Modules

Core Module Information
Module title: Building Design and Technology 3
SCQF level: 09:
SCQF credit value: 20.00
ECTS credit value: 10
Module code: BSV09102
Module leader: Lina Khaddour
School School of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment
Subject area group: Built Environment
Prerequisites

Requisites: Pre-requisite: Knowledge of construction: design technologies, calculations, procedures, materials. (to 2nd year university level) AND AND Pre-requisite: BSV08105/BSV08112Building Design and Technology 2/Building Design and Technology or Construction Technology to SCQF level 8
Description of module content:

In this module, you'll dive into the real-world decisions that consultants and construction firms make when choosing materials and methods for building projects—especially when aiming for energy-efficient, sustainable outcomes. You'll get hands-on with writing professional specifications using the National Building Specification (NBS), and explore exciting areas like Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), off-site manufacturing, cladding systems, foundation upgrades, and major building repairs. We'll also cover cutting-edge tools like Building Information Modelling (BIM) and how to boost building performance, including thermal efficiency. If you're interested in the future of smart, sustainable construction—this module gives you the tools to be part of it.
Learning Outcomes for module:

Upon completion of this module you will be able to

LO1: Select and specify components and building assemblies using an industry standard specification system.

LO2: Describe and evaluate a variety of structural and fabric repair and improvement methods.

LO3: Describe and evaluate a variety of methods for improving the sustainability and performance of buildings.

LO4: Analyse and evaluate methods used for constructing and maintaining buildings.
Full Details of Teaching and Assessment
2025/6, Trimester 2, In Person,
VIEW FULL DETAILS
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: In Person
Location of delivery: MERCHISTON
Partner:
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Lina Khaddour
Module Organiser:


Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)NESH Description
Face To Face Lecture 20 This lecture covers specification writing using the NBS and explores modern construction approaches such as MMC, OSM, and sustainable building practices. It includes methods for structural and fabric repair, cladding, façade retention, foundation improvement, and the use of BIM to enhance building performance and maintainability.
Face To Face GROUPSCHEDULED 10 Students will participate in scheduled groupwork tutorials sessions to apply specification systems, assess construction methods, and collaboratively solve practical challenges related to sustainable building performance. Activities will include case studies, specification exercises using the National Building Specification (NBS), and scenario-based problem-solving focused on prefabrication, MMC, building repairs, and retrofitting strategies.
Face To Face Centrally Time Tabled Examination 4.3 This written examination designed to assess students' understanding of core concepts related to construction specification, modern methods of construction (MMC), sustainable design strategies, and building performance. The exam will test students’ ability to apply industry standards such NBS, evaluate structural and fabric repair methods, and analyse approaches to improving building sustainability and performance.
Online GROUPIND_STUDY 167 Outside of scheduled sessions, students are expected to work collaboratively in their groups to deepen their understanding of specification writing, MMC, and sustainable construction strategies. Independent group study will involve researching construction methods, sourcing relevant technical and environmental data, developing draft specifications, and preparing presentations or reports. This work supports the development of analytical and research skills.
Total Study Hours201.3
Expected Total Study Hours for Module201.3


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words Description
Class Test 30 1 Week 5 HOURS= 30 minutes A total of 13 questions will be provided to you during the test. These will be mostly multiple-choice questions, with one or two open-ended questions on Building Specification NBS based.
Centrally Time Tabled Examination 70 1~2~3~4 Exam Period HOURS= 3 This module includes a centrally timetabled written examination designed to assess students' understanding of core concepts related to construction specification, modern methods of construction (MMC), sustainable design strategies, and building performance. The exam will test students’ ability to apply industry standards such as the National Building Specification (NBS), evaluate structural and fabric repair methods, and analyse approaches to improving building sustainability and performance. The format may include short-answer questions, technical scenarios, and critical evaluations aligned with the module’s learning outcomes.
Component 1 subtotal: 30
Component 2 subtotal: 70
Module subtotal: 100

Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
BSV09102 Building Design and Technology 3
 

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