Building Materials Course outline

Building│Materials : Semester AUG/2015 1 | P a g e
SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE, BUILDING & DESIGN
Centre for Modern Architecture Studies in Southeast Asia (MASSA)
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Bachelor of Quantity Surveying (Honours)
Module: BUILDING │MATERIALS
Prerequisite: None
Credit Hours: 3
Instructors: Dr Myzatul Aishah Binti Haji Kamarazaly
(00603-56295252; MyzatulAishah.Kamarazaly@taylors.edu.my)
Module Synopsis
This module intends to inform the students the relevant physical and chemical properties of a wide range of
building materials. It also encompasses the broad environmental debate by including energy saving and recycled
materials. For each material, the module describes the manufacturing process, salient properties and typical
uses of these materials, with aims of ensuring their appropriate application within the awareness of the suitability
of the physical and chemical properties as well as ecological impact. Student will undergo a series of continuous
assessment such as assignment, test and final exam to ascertain the learning outcomes of the module are
achieved.
Module Teaching Objectives
The teaching objectives of the module are:
1. To introduce various types of building materials used in current construction practice.
2. To create an understanding of the choices designers make in choosing building materials based on the
properties of these materials.
3. To understand the manufacturing process of the building materials.
4. To differentiate the suitability of materials and significance in utilising those materials in relation with
building’s functions.
Module Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
1. Explain the use, physical and chemical properties of the type of building materials.
2. Summarise the effect of building materials on construction and structural qualities.
3. Explain the manufacturing process of the building materials.
4. Analyse problems associated with different materials used.
Modes of Delivery
This is a 3 credit hour module conducted over a period of 14 weeks. The modes of delivery will be in the form of
lectures, tutorials and self-directed study. The breakdown of the contact hours for the module is as follows:
 Lecture: 2 hours/week
 Tutorial: 2 hours/week
 Self-directed study: 4 hours/week

Office Hours
You are encouraged to visit the instructor/lecturer/tutor concerned for assistance during office hours. If the office
hours do not meet your schedule, notify the instructor and set appointment times as needed.
TIMeS
TIMeS will be used as a communication tool and information portal for students to access module materials,
project briefs, assignments and announcements.
Taylor’s Graduate Capabilities (TGC)
The teaching and learning approach at Taylor’s University is focused on developing the Taylor’s Graduate
Capabilities (TGC) in its students; capabilities that encompass the knowledge, cognitive capabilities and soft
skills of its graduates.
Discipline Specific Knowledge
TGCs Acquired
Through Module
Learning Outcomes
1.0 Discipline Specific Knowledge
1.1 Able to put theories into practice. 1
1.2 Understand ethical issues in the context of the field of studies. -
1.3 Understand professional practice within the field of studies. -
Cognitive Capabilities
2.0 Lifelong Learning
2.1 Learn independently. 1
2.2 Locate, extract, synthesise and utilise information effectively. -
2.3 Be intellectually engaged. -
3.0 Thinking and Problem Solving Skills
3.1 Think critically and creatively. 1, 2
3.2 Define and analyse problems to arrive at effective solutions. 2
Soft Skills
4.0 Communication Skills
4.1 Communicate appropriately in various setting and modes. -
5.0 Interpersonal Skills
5.1 Understand team dynamics and mobilise the power of teams. 3
5.2 Understand and assume leadership. 3
6.0
Intrapersonal Skills
6.1 Manage one self and be self-reliant. -

6.2 Reflect on one’s actions and learning. -
6.3 Embody Taylor's core values. -
7.0
Citizenship and Global Perspectives
7.1 Be aware and form opinions from diverse perspectives. -
7.2 Understand the value of civic responsibility and community engagement. -
8.0
Digital Literacy
8.1
Effective use of information and communication (ICT) and related
technologies.
-

