Unit specification: statement of standards (cont)
Unit title: Construction Technical Communication Skills
Outcome 2
Use freehand sketching to communicate and correctly clarify construction technology details
Knowledge and/or skills
i
i
i
i
i
Freehand sketching
Freehand drawing of geometric shapes
Sketching in perspective view
Use of sections in sketching details
Recording measurements on plans, section and elevations
Evidence Requirements
In any assessment of this Outcome all knowledge and/or skills items should be included. Candidates
must provide a satisfactory response to all items.
Candidates will need to provide evidence to demonstrate their knowledge and/or skills by showing
that they can:
i
i
i
explain effectively construction details from contract drawings by use of freehand sketches
prepare freehand sketches appropriate for use in the survey of a building or other structure
enhance the effectiveness of freehand sketches with clear and appropriate annotation
Evidence for the knowledge and/or skills for this outcome will be provided from opportunities offered
by site visits and/or case studies. The candidate is required to explain details of connections, building
elements, and components from general arrangement drawings supplied.
Assessment guidelines
Evidence for the knowledge and skills in this Outcome should be generated over the teaching period
of the Unit and gathered in the form of a portfolio of sketches.
Outcome 3
Produce written records of construction activities
Knowledge and/or skills
i
i
Paper-based forms of recording written site instructions and activities
Non paper-based forms of recording written site instructions and activities
HN Unit (DW4D 34): Construction Technical Communication Skills
4
Higher National Unit specification: statement of standards (cont)
Unit title: Construction Technical Communication Skills
Evidence Requirements
In any assessment of this Outcome all knowledge and/or skills items should be included. Candidates
must provide a satisfactory response to all items.
Candidates will need to provide evidence to demonstrate their knowledge and/or skills by showing
that they can:
i
prepare accurate written site instructions and records of site activities
Questions used to elicit candidate evidence should be take the form of an appropriate balance of short
answer, restricted response and structured questions. Assessments should be conducted under
supervised, controlled conditions.
Assessment guidelines
Evidence for the knowledge and skills in this Outcome could be generated by one supervised open
book assessment.
Structured tasks, based on a locally available construction site scenario, or given case study, might be
used to elicit candidate evidence. For this Outcome, a 60 minute assessment is required.
Outcome 4
Report on construction site activities
Knowledge and/or skills
i
i
Verbal communication
Non-verbal communication
Evidence Requirements
In any assessment of this Outcome all knowledge and/or skills items should be included. Candidates
must provide a satisfactory response to all items.
Candidates will need to provide evidence to demonstrate their knowledge and/or skills by showing
that they can:
i
Satisfactorily communicate in one-to-one and group situations
Evidence for the knowledge and / or skills in this outcome will be generated through participation in
at least one simulated formal meeting and one verbal and one non-verbal role-play scenario.
HN Unit (DW4D 34): Construction Technical Communication Skills
5
Higher National Unit specification: statement of standards (cont)
Unit title: Construction Technical Communication Skills
Assessment guidelines
Candidates must participate in structured activities which may be based on a locally available
construction site scenario, or a given case study, such as that used in Outcome 3.
The meetings/role-play elements should be either observed by the assessor or be recorded using video
recording equipment.
HN Unit (DW4D 34): Construction Technical Communication Skills
6
Administrative Information
Unit code:
DW4D 34
Unit title:
Construction Technical Communication Skills
Superclass category:
TF
Date of publication:
June 2006
Version:
01
Source:
SQA
© Scottish Qualifications Authority 2005
This publication may be reproduced in whole or in part for educational purposes provided that no
profit is derived from reproduction and that, if reproduced in part, the source is acknowledged.
SQA acknowledges the valuable contribution that Scotland’s colleges have made to the development
of Higher National qualifications.
Additional copies of this Unit specification can be purchased from the Scottish Qualifications
Authority. Please contact the Customer Contact Centre for further details, telephone 0845 279 1000.
HN Unit (DW4D 34): Construction Technical Communication Skills
7
Higher National Unit specification: support notes
Unit title: Construction Technical Communication Skills
This part of the Unit specification is offered as guidance. The support notes are not mandatory.
While the exact time allocated to this Unit is at the discretion of the centre, the notional design length
is 40 hours.
Guidance on the content and context for this Unit
This Unit at SCQF level 7 is a mandatory unit within the new HNC and HND Built Environment and
Civil Engineering awards.
In designing this Unit the unit writers have identified the range of topics they would expect to be
covered by lecturers. The writers have also given recommendations as to how much time should be
spent on each outcome. This has been done to help the lecturers decide what depth of treatment
should be given to the topics attached to each of the outcomes. Whilst it is not mandatory for a centre
to use this list of topics, it is strongly recommended that it does so, to ensure continuity of teaching
and learning and because the assessment exemplar pack for this Unit is based on the knowledge
and/or skills listed in each of the outcomes.
The list of topics is given below. Lecturers are advised to study this list of topics in conjunction with
the assessment exemplar pack so that they can get a clear indication of the standard of achievement
expected of candidates in this Unit.
Outcome 1
Communication purpose, method and media (4 hours)
Purpose; Information, News, Understanding, Persuasion, Reassurance, Teaching, Explanation,
Transaction etc
Method: Informal, Formal, Direct, Indirect, Legal etc
Medium: Advertisement, Article, Book, Brochure, Catalogue, email, Letter, Manual, Multimedia,
Newsletter, Notice Board, Press Release, Proposal, Q&A/FAQ’s, Signage, Speech, Task Description,
Video, Web Site etc
Outcome 2
Freehand Sketching Skills (16 hours)
Sketching: Importance of pencil grades, notebooks. Use of parallel lines, drawing lines freehand,
orthographic projection.
Free drawing of geometric shapes: Solids, boxing in, exploded views, alternative viewpoints.
Sketching in perspective: Vanishing points to boxing in lines, bulky and long components and
elements.
HN Unit (DW4D 34): Construction Technical Communication Skills
8
Higher National Unit specification: support notes (cont)
Unit title: Construction Technical Communication Skills
Use of elevations: Situations when convenient, slender components, detailing fixings and finishes.
Sketching plans for surveys: Plans, sections and elevations, conventions for recording measurement,
ties and heights, sufficiency of detail.
Outcome 3
Communicating Written Site instructions and activities (10 hours)
Methods of recording written site instructions and activities:
Paper based: reports, instructions, directions, letters, memorandums, Facsimile.
Non-paper based: e-mail, text, power point presentations, white board presentations, graphical.
Site Diary entries: Resident Engineer, Site Clerk of Works, Site Manager/Agent
Instructions: Site Directives, Architects Instructions.
Site Records: Requisitions, delivery notes, memorandums, work schedules, day-works, statutory
safety pro forma, expenditure, manpower and plant utilisation, materials specifications and data,
weather.
Site progress: Planned progress monitoring system, pouring records, tests.
Site Health and Safety: Handbook, accident book, signage.
As fitted drawings: Services pop ups, servicing routing, ducting, access points, changes in dimensions
and materials.
Outcome 4
Communicating verbal/non verbal site activities and instructions (10 hours)
Methods of verbal/non-verbal communication:
Verbal: face-to-face, meetings, telephone, and video conferencing.
Non-verbal: Facial gestures, hand and body movements.
Chairing and Presentation of information in meetings: Clarity in speaking, speaking with written
reports, speaking with visual aids (eg Power point), reinforcement using diagrams, using positive
body language, tone of voice and speed of delivery, confirmation through feedback from other
members regarding understanding and clarity of information given.
Reporting to a variety of clients/workforce: Importance of information, clarity of speech, correct
choice of language, body language and facial expression, tone of voice and speed of delivery, positive
feedback of understanding.
HN Unit (DW4D 34): Construction Technical Communication Skills
9
Higher National Unit specification: support notes (cont)
Unit title: Construction Technical Communication Skills
Guidance on the delivery and assessment of this Unit
This Unit is designed to provide candidates with ‘soft’ underpinning skills required by competent
technical practitioners who often combine with other disciplines in a project environment. It is
suggested that the unit should be studied early in the first year of the programmes. Local site
construction activities or local case studies are particularly important in raising awareness of the
importance of technical communications within the diverse construction industry. In addition, roleplay; oral presentations, and group work encourage discussions and present opportunities to generate
appropriate evidence to contribute to the assessment of Core Skills units.
Where available, evidence from the workplace can also be incorporated to enhance the learning
outcomes, provided that this evidence is appropriate and authenticated as the student’s own work.
The volume of evidence required for each assessment should take into account the overall number of
assessments being contemplated within this unit and the design of the overall teaching programme.
Although assessments must be focused on the individual achievement of each student, group work
and role-play activities may contribute to the assessment. Integrative assignments and project work
will help to link this unit with other related units.
Opportunities for developing Core Skills
The following grid provides a general guide to opportunities for the development of Core Skills in this
Unit. Opportunities for the development of Core Skills at the output level are more fully identified in
the Core Skills Signposting Guide.
HN Unit (DW4D 34): Construction Technical Communication Skills
10
Higher National Unit specification: support notes (cont)
Unit title: Construction Technical Communication Skills
Core Skill
1 Communication
Reading
Writing
Oral
Outcome
1
Outcome
2
Outcome
3
Outcome
4
Outcome
5
2 Numeracy
Using Number
Using Graphical Information
3 IT
Using Information Technology
4 Problem Solving
Critical Thinking
Planning and Organising
Reviewing and Evaluating
5 Working with Others
Open learning
This Unit could be delivered by distance learning, which may incorporate some degree of on-line
support. However, with regard to assessment, planning would be required by the centre concerned to
ensure the sufficiency and authenticity of candidate evidence. Arrangements would be required to be
put in place to ensure that assessments were conducted under controlled supervised conditions.
For information on normal open learning arrangements, please refer to the SQA guide
Assessment and Quality of Open and Distance Learning (SQA 2000).
Candidates with additional support needs
This Unit specification is intended to ensure that there are no artificial barriers to learning or
assessment. The additional support needs of individual candidates should be taken into account when
planning learning experiences, selecting assessment instruments or considering alternative Outcomes
for Units. For information on these, please refer to the SQA document Guidance on Alternative
Assessment Arrangements for Candidates with Disabilities and/or Additional Support Needs, which is
available on SQA’s website: www.sqa.org.uk.
HN Unit (DW4D 34): Construction Technical Communication Skills
11
General information for candidates
Unit title: Construction Technical Communication Skills
This Unit has been designed to introduce you to technical construction communication methods and
skills. On completion of this unit you should be able to:
1
2
3
4
Understand the various purposes, methods of communications and media available.
Use freehand sketching to communicate and correctly clarify construction technology details.
Produce written records of construction activities.
Report on construction site activities.
Evidence that you can satisfy the knowledge and skill elements of this unit will be obtained by written
assessment, the assembly of a portfolio of explanatory sketches and the participation in oral
presentation of data, in a simulated meeting and conversational role-play element.
HN Unit (DW4D 34): Construction Technical Communication Skills
12
Higher National Unit Specification
General information for centres
Unit title:
Construction Site Surveying A
Unit code: DW5H 34
Unit purpose: This Unit is designed to develop candidate knowledge and skills in the basic
techniques of land surveying — use of plans and maps; instrument work and measurement; areas and
volumes; setting out - for construction purposes.
On completion of the Unit the candidate should be able to:
1
2
3
4
Carry out information gathering from Ordnance Survey plans and site plans to determine coordinates, distances, gradients, bearings and areas.
Carry out a levelling survey and calculate the results to determine contours, sections and
volumes.
Carry out the measurement of angles and distances for survey purposes.
Set out basic construction works in line and level.
Credit points and level: 1 HN Credit at SCQF level 7: (8 SCQF credit points at SCQF level
7*).
*SCQF credit points are used to allocate credit to qualifications in the Scottish Credit and Qualifications
Framework (SCQF). Each qualification in the Framework is allocated a number of SCQF credit points at an
SCQF level. There are 12 SCQF levels, ranging from Access 1 to Doctorates.
Recommended prior knowledge and skills: No specialist prior knowledge or skills are
required by candidates for this Unit. However, prior knowledge and skills in trigonometry and general
map reading would be advantageous.
Core Skills: There are opportunities to develop the Core Skills of Communication, Numeracy,
Problem Solving, and Working with Others in this Unit, although there is no automatic certification of
Core Skills or Core Skills components.
Context for delivery: If this Unit is delivered as part of a Group Award, it is recommended that
it should be taught and assessed within the subject area of the Group Award to which it contributes.
Assessment: It is possible to assess candidates on an individual outcome basis, or by
combinations of outcomes. Assessment should be conducted under supervised conditions. The
assessment(s) of learning outcome 1 should consist of an appropriate balance of short answer,
restricted response and structured questions in open book format. The assessment of learning
outcomes 2, 3 and 4 involves practical field surveys in groups with subsequent work done
individually. It should be noted that candidates must achieve all the minimum evidence specified for
each outcome in order to complete the unit successfully.
HN Unit (DW5H 34): Construction Site Surveying A
1
General information for centres (cont)
Where evidence for outcomes is assessed on a sample basis, the whole of the content listed in the
knowledge and/or skills section must be taught and available for assessment. Candidates should not
know in advance the items on which they will be assessed and different items should be sampled on
each assessment occasion.
The sections of the unit stating outcomes, knowledge and/or skills, and evidence requirements are
mandatory.
An exemplar instrument of assessment and marking guidelines has been produced to provide
examples of the type of evidence required to demonstrate achievement of the aims of this unit and to
indicate the national standard of achievement at SCQF level 7.
HN Unit (DW5H 34): Construction Site Surveying A
2
Higher National Unit specification: statement of standards
Unit title: Construction Site Surveying A
Unit code: DW5H 34
The sections of the Unit stating the Outcomes, knowledge and/or skills, and evidence requirements
are mandatory.
Where evidence for Outcomes is assessed on a sample basis, the whole of the content listed in the
knowledge and/or skills section must be taught and available for assessment. Candidates should not
know in advance the items on which they will be assessed and different items should be sampled on
each assessment occasion.
Throughout the unit emphasis will be placed where appropriate on the application of Health & Safety
and Sustainability. Safe working practices should be looked at in accordance with current safety codes
of practice and regulations. Sustainability should include reference to criteria affecting sustainability,
the impact on the environment of not implementing sustainability, and the legislation promoting
sustainability.
Outcome 1
Carry out information gathering from Ordnance Survey plans and site plans to determine co-ordinates,
distances, gradients, bearings and areas
Knowledge and/or skills
i
i
i
i
i
i
Ordnance Survey co-ordinates and levels
Map and plan scales
Local co-ordinates and levels
Partial co-ordinates
Distances and bearings
Regular and irregular areas
Evidence Requirements
Candidates will need to provide evidence to demonstrate their knowledge and/or skills by showing
that they can:
i
i
i
explain co-ordinate and/or heighting systems.
select appropriate methods of calculation.
calculate distance and/or bearing and/or gradient and/or partial/total co-ordinates and/or areas
from data.
Evidence for the knowledge and/or skills for this Outcome will be provided on a sample basis. In any
assessment of this Outcome, a minimum of four out of six knowledge and/or skills items should be
sampled. In order to ensure that candidates will not be able to foresee which items they will be
questioned on, a different sample of knowledge and/or skills items is required each time the outcome
is assessed. Candidates must provide a satisfactory response in regard to all four knowledge and/or
skills items.
Evidence should be generated through assessment undertaken in controlled supervised conditions.
Assessment should be conducted under open book conditions.
HN Unit (DW5H 34): Construction Site Surveying A
3
Higher National Unit specification: statement of standards (cont)
Unit title: Construction Site Surveying A
Assessment guidelines
Questions used to elicit candidate evidence should take the form of an appropriate balance of short
answer, restricted response and structured questions.
Outcome 2
Carry out a levelling survey and calculate the results to determine contours, sections and volumes
Knowledge and/or skills
i
i
i
i
i
i
OS and temporary benchmarks
Rise and fall method
Collimation method
Booking checks
Contouring and sections
Regular and irregular volumes
Evidence Requirements
Candidates will need to provide evidence to demonstrate their knowledge and/or skills by showing
that they can:
i
i
i
carry out a levelling survey.
calculate reduced levels.
use calculated and/or given levels for plotting and/or volume estimation purposes.
Evidence for the knowledge and/or skills for this Outcome will be provided on a sample basis. In any
assessment of this Outcome, a minimum of four out of six knowledge and/or skills items should be
sampled. In order to ensure that candidates will not be able to foresee which items they will be
questioned on, a different sample of knowledge and/or skills items is required each time the outcome
is assessed. Candidates must provide a satisfactory response in regard to all four knowledge and/or
skills items.
Evidence should be generated in supervised conditions with candidates working in groups to
undertake the fieldwork and individual candidates processing the derived data. Assessment should be
conducted under open book conditions on a continuous basis.
Assessment guidelines
Where group work is involved, each candidate must participate in each aspect of the practical
fieldwork required, exhibiting the required level of competence.
The assessment for this outcome might be combined with those for Outcomes 3 and 4 of this Unit.
HN Unit (DW5H 34): Construction Site Surveying A
4
Higher National Unit specification: statement of standards (cont)
Unit title: Construction Site Surveying A
Outcome 3
Carry out the measurement of angles and distances for survey purposes
Knowledge and/or skills
i
i
i
i
i
Theodolite use
Distance measurements
Linear tape survey
Checking methods
Plotting results to scale
Evidence Requirements
Candidates will need to provide evidence to demonstrate their knowledge and/or skills by showing
that they can:
i
i
i
undertake measurements to an appropriate level of accuracy.
apply appropriate checks.
process and plot results.
Evidence for the knowledge and/or skills for this Outcome will be provided on a sample basis. In any
assessment of this Outcome, a minimum of four out of five knowledge and/or skills items should be
sampled. In order to ensure that candidates will not be able to foresee which items they will be
questioned on, a different sample of knowledge and/or skills items is required each time the outcome
is assessed. Candidates must provide a satisfactory response in regard to all four knowledge and/or
skills items.
Evidence should be generated in supervised conditions with candidates working in groups to
undertake the fieldwork and individual candidates processing the derived data. Assessment should be
conducted under open book conditions on a continuous basis.
Assessment guidelines
Where group work is involved, each candidate must participate in each aspect of the practical
fieldwork required, exhibiting the required level of competence.
The assessment for this outcome might be combined with those for Outcomes 2 and 4 of this Unit.
Outcome 4
Set out basic construction works in line and level
Knowledge and/or skills
i
i
i
i
Determination of setting out data
Setting out points in plan
Setting out levels for construction
Checking methods
HN Unit (DW5H 34): Construction Site Surveying A
5
Higher National Unit specification: statement of standards (cont)
Unit title: Construction Site Surveying A
Evidence Requirements
Candidates will need to provide evidence to demonstrate their knowledge and/or skills by showing
that they can:
i
i
i
select appropriate methods for setting out purposes
set out points to an acceptable level of accuracy
apply appropriate checks
Evidence for the knowledge and/or skills for this Outcome will be provided on a sample basis. In any
assessment of this Outcome, a minimum of three out of four knowledge and/or skills items should be
sampled. In order to ensure that candidates will not be able to foresee which items they will be
questioned on, a different sample of knowledge and/or skills items is required each time the outcome
is assessed. Candidates must provide a satisfactory response in regard to all three knowledge and/or
skills items.
Evidence should be generated in supervised conditions with candidates working in groups to
undertake the fieldwork and individual candidates processing the derived data. Assessment should be
conducted under open book conditions on a continuous basis.
Assessment guidelines
Where group work is involved, each candidate must participate in each aspect of the practical
fieldwork required, exhibiting the required level of competence.
The assessment for this Outcome might be combined with those for Outcomes 2 and 3 of this Unit.
HN Unit (DW5H 34): Construction Site Surveying A
6
Administrative Information
Unit code:
DW5H 34
Unit title:
Construction Site Surveying A
Superclass category:
TC
Date of publication:
June 2006
Version:
01
Source:
SQA
© Scottish Qualifications Authority 2005
This publication may be reproduced in whole or in part for educational purposes provided that no
profit is derived from reproduction and that, if reproduced in part, the source is acknowledged.
SQA acknowledges the valuable contribution that Scotland’s colleges have made to the development
of Higher National qualifications.
Additional copies of this Unit specification can be purchased from the Scottish Qualifications
Authority. Please contact the Customer Contact Centre for further details, telephone 0845 279 1000.
HN Unit (DW5H 34): Construction Site Surveying A
7
Higher National Unit specification: support notes
Unit title: Construction Site Surveying A
This part of the Unit specification is offered as guidance. The support notes are not mandatory.
While the exact time allocated to this Unit is at the discretion of the centre, the notional design length
is 40 hours.
Guidance on the content and context for this Unit
This Unit provides the candidate with the knowledge and skills to carry out basic land surveying
practice, by introducing the candidate to key aspects of: information gathering from existing plans;
the use of a range of standard land surveying equipment; and the calculation of plan making and
setting out data. Attention should be paid in the delivery of this unit to the content of other related
units in the programme. In particular, it should be noted that candidates in some programmes would
be progressing to the unit entitled Construction Site Surveying B.
Recommended class time allocations to each outcome are given as guidance towards the depth of
treatment that might be applied to each topic. This guidance has been used in the design of the
assessment exemplar material for this Unit.
1
Information from plans to determine co-ordinates, distances, gradients, bearings
and areas (9 hours)
Ordnance Survey (OS) co-ordinates and level: origin and orientation of OS national grid; OS
and other datums; derivation of co-ordinates from plans; standard symbols; paper and electronic
media.
Map and plan scales: the meaning of scale; available OS plan scales; suitable scales for
construction survey plans.
Local co-ordinates and levels: site grids and appropriate deviations from OS levelling datum.
Partial co-ordinates: definitions of partial eastings and northings; relationship to total coordinates distances and bearings.
Distances and bearings: calculation of distances from end co-ordinates; whole circle and other
expressions of bearing; determination of bearings from co-ordinates and vice-versa.
Regular and irregular areas: calculation of areas enclosed by straight lines (counting squares,
triangles, by co-ordinates); planimeter; trapezium rule; Simpson’s rule.
2
Levelling survey, contours, sections and volumes (13 hours)
OS and temporary benchmarks: purpose; recognition of OS benchmarks; suitable location
for temporary benchmarks; expected accuracy.
