Module Code - Title:
WT4202
-
DESIGN STUDIO
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
This module is part of the Construction Management + Engineering programme (LM082) here in UL. It is offered to first year students and introduces them to teamwork and personal development skills by getting them to work in teams on a design project related to sustainability. The module furthers their understanding of sustainability principles used in the construction industry and covered in module WTXXXX-SUS. It is designed to provide graduates of the programme with the attributes that would enable them to research a sustainable construction issue affecting the built environment, apply secondary research methods to achieve this and report on their findings in writing and verbally as a team. It is an approved non-repeatable module and is 100% continually assessed.
The overall aim of this module is to enable the completion of a team design project related to sustainability.
Its specific objectives are to develop students':
• Teamwork and interpersonal skills
• Basic research skills
• Physical model building skills
Syllabus:
The syllabus will cover the most important aspects associated with the completion of a team design project related to sustainability that involves teamwork, research, innovation and communication. These are all key skills for any construction manager. The list below shows indicative content that would be delivered in this module WT4202:
• Teamwork and project management basics
• Introduction to Research Basics:
o Literature review & Citations / referencing
o Setting research goals and designing simple research plans
o Analysis of results
o Developing Conclusions
• Creativity and Innovation - development of physical models or prototypes.
basics
• Communication skills for professional and academic work:
o Writing to communicate
o Oral communication
o Presentation basics
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to... • Design and develop the components of a team-based research project.
• Assemble, analyse, interpret and present data, in writing, verbally and through
presentations.
• Explain and illustrate the importance of creativity and innovation in
construction.
• Describe and summarise the importance of professional communication.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to... • Develop a professional attitude to communication, teamwork and meeting set
standards for work.
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to... • Construct, test and present as a team a model, mockup or prototype
demonstrating a system, product or process
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
This module WT4202, develops skillsets necessary for research, teamwork and communication necessary for our graduates to take their place working in and influencing the construction sector, capable of managing construction projects with a strong emphasis on ethics, responsibility, teamwork and sustainability.
Through the learning environment - using a focused teaching approach, resources and supports, we aim to develop expert learners and global citizens who are:
Curious - through having a questioning mindset and a solution focused perspective.
Courageous - understanding the importance of standing up for what is right and ethical.
Responsible - for the correct usage of resources and their own impact on the world.
Agile - utilising proactivity to adapt to and drive change in their community and career supported by a continuous learning approach.
Articulate - in that they can express themselves with a confidence grounded in sound learning.
To develop these attributes, this module will be taught using a series of in-person lectures, tutorials and a selection of self-directed and collaborative learning activities so it is student-centred and in line with UL's Integrated Curriculum Development Framework (ICDF). Module learning materials are developed from a research-led perspective regarding content and the principles of Universal Design for Learning are used to ensure accessibility for all students. The module Brightspace site is designed and organised in a user-friendly format to maximise functionality.
To allow for the incorporation of new developments and research findings in the subject material, the flexibility of blended learning methodologies is utilised - such as Flipped Classroom in the Tutorials, on-line video resources and recorded tutorials delivered through the Brightspace module site.
The learning experience of students is directly affected by the design of learning materials, delivery of such materials and assessment thereof. The principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) have been applied so that Multiple Means of Engagement, Representation and Action & Expression are built in. Attention is also paid to the principles of Laurillard's ABC Curriculum Design process with all 6 learning types (Acquisition, Collaboration, Discussion, Investigation, Practice and Production) utilised in terms of delivery, engagement and assessment for the module.
With regard to assessment - care is taken in the design of assessment vehicles used in the module so that they are challenge driven, authentic and constructively aligned with the Learning Objectives for the Module.
A crucial piece of the learning experience is communication between faculty and students, as well as peer-to peer interactions. These will be proactively managed primarily through the channels available on Brightspace, plus direct contact between faculty and students before and after lectures and via e-mail.
Research Findings Incorporated into the Syllabus (If Relevant): N/A
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Burns, T. and Sinfield, S. (2022)
Essential study skills: the complete guide to success at university, 5th Edition
, Sage.
Few, S. (2012)
Show me the numbers - designing tables and graphs to enlighten, 2nd Edition
, Analytics Press.
Sloane, P. (2017)
The leader's guide to lateral thinking skills: unlock the creativity and innovation in you and your team, 3rd Edition
, Kogan Page Publishers.
Other Relevant Texts:
Naoum, S. (2019)
Dissertation research and writing for built environment students, 4th edition
, Oxon: Routledge
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
BSCMENUFA - CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT AND ENGINEERING
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Spring
Module Leader:
mohamed.issa@ul.ie