General Rules and Regulations
Late Submission Penalty
The School imposes a late submission penalty for work submitted late without a valid reason e.g. a medical
certificate. Any work submitted after the deadline (which may have been extended) shall have the percentage
grade assigned to the work on face value reduced by 10% for the first day and 5% for each subsequent day late.
A weekend counts as one (1) day.
Individual members of staff shall be permitted to grant extensions for assessed work that they have set if they are
satisfied that a student has given good reasons.
Absenteeism at intermediate or final presentation will result in zero mark for that presentation.
The Board of Examiners may overrule any penalty imposed and allow the actual mark achieved to be used if the
late submission was for a good reason.
Attendance, Participation and Submission of Assessment Components
Attendance is compulsory. Any student who arrives late after the first half-hour of class will be considered as
absent. The lectures and tutorials will assist you in expanding your ideas and your assessments. A minimum of
80% attendance is required to pass the module and/or be eligible for the final examination and/or presentation.
Students will be assessed based on their performance throughout the semester. Students are expected to attend
and participate actively in class. Class participation is an important component of every module.
Students must attempt all assessment components. Failure to attempt assessment components worth 20% or
more, the student would be required to resubmit or resit an assessment component, even though the student has
achieved more than 50% in the overall assessment. Failure to attempt all assessment components, including
final exam and final presentation, will result in failing the module irrespective of the marks earned, even though
the student has achieved more than 50% in the overall assessment.
Plagiarism (Excerpt from Taylor’s University Student Handbook 2013, page 59)
Plagiarism, which is an attempt to present another person’s work as your own by not acknowledging the source,
is a serious case of misconduct which is deemed unacceptable by the University.
"Work" includes written materials such as books, journals and magazine articles or other papers and also
includes films and computer programs. The two most common types of plagiarism are from published materials
and other students’ works.
1. Published Materials
In general, whenever anything from someone else’s work is used, whether it is an idea, an opinion or the
results of a study or review, a standard system of referencing should be used. Examples of plagiarism may
include a sentence or two, or a table or a diagram from a book or an article used without acknowledgement.
Serious cases of plagiarism can be seen in cases where the entire paper presented by the student is copied
from another book, with an addition of only a sentence or two by the student.
While the former can be treated as a simple failure to cite references, the latter is likely to be viewed as
cheating in an examination.
Though most assignments require the need for reference to other peoples’ works, in order to avoid
plagiarism, students should keep a detailed record of the sources of ideas and findings and ensure that these
sources are clearly quoted in their assignment. Note that plagiarism also refers to materials obtained from the
Internet too.

2. Other Students’ Work
Circulating relevant articles and discussing ideas before writing an assignment is a common practice.
However, with the exception of group assignments, students should write their own papers. Plagiarising the
work of other students into assignments includes using identical or very similar sentences, paragraphs or
sections. When two students submit papers that are very similar in tone and content, both are likely to be
penalised.
Student Participation
Your participation in the module is encouraged. You have the opportunity to participate in the following ways:
 Your ideas and questions are welcomed, valued and encouraged.
 Your input is sought to understand your perspectives, ideas and needs in planning subject revision.
 You have opportunities to give feedback and issues will be addressed in response to that feedback.
 Do reflect on your performance in Portfolios.
 Student evaluation on your views and experiences about the module are actively sought and used as an
integral part of improvement in teaching and continuous improvement.
Student-centered Learning (SCL)
The module uses the Student-centered Learning (SCL) approach. Utilization of SCL embodies most of the
principles known to improve learning and to encourage student’s participation. SCL requires students to be
active, responsible participants in their own learning and instructors are to facilitate the learning process. Various
teaching and learning strategies such as experiential learning, problem-based learning, site visits, group
discussions, presentations, working in group and etc. can be employed to facilitate the learning process. In SCL,
students are expected to be:
 active in their own learning;
 self-directed to be responsible to enhance their learning abilities;
 able to cultivate skills that are useful in today’s workplace;
 active knowledge seekers;
 active players in a team.
Types of Assessment and Feedback
You will be graded in the form of formative and summative assessments. Formative assessments will provide
information to guide you in the research process. This form of assessment involves participation in discussions
and feedback sessions. Summative assessment will inform you about the level of understanding and
performance capabilities achieved at the end of the module.

