Bachelor of Building Science
Physical Planning and Construction - Building Construction
Purpose and Rationale
Bachelor of Building Science
Purpose:
The purpose of the Bachelor of Building Science is to meet the generic standard for Construction Managers and Quantity Surveyors. This qualification aims to provide learners with a solid foundation in building sciences, enabling them to solve broadly-defined problems and develop the necessary knowledge, understanding, abilities, and skills required for further learning towards becoming competent practicing Construction Managers and Quantity Surveyors.
The focus of the program is on producing Construction Managers and Quantity Surveyors who can apply their skills in various occupations to address the advanced technical workforce needed in South Africa. The integration of theory and practice ensures that graduates are well-rounded and highly skilled professionals in the building science environment, emphasizing general principles, application, and technology transfer.
Qualifications:
- Preparation for Careers: Building Sciences and fields of specialization benefiting from engineering skills, contributing to the economy and national development.
- Professional Registration: Educational base required for registration as a Professional Construction Manager and Professional Quantity Surveyor with SACPCMP and SACQSP.
- Further Studies: Ability to progress to a relevant Bachelor of Building Science Honours Degree in Construction Management or Quantity Surveying, followed by master's and Doctorate Degrees.
Rationale:
South Africa is experiencing a growing demand for infrastructure, leading to a need for skilled professionals, especially in scarce categories like engineering. The DHET lists construction management and quantity surveying professions as scarce skills, reflecting the demand for professionals in these areas. The Bachelor of Building Science addresses these shortages by providing priority skills and promoting relevance and responsiveness in education and training.
The program meets the minimum standards set by the Quantity Surveying Profession Act and the Construction Management Act, ensuring that graduates are competent in modern building sciences. By integrating historical techniques with modern practices, learners are equipped to work on a variety of projects, contributing to the economy and development of South Africa.
In conclusion, the Bachelor of Building Science is designed to produce highly skilled Construction Managers and Quantity Surveyors who will meet the needs of the industry, contribute to national development, and pursue further studies in their respective fields.
Outcomes
- Apply construction management and quantity surveying principles to systematically diagnose and solve broadly-defined construction management and quantity surveying problems.
- Apply knowledge of mathematics, basic science and construction management and quantity surveying sciences to wide practical procedures and practices to solve broadly-define built environment problems.
- Apply scientific and technological knowledge in the built environment as well as procedural process to manage a project to meet desired needs within applicable standards, codes of practice and legislation.
- Use appropriate established techniques, resources, and modern built environment tools including information technology for the solution of broadly defined built environment problems, with an awareness of the limitations, restrictions, premises, assumptions and constraints.
- Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with construction management and quantity surveying sector audiences and the effected parties.
- Apply knowledge and understanding of the impact of the built environment activities on the society, economy, industrial and physical environment, and address issues by analysis and evaluation.
- Apply knowledge and understanding economic and legal principles and apply in the built environment.
- Apply knowledge and understanding commercial, entrepreneurial and management principles and application in the built environment.
- Apply knowledge and understanding of technology principles used in the built environment.
Assessment Criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
- Analyse and define the problem
- Identify criteria for an acceptable solution
- Identify relevant information and knowledge for solving the problem
- Model and analyse possible solutions
- Evaluate possible solutions and select the best one
- Formulate and present the solution appropriately
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
- Apply appropriate mix of Mathematics, Numerical Analysis, Statistics and Natural Science
- Apply construction management and quantity surveying knowledge at a fundamental and specialist level
- Use theories, principles and laws
- Perform formal analysis and modelling using relevant materials, components, systems or processes
- Apply concepts logically in construction management and quantity surveying
- Handle uncertainty and risk within the practice area
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
- Formulate project problem to satisfy user needs and adhere to standards, codes and legislation
- Plan and manage the project focusing on important issues and constraints
- Acquire and evaluate knowledge, information and resources
- Perform project tasks including analysis, modelling and optimisation
- Evaluate alternatives for implementation and select a preferred solution based on techno economic analysis
- Assess the selected project in terms of social, economic, legal, health, safety and environmental impact
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
- Assess the method, skill or tool for applicability and limitations
- Apply the method, skill or tool correctly to achieve the required result
- Test and assess results against required outcomes
- Identify and use computer applications as required
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
- Ensure appropriate structure, style and language of communication
- Use graphics effectively to enhance meaning
- Use visual materials for oral communication
- Provide information to others in the construction management and quantity surveying activity
- Deliver fluent oral communication with clear meaning
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
- Explain the impact of technology on society
- Analyse built environment activities in terms of occupational and public health and safety
- Analyse built environment activities in terms of impact on the physical environment
- Consider personal, social, economic, cultural values and requirements of those affected by built environment activities
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
- Explain and apply principles of production, distribution and consumption of goods and services in the built environment
- Apply theories of enterprise formation and development
- Apply knowledge of financial management, cash flow, profit and risk
- Explain the management function in organising, controlling and directing organisational resources
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
- Explain transactions of buying and selling goods and services in the built environment
- Explain theories of enterprise formation and development
- Apply knowledge of financial management, cash flow, profit and risk
- Explain the management function in organising, controlling and directing resources
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:
- Explain materials, tools and techniques used in the construction industry
- Apply technological knowledge to solve problems in the built environment
- Discuss and apply standards and specifications related to specific technology
- Explain terminologies used in the built environment
Integrated Assessment:
- Use continuous or examination modes of assessment
- Have a minimum number of assessment opportunities per module
- Accumulate marks from tests, assignments, projects, etc. for continuous assessment
- Use formative assessment for continuous feedback and reflection
- Use summative assessment for end-of-module competence evaluation
- Focus on applied competence for workplace readiness.
Qualification Details
- Type
- National First Degree
- NQF Level
- 07
- Min. Credits
- 360
- SAQA Source
- More Information
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This page includes information from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) . Builtneat Pty Ltd trading as Study Start, has modified all or some of this information. SAQA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.