The module aims to offer the knowledge, experience and mechanism required for scrutinising the innovative technologies and methods that are driving the digital transformation in the contemporary construction industry, and to analyse how those technologies and methods are influencing/redefining the roles, tools, and processes associated with construction.

(LO1) Demonstrate a critical understanding of the nature, features and challenges of the construction industry and its similarities to and differences from other industries.

(LO2) Demonstrate familiarity with the roles, tasks and activities associated with construction management.

(LO3) Analyse challenges, complications and inefficiencies in traditional construction methods.

(LO4) Demonstrate a critical understanding with the cutting-edge technologies and state-of-the-art methods that are applicable in the construction industry.

(LO5) Analyse and critically appraise the potential of the innovative construction technologies and methods and investigate their potential impact on the tools, processes and roles associated with the construction industry.

(S1) Research skills.

(S2) Critical thinking and analysis.

(S3) Independent learning skills.

(S4) Written communication skills.

(S5) Oral communication skills.

(S6) Graphical communication skills.

(S7) Team working skills.

Introduction to the Construction Industry and the inefficiencies in traditional construction methods

Lean Construction

Modular Construction/off-site construction

Digital Twins and Internet of Things

Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence

Digital Construction in Practice

Teaching Method 1 - Lecture
Description: Lectures and presentations will be delivered by academic staff and guest speakers from the industry, which will be aligned to real-world problems and experiences, from both national and international contexts. Guest lectures will provide viewpoints and insights of different project partners (designers, engineers, planners, etc.)
Attendance Recorded: Yes

Teaching Method 2 - Seminar
Description: Seminars will encourage student engagement with the lecture topic and will provide an interactive medium for discussion and debate. Seminars will engage students in a variety of activities and discussion of integrated design, BIM processes and BIM standards.
Attendance Recorded: Yes

Teaching Method 3 - Tutorial
Description: Tutorials will aim to provide formative feedback to the students on their portfolio and presentations to guide their research.
Attendance Recorded: Yes

Teaching Method 4 - Group presentation
Description: A group presentation will support to build team-working skills
Attendance Recorded: Yes

In case hybrid modes of teaching were considered, if the situation of social distancing continued to be in place as a consequence of Covid-19, the lectures will be delivered both asynchronously and synchronously, i.e. pre-recorded and made available on Canvas in advance of the Q&A sessions, and online live communication to ensure the students have an opportunity to interact with peers and teaching staff within a virtual class environment. The students will be reminded of previous sessions at the beginning, encouraged to participate and raise questions, as well as providing them with tasks for the next lecture/ session. Similarly, workshops will be held online, e.g. on MS Teams or Zoom, recorded and made available on Canvas for future reference.

The majority of teaching will be delivered face to face on campus. Online delivery will be use d to complement the on campus delivery and where technology affords a better learning experience.