• General Building and Construction I

    Course Overview: 

    Course Overview: General Building and Construction I

    Course Code: GBC I
    Level: Diploma / Certificate in Building and Civil Engineering
    Duration: 1 Semester


    Course Description

    General Building and Construction I introduces learners to the foundational principles of building technology, construction methods, and the use of basic materials. The course provides an understanding of site preparation, simple structures, tools and equipment, and safe construction practices. It equips learners with practical skills and knowledge necessary for progressing to advanced construction topics.


    Course Objectives

    By the end of the course, learners should be able to:

    1. Explain the basic concepts of building and construction.

    2. Identify different types of building materials and their properties.

    3. Demonstrate the correct use and maintenance of hand tools and simple equipment.

    4. Describe processes involved in site preparation and foundation works.

    5. Apply safety principles in construction activities.

    6. Interpret simple building drawings and specifications.


    Course Content (Main Topics)

    1. Introduction to Building and Construction

      • Importance of construction in society.

      • Roles of professionals in the construction industry.

    2. Building Materials

      • Stones, bricks, timber, cement, sand, lime.

      • Properties, uses, and storage.

    3. Construction Tools and Equipment

      • Hand tools: hammers, saws, trowels, spirit levels.

      • Maintenance and safe use.

    4. Site Preparation

      • Site clearing and leveling.

      • Setting out simple structures.

    5. Foundations

      • Types of shallow foundations.

      • Excavation and concreting.

    6. Walls and Masonry Work

      • Types of walls: load-bearing, partition.

      • Brickwork and blockwork bonds.

    7. Floors and Roofing (Basic Concepts)

      • Ground floors (solid and suspended).

      • Introduction to roof types and coverings.

    8. Health and Safety in Construction

      • Site hazards and precautions.

      • Personal protective equipment (PPE).


    Learning Outcomes

    At the end of this course, learners will be able to:

    • Select and use appropriate building materials for simple construction tasks.

    • Carry out basic site preparation and foundation works.

    • Construct simple walling and flooring systems.

    • Apply occupational health and safety measures in construction activities.

    • Read and interpret simple construction drawings.


    Teaching Methods

    • Lectures and tutorials.

    • Practical demonstrations and workshops.

    • Site visits.

    • Group discussions and assignments.


    Assessment Methods

    • Continuous Assessment (40%)

      • Quizzes, class participation, assignments, and practical work.

    • Final Examination (60%)

      • Written paper and/or practical test.

    Course Code: GBC I
    Level: Diploma / Certificate in Building and Civil Engineering
    Duration: 1 Semester


    Course Description

    General Building and Construction I introduces learners to the foundational principles of building technology, construction methods, and the use of basic materials. The course provides an understanding of site preparation, simple structures, tools and equipment, and safe construction practices. It equips learners with practical skills and knowledge necessary for progressing to advanced construction topics.


    Course Objectives

    By the end of the course, learners should be able to:

        1. Explain the basic concepts of building and construction.

        2. Identify different types of building materials and their properties.

        3. Demonstrate the correct use and maintenance of hand tools and simple equipment.

        4. Describe processes involved in site preparation and foundation works.

        5. Apply safety principles in construction activities.

        6. Interpret simple building drawings and specifications.


    Course Content (Main Topics)

        1. Introduction to Building and Construction

          • Importance of construction in society.

          • Roles of professionals in the construction industry.

        2. Building Materials

          • Stones, bricks, timber, cement, sand, lime.

          • Properties, uses, and storage.

        3. Construction Tools and Equipment

          • Hand tools: hammers, saws, trowels, spirit levels.

          • Maintenance and safe use.

        4. Site Preparation

          • Site clearing and leveling.

          • Setting out simple structures.

        5. Foundations

          • Types of shallow foundations.

          • Excavation and concreting.

        6. Walls and Masonry Work

          • Types of walls: load-bearing, partition.

          • Brickwork and blockwork bonds.

        7. Floors and Roofing (Basic Concepts)

          • Ground floors (solid and suspended).

          • Introduction to roof types and coverings.

        8. Health and Safety in Construction

          • Site hazards and precautions.

          • Personal protective equipment (PPE).


    Learning Outcomes

    At the end of this course, learners will be able to:

        • Select and use appropriate building materials for simple construction tasks.

        • Carry out basic site preparation and foundation works.

        • Construct simple walling and flooring systems.

        • Apply occupational health and safety measures in construction activities.

        • Read and interpret simple construction drawings.


    Teaching Methods

        • Lectures and tutorials.

        • Practical demonstrations and workshops.

        • Site visits.

        • Group discussions and assignments.


    Assessment Methods

        • Continuous Assessment (40%)

          • Quizzes, class participation, assignments, and practical work.

        • Final Examination (60%)

          • Written paper and/or practical test.

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