Assessment Plan
Assessment Components Type
Learning
Outcome/s
Submission Presentation
Assessment
Weightage
Mid-term Test Individual 1, 2 WEEK 7 - 20%
Group Assignment
Assignment 1
Assignment 2
Group
1, 2, 3 WEEK 8 WEEK 8 10%
1, 2, 3 WEEK 13 - 20%
TGC Portfolio Individual 1, 2, 3 WEEK 14 - Pass/Fail
Final Exam Individual 1, 2, 3 WEEK 15 - 50%
Total 100%
Assessment Components
1. Mid-term Test
It is a test on the first four topics of the module.
2. Group Assignment
Assignment 1: Integrated Assignment
Produce a report based on the site visit. The report must include detail information on each site that you
have visited along with relevant photos taken at site. This is an individual assignment.
Assignment 2: Integrated Assignment
As a professional quantity surveyor, you need to advise your client on all the elements of buildings in term of
its cost taking into consideration of the building appearance. Your client proposed to build a single-storey
bungalow in Subang Jaya. By taking the proposed building as an object of the study in this assignment, your
group needs to produce the following:
Part 1
You need to design the building yourself by taking into consideration its loading and space. Items that need
to be designed are its foundation, floor, walls, ceilings, windows and doors, ironmongeries, space ladder
(handrail and baluster), shelves, counter and cabinet and others. You need to propose a suitable type for
each of the items stated above to complete the design of a bungalow. The entire proposal needs to be
supported with an explanation of the description together with reason of choosing. You also need to sketch
and label the main components of the bungalow design together with photo or diagrams.

Part 2
Next students must examine the materials that are used in these spaces. Observe the floor, walls, ceilings,
windows and doors, space ladder (handrail and baluster), shelves, counter and cabinet and others. Explain
about the suitability of materials used for each space. You may also include the layout plan of the building to
help portray the spaces and materials proposed.
All pictures and descriptions must be creatively arranged and to occupy the A3 size board. Each panel must
state the name, student id no and title of assignments. The numbers of board are limited to not more than 10
pieces. Marks will be given individually, based on verbal and board presentation.
3. Taylor’s Graduate Capabilities Portfolio
The Taylor’s Graduate Capabilities (TGC) Portfolio is a document that collates all assessments produced in
a module and reflects a student’s acquisition of the Module Learning Outcomes and Taylor’s Graduate
Capabilities.
Each student is to develop an ePortfolio, a web-based portfolio in the form of a personal academic blog. The
ePortfolio is developed progressively for all modules taken throughout Semesters 1 to 6, and culminates with
a final Portfolio in printed form produced in the final semester. The printed Portfolio must encapsulate the
acquisition of Programme Learning Outcomes and Taylor’s Graduate Capabilities, and showcase the
distinctiveness and identity of the student as a graduate of the programme.
4. Final Examination
The final examination is designed to assess the ability of the students to explain the use, physical and
chemical properties of the type of building materials. They should be able to summarise the effect of building
materials on construction and structural qualities and analyse problems associated with different materials
used.

Marks and Grading Table (Revised as per Programme Guide 2013)
Assessments and grades will be returned within two weeks of your submission. You will be given grades and
necessary feedback for each submission. The grading system is shown below:
Grade Marks
Grade
Points
Definition Description
A 80 – 100 4.00 Excellent
Evidence of original thinking; demonstrated outstanding
capacity to analyze and synthesize; outstanding grasp of
module matter; evidence of extensive knowledge base.
A- 75 – 79 3.67 Very Good
Evidence of good grasp of module matter; critical capacity
and analytical ability; understanding of relevant issues;
evidence of familiarity with the literature.
B+ 70 – 74 3.33
Good
Evidence of grasp of module matter; critical capacity and
analytical ability, reasonable understanding of relevant
issues; evidence of familiarity with the literature.B 65 – 69 3.00
B- 60 – 64 2.67
Pass
Evidence of some understanding of the module matter;
ability to develop solutions to simple problems; benefitting
from his/her university experience.
C+ 55 – 59 2.33
C 50 – 54 2.00
D+ 47 – 49 1.67
Marginal Fail
Evidence of nearly but not quite acceptable familiarity with
module matter, weak in critical and analytical skills.
D 44 – 46 1.33
D- 40 – 43 1.00
F 0 – 39 0.00 Fail
Insufficient evidence of understanding of the module
matter; weakness in critical and analytical skills; limited or
irrelevant use of the literature.
WD - - Withdrawn
Withdrawn from a module before census date, typically
mid-semester.
F(W) 0 0.00 Fail Withdrawn after census date, typically mid-semester.
IN - - Incomplete
An interim notation given for a module where a student
has not completed certain requirements with valid reason
or it is not possible to finalise the grade by the published
deadline.
P - - Pass Given for satisfactory completion of practicum.
AU - - Audit
Given for a module where attendance is for information
only without earning academic credit.
Hurdle Assessment Guideline for Building Materials
To pass the module, a student needs to achieve firstly, a minimum passing mark of 20%, equivalent to 40% of
the final exam marks and secondly, a minimum mark of 50% in the overall assessment, failing which the student
is required to re-sit the paper provided his overall assessment mark is equal to or above 40%. A student with
overall assessment below 40% will be deemed to have failed this module and has to repeat the module. A
subsequent failure in the re-sit paper will deem that the student fails the module and has to repeat the module. In
summary, to pass the module, a student must achieve a minimum of 50% in the overall assessment and not less
than a minimum mark of 20%, equivalent to 40% of the final exam marks.