Rise and fall method: procedures (including safety criteria); booking; change points;
backsights, foresights and intermediate sights; sources of error.
Collimation method: procedures (including safety criteria); booking; change points;
backsights, foresights and intermediate sights; sources of error.
HN Unit (DW5H 34): Construction Site Surveying A
8
Higher National Unit specification: support notes (cont)
Unit title: Construction Site Surveying A
Booking checks: arithmetic checks on the booking of levelling data; recognition of error.
Contouring and sections: definition of contours; interpolation and plotting of contours from
level data; profiles; cross-sections; formation width and cross-sectional area.
Regular and irregular volumes: common shapes; calculation from spot height data; mean
area rule; trapezoidal rule; Simpson’s rule.
3
Measurement of angles and distances for survey purposes. (10 hours)
Theodolite use: angular scales; selection of suitable stations (including safety criteria);
measurement of vertical angles; measurement of horizontal angles; booking of angular
measurements; expected accuracy.
Distance measurements: measurement by tape; optical measurement; electromagnetic distance
measurement; horizontal, vertical and slope distances; expected accuracies.
Linear tape survey: choice of survey lines; offsets; booking procedures; expected accuracies;
temp and tape tension.
Checking methods: error sources; check lines in tape surveys; angular checks; repetition.
Plotting results to scale: plotting methods for angular and distance surveys; suitable scales;
paper and electronic media.
4
Setting out basic construction works in line and level (8 hours)
Determination of setting out data: compilation of co-ordinate data or angle and distance data
for setting out construction components in plan; compilation of levelling data for setting out
components such as drains or road levels.
Setting out points in plan: methods of fixing orientation and distance to acceptable accuracy;
marking of points for construction control.
Setting out levels for construction: erection of profiles at suitable height above finished level.
Checking methods: checking as work proceeds; final checks on position and level.
Guidance on the delivery and assessment of this Unit
This Unit provides the candidate with the knowledge and understanding of the basic processes in land
surveying for construction purposes. Attention should be paid in the delivery of this Unit to the
content of the other units in the programme(s), especially those related to measurement and, in
particular, Construction Site Surveying B.
HN Unit (DW5H 34): Construction Site Surveying A
9
Higher National Unit specification: support notes (cont)
Unit title: Construction Site Surveying A
The opportunity to provide evidence of the achievement of a range of key skills will feature strongly
in both formative and summative assessments. Since this unit links with others in the built
environment and civil engineering programmes, it should be studied in the first year of a two-year
programme. Case studies could usefully be employed to illustrate the practical working context of the
material delivered. This might involve practitioners to deal with some aspects of the content or site
visits where these are possible. In addition, where the centre has access to land surveying software,
this might be used to allow a broader application of the concepts.
Candidates will work in groups for the fieldwork sections of this unit but would normally work
individually in other parts of the unit. Candidates should be encouraged to participate in discussion in
relation to their own studies or experiences. Assessment may be formative and summative and both
may feature as part of the process. Although assessment must be focussed on the individual
achievement of each candidate, group work will contribute as appropriate. Integrative project work
might assist in linking this unit with other related units. Appropriate attention must be given to health
and safety arrangements in relation to the topics covered.
The volume of evidence required for each outcome should take into account the overall number of
assessments being contemplated within this unit and the design of the overall delivery programme. In
designing the assessment instrument(s) opportunities should be taken to generate appropriate evidence
to contribute to the development of core skills elements.
Where available, evidence from the workplace can also be incorporated to enhance the learning
outcomes, provided that such evidence is appropriate and authenticated as the candidate’s own work.
Opportunities for developing Core Skills
Opportunities for the development of Core Skills at the output level are more fully identified in the
Core Skills Signposting Guide. The grid below is indicative of the opportunities for core skills
development within this Unit.
HN Unit (DW5H 34): Construction Site Surveying A
10
Higher National Unit specification: support notes (cont)
Unit title: Construction Site Surveying A
Core Skill
Outcome 1
Outcome 2
Outcome 3
Outcome 4
4 Problem Solving
Critical Thinking
Planning and Organising
Reviewing and Evaluating
5 Working with Others
1 Communication
Reading
Writing
Oral
2 Numeracy
Using Number
Using Graphical Information
3 IT
Using Information Technology
Open learning
Where appropriate materials exist, this Unit could be delivered by distance learning, which may
incorporate some degree of online support. However, with regard to assessment, planning would be
required by the centre concerned to ensure the sufficiency and authenticity of candidate evidence.
Arrangements would need to be put in place to ensure that assessments were conducted under
controlled supervised conditions.
As a result of the practical nature of much of this Unit, it may not be suitable for open learning.
Candidates with additional support needs
This Unit specification is intended to ensure that there are no artificial barriers to learning or
assessment. The additional support needs of individual candidates should be taken into account when
planning learning experiences, selecting assessment instruments or considering alternative Outcomes
for Units. For information on these, please refer to the SQA document Guidance on Alternative
Assessment Arrangements for Candidates with Disabilities and/or Additional Support Needs, which is
available on SQA’s website: www.sqa.org.uk.
HN Unit (DW5H 34): Construction Site Surveying A
11
General information for candidates
Unit title: Construction Site Surveying A
On completion of the Unit you should be able to:
1
2
3
4
Carry out information gathering from Ordnance Survey plans and site plans to determine coordinates, distances, gradients, bearings and areas.
Carry out a levelling survey and calculate the results to determine contours, sections and
volumes.
Carry out the measurement of angles and distances for survey purposes.
Set out basic construction works in line and level.
Evidence that you can satisfy the knowledge and skill elements of this Unit will be obtained by
assessment in controlled supervised conditions in an open book context (Outcome 1) and from
fieldwork with individual processing of information (Outcomes 2, 3 and 4).
HN Unit (DW5H 34): Construction Site Surveying A
12
Higher National Unit Specification
General information for centres
Unit title:
Construction Materials and Specification
Unit code: DW53 34
Unit purpose: This Unit seeks to provide the candidate with knowledge and understanding of the
properties and the manufacturing process of common construction materials, the laboratory testing of
materials and the specification of materials.
On completion of the Unit the candidate should be able to:
1
2
3
Describe the manufacture and the properties of construction materials.
Describe and carry out laboratory tests on construction materials and prepare reports.
Prepare sample specifications for construction materials.
Credit points and level: 1 HN Credit at SCQF level 7: (8 SCQF credit points at SCQF level
7*).
*SCQF credit points are used to allocate credit to qualifications in the Scottish Credit and Qualifications
Framework (SCQF). Each qualification in the Framework is allocated a number of SCQF credit points at an
SCQF level. There are 12 SCQF levels, ranging from Access 1 to Doctorates.
Recommended prior knowledge and skills: It would be an advantage for candidates to
have a basic knowledge and understanding of construction materials, although this is not essential
because the Unit covers all the basic principles. Possession of basic knowledge and understanding
may be evidenced by possession of a Higher in building and architectural technology, construction, or
architectural technology.
Core Skills: There are opportunities to develop the Core Skill(s) of Communication, Problem
Solving, Working with Others, in this Unit, although there is no automatic certification of Core Skills
or Core Skills components.
Context for delivery: If this Unit is delivered as part of a Group Award, it is recommended that
it should be taught and assessed within the subject area of the Group Award to which it contributes.
Assessment: It is possible to assess candidates either on an individual Outcome basis,
combinations of Outcomes or by a single holistic assessment combining all Outcomes. The
assessment paper/s should be composed of an appropriate balance of short answer, restricted response
and structured questions. Assessment should be conducted under supervised, controlled conditions. A
single assessment covering all outcomes should not exceed two hours in duration. It should be noted
that candidates must achieve all the minimum evidence specified for each Outcome in order to pass
this Unit.
HN Unit (DW53 34): Construction Materials and Specification
1
General information for centres (cont)
It is recommended that:
Outcome 1 be a written task which the candidate shall undertake in controlled supervised conditions.
Outcome 2 be a series of practical laboratory tasks combined with written reports which the candidate
shall undertake in controlled supervised conditions.
Outcome 3 be one assessment paper covering the content of the Outcome and lasting one and half
hours duration and be carried out under supervised controlled conditions.
An exemplar instrument of assessment and marking guidelines has been produced to provide
examples of the type of evidence required to demonstrate achievement of the aims of the Unit and to
indicate the national standard of achievement at SCQF level 7.
HN Unit (DW53 34): Construction Materials and Specification
2
Higher National Unit specification: statement of standards
Unit title: Construction Materials and Specification
Unit code: DW53 34
The sections of the Unit stating the Outcomes, knowledge and/or skills, and evidence requirements
are mandatory.
Where evidence for Outcomes is assessed on a sample basis, the whole of the content listed in the
knowledge and/or skills section must be taught and available for assessment. Candidates should not
know in advance the items on which they will be assessed and different items should be sampled on
each assessment occasion.
Throughout this unit emphasis will be placed where appropriate on the application of Health and
Safety and Sustainability. Safe working practices should be looked at in accordance with current
safety codes of practice and regulations. Sustainability should include reference to criteria affecting
sustainability, impact of not implementing sustainability on the environment and the legislation
promoting sustainability.
Outcome 1
Describe the manufacture and the properties of construction materials
Knowledge and/or skills
i
i
i
i
Manufacturing process for a range of construction materials
Properties of construction materials
Sources of raw materials
Quality control procedures
Evidence Requirements
Evidence for the knowledge and /or skills in this Outcome will be provided on a sample basis. The
evidence may be presented in responses to specific questions. Each candidate will need to
demonstrate that she/he can answer correctly questions based on a sample of the items shown above.
In any assessment of this Outcome two out of four knowledge and/or skills items should be sampled.
In order to ensure that candidates will not be able to foresee what items they will be questioned on, a
different range of materials should be sampled each time the Outcome is assessed. Candidates must
provide a satisfactory response to all items being assessed.
Where sampling takes place, a candidate's response can be judged to be satisfactory where evidence
provided is sufficient to meet the requirements for each item.
Candidates will require evidence to demonstrate their knowledge and/or skills as noted below:
i
describe the production of construction materials
HN Unit (DW53 34): Construction Materials and Specification
3
Higher National Unit specification: statement of standards (cont)
Unit title: Construction Materials and Specification
Assessment guidelines
It is recommended that this assessment is a maximum of three hours duration and is carried out under
controlled supervised conditions. The candidates may have access to a computer or library for
information retrieval.
Outcome 2
Describe and carry out laboratory tests on construction materials and prepare reports
Knowledge and/or skills
i
i
i
Describe laboratory tests carried out on materials
Undertake laboratory tests on materials
Prepare a laboratory report
Evidence Requirements
All the knowledge and/or skills shall be assessed based on a minimum of four laboratory experiments.
A candidate's response can be judged to be satisfactory where the evidence provided is sufficient to
meet the requirements by showing that the candidate is able to:
i
i
i
describe laboratory tests carried out on a range of materials
undertake laboratory tests on a range of materials
laboratory reports are prepared correctly
Assessment guidelines
Candidates will undertake a minimum of four laboratory tests covering at least three construction
materials in which they will describe the test procedure, carry out the tests and prepare laboratory
reports.
A list of possible tests on materials is given in the support notes of this Unit specification. Centres
may decide which tests to undertake depending on the resources available.
Centres may undertake a test which is not on the list supplied in the support notes, provided the test is
in common use throughout the construction industry and that a current standard is published for the
test.
The tests and preparation of the reports should be undertaken under controlled supervised conditions.
Outcome 3
Prepare sample specifications for construction materials
HN Unit (DW53 34): Construction Materials and Specification
4
Higher National Unit specification: statement of standards (cont)
Unit title: Construction Materials and Specification
Knowledge and/or skills
i
i
i
Specification of concrete
Specification of timber
Specification of mortar
Evidence Requirements
Evidence for the knowledge and/or skills in this Outcome will be provided on a sample basis. The
evidence may be presented in responses to specific questions. Each candidate will need to
demonstrate that she/he can answer correctly questions based on a sample of the items shown above.
In any assessment of this Outcome two out of three knowledge and/or skills items should be
sampled.
In order to ensure that candidates will not be able to foresee what items they will be questioned on, a
different sample of two out of the three knowledge and/or skills items is required each time the
Outcome is assessed. Candidates must provide a satisfactory response to all items to be assessed.
Where an item is sampled, a candidate's response can be judged to be satisfactory where the evidence
provided is sufficient to meet the requirements for each item by showing that the candidate is able to:
i
specify correctly materials for a given situation
Assessment guidelines
The assessment of this Outcome should be a single assessment question paper. The assessment event
should last one and a half hours and be carried out under supervised controlled conditions.
HN Unit (DW53 34): Construction Materials and Specification
5
Administrative Information
Unit code:
DW53 34
Unit title:
Construction Materials and Specification
Superclass category:
TE
Date of publication:
June 2006
Version:
01
Source:
SQA
© Scottish Qualifications Authority 2005
This publication may be reproduced in whole or in part for educational purposes provided that no
profit is derived from reproduction and that, if reproduced in part, the source is acknowledged.
SQA acknowledges the valuable contribution that Scotland’s colleges have made to the development
of Higher National qualifications.
Additional copies of this Unit specification can be purchased from the Scottish Qualifications
Authority. Please contact the Customer Contact Centre for further details, telephone 0845 279 1000.
HN Unit (DW53 34): Construction Materials and Specification
6
Higher National Unit specification: support notes
Unit title: Construction Materials and Specification
This part of the Unit specification is offered as guidance. The support notes are not mandatory.
While the exact time allocated to this Unit is at the discretion of the centre, the notional design length
is 40 hours.
Guidance on the content and context for this Unit
This Unit has been written in order to allow candidates to develop knowledge, understanding and
skills in the following areas:
i
i
i
describing the manufacture and the properties of construction materials
describing and carrying out laboratory tests on construction materials and prepare reports
preparing sample specifications for construction materials
This Unit at SCQF level 7 is a mandatory unit within all HNC and HND Built Environment awards
and HND Civil Engineering award.
In designing this Unit the writers have identified the range of topics they would expect to be covered
by lecturers. The writers have also given recommendations as to how much time should be spent on
each outcome. This has been done to help lecturers to decide what depth of treatment should be given
to the topics attached to each of the outcomes. Whilst it is not mandatory for a centre to use this list of
topics it is strongly recommended that it does so because the assessment exemplar pack for this Unit
is based on the knowledge and/or skills and list of topics in each of the Outcomes.
The list of topics is given below. Lecturers/tutors are advised to study this list of topics in conjunction
with the assessment exemplar pack so that they can get a clear indication of the standard of
achievement expected of candidates in this Unit.
1
Describe the manufacture and the properties of building materials. (12 hours)
This Outcome covers the manufacturing processes associated with a range of construction
materials and the properties of such materials which has a bearing on their performance. Use
should be made of published performance data.
Building materials to be covered should include:
Cement:
i
i
i
Portland cement (including white cement and high early strength cement)
Sulphate Resisting Portland cement.
mention that many other cements are available such as low heat Portland Cement and fly
ash cements
Aggregates
Concrete (in-situ and precast)
Bricks (clay, concrete and calcium silicate)
Blocks (lightweight and dense)
HN Unit (DW53 34): Construction Materials and Specification
7
Higher National Unit specification: support notes (cont)
Unit title: Construction Materials and Specification
Timber, including timber products such as:
i
Structural timber composites: Glued laminated timber (Glulam), Laminated Veneer
Lumber (lvl)
i
Wood-based panels: Plywood, Oriented Strand Board, (OSB) Wood chipboard, Fibre
board, Cement-bonded particleboards
Steel/Aluminium/Lead/Copper/Zinc etc
Plastic
Insulation materials: (cork, foam glass, mineral wool, rigid polyisocyanurate foam boards,
extruding foamed polystyrene, rigid phenolic insulation)
Bitumen
Asphalt
Properties should include: strength, durability, appearance, water resistance, fire resistance,
thermal resistance and movement.
Quality control procedures should be stressed.
2
Describe and carry out laboratory tests on building materials and prepare reports.
(12 hours)
This Outcome is designed to allow candidates to identify relevant current standards for the
testing of materials and to use the procedures described in these standards to undertake a series
of material tests in a laboratory.
Candidates may refer to a computer database for information retrieval of the relevant standards
for the laboratory test being undertaken.
Material Tests
Fresh Concrete:
i
slump test
i
vebe test
i
flow table test
i
degree of compactability (test)
Hardened concrete:
i
testing cubes
i
rebound hammer (Schmidt hammer)
i
electromagnetic covermeter
i
ultrasonic test
Cement:
i
determination of setting times and soundness (using Vicat apparatus)
i
determination of strength (mortar prism)
HN Unit (DW53 34): Construction Materials and Specification
8
Higher National Unit specification: support notes (cont)
Unit title: Construction Materials and Specification
Aggregates:
i
sieve analysis
i
moisture content
Masonry Units:
i
clay masonry units
i
assessment of dimensional deviation
Timber:
i
assessment of moisture content using the oven-drying method
Metallic materials:
i
tensile testing at ambient temperature
All tests must be carried out in accordance with current standards.
Candidates will undertake a minimum of four laboratory tests covering at least three
construction materials in which they will describe the test procedure, carry out the test and
prepare a laboratory report. It is recommended that at least two of the tests should be carried
out on concrete.
For each test, the precise requirements of the test must be covered to completion of the test.
The assessment for this Outcome will be carried out both in the laboratory and in a classroom
writing up the reports. This should be done under controlled supervised conditions.
3
Prepare sample specifications for materials. (9 hours)
This Outcome concentrates on the appropriate specification of three materials: concrete, timber
and mortar in accordance with current standards and which will require some explanation in
class.
Specifications may be prepared in a format similar to the National Building Specification
(NBS). It would be useful if candidates had access to this library of specifications clauses
either in electronic format or from a library.
Concrete: The approaches to the specification of concrete in accordance with current
standards should be covered, they are:
i
designated concretes
i
designed concretes
i
prescribed concretes
i
standardised prescribed concretes
i
proprietary concretes
It is intended that this should be a brief introduction covering the five approaches to the
specification of concrete; however lecturers shall decide the depth of treatment required which
may depend on the award programme.
HN Unit (DW53 34): Construction Materials and Specification
9
Higher National Unit specification: support notes (cont)
Unit title: Construction Materials and Specification
It is not intended that any depth is given to designed mixes which is a specialist area but
lecturers should explain the use of designated concretes and standardised prescribed concretes
which are in common use.
Timber: The approaches to the specification of timber should be covered. This should include
situations where timber species is not important but strength grade/strength class and treatment
may be, for example, for floor joists spanning a given distance. In other situations such as in
exposed roof trusses timber species will be important.
Therefore, timber species, strength grade/strength class, preservation/treatment, moisture
content should be covered.
Mortar: The specification of mortar, including the difference cement types that may be used,
the specification of fine aggregate, plasticiser, hydraulic lime and water. The specification of
mix designations in accordance with current standards should also be covered.
Unit Assessment (7 hours total)
This takes the form of three different assessments, one covering the content of Outcome 1, one
covering the content of Outcome 2 and finally one assessment paper covering the content of
Outcome 3 and lasting one and half hours duration and be carried out under supervised
controlled conditions.
The time duration allocated to Outcome 2 will vary depending on what tests are undertaken and
the number of laboratory sessions included. For example, cube testing concrete will require
visits to test cubes at 7 and 28 days after the cube has been produced to carry out tests in
accordance with current standards.
Guidance on the delivery and assessment of this Unit
Where this Unit is incorporated into other group awards it is recommended that it be delivered in the
context of the specific occupational area(s) that the award is designed to cover.
Details on approaches to assessment are given under Evidence Requirements and Assessment
guidelines under each Outcome in the Higher National Unit specification: statement of standards
section. It is recommended that these sections be read carefully before proceeding with assessment of
candidates.
Work may be undertaken in groups. However, planning would be required by the centre to ensure the
sufficiency and authenticity of candidate evidence.
Where available, evidence from the workplace can also be incorporated to enhance the learning
outcomes, provided that this evidence is appropriate and authenticated as the student’s own work.
HN Unit (DW53 34): Construction Materials and Specification
10
Higher National Unit specification: support notes (cont)
Unit title: Construction Materials and Specification
Opportunities for developing Core Skills
The following grid provides a general guide to opportunities for the development of Core Skills in this
Unit. Opportunities for the development of Core Skills at the output level are more fully identified in
the Core Skills Signposting Guide.
Core Skill
Outcome
1
Outcome
2
Outcome
3
Outcome
4
Outcome
5
1 Communication
Reading
Writing
Oral
2 Numeracy
Using Number
Using Graphical Information
3 IT
Using Information Technology
4 Problem Solving
Critical Thinking
Planning and Organising
Reviewing and Evaluating
5 Working with Others
Open learning
This Unit could be delivered by distance learning, which may incorporate some degree of on-line
support. However, with regard to assessment, planning would be required by the centre concerned to
ensure the sufficiency and authenticity of candidate evidence. Arrangement would be required to be
put in place to ensure that the assessment, which is required to be at a single event, was conducted
under controlled, supervised conditions.
For information on normal open learning arrangements, please refer to the SQA guide Assessment and
Quality Assurance of Open and Distance Learning (SQA 2000).
HN Unit (DW53 34): Construction Materials and Specification
11
Higher National Unit specification: support notes (cont)
Unit title: Construction Materials and Specification
Candidates with additional support needs
This Unit specification is intended to ensure that there are no artificial barriers to learning or
assessment. The additional support needs of individual candidates should be taken into account when
planning learning experiences, selecting assessment instruments or considering alternative Outcomes
for Units. For information on these, please refer to the SQA document Guidance on Alternative
Assessment Arrangements for Candidates with Disabilities and/or Additional Support Needs, which is
available on the SQA website www.sqa.org.uk.
HN Unit (DW53 34): Construction Materials and Specification
12
General information for candidates
Unit title: Construction Materials and Specification
This Unit has been designed to allow you to develop knowledge, understanding and skills in the
properties and manufacturing process of common construction materials, the laboratory testing of
materials and the specification of materials.
Outcome 1
In this Outcome you will learn how various building materials are manufactured and the properties of
such materials which has a bearing on their performance.
