Bachelor of Science in Construction with Honours

Introduction

Modern construction projects are known for their complexity in design and speed of execution. They require significant utilization of resources such as materials, manpower, equipment and finance. Most of the projects are performed under conditions of scarcity of resources and suffers from uncertainty in their supply. Work delays will result in increasing costs since there is an intricate time-cost relationship for every project. The need for proper planning and management of construction can never be over-emphasised.

The Bachelor of Science in Construction curriculum is designed to provide a solid academic base and professional expertise in the discipline of construction management, and to critically address the present and evolving needs of the construction industry. In order to perform successfully in the construction industry, students must develop an understanding of the technical aspects of construction while applying construction management practices and tools to maintain control and provide informed, optimal decisions. The programme focuses on the understanding of construction technology, construction management and production management processes. The programme also addresses the generic skills and capabilities necessary to compete in the employment market.

The programme addresses a combination of engineering technology, construction techniques and management. It is designed to prepare graduates for managerial positions in the construction industry. At a personal level, the programme will inculcate professional and ethical approach that will foster the graduates’ personal development, self-respect and career aspirations.

Programme Philosophy

Students of the Bachelor in Science (Construction) programme will be taught courses and given practice in construction technology and management to enable them to become project managers and construction contractors that meet the needs of the country.

Aim

To produce professional construction project managers or construction contractors who are able to plan, manage, supervise construction projects responsibly and efficiently for society and the creator.

Entry Requirements
Accreditation

The Bachelor of Science in Construction is recognised by the Public Services Department and accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, United Kingdom. Graduates from this programme can pursue a higher degree in universities from United Kingdom and Australia and other countries as the degree is internationally recognised.

Career Prospects

Graduates of the programme can work as:

  1. Construction Project Managers
  2. Construction Project Planners
  3. Construction Site Superintendents

Construction Health and Safety Officers and other comparable and relevant posts in the construction industry

Mode and Duration of Study
Mode of Study : Full-time
Minimum Duration : 4 years
Maximum Duration : 6 years
Classification of Courses
Courses offered under this programme are based on the following classification:

Classification Course Group Credits Total credit hours Percentage
1. Programme Core A. Construction Technology & Services 21 78 61
B. Measurement & Documentation 6
C. Economics & Finance 7
D. Legal & Contractual Studies 6
E. Professional Practice 18
F. Management & ICT 14
G. Research & Development 6  –  –
2. Elective Courses H. Elective Courses 30 30 23
3. University Courses I. University Courses 20 20 16
Total credit hours to graduate 128 100
Award Requirements

To be eligible to graduate from this programme, students must achieve a total of not less than 128 credit hours accumulated from courses that are set according to the classification of courses as shown in the Classification of Courses section, with a minimum CGPA of 2.0.

Programme Implementation
The programme is delivered using a variety of approaches as follows:

  1. Lectures and Tutorials

The theories are taught through lectures and tutorials according to a fixed schedule.

  1. Laboratory and Field Works

Laboratory and field works will give a better exposure to the students to make them be more conversant with the construction process itself.

  1. Problem Based Learning (PBL)

Problem Based Learning is a very important component of teaching and learning process. PBL is implemented in a number of courses in this programme. This teaching and learning approach helps students to reinforce their understanding of the course contents.

  1. Industrial Training

All third year students are required to undergo a 24 weeks of industrial training at company operating in the construction industry approved by the coordinator and government departments. The work experience will be monitored by a lecturer in one industrial placement visit, a monthly report sent by the student back to the department, a daily diary and employer’s report.

  1. Final Year Project

A dissertation project has to be submitted by the student at the end of the final year. The project which is a culmination of interdisciplinary knowledge allows students to draw on it as they complete the project.

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Student Academic Assessment

A variety of assessment methods are used to match the learning outcomes of the programme and students learning styles.

  1. Examinations, tests and quizzes are methods for assessing breadth of knowledge.
  2. Written assignments are used to assess not only factual and theoretical knowledge but also the ability to solve problems and articulate an argument – key transferable skills. In the final semester of the programme, a greater emphasis is placed upon the analysis, synthesis and evaluation of material.
  3. Case study analyses and presentations are assessed for the reasoning skills and ability to apply learned material to real-life situation.
  4. Design projects, reports and work samples are assessed to evaluate competence in practical skills and techniques.
  5. Poster and oral presentations, video production are used to assess communication and presentation skills.
  6. Seminar papers and critical reviews to assess ability to analyse and synthesise information.
  7. Projects work assess ability to work independently and collaboratively, search and critically review relevant literature and to present findings in an academic manner in both written and verbal form.
  8. Evidence based industrial training reports which document the students’ performance in professional placement.

Online assessments, including self-tests, quizzes and surveys.