Course summary
Building Services Engineering is an expanding specialism in today's construction industry that deals with important aspects such as sustainability, new technology, the installation of specialist services and building design factors. The specific aims are to offer students a rigorous theoretical and practical training as a base for their professional development or further study.
Core skills
The course considers team working in the construction industry, problem solving, analysis, relating theory to practice, understanding current thinking in building services engineering, understanding the concept of sustainability as it applies to building services.
Module framework and module description
Topics covered will include the following:
Building Technology, Lighting Applications, Sustainable Technology, Personal Development, Piped Distribution, Individual Project, Health and Safety, Integrated Building Services Design, Air Conditioning, Mathematics for Engineers, Advanced Building Services and Technology, Design and Production Computer Analysis, Construction Law, Management Skills and Economics and Finance.
The construction sector in which the student works will form an integral part of the Foundation degree, providing relevance to the content of the course and enhancing employability in all parts of the sector.
Teaching, learning and assessment
The course team will employ a balanced range of teaching strategies in delivering the programme. This will include tutor-led presentations, case-studies and guest speakers from specialist areas of the construction industry and practical sessions via large and small group work and presentations on “real-world” construction projects.
Most assessment is via work-based projects, reports, presentations, case studies etc, although there may be some more traditional essays and examinations in a few instances. There are normally two main deadlines for assessment in the academic year, late December and mid May.
Timetabling
The course can be taken on a part-time basis over three years, attending one full day a week. At least 10 hours weekly study time is recommended in addition to class attendance.
Work placements
The construction sector in which the student works will form an integral part of the Foundation degree, providing relevance to the content of the course and enhancing employability in all parts of the sector.
Tutorial and study support
Each student will be allocated a personal tutor who will offer regular tutorials and study support throughout the course, as well as information on how to access further guidance and specific support according to need.
Opportunities on completion of the course
The content of the course has been designed to meet the recommendations of the Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers as well as providing a platform for direct entry to the final year of an Honours degree at UCS. Many students experience career development on completion of the course into areas such as building services technician and management in the construction industry.