Outcome 2
In this Unit you will carry out a minimum of four laboratory tests on common construction materials
and write up the reports.
Outcome 3
In this Outcome you will gain knowledge in how to write a specification for two common materials.
Assessment
This takes the form of three different assessments, one covering the content of Outcome 1, one
covering the content of Outcome 2 to be carried out under supervised controlled conditions and
finally one assessment paper covering the content of Outcome 3 and lasting one and half hours
duration and be carried out under supervised controlled conditions.
HN Unit (DW53 34): Construction Materials and Specification
13
Higher National Unit Specification
General information for centres
Unit title:
Construction Industry: An Introduction
Unit code: DW41 34
Unit purpose: This Unit is designed to enable candidates to gain knowledge and understanding of
the structure of the construction industry, influences on the development process and career
opportunities for professionals.
On completion of the Unit candidates should be able to:
1
2
3
4
Describe the sectors within the Construction Industry and the Job functions, Professional Bodies
and Career Opportunities within it.
Describe the traditional development process from inception to completion and handover.
Describe the environmental impact of construction work and how this may be controlled by the
planning system.
Discuss the fundamental elements of Facilities Management.
Credit points and level: 1 HN Credit at SCQF level 7: (8 SCQF credit points at SCQF level
7*)
*SCQF credit points are used to allocate credit to qualifications in the Scottish Credit and Qualifications
Framework (SCQF). Each qualification in the Framework is allocated a number of SCQF credit points at an
SCQF level. There are 12 SCQF levels, ranging from Access 1 to Doctorates.
Recommended prior knowledge and skills: It would be an advantage for candidates to
have a basic knowledge and understanding of the construction industry and development process,
although this is not essential as the Unit covers all the basic principles. Such knowledge and skills
could be evidenced by the possession of an appropriate NC or NQ award.
Core Skills: There are opportunities to develop the Core Skill of Communication in this Unit,
although there is no automatic certification of Core Skills or Core Skills components.
Context for delivery: If this Unit is delivered as part of a Group Award, it is recommended that
it should be taught and assessed within the subject area of the Group Award to which it contributes.
HN Unit (DW41 34): Construction Industry: An Introduction
1
General information for centres (cont)
Assessment: It is possible to assess candidates either on an individual Outcome basis,
combinations of Outcomes or by a single holistic assessment combining all Outcomes. The
assessment paper/s should be composed of an appropriate balance of short answer, restricted response
and structured questions. Assessment covering all Outcomes should not exceed 2 hours in duration. It
should be noted that candidates must achieve all minimum evidence specified for each Outcome in
order to pass this Unit.
Where evidence for Outcomes is assessed on a sample basis, the whole of the content listed in the
knowledge and/or skills section must be taught and available for assessment. Candidates should not
know in advance the items on which they will be assessed and different items should be sampled on
each assessment occasion.
The assessment for Outcomes 1, 2 and 4 in this unit may be combined together into one assessment
paper. This paper could be taken by candidates at one single assessment event lasting 1.5 hours. The
assessment paper may be composed of a suitable balance of short answer, restricted response and
structured questions. This type of assessment will be conducted under controlled supervised
conditions.
The assessment for Outcome 3 should take the form of questions which will take the form of self
directed study response to an assignment based assessment paper.
An exemplar instrument of assessment and marking guidelines have been produced to provide an
example of the type of evidence required to demonstrate achievement of the aims of this Unit and to
indicate the national standard of achievement at SCQF level 7.
HN Unit (DW41 34): Construction Industry: An Introduction
2
Higher National Unit specification: statement of standards
Unit title:
Construction Industry: An Introduction
Unit code: DW41 34
The sections of the Unit stating the Outcomes, knowledge and/or skills, and Evidence Requirements
are mandatory.
Where evidence for Outcomes is assessed on a sample basis, the whole of the content listed in the
knowledge and/or skills section must be taught and available for assessment. Candidates should not
know in advance the items on which they will be assessed and different items should be sampled on
each assessment occasion.
Outcome 1
Describe the sectors within the Construction Industry, the Job functions, Professional Bodies and
Career Opportunities within it
Knowledge and/or skills
i
Sectors:
— Public Sector
— Private Sector
— Housing, Industrial
— Commercial
— Civil engineering
— Repair and maintenance
— Demolition
i
Functions and career opportunities within the Construction Industry:
— Planning
— Designing
— Costing
— Producing
— Controlling
Evidence Requirements
Candidates will need to provide evidence to demonstrate their knowledge and/or skills by showing
that they can:
i
identify and describe sectors, functions and career opportunities within the Construction Industry
Evidence for the knowledge and/or skills for this Outcome will be provided on a sample basis. In any
assessment a minimum of three knowledge and/or skills items from each of the two major areas
should be sampled. In order to ensure that candidates will not be able to foresee what items they will
be questioned on, a different sample of knowledge/skill items is required each time the Outcome is
assessed. Candidates must provide a satisfactory response to all six items.
HN Unit (DW41 34): Construction Industry: An Introduction
3
Higher National Unit specification: statement of standards (cont)
Unit title:
Construction Industry: An Introduction
Evidence should be generated through assessment undertaken in controlled, supervised conditions.
Assessments should be conducted under closed/open-book conditions and as such candidates should
be allowed/not allowed to bring textbooks, handouts or notes to the assessment.
Assessment guidelines
Questions used to elicit candidate evidence may take the form of an appropriate balance of short
answer, restricted response and structured questions.
The assessment for this Outcome could be combined with that of Outcome 2 to form a single
assessment paper.
Outcome 2
Describe the development process from inception to completion and handover
Knowledge and/or skills
i
i
i
Stages of work using the RIBA Plan of Work as a guide, from inception to completion and
Handover
Typical members of a design team including the type of co-operation and relationships found
there in
Methods of procurement
Evidence Requirements
Candidates will need evidence to demonstrate their knowledge and / or skills by showing that they
can:
i
describe stages of a development process from inception to completion and handover
Evidence for the knowledge and/skills for this Outcome will be provided on a sample basis. In any
assessment of this Outcome a minimum of two out of three knowledge and/or skills items should be
sampled. In order to ensure that candidates will not be able to foresee what items they will be
questioned on, a different sample of knowledge/skill items is required each time the Outcome is
assessed. Candidates must provide a satisfactory response to both items.
Assessment guidelines
Questions used to elicit candidate evidence may take the form of an appropriate balance of short
answer, restricted response and structured questions.
The assessment for this Outcome could be combined with that of Outcome 1 to form a single
assessment paper.
HN Unit (DW41 34): Construction Industry: An Introduction
4
Higher National Unit specification: statement of standards (cont)
Unit title:
Construction Industry: An Introduction
Outcome 3
Describe the environmental impact of construction work and how this may be controlled by the
planning system
Knowledge and/or skills
i
i
i
Planning Permission
Environmental assessment relating to the above application
Town and Country Planning system.
Evidence Requirements
In any assessment of this Outcome all knowledge and/or skills items should be included.
Candidates must provide a satisfactory response to all items.
Candidates will need evidence to demonstrate their knowledge and/or skills by showing that they can:
i
describe how the planning system controls the environmental impact of construction work
Evidence for the knowledge and / or skills in this Outcome will be generated through assessment
undertaken as an assignment based self-directed study project. Candidates must provide evidence of
up to date personal research. A candidates response can be judged to be satisfactory when all items to
be considered within the assignment are fully researched, reported on and presented in a logical
project format.
Assessment guidelines
Questions used to elicit candidate evidence should take the form of either a scenario based research
topic or structured questions which will generate self directed study response to an assignment based
assessment paper.
Outcome 4
Discuss the fundamental elements of Facilities Management
Knowledge and/or skills
i
i
i
i
Role of the Facilities Manager
Property and premises management
People, processes and the workplace
Legislation and statutory compliance
HN Unit (DW41 34): Construction Industry: An Introduction
5
Higher National Unit specification: statement of standards (cont)
Unit title:
Construction Industry: An Introduction
Evidence Requirements
Candidates will need evidence to demonstrate their knowledge and/or skills by showing that they can:
i
identify and explain fundamental elements of Facilities Management
Evidence for the knowledge and/or skills in this Outcome will be provided on a sample basis. In any
assessment of this Outcome two out of four knowledge and/or skills items is required each time the
Outcome is assessed. Candidates must provide a satisfactory response to both items.
In order to ensure the candidate will not be able to foresee what items they will be questioned on, a
different sample of two out of four knowledge and/or skills items is required each time the Outcome
is assessed.
Assessment guidelines
Questions used to elicit candidate evidence should take the form of an appropriate balance of short
answer, restricted response and structured questions.
The assessment for this Outcome will be a single assessment paper. The assessment event should be
carried out under open-book, supervised and controlled conditions.
HN Unit (DW41 34): Construction Industry: An Introduction
6
Administrative Information
Unit code:
DW41 34
Unit title:
Construction Industry: An Introduction
Superclass category:
TE
Date of publication:
June 2006
Version:
01
Source:
SQA
© Scottish Qualifications Authority 2005
This publication may be reproduced in whole or in part for educational purposes provided that no
profit is derived from reproduction and that, if reproduced in part, the source is acknowledged.
SQA acknowledges the valuable contribution that Scotland’s colleges have made to the development
of Higher National qualifications.
Additional copies of this Unit specification can be purchased from the Scottish Qualifications
Authority. Please contact the Customer Contact Centre for further details, telephone 0845 279 1000.
HN Unit (DW41 34): Construction Industry: An Introduction
7
Higher National Unit specification: support notes
Unit title:
Construction Industry: An Introduction
This part of the Unit specification is offered as guidance. The support notes are not mandatory.
While the exact time allocated to this Unit is at the discretion of the centre, the notional design length
is 40 hours.
Guidance on the content and context for this Unit
This Unit has been written to allow candidates to develop knowledge, understanding and skills in the
following areas:
i
i
i
i
the sectors within the Construction Industry and the Job functions, Professional Bodies and
Career Opportunities within it
the traditional development process from inception to completion and handover
describe the environmental impact of construction work and how this may be controlled by the
planning system
the roles and responsibilities of a Facilities Manager in managing property and premises within
the related legislative framework
This Unit at SCQF level 7 is a mandatory Unit within the new HNC and HND Built Environment
awards.
In designing this Unit the Unit writers have identified the range of topics they would expect to be
covered by lecturers. The writers have also given recommendations as to how much time should be
spent on each Outcome. This has been done to help the lecturers decide what depth of treatment
should be given to the topics attached to each of the Outcomes. Whilst it is not mandatory for a centre
to use this list of topics, it is strongly recommended that it does so, to ensure continuity of teaching
and learning and because the assessment exemplar pack for this Unit is based on the knowledge
and/or skills listed in each of the Outcomes.
The list of topics is given below. Lecturers are advised to study this list of topics in conjunction with
the assessment exemplar pack so that they can get a clear indication of the standard of achievement
expected of candidates in this Unit.
Outcome 1 (6 hours)
This Outcome should introduce candidates to:
The sectors within the Construction Industry and the Job functions, Professional Bodies and Career
Opportunities within it.
HN Unit (DW41 34): Construction Industry: An Introduction
8
Higher National Unit specification: support notes (cont)
Unit title:
Construction Industry: An Introduction
i
Sectors:
— Public Sector
— Private Sector
— Housing
— Industrial
— Commercial
— Civil engineering
— Repair and maintenance
— Demolition
i
Functions within the Construction Industry:
— Planning
— Designing
— Costing
— Producing
— Controlling
i
Career opportunities within the Construction Industry:
— Professional
— Technician
— Building Crafts
— Building Operatives
Outcome 2 (10 hours)
This Outcome should introduce candidates to:
The traditional development process from inception to completion and handover.
i
Stages of work as per the RIBA Plan of Work:
— Inception to completion and Handover
i
Typical members of a design team:
— Client: Individual
Property Development Company
Large conglomerate company
Partnership Company
— Professionals: Architect
Surveyors
Engineers
Chartered Builder (main contractor)
HN Unit (DW41 34): Construction Industry: An Introduction
9
Higher National Unit specification: support notes (cont)
Unit title:
i
Construction Industry: An Introduction
Methods of procurement:
— Traditional
— Management
— Design and Build
— Partnering
Outcome 3 (10 hours)
This Outcome should provide candidates with knowledge of how:
The process of development is undertaken in terms of the Town and Country Planning system and
how environmental impact from construction work is controlled.
i
Town and Country Planning:
— Planning Legislation
— Local Plan’s
— Planning applications
i
Environmental impact from construction work:
— Direct impact
— Indirect impact
— Conservation
— Sustainable development
— Recycling of materials
— Pollution
— Manufacturing Processes
Outcome 4 (10 hours)
This Outcome should provide candidates with knowledge of:
Discuss the fundamental elements of Facilities Management. (10 hours)
i
Property assets and premises management will be explained as will the role and responsibilities
of the Facilities Manager in relation to the business. Competences will be explained including
people and financial management, together with obligations to ensure statutory compliance in
property, contract and employment law.
Guidance on the delivery and assessment of this Unit
As this Unit provides core Construction Industry skills which underpins much of the studies done in
other areas of the HNC and HND Build Environment awards it is recommended that the Unit be
delivered towards the start of these awards.
The Unit can be most productively delivered in parallel with Construction Management Units.
HN Unit (DW41 34): Construction Industry: An Introduction
10
Higher National Unit specification: support notes (cont)
Unit title:
Construction Industry: An Introduction
A Case study approach can also be used to integrate all Outcomes, in addition to site visits to allow
for ‘hands on’ knowledge and understanding.
Where this Unit is incorporated into other Group Awards it is recommended that it be delivered in the
context of the specific occupational area(s) that the award is designed to cover.
Throughout the Unit emphasis will be placed where appropriate on the application of Health and
Safety and Sustainability. Safe working practices should be looked at in accordance with current
safety codes of practice and regulations. Sustainability should include reference to criteria affecting
sustainability, impact of not implementing sustainability on the environment and the legislation
promoting sustainability.
Details on approaches to assessment are given under Evidence Requirements and Assessment
guidelines under each Outcome in the Higher National Unit specification, statement and standards
section. It is recommended that these sections be read carefully before proceeding with assessment of
candidates.
Opportunities for developing Core Skills
Core Skill
1 Communication
Reading
Writing
Oral
2 Numeric
Using Numbers
Using Graphical Information
3 IT
Using Information Technology
4 Problem Solving
Critical Thinking
Planning and Organising
Reviewing and Evaluating
5 Working with Others
Outcome 1
Outcome 2
Outcome 3
Outcome 4
X
X
X
X
Outcome 5
Open learning
This Unit could be delivered by distance learning, which may incorporate some degree of on-line
support and at least two day’s in the centre (in order to participate in the site visit elements of the
Unit). However, with regard to assessment, planning would be required by the centre concerned to
ensure the sufficiency and authenticity of candidate evidence.
For information on normal open learning arrangements, please refer to the SQA guide Assessment and
Quality of Open and Distance Learning (SQA 2000).
HN Unit (DW41 34): Construction Industry: An Introduction
11
Higher National Unit specification: support notes (cont)
Unit title:
Construction Industry: An Introduction
Candidates with additional support needs
This Unit specification is intended to ensure that there are no artificial barriers to learning or
assessment. The additional support needs of individual candidates should be taken into account when
planning learning experiences, selecting assessment instruments or considering alternative Outcomes
for Units. For information on these, please refer to the SQA document Guidance on Alternative
Assessment Arrangements for Candidates with Disabilities and/or Additional Support Needs, which is
available on SQA’s website: www.sqa.org.uk.
HN Unit (DW41 34): Construction Industry: An Introduction
12
General information for candidates
Unit title:
Construction Industry: An Introduction
This Unit has been designed to Introduce you to the Construction Industry it will enable you to study
the different sectors within the construction industry and the career opportunities available to you on
completion of additional specialised study. The Unit also covers general topics relating to the design,
development and construction process, who does what, and how this is achieved. In addition you will
be given the opportunity to study local and global environmental issues relating to the construction
process and how these are regulated by the Town and Country Planning Legislation.
Site visits are also included in this Unit to allow for ‘hands on’ knowledge and understanding as to
how construction sites are identified and developed.
An introduction to the role and function of a Facilities Manager.
The management techniques of Quality Management and Benchmarking will be discussed, in the
context of service delivery and cost.
Discussion on property and premises management will include a brief introduction to basic financial
principles.
Discussion on people and processes will be considered in the context of alternative workplaces
including cellular, open plan and shared workspace.
Discussion on legislation will include property, contract and employment law.
HN Unit (DW41 34): Construction Industry: An Introduction
13
Higher National Graded Unit Specification
General Information for Centres
This Graded Unit has been validated as part of the suite of HNCs within Built Environment award
framework. Centres are required to develop the assessment instrument in accordance with this
validated specification. Centres wishing to use another type of Graded Unit or assessment instrument
are required to submit proposals detailing the justification for change for validation.
Graded Unit Title:
Construction: Graded Unit 1
Graded Unit Code:
DX20 34
Type of Graded Unit:
Project
Assessment Instrument: Case Study
Credit points and level:
1 HN Credit at SCQF level 7: (8 SCQF credit points at SCQF level
7*)
*SCQF credit points are used to allocate credit to qualifications in the Scottish Credit and Qualifications
Framework (SCQF). Each qualification in the Framework is allocated a number of SCQF credit points at an
SCQF level. There are 12 SCQF levels, ranging from Access 1 to Doctorates.
Purpose: This Graded Unit is designed to provide evidence that the candidate has achieved the
following principal aims of the HNCs in the Built Environment:
General aims — to develop:
i
i
i
i
i
i
i
i
i
i
i
skills of study, research and analysis
ability to define and solve problems
transferable skills
ability to be flexible and work cooperatively with others
responsibility for own learning
planning, organisational and review/evaluation skills
technical skills- broadening and deepening
oral, written and pictorial communication skills
numerical and ICT skills
resource management ability
flexibility, knowledge, skills and motivation as a basis for progression to graduate and
postgraduate studies
HN Graded Unit (DX20 34): Construction: Graded Unit 1
1
General Information for Centres (cont)
Specific aims are to:
i
Prepare candidates for employment as technician in the construction industry with a range of
employers range including Architects, Contractors and Building Control, Housing Associations
and other Property functions.
i
Provide candidates with a range of contemporary vocational skills utilising modern equipment
and techniques available for surveying, setting out and construction drawing, enabling candidates
to make an immediate contribution in employment in the built environment sector
i
Provide a choice of optional Units that will allow candidates to develop in other areas relevant to
future employment or progression via an HND in one of the Built Environment disciplines or
Higher Education.
i
Enable candidates to achieve appropriate professional body recognition, particulary, but not
exclusively, the Chartered Institute of Building.
Recommended Prior Knowledge and Skills:
It is recommended that the candidate
should have completed or be in the process of completing the following Units relating to the above
specific aims prior to undertaking this Graded Unit:
Mandatory (M)
Unit Title
Architectural Design Sketching and Drawing
Building Measurement and Cost Studies
Building Science
Building Services - Introduction
CAD 2-D 1
Construction Materials and Specifications
Construction Site Surveying A
Construction Technical Communication Skills
Construction Technology: Domestic Construction
Construction Technology: Substructure
HNC Construction Graded Unit 1
Introduction to the Construction Industry
Credit
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
Level
Unit
Number
7
7
7
6
7
7
7
7
6
7
7
7
DW3R 34
DW3X 34
DW4H 34
DW4P 33
DW1E 34
DW53 34
DW5H 34
DW4D 34
DW54 33
DW57 34
DX20 34
DW41 34
Core Skills: There are opportunities to develop the Core Skill of Problem Solving in this Graded
Unit, although there is no automatic certification of Core Skills or Core Skills components.’
Assessment: This Graded Unit will be assessed by the use of a Case Study. The investigation,
analysis and development of solutions should provide the candidate with the opportunity to produce
evidence that demonstrates she/he has met the aims of the Graded Unit that it covers.
HN Graded Unit (DX20 34): Construction: Graded Unit 1
2
General Information for Centres (cont)
An exemplar instrument of assessment and marking guidelines have been produced to provide
examples of the type of evidence required to demonstrate achievement of the aims of the Group
Award covered by this integrative assessment and to indicate the national standard of achievement at
SCQF level 7.
HN Graded Unit (DX20 34): Construction: Graded Unit 1
3
Administrative Information
Graded Unit Code:
DX20 34
Graded Unit Title:
Construction: Graded Unit 1
Original date of publication:
August 2006
Version:
01
History of Changes:
Version
Source:
Description of change
Date
SQA
© Scottish Qualifications Authority 2006
This publication may be reproduced in whole or in part for educational purposes provided that no
profit is derived from reproduction and that, if reproduced in part, the source is acknowledged.
Additional copies of this Graded Unit specification if sourced by the Scottish Qualifications Authority
can be purchased from the Scottish Qualifications Authority. Please contact the Customer Contact
Centre for further details, telephone 0845 279 1000.
HN Graded Unit (DX20 34): Construction: Graded Unit 1
4
Higher National Graded Unit Specification: Instructions for designing the
assessment task and assessing candidates
Graded Unit Title: Construction: Graded Unit 1
Conditions of Assessment
The candidate should be given a date for completion of the case study. However, the instructions for
the assessment task should be distributed to allow the candidate sufficient time to assimilate the
details and carry out the assessment task. During the time between the distribution of the assessment
task instructions and the completion date, assessors may answer questions, provide clarification,
guidance and reasonable assistance. The assessment task should be marked as soon as possible after
the completion date. The final grading given should reflect the quality of the candidate’s evidence at
the time of the completion date.
The evidence for the project is generated over time and involves three distinct stages, where each
stage has to be achieved before the next is undertaken. Thus any reassessment of stages must be
undertaken before proceeding to the next stage.
If a candidate fails the project overall or wishes to upgrade, then this must be done using a
substantially different project, ie all stages are undertaken using a new project, assignment, case
study, etc. In this case, a candidate’s grade will be based on the achievement in the reassessment.
The candidate should be given a date for completion of the case study. Parameters should be agreed
with the tutor/supervisor by the candidate/s) on a continuing basis providing clarification, guidance
and reasonable assistance.
Each assessment task should be marked as soon as possible after the completion date. The final
grading given should reflect the quality of the candidate’s evidence at the time of the completion date,
including any oral examination. Reassessment of this Graded Unit should be based on a significantly
different assessment task.
