Prefabrication in Building (ABPL90325)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
Overview
| Availability | Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
The subject will expose you to the latest international developments in prefabrication and its application within construction. You will develop an appreciation for how prefabrication can be used to minimise or avoid many of the issues currently faced by the construction industry as well as the environmental, financial and social benefits that are possible.
The construction and associated challenges and benefits of prefabrication will be demonstrated through a series of case studies and site visits.
The use of prefabrication in construction will be covered at various scales and levels of complexity, including an in-depth look at a range of componentised, panelised and modular construction systems.
You will also develop professional expertise in the analysis of prefabrication as an alternative approach to procurement within the construction industry.
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of the subject, students should be able to:
- Build a critical appreciation for off-site construction approaches;
- Analyse and compare the different procurement approaches used in prefabricated construction against conventional construction practices;
- Quantify the benefits of prefabricated construction;
- Develop an awareness of the latest international developments in prefabricated construction.
Generic skills
On completion of this subject students should be able to:
Relate current research to industry practice;
Analyse and evaluate current procurement approaches;
Envisage and plan alternative construction procurement approaches;
Communicate in verbal, written and graphic forms appropriate to particular contexts;
Critically evaluate the work of others and provide constructive feedback.
Last updated: 1 April 2025
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
Students must meet one of the following prerequisite options:
Option 1
Admission into a course at the Melbourne School of Design (including double Masters)
AND
Completion of a minimum of 50 credit points of study.
Option 2
Approval from the subject coordinator.
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
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: 1 April 2025
Assessment
| Description | Timing | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
Case study, researching an existing international example of a prefabricated construction system.
| Week 5 | 20% |
Prefabricated building model, designing and building a scaled model demonstrating an understanding of some of the principles associated with optimising prefabricated construction ( equivalent to 1000 words) | Week 7 | 20% |
Prefabrication Report equivalent to 2500 words (40%) due in week 11, describing a prefabricated construction system for improving the performance of construction projects and firms.
| Week 11 | 40% |
Class presentation, communicating the major findings of the Prefabrication Report and highlighting recommendations for improving the performance of the construction industry using a prefabricated construction system.
| Week 12 | 20% |
Last updated: 1 April 2025
Dates & times
- Semester 2
Coordinator Andre Stephan Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 1 x 3 hour seminar Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 28 July 2025 to 26 October 2025 Last self-enrol date 8 August 2025 Census date 1 September 2025 Last date to withdraw without fail 26 September 2025 Assessment period ends 21 November 2025
Time commitment details
170 Hours
What do these dates mean
Visit this webpage to find out about these key dates, including how they impact on:
- Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
- And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
- Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.
Additional delivery details
This subject will not run every year.
Last updated: 1 April 2025
Further information
- Texts
- Subject notes
- Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Please note Single Subject Studies via Community Access Program is not available to student visa holders or applicants
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
Last updated: 1 April 2025