Module Schedule
Week/Date Topics/Readers
Lecture Tutorial
Self-directed
Study
Hours Hours Hours
Week 1
24 AUG
Introduction to Building Materials
In-class
Discussion
Concrete
2 2 4
Week 2
31 AUG
Concrete
In-class
Discussion
Concrete
2 2 4
31 AUG MERDEKA DAY
Week 3
7 SEPT
Metal
In-class
Discussion
Metal
2 2 4
Week 4
14 SEPT
Metal
In-class
Discussion
Metal
2 2 4
Week 5
21 SEPT
Rubber
In-class
Discussion
Rubber
2 2 4
Week 6
28 SEPT
Ceramics
In-class
Discussion
Ceramics
2 2 4
Week 7
5 OCT
Paint/ Test
In-class
Discussion
Paint
2 2 4
Week 8
12 OCT
Timber
In-class
Discussion &
Feedback of
Test and
Group
Assignment 1
Timber
2 2 4
Week 9
19 OCT
Bricks
In-class
Discussion
Timber
2 2 4

Module Schedule (Continued)
Week/Date Topics/Readers
Lecture Tutorial
Self-directed
Study
Hours Hours Hours
Week 10
26 OCT
Blocks
In-class
Discussion
Bricks &
Blocks
2 2 4
Week 11
2 NOV
Stones
In-class
Discussion
Stones
2 2 4
9 – 15 NOV Mid-Semester Break
Week 12
16 NOV
Plastic
In-class
Discussion
Plastic
2 2 4
Week 13
23 NOV
Glass
In-class
Discussion
Glass
2 2 4
Week 14
30 NOV
Revision
Submission: TGC Portfolio
In-class
Discussion;
Feedback of
Group
Assignment 2
Revision
2 2 4
Week 15
7 DEC
Study Week / Preparation of exam
Final Exam
- - -
Note: The Module Schedule above is subject to change at short notice.
References
Main References:
1. Lyons, A., 2010. Materials for Architects & Builders. 4th ed. Oxford: Elsevier Ltd.
2. Allen, E. and Iano, J., 2009. Fundamentals of Building Construction: Materials and Methods. 5th ed.
Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons Inc.
3. Emmitt, S. and Gorse, C.A., 2010. Barry’s Advanced Construction of Buildings. 2nd ed. Oxford: Blackwell
Publishing Ltd.
4. Everett, A., 1994. Mitchell’s Materials. 5th ed. Oxford: Addison Wesley Longman Limited.
5. Foster, J.S., 2000. Mitchell’s Structure & Fabric Part 1. 6th ed. London: Pearson Education.
6. Foster, J.S. and Harington, R., 2007. Mitchell’s Structure & Fabric Part 2. 7th ed. London: Pearson
Education.
7. Taylor, G.D., 2002. Materials in Construction: Principles, Practice and Performance. 2nd ed. Oxford:
Longman.
Secondary References:
1. Brooks, A.,1998. Cladding of Building. 3rd ed. Oxford: E & FN Spon.
2. Mat Lazim Zakaria, 2005. Bahan and Binaan. 2nd ed. Kuala Lumpur: Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka.
3. Neville, A.M., 2000. Properties of Concrete. 4th ed. Harlow: Pearson Education Limited.
4. Stulz, R. and Mukerji, K., 1993. Appropriate Building Materials. Oxford: Intermediate Technology
Publications.

Building Materials Course outline

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Building Materials Course outline