At this level, candidates should work independently within the context of a typical working
environment. It is up to Centres to take reasonable steps to ensure that the candidates bring their
specialist knowledge and experience to the project. For example, Centres may wish to informally
question candidates at various stages on their knowledge and understanding of the project/case study
on which they have embarked. Centres should ensure that where research etc, is carried out in other
establishments or under the supervision of others that the candidate does not receive undue assistance.
Candidates should be allowed to use appropriate technology within and outwith the college
environment.
To ensure authentication of work it is advisable for candidates to complete a log or diary recording
progress and tasks completed. There should be regular meetings between the tutor and candidate(s) to
review progress and these meetings should be recorded.
The final evaluation should include an oral examination of each candidates understanding of the
evidence submitted. Where possible the involvement of an employer in the oral examination is
encouraged.
HN Graded Unit (DX20 34): Construction: Graded Unit 1
5
Higher National Graded Unit Specification: Instructions for designing the
assessment task and assessing candidates (cont)
Instructions for designing the assessment task
The assessment task is a project. The project undertaken by the candidate must be a complex task
which involves:
i
i
i
variables which are complex or unfamiliar
relationships which need to be clarified
a context which may be familiar or unfamiliar to the candidate
The assessment task must require the candidate to:
i
i
i
i
analyse the task and decide on a course of action for undertaking the project
plan and organise work and carry it through to completion
reflect on what has been done and draw conclusions for the future
produce evidence of meeting the aims which this Graded Unit has been designed to cover
The assessment task should be a case study based project within the context of a domestic building
development project (new build or refurbishment). The range of the tasks to be undertaken should be
defined in relation to the context of the particular building development, and what it is reasonable to
expect of candidates in the time scales available. The issues selected should focus on the main aims of
the HNC course, and the need to demonstrate an ability to integrate knowledge and skills across the
mandatory Units in the award.
The investigation should allow the candidate(s) to demonstrate valid and realistic responses to the
current and future needs of an ongoing development including, where appropriate, issues of Health
and Safety and sustainability. Safe working practices should be looked at in accordance with current
safety codes of practice and regulations. Sustainability should include reference to criteria affecting
sustainability, impact of not implementing sustainability on the environment and the legislation
promoting sustainability.
NOTE:
Where candidates are progressing from a HNC to a HND programme the Centre may wish to consider
that the HND Graded Unit 2 task/s might be an extension of the tasks for the HNC Graded Unit 1. A
similar progression might also be considered for candidates progressing through the three Graded
Units credits of a HND.
Guidance on grading candidates
Candidates who meet the minimum Evidence Requirements will have their achievement graded as C
— competent, or A — highly competent or B somewhere between A and C. The grade related criteria
to be used to judge candidate performance for this Graded Unit is specified in the following table.
HN Graded Unit (DX20 34): Construction: Graded Unit 1
6
Higher National Graded Unit specification: Instructions for designing the
assessment task and assessing candidates (cont)
Grade A
Grade C
Is a seamless, coherent piece of work which has
many more strengths than weaknesses and:
Is a co-ordinated piece of work which has a
balance of strengths and weaknesses and:
i
Provides considerably more than the
minimum evidence for each of the three
tasks required by the project brief.
i
Provides the minimum evidence for each of
the three tasks required by the project brief.
i
i
Evidence is produced to a very high
standard.
Evidence is produced to an acceptable
standard.
i
i
Demonstrates an accurate and particularly
insightful interpretation of the project brief.
Demonstrates an acceptable interpretation of
the project brief.
i
i
Has continuously accessed available
guidance in arriving at the Outcomes
submitted.
Has not amplified the initial project brief in
arriving at the Outcomes submitted.
i
Embodies only routine and traditional
solutions.
Embodies non-traditional and innovative
solutions.
i
Has accessed a minimal range of available
data and design guidance.
Has accessed a wide range of available data
and design guidance.
i
Outcomes are adequate in terms of level,
accuracy and technical content.
Outcomes are of a high standard in terms of
level, accuracy and technical content.
i
Consolidates and integrates knowledge and
skill but this may lack some continuity and
consistency.
i
i
i
i
Effectively consolidates and integrates
required knowledge and skills
i
i
Treats proposed solution in isolation.
Considers possible conflicts in integrating
solutions in relation to constraints imposed.
i
Presents proposed solutions without
justification.
Includes rationale and justification for
solutions proposed.
i
Has not considered cost or quality issues.
i
i
Clearly addresses a ‘fit for purpose’
objective in arriving at proposed solutions.
i
Achieves Outcomes with minimal evaluation
against the time line plan.
i
Clearly identifies key areas for improvement
when undertaking the work to the defined
time line action plan.
i
i
Assumes the technical solutions chosen as
the ‘most appropriate’ with minimal
retrospective comparison with initial
objectives.
Clearly identifies key areas for improvement
when reflecting on the technical solutions
chosen compared with the initial objectives.
Performance for this Graded Unit is specified in the following table.
HN Graded Unit (DX20 34): Construction: Graded Unit 1
7
Higher National Graded Unit specification: Instructions for designing the
assessment task and assessing candidates (cont)
The project will be marked out of 200. Assessors will mark each stage of the project, taking into
account the criteria outlined. The marks will then be aggregated to arrive at an overall mark for the
project. Assessors will then assign an overall grade to the candidate for this Graded Unit based on the
following grade boundaries.
A =
B =
C =
70% — 100%
60% — 69%
50% — 59%
Note: the candidate must achieve all of the minimum evidence specified below for each stage of the
project in order to achieve the Graded Unit.
Evidence Requirements
The project consists of three stages: planning; developing; and evaluating. The following table
specifies the minimum evidence required to pass each stage.
Note: The candidate must achieve all of the minimum evidence specified below for each stage of the
project in order to pass the Graded Unit.
Project Stage
Minimum Evidence Requirements
Stage 1 — Planning
Develop a plan for completion of tasks 2 and 3
Maximum 30 marks
i
Suitable time line action plan
The candidate must achieve all of the minimum evidence specified above in
order to pass the Planning stage.
Stage 2 —
Developing
Maximum 140 marks
Use appropriate methods in undertaking the specified tasks
i
i
i
i
Selected criteria with reasoning/justification
Identified required data
‘First principles’ evaluation of agreed elements of the task
Evaluation using computer packages or other alternative processes
Produce evidence (reports, drawings, schedules, calculations, specifications)
etc.
i
i
Adequate drawing, schedules, calculations, specifications etc to justify
understanding and completion of required tasks
Rationale and justification for proposal submitted
HN Graded Unit (DX20 34): Construction: Graded Unit 1
8
Higher National Graded Unit specification: Instructions for designing the
assessment task and assessing candidates (cont)
Project Stage
Minimum Evidence Requirements
Stage 2 —
Developing (cont)
Create a project portfolio
i
i
Portfolio including executive summary and evidence of development and
conclusions
Presentation as introduction to an oral examination to include design
objectives and summary of chosen solutions
The candidate must achieve all of the minimum evidence specified above in
order to pass the Developing stage.
Stage 3 —
Evaluating
Reflect on the Outcomes of tasks 1 and 2
i
Maximum 30 marks
i
i
Critical evaluation of Outcomes achieved compared with the time line
action plan
Critical comparison of submitted evidence against initial objectives
Identification of feedback to inform future similar tasks
The candidate must achieve all of the minimum evidence specified above in
order to pass the Evaluating stage.
Candidates with Disabilities and/or Additional Support Needs
The additional support needs of individual candidates should be taken into account when planning
learning experiences, selecting assessment instruments or considering special alternative assessment
arrangements. For information on these, please refer to the SQA document Guidance on Alternative
Assessment Arrangements for Candidates with Disabilities and/or Additional Support Needs, which is
available on SQA’s website: www.sqa.org.uk.
HN Graded Unit (DX20 34): Construction: Graded Unit 1
9
Higher National Unit Specification
General information for centres
Unit title:
CAD: 2D I
Unit code: DW1E 34
Unit purpose: This Unit is designed to enable candidates to develop the skills and knowledge
required for the creation and manipulation of objects within a 2-Dimensional (2D) Computer Aided
Draughting (CAD) drawing environment. It is suitable for candidates wishing to pursue a career in
any design discipline where CAD is used.
On completion of the Unit the candidate should be able to:
1
2
3
4
Use correct file handling procedures within the operating system and the CAD package.
Use the CAD package to set up a 2D CAD drawing environment.
Produce a 2D CAD drawing using the CAD package and plot the drawing to an appropriate
scale.
Edit an existing 2D CAD drawing using the CAD package and plot the drawing to an
appropriate scale.
Credit points and level: 1 HN Credit at SCQF level 7: (8 SCQF credit points at SCQF level
7*)
*SCQF credit points are used to allocate credit to qualifications in the Scottish Credit and Qualifications
Framework (SCQF). Each qualification in the Framework is allocated a number of SCQF credit points at an
SCQF level. There are 12 SCQF levels, ranging from Access 1 to Doctorates.
Recommended prior knowledge and skills: Access to this Unit is at the discretion of
the centre. However, it would be an advantage for candidates to have a basic knowledge and
understanding of computers and technical drawing. This may be evidenced by possession of a Higher
in Graphical Communication and/or HN Unit Information Technology: Applications Software 1.
Core Skills:
There are opportunities to develop the Core Skills of Information Technology and
Numeracy at SCQF level 6 in this Unit, although there is no automatic certification of Core Skills or
Core Skills components.
Context for delivery: If this Unit is delivered as part of a Group Award, it is recommended that
it should be taught and assessed within the subject area of the Group Award to which it contributes.
This Unit was developed for the HNC/D Computer Aided Draughting and Design awards.
HN Unit (DW1E 34): CAD: 2D I
1
General information for centres (cont)
Assessment: The assessments for all Outcomes must be in the form of practical assessments.
Outcomes 1 to 3 should be given as one integrated practical assessment lasting no more than 3 hours
and the remaining Outcome as a second practical assessment lasting two hours. Both assessments
must be given under controlled, supervised conditions. It should be noted that candidates must
achieve all the minimum evidence specified for each Outcome in order to pass the Unit. Candidates
whose assessment response does not meet the minimum evidence will be offered remediation and the
opportunity for re-submission to reflect industry practice. For example, if a drawing requires minor
modifications this may be remediated and re-submitted.
An assessment exemplar is available for this Unit.
HN Unit (DW1E 34): CAD: 2D I
2
Higher National Unit specification: statement of standards
Unit title: CAD: 2D I
Unit code: DW1E 34
The sections of the Unit stating the Outcomes, knowledge and/or skills, and Evidence Requirements
are mandatory.
Where evidence for Outcomes is assessed on a sample basis, the whole of the content listed in the
knowledge and/or skills section must be taught and available for assessment. Candidates should not
know in advance the items on which they will be assessed and different items should be sampled on
each assessment occasion.
Outcome 1
Use correct file handling procedures within the operating system and the CAD package
Knowledge and/or skills
i
folder operations within the operating system:
—
create directories/folders
—
delete directories and files
—
rename directories
i
file operations within the operating system:
—
copy files from one location to another
—
move files from one location to another
—
rename files
i
file operations within the drawing package:
—
create directories/folders
—
copy files from one location to another
—
move files from one location to another
—
delete directories and files
—
rename directories and files
—
cut, copy and paste files
Outcome 2
Use the CAD package to set up a 2D CAD drawing environment
Knowledge and/or skills
i
i
i
i
i
i
i
Open and close the CAD application
Standard drawing
System variables
Layer management
Text styles
Modified dimension style
Border and title box
HN Unit (DW1E 34): CAD: 2D I
3
Higher National Unit specification: statement of standards (cont)
Unit title: CAD: 2D I
Outcome 3
Produce a 2D CAD drawing using the CAD package and plot the drawing to an appropriate scale
Knowledge and/or skills
i
i
i
i
i
i
i
i
Co-ordinate systems
Layers
Drawing tools
Hatch patterns
Inquiry commands
Selection methods
Text
Dimensions
Evidence Requirements for Outcomes 1–3
The candidate will be required to demonstrate his/her knowledge and/or skills in Outcomes 1, 2 and 3
with the production of practical and graphical evidence. The candidate will be required to carry out
basic file management and create, save and use a Standard Template drawing in the creation of a
practical 2D drawing file and produce a hard copy of a simple 2D object. The candidate will be
required to:
i
i
i
perform a range of a minimum of four file management operations to a given specification
create, save and use a standard drawing file to a given specification
create a detailed drawing incorporating the standard drawing to a given specification using
appropriate layers, text styles and dimension style
Assessment guidelines for Outcomes 1–3
Evidence must be generated through practical assessment undertaken in controlled, supervised
conditions. The time allocation for this assessment is 3 hours. Assessment will be under open-book
conditions and, as such, candidates will be allowed to bring any textbooks or notes to the assessment
or use the Help available within the application software.
It is recommended that centres develop a checklist to support the assessment requirements for each of
the knowledge and/or skills items in Outcomes 1-3.
HN Unit (DW1E 34): CAD: 2D I
4
Higher National Unit specification: statement of standards (cont)
Unit title: CAD: 2D I
Outcome 4
Edit an existing 2D CAD drawing using the CAD package and plot the drawing to an appropriate
scale
Knowledge and/or skills
i
i
i
i
manipulation of objects:
— Erase, Copy, Move
— Fillet, Chamfer, Trim, Extend, Lengthen
— Mirror, Offset, Rotate, Stretch, Scale, Array
— Break, Explode, Undo
— Edit Polyline, Edit Spline, Properties
manipulation of dimensions
manipulation of text
produce a hardcopy of the results
Evidence Requirements for Outcome 4
The candidate will be required to demonstrate his/her knowledge and/or skills in Outcome 4 with the
production of practical and graphical evidence. The candidate will be required to carry out basic
editing commands, modify text and dimensions, add additional dimensions and produce a hard copy.
In any assessment of this Outcome all of the knowledge and/or skills need not be assessed. However,
at least seven editing operations must be sampled with each assessment.
In order to ensure that candidates will not be able to foresee what editing commands they will be
required to use, a different sample of seven is required each time the Outcome is assessed.
Assessment guidelines for Outcome 4
Evidence must be generated through practical assessment undertaken in controlled, supervised
conditions. The time allocation for this assessment is two hours. Assessment will be under openbook conditions and as such candidates will be allowed to bring any textbooks or notes to the
assessment or use the Help system available within the application software.
Graphical evidence will be in the form of CAD application drawing files presented on a disk and
printed copies of finished drawings.
HN Unit (DW1E 34): CAD: 2D I
5
Administrative Information
Unit code:
DW1E 34
Unit title:
CAD: 2D I
Superclass category:
VF
Date of publication:
August 2006
Version:
01
Source:
SQA
© Scottish Qualifications Authority 2006
This publication may be reproduced in whole or in part for educational purposes provided that no
profit is derived from reproduction and that, if reproduced in part, the source is acknowledged.
SQA acknowledges the valuable contribution that Scotland’s colleges have made to the development
of Higher National qualifications.
Additional copies of this Unit specification can be purchased from the Scottish Qualifications
Authority. Please contact the Customer Contact Centre for further details, telephone 0845 279 1000.
HN Unit (DW1E 34): CAD: 2D I
6
Higher National Unit specification: support notes
Unit title: CAD: 2D I
This part of the Unit specification is offered as guidance. The support notes are not mandatory.
While the exact time allocated to this Unit is at the discretion of the centre, the notional design length
is 40 hours.
Guidance on the content and context for this Unit
This is a required Unit of the HNC/D in Computer Aided Draughting and Design but may be
delivered on a standalone basis or as an option to another Group Award. If this Unit is delivered as
part of a Group Award, it is recommended that it should be taught and assessed within the subject area
of the Group Award to which it contributes.
This Unit has been written in order to allow candidates to develop fundamental knowledge,
understanding and skills in basic file management, drawing set up, creation and use of Standard
Template files, creation and editing of objects and production of printed drawings. These skills are
essential to creation of practical 2D drawings within any design discipline.
There is one other Unit in the group entitled CAD: 2D II. The two Units have been developed as an
integrated suite of Units to meet most 2D CAD requirements and can be used in awards as necessary
and where appropriate.
In designing this Unit a range of topics have been included which would be expected to be covered by
lecturers. Recommendations are given below as to how much time should be spent on each Outcome.
This has been done to help lecturers decide what depth of treatment should be given to the topics
attached to each of the Outcomes. Whilst it is not mandatory for a centre to use this list of topics, it is
strongly recommended that it do so to ensure continuity of teaching and learning across the Units.
The assessment exemplar pack for this Unit is based on the knowledge and/or skills and list of topics
in each of the Outcomes as well as covering aspects of the discipline which it is used in, ie Building
Environment.
The list of topics is given below. Lecturers are advised to study this list of topics in conjunction with
the assessment exemplar pack so that they can get a clear indication of the standard of achievement
expected of candidates in this Unit.
Outcome 1 (4 hours)
Use correct file handling procedures within the operating system and the CAD package.
The following topics are generic in nature but should be put into context by reference to the CAD
software application package being used at the Centre:
Windows commands:
i create directories/folders
i copy files from one location to another
i move files from one location to another
i delete directories and files
i rename directories and files
i cut, copy and paste files
HN Unit (DW1E 34): CAD: 2D I
7
Higher National Unit specification: support notes (cont)
Unit title: CAD: 2D I
CAD application commands:
i create directories/folders
i copy files from one location to another
i move files from one location to another
i delete directories and files
i rename directories and files
i cut, copy and paste files
Outcome 2 (5 hours)
Use the CAD package to set up a 2D CAD drawing environment.
The following topics are specific in nature but should be put into context by reference to the CAD
software application package being used at the Centre:
Drawing Setup:
i limits
i units
i system variables
i grid
i snap
i ortho
Layers:
i create layers
i assign colours
i assign linetypes
i on/off
i freeze/thaw
i lock/unlock
Text:
i create text styles
i assign fonts
i assign widths
i use the Text command
i edit text
Dimensions:
i create a dimension style
HN Unit (DW1E 34): CAD: 2D I
8
Higher National Unit specification: support notes (cont)
Unit title: CAD: 2D I
Additional Commands:
i Zoom
i Pan
i Regenerate
i Redraw
Template files:
i use existing Template files
i create a user defined Standard Template file containing set Limits, Units, Layers, Text Styles, a
Dimension Style
i create a border and a title block
i save a user defined Standard Template file
Outcome 3 (12 hours)
Produce a 2D CAD drawing using the CAD package and plot the drawing to an appropriate scale.
The following topics are generic in nature but should be put into context by reference to the CAD
software application package being used at the Centre:
Drawing Concepts:
i use of a Template file as a basis for the standard drawing file
i use of Layer control, eg On/Off, Freeze/Thaw, Lock/Unlock
i use of absolute, relative and polar co-ordinates during creation of objects
i use of construction lines and Orthographic layouts with First and Third Angle projection
i use of hatch patterns
i use of dimensioning commands:
— Linear
— Aligned
— Radius
— Diameter
— Angular
— Leader
— Centre Marks
— Ordinate
— Tolerance
i print to an appropriate scale for a given paper size within a border
2D Drawing Commands:
i Line, Construction Line, Ray
i Arc, Circle, Ellipse
i Polyline, Rectangle, Polygon, Spline
i Hatch, Grips, Inquiry
HN Unit (DW1E 34): CAD: 2D I
9
Higher National Unit specification: support notes (cont)
Unit title: CAD: 2D I
Views:
i creating views and naming views
Inquiry Commands:
i List
i Distance
i ID
i Area
i Divide
i Measure
Outcome 4 (14 hours)
Edit an existing 2D CAD drawing using the CAD package and plot the drawing to an appropriate
scale.
The following topics are generic in nature but should be put into context by reference to the CAD
software application package being used at the Centre:
2D Editing Commands:
i selection methods for selecting single and multiple objects:
— pick
— window
— crossing window
— last
— previous
— fence
— add/remove
i Erase, Copy, Move
i Fillet, Chamfer, Trim, Extend, Lengthen
i Mirror, Offset, Rotate, Stretch, Scale, Array
i Break, Explode, Undo
i Edit Polyline, Edit Spline, Properties
i edit dimensions and dimension text
Plotting:
i use of Plot and scaling within the plotting environment
Unit Assessment
Outcome 1 to 3
Outcome 4
Practical
Practical
HN Unit (DW1E 34): CAD: 2D I
3 hours
2 hours
10
Higher National Unit specification: support notes (cont)
Unit title: CAD: 2D I
Guidance on the delivery and assessment of this Unit
As this Unit provides basic CAD skills, which requires continual use to obtain proficiency, it is
recommended that the Unit be delivered towards the start or middle of an award so that it may be used
with other Unit requirements.
Where this Unit is incorporated into other Group Awards it is recommended that it be delivered in the
context of the specific occupational area(s) that the award is designed to cover, eg architectural
drawings with Built Environment courses.
Details on approaches to assessment are given under Evidence Requirements and Assessment
guidelines after the Outcomes in the Higher National Unit specification: Statement of Standards
section. It is recommended that these sections be read carefully before proceeding with assessment of
candidates.
Opportunities for developing Core Skills
Candidates are working to a remit which requires the ability to create and manipulate objects in a
computer aided design environment. Access to, and evaluation of, examples of complex design
drawings would be of value in formative work. Candidates should be able to work unaided in correct
file management: considerations of security and safety should be a routine aspect of good practice.
The selection of appropriate software application packages and the ability to manipulate objects,
dimensions and text is integral to achievement, as are techniques in editing data to meet identified
needs of purpose and context.
Accuracy of interpretation and effective communication of numerical and graphic information
underpins the competencies developed in the Unit, and candidates are assessed on their ability to edit,
to use a full range of dimensioning commands and plot to scale. Some candidates may benefit from
formative opportunities to further develop effectiveness in the understanding, analysis and application
of numerical and graphic data, and the use of software packages or on-line tutorials to reinforce
numeracy skills may be useful. Candidates could additionally benefit from discussions with the class
group and/or assessor in order to encourage analytical evaluation of approaches to the design process.
Open learning
This Unit could be delivered by distance learning, which may incorporate some degree of on-line
support. The candidate would require access to a PC with the appropriate CAD software installed.
