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MODULE DESCRIPTOR
Module Title
Professional Practice
Reference	AC3003	Version	10
Created	June 2022	SCQF Level	SCQF 9
Approved	July 2002	SCQF Points	15
Amended	November 2022	ECTS Points	7.5

Aims of Module
To provide the student with the ability to recognise the principal features of the architectural profession and the building industry. To engage in discussion on the emerging industry, profession and modes of practice.

Learning Outcomes for Module
On completion of this module, students are expected to be able to:
1	Explain the nature of the architectural profession and the building industry, and the roles and responsibilities of the people involved in the design and construction process.
2	Explain simple business principles and forms of architectural practice, within an ethical context.
3	Explain the primary legislation which affects an architectural professional.
4	Explain the fundamental concepts and practices of building procurement and process.

Indicative Module Content
Introduction to the roles, duties and responsibilities of an architect in practice; the changing nature of the BE professions; a brief description of the associated bodies - ARB, RIBA, RIAS and of professional ethics; the complex nature of the building industry, client bodies, and the interactive relationships of members of the design and building teams; alternative procurement options and the differing roles of the architect, client and contractor; project management by analysis of the RIBA Plan of Work; introduction to business management issues relating to architectural practice; introduction to evolving modes of practice; introduction to legislation relating to the building industry; introduction to fundamental principles of Scots Law.

Indicative Module Content

Introduction to the roles, duties and responsibilities of an architect in practice; the changing nature of the BE professions; a brief description of the associated bodies - ARB, RIBA, RIAS and of professional ethics; the complex nature of the building industry, client bodies, and the interactive relationships of members of the design and building teams; alternative procurement options and the differing roles of the architect, client and contractor; project management by analysis of the RIBA Plan of Work; introduction to business management issues relating to architectural practice; introduction to evolving modes of practice; introduction to legislation relating to the building industry; introduction to fundamental principles of Scots Law.

Module Delivery
This module will be delivered in Semester 1 and is a lecture based course supplemented by tutorials and private study.

Indicative Student Workload	Full Time	Part Time
Contact Hours	21	N/A
Non-Contact Hours	129	N/A
Placement/Work-Based Learning Experience [Notional] Hours	N/A	N/A
TOTAL	150	N/A
Actual Placement hours for professional, statutory or regulatory body

ASSESSMENT PLAN
If a major/minor model is used and box is ticked, % weightings below are indicative only.
Component 1
Type:	Coursework	Weighting:	100%	Outcomes Assessed:	1, 2, 3, 4
Description:	Coursework consisting of an investigative report split into two sections linked to the student's studio project. This exercise requires analysis, critical evaluation and application of learning to a given context.

MODULE PERFORMANCE DESCRIPTOR
Explanatory Text
The overall module grade is based on 100% weighting of Component 1 (Report). An overall minimum grade D is required to pass the module. Non-submission will result in an NS grade.
Module Grade	Minimum Requirements to achieve Module Grade:
A	A
B	B
C	C
D	D
E	E
F	F
NS	Non-submission of work by published deadline or non-attendance for examination

Module Requirements
Prerequisites for Module	None in addition to Stage 3 entry requirements.
Corequisites for module	None.
Precluded Modules	None.

INDICATIVE BIBLIOGRAPHY
1	RIBA Handbook of Architectural Practice and Management, 5th Edition, RIBA Publications.
2	Architect's Job Book, 6th Edition, RIBA Publications.
3	Thompson, A., Architectural Design Procedures, Arnold, 1999.
4	Chappel, D. & Willis, A. (2005). The Architect in Practice. 9th Edition. Cornwall: Blackwell Publishing.
5	Websites : http://www.pedr.co.uk http://www.arb.org http://www.rias.org.uk
6	Building Futures Report: The Future for Architects http://www.buildingfutures.org.uk/
7	Apps, P., Show Me the Bodies: How We Let Grenfell Happen, Oneworld Publications, 2022.

Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen

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