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MODULE DESCRIPTOR
Module Title
Building Pathology 1
Reference SU2036 Version 6
Created August 2021 SCQF Level SCQF 8
Approved August 2009 SCQF Points 15
Amended September 2021 ECTS Points 7.5

Aims of Module
This module will provide the student with the ability to critically analyse and diagnose the mechanisms of decay and deterioration of the building envelope and to devise interventions strategies with a view to prolonging the life of a building.

Learning Outcomes for Module
On completion of this module, students are expected to be able to:
1 Recognise through inspection, the mechanisms of decay of the building envelope.
2 Provide diagnosis and prognosis of defects encountered within the building envelope.
3 Develop intervention strategies.

Indicative Module Content
This module is concerned with the continued use of existing buildings. In light of the importance of climate change, the maintenance, conservation and repair of buildings is essential for sustaining the built environment. The student will be encouraged to study the process of inspection, diagnosis and prognosis of building fabric defects and prepare a number of repair strategies for roof coverings, timber decay, wall fabric and associated window and door openings. The student will be encouraged to investigate sustainable repair strategies where applicable. Some collaborative work with other courses will form part of this module. This module will also explore how the deterioration of the different elements of the building envelope are interconnected and often lead to progressional failure. The module will investigate different levels of intervention strategies and how they are influenced by Client restrictions as well as the building’s functional, performance, user and statutory requirements.

Module Delivery
This module will be delivered by a full range of learning and teaching techniques in the context of professional practice requirements.

Indicative Student Workload Full Time Part Time
Contact Hours 35 N/A
Non-Contact Hours 115 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
Description: One individual assessment in the form of a report.

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.
Corequisites for module None.
Precluded Modules SU2006 Procurement for the Built Environment 1

ADDITIONAL NOTES
Where appropriate, mixed discipline team working will be encouraged.

INDICATIVE BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Bravery, Berry, Carey and Cooper, Recognising Wood Rot and Insect Damage in Buildings, 3rd Edition, BRE Publications, 2003, pp 122
2 Harrison H W and de Vekey R C, BRE Building Elements – Walls, windows and doors: Performance, diagnosis, maintenance, repair and the avoidance of defects, BRE Press, 1998, pp 302
3 Harrison H. W., Saunders G. K. and Trotman P. M., Roofs and Roofing, 3rd Edition, BRE Building Elements Series, BRE, 2009, pp 284
4 Sign J and Palfrewyman J, Timber - Building Pathology. (2002)
5 Davey A, Heath B, Hodges D, Ketchin M, Milne R, The Care and Conservation of Georgian Houses, 4th Edition, Butterworth Architecture, 1995, pp 317

Robert Gordon University, Garthdee House, Aberdeen, AB10 7QB, Scotland, UK: a Scottish charity, registration No. SC013781