With regard to assessment, arrangements would need to be made by the centre to ensure the
sufficiency and authenticity of candidate evidence under controlled conditions. Candidates should
also be made aware of the time commitment to assessment. Outcome evidence may be presented as
an electronic drawing file if creation of a printed version is not possible.
For further information and advice, please refer to the SQA guide Assessment and Quality Assurance
of Open and Distance Learning (SQA, February 2001 - publication code A1030).
HN Unit (DW1E 34): CAD: 2D I
11
Higher National Unit specification: support notes (cont)
Unit title: CAD: 2D I
Candidates with additional support needs
This Unit specification is intended to ensure that there are no artificial barriers to learning or
assessment. The additional support needs of individual candidates should be taken into account when
planning learning experiences, selecting assessment instruments or considering alternative Outcomes
for Units. For information on these, please refer to the SQA document Guidance on Alternative
Assessment Arrangements for Candidates with Disabilities and/or Additional Support Needs, which is
available on SQA’s website: www.sqa.org.uk.
HN Unit (DW1E 34): CAD: 2D I
12
General information for candidates
Unit title: CAD: 2D I
This Unit has been designed to help you to develop knowledge, understanding and basic skills in the
use of Computer Aided Design application software for the creation of two-dimensional drawings. It
will provide a sound basis for progression to other CAD Units. You will learn file management
techniques, standard drawing and editing commands, drawing layout and final printing options. It is
appropriate for use within chosen Group Awards such as Built Environment, Architectural,
Mechanical or Civil Engineering.
There will be a series of practice exercises and drawing tutorials which will logically progress from
simple to complex.
There are two formal practical assessments with times as follows:
Outcome 1 to 3
Outcome 4
Practical
Practical
3 hours
2 hours
The assessments will be supervised and conducted under open-book conditions in which you will be
allowed to take notes, textbooks, etc. into the assessment. You will sit these assessments at prescribed
points during the Unit at the discretion of the lecturer.
This is a practical Unit requiring you to have individual access to a CAD system. A CAD system is
defined as hardware and software, which will enable an operator to generate (and regenerate)
drawings at an acceptable processor speed. A typical minimum hardware configuration would be a
current single user PC fitted with suitable peripherals attached such as a printer/plotter to produce
hard copies of your work. Alternatively other configurations such as networked CAD stations are
acceptable provided they can satisfy the Unit’s criteria.
HN Unit (DW1E 34): CAD: 2D I
13
Higher National Unit Specification
General information for centres
Unit title:
Building Services: An Introduction
Unit code: DW4P 33
Unit purpose: This Unit seeks to provide the candidate with knowledge and understanding of the
underlying principles of a range building services. It will enable students to interpret the requirements
and propose practical schemes suitable for installations in domestic buildings. The content of the Unit
is intended to provide sufficient depth of knowledge and understanding of building services for those
following courses in the Built Environment programme. Separate specifications for specialist units
are available for those following the Building Services Engineering programme.
On completion of the Unit candidates should be able to:
1
2
3
4
5
Demonstrate an understanding of the selection and design of above and below ground drainage
systems.
Demonstrate an understanding of the selection and design of hot and cold water supply and
distribution systems.
Produce annotated sketches of the supply and distribution of electricity.
Select and produce annotated sketches of appropriate space heating systems.
Describe home electronic security systems.
Credit points and level: 1 HN Credit at SCQF level 6: (8 SCQF credit points at SCQF level
6*).
*SCQF credit points are used to allocate credit to qualifications in the Scottish Credit and Qualifications
Framework (SCQF). Each qualification in the Framework is allocated a number of SCQF credit points at an
SCQF level. There are 12 SCQF levels, ranging from Access 1 to Doctorates.
Recommended prior knowledge and skills: It would be an advantage for candidates to
have a basic knowledge of the services provided in low rise residential buildings although it is not
essential because the unit covers all the basic principles. Possession of basic knowledge and
understanding may be evidenced by possession of appropriate NC, NQ or HN Units.
Core Skills: There are opportunities to develop the Core Skill(s) of Communication, Numeracy,
Problem Solving, in this Unit, although there is no automatic certification of Core Skills or Core
Skills components.
Context for delivery: If this Unit is delivered as part of a Group Award, it is recommended that
it should be taught and assessed within the subject area of the Group Award to which it contributes.
HN Unit (DW4P 33): Building Services: An Introduction1
General information for centres (cont)
Assessment: It is possible to assess candidates either on an individual Outcome basis,
combinations of Outcomes or by a single holistic assessment combining all Outcomes. The
assessment paper/s should be composed of an appropriate balance of short answer, restricted response
and structured questions. Assessment should be conducted under open book supervised, controlled
conditions. A single assessment covering all outcomes should not exceed 2 hours in duration. It
should be noted that candidates must achieve all the minimum evidence specified for each Outcome in
order to pass this Unit.
Where evidence for Outcomes is assessed on a sample basis, the whole of the content listed in the
knowledge and/or skills section must be taught and available for assessment. Candidates should not
know in advance the items on which they will be assessed and different items should be sampled on
each assessment occasion.
An exemplar instrument of assessment and marking guidelines have been produced to provide an
example of the type of evidence required to demonstrate achievement of the aims of this Unit and to
indicate the national standard of achievement at SCQF 6.
HN Unit (DW4P 33): Building Services: An Introduction2
Higher National Unit specification: statement of standards
Unit title: Building Services: An Introduction
Unit code: DW4P 33
The sections of the Unit stating the Outcomes, knowledge and/or skills, and evidence requirements
are mandatory.
Where evidence for Outcomes is assessed on a sample basis, the whole of the content listed in the
knowledge and/or skills section must be taught and available for assessment. Candidates should not
know in advance the items on which they will be assessed and different items should be sampled on
each assessment occasion.
Throughout the unit emphasis will be placed where appropriate on the application of Health & Safety
and Sustainability. Safe working practises should be looked at in accordance with current safety codes
of practise and regulations. Sustainability should include reference to criteria affecting sustainability,
impact of not implementing sustainability on the environment and the legislation promoting
sustainability.
Outcome 1
Demonstrate an understanding of the selection and design of above and below ground drainage
systems
Knowledge and/or skills
i
i
i
i
Building requirements, apply design standards and propose practical systems and equipment to
satisfy the requirements
Above ground single stack waste system
Below ground combined and separate drainage systems
Private wastewater treatment methods
Evidence Requirements
Evidence for the knowledge and /or skills in this Outcome will be provided on a sample basis. The
evidence may be presented in responses to specific questions. Each candidate will need to
demonstrate that she/he can answer correctly questions based on a sample of the items shown above.
In any assessment of this Outcome two out of four knowledge and/or skills items should be sampled.
In order to ensure that candidates will not be able to foresee what items they will be questioned on, a
different sample of two out of four knowledge and/or skills items is required each time the Outcome
is assessed. Candidates must provide a satisfactory response to the two items.
Where sampling takes place, a candidate's response can be judged to be satisfactory where evidence
provided is sufficient to meet the requirements for each item sampled by showing that the candidate is
able to:
i
interpret building requirements, select and propose practical systems and equipment to satisfy
the requirements for above and below ground drainage systems
HN Unit (DW4P 33): Building Services: An Introduction3
Higher National Unit specification: statement of standards (cont)
Unit title: Building Services: An Introduction
Evidence should be generated through assessment undertaken in controlled, supervised conditions.
Assessment should be conducted under open book conditions and as such candidates should be
allowed to bring any textbooks, handouts or notes to the assessment.
Assessment guidelines
Questions used to elicit candidate evidence should take the form of an appropriate balance of short
answer, restricted response and structured questions.
The assessment for this Outcome might be combined with that for Outcomes 2, 3, 4 and 5 to form a
single assessment paper of no more than two hours duration. Alternatively the assessment for this
Outcome could be a single assessment question paper. The assessment event should be carried out
under open book supervised controlled conditions.
Outcome 2
Demonstrate an understanding of the selection and design of hot and cold water supply and
distribution systems
Knowledge and/or skills
i
i
i
Building requirements, apply design standards and propose practical systems and equipment to
satisfy the requirements
Cold water supply systems
Hot water supply systems
Evidence Requirements
In any assessment of this Outcome all knowledge and/or skills items should be included.
A candidate's response can be judged to be satisfactory where evidence provided is sufficient to meet
the requirements for each item by showing that the candidate is able to:
i
interpret building requirements, select and propose practical systems and equipment to satisfy
the requirements for hot and cold water supply systems
Evidence should be generated through assessment undertaken in controlled, supervised conditions.
Assessment should be conducted under open book conditions and as such candidates should be
allowed to bring any textbooks, handouts or notes to the assessment.
Assessment guidelines
Questions used to elicit candidate evidence should take the form of an appropriate balance of short
answer, restricted response and structured questions.
The assessment for this outcome might be combined with that for Outcomes 1, 3, 4 and 5 to form a
single assessment paper of no more than 2 hours duration. Alternatively the assessment could be
combined with Outcome 4 using a single assessment paper. The assessment event should be carried
out under open book supervised controlled conditions.
HN Unit (DW4P 33): Building Services: An Introduction4
Higher National Unit specification: statement of standards (cont)
Unit title: Building Services: An Introduction
Outcome 3
Produce annotated sketches of the supply and distribution of electricity
Knowledge and/or skills
i
i
i
i
Intake arrangements
Consumer control and safety devices
Power circuits
Lighting circuits
Evidence Requirements
Evidence for the knowledge and/or skills in this Outcome will be provided on a sample basis. The
evidence may be presented in responses to specific questions. Each candidate will need to
demonstrate that she/he can answer correctly questions based on a sample of the items shown above.
In any assessment of this Outcome two out of four knowledge and/or skills items should be sampled.
In order to ensure that candidates will not be able to foresee what items they will be questioned on, a
different sample of two out of four knowledge and/or skills items is required each time the Outcome
is assessed. Candidates must provide a satisfactory response to the two items.
Where sampling takes place, a candidate's response can be judged to be satisfactory where evidence
provided is sufficient to meet the requirements for each item by showing that the candidate is able to:
i
sketch and describe arrangements for service cable entry , control, earth and safety systems,
power circuits and lighting circuits
Evidence should be generated through assessment undertaken in controlled, supervised conditions.
Assessment should be conducted under open book conditions and as such candidates should be
allowed to bring any textbooks, handouts or notes to the assessment.
Assessment guidelines
Questions used to elicit candidate evidence should take the form of an appropriate balance of short
answer, restricted response and structured questions.
The assessment for this outcome might be combined with that for Outcomes 1, 2, 4 and 5 to form a
single assessment paper of no more than two hours duration. The assessment event should be carried
out under open book supervised controlled conditions.
HN Unit (DW4P 33): Building Services: An Introduction5
Higher National Unit specification: statement of standards (cont)
Unit title: Building Services: An Introduction
Outcome 4
Select and produce annotated sketches of appropriate space heating systems
Knowledge and/or skills
i
i
i
i
Building requirements and propose practical systems and equipment to satisfy the requirements
Types of fuel available
Central heating systems
Control system
Evidence Requirements
Evidence for the knowledge and/or skills in this Outcome will be provided on a sample basis. The
evidence may be presented in responses to specific questions. Each candidate will need to
demonstrate that she/he can answer correctly questions based on a sample of the items shown above.
In any assessment of this Outcome three out of four knowledge and/or skills items should be
sampled.
In order to ensure that candidates will not be able to foresee what items they will be questioned on, a
different sample of three out of four knowledge and/or skills items is required each time the
Outcome is assessed. Candidates must provide a satisfactory response to all three items.
Where sampling takes place, a candidate's response can be judged to be satisfactory where evidence
provided is sufficient to meet the requirements for each item by showing that the candidate is able to:
i
interpret building requirements, select and propose practical systems and equipment to satisfy
the requirements for a space heating system
Evidence should be generated through assessment undertaken in controlled, supervised conditions.
Assessment should be conducted under open book conditions and as such candidates should be
allowed to bring any textbooks, handouts or notes to the assessment.
Assessment guidelines
Questions used to elicit candidate evidence should take the form of an appropriate balance of short
answer, restricted response and structured questions.
The assessment for this outcome might be combined with that for Outcomes 1, 2, 3 and 5 to form a
single assessment paper of no more than two hours duration. Alternatively the assessment could be
combined with Outcome 2 using a single assessment paper. The assessment event should be carried
out under open book supervised controlled conditions.
HN Unit (DW4P 33): Building Services: An Introduction6
Higher National Unit specification: statement of standards (cont)
Unit title: Building Services: An Introduction
Outcome 5
Describe home electronic security systems
Knowledge and/or skills
i
i
i
Bell only and monitored intruder alarm systems
Security lighting
CCTV systems
Evidence Requirements
Evidence for the knowledge and/or skills in this Outcome will be provided on a sample basis. The
evidence may be presented in responses to specific questions. Each candidate will need to
demonstrate that she/he can answer correctly questions based on a sample of the items shown above.
In any assessment of this Outcome two out of three knowledge and/or skills items should be
sampled.
In order to ensure that candidates will not be able to foresee what items they will be questioned on, a
different sample of two out of three knowledge and/or skills items is required each time the Outcome
is assessed. Candidates must provide a satisfactory response to the two items.
Where sampling takes place, a candidate's response can be judged to be satisfactory where evidence
provided is sufficient to meet the requirements for each item by showing that the candidate is able to:
i
list the principal components of an intruder alarm and CCTV systems and identify different
types of security lighting
Evidence should be generated through assessment undertaken in controlled, supervised conditions.
Assessment should be conducted under open book conditions and as such candidates should be
allowed to bring any textbooks, handouts or notes to the assessment.
Assessment guidelines
Questions used to elicit candidate evidence should take the form of an appropriate balance of short
answer, restricted response and structured questions.
The assessment for this outcome might be combined with that for Outcomes 1, 2, 3, and 4 to form a
single assessment paper of no more than two hours duration. Alternatively the assessment for this
outcome could be a single assessment question paper. The assessment event should carried out under
open book supervised controlled conditions.
HN Unit (DW4P 33): Building Services: An Introduction7
Administrative Information
Unit code:
DW4P 33
Unit title:
Building Services: An Introduction
Superclass category:
TH
Date of publication:
June 2006
Version:
01
Source:
SQA
© Scottish Qualifications Authority 2005
This publication may be reproduced in whole or in part for educational purposes provided that no
profit is derived from reproduction and that, if reproduced in part, the source is acknowledged.
SQA acknowledges the valuable contribution that Scotland’s colleges have made to the development
of Higher National qualifications.
Additional copies of this Unit specification can be purchased from the Scottish Qualifications
Authority. Please contact the Customer Contact Centre for further details, telephone 0845 279 1000.
HN Unit (DW4P 33): Building Services: An Introduction8
Higher National Unit specification: support notes
Unit title: Building Services: An Introduction
This part of the Unit specification is offered as guidance. The support notes are not mandatory.
While the exact time allocated to this Unit is at the discretion of the centre, the notional design length
is 40 hours.
Guidance on the content and context for this Unit
This Unit has been written in order to allow candidates to develop knowledge, understanding and
skills in the following areas:
1
2
3
4
5
Demonstrate an understanding of the selection and design of above and below ground drainage
systems.
Demonstrate an understanding of the selection and design of hot and cold water supply and
distribution systems.
Produce annotated sketches of the supply and distribution of electricity.
Select and produce annotated sketches of appropriate space heating systems.
Describe home electronic security systems.
This Unit has been developed as part of a group of building services units. There are three other units
in the group entitled Building Services in Commercial and Industrial Buildings, Building Services
Design: Heating, Lighting and Acoustics and Building Services Design: Ventilation & Air
Conditioning. This Unit at SCQF level 6 is a mandatory unit within the new HNC and HND Built
Environment and Civil Engineering awards.
The three units mentioned in the previous paragraph have been developed as an integrated suite of
units to meet all the building services requirements of the new HNC and HND Built Environment
awards. However, this does not preclude the use of one or more of these units in other awards where
award designers feel this to be appropriate. As well as providing a substantial course in building
services principles these units also provide important underpinning knowledge, understanding and
skills for other parts of the HNC and HND Built Environment awards
In designing this Unit the unit writers have identified the range of topics they would expect to be
covered by lecturers. The writers have also given recommendations as to how much time should be
spent on each outcome. This has been done to help lecturers to decide what depth of treatment should
be given to the topics attached to each of the outcomes. Whilst it is not mandatory for a centre to use
this list of topics it is strongly recommended that it does so to ensure continuity of teaching and
learning across the Building Services units and because the assessment exemplar pack for this Unit is
based on the knowledge and/or skills and list of topics in each of the Outcomes.
The list of topics is given below. Lecturers are advised to study this list of topics in conjunction with
the assessment exemplar pack so that they can get a clear indication of the standard of achievement
expected of candidates in this Unit.
HN Unit (DW4P 33): Building Services: An Introduction9
Higher National Unit specification: support notes (cont)
Unit title: Building Services: An Introduction
1
Demonstrate an understanding of the selection and design of above and below
ground drainage systems (10 hours)
i
Interpret building requirements, apply design standards and propose practical
systems and equipment to satisfy the requirements
—
interpretation of building operational requirements, recognition of the balance
between statutory, health, safety and welfare arrangements and aesthetic
considerations
—
proposals regarding the number and location of soil vent pipes and branch pipes
—
selection of number and type of sanitary fittings and components
—
selection of combined or separate drainage system
i
Design standards
—
Building Standards Part M – Regulations 24 & 25.
—
BS EN 12056: Gravity drainage systems inside buildings.
—
BS EN 752 : Drain and Sewer systems outside buildings.
—
BS EN 1610 : Construction and testing of drains and sewers.
—
BS EN 12566 : Small wastewater treatment plants.
—
Design considerations to include: layout, specification notes, implications on space
and maintenance requirements as well as capital and operating costs for the
systems listed below
i
Above ground single stack waste system
—
sanitary pipework — single stack system
—
soil and waste pipework
—
external and internal stacks
—
sanitary appliances — number, type and location of sanitary appliances
—
materials — plastics only
—
tests — soundness and performance
i
Below ground combined and separate systems
—
choice of system advantages/disadvantages
—
system requirements
—
pipe gradients and self — cleansing velocity
—
choice of materials: uPVC, cast iron or clay
—
bedding materials and backfilling trenches
—
access to drains
—
testing drains: air and water tests
i
Private wastewater treatment methods
—
cesspool
—
septic tank
—
packaged treatment plant
HN Unit (DW4P 33): Building Services: An Introduction10
Higher National Unit specification: support notes (cont)
Unit title: Building Services: An Introduction
2
3
Demonstrate an understanding of the selection and design of hot and cold water
supply and distribution systems (8 hours)
i
Interpret building requirements, apply design standards and propose practical
systems and equipment to satisfy the requirements
—
interpretation of building operational requirements, recognition of the balance
between client, statutory, health, safety and welfare arrangements and aesthetic
considerations
— proposals regarding the suitability of a particular type of hot and cold water supply
system
i
Design Standards
—
BS EN 805: Water supply — requirements for systems and components outside
buildings
—
BS EN 806: Specification for installations inside buildings conveying water for
human consumption
—
Interpretation and application of statutory requirements, design standards and
relevant publications for domestic buildings
—
Design of hot and cold water supply systems for domestic buildings containing a
wide variety of environments and requirements
—
Design considerations to include: layout, specification notes, implications on space
and maintenance requirements as well as capital and operating costs for the
systems listed below:
–
cistern feed — indirect cold water supply
–
mains pressure — direct cold water supply
–
indirect hot water supply (storage)
–
direct hot water supply (instantaneous)
Produce annotated sketches of the supply and distribution of electricity (8 hours)
i
Intake arrangements
Service cable entry, termination and metering details
i
Consumer control, earth system and safety arrangements
Main isolation switch, RCD’s, over current protective devices and type of earth system
i
Power circuits
Ring circuits, spur outlets from ring main and radial circuits
i
Lighting circuits
‘Loop in’ circuits and junction box circuits
i
Cable specification
Type of cable and current carrying capacity
HN Unit (DW4P 33): Building Services: An Introduction11
Higher National Unit specification: support notes (cont)
Unit title: Building Services: An Introduction
4
5
Select and produce annotated sketches of appropriate space heating systems (8
hours)
i
Interpret building requirements and propose practical systems and equipment to
satisfy the requirements
—
interpretation of building operational requirements, recognition of the balance
between client, statutory, health, safety and welfare arrangements and aesthetic
considerations
— proposals regarding the suitability of a particular type of space heating system
i
Types of fuel available
Natural gas, oil, LPG, coal and electricity
i
Central heating systems
With boilers (regular, condensing and combi), with ducted warm air, with underfloor
heating and with electric storage heating
i
Control systems
Room thermostats, programmer, motorised valves and boiler interlock
Describe home electronic security systems (4 hours)
i
Bell only and monitored intruder alarm systems
Bell, door contacts, keypad, internal sounder, control panel, movement detector, breaking
glass detector and smoke detector
i
Security lighting
Dusk to dawn lighting and movement activated lighting
i
CCTV systems
Camera’s, recording/storage devices, monitors, power supply and cabling
Unit Assessment — single assessment two hours maximum total
This takes the form of one combined assessment covering the content of all outcomes or alternatively
four separate assessment papers.
If all outcomes are assessed in a single event this should take place over no longer than two hours
Guidance on the delivery and assessment of this Unit
As this Unit provides core building services which underpins much of the studies done in the other
building services of HNC and HND Built environment awards it is recommended that the Unit be
delivered towards the start of these awards.
Where this Unit is incorporated into other group awards it is recommended that it be delivered in the
context of the specific occupational area(s) that the award is designed to cover.
HN Unit (DW4P 33): Building Services: An Introduction12
Higher National Unit specification: support notes (cont)
Unit title: Building Services: An Introduction
Details on approaches to assessment are given under Evidence Requirements and Assessment
guidelines under each Outcome in the Higher National Unit specification: statement of standards
section. It is recommended that these sections be read carefully before proceeding with assessment of
candidates.
Opportunities for developing Core Skills
Core Skills Signposting
The following grid provides a general guide to opportunities for the development of Core Skills in this
Unit. Opportunities for the development of Core Skills at the output level are more fully identified in
the Core Skills Signposting Guide.
