Construction as Alchemy (ARCH10002)

Undergraduate level 1Points: 12.5Dual-Delivery (Parkville)

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Overview

Availability
Semester 1 - Dual-Delivery
Semester 2 - Dual-Delivery
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This subject focuses on how design ideas are translated into built form through the process of construction. Students learn about the various professionals and trades that are involved, how construction information is communicated in contract documents, and about the structural principles and material properties that underpin the form and fabric of the built environment.

Through analysis, observation, experimentation, testing and review, students explore how designs become buildings. Site visits and model making and other exercises are used to engage students with structures (e.g. force and support systems), materials (e.g. metals, masonry, ceramics, polymers and timber) and construction case studies.

Physical and environmental properties of materials are presented together with their construction techniques and life cycle issues.

Costs to Students:

Students will be required to bring the drawing materials purchased for the prerequisite subject Foundations of Design - Representation. In addition an eight metre measuring tape, scale ruler and set of working drawings will be required along with printouts of assignments for submission; cost approx. $50-$100 per person.

 

 

Intended learning outcomes

Students who have successfully completed this subject should be able to:




 

  • Convey their understanding of construction processes, detailing and the roles of various professionals, suppliers and trades;
  • Understand basic structural principles and material properties that underpin the form and fabric of built environments;
  • Explore physical measures that quantify length, area, volume, mass, weight and scale and their application to representations of objects (e.g. in drawings and models);
  • Convey basic understanding of the range of building systems in terms of structure, materials, construction and function;
  • Identify basic properties and behaviour of materials, manufacturing processes and the environmental implications of their selection and use within the constructed environment.

Generic skills

Students completing this subject will have developed the following generic skills:

  • Ability to apply knowledge of basic science and engineering fundamentals;
  • Ability to undertake problem identification, formulation and solution;
  • Ability to learn from experiments and through reflection and analysis;
  • Effective communication with peers and the community at large;
  • Independent critical thought, rational inquiry and self-directed learning.

Last updated: 9 April 2025

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
ARCH10001 Foundations of Design: Representation
Semester 2 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)
Semester 1 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)
 12.5

Corequisites

None

Non-allowed subjects

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
ENVS10003 Constructing Environments No longer available

Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)

The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.

Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home

Last updated: 9 April 2025

Assessment

DescriptionTimingPercentage

Construction design and detailing exploring mass, timber and steel construction due weeks 4, 8 and 11

  • 2600 words (equivalent)
From Week 4 to Week 1165%

Quizzes based on subject content conducted throughout the semester

  • 600 words (equivalent)
Throughout the semester15%

One exam, conducted in class (equivalent to 800 words)

  • 45 minutes
Week 1120%

Last updated: 9 April 2025

Dates & times

  • Semester 1
    Principal coordinatorKirsten Day
    Mode of deliveryDual-Delivery (Parkville)
    Contact hours48 hours including 12 hours online, 6X1hour lecture and 10X3 hour tutorials
    Total time commitment170 hours
    Teaching period 1 March 2021 to 30 May 2021
    Last self-enrol date12 March 2021
    Census date31 March 2021
    Last date to withdraw without fail 7 May 2021
    Assessment period ends25 June 2021

    Semester 1 contact information

    Subject Coordinator

    Kirsten Day

    dayk@unimelb.edu.au

  • Semester 2
    Principal coordinatorKirsten Day
    Mode of deliveryDual-Delivery (Parkville)
    Contact hours48 hours including 12 hours online, 6X1hour lecture and 10X3 hour tutorials
    Total time commitment170 hours
    Teaching period26 July 2021 to 24 October 2021
    Last self-enrol date 6 August 2021
    Census date31 August 2021
    Last date to withdraw without fail24 September 2021
    Assessment period ends19 November 2021

    Semester 2 contact information

    Subject Coordinator

    Kirsten Day

    kday@unimelb.edu.au

     

Time commitment details

170 hours

Last updated: 9 April 2025

Further information

Last updated: 9 April 2025