Core Skill
1 Communication
Reading
Writing
Oral
Outcome
1
Outcome
2
Outcome
3
Outcome
4
Outcome
5
2 Numeracy
Using Number
Using Graphical Information
3 IT
Using Information Technology
4 Problem Solving
Critical Thinking
Planning and Organising
Reviewing and Evaluating
5 Working with Others
HN Unit (DW4P 33): Building Services: An Introduction13
Higher National Unit specification: support notes (cont)
Unit title: Building Services: An Introduction
Open learning
This Unit could be delivered by distance learning, which may incorporate some degree of on-line
support. However, with regard to assessment, planning would be required by the centre concerned to
ensure the sufficiency and authenticity of candidate evidence. Arrangement would be required to be
put in place to ensure that the assessment, which is required to be at a single event, was conducted
under controlled, supervised conditions.
For information on normal open learning arrangements, please refer to the SQA guide Assessment and
Quality Assurance of Open and Distance Learning (SQA 2000).
Candidates with additional support needs
This Unit specification is intended to ensure that there are no artificial barriers to learning or
assessment. The additional support needs of individual candidates should be taken into account when
planning learning experiences, selecting assessment instruments or considering alternative Outcomes
for Units. For information on these, please refer to the SQA document Guidance on Alternative
Assessment Arrangements for Candidates with Disabilities and/or Additional Support Needs, which is
available on the SQA website www.sqa.org.uk.
HN Unit (DW4P 33): Building Services: An Introduction14
General information for candidates
Unit title: Building Services: An Introduction
This Unit has been designed to allow you to develop knowledge, understanding and skills in a range
of building services provided in domestic buildings. It will enable you to interpret the requirements
and propose practical schemes suitable for installations in domestic buildings. The content of the unit
is intended to provide sufficient depth of knowledge and understanding of building services for those
following courses in the Built Environment programme. Separate specifications for specialist units
are available for those following the Building Services Engineering programme.
On completion of the Unit you should be able to:
1
2
3
4
5
Demonstrate an understanding of the selection and design of above and below ground drainage
systems.
Demonstrate an understanding of the selection and design of hot and cold water supply and
distribution systems.
Produce annotated sketches of the supply and distribution of electricity.
Select and produce annotated sketches of appropriate space heating systems.
Describe home electronic security systems.
HN Unit (DW4P 33): Building Services: An Introduction15
Higher National Unit Specification
General information for centres
Unit title:
Building Science
Unit code: DW4H 34
Unit purpose: This Unit is designed to enable candidates to apply the principles of building
science to heat transfer, condensation, sound and noise measurement and the principles of light and
light measurement.
On completion of the Unit the candidate should be able to:
1
2
3
4
Apply the principles of heat transfer in building design.
Apply the principles of psychrometry to the occurrence of condensation in building design.
Apply the principles of sound and noise measurement in building design.
Apply the principles of light and light measurement in building design.
Credit points and level: 1 HN Credit at SCQF level 7: (8 SCQF credit points at SCQF level
7*).
*SCQF credit points are used to allocate credit to qualifications in the Scottish Credit and Qualifications
Framework (SCQF). Each qualification in the Framework is allocated a number of SCQF credit points at an
SCQF level. There are 12 SCQF levels, ranging from Access 1 to Doctorates.
Recommended prior knowledge and skills: It would be an advantage for candidates to
have a basic understanding and knowledge of heat light and sound. Such understanding and
knowledge may be evidenced by the possession of an appropriate National Certificate Unit or
equivalent. The Unit includes all the basic principles necessary to allow candidates possessing other
qualifications or experience to succeed in this Unit.
Core Skills: There are opportunities to develop the Core Skill(s) of Communication, Numeracy,
Problem Solving, in this Unit, although there is no automatic certification of Core Skills or Core
Skills components.
Context for delivery: If this Unit is delivered as part of a Group Award, it is recommended that
it should be taught and assessed within the subject area of the Group Award to which it contributes.
Assessment: It is possible to assess candidates either on an individual Outcome basis,
combination of Outcomes or by a single holistic assessment combining all Outcomes. The assessment
paper/s should be composed of an appropriate balance of short answer, restricted response and
structured questions. Assessments should be conducted under supervised, controlled conditions. A
single assessment covering all outcomes should not exceed two hours in duration. It should be noted
that candidates must achieve all the minimum evidence specified for each Outcome in order to pass
this Unit.
HN Unit (DW4H 34): Building Science
1
General information for centres (cont)
Where evidence for Outcomes is assessed on a sample basis, the whole of the content listed in the
knowledge and/or skills section must be taught and available for assessment. Candidates should not
know in advance the items on which they will be assessed and different items should be sampled on
each assessment occasion.
An exemplar instrument of assessment and marking guidelines have been produced to provide an
example of the type of evidence required to demonstrate achievement of the aims of this Unit and to
indicate the national standard of achievement at SCQF level 7.
HN Unit (DW4H 34): Building Science
2
Higher National Unit specification: statement of standards
Unit title: Building Science
Unit code: DW4H 34
The sections of the Unit stating the Outcomes, knowledge and/or skills, and evidence requirements
are mandatory.
Where evidence for Outcomes is assessed on a sample basis, the whole of the content listed in the
knowledge and/or skills section must be taught and available for assessment. Candidates should not
know in advance the items on which they will be assessed and different items should be sampled on
each assessment occasion.
Throughout the unit emphasis will be placed where appropriate on the application of Health and
safety and Sustainability. Safe working practice should be looked at in accordance with current safety
codes of practice and regulations. Sustainability should include reference to criteria affecting
sustainability on the environment and the legislation promoting sustainability.
Outcome 1
Apply the principles of heat transfer in building design
Knowledge and/or skills
i
i
i
i
i
Heat transfer by conduction, convection and radiation
Heat transfer across composite building elements
U value
Fabric energy loss from simple building
Ventilation heat loss from simple building
Evidence Requirements
Candidates will need to provide evidence to demonstrate their knowledge and/or skills by showing
that they can:
i
identify, explain and quantify modes of heat transfer from buildings
Evidence for the knowledge and/or skills for this Outcome will be provided on a sample basis. In any
assessment of this Outcome a minimum of three out of five knowledge and/or skills items should be
sampled. In order to ensure that candidates will not be able to foresee what items they will be
questioned on, a different sample of knowledge/skill items is required each time the Outcome is
assessed. Candidates must provide a satisfactory response to all three items.
Evidence should be generated through assessment undertaken in controlled, supervised conditions.
Assessment should be conducted under open book conditions and as such candidates should be
allowed to bring textbooks, handouts or notes to the assessment.
HN Unit (DW4H 34): Building Science
3
Higher National Unit specification: statement of standards (cont)
Unit title: Building Science
Assessment guidelines
Questions used to elicit candidate evidence should take the form of an appropriate balance of short
answer, restricted response and structured questions.
The assessment of this Outcome might be combined with that for Outcomes 2, 3, and 4 to form a
single assessment paper.
Outcome 2
Apply the principles of psychrometry to the occurrence of condensation in building design
Knowledge and/or skills
i
i
i
i
Moisture content of air
Relative humidity
Psychrometric Chart
Dew Point temperature
Evidence Requirements
Candidates will need to provide evidence to demonstrate their knowledge and/or skills by showing
that they can:
i
identify, explain and quantify properties of moist air and the occurrence of condensation in
buildings
Evidence for the knowledge and/or skills for this Outcome will be provided on a sample basis. In any
assessment of this Outcome a minimum of two out of four knowledge and/or skills items should be
sampled. In order to ensure that candidates will not be able to foresee what items they will be
questioned on, a different sample of knowledge/skill items is required each time the Outcome is
assessed. Candidates must provide a satisfactory response to both items.
Evidence should be generated through assessment undertaken in controlled, supervised conditions.
Assessment should be conducted under open book conditions and as such candidates should be
allowed to bring textbooks, handouts or notes to the assessment.
Assessment guidelines
Questions used to elicit candidate evidence should take the form of an appropriate balance of short
answer, restricted response and structured questions.
The assessment of this Outcome might be combined with that for Outcomes 1, 3, and 4 to form a
single assessment paper.
HN Unit (DW4H 34): Building Science
4
Higher National Unit specification: statement of standards (cont)
Unit title: Building Science
Outcome 3
Apply the principles of sound and noise measurement in building design
Knowledge and/or skills
i
i
i
i
i
Sound power, intensity and pressure levels
Decibel Scale
Sound Attenuation
Noise reduction
Noise levels
Evidence Requirements
Candidates will need to provide evidence to demonstrate their knowledge and/or skills by showing
that they can:
i
explain and quantify acoustic properties of building environments
Evidence for the knowledge and/or skills for this Outcome will be provided on a sample basis. In any
assessment of this Outcome a minimum of three out of five knowledge and/or skills items should be
sampled. In order to ensure that candidates will not be able to foresee what items they will be
questioned on, a different sample of knowledge/skill items is required each time the Outcome is
assessed. Candidates must provide a satisfactory response to all three items.
Evidence should be generated through assessment undertaken in controlled, supervised conditions.
Assessment should be conducted under open book conditions and as such candidates should be
allowed to bring textbooks, handouts or notes to the assessment.
Assessment guidelines
Questions used to elicit candidate evidence should take the form of an appropriate balance of short
answer, restricted response and structured questions.
The assessment of this Outcome might be combined with that for Outcomes 1, 2, and 4 to form a
single assessment paper.
Outcome 4
Apply the principles of light and light measurement in building design
Knowledge and/or skills
i
i
i
Light Sources
Units of light
Lighting levels
HN Unit (DW4H 34): Building Science
5
Higher National Unit specification: statement of standards (cont)
Unit title: Building Science
Evidence Requirements
Candidates will need to provide evidence to demonstrate their knowledge and/or skills by showing
that they can:
i
identify explain and quantify characteristics of lighting in relation to building environments
Evidence for the knowledge and/or skills for this Outcome will be provided on a sample basis. In any
assessment of this Outcome a minimum of two out of three knowledge and/or skills items should be
sampled. In order to ensure that candidates will not be able to foresee what items they will be
questioned on, a different sample of knowledge/skill items is required each time the Outcome is
assessed. Candidates must provide a satisfactory response to both items.
Evidence should be generated through assessment undertaken in controlled, supervised conditions.
Assessment should be conducted under open book conditions and as such candidates should be
allowed to bring textbooks, handouts or notes to the assessment.
Assessment guidelines
Questions used to elicit candidate evidence should take the form of an appropriate balance of short
answer, restricted response and structured questions.
The assessment of this Outcome might be combined with that for Outcomes 1, 2, and 3 to form a
single assessment paper.
HN Unit (DW4H 34): Building Science
6
Administrative Information
Unit code:
DW4H 34
Unit title:
Building Science
Superclass category:
TD
Date of publication:
June 2006
Version:
01
Source:
SQA
© Scottish Qualifications Authority 2005
This publication may be reproduced in whole or in part for educational purposes provided that no
profit is derived from reproduction and that, if reproduced in part, the source is acknowledged.
SQA acknowledges the valuable contribution that Scotland’s colleges have made to the development
of Higher National qualifications.
Additional copies of this Unit specification can be purchased from the Scottish Qualifications
Authority. Please contact the Customer Contact Centre for further details, telephone 0845 279 1000.
HN Unit (DW4H 34): Building Science
7
Higher National Unit specification: support notes
Unit title: Building Science
This part of the Unit specification is offered as guidance. The support notes are not mandatory.
While the exact time allocated to this Unit is at the discretion of the centre, the notional design length
is 40 hours.
Guidance on the content and context for this Unit
This Unit has been written in order to allow candidates to develop knowledge understanding and
skills in the following areas:
1
2
3
4
Applying the principles of heat transfer in building design.
Applying the principles of psychrometry to the occurrence of condensation in building design.
Applying the principles of sound and noise measurement in building design.
Applying the principles of light and light measurement in building design.
This Unit at SCQF level 7 is a mandatory unit within the new HNC/HND Built Environment awards.
In designing this Unit the unit writers have identified the range of topics they would expect to be
covered by lecturers. The writers have also given recommendations as to how much time should be
spent on each outcome. This has been done to help lecturers to decide what depth of treatment should
be given to the topics attached to each of the outcomes.
1
Apply the principles of heat transfer in building design (10 hours)
Heat loss from buildings is an important issue in complying with Regulations and from the
sustainability of the building aspect sends messages from the environmental and economic
viewpoints. Design of heating systems and compliance with SAP Regulations is dealt with in other
specialist units but some knowledge of the calculation of U-values and fabric heat loss will be useful
in illustrating the relevance of this knowledge within this Unit.
i
i
i
i
2
heat transfer mechanisms
affect of heat transfer mechanisms on buildings
U value calculation for different types of cavity walls and roof materials given the materials,
thickness and conductivity
fabric loss calculation for simple one or two roomed building, for example a shop and a store
with all relevant information supplied
Apply the principles of psychrometry to the occurrence of condensation in building design
(10 hours)
Condensation problems are a major concern in modern buildings. Design of building elements to
prevent interstitial condensation and the use of relative humidity in air conditioning design is dealt
with in other specialist units but some knowledge of the use of Psychrometric Charts will be useful in
illustrating the relevance of this knowledge within this Unit.
i
i
condensation mechanisms
affect of condensation mechanisms on buildings
HN Unit (DW4H 34): Building Science
8
Higher National Unit specification: support notes
Unit title: Building Science
i
i
i
i
i
experiment to show evaporation and condensation
use of Psychrometric Chart
minimising risk of condensation by efficient design of structures
positioning of vapour barriers
acceptable air conditions
3
Apply the principles of sound and noise measurement in building design (10 hours)
Impact and airborne sound transfer through buildings is a major problem. The physics of sound is
highly complex and can only be dealt with at a basic level in this outcome.
i
i
i
i
i
i
i
sound transfer mechanisms
affect of sound transfer mechanisms on buildings
practical examples and demonstrations of sound transfer
sound generation and measuring equipment
suitable noise reduction situations
floating floor
quiet room adjacent to noisy area
4
Apply the principles of light and light measurement in building design (10 hours)
No distinction is made within this outcome between natural and artificial light as their relationship is
dealt with in other specialist units.
i
i
i
i
i
i
i
i
i
i
characteristics of the eye
principles of light reflection and refraction
the colour spectrum
their affect on lighting design
measurement of light levels in work areas
typing
drawing
kitchen
workshop
comparison of recommended levels with readings taken
Guidance on the delivery and assessment of this Unit
It is recommended that evidence for learning outcomes is achieved through well planned course work,
assignments and projects. Assessment may be formative and summative and both may feature as part
of the process. Although assessments must be focused on the individual achievement of each
candidate, group work and role play activities may contribute to the assessment. Integrative
assignments and project work will help to link this Unit with other related units.
The volume of evidence required for each assessment should take into account the overall number of
assessments being contemplated within this unit and the design of the overall teaching programme.
HN Unit (DW4H 34): Building Science
9
Higher National Unit specification: support notes (cont)
Unit title: Building Science
In designing the assessment instrument/s, opportunities should be taken to generate appropriate
evidence to contribute to the assessment of Core skills units.
Where available, evidence from the workplace can also be incorporated to enhance the learning
outcomes, provided that this evidence is appropriate and authenticated as the candidate’s own work.
Opportunities for developing Core Skills
The following grid provides a general guide to opportunities for the development of Core Skills in this
Unit. Opportunities for the development of Core Skills at the output level are more fully identified in
the Core Skills Signposting Guide.
Core Skill
Outcome
1
Outcome
2
Outcome
3
Outcome
4
Reading
Writing
Oral
Using Number
Using Graphical Information
1 Communication
2 Numeracy
Outcome
5
3 IT
Using Information Technology
4 Problem Solving
Critical Thinking
Planning and Organising
Reviewing and Evaluating
5 Working with Others
Open learning
Given that appropriate materials exist this unit could be delivered by distance learning, which may
incorporate some degree of on-line support. However with regard to assessment planning would be
required by the centre concerned to ensure the sufficiency and authenticity of candidate evidence.
Arrangements would be required to be put in place to ensure that assessments were conducted under
controlled, supervised conditions.
HN Unit (DW4H 34): Building Science
10
Higher National Unit specification: support notes (cont)
Unit title: Building Science
Candidates with additional support needs
This Unit specification is intended to ensure that there are no artificial barriers to learning or
assessment. The additional support needs of individual candidates should be taken into account when
planning learning experiences, selecting assessment instruments or considering alternative Outcomes
for Units. For information on these, please refer to the SQA document Guidance on Alternative
Assessment Arrangements for Candidates with Disabilities and/or Additional Support Needs, which is
available on SQA’s website: www.sqa.org.uk.
HN Unit (DW4H 34): Building Science
11
General information for candidates
Unit title: Building Science
This Unit has been designed to allow you to develop knowledge, understanding and skill sin Building
Science and specifically heat light and sound in relation to building environments.
1
2
3
4
Apply the principles of heat transfer in building design.
Apply the principles of psychrometry to the occurrence of condensation in building design.
Apply the principles of sound and noise measurement in building design.
Apply the principles of light and light measurement in building design.
The formal assessment for the Unit may be undertaken as one single assessment paper lasting no more
than two hours or learning outcomes individually assessed. Whichever assessment process is adopted
it will be conducted under controlled supervised conditions.
HN Unit (DW4H 34): Building Science
12
Higher National Unit Specification
General information for centres
Unit title:
Building Measurement and Cost Studies
Unit code: DW3X 34
Unit purpose: This Unit is designed to enable candidates to gain knowledge and understanding of
the processes involved in the preparation of a tender for building works. The Unit begins with the
preparation of quantified item descriptions and proceeds to examine the factors affecting labour and
plant outputs and how these and other factors such as material costs impact on the overall estimate for
the work and the subsequent tender submitted to the Client.
On completion of the Unit the candidate should be able to:
1
2
3
Produce quantified items for superstructure walls, together with associated openings and finishes,
for a single building of straightforward construction using the current Standard Method of
Measurement (SMM) for building works.
Describe the factors which affect building costs.
Explain the production and adjudication of an estimate for building works.
Credit points and level: 1 HN Credit at SCQF level 7: (8 SCQF credit points at SCQF level
7*)
*SCQF credit points are used to allocate credit to qualifications in the Scottish Credit and Qualifications
Framework (SCQF). Each qualification in the Framework is allocated a number of SCQF credit points at an
SCQF level. There are 12 SCQF levels, ranging from Access 1 to Doctorates.
Recommended prior knowledge and skills: It would be an advantage for candidates to
have a basic knowledge and understanding of external wall construction, although this is not essential
because the Unit covers all the basic principles. Possession of basic knowledge and understanding
may be evidenced by the candidate having obtained a Unit or Units in construction technology at HN
level.
Core Skills: There are opportunities to develop the Core Skills of Communication, Numeracy and
Problem Solving in this Unit, although there is no automatic certification of Core Skills or Core Skills
components.’
Context for delivery: If this Unit is delivered as part of a Group Award, it is recommended that
it should be taught and assessed within the subject area of the Group Award to which it contributes.
HN Unit (DW3X 34): Building Measurement and Cost Studies
1
General information for centres (cont)
Assessment: It is possible to assess candidates either on an individual Outcome basis,
combinations of Outcomes or by a single holistic assessment combining all Outcomes.
It is recommended that assessment of this Unit should take the form of two separate papers.
Outcome 1 should be assessed individually and last two hours. The assessment paper will require the
candidate to prepare a draft Bill of Quantities for the external walls of a single building of
straightforward construction.
The assessment for Outcomes 2 and 3 should be combined together into one assessment paper which
it is anticipated would take the candidate approximately two hours to complete. This assessment paper
will take the form of an assignment which will require the submission of a written report.
The assessment for Outcome 1 should be conducted under controlled, supervised conditions. It should
be noted that candidates must achieve all the minimum evidence specified for each Outcome in order
to pass the Unit.
Where evidence for Outcomes is assessed on a sample basis, the whole of the content listed in the
knowledge and/or skills section must be taught and available for assessment. Candidates should not
know in advance the items on which they will be assessed and different items should be sampled on
each assessment occasion.
An exemplar instrument of assessment and marking guidelines has been produced to provide
examples of the type of evidence required to demonstrate achievement of the aims of this Unit and to
indicate the national standard of achievement at SCQF level 7
HN Unit (DW3X 34): Building Measurement and Cost Studies
2
Higher National Unit specification: statement of standards
Unit title: Building Measurement and Cost Studies
Unit code: DW3X 34
The sections of the Unit stating the Outcomes, knowledge and/or skills, and Evidence Requirements
are mandatory.
Where evidence for Outcomes is assessed on a sample basis, the whole of the content listed in the
knowledge and/or skills section must be taught and available for assessment. Candidates should not
know in advance the items on which they will be assessed and different items should be sampled on
each assessment occasion.
Throughout the Unit emphasis will be placed where appropriate on the application of Health & Safety
and Sustainability. Safe working practises should be looked at in accordance with current safety codes
of practise and regulations. Sustainability should include reference to criteria affecting sustainability,
impact of not implementing sustainability on the environment and the legislation promoting
sustainability.
Outcome 1
Produce quantified items for superstructure walls, together with associated openings and finishes, for
a single building of straightforward construction using the current Standard Method of Measurement
(SMM) for building works
Knowledge and/or skills
i
i
i
i
i
i
i
Brickwork/Blockwork walls
Adjustments for openings in walls
Accessories to Brickwork/Blockwork
Windows and Doors
Sundry items associated with Windows and Doors
Ironmongery
Internal/External Finishes
Evidence Requirements
Candidates will need to provide evidence to demonstrate their knowledge and/or skills by showing
that they can:
i
i
i
i
i
i
i
produce comprehensive lists of items
draft comprehensive item descriptions
express quantities in the correct Unit of measurement
take off quantities accurately
produce accurate waste calculations
correctly interpret the technology
correctly analyse drawings
HN Unit (DW3X 34): Building Measurement and Cost Studies
3
Higher National Unit specification: statement of standards (cont)
Unit title: Building Measurement and Cost Studies
In any assessment of this Outcome all knowledge and/or skills should be included. Candidates must
provide a satisfactory response to all items.
Evidence should be generated through assessment undertaken in controlled, supervised conditions
‘Open-book’ with the current SMM for building works. The candidate should have access to their
own notes.
Assessment guidelines
Evidence for competence in this Outcome should be generated using drawings and specification notes
for a single building of straightforward construction with a flat roof and only two or three openings in
the external wall.
The candidate should be asked to prepare suitable item descriptions and take off accurate quantities
for the following:
i
i
i
i
i
i
i
Brickwork/Blockwork
Brickwork/Blockwork Accessories
Windows
Doors
Sundry Items for Windows & Doors
Ironmongery
Internal/External Finishes
Outcome 2
Describe the factors which affect building costs
Knowledge and/or skills
i
i
i
i
Labour
Plant
Materials
Project specific factors
Evidence Requirements
Candidates will need evidence to demonstrate their skills and/or knowledge by showing that they can:
i
i
i
i
identify the factors which affect labour output
identify the factors which affect plant output
identify the factors which affect material costs
identify project specific factors which affect the overall building costs
In any assessment of this Outcome all knowledge and/or skills should be included. Candidates must
provide a satisfactory response to all items
HN Unit (DW3X 34): Building Measurement and Cost Studies
4
Higher National Unit specification: statement of standards (cont)
Unit title: Building Measurement and Cost Studies
Assessment guidelines
Assessment for this Outcome should take the form of an Assignment whereby the candidate can
research the subject area and submit written evidence to demonstrate competence.
The assessment for this Outcome should be combined with that for Outcome 3 to form a single
assessment paper, details of which are given at the end of Outcome 3.
Outcome 3
Explain the production and adjudication of an estimate for building works
Knowledge and/or skills
i
i
i
i
Calculation of Estimate
Conversion of Estimate to Tender
Preparing Estimates using Bills of Quantities
Preparing Estimates without Bills of Quantities
Evidence Requirements
Candidates will need evidence to demonstrate their knowledge and/or skills by showing that they can:
i
i
i
i
i
explain the factors which have to be taken into account when preparing an estimate for building
works
explain the function of a Bill of Quantities when preparing an estimate for building works.
describe the process involved when compiling an estimate for building works
explain the factors which require to be taken into consideration when converting an estimate into
a tender for a building contract
describe how the estimating process differs when there are no Bills of Quantities included with
the tender documentation
In any assessment of this Outcome all knowledge and / or skills should be included. Candidates must
provide a satisfactory response to all items
Assessment guidelines
The assessment of this Outcome should be combined with that for Outcome 2 to form a single
assessment paper, taking the form of an assignment requesting the production of a written report. This
report should explain the estimating process undertaken by a construction company and outline the
factors which have to be considered and incorporated into an estimate for building works and the
subsequent tender.
HN Unit (DW3X 34): Building Measurement and Cost Studies
5
Administrative Information
Unit code:
DW3X 34
Unit title:
Building Measurement and Cost Studies
Superclass category:
TC
Date of publication:
June 2006
Version:
01
Source:
SQA
© Scottish Qualifications Authority 2005
This publication may be reproduced in whole or in part for educational purposes provided that no
profit is derived from reproduction and that, if reproduced in part, the source is acknowledged.
SQA acknowledges the valuable contribution that Scotland’s colleges have made to the development
of Higher National qualifications.
Additional copies of this Unit specification can be purchased from the Scottish Qualifications
Authority. Please contact the Customer Contact Centre for further details, telephone 0845 279 1000.
HN Unit (DW3X 34): Building Measurement and Cost Studies
6
Higher National Unit specification: support notes
Unit title: Building Measurement and Cost Studies
This part of the Unit specification is offered as guidance. The support notes are not mandatory.
While the exact time allocated to this Unit is at the discretion of the centre, the notional design length
is 40 hours.
Guidance on the content and context for this Unit
This Unit has been written in order to allow candidates to develop knowledge, understanding and
skills in the following areas:
1
2
3
Producing quantified items for superstructure walls, together with associated openings and
finishes for a single building of straightforward construction using the current SMM for building
works.
Describing the factors which affect building costs.
The process of producing and adjudicating on estimates for building work.
Recommended time allocations for each Outcome are given as guidance towards the depth of
treatment which might be applied to each topic. This guidance has been used in the design of the
assessment exemplar material provided with the Unit.
1
Produce quantified items for superstructure walls together with associated openings and
finishes for a single building of straightforward construction using the current SMM for
building works. ( 20 hours )
i
Taking off quantities
— Preparing accurate lists of item descriptions (SMM)
Waste calculations
— Side notes
— Units of measurement
- Brickwork/Blockwork
Single skin and cavity wall
Adjustment for openings
Accessories to brickwork /blockwork
- Windows
- Doors, including all frames and facings etc
- Ironmongery
- Internal/External Finishes
2
Describe the factors which affect building costs. (8 hours)
i
Labour rate:
Working Rule Agreement
Overtime
Bonus payments
Weather
Site location
HN Unit (DW3X 34): Building Measurement and Cost Studies
7
Higher National Unit specification: support notes (cont)
Unit title: Building Measurement and Cost Studies
3
i
Plant rate:
Machine capacities
Hire plant/Company-owned plant
RICS Plant Hire charges
Plant operator
Transportation of plant
i
Material Costs:
Specification
Delivery costs
Small/bulk orders
Waste
i
Project Specific Costs:
Geographical location
Weather conditions
Ease of access
Security
Location of services
Ground conditions
Site topography
Existing use of site
Storage space on site
Explain the production and adjudication of estimates for a building of straightforward
construction. (8 hours )
i
Calculation of Estimate:
Labour Costs
Plant Costs
Material Costs
Sub Contract Enquiries
Site Visit Report
Overheads
Location of site
i
Conversion of Estimate to Tender:
Profit
Current Workload
Anticipated Workload
Type of Work
Risk
i
i
i
Preparing estimates for building projects with Bills of Quantities
Preparing estimates for building projects without Bills of Quantities
CIOB Code of Estimating Practice (COEP)
HN Unit (DW3X 34): Building Measurement and Cost Studies
8
Higher National Unit specification: support notes (cont)
Unit title: Building Measurement and Cost Studies
In order to assist the candidate during the assessment of this Outcome the following key points may
be stated as being necessary for inclusion in their report:
i
i
i
i
i
i
i
i
i
i
i
Factors affecting labour output and costs
Factors affecting plant output and costs
Factors affecting material costs
Subcontract Enquiries
Site Visit Report
Location of site
Overheads and Profit
Current and Anticipated Workload
Type of Work
Preparation of Estimate
Adjudication of Estimate
Guidance on the delivery and assessment of this Unit
As this Unit introduces fundamental measurement and costing principles it is recommended that it be
delivered in the first year of HND Built Environment awards and HNC where appropriate. However,
it would benefit the candidate to have some knowledge of external wall construction and therefore
would be best delivered towards the latter part of the first year.
Where this Unit is incorporated into other Group Awards it is recommended that it be delivered in the
context of the specific occupational area(s) that the award is designed to cover.
Details on approaches to assessment are given under Evidence Requirements and Assessment
guidelines under each Outcome in the Higher National Unit specification: statement of standards
section. It is recommended that these sections be read carefully before proceeding with assessment of
candidates.
In the delivery of this Unit there should be clear differentiation between the terms ‘estimate’,
quotation’ and ‘tender’.
HN Unit (DW3X 34): Building Measurement and Cost Studies
9
Higher National Unit specification: support notes (cont)
Unit title: Building Measurement and Cost Studies
Opportunities for developing Core Skills
The following grid provides a general guide to opportunities for the development of Core Skills in this
Unit. Opportunities for the development of Core Skills at the output level are more fully identified in
the Core Skills Signposting Guide.
Core Skill
Outcome
1
Outcome
2
Outcome
3
Reading
Writing
Oral
Using Number
Using Graphical Information
1 Communication
2 Numeracy
Outcome
4
Outcome
5
3 IT
Using Information Technology
4 Problem Solving
Critical Thinking
Planning and Organising
Reviewing and Evaluating
5 Working with Others
Open learning
Given that appropriate materials exist this Unit could be delivered by distance learning, which may
incorporate some degree of on-line support. However, with regard to assessment, planning would be
required by the centre concerned to ensure the sufficiency and authenticity of candidate evidence.
Arrangements would be required to be put in place to ensure that assessment/s were conducted under
controlled, supervised conditions.
For information on normal open learning arrangements, please refer to the SQA guide Assessment and
Quality Assurance of Open and Distance Learning (SQA 2000)
Candidates with additional support needs
This Unit specification is intended to ensure that there are no artificial barriers to learning or
assessment. The additional support needs of individual candidates should be taken into account when
planning learning experiences, selecting assessment instruments or considering alternative Outcomes
for Units. For information on these, please refer to the SQA document Guidance on Alternative
Assessment Arrangements for Candidates with Disabilities and/or Additional Support Needs, which is
available on SQA’s website: www.sqa.org.uk.
HN Unit (DW3X 34): Building Measurement and Cost Studies
10
General information for candidates
Unit title: Building Measurement and Cost Studies
This Unit has been designed to introduce you to and develop knowledge, understanding and skills in
the measurement and description of quantities for building work. In particular it covers the
measurement of external walls, windows and doors. This Unit also explains the process involved in
producing an estimate and tender for building work and outlines the factors which affect the costs for
building works. Even if you do not intend to follow a career in quantity surveying, this Unit will help
you understand how building work is measured and priced by a building contractor.
You will be required to examine building drawings and specification notes and your knowledge of
building construction will be enhanced by undertaking this Unit.
By the end of this Unit you will be aware of the many and varied factors which affect the cost of
building projects and how the contractor includes for these in his tender for a construction project.
The formal assessment for this Unit will consist of two separate assessment papers lasting a total of
four hours. The assessment for Learning Outcome 1, lasting two hours, will be conducted under
supervised conditions with access to the current SMM for building works. You will be allowed to take
in your own notes and a scientific calculator. The second assessment, covering both Learning
Outcomes 2 and 3, will take the form of an assignment requesting you to submit a written report.
HN Unit (DW3X 34): Building Measurement and Cost Studies
11
Higher National Unit Specification
General information for centres
Unit title:
Architectural Design Sketching and Drawing
Unit code: DW3R 34
Unit purpose: This Unit is designed to enable the candidate to develop a knowledge and
understanding of basic architectural design concepts and elements. In addition, the candidate will
develop competence in graphical communication techniques in the field of architectural drawing and
sketching.
On completion of the Unit the candidate should be able to:
1
2
3
Illustrate basic architectural concepts.
Explain and illustrate the relationship of architectural form, function and mass.
Interpret construction drawings.
Credit points and level: 1 HN Credit at SCQF level 7: (8 SCQF credit points at SCQF level
7*)
*SCQF credit points are used to allocate credit to qualifications in the Scottish Credit and Qualifications
Framework (SCQF). Each qualification in the Framework is allocated a number of SCQF credit points at an
SCQF level. There are 12 SCQF levels, ranging from Access 1 to Doctorates.
Recommended prior knowledge and skills: It would be an advantage for candidates to
have a basic knowledge and understanding of the principles of freehand sketching and drawing as
well as basic knowledge and understanding of construction technology (structure). This may be
evidenced by possession of appropriate Higher or National Units.
Core Skills: There are opportunities to develop the Core Skills of Communication, and Problem
Solving, in this Unit, although there is no automatic certification of Core Skills or Core Skills
components.
Context for delivery: If this Unit is delivered as part of a Group Award, it is recommended that
it should be taught and assessed within the subject area of the Group Award to which it contributes.
Assessment: It is possible to assess candidates either on an individual Outcome basis,
combinations of Outcomes or by a single holistic assessment combining all Outcomes. It should be
noted that candidates must achieve all the minimum evidence specified for each Outcome in order to
pass this Unit.
HN Unit (DW3R 34): Architectural Design Sketching and Drawing
1
General information for centres (cont)
This Unit could be assessed holistically by the production of a portfolio of evidence generated by the
candidate during designated tutorial time within the centre or in private study time outwith the
confines of the centre. Much of the evidence could arise from tasks set by the tutor to elicit
appropriate graphical responses that meet the Evidence Requirements demanded by the Outcomes.
Some written text will be required to satisfy the descriptive elements of Outcomes 2 and 3.
It is incumbent on the tutors within the centre to satisfy themselves that the portfolio of evidence
submitted for assessment is entirely original and solely the respective student’s work.
Where evidence for Outcomes is assessed on a sample basis, the whole of the content listed in the
knowledge and/or skills section must be taught and available for assessment. Candidates should not
know in advance, the items on which they will be assessed and different items should be sampled on
each assessment occasion.
An exemplar instrument of assessment and marking guidelines have been produced to provide an
example of the type of evidence required to demonstrate achievement of the aims of this Unit and to
indicate the national standard of achievement at SCQF level 7.
HN Unit (DW3R 34): Architectural Design Sketching and Drawing
2
Higher National Unit specification: statement of standards
Unit title: Architectural Design Sketching and Drawing
Unit code: DW3R 34
The sections of the Unit stating the Outcomes, knowledge and/or skills, and Evidence Requirements
are mandatory.
Where evidence for Outcomes is assessed on a sample basis, the whole of the content listed in the
knowledge and/or skills section must be taught and available for assessment. Candidates should not
know in advance the items on which they will be assessed and different items should be sampled on
each assessment occasion.
Throughout the Unit emphasis will be placed, where appropriate, on the application of Health and
Safety and Sustainability. Safe working practises should be looked at in accordance with current
safety codes of practise and regulations. Sustainability should include reference to criteria affecting
sustainability, impact of not implementing sustainability on the environment and the legislation
promoting sustainability.
Outcome 1
Illustrate basic architectural concepts
Knowledge and/or skills
i
i
Preparation of freehand and/ or instrument-aided sketches
Recognition of basic architectural concepts
Evidence Requirements
Candidates will need to provide evidence to demonstrate their knowledge and/or skills by showing
that they can:
i
identify and illustrate basic architectural concepts
In any assessment of this Outcome all knowledge and/or skills items should be included. Candidates
must provide a satisfactory response to all items.
Evidence for the knowledge and skills in this Outcome will be provided by the production of a
portfolio of freehand and/or instrument-aided sketches. Graphical evidence is required to demonstrate
that the candidate understands architectural design concepts and the basic elements of architectural
sketching and drawing.
The candidates may select appropriate buildings as subjects for illustration or choose from a selection
of buildings nominated by the tutor.
HN Unit (DW3R 34): Architectural Design Sketching and Drawing
3
Higher National Unit specification: statement of standards (cont)
Unit title: Architectural Design Sketching and Drawing
Assessment guidelines
It is anticipated that much of the production of evidence for this Outcome should take place in the
candidate’s designated tutorial time or in their own private study time. It is incumbent on the assessors
to satisfy themselves that the evidence produced is, in fact, the work of the individual candidate. A
minimum of four A4 sketches should be produced to satisfy both the sketching and the concept
illustration requirements.
The sketching elements of Outcome 2 may be integrated with requirements of Outcome 1.
Outcome 2
Explain and illustrate the architectural relationships of Form, Function and Mass
Knowledge and/or skills
i
i
i
Understanding of the terms: Form, Function and Mass
Preparation of freehand and/ or instrument-aided sketches
Illustration of concepts of Form, Function and Mass
Evidence Requirements
Candidates will need to provide evidence to demonstrate their knowledge and/ or skills by showing
that they can:
i
explain and illustrate the terms Form, Function and Mass and their inter-relationship
In any assessment of this Outcome all knowledge and/ or skills items should be included. Candidates
must provide a satisfactory response to all items.
Written and graphical evidence is required to confirm the candidates understanding of the terms Form,
Function and Mass and their inter-relationship with reference to architecture. Graphical evidence for
Outcome 2 should be freehand and/or instrument-aided sketches of three buildings in a medium
selected by the candidate. The candidates may select appropriate buildings for themselves as subjects
or choose from a selection of buildings supplied by the tutor.
Assessment guidelines
It is anticipated that much of the production of graphical evidence for this Outcome should take place
in the candidate’s designated tutorial time or in their own private study time. It is incumbent on the
assessors to satisfy themselves that the evidence produced is, in fact, the work of the individual
candidate. A minimum of three A4 sketches should be produced to satisfy both the sketching and the
concept illustration requirements.
The sketching elements of Outcome 2 may be integrated with requirements of Outcome 1.
HN Unit (DW3R 34): Architectural Design Sketching and Drawing
4
Higher National Unit specification: statement of standards (cont)
Unit title: Architectural Design Sketching and Drawing
In addition to the graphical evidence, each candidate will need to demonstrate that he/she can explain
the relationships of Form, Function and Mass. This could be evidenced by the production of a written
evaluation of one of the buildings selected as a subject for the graphical part of this Outcome.
Alternatively, each candidate could demonstrate that he/ she can answer correctly, a series of
questions based on one of the buildings selected as a subject for the graphical part of this Outcome.
Outcome 3
Interpret construction drawings
Knowledge and/or skills
i
i
i
Understanding of the purposes of drawings
Importance of drawing standards and conventions
Recognition of drawing types and conventions
Evidence Requirements
Candidates will need to provide evidence to demonstrate their knowledge and/or skills by showing
that they can:
i
i
Explain the purposes of drawings and the use of drawings standards and conventions
Recognise drawings types and conventions
In any assessment of this Outcome all knowledge and/ or skills items should be included. Candidates
must provide a satisfactory response to all items.
The evidence may be presented in response to specific questions. Each candidate will need to
demonstrate that he/she can answer correctly questions based on the content of this Outcome.
Candidates must provide a satisfactory response to all items.
Assessment guidelines
The assessment of this Outcome should be a single assessment paper taken at a single assessment
event lasting one hour and carried out under supervised, controlled conditions. Such a paper should be
composed of an appropriate balance of short answer, restricted response and structured questions.
HN Unit (DW3R 34): Architectural Design Sketching and Drawing
5
Administrative Information
Unit code:
DW3R 34
Unit title:
Architectural Design Sketching and Drawing
Superclass category:
TD
Date of publication:
June 2006
Version:
01
Source:
SQA
© Scottish Qualifications Authority 2005
This publication may be reproduced in whole or in part for educational purposes provided that no
profit is derived from reproduction and that, if reproduced in part, the source is acknowledged.
SQA acknowledges the valuable contribution that Scotland’s colleges have made to the development
of Higher National qualifications.
Additional copies of this Unit specification can be purchased from the Scottish Qualifications
Authority. Please contact the Customer Contact Centre for further details, telephone 0845 279 1000.
HN Unit (DW3R 34): Architectural Design Sketching and Drawing
6
Higher National Unit specification: support notes
Unit title: Architectural Design Sketching and Drawing
This part of the Unit specification is offered as guidance. The support notes are not mandatory.
While the exact time allocated to this Unit is at the discretion of the centre, the notional design length
is 40 hours.
Guidance on the content and context for this Unit
It is recommended that the Outcomes in this Unit be completed in the sequence in which they are
presented. This does not preclude some integration of the Outcomes during teaching, tutorial and
assessment. Videos, slides, photographs etc can be used to illustrate the architectural content of the
Unit. Visits to buildings of architectural interest will also contribute to the learning process. Sketching
exercises may be undertaken in the classroom and in the field, using different techniques and media.
The use of texts and manuals on architecture and related subjects, available from CIAT, CIOB, RIAS,
RIBA and RICS as well as other sources, will provide the basis of the information required by
candidates to complete the assessment tasks.
This Unit has been written in order to allow candidates to develop knowledge, understanding and
skills in the following areas:
1
2
3
4
Basic architectural design concepts.
Architectural form, function and mass.
Construction drawing preparation, standards and conventions.
Freehand and instrument-aided sketching and illustration.
This Unit at SCQF level 7 is a mandatory Unit within the HNC and HND suite of Built Environment.
In designing this Unit, the Unit writers have identified the range of topics they would expect to be
covered by the tutors. The writers have also given recommendations as to how much time should be
spent on each Outcome. This has been done to help tutors decide what depth of treatment should be
given to the topics attached to each of the Outcomes. Whilst it is not mandatory for a centre to use this
list of topics, it is strongly recommended that it does so to ensure continuity of teaching and learning
across the suite of Built Environment awards and because the assessment pack for this particular Unit
is based on the knowledge and/ or skills and list of topics embraced by each of the Outcomes.
The list of topics is given below. Tutors are advised to study this list in conjunction with the
assessment exemplar pack so that they can get a clear indication of the standard of achievement
expected of candidates undertaking this Unit.
HN Unit (DW3R 34): Architectural Design Sketching and Drawing
7
Higher National Unit specification: support notes (cont)
Unit title: Architectural Design Sketching and Drawing
1
Illustrate basic architectural concepts and elements.
(20 Hours)
i
Basic architectural sketching
— Freehand drawing:
the purpose and practice
— Elementary techniques: spaces bounded by lines
spaces constructed around axes
straight lines
curved lines
lettering
i
Sketches
— Plans
— Elevations
— Details
— Freehand perspective
i
Design process
Brief
Analysis
Synthesis
Implementation
RIBA Plan of Work (Design stages)
—
—
—
—
—
i
i
Principles of Design
— Function
— Structure
— Appearance
— Aesthetics
Architectural terms and concepts
Colour and Tone
Texture
Proportion
Scale
Form or Shape
Solid or Void
Symmetry or Balance
Rhythm
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
HN Unit (DW3R 34): Architectural Design Sketching and Drawing
8
Higher National Unit specification: support notes (cont)
Unit title: Architectural Design Sketching and Drawing
2
3
Explain the Relationships of Form, Function and Mass.
(12 Hours)
i
Form
— Point
— Line
— Plane
— Volume
— Influence of Function on Form
i
Function
— Simple and/ or complex purposes and uses of buildings
i
Mass
— Definition of shapes or volumes in general outline rather than in detail
— Visual perception of size and relationships between colour, texture, solid and void etc
Interpret construction drawings.
i
i
(8 Hours)
Construction drawings
— Purpose of drawings
— Types of drawings
- Site location/ layout plans
- Location (general arrangement) drawings
- Assembly drawings
- Component drawings
Associated information
— Schedules
— Specifications
i
Drawing Standards and Conventions
Drawing sizes/ layout
Line drawing and scales
Line Types
Line quality
Dimensions
Lettering
Graphical symbols
Hatching conventions
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
HN Unit (DW3R 34): Architectural Design Sketching and Drawing
9
Higher National Unit specification: support notes (cont)
Unit title: Architectural Design Sketching and Drawing
Guidance on the delivery and assessment of this Unit
The content of the Unit builds on the knowledge and understanding of drawings and sketching gained
in the Unit Construction Communications, it is recommended that this Unit be completed prior to the
commencement of Architectural Design Sketching and Drawing.
The content of the Unit forms the basis for much of the work to be undertaken in the construction
technician study programme. It is essential that students are familiar with the basic principles of
design and sketching. To this end, the lecture programme could be supplemented with the use of site
visits. Design sketches, construction drawings, technical literature, British Standards and the Scottish
Building Standards should be used extensively to ensure the candidate understands the basic design
and construction concepts.
This Unit could be assessed holistically by the production of a portfolio of evidence generated by the
candidate during designated tutorial time within the centre or in private study time outwith the
confines of the centre. Much of the evidence could arise from tasks set by the tutor to elicit
appropriate graphical responses that meet the Evidence Requirements demanded by the Outcomes.
Some written text will be required to satisfy the descriptive elements of Outcomes 2 and 3.
It is the responsibility of the centre to satisfy themselves that the portfolio of evidence submitted for
assessment is entirely original and solely the respective student’s work.
Where available, evidence from the workplace can also be incorporated to enhance the learning
Outcomes, provided that this evidence is appropriate and authenticated as the student’s own work.
Opportunities for developing Core Skills
The following grid provides a general guide to opportunities for the development of Core Skills in this
Unit. Opportunities for the development of Core Skills at the output level are more fully identified in
the Core Skills Signposting Guide.
HN Unit (DW3R 34): Architectural Design Sketching and Drawing
10
Higher National Unit specification: support notes (cont)
Unit title: Architectural Design Sketching and Drawing
Core Skill
1 Communication
Reading
Writing
Oral
Outcome
1
Outcome
2
Outcome
3
Outcome
4
Outcome
5
2 Numeracy
Using Number
Using Graphical Information
3 IT
Using Information Technology
4 Problem Solving
Critical Thinking
Planning and Organising
Reviewing and Evaluating
5 Working with Others
Open learning
Given that appropriate materials exist, this Unit could be delivered by distance learning, which may
incorporate some degree of on-line support. However, with regard to assessment, planning would be
required by the centre concerned to ensure the sufficiency and authenticity of candidate evidence.
Arrangements would be required to be put in place to ensure that assessment/s were conducted under
controlled, supervised conditions.
Candidates with additional support needs
This Unit specification is intended to ensure that there are no artificial barriers to learning or
assessment. The additional support needs of individual candidates should be taken into account when
planning learning experiences, selecting assessment instruments or considering alternative Outcomes
for Units. For information on these, please refer to the SQA document Guidance on Alternative
Assessment Arrangements for Candidates with Disabilities and/or Additional Support Needs, which is
available on SQA’s website: www.sqa.org.uk.
HN Unit (DW3R 34): Architectural Design Sketching and Drawing
11
General information for candidates
Unit title: Architectural Design Sketching and Drawing
This Unit is designed to enable you to develop competence in graphical communication techniques,
especially in the field of architectural drawing and sketching. In addition, you will also develop a
knowledge and understanding of basic architectural design concepts and elements.
The content of the Unit builds on the knowledge and understanding of drawings and sketching gained
in the Unit Construction Communications, it is recommended that this Unit be completed prior to the
commencement of Architectural Design Sketching and Drawing.
The content of the Unit forms the basis for much of the work to be undertaken in the construction
technician study programme. It is essential that you are familiar with the basic principles of design
and sketching. To this end, the lecture programme could be supplemented with the use of site visits.
Design sketches, construction drawings, technical literature, British Standards and the Scottish
Building Standards should be used extensively to ensure that you understand the basic design and
construction concepts.
HN Unit (DW3R 34): Architectural Design Sketching and Drawing
12
Higher National Unit Specification
General information for centres
Unit title: Construction Technology: Industrial/Commercial Superstructure
Unit code: DW55 34
Unit purpose: This Unit is designed to enable candidates to gain knowledge and understanding
of superstructure construction of multi-storey and large area commercial and industrial buildings.
The unit commences with structural frames and continues with external walls, cladding and the
construction of ground floors, upper floors, stairs and roofs.
On completion of the Unit candidates should be able to:
1
2
3
4
Compare and describe the range of materials and construction forms available for the erection
of a structural frame.
Sketch and describe methods and materials for forming external walls to framed buildings.
Sketch and describe ground floor, upper floor and stair construction in framed buildings.
Sketch and describe forms of roof construction and finishes.
Credit points and level: 1 HN Credit at SCQF level 7: (8 SCQF credit points at SCQF level
7*)
*SCQF credit points are used to allocate credit to qualifications in the Scottish Credit and Qualifications
Framework (SCQF). Each qualification in the Framework is allocated a number of SCQF credit points at an
SCQF level. There are 12 SCQF levels, ranging from Access 1 to Doctorates.
Recommended prior knowledge and skills:
This Unit is designed in such a way that it
may be presented as a stand-alone unit. However, as the content of the Unit builds on the knowledge
and understanding of foundations and substructure construction it is highly recommended that a
construction technology (substructure) unit is completed prior to the commencement of this Unit.
Core Skills:
There are opportunities to develop the Core Skills of Communication and Problem
Solving, in this Unit, although there is no automatic certification of Core Skills or Core Skills
components.
Context for delivery: If this Unit is delivered as part of a Group Award, it is recommended
that it should be taught and assessed within the subject area of the Group Award to which it
contributes.
HN Unit (DW55 34): Construction Technology: Industrial/Commercial Superstructure
1
General information for centres (cont)
Assessment: It is possible to assess candidates either on an individual Outcome basis,
combinations of Outcomes or by a single holistic assessment combining all Outcomes. It is
recommended that all outcomes shall be assessed by a question paper details of which are given at the
end of each outcome under the heading ‘Assessment guidelines’.
The assessment papers should be composed of a suitable balance of short answer, restricted response
and structured questions. Assessment should be conducted under controlled, supervised conditions.
It should be noted that candidates must achieve all the minimum evidence specified for each Outcome
in order to pass the Unit.
An exemplar instrument of assessment and marking guidelines has been produced to provide
examples of the type of evidence required to demonstrate achievement of the aims of the Unit and to
indicate the national standard of achievement at SCQF level 7.
HN Unit (DW55 34): Construction Technology: Industrial/Commercial Superstructure
2
Higher National Unit specification: statement of standards
Unit title: Construction Technology: Industrial/Commercial Superstructure
Unit code: DW55 34
The sections of the Unit stating the Outcomes, knowledge and/or skills, and evidence requirements
are mandatory.
Where evidence for Outcomes is assessed on a sample basis, the whole of the content listed in the
knowledge and/or skills section must be taught and available for assessment. Candidates should not
know in advance the items on which they will be assessed and different items should be sampled on
each assessment occasion.
Throughout this Unit emphasis will be placed where appropriate on the application of health, safety
and sustainability. Safe working practices should be looked at in accordance with current safety
codes of practice and regulations. Sustainability should include reference to criteria affecting
sustainability, impact of not implementing sustainability on the environment and the legislation
promoting sustainability.
Outcome 1
Compare and describe the range of materials and construction forms available for the erection of a
structural frame
Knowledge and/or skills
Function and selection criteria
Forms and materials
Skeleton and Portal frames
Frame connection details
Fire protection
Evidence Requirements
Evidence for the knowledge and /or skills in this Outcome will be provided on a sample basis. The
evidence may be presented in responses to specific questions. Each candidate will need to
demonstrate that she/he can answer correctly questions based on a sample of the items shown above.
In any assessment of this Outcome three out of five knowledge and/or skills items should be
sampled.
In order to ensure that candidates will not be able to foresee what items they will be questioned on, a
different sample of three out of five knowledge and/or skills items is required each time the Outcome
is assessed. Candidates must provide a satisfactory response to all three items.
Where sampling takes place, a candidate's response can be judged to be satisfactory where evidence
provided is sufficient to meet the requirements for each item by showing that the candidate is able to:
compare and describe the function, range of materials and construction forms available for the
erection of a structural frame
HN Unit (DW55 34): Construction Technology: Industrial/Commercial Superstructure
3
Higher National Unit specification: statement of standards (cont)
Unit title: Construction Technology: Industrial/Commercial Superstructure
Evidence should be generated through assessment undertaken in controlled, supervised conditions.
Assessment should be conducted under closed book conditions and as such candidates should not be
allowed to bring any textbooks, handouts or notes to the assessment.
Assessment guidelines
Questions used to elicit candidate evidence should take the form of an appropriate balance of short
answer, restricted response and structured questions.
The assessment of this Outcome should be a single assessment question paper. The assessment event
should last 1½ hours and be carried out under supervised controlled conditions.
Outcome 2
Sketch and describe methods and materials for forming external walls to framed buildings
Knowledge and/or skills
Non-loadbearing brickwork/blockwork
Infill panels
Cladding systems
Materials and jointing methods
Evidence Requirements
Evidence for the knowledge and/or skills in this Outcome will be provided on a sample basis. The
evidence may be presented in responses to specific questions. Each candidate will need to
demonstrate that she/he can answer correctly questions based on a sample of the items shown above.
In any assessment of this Outcome two out of four knowledge and/or skills items should be sampled.
In order to ensure that candidates will not be able to foresee what items they will be questioned on, a
different sample of two out of the four knowledge and/or skills items is required each time the
Outcome is assessed. Candidates must provide a satisfactory response to all two items.
Where an item is sampled, a candidate's response can be judged to be satisfactory where the evidence
provided is sufficient to meet the requirements for each item by showing that the candidate is able to:
sketch and describe methods and materials used for forming external walls to framed buildings
Evidence should be generated through assessment undertaken in controlled, supervised conditions.
Assessment should be conducted under closed book conditions and as such candidates should not be
allowed to bring any textbooks, handouts or notes to the assessment.
Assessment guidelines
Questions used to elicit candidate evidence should take the form of an appropriate balance of short
answer, restricted response and structured questions.
The assessment of this Outcome should be a single assessment question paper. The assessment event
should last one hour and be carried out under supervised controlled conditions.
HN Unit (DW55 34): Construction Technology: Industrial/Commercial Superstructure
4
Higher National Unit specification: statement of standards (cont)
Unit title: Construction Technology: Industrial/Commercial Superstructure
Outcome 3
Sketch and describe ground floor, upper floor and stair construction in framed buildings
Knowledge and/or skills
Concrete ground floor construction
Upper floor construction
Stair construction
Materials and finishes
Evidence Requirements
Evidence for the knowledge and/or skills in this Outcome will be provided on a sample basis. The
evidence may be presented in responses to specific questions. Each candidate will need to
demonstrate that she/he can answer correctly questions based on a sample of the items shown above.
In any assessment of this Outcome two out of four knowledge and/or skills items should be sampled.
In order to ensure that candidates will not be able to foresee what items they will be questioned on, a
different sample of two out of the four knowledge and/or skills items is required each time the
Outcome is assessed. Candidates must provide a satisfactory response to all two items.
Where an item is sampled, a candidate's response can be judged to be satisfactory where the evidence
provided is sufficient to meet the requirements for each item by showing that the candidate is able to:
sketch and describe floor and stair construction in framed buildings including materials and
finishes
Evidence should be generated through assessment undertaken in controlled, supervised conditions.
Assessment should be conducted under closed book conditions and as such candidates should not be
allowed to bring any textbooks, handouts or notes to the assessment.
Assessment guidelines
Questions used to elicit candidate evidence should take the form of an appropriate balance of short
answer, restricted response and structured questions.
The assessment of this Outcome should be a single assessment question paper. The assessment event
should last one hour and be carried out under supervised controlled conditions.
Outcome 4
Sketch and describe forms of roof construction and finishes
Knowledge and/or skills
Forms of pitched roof construction
Forms of flat roof construction
Materials and finishes
HN Unit (DW55 34): Construction Technology: Industrial/Commercial Superstructure
5
Higher National Unit specification: statement of standards (cont)
Unit title: Construction Technology: Industrial/Commercial Superstructure
Evidence Requirements
Evidence for the knowledge and/or skills in this Outcome will be provided on a sample basis. The
evidence may be presented in responses to specific questions. Each candidate will need to
demonstrate that she/he can answer correctly questions based on a sample of the items shown above.
In any assessment of this Outcome two out of three knowledge and/or skills items should be
sampled.
In order to ensure that candidates will not be able to foresee what items they will be questioned on, a
different sample of two out of the three knowledge and/or skills items is required each time the
Outcome is assessed. Candidates must provide a satisfactory response to the two items.
Where an item is sampled, a candidate’s response can be judged to be satisfactory where the evidence
provided is sufficient to meet the requirements for each item by showing that the candidate is able to:
sketch and describe forms of roof construction including materials and finishes
Evidence should be generated through assessment undertaken in controlled, supervised conditions.
Assessment should be conducted under closed book conditions and as such candidates should not be
allowed to bring any textbooks, handouts or notes to the assessment.
Assessment guidelines
This assessment paper should be taken at a single assessment event lasting 1½ hours and carried out
under supervised, controlled conditions. Such a paper should be composed of an appropriate balance
of short answer, restricted response and structured questions.
HN Unit (DW55 34): Construction Technology: Industrial/Commercial Superstructure
6
Administrative Information
Unit code:
DW55 34
Unit title:
Construction Technology: Industrial/Commercial Superstructure
Superclass category:
TE
Date of publication:
June 2006
Version:
02
History of changes:
Version
02
Source:
Description of change
Outcome 5 removed. Minor changes to Outcomes 1 – 4.
Date
19/10/10
SQA
© Scottish Qualifications Authority 2005, 2010
This publication may be reproduced in whole or in part for educational purposes provided that no
profit is derived from reproduction and that, if reproduced in part, the source is acknowledged.
SQA acknowledges the valuable contribution that Scotland’s colleges have made to the development
of Higher National qualifications.
Additional copies of this Unit specification can be purchased from the Scottish Qualifications
Authority. Please contact the Customer Contact Centre for further details, telephone 0845 279 1000.
HN Unit (DW55 34): Construction Technology: Industrial/Commercial Superstructure
7
Higher National Unit specification: support notes
Unit title: Construction Technology: Industrial/Commercial Superstructure
This part of the Unit specification is offered as guidance. The support notes are not mandatory.
While the exact time allocated to this Unit is at the discretion of the centre, the notional design length
is 40 hours.
Guidance on the content and context for this Unit
This Unit has been written in order to allow candidates to develop knowledge, understanding and
skills in the following areas:
1
2
3
4
Comparing and describing the range of materials and construction forms available for the
erection of a structural frame.
Sketching and describing methods and materials for forming external walls to framed
buildings.
Sketching and describing ground, upper floor and stair construction in framed buildings.
Sketching and describing forms of roof construction and finishes.
This Unit has been developed as part of a group of construction technology units. There are three
other units in the group entitled Construction Technology: Substructure, Construction Technology:
Domestic Construction, and Construction Technology: Specialist Systems. This Unit at SCQF level
7 is a mandatory unit within the HNC and HND Built Environment award with the exception of the
HNC Construction
The three units mentioned in the previous paragraph have been developed as an integrated suite of
units to meet all the construction technology requirements of the HNC and HND Built Environment
awards. However, this does not preclude the use of one or more of these units in other awards where
award designers feel this to be appropriate. As well as providing a substantial course in construction
technology principles these Units also provide important underpinning knowledge, understanding and
skills for other parts of the HNC and HND Built Environment awards
In designing this Unit the unit writers have identified the range of topics they would expect to be
covered by lecturers. The writers have also given recommendations as to how much time should be
spent on each outcome. This has been done to help lecturers to decide what depth of treatment should
be given to the topics attached to each of the outcomes. Whilst it is not mandatory for a centre to use
this list of topics it is strongly recommended that it does so to ensure continuity of teaching and
learning across the Construction Technology Units and because the assessment exemplar pack for
this Unit is based on the knowledge and/or skills and list of topics in each of the Outcomes.
The list of topics is given below. Lecturers are advised to study this list of topics in conjunction with
the assessment exemplar pack so that they can get a clear indication of the standard of achievement
expected of candidates in this Unit.
HN Unit (DW55 34): Construction Technology: Industrial/Commercial Superstructure
8
Higher National Unit specification: support notes (cont)
Unit title: Construction Technology: Industrial/Commercial Superstructure
1
Compare and describe the range of materials and construction forms available for
the erection of a structural frame. (12 hours)
Skeleton frames
Functions and selection criteria
Forms and materials
In-situ reinforced concrete:
Principles of reinforced concrete
Formwork materials and functional requirements
Types of formwork for columns, beams and slabs
Formwork safety
Reinforcing steels — bars and fabric
Reinforcing drawings, bending schedules and referencing
Fixing bars and cover
Precast concrete:
Methods of connection: Column to Foundation, Column to Column and Column to Beam
Assembly techniques
Steel:
Standard steel sections and grades of steel
Welding and bolting
Methods of connection: Column to base plate, Column to Column and Column to Beam
Assembly techniques
Wind bracing
Portal frames
Functions and selection criteria
Forms and materials
Steel:
Methods of connection: Column to base plate, Column to rafter, use of web stiffeners and
cleats
Assembly techniques
Wind bracing
Precast concrete:
Methods of connection at joints/junction
Timber:
Methods of connection at joints/junction
Fire protection:
Solid, board, applied
HN Unit (DW55 34): Construction Technology: Industrial/Commercial Superstructure
9
Higher National Unit specification: support notes (cont)
Unit title: Construction Technology: Industrial/Commercial Superstructure
2
Sketch and describe methods and materials for forming external walls to framed
buildings. (9 hours)
Functions of external walls and claddings
Selection criteria
Options available:
—
non-loadbearing brickwork/blockwork
—
infill walling/panels
—
non-loadbearing cladding
—
large heavy units (precast concrete panels)
—
curtain walling
—
rainscreen cladding
—
structural glazing
Materials for cladding
Joints
3
Sketch and describe ground, upper floor and stair construction in framed
buildings. (8 hours)
Functional requirements
Concrete ground floors:
Design, construction and finish of long strip and large area floors
Upper floor construction:
Precast prestressed concrete units
Concrete and steel composite floors
In-situ concrete floors: flat slab, beam and slab, ribbed and waffle
Openings in floors
Stairs:
Steel, precast and in-situ concrete
Finishes:
Raised access floors and suspended ceiling systems
HN Unit (DW55 34): Construction Technology: Industrial/Commercial Superstructure
10
Higher National Unit specification: support notes (cont)
Unit title: Construction Technology: Industrial/Commercial Superstructure
4
Sketch and describe forms of roof construction. (6 hours)
Functions and selection criteria
Pitched roof forms
Flat roof forms
Castellated and cellular beams
Lattice girders
Lattice trusses
Space frames
Unit Assessment (5 hours total)
This takes the form of four different assessment papers, one covering the content of Outcome 1 and
lasting 1½ hours duration, one covering the content of Outcome 2 and lasting one hour duration and
one covering Outcome 3 and lasting one hour duration and finally an assessment paper covering the
content of Outcome 4 and lasting 1½ hours duration.
Guidance on the delivery and assessment of this Unit
As this Unit provides core construction technology which underpins much of the studies done in
other areas of HNC and HND Built environment awards it is recommended that the Unit be delivered
towards the start of these awards.
Where this Unit is incorporated into other group awards it is recommended that it be delivered in the
context of the specific occupational area(s) that the award is designed to cover.
Details on approaches to assessment are given under Evidence Requirements and Assessment
guidelines under each Outcome in the Higher National Unit specification: statement of standards
section. It is recommended that these sections be read carefully before proceeding with assessment of
candidates.
Opportunities for developing Core Skills
The following grid provides a general guide to opportunities for the development of Core Skills in
this Unit. Opportunities for the development of Core Skills at the output level are more fully
identified in the Core Skills Signposting Guide.
HN Unit (DW55 34): Construction Technology: Industrial/Commercial Superstructure
11
Higher National Unit specification: support notes (cont)
Unit title: Construction Technology: Industrial/Commercial Superstructure
Core Skill
Outcome 1
Outcome 2
Outcome 3
Outcome 4
1 Communication
Reading
Writing
Oral
2 Numeracy
Using Number
Using Graphical Information
3 IT
Using Information Technology
4 Problem Solving
Critical Thinking
Planning and Organising
Reviewing and Evaluating
5 Working with Others
Open learning
This Unit could be delivered by distance learning, which may incorporate some degree of on-line
support. However, with regard to assessment, planning would be required by the centre concerned to
ensure the sufficiency and authenticity of candidate evidence. Arrangement would be required to be
put in place to ensure that the assessment, which is required to be at a single event, was conducted
under controlled, supervised conditions.
For information on normal open learning arrangements, please refer to the SQA guide Assessment
and Quality Assurance of Open and Distance Learning (SQA 2000).
Candidates with additional support needs
This Unit specification is intended to ensure that there are no artificial barriers to learning or
assessment. The additional support needs of individual candidates should be taken into account when
planning learning experiences, selecting assessment instruments or considering alternative Outcomes
for Units. For information on these, please refer to the SQA document Guidance on Alternative
Assessment Arrangements for Candidates with Disabilities and/or Additional Support Needs, which
is available on the SQA website www.sqa.org.uk.
HN Unit (DW55 34): Construction Technology: Industrial/Commercial Superstructure
12
General information for candidates
Unit title: Construction Technology: Industrial/Commercial Superstructure
This Unit has been designed to allow you to develop knowledge, understanding and skills in
superstructure construction of multi-storey and large area commercial and industrial buildings. The
Unit commences with the building frames and continues with external walls, cladding and the
construction of ground floors, upper floors, stairs and roofs.
The formal assessment for this Unit will consist of four different assessment papers, one covering the
content of Outcome 1 and lasting 1½ hours duration, one covering the content of Outcome 2 and
lasting ONE hour duration and one covering Outcome 3 and lasting one hour duration and finally an
assessment paper covering the content of Outcome 4 and lasting 1½ hours duration.
HN Unit (DW55 34): Construction Technology: Industrial/Commercial Superstructure
13